mrshart03's Xanga

New Blog

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:05:25 GMT

Well, I've been blogging on Blogger for some time now, actually a couple years, but I just realized that I never shared on here that I have a new blog!

If you'd like to read about what I've been up to, my new blog can be found at http://ceaselesspraises.blogspot.com! See you there! :)

Finally Updating! :)

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:16:21 GMT

I'm so glad that warmer weather is finally here! Today it's in the 70's here, and all week has been just gorgeous- sunny and in the 60's! I've been able to get out and go for walks with Zachary, and take him to the little camp playground to ride in the baby swing- it's so much fun! This weekend we went for a family getaway to Erie (exotic location, right?), but really, it was wonderful. We relaxed in our hotel room and took Zachary to the pool for a 'swim'. He would only get his legs wet, though, without crying, because the water was a little too cold for him. Here's a picture of him in some adorable little swimming trunks anyway.

Camp has been going well- we had our spring quilter's quirk a couple of weeks ago, and we have our hobby weekend coming up in 2 weeks, so I've been busy with those retreats! This weekend we have a small group of about 40 coming, and next weekend is a work weekend! We are super-busy getting ready for the summer, too- registrations are starting to come in!

On the home front, I have been just enjoying every minute of being a mama. Zachary is growing like a weed, and doing all kinds of new things every day- he can roll over from back to front & front to back now, so he's always squirming, and trying to get somewhere! He's a pretty happy little guy- always smiling, and laughing at Joel and I. His acid reflux was really bothering him for a while, keeping him from eating and sleeping well, but the dr. put him on a new medication, and now he's eating better & sleeping through the night most of the time!!!! YAY!! He goes to bed around 9 or 9:30 at night, and gets up between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning! Sleep is a wonderful thing. Really, it is. Alright, well, in the interest of keeping you all up to date, and 'giving the people what they really want', here are some more pictures- enjoy!

This is Zachary on Easter Sunday, all dressed up and ready to go to church. The shoes lasted about ten minutes once we got there. He hates shoes and kicks them off at the first opportunity.

Here he is in his highchair this morning- waiting for me to get his cereal ready. Cute little feet under the tray! :)

Here he's sitting propped up on the couch like a big person!

The greatest smile EVER.

Another cute smile. I had him in a shorts outfit today because it's so warm. And his little pudgy legs and arms are just SO stinkin' cute.

Where Have I Been?

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:00:40 GMT

Okay, it's been almost 3 months since I posted on here! So where have I been? Well, first of all, I've been over on facebook- if you don't have one, you should- it's great for getting in touch with people from camp/college/high school/etc. and it's so easy to share pictures & videos and everything! Other than that...

I've been walking up and down the house, bouncing and singing and rocking to help Zachary calm down.

I've been standing by Zachary's crib with my hand on his tummy, helping him get over his gas spells.

I've been sitting on the living room floor, watching my son learn to smile, laugh, grab toys, roll over, and just generally wrap his mommy around his little finger.

I've been sleeping...a little.

I've been boxing up Zachary's newborn and 0-3 month clothes as he outgrows them, part of me glad to be past this stage, and part of me wishing he could stay tiny forever.

I've been working in the camp office almost every day, and even in the kitchen some.

I've been at the pediatrician's office several times...for routine checkups, shots (I cried more than he did, I think), and one diagnosis of acid reflux.

I've been taking pictures and videos of my happy boy whenever I can.

I've been changing diapers...I really don't mind it, though, because Zachary is usually in such a good mood- he loves the one-on-one attention at changing time!

I've been reading stories, poems & board books to my little mister, something I've always looked forward to.

I've been on my knees, praying for my hubby & baby.

I've been looking forward to all the amazing things God is going to do in our family.

And I've been doing so much more, too! Being a mom is fun, but totally all-consuming! I definitely feel like Zachary is my life now, and I'm fine with that! :) He is growing so quickly, and pretty soon he'll be out of this baby stage forever, so I'm trying to cherish every day-and night! (I'm going to make myself cry!) He is already 1/4 of a year old! Joel is doing a great job being a daddy, and such a great partner to me! I'm definitely looking forward to Zachary sleeping through the night, though. I definitely won't regret when he grows out of that night feeding!

So, where have you been???

