Entering the Better Days

I've recently had a change in pace with my pregnancy symptoms that convinces me that I am most certainly entering week 13 of my pregnancy. The food cravings are down (darn), the nauseau is infrequent. For me dreams became mostly nightmares these past 3 months. But after last night, I think they're going give me a little break too.

My evenings from 4pm on are still rough, recently filled with migraine level headaches that do not flinch at extra strength acetomeniphin. While bedridden with those aches last night, I somehow managed to smack my toes against the bed post - really hard. So in addition to my slight nausea, plantar faciitis pain in my right heel and throbbing head, I've bruised the middle toes on the same foot. - Yes, I'm offering it up, but can't help whining a little.

Yesterday, after spending all day watching the Inaguration speeches (not bad), parade (mad he turned away when MN marched by), and a little bit of NCIS (woah)... I figured I was in for a rough night of dreams. Surprisingly, last night was more refreshing, full of quirky things like me eating Chicken Pot Pie and doughnuts. {Upset this morning we don't have any doughnuts} Those nummies were given to me by my loyal friend Hyde (pictured) from That 70's Show. I also did some back seat driving, literally. Believe it or not, that dream was a relief, because for the past months I've had nightmares about my youngest daughter dying or getting injured in many ways. Waking up in a state of tramatic shock, having to reconvince myself everyone is okay.

But the thing that stikes me most about my dream last night was someone who appeared and told me something profound. It's almost 2 years since my Dad's mom and brother died about a week apart. My Grandma has been in my dreams off and on since then. Last night, however, my Uncle Gary showed up in my dream when I was [researching recreation centers in the area.] He looked right at me, holding a soup laddle (of all things?) in his hand, reached his arms back in a golf swing position and said,

"If you're going to play the game, STOP fidgeting, and swing already!" as he took a full swing straight at me - and I awoke.

Shortly after my husband came in to kiss me goodbye before he left for work. I told him what I heard from Gary in my dream, and he too thought it profound - and possibly something to ponder. So I have. If you know me, you know that I am a procrastinator. So this comment fits me perfectly.

There are many things in my life that I consider "my game" - such as homeschooling. If I really want to make this work for my family and me, I need to stop figeting with the setbacks of my pregnancy symptoms and get my kids back to school! For the past two weeks we've cut back to reading, playing and flashcards. Not bad, but not enough - heck - last week was quarter 2 test week and we're not ready! Thank goodness for flexibility.

Now that I am feeling somewhat better, reaching the 2nd Trimester which is usually great for me - NOW is the time to "swing already." As well as with anything else I've been holding off on.

Is there anything you want to do that you've been fidgeting around for awhile? Are you going to take a swing already?


I read that Sarah has with some sewing
Laura is getting ready to run
Tracy is detoxing
and Margaret is getting ready for a second conversion! Good for you!

Paula had a great quote on her blog:
"Take care not to meddle in things which do not concern you, nor even allow them to pass through your mind; for perhaps you will not then be able to fulfill your own task."

- St. John of the Cross

Getting back into the "swing" of things!

PRAYER TO ST. GERARD

O Almighty and everlasting God, Who, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of Your Divine Son; and, through the operation of the same Holy Spirit, sanctified St. John the Baptist, while still in his mother’s womb; hearken to the prayers of Your humble servant who implores You, through the intercession of St. Gerard, to protect her amid the dangers of childbirth and to watch over the child with which You have deigned to bless her; that it may be cleansed by the saving water of Baptism and, after a Christian life on earth, it may with its mother attain everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.


A PRAYER FOR AN EXPECTANT MOTHER

Lord, may the child that lies close to my heart grow strong and perfect.
Give me the grace Dear Lord, to be a wise and loving mother.
Mother of all mothers, guide and protect me in my pregnancy.
Help me to keep my mind pure and free from sin so that I may breathe
and weave holiness and lovingness into the soul of my child. Amen