Running Chatter

Somewhere in me is a really good post.  I can feel it.  It’s in there somewhere, but I can’t quite reach it yet.  I keep thinking. . . after the baby, after the baby.  Everything will happen after the baby.  Chanelle has taken to reminding me a few times a day that “the baby is taking more of your brain, Mommy.”  I hear it when I make mistakes like putting ice cream in the refrigerator or forgetting to send gloves and a hat with her to school, or when I tell her I will get her a glass of milk and 20 minutes later I still haven’t done it.  I fear I’m creating the illusion that after the baby is born I will have no more missteps like these.  What will be my excuse after Baby arrives? 

Needless to say, cohesive thoughts are hard to come by these days and that really good post waits for another day.  Bear with me, okay?

Today, it’s Running Chatter. . .

1.  Cozy Fall Stuff

I don’t know what it is about these late fall days but the orange crackling leaves, crisp temperatures, and deep blue skies woo me me to the kitchen.  I find myself searching through recipe books (we know I have a few), magazines, and websites for something to fill the house with an aroma that is inviting, cozy, and warm.  This week Chanelle and I attempted something I’ve never tried before. . .

A pumpkin roll.

Turns out that it was simple to make and tasted excellent.  Chad raved about it and he’s not one that raves.  Want to try it?  Recipe, here.
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2.  Evenings

Our evening routine has changed.  The summer months lend themselves to outdoor play until dark and rushing in to take baths before tucking little ones into bed.  Now that it is colder and darker in the evenings, we find ourselves indoors with, what seems like, extra time.  We are enjoying the extra time.  The latest obsession in our home is a new board game we got Charlie for his birthday. 


The game is called Hedbanz and the kids LOVE it and eh, em. . . so do I.  We play it almost every evening and I think it’s entertaining (and challenging) for both children and adults. You can purchase it here.  Charlie informed me that we must have a “family game night” every night.  It really is the simple things, isn’t it?
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3.  Baby Stuff

Have I mentioned that November is the month of our due date?  Twenty days to go!  I had an appointment today and learned that I am now 2 cm. dilated and measuring 5 weeks small.  They did another ultrasound just to be sure that baby is growing okay and we learned that I have a very average size baby.  In fact, our little boy or girl is already above 6 lbs!

What?!  Ummm, can you recheck that, please? 

It seems that this baby is already bigger than Charlie and Chanelle were at birth.  Oh my. . . this makes me nervous.  Very, very nervous.  Somebody reassure me that it’s all going to be okay. . . please. 

This news did, however, help me understand why I am so uncomfortable all the time.  A big(ger) baby in a small(er) space makes for a tough time breathing, sitting, standing, talking, walking. . . blah, blah, blah. 

The question remains. . . will I go full term? 
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4.  Gratitude

If there is one concept, above all other concepts, that I want my kids to learn. . . it is gratitude.  My hope is that they will live a life of thankfulness and understand fully what it means.  I want them to understand that they are entitled to nothing, but that everything is a blessing. . . a gift. . . an honor.  From thankfulness to God to thankfulness to others I long for them to understand it.  One way we do that. . .

. . . homemade thank you notes. 

Some may think that these are outdated and old-fashioned.  I, however, think real, genuine, snail-mail thank you notes will never go out of style.  We don’t make anything extravagant.  Crayons, stickers, stamps, and some paper and my kids are learning that saying “thank you” is fun. 
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5.  One boy + One Girl + One Baby

I had a moment of panic today.  Fear about adding a baby into our seemingly very easy mix.  I’m sure that all of my fears are in vain, but they are real and they are persistent.  The unknown scares me.  We are no longer two on two.  We are outnumbered.  I fear someone feeling left out.  I fear not being able to handle it all.  The transition time is making me nervous.

If you’ve transitioned from two to three. . .what are the best words of advice you were given? 
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6.  Speaking of Gratitude

I just wanted to take a moment again to say thank you to each one of you who visit this space.  From those of you that I know to those that remain anonymous, this community has become an integral part of my life.  In a strange way, this space has become a safe place for me to be me, the real me, and to feel comfortable in my own skin.  Thank you for accepting my Chatter throughout all the silly, serious, and crazy parts of life.  I wish that I could give back to this community as much at it has given me.  I wish that I could send each of you a thank you note.  All I have, though, are simple words written in my corner of the world wide web and I want you to know that, if you are reading them, the words are meant for you. 

Thank you for being a part of our story. 
Thank you for encouraging.

Thank you for commenting.

Thank you for being patient.
Thank you for understanding.
Thank you for letting me be me.

Simply, thank you.
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Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to change your clocks!

Chatter Out. . .

  • Kim - November 4, 2011 - 12:50 pm

    THANK YOU!!
    It will be O.K. I'm nervous as well about what this new life will be like…..hmmmm…..like when child number 2 came along. Looking forward to this new adventure! You are certainly not alone.ReplyCancel

  • Adhjopted aunt - November 4, 2011 - 5:08 pm

    Summer I thank you for this blog and what I have learned through it:). You are a great encouraged with your words. The pics are great. Keep on being you. I can u derstand your nervousness but it will all be ok! God wouldn't be blessing you again if he didn't think you could do it. Just one day at a time. The kids informed me yesterday you were having two one boy one girl :). It will be ok plus you have a great support system. I will help whenever with whatever. So glad all is going ok with baby come on down and jump on trampoline that will help:). Ly and praying. We had fun playing twister yesterday I was a pretzel and realized how old I am. Was Funny bc the kids kept taking turns spinning while I had to stay on the sheet:) have a great weekendReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - November 4, 2011 - 9:24 pm

    I've been thinking of you today! I'm due 3 days after you…and I'M SO SCARED! Yesterday, I had a breakdown and pretty much cried the entire afternoon/evening away, convincing myself that I could not do this. Hormones…ugh.

    6 pounds is so tiny…you will do wonderfully! I can't imagine him/her being so squished in there though…sounds like he/she may evacuate early to get some leg room. 😉ReplyCancel

  • Charbelle - November 4, 2011 - 11:21 pm

    I'm so glad that you share!!!! Happy Birthday to Charlie and Chanelle!!!! I've been reading and keep meaning to come back and tell you that your birthday posts were awesome!!!! You're due on Thanksgiving that is so awesome!!! Praying for you!!!ReplyCancel

  • lisa - November 5, 2011 - 2:32 pm

    Oh Summer! I wish I could give you a big hug to tell you EVERYTHING is going to be better than you could ever even imagine!!! You will be the super-uber mom that you already are once the lil' one arrives!! 🙂 Sending many prayers to you and your family! And lots of love!! 🙂

    You know that I already thank YOU (in excessive amounts!) for sharing yourself with us…you are such a ray of light in my world! Please know that we will be here cheering you on and sending you all kinds of good thoughts with the big change about to come into your world…don't worry if you slow down on your chatter…we will still be here waiting! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • lisa - November 5, 2011 - 2:34 pm

    opps…forgot to mention- don't sweat 6 lbs- my twins were 7 lbs 13oz and 6 lbs 14oz…my youngest was 9 lbs!!! 🙂 and I'm only 5ft 2in!!!
    (that should make you smile~!)ReplyCancel

  • mommathieszen - November 5, 2011 - 8:02 pm

    If I can push out a 9 lb. 2 oz. baby with no meds, you can do it too, Summer! And it sounds like yours won't be quite that big! : ) Thanks for your words and photos…you are a blessing!ReplyCancel

  • Summer - November 7, 2011 - 3:05 am

    You are all awesome. Thank you for your constant encouragement, love and support!!ReplyCancel

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