Catching up

All is going pretty good in the Ibarra household. I am 35 weeks pregnant, and while I don't feel awesome, I actually feel better this week than I have in the past few weeks. I woke up before dawn today, and that was after a night of tossing and turning, this belly refuses to let me get comfortable...but this past week I have managed to get a couple of decent nights sleep, which is SUCH a blessing. I had a checkup Monday, and everything looks good. Doc says this baby will probably be a bit bigger than our other 3 were...but since they were all in the 6 pound range, that doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I am getting really ready to meet this little man, we think his name is going to be Blake. The thing is, with my other pregnancies (and I think most women at this time?) you are busy, busy, busy, nesting and trying to prepare...but I have hardly any energy to do that. The house seems to get further behind, and it seems like I am just letting everything go. In the end it will all be fine, I'm sure, but for now I struggle between feeling bad about not accomplishing enough in a day to overdoing it and feeling yuck.

It seems all I talk about these days is pregnancy...of course, that is kind of my life! But, I have three other beautiful blessings...who will be starting back to school the first week of September. I can't believe it...and 8th grader, a 4th grader, and a Kindergartner...wow, how time flies! They are all doing really well and just enjoying the rest of their Summer break. We didn't get a vacation this Summer, which Lord knows there are more important things, but it was hard on us because we just really enjoy that time to get away from reality and have some super sweet family time. But, with David's job situation, we had to pass this year. Times are tough, but we are just trying to remain hopeful and faithful, knowing God's plan is sufficient, more than sufficient for us. Thank you, Lord, for your promises to take care of us! I am so ready to have this sweet baby boy and get a "somewhat" normal body back. Plus, I have been super moody and naggy this go-round, and my poor family has put up with enough!

So, in 5 weeks or less we should have a bouncing baby boy to add to the mix. We are looking forward to it, and I can't wait to see what else God has in store for our family in the upcoming months :-)

33 weeks

So, I'm pretty sure all I blog about these days is pregnancy. But, since there are never any comments, and the blogs I usually keep up with hardly ever have a new blog, I'm assuming my blogging friends rarely get on here anymore. Ahhh well. Anyhoo, I'm 33 weeks. 7 weeks until my due date. For the most part, thankful for a healthy baby and a healthy me. I am having quite a bit of pain and stuff I didn't have in my other pregnancies, but again, a small price to pay for the blessing that awaits me. I had a TINY bit of a scare the other day. This baby is SUPER active, all the time. On Sunday I noticed he wasn't moving much at all. I told my hubby, he said to call the doctor, but I said I was probably just paranoid and wanted to wait another day to see how it went. Well, the next day, Monday, he still wasn't moving much AT ALL. So, I called my doctor and figured he would say, "Oh that's normal, at this point they are running out of room, etc, etc". Nope, he told me to go up to L&D so they could monitor him. This freaked me out. Mainly because with my other 3 perfectly smooth pregnancies, I never had to do anything like that, I only went to the Dr for my regular appts. and to the hospital to give birth. I took the kiddos to my dad and drove myself to the hospital. I didn't even tell anyone what was going on at the time, because I was so afraid of "claiming" any problems there might be. Crazy, huh? Stupid, right? LOL. Anyway, once I got there and they hooked me up, baby boy still wasn't moving...freaking out a tad bit more. Then, the super sweet nurse came in with a device and said she was going to "buzz" him. I'm not sure if it shocked him or just sent him a vibe, made noise, or what...but about a minute later he really started moving. Thank you, Jesus! After a little more monitoring, they said I could go, that everything looked really good. My doctor came in and talked to me, told me I did the right thing, not to feel silly or anything of the sort. He told me some other interesting info, then said even if I needed to come back in tomorrow for the same thing, not to hesitate, that it's better to be safe than sorry, and that's what they are there for. He made me really good about everything. Anyway, everything is going pretty good. We have almost everything we need for baby boy (except a name). I am trying to "enjoy" the last few weeks of this pregnancy and not rush it, after all, it SHOULD be the last time I will ever be pregnant.

