~Praising the Lord for His faithfulness.  His love endures forever.~
Just a side note, I read today that my baby BOY has more taste buds NOW than he will when he is born.  Which means the amniotic fluid tastes differently and foods can cause him to kick, jolt, or hiccup!  He moves around all the time and it's so nice to feel!!! It reassures this mom.  Baby Micah is growing very well and is very healthy! 

Are you wondering who Micah is?  Well think no further!!! Micah is the baby that is growing in muh belly!  Yep!  We named our little guy already and are anxiously awaiting his arrival.  His full name will be: Micah Jewell Carter Dixon! 

Went for my another appointment this week!  God is so good, folks!  All the time and don't ever think different.  My baby boy is growing so fast and so healthy!  I got a call the week of Christmas that they wanted to do another Ultrasound because they didn't get good pictures of his brain.  I wondered after this phone call if that was their way of saying something was wrong without actually telling me.  NOPE!  He's perfect!!!  (well as perfect as any human can be).  GOD IS AWESOME!  I am thankful God gave me peace to get through that grey area, also known as time, during the waiting period for my next appointment.  Not only is he doing awesome - he's a fatty patty!!!! He's in the 85 percentile for his weight!  WOW!  He's almost 2 pounds and should only be a little over one pound!  WOWSERS!  I am measuring a week and 5 days ahead of what I am.  I feel like I'm huge, but I am going to brag right here - I HAVEN'T GAINED ONE POUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I asked if I should be concerned about this and they said no.  I've lost a total of 19 pounds, but it's okay.  They said I might make up for it later in the third trimester!  I do have a big baby bump and NOTHING normal fits, but I don't care.  I am loving it!  Micah moves around all day long.  He especially likes to wiggle around when I'm ready to greet some well-anticipated sleep.  (Uh-oh - is he already mimicing a college-kid rountine????)  LOL

Last but, definately not least, Micah will enter this world April 27!! Providing nothing happens between now and then, it's on the schedule as of today! 

It's rather ironic really.  Both my boys were born on days with a 7 (Noah - 10/27 and Micah 4/27) and my girls were born on days ending with a 3 (Lydia 11/23 and Ruthie 12/3).  God has an amazing sense of humor and I think it's a perfect way to end my child-rearing days!  I did ask for a tubal, so this will be my 4th and final child.  Ending a such a sweet note is music to my ears.  I'm really blessed!  Plus, I didn't want any more kids after 30 - so this is just really perfect because I will be 30 this July!

Thank you all for your prayers!  I have like 16 weeks to go and appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement!

God is good - can I get an amen????

I started my first batch of Christmas baking today.  Ruthie and I made a very yummy recipe and it took hardly any time.  Most you know that I do daycare at home for an infant and during his nap I was able to complete these.  I thought I would share the recipe with all of you.  They are tasty and easy - my favorite cookie of all!

Russian Tea Cakes

1C Butter (do not substitute)

2 1/4C Sifted Flour

1/2 C Powdered sugar

1tsp. Vanilla

3/4C Chopped Nuts

Mix together and roll into small balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Cook 10-15 minutes at 325.  While cookies are warm, roll in powdered sugar.

If you bake these - enjoy!  I hope they brighten the smiles of those you love!  Ruthie was very proud of her hard work and I loved how my kitchen aide mixer had this recipe mixed in under 1 minute!

Thought this was an interesting share.  Take a moment to read this profound message.  God's blessings to you this Christmas and may you and yours find blessings of prosperity and health all through the next year. Love - N

'Twas the fight before Christmas when all through the house
Not a good deed was stirring, and Dad was a louse!
Their mother was angry and loaded with care,
'Cause the gift list was longer than ever this year!

The children were nagging for gifts worth a ton,
And Dad was convinced, "Christmas just isn't fun!"
With Mom's loud complaining, and Dad mad at all,
They loaded the car for the trip to the mall!

They stopped first at Sears to buy Grandma a platter,
At Wards Sis tried on jeans that confirmed she was fatter!
They stopped at the ATM for some more cash,
And saw their new neighbors with THEIR Christmas stash!

Hearts sank as they saw what their neighbors could spend,
"We've got to buy more!" everybody chimed in!
When, what to their shopping red eyes should appear,
But a sign with the answer to their Christmas fear.

"Use credit, use VISA, use MasterCard,
Just run up their limits, it's not very hard!"
More rapid than eagles, the charges, they came
And they whistled and shouted and called them by name.

Now Nordstroms, now K-Mart, now Price Club and Kinneys,
To Broadway, to Target, we'll finish at Penney's!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall,
Their packages piled up; they'd OUT-BOUGHT THEM ALL!!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky,
So flew away hope of a Christmas of joys,
Not a problem was changed by the gifts and the toys.

And then, in a twinkling, Dad knew without doubt,
They needed to know, "What is Christmas about?"
That night in a dream he saw Bethlehem town,
And a babe in a manger with thorns for a crown!