True Love

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:44:43 GMT

Most of you have probably heard the news by now, but here it is: Zachary Wayne Hart was born on Wednesday, December 5th, at 7:22 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces; and was 20 1/2 inches long. He is perfectly healthy, and we are just enjoying him so much! Of course, he keeps us up at night, but that's his job, and he's pretty good at it. :) He will be a week old tonight, and I can already see him changing! I cried yesterday because he already looks different, more filled out than when he was born. My labor was long and painful...and not what I expected in the least, but it's over, and I'm recovering very well, and, yes, I'm already willing to do it all again for another baby...in a few years... :)

I have always loved kids, and I've been waiting my whole life to be a mommy, so I knew I would love it. I also knew that Joel was looking forward to being a daddy, and that he would do a great job at it. But what I didn't expect was how completely adorable he would be as he held and interacted with Zachary, and how patient and sweet he would be with me during even these rough, sleepless first few days, and I never expected the experience of watching him be a daddy to make me totally fall head over heels in love with him all over again, and add a whole new dimension to our relationship. So in the midst of new parenting challenges and joys, here is an ode to the Hubby & Daddy of the year.

True Love is...

-letting your wife hold your hands during 22 hours of labor and hardly complaining when they lose circulation because she's squeezing them so hard.

-changing all of the baby's diapers the whole time you're in the hospital

-going out to get your wife milkshakes and iced coffee in the middle of the night

-getting up for every feeding for a week just to help out with some feeding difficulties

-trying your best to figure out how to dress the baby in the riduculously complicated (but cute) outfits his mother picks out for him...all those snaps!!!

-letting your wife sit in the backseat with the baby so you both know he's okay, even though it means she doesn't get to sit up front with you.

-spending plenty of time each day just relaxing with your wife and admiring your son together, even though there are lots of other things you need to do.

-spending an entire afternoon driving around town looking for some baby supplies that will make your wife's life easier.

Joel, in the last week, you've become an expert in diapers, onesies, swaddling, feeding, and burping, to mention just a few things. You have always been an amazing husband, and I am so blessed to have you by my side and watch you as you fulfill the role of daddy in such sweet ways that I never could've imagined. I love you, and I'm so thankful for you and little Z.

Overdue

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:52:24 GMT

Well, in case you're wondering... YES, it is my due date today. NO, we do not have a baby yet. Please don't ask. I am officially overdue. Somehow I had sort of convinced myself that since little Jr. was measuring big, he would be early...but in fact, he is just big. Or else he's just too comfortable. I've been walking and trying every 'natural labor-inducing remedy' I can find on the internet...but no baby yet!

We saw the doctor today, and she scheduled an ultrasound for Friday, and if the baby looks okay on the ultrasound, she will let me go home and keep waiting...and if there's no baby by next Monday night, December 10th, she will be inducing me. SO...at the VERY latest, Jr. should be here in the next week! :) Joel is doing a great job being patient, keeping me stocked up with ice cream, and keeping my attitude positive while we WAIT!

We have had some gorgeous snow here today and yesterday...I love the snow...the way it looks, going out walking in it...I'm sure I won't love it as much by March, but for now, it is beautiful! Hope everyone else is enjoying your winter! :) Hopefully we'll have some news here soon!!!

Friday, November 23, 2007

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:29:16 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving! (a day late, but shouldn't every day be Thanksgiving, really?) :) Well, that's my excuse, anyway...

I'm so thankful today for everything that God has given me...He has blessed me immensely...I guess the best way I can think of to thank Him for all He's done is through a list of 'thankful things'.

1. Bringing me to Himself and keeping me from wandering too far from Him.

2. Bringing Joel and I together and growing us into the couple we are today.

3. Giving us our little Jr. in His own perfect timing.

4. Even when we can't be with our extended families for the holidays, this post reminded me to thank Him that our families are healthy and for the most part, living for the Lord.

5. Providing us with countless opportunities to serve Him, at camps, churches, and in our communities.

6. Providing for us financially each day, including mountains of baby things!

7. Leading us to a wonderful, supportive church family and strong Biblical teaching at Panama.

8. All the 'little extras' that He gives us, just to enjoy- like Christmas music & decorations! :)

Hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving & day after! :) We enjoyed a yummy turkey dinner at the Franks with some of Kelly's extended family, and then came home to relax! I made a 'crustless' pumpkin pie, which was actually delicious, so we've been enjoying that! Today, we slept in late again, and then went to town just to see what was going on in the shopping world...of course, to Joel's chagrin, I had to find something to buy at almost every store we went to...you know, since we're there...may as well grab some _____ :) Oh, he loves it when I do that. Then we went to Wegman's cafe for lunch, and I had a calzone (yummy!). When we came home, I worked on Christmas decorations and got the tree all put up...just a couple more things to finish tomorrow! I've been playing Bing Crosby & Mannheim Steamroller all day- I love Christmas music! :)

In baby news...not much new...he has 'dropped' partway, which basically just means I'm super- uncomfortable now if I walk too much... everything is on track... 11 days until my due date, but he could really be here any time...and my doctor will only let me go about a week over due since she thinks he's so big...so for sure in the next 18 days, he will be here! How exciting is that??? Yay! I have had two more showers- one at church, and one at a weight-loss group that I go to- such sweet ladies! :) They surprised me with a shower on Wednesday morning! I feel like we're all ready! We've got everything we need...(I think, but really how would I know??? I've never done this before!!!) Thanks for all of your prayers - it has been just so amazing how God has provided for us & we can't wait to meet our baby! Hope you all are doing well & enjoying your Thanksgiving break!!!