On another note, I am really impatient with my children, mainly my boys, because they bicker all day. I feel like it is a constant battle to get them to behave, get along, etc. I always relish our Summer breaks together, and I think this is the first Summer I've ever said this, but I am SO ready for school to start back. I feel like an awful mother saying that, but it's true. I just want a break, I'm exhausted. The thing is, this baby is due right when they are supposed to start back to school, so I don't see myself getting a break while I'm still pregnant. Fun times, huh?

Names

So, I have 9 weeks until my due date, and we are completely torn. Have I already blogged about this? Possibly so, I'm too lazy to look back, and quite frankly, I feel like I'm running out of town and this kid is just going to have a name "thrown" on it. Basically, I was liking Landon or Jude. David didn't like either, he likes Jacob or Cameron...I like neither. Our other kids have Biblical names (Andrew, Joseph, & Isabel). I didn't actually mean for it to be that way, but it happened, and now I can't find a Biblical name David and I can agree on. I googled a list of male Biblical names. We either don't like the same one, or know someone fairly close to us who already has the name. So, I can't decide weather I'm ok with that. Even if the first name isn't Biblical, we could choose a middle name that is, but I kind of wanted to go with Brewer for a middle name. Brewer is a family name, and my middle name, too. Lately, we thought about Eli. I like Blake, Cullen, Callum, Diego, Pablo, Manuel, Jaspar, Ezra, Abraham, Mateo, Cruz, and Corban. I know, a wide range of names, eh? I like several Spanish names, David doesn't...go figure. I don't want a name that's too...ummm, modern, I guess? Because my other kiddos have more classical names, but, I didn't mean for it to turn out like that either, and now I feel stuck. I told David this baby boy threw us for a loop, so it's ok if his name is a little different, too...but not sure he's going for that reasoning. Anyway, I am just absolutely lost on the names. I want to call this little man baking inside me something, makes it more personal when the guy kicking your ribs out has a name, ya know? Anyway, I am accepting any and all suggestions (though I'm not sure that will help me at this point). And, as silly as it may sound to some, I'm also accepting prayers that God would lay the right name on our hearts. :-)


"A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs

29 weeks

Wow. 11 weeks to go with this pregnancy. CRAZY. Seems like I just found out...well, seems like I just started to accept the idea is maybe more like it?! Things are going well. I still haven't gained a whole lot (though I look like I have), but again, considering I started out QUITE A BIT heavier this time, that's a good thing that I haven't gone overboard this time (yet!). My belly has definitely GROWN. I feel him moving ALL THE TIME. We still don't have a name picked out. David still wants Cameron or Jacob, and I don't want either. My middle name is Brewer, it's a family name, and growing up I always thought it was more of a boy name...so I am very strongly considering it for a middle name for our fourth-born :-). Fourth-born, hehe, that sounds funny. I just bought a package of diapers/wet wipes last week, ordered a car seat, and had my cousin pick up a pack and play @ Target that was on sale...I'm way behind on getting ready for this little one. David only has about 2 more months of work, and I'm a tad bit stressed, but I know God already knew about ALL of this, and has a perfect plan for us. I'm praying that no matter what storms blow our way I will be able to keep my faith strong and continue to praise Him. I'm hoping that our other children do well with our new addition and the transition is at least somewhat smooth. I'm a tad bit freaked out about adding a fourth child to the mix, never felt that way before though...? I have had some MAJOR pain the last few days, called my doc and explained what was going on (trust me you don't want the details). He said to stay off my feet as much as possible...I did today and it has helped a little. I'm hoping to have a 3D sonogram in the next week or two, which I never had with the other ones. While I am SUPER excited about it, it's kind of freaking me out. Why would a 3D sonogram freak me out? Not real sure, it just does. It makes me nervous?! Anyway, for the most part, things are going good, fast, but good...so thankful for that :-)

Father's Day...

Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day. It was a GREAT day. We grilled out for the family, and I know D should have gotten the day off, but who else would've been able to man the grill? Well, actually it was a double grill kind of day (forgive the dust on the grills, it's the food on this inside that counts, right?)...


As D was grilling, I noticed my poor ferns hanging on the patio...I'm watering them, I promise...is it just too hot for them, or what? I don't know what to do?!
(pitiful, is it not?)

