A List of Ten

A list of ten things I love about fall:

1. Pulling out the fall clothes and feeling like I have a new wardrobe (Although my growing body means a lot of clothes don't fit. So I'm dreaming of a new wardrobe - - leggings, sweater dresses, boots, skinny jeans, cardigans...)
2. Soups, chili, and baked treats
3. Waking up to a chill in the house and snuggling with a blanket on the couch
4. Starting the coffee pot right away and enjoying a steamy mug with pumpkin spice creamer
5. Being able to go on a walk at any time of day and not feel like I'm going to die
6. Having the doors and windows open
7. Colorful fall sunsets
8. Knowing Thanksgiving is right around the corner
9. Enjoying the abundance of pumpkin flavored yummies
10. Knowing our electric bill is getting a little break from having the a/c off!

Fall has always been my favorite season. Growing up in Illinois, my list of fall favorites was a little different. It would include bonfires, seeing the leaves change, and pulling out the jackets. Since we've moved to Florida, I have had to adjust to a new fall season. Even though it took a long time to get here, I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures and no humidity!

Meal Plan

It's been a long time since I've posted what we're eating around the Crouse House, but Brittany inspired me!

Monday: Chicken, broccoli, and cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce
Tuesday: Red beans and rice, cornbread
Wednesday: Pizza or chili
Thursday: Chili/Frito pie
Friday: Out of town
Saturday: Out of town
Sunday: Out of town

19 Weeks

Sleepless Nights

I've always had occasional trouble sleeping. I have trouble shutting my mind off and letting my body relax enough to sleep. There have been nights when I don't fall asleep until 4 or 5 in the morning. It gets rather annoying.

Thankfully, since I've been pregnant I haven't had hardly any trouble sleeping! I can fall asleep anywhere in about 5 minutes. It's been great. I've been able to experience that feeling of being so tired I'm asleep before my head hits the pillow. Lovely, sweet sleep.

Until last night...

I tossed and turned, physically and mentally. My body was exhausted, but my mind wasn't ready to sleep. Around 1 AM, I got up and decided I was hungry. So I had my first "crazy-pregnant-lady-food-moment." I ate an entire can of fruit cocktail followed up by an oatmeal cream pie. I was really wanting some of the jalapeno cheddar Pringles I bought at the grocery store, but I was tired by the time I got done eating the entire can of fruit cocktail. I washed it down with glass of ice water, made a couple trips to the bathroom, and slipped off into peaceful sleep. p

Five Things

A list of the top 5 things I'm looking forward to in the next month:

5. The election being over (and hopefully a new President)
4. Halloween being over
3. Thanksgiving
2. Our sonogram on Nov. 6th
1. Our Reveal Party on Nov. 11th

18 Weeks

Baby Crouse

We were able to see Baby Crouse for the first time yesterday! It was such an amazing experience. I'm still in awe when I look at the pictures. It is truly a miracle to see God forming this little one. From the ultrasound, the baby is measuring right on track for 17 weeks. He/she weighs about 6 oz. S/he's an active little thing! It was so much fun to watch all the movement!

17 Week Midwife Appointment

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I had my first appointment with the midwife today. I won't actually see the same midwife each time. It's a group of 5 midwives who practice together. Because they rotate every 24 hours at the hospital and you can't guarantee which one you'll have at delivery, they have you see a different one each time. I really liked the one I saw today. She answered a lot of my questions about how flexible and supportive the hospital/nursing staff is with natural labor and delivery.

The baby's heart rate is in the 150s. It sounded good and strong! I am measuring a little big, so we go for an ultrasound tomorrow to confirm the due date! I'm super excited since we haven't had an ultrasound done at all yet! The full anatomy scan will be in 3 weeks.

17 Weeks

I'm not sure why this picture is kind of blurry! My self portrait skills are lacking. I've been feeling great and definitely growing! I'm enjoying actually looking pregnant instead of looking like I've eaten a few extra cookies! I have my first appointment with the midwife today and so excited to finally hear our little one's heartbeat again! I'll probably do a post about how the appointment goes later.

