How am I feeling?

That seems to be the question of the century.  Almost everyone that I talk to asks me, "How are you feeling?"

Well, I am happy to report that I am FINALLY feeling so much better.  I am about 22 weeks along, and just recently quit with the nausea.  This is the longest that I have had it by far.

After all of that, I have suffered from a bit of anxiety and depression.  Now, I must admit that some of that was brought on by the constant ache in my stomach.  I had an extreme amount of guilt for the tasks that I just didn't have the energy to complete.  I felt overwhelmingly tired, and constantly guilty.

After much prayer, and thought... I decided that it was time to ask for help.  The doctor was wonderful and suggested that I take something to suppress some of the anxiety that I was having. 

I am now taking a low dose of medication, and I feel like a new person.  I tell you this because it is so nice to know that people are real, and we all have real struggles. 

I have suffered through these feelings with the last 3 pregnancies.  I never asked for help before.  The sad thing is I am not the only one who suffers.  It is my family as well.  Once the pregnancy is over, I seem to be back to myself again.  Hopefully all the guilt and anxiety will be resolved when I hold that baby in my arms.

I am grateful for friends and a husband who encouraged me to ask for help.  It is amazing the difference. 

About the time that the medication kicked in, the awful taste in my mouth(which contributes to the nausea) all went away.  You can imagine what a great week I am having.

On top of it all, we went to Houston last week so see our dear friends(my best friend) the Moes's.

It is always such a wonderful experience for me.  I always come home a better person.  When I walk through the doors of there home, I feel like I am home again. 

I feel so comfortable in their home.  While I was there, I felt my energy coming back.  I also felt my mood change. 

I watched Krysta and how she has triumphed through her pregnancy.  She is just 2 weeks ahead of me.  She has had some of the same struggles as I.  (we both realize that it is worse this time because we are busy mother's of 3)  She has not let it get her down, she is going strong.  It was a good reminder for me to pick myself up, and keep going.

"I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."

I also enjoy being there because along with the wonderful conversations, we take the time to teach each other something.  I taught her how to make this new bread that I am making, and she taught me how to work my camera.

I am starting to get it down.  I am still learning, but she gave me some great tips.  It will still take some practice.  Here are a few shots from the trip.

This time while we were there Jake and Jex seemed to be inseparable.  We laughed when we came home from a day of shopping and saw the planes lined up on the banisters like this.  I love watching my kids play as use their imaginations.

Isaac and Drew have a love hate relationship.  Drew likes to play with Isaac only when he is teaching him something.  He hates when Isaac gets in his way.  Isaac likes Drew only when he will play and share, and not when he is trying to teach him something.  You can see how it doesn't work out for them so well.  I bet they will be even better friends when Isaac gets one year older.  "Hey Drew I totally understand, it is hard when a little guy is constantly in your way."

Stella and Kaylee enjoyed every second together.  Of course they were doing girl things, and since they don't have anyone at home to do those things with; they soaked up as much time as they could.

We had a great weekend.  I am so thankful for friends who are so close by that can help refresh our spirits.  I am so thankful to be on the mend, and past this hard trial.

So to all those who have asked.  I am doing better.  Thanks for asking.