Up Early

Well, I'm up early due to achy hips.  Whew.  The good news is, it's usually not this bad in the mornings.  If it were, I don't think I'd ever have a problem getting up on time to get ready for work :-)  I knew I would end up waking Devon up with all my tossing and turning and moving to try and get the achyness to stop, so I decided to go ahead and get up.  It's actually kinda nice getting up early when it's not cause you have to immediately get ready for work.  I've gotten all our Christmas gifts and cards ready for people Devon works closely with, my co-workers, and our neighbors all done and ready to deliver.  This year for Devon's people we're giving them hot chocolate in these cute little tins that I picked up at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  Our neighbors are getting this same thing :-)  and my co-workers are getting little homemade soaps I picked up a couple months ago during a girls weekend trip to Roanoke, VA.  I really do think it's neat to be able to do a small something for people like this in your everyday life.

Now, I'm sitting here with a fully belly and a hot cup of tea enjoying the Christmas lights while I write this.  Thank you Lord for small treats like this.

I can't believe it's the week of Christmas already.  Where did 2010 go???  It's scary how fast a year can go!  My best friend ,Heather, and I were talking the other day about how long we have known each other and how long ago we graduated from college.  We essentially said it does not make sense!  I mean, we can remember what we have done since the 11 1/2 years ago we graduated from college...but it still just doesn't make sense that that much time has passed.  I still feel like college was a year ago...and that I'm still in my early 20s!  Of course I wouldn't change anything, but it still doesn't make sense.

On another note, Devon and I had our all day birthing class yesterday at the hospital.  We left with a "certificate" of sorts.  I guess we're "ready" to have a baby and then take it home with us...eek!  11 more weeks until the little guys due date.  Again, time is flying by.  Lots to get done before he gets here.  But I don't think we'll ever feel completely "ready."  It's gonna make us rely on the Lord all the more.  Exciting, scary, unbelievable, humbling, responsibility, joy, awe...just some of the emotions that go through this hormone fluxing pregnant woman as the days pass by.

Thank you for reading this definite rambling post!  Blessings on your week of Christmas!  May you truly see God in the details of your days.

a few pics of "the bump"

I'm finally doing what I've mentioned a couple times now...posting a couple pics of the growing baby "bump."  I really don't think you can call it a bump anymore, ha ha!

Overall things are going wonderfully with the pregnancy.  We're 28wks along...so we'll get to meet our little man in 12 weeks!  I'm starting to think about all the things we need to get done before then!

Enjoy the pictures.  They are self taken with my cell phone :-)  If you're wondering about the background...I've taken these while at work.  It gets really slow sometimes while I'm at this office, and since I don't have an actual office or computer or anything, I have to fill my time with something while waiting on patients.  (Don't worry, most of the time I keep plenty busy between the two offices!)

"bump" at 6 months

"bump" at 7 months

Rachael update

I got to spend the afternoon with Rachael yesterday :-)  Let me tell you, life is hard, huh.  This sweet little thing sleeping on my chest while I dozed on the couch as well.  Annie was able to shower and rest, which is a praise!

Overall things are going pretty good.  She's not gaining her weight back as quick as they'd like, but it's coming about a 1/2 oz per day.  They're having to watch her closely for the dairy allergy her brother had.  Unfortunately today she started showing some of the same signs.  Atleast mom and dad know what they're looking for this time.  Thanks for continued prayers for the Freeman 4!  (Annie, Robbie, Nathanael, & Rachael)

Rachael Leigh Freeman is here!

Rachael Leigh Freeman

Born 10/26/2010 3:14am

5lbs 15oz, 19in long

This is a picture I stole from my twin sister's twitter page.  It's Nathanael's first meeting with his new sister. 

I am so blessed by this family! 

I know Annie, Robbie, Nathanael, and Rachael would cherish any and all of your prayers as they begin this new chapter.

Robbie's b'day dinner

Warning:  rambling post below

Yesterday was my brother-in-law, Robbie's b'day.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERTO!  (if you didn't gather...that's my nickname for Robbie)  I spent the afternoon over at their house helping Annie (my twin sister) get things cleaned and ready for the big b'day dinner.  Annie is 9 months pregnant and having contractions on a regular basis, so it was great that it worked out for me to be able to come over and help.

Side note:  if you read this, pray for baby Rachael.  She's begun measuring small, which is causing some concern from the doctor.  Annie will be going back to see them on Monday to measure fluid levels and see if Rachael has grown at all.  If she hasn't this means the placenta isn't doing what it needs to be doing any more and they will most likely induce Annie on Monday.  So pray that Rachael grows and the fluid levels stay good.

Devon came over as soon as he was done with work.  He and I played outside with Nathanael while we all waited for Robbie's family to arrive for the celebration.  1st Nate wanted to drive his car.  Below is him (sporting his new favorite duck hat) parking his car between Aunt Mandy's and Uncle Devon's.

Then he wanted to ride his bike, but he ended up riding in circles around his yard and onto the street (i think he likes the bumps).  Devon decided to pull out the back seat of his jeep and sit while Nate rode in circles.  Of course Nate thought that was really cool, so the bike riding went to the wayside and he had to sit with Uncle Devon. 

At some point he lost interest in the seat and his bike helmet.  Devon decided to sport Nate's helmet and I relaxed on the seat.  Hence the below picture.

Side note:  I don't think I've posted on here the offical...WE'RE HAVING A BOY post!  We found out a couple weeks ago that baby raisch is a boy.  So far all is growing healthy, Praise the Lord.  We're half way along in the pregnancy.  I promise to post a pic or two of the growing baby bump.  We truly are blessed.

Girls Weekend in Roanoke, VA

You gotta love how you can steal pictures off facebook.  That's where I got this picture of some of my best friends in the world.  Thanks Tiff!  The four of us met up in Roanoke, VA this weekend for a girls weekend together.  It was a blessing beyond words.  What a gift to have friends like this where you come together and pick up where you left off, and never hesitate to be your complete self.  We talked, laughed, played some cards, walked around a couple towns, SNACKED, talked, and laughed some more. 

Tiffany and I realized this weekend that we have known eachother for amost 20 years...20 years!  My life is richer because of this girl...truly richer.

I've known Rosemary & Jeanett for well over 10 years now.  Before I moved to Shelby they were my family in Raleigh.  We lived together for 4 years, 4 great years.  I tell people often, the three of us had a roomate environment that is rare and special.  Like I already said...we were a family.  What a blessing these two are to me.

Rosemary, Jeanett, & Tiffany.  Oh how I love you ladies!  Thank you for such a wonderful weekend together!!!  I can't wait till girls weekend 2011 :-)  Phil 1:3

Recipe

I know this isn't going to be an exciting blog post...but I get giddy when I make this Lentil soup recipe and I thought I'd put it on here.  I made this last night, and am having it for lunch...and I'm counting down the minutes till my lunch hour.

This is my mom's Lentil & Sausage soup.

1 onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
2-3 stalks of celery
1 bag of lentils
1 package of Kielbasa sausage (I use Turkey Kielbasa)
2 cartons of chicken broth
1 bag of baby spinach


-Rinse & check your lentils for any dirt or rocks
-Saute up your onions, garlic, and celery in a little olive oil
-Add both cartons of chicken broth
-Add rinsed lentils
-Add cut up Kielbasa
-Bring all of this to a boil and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until lentils are done (+/-1.5hrs)
-Sometimes I'll add some extra water cause I know it's going to lose some juice through this cooking time, that's up to you
-Right before you're about to eat, add the bag of spinach and let it cook for a few more minutes
-serve and enjoy!