Surprises

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:02:14 GMT

This weekend was our annual Ladies Weekend where Joel's mom's side of the family gets together (just the girls) and hang out! It was so much fun! I had a great time with my sisters-in-law, my mom-in-law, and aunts and cousins! :) It was really fun to get to see everyone! I had to fly out there, 7 1/2 months pregnant and all, but everything went okay with the flights, and baby's fine! ;)

Well, Joel was a busy guy while I was gone! I was so impressed- he did laundry and dishes and tidied up the kitchen, it was so nice! Also, when I came home, he had 3 surprises for me- first of all a bunch of purple daises....then a bouquet of roses with a card.

When I finished reading the sweet card, it said, "P.S. Would you go get me a Diet Pepsi?" which I thought was a funny thing to write in a card, but then I figured maybe there was a surprise in the fridge or something... so I went out to get the pop, and went to open the fridge, and squealed with delight as I found, not my old fridge that always seemed to be full even when we didn't have anything to eat...but this beautiful sight:

It is SO nice- I feel so organized now, and all my groceries fit in it, and leftovers, too! :) Joel is such a sweetie, and while some might not feel like a fridge is romantic, household appliances really are the way to my heart. :) (see the post about my birthday gift, the vacuum, if you have any doubts!)

We finished the baby's room just in time for my parents to come out and visit- here are a couple quick pics just to give you an idea of what it looks like- I LOVE the bees! Cuteness!

Less than 7 weeks until Jr.'s here!! We had another ultrasound this week, and he's doing great- right on track with his growth and all! I can't wait!! Especially because I'm pretty much the size and shape of a beached manatee right now... but it will be worth it! :)

Well, I'd better go- I've got a *gulp* AUDIT tonight at work- my boss says it's no big deal, but hey, the word audit doesn't sound too fun to me... so I'd better go get Joel his supper! :)

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:08 GMT

I haven't updated in forever...guess I haven't really felt like blogging...or maybe I've just had so much else going on... Well, we are painting the baby's room. First I painted all the walls a yellow marbled with cream...it was SO utterly bright. I love yellow, but, really, with the sunlight, it was blinding... so then I painted one wall cream, and it's much better. We're also going to be stamping some blue bees around the top of the room, which will add a nice non-yellow touch. Joel sanded and painted the dresser I bought this spring, and then we'll stamp some bees on it, too... when I bought it the guy told me that it had 3 drawers, and the bottom 'drawer' was a false front. Well, when Joel was working on it, he started tugging on it and got it open, and it turns out it's really a big drawer! It was so stuck that the guy who sold it to me didn't even think it was a drawer! So the dresser is HUGE! :) It will be SO nice!

I had a minor breakdown at Home Depot yesterday...partly because I'm 'sentimental', I suppose... we went to look for the bee stamp, and Home Depot was out of it...nobody else carries foam stamps for painting...not Walmart, not JoAnn's, NOBODY. So don't bother looking. We called Joel's mom because she had seen them in her Home Depot in Iowa, and she went and looked, and they were out, too! But then she went to Menard's, and they had a set with some Pooh stencils and 3 stamps- a bee, honey pot, and sun/flower! When she got up to the cash register, the whole set was only $1!!! How amazing! Then tonight my parents called and said they were at Menard's tonight and saw this (same) Pooh set for only $1 and picked it up for us! :) So now we have two sets! :) How funny is that? Well, I'm off...gotta pick out some kind of outfit for church... :)

I'll end with a survey I got from a friend's blog... enjoy!

Your Man...

