Taking a.... "bath"

So right now, while I'm thinking about it- I MUST tell you about our hilarious moment of the week.

I hadn't showered in like 3 days when I decided to confess that to Chris he said "Well, after home group tonight you can come home and have a nice relaxing bath." My son was rank as well. So when we got back I went straight for the tub. Nice warm water- FINALLY! So I get in the tub and ask Chris to bring Ezra to me so that I can go ahead and bathe him then relax. So Ez gets in the tub and is enjoying himself per usual. He hadn't been in but maybe 3-4 minutes when I heard a toot with bubbled. We laughed... UNTIL... yep- you guessed it. EZ POOED ALL in the water. We laughed hysterically of course. I immediately handed him to Chris so he didn't get any dirtier and I drained the tub so that i could stand up and shower off. Only problem was- I had used all the hot water. So all that nice warm water I hadn't had in 3 days went right down the drain... un-enjoyed! So neither Ezra nor I got a real bath until the next night.

Now- more video for my family (and anyone who cares) :)

Here is a before and after shot of me and my pals:

This is Ezra Lewis Thompson 6/17, Eden Hope-Ruth Clark 7/12, and Joshua Perry Crisp 7/26.

I think it's hilarious that both the boys are crying and Eden is just happy as a lark. What a good girl.

Well the plan was to at least post every 2 weeks- FAIL!! I really don't know how Jessica Beaver keeps up with her blog. I think one reason I'm having trouble lately is b/c Ez and I spend every minute we can with one of my best buds here. She is moving back to South Africa soon so I'm soaking up every moment I can. Some days, that means I don't start the laundry until after dinner. Oh well!

Things I have learned since being a mom:

1-You really CAN get used to little sleep.

2-Showers are over-rated.

3-Babies are expensive! (Ezra's 6 week immunizations were a whoppin' $250)

4-This is SO MUCH FUN!!!

5-I never knew I could love like this.

6-God loves me a WHOOOOOOOOOLE lot.

You know, I think of a million things to blog about during my day but by the end of it- I have forgotten them all.

So instead I will give you these pictures and maybe a video... if it works:

He loves his Wally!

....and maybe aunt grace too

Kenya believe my boy is 1 month...

Soooo... it's been 1 month since my sweet little boy was laid on my chest for the first time. One of the most amazing things I've ever had the joy of experiencing! I have a few pregnant friends here and 3 of us were exactly a month apart from one another. Me being the first to pop. Well- the 2nd popped 6 days ago! Little Eden Hope-Ruth Clark came into this world and graced us with her presence- seriously- she is SO beautiful! In fact- she's the only girl among our friends so there is quite a hilarious conversation going on on my wall post on facebook. She has many spectacular men to choose from!

So before my mother freaks out- I must post more pics of my boy. We may or may not have taken 76 of these 1 month pics of him. ;)

I'm finally starting to have more energy to do laundry and dishes and stuff. And I'm still...ahem...healing from my 9 lb baby. I realize people do have larger babies than mine, but he messed me up. (And he's totally worth it) I'm dying to go bike riding with my friend Sandra and I really want to give running a go soon. I think by this Saturday I'm going to do one of the 2. I'll be 5 weeks postpartum.

My first 2 weeks of life...

by Ezra Lewis Thompson

Eviction Day: It was a full moon the night my Mama, Daddy, and Dr. Carvalho decided I had been comfy long enough. Dr. Carvalho gave my Mama a pill at 10:15pm June 16th. That began my journey out and into this new world. Mama groaned and moaned quite a bit until I was born the next evening. I'm not sure what she was moaning about- I was the uncomfortable one! She should try squeezing her big head through such a tight space. It hurts! I was minding my own business when this lady dressed in green ripped me out and threw me on my Mama's chest. I couldn't help but cry a bit. I was cold and naked. I looked up at my Daddy and I thought he was some sort of aquatic creature or something. His face was soaking wet. He was having lots of drainage from his eyes. I just heard Mama say "Hey buddy- I'm SO GLAD you are outta me!" I got to lay on Mama's chest for a while. It was nice and warm. I didn't cry long. I'm a good boy, you see. Once Mama and Daddy went to their room they started talking to a man named Jesus about me and telling him "thank you" for me. I'm looking forward to knowing more about this Jesus. They also kept telling me I'm a miracle and a gift from God. I get the feeling that I'm pretty special.

Day 1: The next day Daddy was running around everywhere trying to get us ready to go. He was ready to get home and get Mama in her bed. Daddy said she hadn't slept in 3 days and kept vomiting everything she ate during my eviction. Sorry Mama. In the morning some mean Kenyan man came and took me away- he cut on me where the sun don't shine! Not cool. But I showed him. I didn't cry one bit. Mama and Daddy said I was like a real Masai warrior. (They aren't allowed to cry during that). Uncle Ben, Aunt Helen, Aunt Ali, and Aunt Grace all came to the hospital to see me. They all seemed pretty cool. Finally we went home. I like my home... especially my room.

