No workinng out for me

So, per DR's orders I am OFF of exercise right now. Apparently my cervix is having a hard time keeping up with all the activities I want to do. I go back for another appointment on Tuesday to find out if my week of rest has helped the situation. They have also started me on a weekly progesterone shot to help the situation. I just keep praying for, well...nothing in particular. I just pray that God helps the DR's make the best decision in my treatment. I'm a little worried and a little stressed, and it doesn't help that I have this WONDERFUL upper respiratory infection mixed in with some allergies. It's also March and mid-terms aren't too far away. I try not to think about everything all at once, because then I turn into a stress-ball. I've been so apathetic in the evenings and just want to hang out with Chris and watch TV. I have no desire to study, at all! One thing that I've started is voice recording the lectures and then I listen to them in the evenings. I hope this helps!

So one great thing about all these repeat ultrasounds is that I get to see baby "E" everytime too! I love listening to the heartbeat and watching the somersaults, kicks and jabs. I can't wait to feel those first movements! (or at least recognize them). Also, I'm very thankful I have a dr who has been keeping a watchful eye on my situation.

What do you have that causes you to be thankful?

For me- it's a variety of things. They might seem random to you, but I think when you list the things for which you are thankful it causes you to be MORE thankful.

• My wonderful husband who would do anything for me. This will sound small to you, but his most appreciated help right now comes in the form of getting my vitamin for me at night when I'm too tired (or lazy) to get up from the couch.
• My house and a roof over my head. I know there are alot of people out there facing foreclosure b/c of their own ignorances or the mortgage companies ignorance. But for many others, it might be because of job loss, outstanding medical bills, etc.
• My job- Although there are some mornings I'd rather stay in bed, I love my job. I thank the Lord that I'm not teaching still. Teaching is for some, but definitely not for me. I love that I have Christian coworkers- their words of advice mean so much more to me.
• Our woodburning stove in the den. When was the last time you just sat and stared at a fire? It's so relaxing and mesmerizing. Plus- it keeps me warm :)
• My birth mother. I have no idea where she is today, I suppose somewhere in South Korea. But I can't imagine the tough decisions she had to face when she found out she was pregnant with me. I thank her for being PRO-LIFE. If not for her, I would not have little baby "E" inside me. I would have also missed out on so many wonderful things I've experienced in my lifetime.
• The Jayhawks and college basketball.
• My parents are awesome, there's no other word to describe it. Although they raised each Ensley child similarly, they raised us each as individuals. They were aware and responded accordingly to our individual personalities. It amazes me that they knew what each of us needed and wanted. I hope Chris and I are blessed with the same ability.
• My in-laws did a great job with my husband. Although the parenting style differes between my parents and his- it's only expected because we are two different individuals.
• My brothers did a great job of making sure I was never too prissy and girly. Don't take me wrong, I love glitter and all things that shine. But they gave me a chance to learn about all things sports- which made me a very balanced little kid.
• My sister is 9 years older than me. So when I was 9- she was going off to college. I doubt we had bonded much by that point. But as I got older and was in high school and then college, our relationship really blossomed. My sister and I are two completely different girls. I let everyone know what I am feeling exactly as I am feeling it- sometimes with foot in mouth. My sister knows how to keep her mouth shut, and she thinks about things a little more before she says them. This is just one difference between us, but these aren't the kind of differences that hinder relationships.

There are so many more things I am thankful for, but just wanted to list a few. If you read this- I encourage you to do the same thing.

Pardon me, I seemed to have lost my.....

MOTIVATION!!! Have you seen it? I've been missing it for awhile now, and I'm not sure where to look. I think I'll just blame it on baby "E". I think baby "E" is starting to use up some of my brain cells. Oh well, at least I have something to blame it on! hehe. So my mom came down to visit this weekend for my nephew's first birthday party. His birthday was actually last weekend, but due to other events- the par-tay got moved to this weekend. He did really well with all the madness and commotion. Here's a pic of him and his cake. This is about as messy as it got!

Our Kids (for now)

Chris and I took the puppies on a walk today, the weather was so nice we HAD to be outside. We got some new soft muzzles for them that has really helped on their walks. We went to a baseball park and let them go wild. They've definitely behaved tonight since we've been home, so I know we wore them out this afternoon. Also- I've been playing with my new camera so I went a little nuts with "puppy picture taking today". I'll just post a few.

The pups and I are running the bases. I'm safe, but i'm not sure if they actually touched the base!

Look at Sally (in the back), I think she's getting ready to bite Frank's heel.
The puppies don't know how to catch a frisbee yet, but hopefully we'll get there.

American Idol is funny

Just watching group night on AI...is this drama for real?

Anyhow. I had a dr's appt this week and everything looks good. Usually my dr's office does not do ultrasounds every visit, but because of some previous female issues- they are doing ultrasounds every 2 weeks/to 4 weeks. Baby Sanders was really moving around, as you'll see in the following pictures. It made me giggle.

So here's the profile, these pix turned out SO well.
Baby Sanders then turned over on his/her belly, about the same position as daddy when he is sleeping.

Stretched out and relaxed.

We'll need to work on the biceps.

The heart beat was racing at 160bpm. Can't wait to find out whether we've got a boy or girl! I might be able to find out at my 17 week appointment.