It has been very long since I posted something new. Sorry, folks (if there are any folks out there who do indeed read this!). I'll start with the updates I've sent out regarding Baby Girl's progress...

From November 19th:

I had an ultrasound to check on Baby Girl's growth, this morning, and I thought it would be more efficient and concise to send out an email, updating all of you on the progress. Here's your warning: it's a little crazy. In case you didn't know, three weeks ago, I had an ultrasound, indicating that Baby was in the 20th percentile. Since this was a little low, they wanted to check her growth again in three weeks (today). She's in the 18th percentile now, roughly the same, and they're happy with that. It actually looks like it's just her abdomen that's a little smaller, and the doctor said she just might be long and lean. In short, they weren't concerned. I've also been going in weekly to get my amniotic fluid level checked. This has been on the low end of normal, so they just want to make sure that Baby has enough fluid to stay nourished and what-not. Last week, the level had jumped up a couple of points (yay!), but today, I was down to 7.8, and they really want you in the 8-28 range. So... What this means is that I have to go in for twice weekly non-stress tests. Plus, I have to keep getting my fluid level checked, every week. Lots of doctor appointments. Yikes. What it also means is that, in the words of the doctor, if the non-stress tests aren't perfect or if my fluid level goes down, it's time. He also said that we want to make it 7-10 more days (I'll be at 37 weeks on the day after Thanksgiving), or longer, if possible. So I'm now adjusting from being a month from a new baby to, possibly, ONE WEEK. Uh... whoa. Fortunately, they haven't made me feel like Baby Girl is in danger. The doc did say that we run a slight risk of premature issues, but that, at this point, she would be late-term premature, which isn't as bad. I feel pretty fine about the whole situation. Actually, I think I'm handling it quite well, if I do say so myself. :) I just have to wrap my mind around the new timetable. We do ask for your prayers-- that Baby would be safe and healthy, that we'll make it past next week, that logistical stuff (who's watching Riley, etc) would fall into place, that we'll stay sane around here! :)

From November 25:

Yesterday, I had two doctor's appointments-- a routine check-up in the morning and a fluid check and non-stress test in the afternoon. At the morning appointment, I was measuring slightly smaller than I had previously. My doc said that that could be completely normal, but that, nonetheless, he was glad that I had an ultrasound already scheduled because he would have ordered one anyway. He ended the appointment by reminding me to do kick counts and call in if ANYTHING seems abnormal. Then he said, "Well, I'm on-call today, so maybe we'll see you later!" Ha! At the afternoon appointment, everything-- praise the Lord!-- was about the same. My fluid level was at 8.03 (and remember, they're looking for 8 or higher), and the non-stress test was totally normal. However, the doctor there, once again, reminded me that if ANYTHING changed, I'd be induced. He also said that as I got further along, they'd be more and more willing to go that route. This Friday, I have my next appointment. I'll be 37 weeks on that day-- full-term-- so that's wonderful. I'm hoping we can make it till at least 38 weeks. Obviously, the longer, the better! Thank you all for your prayers! I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again soon! :)

So that's, really, the most current scoop. I have another ultrasound this Tuesday, so we'll see what happens then!

Meanwhile, Thanksgiving was really great. We headed over to the Greens' for a delicious meal and fun time with family. The only sad parts about the day were that every married cousin (minus our family) was off with the other side of the family; and, of course, it's always sad, celebrating a holiday without my family. But Moom, Dad and even B-man will be out here-- enduring the cold-- very shortly! I'm really looking forward to it!!

I figure I should also post some more recent Riley pics. That's always a highlight of the blog, I know. So here you go!

Riley found a fake flower which she wielded like a sword for a few days. Kona was a huge fan. :)

Riley and Daddy take a stroll through Brookfield Zoo.

Sooooo big!

Riley and Mommy take in the goats. :)

Carried Along

I've often thought about 1 Corinthians 10:13, in which we're reminded that God will not tempt us beyond what we can bear. It's pretty encouraging, although I often don't feel as though I have MAJOR temptations to overcome-- though the little things like impatience and frustration are just as bad. This morning, as I was doing Bible study, I started thinking of this verse in a different (but I still think theologically grounded?) way. Just as God gives us the strength to stand up under temptation, he also allows us to stand firm in trials, giving us strength so that-- no matter how bad things get-- we won't crumble.