And then what Dad saw brought the tears like a flood,
Christ's back was all tarnished where lashes brought blood.
A rugged old cross was His tortuous rack,
As He shifted it's weight to His now bleeding back.

His eyes, filled with burdens, 'twas nothing there merry,
The thorns had no roses, the night became eerie.
His dry thirsty mouth was drawn thin like a bow,
And the beard of His chin was plucked out cruelly, and slow.

The cross on His back held him high in His shame,
And the soldiers encircled His death with a game.
He had a kind face, in His eyes none saw hate,
And He shook when they laughed at His horrible fate.

He was dying for me, took my sins on Himself,
And I wept when I saw Him, in spite of myself.
A look in His eye, and the twist of His head,
Soon gave me to know, I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to His work;
And He took all my sin, and then turned with a jerk.
"It is finished," He said.  Death He willingly chose,
Then GLORY TO GOD, from the grave He arose!!

Dad sprang from his bed, shouting what Christmas gives.
"It's not all the gifts, but that Jesus now LIVES!"
So you'll hear them exclaim, on their next Christmas night,
Happy Christmas to all,
WHO WILL KEEP CHRISTMAS RIGHT!!

~ Author Unknown ~

Thought I would share with all of you the funny I experienced at my Ultrasound on Monday.  Although I say funny, it was mostly disappointing, but in the same breath I am thankful at the same time.

I went to my ultrasound on Monday and as you Mom's know out there you have to have a full bladdar (yikes!!).  So, she takes all the pictures that the Doctor ordered and then starts shaking the ultrasound thingy while it's on my tummy.  I'm like, "what the heck are ya doing?" She tells me that the baby's feet are crossed at the ankle and she's trying to apply a bit of pressure to get the baby to move.  I suggest (wink wink) that maybe if I went potty it would relieve some pressure - enough for the baby to move around, etc. 

So, after I potty, we get back to the ultrasound and PTL the baby uncrossed the legs.  Yay - right?  NO! The baby begins to take the heel of it's foot and kick back and forth from the groin area.  Next, the baby takes it's hand and places it around the groin area.  The final straw - the cord drops between the legs leaving both the US Tech and me laughing.  "FORGET IT!" she says, "your baby is one stubborn cookie".  DUH! 

However, in the ultrasound, we see the baby is around 1lb already (average size is 10oz) and from the measurements during the ultrasound, the baby is measuring bigger than my gestational age.  So far, baby is healthy.

I said to Steven if this is any clue to baby's personality and disposition, we're in big trouble..... LOL

I saw my OBGYN that afternoon following the ultrasound and my doctor (God Bless her!!!) says to come in next week for another US for a sex check....stay tuned for more details.  If the sex still is un..ed, I am going to take the hint that God wants baby to be a surprise!  Don't you love God's sense of humor? 

On another note, I have some medical tests next week, on Wednesday and all you praying folks out there - I would love your prayers!  I've got higher blood pressure than they would like (136/78 - I don't think it's too horrible) and she is also suspecting some gestational diabetes.  They aren't major things, but with the thought of another pre-eclampsic pregnancy, I would just rather pass.  Also, this doctor is planning to schedule my C-section around the last week of April.  We thought it would be earlier, but she wants me to go as far as possible.  If we get to the point of things turning different, we'll go from there. 

April can't come soon enough!!!! (but I'm enjoying every minute of it even when I fall and crack my.....)

So we've been really busy lately and I've picked up a child for my in-home daycare. He's so stinkin' cute! I'm so lucky to have a good baby!! He's going to be two months old next week and my family just goes goo-goo gaa-gaa over him!  Haven't been on myspace as much and when I do, I'm too lazy to comment, etc.  If you're one of the lucky few to hear from me, pat yourself on the back.  You must have been special that day.  LOL!  I'm just kidding - all my friends are special.  Chances are if I've written you God put you on my heart!

So, on with the title.  Funny times over here at the Dixon Homestead.  Ruthanne's 5th birthday was a riot, even though at times I wanted to bury my head in the snow (little stinker).  Here are a few funnies.....

1). While opening her presents, particularly a childs real digital camera, she opens the present (and by that I mean sheds the wrapping paper in 3 seconds flat) and exclaims, "Batteries included!!!" Apparently, she watches commercials and some how thought the camera was called batteries included! HAHAHAHA

2). As guests arrived, Ruthanne would mutter something to the effect, I'm glad you are here.  When my sister arrived, she exclaimed, "Alison, I've always wanted you at my birthday party!" (Note: Alison has never missed a birthday, yet!"

3). Grandma/Grandpa from Fort Wayne came down this evening to watch the MANY basketball games and give Ruthie her birthday presents.  I was joking around with Ruthanne while waiting for the camera man (a-hem, anal retentive husband who would buy a mini sqweedge for the lens if it was available).  I told Ruth that the gift was mine.  She jostled back and forth with me, until a desperation arose within her that she might not get the present afterall.  I tell her I am older and have spent money on her so I deserve the present.  She says, "well mom, I"m prettier!!!" OH SNAP! LOL!