15 Weeks

A Love that Multiplies by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

I mentioned in my pregnancy update post the other day that I just finished reading "A Love that Multiplies" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. I've always been a fan of the Duggar family and love watching their show on TLC. I'm not trying to idolize them or put them up on a pedestal, but rather just share my thoughts about the book and their family in general. I realize they are just people and sinners just like you and me. But I'm thankful they live a life in service to God and in proclamation that they are sinners saved by grace. Psalm 107:2 comes to mind, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." 

I have always been in awe of how loving, tender, and gracious they seem to be on the show. As with any "reality" show, you wonder what really goes on behind the camera. I've heard many people doubt that the family is really like that, but rather they are just really good putting on a show. I've never bought into that thought and I am even more convinced after reading the book. As I was reading the book, I felt like I was getting a closer look into their family and having a good conversation with Jim Bob and Michelle. I truly believe they strive to show the love of Christ in their home and in their daily life. There's no doubt they fall short and human nature gets the best of them. In fact, Michelle very candidly opens up about some of those experiences in the book. But she didn't just share those moments and move on. She shared deep, life-changing lessons she has learned from those moments. It is truly encouraging to watch a family show such love to one another versus much of the "normal" families depicted on television. I would rather watch a family showing the love to one another and have possible doubts than to watch a family constantly fighting and know that it's probably reality.

One of the most convicting parts of reading the book was Michelle's section on parenting. Again, it has always amazed me on the show how quietly and calmly she speaks to her children. Even when she is correcting them or teaching an important lesson, she speaks in such a calm manner. In the book, she writes about her decision to parent in this way. Proverbs 15:1 is her reasoning: "A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." What a convicting thought! Is yelling the correct response to handling your child's misbehavior? If you think about it, yelling is usually the result of letting emotions take over reasoning. If you're yelling, you're more than likely not using good reasoning. It definitely isn't showing the love of Christ to your child. And your child probably can't even understand or fully comprehend what you're telling them because you're yelling. (Just a side note: I realize I have absolutely NO experience in parenting, so I have little credibility. I'm not trying to say what I think is the right way to do things. I'm just sharing my thought process and my reactions to what someone I consider an expert has to say.)

Mrs. Duggar shared several experiences when her children misbehaved and she reacted by yelling or getting upset. In the end, she realized her reaction was just as wrong as what the children did and she wasn't able to effectively get the point across. She realized the point to disciplining children isn't to prove that you are in control as the parent. The point to disciplining is to teach your children that they need to obey their parents even when they don't understand or agree. They need to learn to trust their parents because they have wisdom about situations that come with being a parent. That wisdom might regard safety or morality. Mrs. Duggar shared that her goal in disciplining her children with a soft and calm response is for them to realize they are being disobedient, give correction and reasoning for what they should have done, and affirm that they are being disciplined out of love.

Another aspect of the Duggar family that I have always admired is their approach to homeschooling. They have a hands-on approach to teaching their children. They value the learning that comes from real life experiences and teaching in the moment. Of course, they do have more "formal" aspects to their education that involves textbooks, computer tutorials, and organized curriculum. But the kids are encouraged to take learning into their own hands and find lessons in daily life. One of my favorite stories from their book was about their oldest son, Josh. When he was about 12 years old he earned a reward for doing something good (I can't remember if it was chores or what, but it doesn't make much difference). As a reward, he was given the option of receiving $20 or an old, rundown truck his dad had. He picked the truck. Over the years, he learned how to make repairs on the truck, worked to buy new parts, and made the truck usable again. By the time he turned 16, he had a truck to drive. I just love that! That experience then developed into him working on cars and now he owns his own used car lot. Talk about preparing a child for the future when they're young! Jim Bob and Michelle aim to prepare their children for adulthood. They encourage and focus on helping the boys work toward a career that will allow them to provide for a family. The girls are encouraged to learn skills to be wives, mothers, and helpmeets. This doesn't mean that they're stuck in the house learning to cook, do laundry, and wash dishes. They do learn those skills at a young age, but there are so many other ways they can learn helpful skills. A couple of the girls are involved in the volunteer fire and rescue service. They are studying to be midwives. They are in school for music education. Their heart is toward serving God and being wives and mothers. They aren't focused on having lucrative careers. That is something I admire greatly.