I've been particularly troubled by Mike's job as of late. Sales is stressful; that's just a fact. But when it seems like he has to keep bringing home news of more work troubles and stressors that aren't necessarily inherent in that line of work, I just don't know what to do. ADT is a great company-- don't get me wrong-- but with some of the changes they're trying to implement and the unethical behavior of other sales reps, it doesn't do much for my man's confidence. Honestly, the worst part about the job is that I want Michael to do something that he just LOVES-- that he feels called to. I want him to feel the same way about his work that I did about teaching and now mothering-- that no matter how crappy and stressful it is, there is what God has created me for. I don't know if Mike has found that yet. In fact, it really seems like he hasn't. Not that God hasn't called him to this job for a time, but it seems to me that it's just for a time-- no more. It's a hard thing NOT to be able to provide joy for one you love. I want to know the exact job that Mike should be in-- the one that perfectly fits his gifts and that God has been creating for him. But I have to wait for that.

I guess the long and the short of it is this: there has been mucho frustration around the Green household.

But.

Yesterday I was reminded that God doesn't give us more than we can bear. Even as Mike was struggling with some of the difficulties of work, God brought an unexpected and wonderful encounter. Mike's boss, seemingly out of the blue, approached Mike and asked if he would ever be interested in management. Caught off-guard, Mike replied that, yeah, he thinks he could see himself in that kind of position. Apparently, his boss has a review with his boss today, and he said he would make sure to mention Mike. Now, what that means isn't entirely clear to us, but here's what it means to me: Michael, as I fully know, is an amazing bright, hard-working, trustworthy man. What I didn't know was if his coworkers and employers saw that. But even as Mike sometimes feels downtrodden by some of the happenings around him, things are being noticed.

God brings us the boosts we need, when we need them. Plus, he doesn't let it go unnoticed when we allow him to work through us. I am so grateful for the hope we are able to find in him, that he will never fail to carry us through.

Sonny Acres

I would love to be in bed right now, but my mind-- as it has a tendency to do-- is racing a mile a minute. I keep thinking about stuff I have to get done. However, instead of getting it done, I'm going to sit at the computer and type. Take that, Stuff!

We've had some pretty nasty days around here, as of late, but we've also had a few jewels. On one of the nice days, Riley and I hopped in the car and headed to Sonny Acres to meet the Livingston clan. What follows is a series of pictures that, I personally think, are ridiculously adorable.

This is the best I got of Riley and Robbie together (with one major exception, soon to follow). They were quickly off and exploring.

"Hey, Mom. What's up?"

Riley just LOVES Baby Ellie. I'm hoping this is a good sign. :)

I'm not entirely certain what they're watching. Could be the windmill, an airplane, another kid... the list could go on and on and on...

We finished off the day with a special treat-- a whole apple, skin and all. Riley, not the fastest eater, spent most of the time at Sonny Acres skinning the peel off with her teeth and spitting it out. Once she got down to that white flesh, though-- oh, glory! Our car ride home was the quietest ride we've ever had; she was that enraptured with her treat.

The photo highlight of the day, I've saved for last. After a couple friendly entreaties from the moms, Ashley and I both caught pictures that will, most likely, horrify both Riley and Robbie when they reach those junior high years (though I hope not). :)

Two cute babies and a first kiss? You just can't beat that.

To the Doctor... Oops!

This morning started off so beautifully. Riley slept in until past seven; Mike didn't have to go in to work until a little later; I got to sit on the couch and sip tea while Mike played with Riley and Kona outside. Lovely.

Then, around 8:30, my phone rang. I thought I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for 10 am. However, on the other end of the line, the nurse informed me that my appointment had been a 8. Hehe... This was the appointment at which I had to drink that nasty glucose stuff, so I quickly told the nurse that, yes, I could come over right now. Then I grabbed the orange concoction, picked Riley up (who was, fortunately, actually dressed), and headed to the car. As I backed out of the driveway, I chugged the glucose. If you haven't been pregnant (or done some related test), you don't know what I'm talking about, but that stuff is just plain disgusting. I mean, really, I have a sweet tooth; I order white chocolate caramel drinks at Starbucks! But this is a whole other level of disgustingly sweet. And I really don't know how much the orange flavor helps. But it had to be done, so I downed it.

