Computers, C-Section, Cross Country, and College

I apologize for the lack of updates lately. The baby is now estimated to weigh 8 pounds 3 ounces! I have been tired and the baby has found a great nesting place under my right rib, which sometimes makes it painful to sit at the computer.

Along that line...how many of you work from a computer at a desk and how many have laptops? My husband wanted me to have a laptop at one point, but I said it wasn't necessary...now I almost wish I had one so that I could be more comfortable and still be able to utilize the computer.

I have been doing well with the pregnancy. I am excited to only have a few weeks left. I think that I may have a c-section on October 13th if I don't go into labor sooner. I have a few risk factors that make giving birth vaginally a little more dangerous/impossible. I am looking forward to "feeling no pain" while they do the c-section after having 5/6 of my previous babies the "natural" way. I told my doctor that I am so done with pain. :) My labors have never gotten any easier, even after 5 babies naturally...and they always come after their due date if I'm not induced. My babies love to chunk up in the safety of my belly.

I went to a cross country meet today. My son who just entered middle school this year (5th grade) joined recently. I was the proudest mom at the meet. My heart swelled for my son. As I watched him run (and at times walk) around the course I couldn't have been happier. He wears hearing aides because he has a hearing deficit, and has never once, that I can remember, complained about wearing them. After what our family has been through over the past year with the death of his brother I am amazed at how well adjusted, for the most part, my children are. It didn't matter that he came in last place...he made it across the finish line.

Isn't that what is important? It is not how smooth the trip, but that he made it. Our life hasn't been smooth at times this past year, but we are still in the "game" and I can't wait to cross the finish line some day.

While we wait for the arrival of our newest baby, we also embark on new adventures with my oldest entering college next year. She has her heart set on a Christian college that is quite pricey (I think). I want her to at least consider a few options and then make her choice. I don't want her to owe $160,000 when she gets out of college ($40,000 yr). She is quite bright and will probably get some substancial scholarships, but even at $20,000/yr, that is a pricey bill at the end.

We cannot possibly give her a lot of money towards her education, with 5 other children in the wings. I would like her to have the same opportunity as me to be able to have the option to stay at home with her children some day if she so chooses so I pray that that the Lord gives her and us great wisdom. We will attend a financial aide seminar tomorrow night.

My prayers are for you and your families tonight

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable--if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise--dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

With love and hope,
Cheryl