What's Been Making Me Smile

• My new "imaginary" friends, Hutch and Aagii, who read my blog all the way in Hawaii! Aloha, guys!
• Kenny got a much-needed hair cut today and exclaimed, "I look new!"
• Spending the day at mom and dad's eating Gumbo and napping. And teasing mom for being so organized. (She has so many reminders and post-its stuck everywhere that if she got amnesia she might not remember her name but she could slip back into her old life like nothing ever happened just by following the directives on her notes.)
• Talking to my hubby on and off all day today. He's back in the country and will be home tomorrow!
• A beautiful baby girl born at home to my friends, Zolo and Jagaa.
• Mom's homemade cheese and yogurt. Sure, I could make my own but hers tastes much better.
  
• Letting Nate play hooky from school today just because.
• Taking an hour and a half to fold the laundry because I was chatting with my best friend, Sara from Pa.
• My students' pronunciation is improving, even though I'm only with them one day a week.
• I just washed a mean-looking brown spider down the kitchen sink drain. Who's da man?
• My friend, Lydia and her never-ending generosity. She's an inspiration to me!

What about you? Please share your smiles with me today!

Week 10

I started counting and recording my protein intake today. The reason I hadn't before is because of the nausea. I knew I wasn't eating enough and I didn't see the point in trying to count it. But this week I'm feeling a lot better. It feels so good to be hungry again. I am now able to enjoy most of my food. Yay!

My stomach is already expanding, or maybe it just feels like it is. I've gained 9 lbs and my clothes fit better. =)

The fatigue is still something I struggle with every day. I'm thankful to God for my helper, Mungunu. She helps with the house work and with the kids. If not for her I don't know what I'd do. Hetee is traveling this week so Mungunu not only helps out, but she keeps me company during the day. She's an answer to prayer.

Abi, Nate and Kenny are excited! They don't realize that we still have a long wait ahead of us. Yesterday they were upset because we didn't have a name yet. Abi also thought we should have baby clothes by now. So cute. They're all convinced we're having a girl.

Please remember my health in your prayers. Under the Mongolian medical system I'm supposed to sign up for prenatal care but the care is so bad that for the last 2 pregnancies I opted out. My mom helped me to keep track of urine tests, as well as my blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. I made sure I ate well and got exercise. I got an ultrasound toward the end, just to see the position of the baby, as we would be having an unassisted birth and Hetee didn't want to be surprised.

I had very healthy pregnancies which made this type of self care ideal. Please believe with us for another easy pregnancy with no complications. And may God receive all the glory!