Praise!

We just recently heard back from our doctor regarding the last blood draw monitoring my antibody levels and it is GOOD!  I have been a little on edge about this one since this is the time in our pregnancy with Thad that we discovered I have KELL antibodies that could harm the baby and any future babies.  Thankfully, Thad was okay (my levels topped out at about 8:1, which is considered watchable, but not dangerous -- at 16:1 we would start seeing a specialist).  My last blood draw at 28 weeks showed a titre level of 1:1 (which means my blood could be diluted 1 time and the antibodies would be undetectable) -- that is about the lowest possible!  Thank you Lord!  It seems that this little baby most likely has the same blood type as his mommy and therefore will not be harmed by the antibodies in my blood. 

If you are unfamiliar with our lovely blood problem, here is my explanation in a nutshell:  Daniel has a rare blood type (Kell) that through giving birth to Logan mixed with my blood.  My body could not recognize the Kell antenna and started making antibodies to fight this cell.  Every child that we have has a 50% chance of inheriting Daniel's rare blood type.  As soon as my body detects the Kell antenna in the fetus, it will start developing antibodies to fight against the baby's blood (thinking it is something dangerous), eventually causing anemia which leads to other serious problems and possibly death.  Our hope, if we have an affected baby, is that the doctor can catch my body making large amounts of antibodies and then take steps to prevent harm to the baby through in vitro blood transfusions.

All that to say, we are very thankful that the Lord is protecting this little guy.  You never know what trials you will go through in life.  My experience with this blood problem and the last 3 pregnancies has strengthened my faith and helped me to lean not on my own understanding, but to trust in Him.  Also to really appreciate and be thankful for a healthy pregnancy.  Each new life is truly a gift to be treasured and not taken for granted.

Emergency in Aisle 9

I sometimes forget the attention you draw when you are obviously pregnant (as opposed to the before-pregnancy-waddle).  Today at Costco, while walking through the produce section, I had a sudden stabbing pain.  Now, don't worry, I was sure I wasn't going in to labor.  BUT, when you are caught off guard by intense, uncomfortable pain during pregnancy you can't help but display a painful expression -- which is exactly what happened, accompanied by closing eyes, gripping stomach, and waiting for pain to pass.  Ready to resume my shopping, I selected a bunch of bananas and glanced over my shoulder as I placed them in the cart.  Watching me intently was a young couple I noticed walking towards me before the pain hit.  It struck me as funny since they looked ready and willing to call 911 at any moment.  I suppose before you have children any pregnant woman displaying pain is cause for immediate action.  It is good to know there are people out there ready to help a stranger in need, but lets hope that doesn't happen for another good two or three months!  

Thad & The Terrible 1.8's

Before 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving day at Great-Grandma Carter's:

1. Put fingers in the butter dish ready and waiting for Thanksgiving feast

2. Get into (and somehow open) bleach and windex while mommy is in shower -- thankfully none ingested

3. Crush a dried flower arrangement in guest bedroom all over the carpet

4. While mommy is cleaning up said flower arrangement, take bites out of pear in Thanksgiving centerpiece 

5. Put fingers in butter... again

6. Pull a statue from bookshelf causing it to break

7. Take more bites out of centerpiece (along with a few grapes for variety)

8. And lastly, look so darn cute and innocent that mommy won't be able to do more than scold and try to keep up even more!

Family, Food, and Dog Bones

Is it too late for a Thanksgiving post?  Nahhhh.....

We had a great time in Seattle visiting family, eating lots of food, and getting in some shopping.  Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Carter for putting us up (or putting up with us) through Thanksgiving, and Grandma & Grandpa Gulke for after that.  We had a great time both places and Logan still talks about all his great-grandparents!

Thought this was a funny picture.  I came downstairs to find all three little ones sitting contently with Grandpa Carter watching CNN (it didn't last long).

Enjoying a fabulous dinner of BBQ Baby Back Ribs.  Yummmmmmm......

Tip for all you with young boys:  Tell them you are having dog bones for dinner.  They were a HUGE hit with Logan!

What a fun and memorable time we had.  Both Thanksgiving dinners were delicious.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too distracted keeping track of the kiddos and catching up with family members!  

Apple Cup

Its been a little over a week now from the big Washington State Apple Cup between the Cougars and the Huskies.  Can you guess who our family was cheering for??  Logan insisted on going to Nana and Papa's house as a football man and performed various football-man moves for us throughout the game.  We were all expecting a boring game considering each team had a terrible season, but it turned out to be a great game!  

Logan and Thad hanging out with Uncle Peter and Rosie who came for the fun at the Carter house.

The "guys" engrossed in the game.  My dad was greatly outnumbered (being a Husky fan and alumni).  But he is a good sport, and considers the Cougs his second favorite team (probably has something to do with his daughter marrying a big Cougar football fan and alumni).  He has even turned Daniel into a Husky fan -- that is, when they are not playing his team.

Here is a shot of the expression on his face when the Cougars won in double overtime.  You'd think he could look a little more disappointed than that!