Fall Fun

All is well in Babyland these days. We are excited and can't quit talking about how our lives are going to change in a few months. I went to the doctor with Cheri and John last week and we got to hear the baby's heartbeat and had an ultrasound. I posted a picture below. It was kicking it's little feet and was waving it's little arms all over the place. John said he swore he saw it do a fist pump : ) Clint and Amanda have an ultrasound Friday. It will be the first time they get to see what is in there. Cheri has had 3 for some reason.

Charlie's best friend, Brad, and his wife, Melissa, just had a little girl 2 weeks ago. Her name is Alexandria and I held her when she was an hour old. She is a nice little practice baby for Cheri and John and Clint and Amanda. She is absolutely beautiful! She is also another pseudo grandchild of mine. Charlie and Brad have been friends for many years. I just savored feeding Alex and cuddling her. I'm ready for the babies, they just need to cook a bit longer.

Cheri has a few football games left and then cheer will be history. I'm trying to get as many pictures of her as I can, while I still can. She just cheers, no stunting these days. She will cheer for a couple of basketball games this semester and then she is done. I usually can't make those if they are during the week because of Zumba and bowling. Cheri is starting to get a little baby bump but it isn't enough to notice unless you are looking for it. I noticed yesterday that Amanda's bump was starting to show too. Cheri is 12 weeks not and Amanda is 7 weeks.

I took the kids to Erie Orchard and we had donuts and cider and bought apple pie, pumpkins, and fudge. That is the best part of fall. I'm going to Clint and Amanda's for Halloween because I don't get Trick or Treaters on my 10 acre farm. Cheri does community service on Halloween and works safety for the kids in Adrian around the college. I miss having kids come to the house. Now I get to enjoy it with my grandchildren next year. They will be little but I'm sure we will dress them up. I can't wait until the holidays next year.

While carving pumpkins Brad made Cheri's pumpkin puke. Since she has been so sick he thought it would be funny, and it was! John brings over this huge knife to cut his pumpkin, and of course he had a huge pumpkin to go with it. He is so funny and gets into whatever we are doing. Charlie didn't want a pumpkin so he just watched. Amanda and I sorted and cleaned the seeds so I could cook them to eat. I really think that is the only reason they get pumpkins, they love the seeds.

Halloween is the start of the holidays in my eyes. Next month is Thanksgiving and then Christmas. It is all going so fast, yet so slow, if that makes any sense. All I know is that I want this winter over for a million reasons. Number one reason I hate winter is everything is dead and it is COLD!!! I love spring, summer, and fall, and everything that comes with them...this year spring and summer mean babies!!!

Paul has not been doing real well health wise. His kidney doctor said the next visit we need to start talking about dialysis. His high blood pressure is causing bleeding in his eye and has had to get two shots in it so far. To top it off he is having horrible back issues. Any of these things would be hard, but all three at once is taking a toll on him. He is still reffing soccer but he usually comes home and goes to bed after he refs. Still, not much stops him. He just takes things a bit slower these days. He could use a few prayers if you wouldn't mind.

I'm just plugging along. I'm still doing Zumba at home and have started running again. I love the Zumba more than running but I really want to be a runner. I don't know why, I just do. I want to love running and be able to run miles like it is no big deal. I admire people that can do that. I've been working on my writing too. Another goal of mine is to be a published writer. I am one of those people that likes to have things going on...and I do. It keeps me sane. If I have down days I get anxious and come up with something to fill my time. I've always been like that and it used to bug me that I couldn't relax but now I just go with it and make myself useful.

I hope this finds all of you doing great. We love you and hope your life is peaceful and happy.

Love,
Cindy