1. Who is your man? Joel Hart
2. How long have you been together? We met the third week of our freshman year of college, 8 years ago. We’ve been dating ever since!
3. How long did you date? We dated for 3 years and 4 months before we got married.
4. How old is your man? 27
5. Who eats more? Usually Joel…although when I’m pregnant I can give him a run for his money. J
6. Who said "I love you" first? Me. But he probably says it more often now.
7. Who is taller? Um, Joel. By a foot and an inch.
8. Who sings better? I don’t know…we both like to sing together…
9. Who is smarter? Probably Joel. J
10. Whose temper is worse? Possibly me. J
11. Who does the laundry? Me, if I want the loads sorted… J
12. Who takes out the garbage? Both of us, really…not a big deal since the dumpster’s about 40 feet from our house.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? This question is confusing…is it when you’re looking at the bed or laying in the bed? Anyway…I sleep on the side closest to the bathroom. Whichever side that is. Always.
14. Who pays the bills? He pays them all online.
15. Who is better with the computer? Definitely Joel.
16. Who mows the lawn? Joel. Or Greg. Or the Grounds Staff…
17. Who cooks dinner? Usually me.
18. Who drives when you are together? Joel. Always. Thankfully.
19. Who pays when you go out? Joel. I’m so spoiled. I hardly ever bring my purse when we’re together, he pays everywhere.
20. Who is most stubborn? Tee hee…we’re both firstborns…makes for an even stubbornness match…
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Depends…. J
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mostly his.
23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me…in his Ford Ranger…on the highway…
24. Who asked who out? He asked me.
25. Who proposed? Joel, obviously. With a ring box inside a giant talking Pooh bear.
26. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me- especially when I’m pregnant!!!
27. Who has more friends? I’d say it’s about even…
28. Who has more siblings? Joel- two brothers. I only have one sister.
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Joel, thankfully. Otherwise we’d never get anything done. J

Love you, Joel!

Before & After

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:27:27 GMT

The following are sad but true pictures of my hall rug.

In case you can't really tell on the top picture, here's another one:

See how the left half of the picture is all clean and beautiful???? The right side is covered with yuck- fuzzies and hair and all???? I have had these rugs in my house for about 2 years now, and I could NOT get them clean other than by sticking duct tape to them and ripping it off. My old vacuum was broken, but with my birthday money, I bought a new one.
The difference is amazing. My old vacuum didn't have attachments either, so the new one is MUCH easier to clean with. And it's bagless, which is amazing, but I'm not telling ANYONE how many times I had to empty the little dust container part on my first round through the house! Just thought I'd let everyone know what I've been up to!

Aichmophobia = fear of needles or pointed objects

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:12:21 GMT

Apparently, I am aichmophobic. I went to the hospital lab today to have a routine blood glucose test done. You drink the orange glucose drink, wait one hour, get your blood drawn. Simple, right?

Well, first of all, I went to the lab at the busiest time possible, and had to wait an hour before I even got my orange drink. Then I had to wait another hour, and I went back in to get my blood drawn, so I could be on my way. At this point it was about 1:30, and I hadn't eaten anything other than an orange drink since 8 am. As I always do, I informed the lady drawing my blood that I have issues with having blood drawn, and I have passed out in the past. So the poor girl was kind of nervous to begin with. Then she couldn't find a vein in either arm...so she moved on to the back of my hand. She poked around in there for a minute, and I told her that it hurt and I was getting dizzy. She asked me if I could walk over to a cot and lay down, and I said,"NO".

The next thing I remember is about 5 nurses crowded around me, using something smelly to bring me back to life, and someone running out the door, yelling, "We've got a pregnant lady passed out in here! Somebody get some juice!" Praise the Lord that I didn't fall out of my chair, though, I just kind of slumped backwards, so I was very thankful for that! As if every shred of my dignity wasn't already gone, I practically choked on the apple juice, and was sitting there coughing like an idiot. Then, after I recovered, it was too late to do the blood glucose test, and I had just drank apple juice, so they called my doctor, and she said we would talk about it next week at my appt. So, to make a long story, well, a little shorter, I spent 3 hours at the lab today, and did not get a single test done.

I haven't blogged for a LONG time! I just haven't felt like it for some reason...who knows? Well, updates, then... we had an ultrasound in August, and found out that we're definitely having a boy! Everything is healthy with him (and with me, until today! ) He measured a little big, so hopefully that means he'll come early and not just be big! I have a picture to put up when I get my new scanner hooked up...soon . We went on vacation with Joel's family, to Arkansas, and that was really fun. We relaxed, watched Food Network, and swam a ton. I had my birthday last week, which Joel made really special for me. He took me to Chinese for lunch, took me to Walmart to get groceries, and bought me the afore-mentioned printer/scanner combo. Then he cooked me supper (pasta, Texas Toast and salad- delicious!) and let me relax! It was a great day! I have been working part-time at camp, and also working on getting the house organized and getting everything non-baby out of the baby room so we can paint it! I've even picked out a paint color- Banana Peel Yellow.