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As most of you know, last week my Gram Martha passed away and Thursday was her funeral. It has been a hard week for the Miller’s and we will feel her loss in our family always. She had a beautiful funeral, the weather couldn’t not have been nicer (who would ever predict a 50+ degree day in January??) and many family members and friends came to celebrate her life. It was so much fun to talk with people who knew her and loved her and hear things they remembered about her. There is no doubt that she truely left her mark in many people’s hearts.

For those of you that knew her, you know how difficult it is to accurately describe my Grandma. She was the perfect combination of sweet and spunky with just enough ornery–and it made everyone around her love her. For those of us that are her children and grandchildren–well, to say we are lucky would be an understatement. She didn’t have a big family, but her love for us was bigger than anything in this world–and we knew it. And the love and respect we felt for her is beyond words.

The countless memories I have of my Grandma will keep her alive in my heart until I see her again some day. She will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Gram. We love you.

Here is a link to her obituary if you are interested in reading it.

Someone once told me the saying “the days are long, but the weeks are fast”–I have been living that saying the last few months. For so long McBaby’s arrival seemed so far away and now here we are with just a few weeks left before we officially become a family of 5. I am happy to report that I am feeling good–perhaps moving a bit slower than normal and a little shorter of breath but thankful to still be sleeping good and only having minor aches and pains. I think both kids seem prepared for their sister’s arrival–although it is hard to tell how much Josiah really understands (or cares, for that matter) about what will be taking place in the upcoming weeks. Anya is obsessed with names–anytime she hears a name on the radio or TV, she suggests that as a possible name for the baby. She has even started a “name journal” with all her favorite picks. She is going to be such a good helper!

Due to the blood pressure issues I had at the end of my pregnancy with Josiah, my OB has been keeping a super close eye on me. I have been having more frequent appointments, regular blood work to monitor my kidney and liver functions and several additional ultrasounds to monitor the baby’s growth. Today I had another growth ultrasound and the baby is estimated to weigh around 5 & 1/2 lbs–so right on track. So now we are hoping for a fast and uneventful couple of weeks–we will keep you posted!!

With 2 kids to keep my on my toes, I hardly have time to remember that I am pregnant these days.  My second trimester flew by and here I am starting the last leg of this pregnancy.

Everything has been going smoothly and I am feeling great–let’s hope that continues for the next 12 or so weeks!!  At my first ultrasound (about 8 weeks ago), McBaby wasn’t 100% cooperative and the ultrasound tech couldn’t get all the shots she needed, so today I got to head back in for a follow-up ultrasound to try and get the missing shots.  Luckily, the baby was well-behaved this time and we got all the shots we needed and everything measured 100% perfect.  I was happy to find out the baby is still a girl and weighs approximately 2 lbs 4 oz.  The ultrasound tech said she can tell the baby already has some chub on her cheeks–nothing surprising about that!!

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the ultrasound today:

The baby’s profile:

The baby is looking at you (forehead is to the far right, looks like she is laying on a pillow):

Here are a few more if you want to check them out!

Last Friday night we got together with some old friends to go out to eat and catch up.  It had been so long since we had all gotten together that we can’t even remember when it was.  Anyway, we had a great night eating, talking and watching Rawley give a show-stopping karaoke performance of “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling”!  We are definitely not going to wait 5 years before we all get together again!

I made it through all 30 days–I am thankful for that! I am also thankful for everyone that reads our blog. Family, friends, strangers–it doesn’t really matter because I have fun keeping the blog and I know someday the kids will enjoy looking back at it and seeing all the crazy things they put us through So thank you for reading McArtor.net and being a part of our life–it truely is a pleasure sharing our story with you!

I am thankful I have a sense of humor–because it is absolutely necessary when raising kids. Especially when one of them is just as stubborn as I am (hum, wonder which one I am talking about??). Tonight has been one of those nights that really make you appreciate the easy days. Thank you God for my sense of humor!!

I am thankful for my fleece sheets (and if you haven’t tried them, you are TOTALLY missing out)!! There is nothing worse than, on a cold winter night, climbing into bed to even colder sheets!! Jason wasn’t too sure about them when we first got them, but we are both complete fans. Thank you God for my toasty warm fleece sheets (that I am now going to go cuddle up in )!!

I am thankful for the time we get to spend with our extended family. After seeing some of Jason’s family over Thanksgiving and my family this weekend, it really makes you appreciate how lucky we are to be able to see them fairly regularly. Thank you God for our families!

I am thankful for the TV’s in our van. Clearly a non-necessary luxury in life, but boy do they make traveling with children SO much easier. Oh, and I am “extra” thankful for the headphones that the kids wear to watch the TV’s—a person can only tolerate so much Barney, Elmo and Teddy Ruxpin in the confined space of a van Thank you God for our built-in traveling entertainment!

I am thankful that today, on Thanksgiving, we have a warm home, a table full of food and the company of family and friends to celebrate with. Our blessings are simply too numerous to count, and that is something to be thankful for all in itself. We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you God for giving us a day to celebrate all the good things you have given us!