We made it to the doctor, no problem, and Riley did me the favor of being happy-- not only in the car-- but the whole time at the doctor's office, as well. This is a rare occurrence as there aren't too many exciting things to play with. However, this morning, we found the doctor's spinny chair. Goodness, there's not much better in life than a spinny chair. Riley didn't even have to sit in it; she was content with simply whirling it around. Whoever designed that seat-- Thank you!

Yes, our relaxing morning was jarred to full-alert, but when we got home, Riley went right down for a nap, and she's still hanging out in her crib as I type. Not a bad day, overall. :)

Delicious

Alright... I feel convicted to share some of the yummy recipes I've been utilizing, this Fall season. First up-- baked potato soup. Let me say this: I'm addicted to potatoes, all shapes and sizes. I've tried quite a few recipes for soup, and this one takes the cake. It's Mary Lou Hess's, from the good ol' AHEFC cookbook. I love the mix of textures with the potato meat and peels, the sauteed onions and the crisper green onions. That's good eating.

The Best Baked Potato Soup in the World

6-8 slices bacon, fried crisp (reserve drippings and 2 crumbled slices for topping)
1 C. yellow onion, diced
4 lg. baked potatoes (DO NOT microwave)
2/3 C. flour
6 C. hot chicken broth or hot milk
2 C. heavy cream or 1 (8 oz) ctn sour cream
¼ C. parsley
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 ½ tsp. dried basil (opt)
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. course, black pepper
1 C. cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ C. green onions, white part, chopped
¼ C. green part of green onions for topping, chopped

Cook and crumble bacon; reserve drippings in pan.
Cut baked potatoes in half and scoop out the meat. Chop half the peels; discard the rest.
Cook yellow onions in bacon drippings until transparent.
Add flour, stir to prevent lumps; cook 3-5 minutes until mixture just begins to turn golden.
Gradually add 2 C. hot chicken broth or milk, whisking to prevent lumps, until mixture thickens.
Pour into a saucepan and add remaining hot milk or broth; reduce heat to simmer.
Whisk in potatoes, peels, cream, chopped bacon, parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper.
Add cheddar cheese and onions; heat until cheese melts thoroughly.
Top with reserved, chopped bacon, green onions and cheddar cheese.

Makes about 8 servings.

Welcome, Fall!

Fall is here! So, to usher it in, we went to Kuipers Family Farm this past weekend, and, even though it wasn't the prettiest day, and we didn't actually go pick apples, we had a jolly good time. Here's the evidence:

Riley poses in front of the big ol' sign. She's so little!

This is, quite possibly, one of my favorites. Our little sweetheart loves giving hugs!

I think Riley is imagining the delicious roasted pumpkin seeds that are soon to come...

Riley and her Riley-sized pumpkin

A rare Mommy and Riley shot :)

We got the shot off, but this did not last long. :)

"Do you guys see how BIG this one is? Whoa."

"I heart the Fall!"

Blessing and a Curse

Oooo boy... We put Riley down at 5:30 last night because she was a sleepy disaster. She hardly even touched her dinner and could hardly keep those pretty blue eyes open. Much to our surprise and joy, she slept till 7. Wow.

However, after making a Friday trip to Grandma's house, the news doesn't get much better in the sleep category. Riley NEVER sleeps at Grandma's. I mean, seriously, in all the times we've been there, I think we may have a little over one hour, TOTAL nap time. Not cool. So today, as always, she didn't take a nap. She did fall asleep in the car on the way home. (She couldn't have done that when we drove home from the lake house last weekend?) Thus, she has slept 20 minutes today, as she woke up as I turned on to our street. Blah. She's crying in her crib, currently. I tried to make a nice, easy transfer-- something I've only succeeded at once.

Oh well... it can't all be good news, I suppose.