Day 2: I got to meet my Grammy and Pawpaw! They traveled from really far away just to meet me. They had a lot of trouble getting here, but I'm pretty sure I'm worth it. That night, I laid in the bed with Mama and Daddy. Some watery stuff shot from their eyes every time they looked at me.

Day 3: I had to go see my pediatrician, Dr. Patel because Mama and Daddy took me home early and I had some jaundice. He's really nice. He said I was really cute, but he made me get butt naked. Again, not cool. After my appointment we went to Dorman's to get a sandwich. Mama wasn't feeling too well and had a hard time getting comfortable. I heard her tell Grammy that they were sewing her up for 20 minutes. Not sure what that means, but Grammy seemed to. After that I went to meet my big brothers in Kawangware. I heard this really loud screaming in my ear- it was Loyce who cooks for the boys. She'd been praying for me for a long time. Mama wouldn't let me get out of the car though, but she let my brothers come look at me. She said I was still too small to go play. Maybe next time.

Day 4: Today I just stayed home and Mama and I slept a lot. We had to catch up from all our work Friday! My Mama and Daddy give me SO MANY kisses. I think I've had some hair loss from my head kisses.

Day 5: Today Grammy was changing me and my cord fell off. I'm kinda glad. It really grossed my Mama out. Grammy keeps kissing all over me. It's okay though- I know she's just filling up since I won't get to see her for a while. I also got to meet my Auntie Su and Uncle Mark. Auntie Su hadn't been feeling well so I had to wait to meet her and Uncle Mark.

Day 6: Today I had my first bath. It was so fun!!! I felt like I was back inside Mama again. Though getting out of the bath wasn't as bad and coming out of Mama, it was still so COLD! Auntie Su, Mama, and Grammy took me to Dormans for a smoothie then to Nakumat to get some groceries.

Day 7: Today Daddy, Mama, Grammy and Pawpaw took me to the giraffe park! It was so fun, but Mama wouldn't let me get too close to them. I saw a giraffe kiss Grammy on the mouth. Not sure Pawpaw saw it though. I think if he had he would've been awfully mad. After that we went by to see Uncle Peter and Aunt Peace with their little boy Muthoms. I really like him. He's 4 months older than me so he was teaching me some of his kicking moves. He's a cool kid.

Day 8: Today we went to Kitengala glass. That was a really bumpy road but Mama held my head the whole time and I just slept. It was a neat place. Grammy and Pawpaw bought a bunch of gifts there. Auntie Grace had a migraine and was REAL sad. I felt bad for her on that bumpy road.

Day 9: Today I went to church. But that was all. Mama wasn't feeling well so we went right home afterwards. Daddy held me throughout the service. We sang songs too. I really liked singing songs.

Day 10: Today was my first trip to Kibera! Daddy drove us through and showed us the bible college. I hope to go back and meet the OSM partners one day. After that we went to eat Ethiopian food. Grammy and Pawpaw really liked it. I don't think my Ethiopian tasted quite like theirs. When I got home I took a nap and then woke up and got to meet the Helsby's. I really like them. Daddy said I would. Jake and Carter held me for a long time. I hope to go to Tanzania soon and play with them. Daddy says they do a lot of cool "boy things".

Day 11: Today I went to the Masai market. Daddy and I hung out inside. We don't really like to shop. Mama and Grace helped Grammy and Pawpaw get some good deals. We didn't stay too long. Mama still wasn't feeling well. I'm not sure what's the matter with her.

Day 12: Our big outing today was going to see Dr. Carvalho. I slept through the appointment but I did hear her say something about Mama having an allergic reaction to something which is why she wasn't feeling too well. I think she'll be better now. She gave her some medicine and said she was healing well. Again, I don't know what she's talking about but Mama and Daddy seemed to.

Day 13: Well, today Mama and I slept most of the day. You see, I wasn't feeling well during the night and so I couldn't sleep more than 45 minutes to an hour at a time. My nose is stopped up and I kept snorting when I'd try and eat then I'd throw up. On top of that I had lots of gas. Mama cried. She felt really sorry for me. But I'm okay. My middle name means "famous warrior". Mama, remember how I didn't cry when that man was cutting on me? I'll be okay. I'm tough. Daddy was really nice to Mama and got up with me a lot. He felt really sorry for me too.

