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!

Diaperless Days

I'm not sure I like all this "big boy" business. I'm pretty sure I was conned into something, I just haven't quite figured it out yet. Everyone is happy, but what did I get out of this deal? A pair of hand-me-down Spider Man underwear my big brother wore when he was being duped like me. Next thing you know they'll be telling me I have to wash my own dishes and start first grade. It's not fair, I tell you. It's not fair.

Abi's 5th Birthday Photos

As promised, here are some snapshots from Abi's party. Not as many as I would have liked; my computer is really slow today.

We had a good time, although I was feeling really nauseated and couldn't really play any games or entertain our guests.

The Birthday Girl!

Blowing out her candles! I had originally planned to make a red velvet cake for her big day but the oven is still thermostatically challenged. So, we went with the biggest, girliest cake we could find!

All her friends, Mongolian and American, were there to wish her a happy birthday!

What's Been Making Me Smile

• Abi and her new Leapfrog. Thank you Jenna!
• I've gained 9 lbs so far despite morning sickness and lack of appetite. (Those of you who know me know I have a hard time gaining and keeping weight on. So this is good news!)
• I have not developed any Rh negative antibodies! Also good news!
• Nate is reading and writing in Mongolian and English, although he prefers Mongolian. English grammar is notoriously difficult.
  
• Longer days. Now the sun's up when I am at 6:30 am. =)
• My dad asked Kenny where the new baby was and Kenny replied, "In mommy's shirt".
• Salad at mom's
• Long walks in the warm weather
• Hot chocolate and facebook
• Lovely people in Church yesterday

What's been making you smile? Leave a comment!