I could go on an on, but I would rather you just read the book for yourself. Again, please understand that I am not trying to idolize or put this family on a pedestal. I am sure there are many other families who live such a great example. And I even know some. I guess my point is to share that I am encouraged by this family's willingness to live a public life in service to the Lord. I feel like their testimony is inspiring to many. Sure there are doubters and critics, but isn't that what we're guaranteed as Christians? Do I think every Christian family should publicize their life? No. Honestly, I don't know that most family could do it in such an humble and honest way. I think the Duggars are able.

The bottom line is: live your life as a child of God so that others don't have reason to doubt, show the love of Christ, and go read about the Duggars.

Everett James

My nephew, Everett James, was born while I was visiting my family in Illinois. It was special to be at the hospital when he was born and be able to see him at just a couple hours old. He is adorable!

Everett James

7 lbs. 1 oz. 

22 inches

September 11, 2012

Everett James

 

 

 

Mum and Pop admire their first grandson

Future golfer, just like Daddy

Meeting Aunt Tasha

Bright, beautiful eyes

Cute little yawn!

14 Weeks

Woohoo! We've made it to the second trimester! I have to admit, I was hoping that once I hit 14 weeks, the nausea would magically disappear and my energy would reappear. So far it hasn't, but that's alright. I am thankful both have improved. I am just enjoying being pregnant and so thankful to be in this position, that I will gladly take the nausea and naps!

This week I've spent a lot of time thinking about the reality of the impact this will have on our lives. A lot of time has been spent debating over which doctor to use, decor for the nursery, names, what to register for, and other less important issues. I just finished reading "A Love that Multiplies" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (more to come on that in another post) and it brought to mind many areas of parenting and child-rearing. I have enjoyed spending time in thought, prayer, reading, and meditating over some of these areas. My approach with this pregnancy has been to educate myself as much as I can about a variety of topics. I use this same philosophy when considering parenting. I realize that I won't have a full understanding until I am knee-deep in parenting and experiencing it first hand. I realize that some of my thoughts, opinions, and goals will change. And I'm alright with that. However, I want to be intentional in how we raise our children. I find it worthy of much thought, prayer, studying, and discussion. So, that's what's been on my mind this week.

Oh, and picking out fabric for the nursery. :)

12 Weeks

Woohoo! We have hit 12 weeks! I am so excited for the second trimester to be right around the corner. I'm already feeling like I have a little more energy, but I do still enjoy my naps! :) I'm looking forward to  heading home to Illinois to meet my niece and (hopefully) nephew this week. We're anxiously awaiting my nephew's arrival into the world.

6 & 11 Week Baby Bump

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to document my growing belly. I love seeing pictures of women as they grow and change throughout the pregnancy. I took a picture a few days after I found out at 6 weeks to show the starting point. I got it all ready to post, but knew it would have to wait until after we made the official announcement. Since there haven't been  many changes between 6 weeks and now, I waited to take another picture until I reached 11 weeks. It's my hope to take a picture each week and share a few things I want to remember.

Last time wearing that dress for a while!

I think the dress makes the picture a little deceiving!

And Baby Makes 3!

Words cannot express how excited and thankful we are to announce that we are expecting our first little blessing on March 23, 2013!

We have known that we are pregnant for a little over a month and it has been HARD keeping our little secret! I am thankful to be feeling pretty well so far. I've had a little nausea, but nothing too miserable. Our first appointment was last Tuesday and we were able to hear the heartbeat! What a special moment! I could have listened to that sound all day, but the OB was in a hurry to move along with the appointment.

There's no denying that I'm pregnant! I haven't had crazy cravings, just have moments when only one specific thing sounds appetizing. Last night, we were laying in bed around 10:30 and I was hungry (which is a constant state for me). Chris looked at me like I was crazy when I said that I really wanted a salad from a salad bar. Ice cold lettuce, crisp peas, egg, ham, cheese, onions, ranch dressing, sunflower seeds, and croutons. I couldn't get it out of my mind! Earlier in the night it was a blizzard from Dairy Queen. That's all I could think about! Of course, I'm too lazy and practical to give into the cravings. I never understood the hype about pregnant women getting cravings, but I completely understand now! I find myself buying things at the grocery store I would have never considered buying before. Chicken nuggets are on my list for today. I don't know if I've ever bought chicken nuggets, but I'm buying some today!