4). During her birthday party on Wednesday, Ruthanne would pick the decorations off the cake, lick them, and them place them back on the cake! OY!

5).  Ruthie would snap back and forth with me during her party about her attitude and slight bossiness (not MY daughter, never).  She would tell me, Mom it's my birthday and I can do what ever I want to!!! OMGosh! Does it ever end with her wittiness.....

6). Lydia comes home this past Friday with an art paper in tote.  She is very excited to show me her masterpiece and I am very delighted to see her hard work.  I study the art work.  The caption on the paper said, "On the night before Christmas, we always go to find our tree".  Okay, we've never waited that long, but that isn't what got me..... In her drawing, she has a picture of our Trailblazer (and again, it isn't orange, but big deal, right?) driving down the road with Christmas trees ahead of the car.  Okay, her picture depickets her storyline.  BUT! Behind my trailblazer is another car.....this car is blue and has the words: Piece Oficer!!!!!! Mind you, this art work was hung up in the school halls for ALL to see.  What do you think the major consensous was when adults alike read my daughters paper? Let me help you out......She (meaning MOM) gets pulled over a lot!!!!!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  (which isn't true ANYMORE! And usually it's because I'm not wearing my seatbelt!!)

7). "Noah did you brush your teeth?" I said earlier.  Noah responds, shakily, "yes mom!".  It's been a battle lately to get him to be agree-able with brushing his teeth.  He was only absent from the living room for a couple seconds and I'm sitting right next to him.  I can see his teeth. I say, "Noah, are you sure?".  He says, "Yes mom.  I even sang Happy Birthday twice!".  Okay, I admit, that was a  believable answer but yet I'm still a bit doubtful.  "Noah, did you use toothpaste?"..... silence...... "Oh, man mom!  I'm forgot to use tooth paste!"  WHAT THE HECK!!!?? Repeat this story and add Shampoo instead of toothpaste.  Yeah - that's been Noah this week.  I'm the mom of the dirty boy, yes sir ree!  He thinks water cleans himself and Shampoo is just a suggestion!!!

Calgoon....take me away!  (or any fine cowboy like the Dixie Chics sing!!!)

I can't believe my first born daughter is turning 7!  I'm so proud of her - she's really blessed my socks off! 

I can remember when she was born so clearly, too!  I can remember calling Steven 50 million times wondering where the heck he was at!!  In 2001, Lydia was born the day after Thanksgiving!  I was around 37 weeks pregnant and that week, it was a Tuesday, my doctor asked me if I was ready to have a baby (and I actually said NO!  LOL)  Steve was at work and having a difficult time getting off work so he could be with his wife!  Gotta love Anthony Wayne Services!  (NOT) Anyways, the woman who was to replace him that morning took her sweet time getting there as was LATE to say the least!  He got there minutes before they wheeled me into the surgery room.  (my babies are c-sections babies) I can remember when Steven walked into the room I was busy applying lip gloss to my lips.  When I had Noah, just the year before, I can remember my lips were so incredibly dry afterward the c-sections.  LOL!  How naive of me - to think the lip gloss would make a difference. 

We all got a kick out of Steven's drab!  He was dressed head to toe in scrubs.  Even his shoes were covered with little footie-like things and he had to wear this cap on his head!  To me, he was a sight.  Lesley and I laughed forever. I even think Lesley had to help him pull all the scrubs over his clothing.  I guess, the TV tech, was techniqually challenged! 

It was a very laid back surgery - more so than any other c-section I've ever experienced.  Lydia - God love her- was a stubborn little girl, even in utero!  She was breech!  Only one time, during my entire pregnancy, was she ever positioned correctly!  It gave me high hopes that I might be able to VBAC her delivery, but that night, while lying in bed, I completely remember (as does Steven) when she went FLIP and went right back where she wanted to be - breech position!  I should have know that it was a tiny clue as to who this girl was inside my belly. 

Her stubborn-ness actually, is more of a quality, really. When she was a tiny baby she was very sick with acid reflux and she only weighed one pound over her birth weight at almost 4 months old!  She over came her illness and thickened up in no time, but some damage was done already.  Lydia's had struggles through her life... asthma as a one year old - in and out of hospital through her 12-24 months old.  Some of her problems as a baby set her back emotionally, but my girl is stubborn and fights! 

Right now, in 1st grade - she is blowing the socks off of the staff who thought she would fall through the cracks!  She's an excellent reader, has beautiful handwritting (she didn't get it from me, I can assure you), and so is so artistic! 

I'm just blessed!  Purely!  Most definately, blessed! She is so caring and loving, sometimes I think she is older than she really is!  I am in awe that 7 years has flown by so fast!  I'm almost sad over it because again, it means my time with my children is fleeting.  Never have I ever felt such an urgency in my life to invest so deeply and richly in my children's lives.  My kids have changed my life so much - changed the direction in which I go, so much, that I can hardly remember who I was back before I had them! 

My cup runneth over and I look foward to many many more years of Lydia and just enjoying her for her!! Thank you Jesus for Lydia!