first ultrasound

After looking at houses today, we went to the doctor for our first ultrasound. We were told that we weren't 8 weeks pregnant but instead were 6 and a half weeks. We also had the opportunity to see the heartbeat which is pretty phenomenal as the ultrasound technician informed us that the baby is essentially the size of a grain of rice with a heartbeat. It just goes to underline the amazing miracle of God that is the process of a child being created. The doctor called back to inform us that due to some past complications we have had, she spoke to a high risk doctor who feels they should keep a close eye on us throughout the process and that they will be taking the baby at about 37 weeks. We are very excited about the process and ask your prayers for health and safety throughout the process.


Our babies development at this stage is as follows:

The brain is forming three separate parts: the forebrain (memory and reasoning), the midbrain (translates messages from the brain to organs and limbs) and the hindbrain (regulates breathing and muscle movement). At this point the embryo is now three-dimensional and completely enclosed in the amniotic sac.
Your baby's heart is now beating and blood circulation is evident. The kidneys and liver are growing fast, and the neural tube, which connects the brain with the spinal cord, closes.
The placenta is rapidly developing, however, it will not take over hormone production until about week 12.

house hunting

Just came back from looking at a few houses. Very excited about the possibilities of one of the houses. Need to wait until October for pre-approval. Really hope the home is still available at that time but we know God has our best interests at heart and if it isn't available, then in the right timing there will be something that better suits our needs.

morning sickness and media sickness

Well, Charis had no morning sickness with the first two, but it has begun now. 3:00 in the morning sickness to be exact. I did better than usual though and was able to help her without getting sick myself. I informed her this morning that she can't do this for 9 months lol. I have also informed my television that I can't take another week of finger pointing and blame game concerning Katrina and who is to blame for this and that. IT WAS A HUGE STORM AND THE DEVASTATION COULDN'T HAVE BEEN AVOIDED!!! Response was slow because of the flooding that began after the hurricane. Response was slow because idiots were rioting causing those bringing help to retreat, because people were stealing tv's that they can't plug in anywhere because there is no electricity. I fully understand looting grocery stores for food and water, I would do the same to take care of my family if I was there, but tv's??? Response was also slow because people were running around with guns being stupid. SHOOTING AT THE ENGINEERS REPAIRING THE LEVY????????? How stupid is this. Why didn't the government respond faster, why didn't the government have buses and helicopters and airplanes to evacuate people before the storm? Because this kind of devastation wasn't expected. If it was, why didn't the mayor who needs to be quiet, (and is beginning to refrain from blaming a little more) yell as loudly before the storm as he has after. And PLEASE stop talking about the country and government not being concerned with poor people. This country spends so much money and policy on the poor (and thankfully so as I have been the beneficiary of government programs in the past) that it is an invalid argument to say the government doesn't care about the poor.

This was a tragedy that we can learn from. It was precedent setting and we always learn how to respond better the second time. We all need to stop blaming one another and help. The media can begin to pat themselves on the back and report on how much they are helping and how much money they are raising and give that equal time with the tragedy and negativity. After all, I'm assuming that since they have the inside scoop and the details of the tragedy which causes them to feel they have to help. Right? they have to be doing something and all of America hasn't heard about it yet. Lets all stop blaming, myself included, and pray and help.

Pray for the officers who have been forced to shoot those they should be protecting, for the first responders who have seen enough death to last a lifetime, for the families of those officers who commited suicide because it was too much for them to bear. Pray and find an organization through whom you can help.

Peace out