I hope my lovely readers don't get tired of reading about the baby! If so, you might want to stay away from the blog for a while (or forever)! It's the most exciting thing in our life right now! Much more exciting than reading about the dog! :)

Charleston and Savannah Trip

Chris and I enjoyed a much-needed getaway to Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA last week. It was a bit of a spontaneous trip, but I love those the most! Charleston and Savannah have been on both of our lists of "must see" places for quite some time. The trip was a lot of fun and a perfect time together. There was so much to do in both cities. We enjoyed seeing the sites, doing some of the touristy things, eating a lot of good food, but mostly just being together. My favorite part of the trip was the time we spent just strolling through the streets, window shopping, and admiring the beautiful southern homes. 

Our only picture together from the trip.

We arrived in Charleston around 5 pm Tuesday afternoon. After checking into our room, we headed out to start walking the streets of Charleston. We came across this beautiful church cemetery and gardens.

This was my first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean. It was beautiful and serene to watch the sailboats and listen to the waves.

 

 

 

Wednesday morning we visited Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. The oak-lined drive was beautiful!

Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. This is still a working plantation, which provides produce and crops for local restaurants and a farmer's market. The outside of the home was used in the movie "The Notebook." It was absolutely beautiful and beautiful grounds!

Slave quarters at Boone Hall Plantation.

A glimpse into the slave quarters at Boone Hall Plantation.

One of the beautiful churches in Charleston

Beautiful Antebellum homes in Charleston

Rainbow Row in Charleston

Drayton Hall Plantation in Charleston

Our room at the Savannah Bed and Breakfast Inn in Savannah for Thursday night.

City Hall (I think?) in Savannah. The dome on top is real gold!

The beautiful, oak-lined drive to the Wormsloe Plantation in Savannah.

A colonial establishment on the grounds of Wormsloe,

The ruins at Wormsloe. The drive and the walk to the site was so beautiful, but it was a little disappointing to only see some stone rubble.

We ate supper at Lady and Sons in Savannah on Thursday night. It was yummy!

Karen Kingsbury

As you know, I love to read. I love to read a variety of genres and topics. You can see from the reading list on the sidebar the wide range of books I've read so far this year. Reading is a way for me to explore, learn, escape, and relax.

My very favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. I know I can pick up one of her books and be captivated, inspired, and encouraged. She is a talented Christian fiction author. While I don't completely agree with some doctrinal points she makes in her writing (i.e. Armenianism), I can get past that and enjoy the basic Christian values represented.

I have her newest novel, "Coming Home," sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. I've had it for about a month, but I've been hesitant to read it and be done. I've read almost all of her books and I hate waiting for a new one to come out. I just found out that she has another novel being released in October, so if I read "Coming Home" I won't have to wait too long for the new one.

Out of the 46 novels she's written, most of them are part of a series. She has written 10 different series and 12 stand-alone books (not including children's books). If you're interested in reading some of her books but you're not sure you want to be completely sucked in, I would recommend starting with one of her stand-alone books. I was going to suggest one, but I can't pick my favorite. If you want to go at it full force, then start with "Redemption." You can check out her website for the full list of books and the series orders. If you start reading the series out of order, you will be confused.

So what are you waiting for? Check out her website, pick out a book, then go to the library, and start reading. Just make sure you don't have anything to do for several hours (or days) and a box of tissues handy.

Latest from my craft room

I've been spending a lot of time in my craft room lately, which I love! Baby gifts for my nephew due in September has been the focus of my attention, among a slew of other random projects. I wasn't sure that sewing for a baby boy would be as fun as it is for baby girls, but I was wrong! I had to resist the urge to make ruffles and bows, but I enjoyed finding new ideas. I've included links to the tutorials I used for most of the items. I wish I could say I came up with these ideas on my own, but the truth is that I'm just really good at copying other peoples' ideas. :)

Onesies and mittens

Tummy time mat with loops for toys - - idea from here

Door muffler and taggie

Picture of how the door muffler is used

Burp cloths

Pee pee teepees

Changing mat, wipe case, carrier

Nursing cover

Quilt

Craft Wars

Have you seen the previews for the new show starting on TLC?!?! Craft Wars starts tomorrow night and I can't wait! From the previews, it looks like this is just the show for me. Three crafters compete to create winning masterpieces using only items provided.  It's on kind of late (10 EST), so the DVR is set to record just in case I fall asleep.

Realty TV + crafting = awesome!