Day 14: Today is Pawpaw's birthday! I slept so good after this long day. We had the OSM team meeting and I got to meet all of the OSM partners! They kept telling my Mama that I was cold because they wrap their babies up like eskimos. But I was really sweating. It was hot today! I was so glad to finally meet them. After that we went to Westgate to watch a movie for Pawpaw's birthday...only I think Pawpaw paid for everyone. I didn't watch the movie (Green Lantern) so it doesn't really count as my first movie- per Daddy. After the movie we took Pawpaw to Fogo Goucho's which is a Brazilian restaurant that serves 13 different cuts of meats. Everyone seemed to really like it. Then we sat in crazy Birthday Traffic for an hour and 45 minutes. Pawpaw didn't like that part of his birthday. He told me so.

He'll be coming 'round my cervix when he comes...

We headed back to the doctor this morning after spending some time in Kawangware with our boys. Grace is doing an AWESOME job teaching, by the way. I sat and was taught much about fractions under her :)

After I was all fractioned out Chris and I went to Aga Khan a bit early for our appointment. It's a good thing too. You see, at the hospital where Ezra will be born there is also a Doctors Plaza which is where our doctors office is. By no means is there near enough parking there. So it took Chris a good 20 minutes to park AND the guy gave us a "special" parking place b/c of my big ol' belly.

Today, after weighing me (I added yet another kg), she took my BP and it was 144/92. Then she did a "sweep". For those of you who aren't sure what that is- let me explain. It's where they separate the membranes from the cervix. It's supposed to be a more natural way of helping induce labor by the natural release of prostaglandins. If it works, I will go into labor in the next 24-48 hours. It works about 50% of the time. If my blood pressure is still up in the morning, then she will induce me tomorrow (evening I'm guessing) with a vaginal suppository that is basically prostaglandins. Unfortunately, in the states they go straight for pitocin which isn't as good for you and OUCH it hurts! So when I say "induce" I mean the suppositories. She is well aware that I want to avoid Pitocin if at all possible. I don't think she prefers to use it much any way. If my BP is okay tomorrow then we wait until Thursday night and we go in some time around 9pm. They will induce me with the tablet and I should rest for a while. They will come in and check Ez's heartrate every few hours or so. Then, hopefully by morning I'll be in labor. If not, they give me another. Then after several more hours- one more if need be. 60-70% of women go into labor at least by the 2nd and 80-98% go into labor by the 3rd. Hoping I'm not in that 2%!

So that is the skinny! WOAHZERS! WE ARE REALLY GOING TO HAVE A BABY THIS WEEK!!!!

I have been thinking ahead to childbirth and actually getting excited about it... yes even the pain. I was praying and spending some QT with Jesus on Sunday and I wanted to share with you something I couldn't help but think about and write down:

Lord, thank you in advance for the first time I meet Ezra face to face. 6 years of waiting to meet him is nearly over. I can't imagine that feeling. I can only imagine how anxious Mary must have been to meet, hold, kiss, and just stare at Jesus for the first time. For THIS was the VERY son of GOD she was waiting to meet. What would he look like? How would she feel the first time she looked into his eyes after feeling him move for months? How uncomfortable she must have been riding on that donkey... possibly having contractions even. But I'm willing to bet the excitement outweighed the pain of her journey. The very thought of holding him must have made every single contraction and push a near joyful experience. I can only imagine what it was like for her to give birth to THE SAVIOR- not even caring that she wasn't in the hospital or with any kind of midwife or doctor. Just her and Joseph. Instead of the Aga Khan Hospital, she lay among animal excrement. And yet... what JOY she must have felt.

I have thought of Mary so much lately... wow. What an amazing woman... and what an AMAZING gift she was given- she gave birth to the Holy, Perfect, Savior of the world.

39.5 weeks

::sigh:: boy, when are you coming???

Ezra's Room

I know... I should have updated you all by now, but most of you know any way. I've had almost 4 days of contractions waiting on this boy to come- so I have had ample time to update this thing. I started last night on that post beginning with Monday- recounting the events of each day so that I can have them in written form for memory purposes. I'm not quite done with it. Just know that I went for the caster oil this morning. It was my last resort even though the doc told me to do it on Monday. I had to work up the courage. That's a big commitment, ya know? Hopefully this will tide you over.

Mom, please can we skype before you look at this? I know how you are, but seriously I will try and call you first thing Friday morning. k? Just wait!

Apryle, thanks for the inspiration! :)

Keep in mind this was a surprise to me. So I didn't see it until it was all done. CT just left me the apple to paint. It was a FANTASTIC surprise!! LOVE IT!!

I lightened and zoomed in on the tree trunk so you could see what CT "carved" into the tree. Isn't this precious? Can you read it?

Wallace seriously knows SOMETHING is about to happen. He just goes in Ezra's room and lays around. (Could be he sees how much time I spend in there) It's so sweet! Let's just hope he's this sweet when Ezra arrives. :)