All Day Sickness (a.k.a. morning sickness) Routine

I first started feeling queasy about 4 weeks ago. It was mainly when I woke up in the morning or had an empty stomach. Within a week, it began to linger longer and any sort of strong smell (laundry detergent, food cooking, a diaper) would start me in the direction of the baño! By last week, it just never let up and I've been spending much of my time in bed. It usually only last me through my first 3-4 months, but seeing as how I am not able to function as well as normal, we made some adjustments in the family to help keep things running as smoothly as possible.

1. I told my children that it is a lot different being pregnant at 34 than it was when I was 23 :) Mommy's getting old! But now I have lots of strong, sweet children to help me. They have done so well not only being sure to do their regular chores, but to help out in the things that mommy usually does, but can't do now.

2. I am so thankful for the many meals I have made with my little helpers working beside me. Since cooking is one of the most difficult things to do when I'm feeling yucky (next to laundry), I appointed Chefs Timothy, Elijah, Rebekah, Benjamin and Abigail to take over. I just have to set out the ingredients, give instructions, help light the stove, and supervise from the couch. They are enjoying being the cooks and doing a fine job.

3. Homeschooling- This is now mostly done in Daddy and Mommy's bedroom. We have a table and chairs in here where they can work; they get to snuggle up next to mommy and read their lessons. We've spent extra time working on their flash cards, doing spelling bee's, and reading which can all be done easily from bed.

4. Daddy- the nutricionist! :) Daniel has been so good in getting me whatever sounds good at the time...7-up, Gatorade, a plain baked potato, or a cup of hot corn. He's also done most of the shopping for me the past week so I don't have to and even picked up extra things from my list to give us some easier meals (Sandwhich stuff, cereal, ect...)


Timothy told me today that he is praying that I'll feel better soon, but that he has liked having the extra chores and enjoyed taking care of me. Daddy is gone out of town for the day and the children are doing such a great job of taking care of everything. Rebekah and Abigail came in the room a few minutes ago fussing over a game they were playing. Timothy walked in and said, "Don't worry, I can help them figure it out. I've seen you do it a lot. And if they can't work it out, I'll just have them put the game away and do something else, right?" Wow, they are growing up fast!

The Lord is so good to give me the grace and strength I need each time I go through this. It is also a time of increasing my faith and trust in Him. When I'm feeling really bad, I thank Him for being right there with me, giving us another little baby, and for all He teaches us through the hard times; then I just look over at little Nehemiah smiling at me with his big brown eyes and I smile too knowing that it is all more than worth it.