Here He Comes!!!

Hi there, its Cassell. Jordan has asked me to be her temporary guest blogger for the time being. I heard from her just a little while ago via text message, and here's what I know:
This morning, after she woke up, her water broke. She went on to the doctor's office for her appointment. They went through with the scheduled sonogram and were able to determine that Cash is in the proper position for his short but arduous journey. Jordan also mentioned that they got a great final picture of Cash in utero. For the next one, he'll be in her arms. I'll head up to the hospital with my camera, so you can expect it here, later today.
She has been having mild contractions for the past few days, as she wrote in her previous post. But now that her water has broken, they have changed to a more intense pain. She assured me, though, that she is having "good breaks in between." She's so tough! And they just arrived at the hospital in the last half hour. Derrek is so excited, doting on Jordan and keeping her relaxed and in good spirits. Check back often, I'll keep you posted!

Still Waiting

Well, I've been having light contractions since Friday night but they taper off at night. And they just aren't really getting more intense at all even though I've had up to 8 or 9 in an hour. So, yeah, we're still here and Cash is still in my belly. If I make it until tomorrow, I'll have a sonogram in the morning and they'll monitor Cash a little bit. If he's still comfy in there and not too big I'll have the choice to just keep waiting it out or we'll see if we need to pick a date to induce. I'd like to avoid being induced even though I'm getting an epidural but at the same time, this waiting game is getting really old. The best part is I've gotten some really good sleep and rest this weekend so, hopefully, that will be a good head start for me into the sleep-deprived life of a new mom.

Cash & His Great-Grandmother

He's not one day old because he's not here yet. I'm not sure why he's decided to be a little stubborn but that's okay. My grandmother passed away two nights ago (October 30) and I like to think the two of them are having a little pow-wow before he gets here. I hope she's passing on her 94 years of grace and wisdom. My grandmother was easily the most magnificent woman I know and may ever know. Her faith was steady and her patience was infinite. She was a simple woman and as I get older and reflect on her life, I realize we all need more simplicity in our life these days. I'm so blessed that she was my grandmother and I'm sad that my children will not know her. I pray I can pass on some of her to them anyway.

I thank the Lord that Grandmother doesn't have any pain anymore. Just a week ago, we moved her to a nursing home but, until then, she lived very independently and in really great health (considering she was 94). I don't have a memory of Grandmother being frail or even a little bit not "with it". She was easy to talk to and sharp as a tack and I can't really imagine her going on any differently.

I also hope Cash can hold on just a couple more days so my mom can be here after saying good-bye to her mother. The circle of life is definitely going to be bittersweet this week...as it always is.

Grandmother and her girls at my wedding.

Happy Belated Anniversary!

So, not only did I not post on time for Derrek's birthday but I'm 12 days late posting for our anniversary. As of October 14, we've been married for two years. Both of us, in a loving way, say it seems much longer than that. I can hardly remember life before Derrek and his kids and I'm sure that's why it seems that way to him too:) You know, because it's been like heaven for him.

Everyone tells you the first year of marriage is much harder than you think it's going to be and that was VERY true. In fact, our first year lasted a little longer than that factoring in the step parenting situation and the difference in our past relationships. However, I have to say it has made it all that much more fulfilling in the end. Learning (the hard way) how to be part of a team like this is the best feeling I've ever felt. Maybe it's because it's such a miracle that two people can live in the same (tiny) house addressing issues of the past, raising step children, having children together, planning our future among it all and holding down two jobs we care about all while speaking two different languages, that's a huge accomplishment that we can be proud of together! We are the epitomy of freakin' Venus & Mars and we're still here and I'm still madly in love. He's creative, dedicated, loyal, a great cook, a passionate father, goofy, hilarious on pain medication, and, even considering he speaks Martian most of the time, there's no doubt in my mind he was made for me.

Our most recent pic that you've seen before (Octoberfest).

Our first anniversary in Colorado.

The last night of our honeymoon.

Our first steps as a family.

The beginning.

Can I Kick It?

Oh man, the magic of Blake’s soccer games is quickly fleeting. Just a month ago, he was out for blood, remember? Now, all he cares about is that he’s the guy that gets to kick it in once it goes out of bounds. As you can imagine, the ball goes out of bounds about every 10 to 15 seconds. As soon as the ball has made contact with the line, Blake’s hand is straight up in the air and he is running towards the coach shouting, “Can I kick it in?! Can I kick it in?! Can I kick it in?!” He still played a great game but if he only understood he had a better chance to be that kid to SCORE if he didn’t kick it in, we’d be better off. Okay, maybe I’d be better off. Oh well. Whatever, right? Here are some pics.

Band Night

On Friday, the middle school band had “Band Night”. They had to go to the high school football game and sit by the high school band. The high school band sits in the end zone very, very, very far away from the bleachers. Most parents thought that they would get to see the kids perform in some capacity at half time so we, of course went to the game. I brought the camera and waited for a good shot of her. She even told me “flutes are on the front row”. Well, they didn’t perform at halftime. So I took this picture instead.

We're Still Here!

I have no idea why updating my blog has been so difficult in the last week but I think about it all the time! Soon, I'll have pictures of the baby's area of the kids room that we are diligently working on. Three kids in one room is tough. It's given Derrek and me a new obsession to somehow get ourselves into a bigger home (whether we add on to this one or find a new one). We've picked a fantastic time to be obsessed since no one's really loaning money to people that can put about $1 down but we're focused on the task. Derrek hasn't really been feeling well and I think it seems worse than it is because he really expected to be completely on his feet by now. He was warned but I don't think he really believed it. The kids are getting ready for Halloween and Cash's arrival. We've had a soccer game for Blake and tomorrow night Ashley starts playing on a local volleyball league. Cash is still happy to be where he is and making no efforts toward the exit. My doctor told me Friday that as far as she can tell up to this point, we should have a relatively normal labor and delivery. Currently, neither of us would like to induce for any reason but that could change in a week or two. I hope to have a sonogram if I make it to the due date just in case he's a big boy. I may want to get him out of there at that point. Then again, maybe I won't want to know! But seriously, that counter thing to the right is freaking me out!!! I never thought I'd be so close!

My goal and promise this week is to get pictures up! The kids' room, soccer, volleyball, my belly, maybe even Derrek if he'll let me. Just don't give up on us!