Christmas Time

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The girls had their pictures taken for Christmas and the shot of all three of them turned out okay, after trying to get all three perfect dozens of times. On the bottom, Mandy's first/1 mo. picture turned out beautiful. Believe it or not, immediately after this was taken, she cried bitter tears.

What Cheesey Grin! Work it Baby!

Mandy finally flashed her smile in full force today! Katie and I were talking to her and she started flashing her smile and I almost didn't bother getting the camera because I never believed that she would smile once she saw it. I was wrong and I am glad I was. I got this beautiful shot and about 5 others! I almost started to cry because she is so beautiful and had such a jolly face! Her personality is coming out! After all, she is already 6 weeks yesterday! Wow time flies!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Welcome to the Christmas Season!

We thought this was a funny picture and my mom put it together in a scrapbook page. After, she is the joy of our lives.

Welcome Princess Amanda! Princesses Forever!

Molly got to feed Mandy for the first time. She thought it was such a big thing! Afterwards she made her a crown and said she was the littlest princess of the Thibault family and she deserved a crown! Welcome Princess Amanda!

Friends Forever!

Last Friday, some of us went to Chuckie Cheese and had a great time. Here are some pictures of our friend time!

Ever Wonder What He Looks Like?

I know you have probably talked to him....but I thought you'd might like to see what he looked like! He he!

It's Hard Work to Get my Eyes Working Mama!

This was the first set of pictures I have gotten for Mandy that she was so incredibly alert! She was really trying hard to focus on the rattle that Katie had put in her bed with her. It is amazing how fast they grow!

Halloween!!

Halloween 2007: Halloween ended up going well and pretty smooth considering I was only 2 1/2 weeks post pardum. Molly was a Geisha girl, Katie was Minnie Mouse, which 2 of her friends were and Little peanut Mandy was a clown. Mandy was great, she didn't cry at all and enjoyed the walk even though it was only 4 or so houses. Katie was totally interested in trick or treating but wasn't impressed at all with the haunted house down the street. Molly was thrilled and loved the haunted house. Quite a difference from last year. They all got so much candy...which is such a temptation for me, since I have been off candy for 4 or 5 months! Pray I have some will power!

Holding On

Do you ever want to hold your children back from growing up and you find that they are like holding a wet bar of soap? I have been doing a lot of thinking now that our family is complete at 5, that my little babies are growing so fast and their innocence is changing to realistic ideas of the world. It is sad but in the same sense, it is so encouraging how God will use them in this world to make it a better place and how comforting it is to know that their little voices are heard by our Him and He will mold them according to His will. I need not worry...they are in His hands!

Number One Doctor!

This was my doctor for all of my girls! She has been through all 8 pregnancies with me and been such a great doctor! It is kinda sad that I will only going back to her to see her once a year! And not a pleasant reason either! :) She was very pleased that she had seen me through all three girls and was tickled I wanted to take her picture with Mandy. Ever need a good OB/GYN give me a call.

She's Crying Again???

Life has been, shall we say, an adjustment the last two weeks. Thank God that it seems to get better everyday! We ventured out to the grocery store on Saturday and you would think we were first time parents. Mark was a little overwhelmed with both our children pushing mini-carts in the store and me paying attention to the baby and I had my overwhelming moment when I went to church with all three kids yesterday. Wow, three is a lot when you have two other children demanding your attention. Molly and Katie have been so good at adjusting, but it is obvious how much time they need with me since Mandy has been born. Both girls have been dealing with it in different ways. Katie has been clingy and wants to cuddle a lot and Molly has been withdrawn and staying out of things for the most part. She also gets very uptight when Mandy cries. We have been very blessed with friends and family that have gone out of their way to help with meals, laundry, cleaning and taking Katie for a playdate, it has made life so much easier. However, I am ready to start my life again on the normal path. Whatever "normal" is. Today I am going to the doctor and hopefully she will give me the okay to start driving again. That will be a huge relief for us! At least I can shop!!!! Which is a great way to relieve stress I have to say, but not too good on the pocket book.

Wow Already Two Weeks

It is hard to believe that Mandy is turning two weeks tomorrow! She hasn't changed much yet. Her schedule is adjusting. She is now eating at 1 am and the last two nights she hasn't gotten up until 5 or 5:30 am for her next feeding. So we are stretching it out and I am starting to get a little more sleep. Mandy went to her doctor's appointment today and she is growing well. She is now 9 pounds 5 oz. and apparently nursing is not a problem. She is gaining and growing. Makes mommy feel better. We also, after 2 weeks found a bottle that seems to work for her at night and she is resting better after her night time feedings. Also this week, Mandy had her first sponge bath at home and didn't like it at all! You would think I was torturing her. But she did love the cuddling after. We are all enjoying her...but infants are exhausting I am fastly remembering. Katie adores her and constantly says she loves her little sister. Molly thinks she is so cute, but stays away when she cries. I don't think she is as convinced as Katie yet. Over all, the Thibaults are starting to settle in a little more everyday and by next week I think we will adjust that much more. These times do fly...I have to remember that.

SHE'S FINALLY HERE!!!

On October 13th, 2007, Amanda Grace Thibault came into our lives. She weighed 8 pounds 10 oz., 21 1/2inches and apparently she was too big for mommy to deliver. She is very different than her sisters, she was in no rush to come out in this crazy world. After a crazy, long labor, we gave up and had to have a c-section. She came out with a beautiful shaped head and was crying and all pink! Mommy was given general anesthetic so she didn't see her first come out, but, Daddy had a moment all to himself to watch the Red Wing game with her and cuddle with a bottle. We have been so blessed!

ANY DAY NOW??? HMM, WE'LL SEE!

Yesterday I went to my routine doctor's appointment. And as most of you know, I have been having the worlds longest labor. I am now up to almost 4 weeks of contractions at least 10 minutes apart if not closer. Up until now, they have done nothing to change my cervix or make me closer to labor. Very frustrating and exhausting. Needless to say, yesterday I told the doctor that if he told me I was still dilated to 1 1/2 I would scream. Luckily for him and the office he triumphantly told me I was dilated to a 3 1/2! Yeah! Finally! All these crazy contractions weren't for nothing! He then told me it could be a matter of days before I had Mandy. Hmmm, I have heard that before. I mean wasn't it my doctor that told me, "oh Jen, don't worry about the size of the baby, you won't go past 37 weeks anyway," or "don't bother making an appointment more than to the end of September because you'll have to cancel it anyway," or even, "yep, you're at 1 1/2 and have been to the hospital twice pre-term, should be any day, we got you to 37 weeks!" Well, I am not too convinced when a doctor tells me, "any day now!" Once again, God has shown me how it is in His time not anyone elses! I am glad she is full term but, boy, I sure am welcoming labor now. Looks like all of you that guessed 38 or 39 weeks are in the running, but let's not rule out those funny people who claim I will go 40 weeks! Only time will tell. Week 38 people, you have today and Friday. 39 weeks starts Saturday. Sorry all of you nice people that lovingly thought I would go at 37 weeks!

Ahhh, Life is Good!

Katie loves to get her picture taken. Whenever she sees a camera out, she has to jump in front of it. Yesterday, my mom bought me a new digital camera. It was the exact one I wanted and she told me..."you realize this is Mandy's camera," because Mandy has everything so my mom got us a camera instead. Of course Katie overheard this and when I was explaining to Mark where the camera came from, Katie piped in the middle of conversation and said, "no mommy, you silly, it's Amanda's camera!" Boy nothing gets past her!

She's Not a Baby Anymore!

With labor fast approaching, I have remembered all of my labors and the anticipation of meeting your child for the first time. I have been especially been looking back at my pregnancy with Molly and all of the thoughts and worries I had with her. I expected her to be so different, but yet, the same as she is. It's funny how your initial ideas of their personality are changed and forgotten so quickly and acceptance of who they are overtakes any preconceived notions. Molly is not my baby by any means. She is concerned for me and my health. Every groan of every contraction I do not hide from her there is a show of concern on her little 7 1/2 year old face, which follows with, "Mommy is that baby pushing on your privates???" At that moment, I realize she is not as naive as I think she is. Then of course I wonder, where in the world did she hear that and what is her idea of pregnancy and birth? It is such a guessing game of just how much information you should give her. You don't want to give her too much because she may get worried, but not too little because she may get the wrong idea and worry about that. Hmmm, parenting isn't all that easy once they grow and get their own ideas and mind. It is very neat to watch your baby girl start growing into an empathetic little girl that is getting closer to joining the women's club.

Jen's Conversation with God

God and I have had a certain conversation for many, many years now. It is only now that I am beginning to hear Him. Now mind you, I said, hear him, not necessarily listen. (Although, I am forever trying to change that.) Our conversation has been a small whisper from Him for example, He says, "No, not now...", or "Jen...you are not in control...I am." Sometimes the whisper turns into a firm statement and at times in my life it has been a desperate (as desperate as God could ever be) call to me to remember who is in control. Always has His whisper and calls been loving and steadfast, never out of anger or out of irritation. He has been forever loving, just, comforting and true. So during this pregnancy He has whispered ever so gently all nine months to me to stay quiet and listen. Our conversations go like this...

"Oh my gosh, I am pregnant, God, I can't take another miscarriage! Please spare me!" Jen pleaded
"My dear child...don't you know by now I will get you through anything?" God replied.
"But God, I have to try to remain calm because I am going to keep this baby, you wouldn't let me loose again, it must be part of Your plan."
"Wait...you'll see. I am in control." God said
"Lord Jesus, please help me not to worry, I am on my knees and my heart is beating faster as I wait to get a glimpse of your creation on this ultrasound screen. Please, please Lord I will not be able to loose again. I am not strong enough. Please let there be a hearbeat."
"It's okay....I am in control. I can and will get you through anything. Don't you know that by now."
"Oh Jesus please help me to trust your promises of strength to endure all things through You." I begged. "Why do I have to have placenta previa....I always have to have something. Can't I just have a normal pregnancy?"
"Shhhh, it's okay. I am here and always will be."
"God today my perfect pregnancy is over. I have gestational diabetes and now I may not deliver in the natural birthing center. This is not the way I planned it Lord."
"Jennifer, don't you know what I have planned for you? Trust me."
"Oh God, please don't let me have this baby early. I can't handle another thing. I shouldn't be contracting at 33 weeks. I didn't plan it this way. I can't have this baby until at least 34!"
"Jen, just wait."
"Praise God, I have made it to 36 weeks! Now I can have this baby as I have planned in the natural birthing center and I am ready to go now Lord. Any day now!"
"Shhh...listen...it is my plan."
"Oh Lord I am not ready for this pain. I have been having 5 days of contractions and I am off to the hospital. This is it! Lord help me get through this, and thank you for helping get what I wanted...to get to 36 weeks!"
"Oh my gosh! What do they mean, Lord that I haven't progressed. After all those contractions, I just want to have this baby safe in my arms Lord. We have waited so long!"
"Jen...wait. In my time she will be here. She is safe."
"Okay God, I get it. It has been 4 days since I was in the hospital and apparently all of these contractions aren't doing a hoot to get things going. I am almost 37 weeks and I am not progressing since Sunday. Wouldn't you know it, we are so prepared for her arrival. I've left work on maternity, her room is ready, my bags are packed...Lord what's the hold up?"
"Shhh, Jen, I have created her, I have created you. I know your life and how it will go and hers too. Enjoy your pregnancy you have so desired. I am giving this child to you. She will arrive when I say she will. Do you understand now that I am in control? You don't have anything to do with it. It is a blessing for all women to carry My creation close to their hearts. So please enjoy it."

Fooled Ya!

On Sunday the 23rd. , after 3 days of contractions, 5 minutes apart, we headed to the hospital and were sent home. Apparently, Mandy is playing games. They did an ultrasound and she looks great but she is not ready to make her grand entrance into the world yet. That is fine with mommy and daddy, she's not quite term yet. We'll keep you posted. By the way, make sure you take our latest poll to the right.

Update on Mandy

The latest news on Mandy. I went to the doctor yesterday and she checked me and I am progressing. I am only dilated to 1 1/2 but she said I am pretty soft. Basically she said to prepare for next week. The contractions have subsided a little but last night they were pretty intense, but were not in a pattern. My doctor keeps saying I am going to go early, but ya know, I wonder. This will be the time that I go 4o weeks. Please just hope and pray that Mandy doesn't make an appearance until after Sunday night of this week. Monday would be good. I will be into my 36 week. Otherwise anytime after that is fine too. We are very excited that it is getting close. It is amazing that it has gone so fast. Soon there will be a little baby in the Thibault household.

Katie and Mommy

My mom took this picture of me and Katie. It was taken at the spree fireworks.

Our Downtown Trip Before School Starts!

MOMMY AND KATIE TIME; KATIE IS SILLY!!!

MOLLY'S FIRST DAY OF SECOND GRADE

Boy Am I Nesting!

They aren't kidding when they say you hit your 3rd trimester and start nesting. I don't think I nested quite as crazy as I have this time. This a picture of the junk we have thrown out from our house. This, by the way, is the 5th garbage day since I have started throwing stuff away. Did we really need all this stuff??? Nope....don't think so. I feel so free now!

School's Next Week!

Yesterday, Molly found out who her teacher would be. We happy to see that it was the one teacher we have been praying she would get. Mr. Risko. She also has one of her good friends in her class. She is thrilled, although disapointed that her best friend is not in there with her. We are so looking forward to this school year. I have heard he is energetic and enthusiastic and that he is excellent with the kids. Yeah! So thanks to everyone who has been praying along with us.

POLL RESULTS IN!!!!

The poll results are in! After 2 weeks at the polls people seem to think that Mandy will be between 7 lbs 9 oz to 8 lbs. Bless you all that voted for that! He he! 44% voted that way, and second was 7 lbs to 7lbs 8 oz at 33% and in last place, thank goodness was at 22% of voters was 8 lbs to 9lbs. Thanks for voting but I think I will pray with the 44%!

What is going on with some people????

Okay, as much as I love my OB office sometimes I wonder what communication is going on there. Today was the first time I saw my doctor since I found out I have gest. diabetes. She asked me why my endocrinologist tested me for what they usually test full fledge diabetics. I told her because they said I had diabetes cuz that is what the nurse told me from the OB office. She said, "no...you are just intollerant, only 1 out of your 3 tests came back abnormal! She went on to say that they were just cautious now with people that are borderline and I needed to test every 4 hours and watch my diet. Ultimately she said she wasn't overly concerned and my numbers looked good. I am very relieved but I am irritated that the nurse at the OB said I was diabetic, and I specifically asked. Hmmm? What was she thinking?

I Have Proof!

You know the saying, when a husband comes home and says, "Honey I caught a BIG one!" and the wife replies, "Sure honey, that's nice." Meanwhile thinking that men always exagerate on size! Anyway, Mark, his brother and father went fishing on Houghton Lake and Mark was lucky and caught a big 19 inch bass. Here is proudly pictured with his new friend. Unfortunitely in the same trip his sliced his had after catching the fish and had to have 12 stiches so there was no time for gutting and fileting the fish so we weren't able to eat it. Bummer!

I FEEL OLD

Yesterday, I felt so old. I felt like I had a 55 year medical history when I only have a 33. I didn't realize how much medically I had been through in my short life until I went to a new endocronologist and laid out my history in detail. Wow! It makes you think eh? I also went to the dietian and nurse regarding my gestational diabetes and that was "fun." I love poking my finger! It's a little nerve racking and I am worried that I will end up with either a ceseran or having to be induced, both of which I have been praying not to have to do. But...I just want Mandy to be healthy that's the most important thing, not how she comes out. The good news is that my blood sugar came back great all day, except for the McDonalds I had to get on the way inbetween appointments. Just a word of advice, McDonalds really shoots up your blood sugar!!!! Wow! All of you should see the documentary on HBO called, "Super Sized." It is very true! And I just had what the dietian said I could did not have a big meal!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOMMY AND DADDY!

Today was Mark and my anniversary! Molly and Katie made a surprise for us. They decorated the coffee table with paperplates, homemade napkin holders, and umbrella drinks. The main course was Fiber One and for desert, marshmellows! It was all put neatly into coffee filters and we were asked to make a picture with the cereal and the marshmellows on the paperplate. We had a party and watched Scooby Doo! They were very inventive, unfortunitely Katie ate Marks meal! :(

Here we go....

Okay so I pretty much knew that life was going pretty smoothly when, "boom," a little bump in the road. After my 3 hour glucose tolerance test they called me 2 days later and told me that I in fact had gestational diabetes! Oh joy! In the whole grand scheme of things, it really isn't bad. The baby is safe and I am borderline so I don't have to be on insulin at this point. I am going to meet with a nurse and a dietitian on Monday the 20th and I should have some clear answers on how to deal with this. I am concerned because the Mandy is already fairly big for her age....but I am sure it will be controlled and she won't grow too excessively.

On a good note, Mark's last day is tomorrow and he will be starting his new job on the 20th. We are all really excited to be getting back into a normal schedule (8-5) instead of night shifts, day shifts etc... Life will start to get a little calmer at least until Mandy arrives!

MARK GOT THE JOB!!!

Mark just signed his offer agreement with the property management company downtown. What a blessing so far! They seem to be a fair and a professional company. Today I arrived home to find a man knocking on my door with a gift basket of goodies from the company! The card stated: "Changing jobs can be difficult, we are glad you chose us! Welcome!" I couldn't believe the amount of respect and generosity has shown us already. Most companies wouldn't ever send a gift to welcome you. We are thrilled, Mark has needed this for a long time. He is excited about starting his new job and working downtown. We have been very blessed!

SILLY MOLLY

Molly asked me, of course at 11pm how she was different than Katie, other than brown eyes and brown hair. Why do those in depth conversations always occur when it is hours past their bedtime? As tiered as I was last night I unfortunately didn't take the opportunity to tell her how special she was and uniquely different and told her we would talk about it tomorrow. It made me think after I left the room just how different she is. Molly is a type of kid that has to understand the world. The world needs to be fair and if it is not she wants to change it either by voicing her ideas to change it or protesting that it shouldn't be that way. Molly is kind. When a friend is hurting she will feel for them and try to comfort them. Molly is determined with certain friends to help them understand who Jesus is and sticks to it even if she doesn't mention it to them anymore by asking them to VBS or church. Molly is in tuned with who God is and why He is important, an envy of every adult, she has a childlike faith. My biggest prayer for Molly is that people see her through God's eyes and sees the uniquely beautiful little lady He is beginning to form and that she will always keep her faith. How is she different than Katie? It is hard to say since Katie has not formed her personality completely yet being so much younger than her. Molly has a lot more energy than Katie, she is very outgoing while Katie takes a different approach. Katie has more of a quiet demeanor while Molly is very much in the front of everyone and isn't afraid to show herself. Molly is sensitive but doesn't take on others feelings where as Katie does. All these unique qualities will hopefully make her a strong person and feel good about herself. I have heard more experienced moms say that you love your children all differently and I never realized that until recently. I love them both equally, but definitely differently. They are both joys.

SILLY KATIE

My newest pursuit to earn some money, while having fun is painting growth charts. Yes, my friend Sally has me "almost" convinced to sell my charts on ebay. We'll see. They are fun to make though I must say. So, while I was taking a picture of one of my growth charts of course Katie had to take a picture and she really hammed it up! Katie has been so hilarious lately, she has been such a joy to be around. Everything is silly and exciting and she beams her winning smile for no other reason but because you may have looked her direction. Last week, Katie slipped on the bottom step and hit her head on the corner of the wall. 1 trip to the ER and 1 staple later, she proved herself to be a trooper. She barely cried and even though she was scared to death of the CAT scan, she pretended she was a astronaut on a spaceship. This last Friday she had her staple removed and cried very little. What strong little lady she is becoming.

Baby Face.....Mandy's Latest

Mandy is showing her face! At almost 29 weeks I went for my ultrasound today. Mandy looked like a little baby! It is amazing the difference 10 weeks make. In the picture to the left the tech got a great face shot. You can almost see her chubby cheeks. Mandy is not lacking in growth. At 29 weeks she is estimated to weigh 3.5 pounds! Lord help me, she will be a big baby! They checked my placenta and praise the Lord it has moved to safe position! There is no problem with the position, I can have a normal delivery. Molly and Katie were there to see the ultrasound and they thought it was so great! When I asked Katie what she liked she said she liked the "bump, bump" (the heart and the heartbeat) and her head. Molly thought her face was soooo cute and she can't wait to be a big sister for the 2nd time. Katie is intrigued that she will not only be a little sister but a big sister too. We did double check and there is no doubt she is definitely a Mandy (girl). It was pretty obvious. Sorry Mark! Nah, Mark is thrilled to have 3 beautiful daughters. Life has been pretty blessed lately for our family. New job prospects for Mark, and a unbelievable healthy, uneventful pregnancy! We couldn't ask for anything more.