Mommy Monday

I am slowing down...way down.  It's getting harder and harder to get things done during the day.  And it's getting hotter and hotter.  Funny thing is that it is raining more than we can remember for a December which cools things down temporarily but we also lose our electricity (our fans!!).  Sometimes even when it isn't raining for some reason the power just goes out.  Ahh...the effects of living more rural.  It shouldn't surprise us but it does.  The kids have slowed down a bit during the day too, all of them except Judah, which makes bedtime interesting.  This is the biggest gap between children we have and as I've said before he is unlike any other two year old we've had.  Full of life, full of energy...non-stop unless he's sleeping.  He was like that in the womb.  I remember sitting in the back pew at church the day before he was born and watching him twist and turn in my belly.  Never mind he didn't have much space to move; he was going to move around no matter what!   This little girl likes to move too but usually while I'm sitting and eating or when I'm laying down resting.  It will be very interesting to see what her personality is like. 

Currently I don't have a doctor who is going to deliver her.  Being six hours from the city and that our normal family doctor has taken on a new position with the Ministerio de Salud and has told me straight out that he cannot commit to be available for the delivery, I'm not sure what to do.  There is a new doctor already here in Paraguay to work at the same practice but his paperwork in order to officially practice is taking longer than anyone thought.  This doctor was raised here (his father is Paraguayan and his mother American), went back to the States to study medicine and has now returned with his family to live and work here.  I had an appointment all lined up with him later this week to meet him but he won't be legalized till at least Februrary.  Our teammate actually had a recommendation for us for another doctor but honestly, I just cried when I got off the phone with him.  Really?  My 6th child and I have no idea a month before she is due who's going to deliver her?  We went through this with Judah in Texas b/c we were in a new place but thought we wouldn't be looking for another doctor now that we're back in Paraguay.  Three of my other children were born here.  I thought we'd be able to use the same doctor as before.  In the end I know all things will come together and when it comes down to it as long as she is safe and healthy, that is the most important.  I am so thankful that even though I was the sickest for the first trimester than all the others and had a major ear infection and definitely have more powerful mood swings with this one, all in all I am healthy and she seems to  be as well.  I am also extremely grateful to our friend/teammate/doctor Jeff McKissick who is always so willing to help us with any medical need and is close by.  I have been able to talk to him and he's kind-of kept tabs on me with ultrasounds, blood pressure check the other day and encouraging me to get necessary blood work or any other kind of lab work done.  But he's our friend and unless there's an emergency...he is not delivering.  That would be too weird for us.  We have joked that Dan could watch some youtube videos, Jeff could coach him and Dan could deliver...but not really!! 

Besides all that, all else seems OK.  We leave early Monday morning for a three day team training at a camp with air conditioning and a pool!!  We are all excited to get away for a bit...a break from the heat, time with our team/good friends, and a time of cultural learning as well.  After that we are going to the city (1-1 1/2 hours from the camp) to finish up Christmas shopping, figure out our doctor situation, see The Hobbit and/or new Thor movie, eat some ice cream...essential things! :) 

 

And here's a cute picture of my kids!  Every Friday we have pizza and try to do a Family Night.  Last Friday we put up our Christmas decorations and had Christmas pizzas.  I did that last year too during December and it's a fun way to add some festiveness to our normal family routine.  So thankful Toby is doing better as well and eating again!  He went for a week w/o eating hardly anything and barely making it off the couch.  The day I heard his laugh and he was talking playing LEGOS was wonderful!  As for baking...peppermint chocolate fudge is as good as it is getting here.  I'm sure there'll be plenty of goodies at the team training. :)