It's amazing how much a person can get done when they aren't being attacked by kidney rocks. This past week was pretty amazing (again - thank you for the fasting and prayers!)... especially in the mornings.

On one such good morning - I went over to my friend Amy's house. She is super crafty and has been telling me that I need to come make these onsies with her. I've seen them before, and they ARE adorable... but I was unsure if I could make mine look as cute as hers. Well... turns out... Amy is an excellent mentor, and helped me to hone in on my crafty side. Take a look:

Here's a closer look. We hand stitch around the helicopter... which is not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm pretty slow at it - but guess what? I have a lot of time!

Now I know what your thinking... I want one! Well Amy is a genius and has decided to start making them for other people to buy. You can get one of your very own (boy or girl) - with or without buttons on Amy's Etsy Site. She does lots of other things besides helicopters... so check it out!

After that successful adventure, I decided that I just might have the strength and stamina to tackle the Nursery. So... here's my disclaimer. This is NOT DONE! But it's a start... and Marci has been begging me to send her any pic of anything to do with this room for some time. So Marci - this again is just for you. I will be adding curtains, and other cute decorations.... and yes... some pink to the room. But so far, I would say it's pretty stinkin' cute.

Her cute crib! Side note - when I was little I was in love with elephants. I collected them. So that is actually my stuffed elephant from when I was a kid... I just added a cute bow!

We are probably going to paint the quilt rack white to match... but alas... Jaren has been very busy.

Speaking of my busy husband... look at what nesting is doing to him! He wouldn't let me leave to go to a friend's baby shower on Saturday until he had finished making me this t-shirt.

Jaren passed his check ride last week, which basically is one huge hurdle now passed. He is doing great in flight school, and I am very proud of him. I can't believe how well he is balancing his especially needy (and admittedly clingy) wife with a very demanding school schedule. I'm sure that, he too, is very grateful for me having a few good mornings in a row!

Final note - I truly appreciate all the love and support I have received during this time. While I have come to appreciate the word sacrifice on a whole new level... I have also come to understand service, charity, and love in a whole new way. Thank you for all of the phone calls, letters, and visiters! You have helped me to try to mentally endure... and so far... it's working!

Come Out! Come Out! Wherever You Are!

Dear Alta,
Oh my precious little Alta James Brooks! I can not wait for you to get here. Your room is almost ready... Your Daddy is almost ready... You Mommy is definitely ready!
Here are some things I know about you:

• You are a mover! You slowed down for a few days, and had Daddy making Mommy call the Dr just to check if you were alright. We spent the next few days counting your kicks. Even when you were slow you more than doubled what the Dr. said you should be able to do in an hour before we should start to get worried.
• You love Mommy's left Rib. A lot!
• You are in "cahoots" with Daddy. He tells you to kick, and you do. You really like the sound of his voice, because you kick a lot when he talks.
• You have so much personality already, that I think I'm going to be in for a wild ride.

Love,

Your Mommy

Dear Brenna,

You will get through this. You will survive. See this picture? For a brief moment in time (a moment that I'm sure one of your dear friends fasted for) - you were out of pain. You were truly happy. It will happen again... I promise. Everyone keeps telling you it will all be worth it. You already know this to be true... just remember it when rocks try to escape your kidneys. You are blessed beyond measure to have people that love and care for you. And you KNOW that you are never really alone. God knows you, He loves you, and understands every feeling you are having at this time. Remember and cherish these moments - they are a gift.

Love,

Your Inner Mommy