It was SO incredibly hot, I found our pooch, Kiki, sitting in front of the fan (who could blame her)...


We had lots of food, but my VERY favorite is corn on the cob from the grill...I can NOT get enough...(we had a ton, this is actually what was left..which D finished off later)

(See the scentsy warmer in the background? I finally talked myself into getting one, and LOVE it. I am currently using Paradise Punch, I think it's the scent of the month).

Izzyboo put on a shimmery dolphin tattoo that her brother got her...


After we ate, Joseph and Izzy got out a game that we played with them...


Anyway, we had a fabulous, relaxed day...it was filled with family, food, and thanks to God (really, I ask, what could be better)...
and I tried these for the first time, they added to the day, too...


Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

Replenishment

In church yesterday, some of what we talked about had to do with finding replenishment in the Lord, refreshing yourself with Him. I must admit, though most of you know, I’m ADD. I love my church, and we usually have awesome messages that I NEED to hear…but sometimes, I don’t hear it all. Sometimes, my mind drifts, and I’m left with a blank spot or hole in the lesson. It’s frustrating, but I’ve dealt with this all my life, so I’m somewhat used to it. The pastor talked about how when you are hot, thirsty, dry, incredibly parched…imagine how desperate you would be and how refreshing it would be to get a glass of cold water to drink. I can imagine it. It would feel like the best thing in the world. He then said imagine yourself, thirsty…not for water, but for more…the Lord is the only thing that can quench that. It was at this point my mind started to wonder (although he did say to imagine myself …not that I wasn’t “into” the sermon, not that I wasn’t getting anything from it, because I was, that’s just what my mind does. So, it was at this point, I imagined myself sitting across from myself, like a twin, or duplicate of me. Odd, I know, but stay with me. I pictured “me” how I see myself in the mirror…normal, I guess…and then “myself” sitting across from me. I looked at myself…I looked wrinkled, saggy, dry. I looked desperate, and lost. My hair and bones were brittle. It wasn’t pretty, in fact, it was hideous. It was uncomfortable to think about, but I was facing reality. “Myself” was parched, thirsty…in the worst way. I was desperate for the Lord. I needed Him to refresh/replenish me, and ONLY HE would do. I thought about how myself, was actually…me. That was me. That. Is. Me.

I need replenishment in the Lord. A new pair of shoes, and makeup won’t do it. Time at the spa won’t do it. Self help books won’t do it. My friends and even my family won’t do it. Even my church, just won’t cut it. Nothing can fulfill me like my Heavenly Father. The true King of Kings. I imagined, as I grow closer to Him, as I learn more about Him and what He wants for me, for my life, those ugly wrinkles will fade, moisture will come back and heal my skin and hair, I will grow stronger and more beautiful in spirit. I am thankful to be reminded of this. I love the Lord, and He is a huge part of my life…but He needs to BE my life. My life and myself are not always the prettiest picture, in fact on some days, it’s the furthest thing from it…but with God in my picture, in my life, it is So much more beautiful, so much better to look at.

Heavy heart

Ok, so this is my 3rd time to start this post, but it kept getting too emotional, and I had to start over. I just want to say that sometimes this world, is a sad, harsh place. Some days your heart just breaks. Some days are just too much. I don't understand it all. But, at the end of the day (or anytime of day), I have a Father in Heaven who I know loves me, loves us all, and weather we understand it or not, has all of our best interests at heart. Thank you, sweet Jesus. My friends, my "job", even my family...they may fail me, but You never will. Life on Earth, though full of blessings, is such a struggle. Lately, the song by Casting Crowns, Praise You in This Storm has constantly comforted me. The lyrics remind me, that no matter how rough it gets, He is still there, ever present and strong, and that we must continue to praise Him. So, Lord, we praise You...though some days we are lucky if we can even get the strength built up enough to be able to do that...we praise You. Comfort us and hold us close, guide us and keep us safe, until the day comes when we are with you forever and ever. We love you and we thank you. Come so quickly, Jesus.

Praise You in This Storm lyrics by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth