So, I've sung the praises of my dear, sweet husband on more than one occasion since I've been blogging. He's a good egg. I'm glad I married him and I'm glad he's the father of my children.

That said, he's not the best "pregnant husband" in the world. I've heard stories of other husbands who do things like run to the store at all hours to satisfy crazy cravings, whisper lovingly to their wives' bellies so their progeny will know their voices, rub their wives' swollen feet, and generally dote on the woman who carries their seed.

My husband does not do those things. As far as he is concerned pregnancy is just a period of time that I am fat and cranky and I need to get over it. (That may actually be true, but this is about his shortcomings, not mine. Stay on track here, please.)

As a matter of fact, when Peyton was born, Bud nearly passed out. He said it was because of the blood and muck, but secretly I think it was his first realization that he was Actually A Father Again. Before then, I'm quite sure he thought I had just been gaining weight from all the additional Ben and Jerry's I'd been eating, and with the extra weight came extra attitude.

So this time around, I've decided to take action - to get what I need when I need it instead of waiting around for Bud to figure out that I'm actually growing another human being inside of my body.

This involves a little advance planning. Keeping the refrigerator and freezer stocked with potential cravings, scrounging up an extra 10 bucks at the grocery store for a chair massage, taking a nap when I need it even if I get the evil eye for the dirty dishes in the sink as I slink off to the bedroom.

But, I've taken it one step further now. I've brought Prince Charming into my home. Now some of you may say I've gone too far here. But listen to me. He is a very good listener. He is not demanding, he doesn't need me to cook dinner or wash his underwear. He supports me where and when I need it. In short, Prince Charming is a pregnant woman's dream come true.

A description in mere words could never do him justice, so I'm posting a photo of me with Prince Charming.



Yes, Prince Charming is a body pillow. I think I'm in love.

What do obstetric care, optometry and gum surgery have in common? All are needed by someone in this family and none are covered by our insurance.

By the way, that was very funny, Miss Donna Smarty Pants.

Peyton needs glasses. I feel like a terrible mom. I had no idea she was having any difficulty with her vision. Then when I looked at the chart as she read it at the doctor's office on Monday, I couldn't believe the stuff she couldn't read.

Luke needs gum surgery. His gums are too thin covering his bottom front permanent teeth. The periodontist said that they take a bit of gum from the roof of his mouth and transplant it where it is needed to protect the roots of the teeth. $1300 for that nifty little procedure. Luckily, we can wait till summer for this one.

And of course, this baby must come out, and that costs money, at least it does if someone other than Bud is going to be present. And since he has a tendency to pass out at the sight of blood, we're ponying up the big bucks.

Today I am counting my blessings that these are the only health issues in this family. Believe me, I know it could be so much more difficult! And I'm thankful we can pay for what we need. There is always a silver lining. Today the silver lining is a little girl who can see, a boy who can keep his real teeth, and of course a precious new baby.

So what're a few bucks anyway?

Tune in tomorrow, as I will be introducing you to Prince Charming.

What do obstetric care, optometry and gum surgery have in common?

If you know the answer, you may put it in the comments. Otherwise, I will post the answer tomorrow.

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Life is as usual here. It is grey and cold outside, and if it weren't for various appointments out of the house, I would be growing roots in my bed right now with stacks of books piled all around.

I'm slowly digging us out of the pit that is this messy house. The laundry has reached Olympic Event proportions at this point, so I can no longer postpone it. The Christmas tree is In The Attic!

We're learning about Christopher Columbus this week, which of course is always a good time. Peyton is working on telling time in between moving from MUS Alpha to Beta. Luke finally finished multiple digit multiplication. He gets it, but it just takes. so. long. I'm as happy as he is to be moving on to division.

I had a bit of a concern with the pregnancy over the last couple of weeks, and have been restricted from exercise and other, ahem, strenuous activities. Those restrictions have been lifted, and I'm looking forward to getting over to Lifetime Fitness with the kids. I think just a little bit of vigorous elliptical time will help my sorry attitude tremendously. I think Bud's attitude might improve now too. He he.

I've found that if I eat more protein, I do better with the morning sickness. A well-timed scrambled egg has made all the difference. While I'm not totally feeling as wonderful as I would like, I'm definitely headed in the right direction.

So that's the boring update here at Casa Good Soil. Leave a comment, and let me know you've stopped by!

You know, the one on top that says I am 13 weeks and 4 days pregnant? Will someone please show it to my hormone riddled body? It seems to think I am still in the 8 week range, throwing up in the morning and getting nauseated at what should be really enticing foods.

I'm sorry I'm not blogging much. I feel like carp, and my house reflects that. When my house is in this much disarray, so is my mind. It doesn't help that we've been surrounded by ice for the last few days and, well, I just don't do cold, so I haven't been out for fresh air much.

This should be the time that I'm enjoying all kinds of food, s*x, and life in general. But no. I just want to lay my face on the cold tile floor next to the toilet, with a Diet Coke in a can nearby.

Sorry. Whining session is now officially over.

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Some fine art for you on this Fine Friday:



This is a "Rayograph" by Man Ray. These were done by laying objects on the photograhic paper and exposing them to light. This was the first project I did in my college photography class. They were so fun! I love looking at photography, and wish I was more accomplished at it. Browse some of Man Ray's works - they are fun and wacky!

We are back from a great ski trip to Winter Park, CO. No, we were not in the avalanche. We had already made it past the Pass and were tucked safely on the slopes when it hit. Thank God everyone made it out of there safely.

This little one is making him/herelf known. I did not get to ski with Luke on his first trip down a black slope. Nor did I get to ride the incredibly fun tubing hill with everyone. Plus, during our evening meals, five families worth of special meal requirements did nothing to ease my evening sickness.

Bummer? Well, not really. You see, watching Luke ski down a black hill would have given me heart failure, and generally staying on the green slopes allowed me to work on my form a bit more consciously, which I desperately needed. Missing out on the tubing allowed some nice hot cocoa time with Peyton. And the smell of the meals, well, that part really was unpleasant, but I wouldn't have traded the company of good friends for fresh air. And my general low key approach to the ski trip allowed for a day of pampering at a spa with four of my best girlfriends. So little Buster came through for me on this trip.

It was a grand trip. Which leaves me with sour milk in the fridge and a dozen loads of laundry today. Oh, and a Christmas tree to take down. And some work for the missions team at church I need to get done yesterday. But there is nothing better than being home. Nothing better at all.

Have a wonderful day!