I received an email asking my advice for a new mom shopping for her first born. I thought I might share my response in hopes of helping other new moms out there:

There are so many “must haves” out there that are really just junk…these are the things that we find we would never do without.

We (well…Corinne) really liked the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Swing (We got ours at Walmart though for about a hundred bucks….don’t know why amazon says over $300!!! Nuts!) The side to side motion really soothed her and since there are a couple adjustable seat positions, she never strained her neck trying to look up. I think she could have lived in that thing…lol.

We also really like the Britax car seats…comfy yet very safe. This is Corinne’s (and will fit her until age 6) and it matches Lilli’s booster (that she’ll be able to fit in until age 10…new Va laws require children to be in a booster until age 8 it so it worked out nicely).

I think any pack and play is also a good idea…especially if you are in a multi level home and need to put baby down in a safe area for a bit.

Those little “gyms” where the baby lies down and has toys dangling above them is fun too. We didn’t get an “expensive” one…you know the ones that claim to enhance baby’s development. I think they all can do that since baby is focusing on something and trying to reach for it - it doesn’t have to have flashing neon lights…lol.

(Once baby gets to the stage where he/she is pushing up on it’s legs.) Lilli and Corinne loved the stationary activity bouncer things…something like this. Nothing too flashy, but enough to where baby can focus on at least 4-5 different things. Make sure it’s height can be adjusted.

As far as strollers…I really like our Jeep stroller. We use this one for long term outings. There is enough storage and cup holder space and it’s SOOOO easy to maneuver (even with one hand), which has come in handy when traveling, especially through airports. I don’t even have to fight with it to open or close it. Baby can fully recline and the sunshade has a top “window” to peer through to check on baby. If new mom has a young step-child, niece, nephew, etc.: Our Joovy stroller is something we really like also - however, we usually only use it on quick & short outings. Perfect for the older child (in our case, Lilli) to ride along on in the rear- either sitting or standing - while younger child is sitting in the front. However, I wish this one had an adjustable reclining position for the child in front, as well as more storage space (This is why we use it on short outings). But the peace of having two children in the same stroller, without having one or the other running around, is quite convenient. She may want to try her strollers out - I hated having to “bend over” to push our other strollers.

Never again will I do high chairs!!! (Wish I would have known this earlier, rather than after my second child and now onto # 3)….what a waste! I love the booster seats that fit right on the chairs. Now that Corinne is old enough to sit in a lower back booster, I haven’t yet tried this one, but I would love to (perhaps Eleanor will have something that isn’t a hand-me-down afterall…I’m bookmarking this one) The high back looks great for those babies who still have the need to throw themselves back (lol) or just haven’t gotten their balance down yet.

And of course, a few stuffed animals. Lilli still has her “Spot” and Corinne loves her “Bear” that she’s had since she was born - they both look really *loved*

Everything, including motherhood, is a learning process. I’m on baby # 3 and am still finding things that work better than others. Perhaps I’ll have it down pat when I’m a grandmother

With daughter #3 on the way, I’ve gotten some practice in being a mother to daughters - in good times and bad, I love it! Here’s a list as to why, with today’s Music Monday pick at the bottom:

1) The easiest to explain: I know what it’s like to be a girl: the issues, struggles, emotions, etc.
2) Strawberry shampoo & lotion
3) Sparkles and glitter
4) Pink & purple nail polish on their piggy toes.
5) My heart melts every time they yell, “PAPA!” and run with arms wide open to Michael when he gets home from work.
6) Dance party time before bed.
7) Pretending to be (depending on the day) a fairy princess, fuzzy cuddly animal, or grown up mommy. Watching Corinne rock her stuffed animals to bed.
9) Watching Lilli hug her sister & say, “It’s alright Corinne, let me give you kisses” when she gets a boo-boo.
10) Butterflies, flowers, & hearts.
11) I sigh each time I get to do their hair in ribbons and curls, after dressing them in those “adorable, cute, little outfits.”
12) Hugs, kisses, & snuggles…just because.
13) Hand prints on my windows
14) My Little Ponies in my car
15) Handmade…anything 16) Watching them (in my peripheral vision) watch me
17) Watching them show me (again and again and again) what I’ve taught them.
18) Colorful Band-Aids
19) STICKERS!!
20) And this song pretty much sums up the joy of motherhood: Jamie O’Neal’s “Somebody’s Hero” (which, of course, I cry to every time I hear it…lol):

I opened up my IGoogle today and read over my daily gadgets: inbox, weather, Christian news, schedule on my calendar, and daily Bible verse. Not much new to report, although I am happy the weather will be sunny - high 60 My daily Bible verse, however, did stand out this morning:

Proverbs 11:22
“A beautiful woman who lacks discretion
      is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.” (NLT)

This comes in perfect timing (God often has a way of doing that) with some things I’m going through with Lilli, who turns 5 in April. Ever since the Bratz doll incident, Lilli has noticed people around her “not dressing nicely,” “not having nice voices,” (not speaking respectfully to one another, using bad language, etc.) or “hurting each other’s feelings,” but knowing that “God still loves them.” I find it amazing how one little incident has made such an impression on my almost 5 year old, who strives to obey God’s Word.

I’m so thankful that Lilli asks “why” so much and has learned to ask herself “why” in situations. She takes pride in understanding that her body was “wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and that she uses her body to do things that would make God happy - for example: “Doing gymnastics to make my body strong and healthy!” Or this one that must have been weighing on her conscience because she randomly came up to me and said, ”I lied yesterday Mommy. I didn’t push Corinne, I flicked her cheek (as she demonstrates with her fingers). I didn’t tell the truth - I’m sorry.” Moments like these are encouragement from God. I know I can’t protect my girls forever, that they are responsible for their own actions, and that some people may try to sway them in the opposite direction. But I know I can set a good example and more importantly, trust God in all things. Romans 8:28 says, ”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

I have faith that as time goes on, my girls’ understanding about ”why” people, as well as themselves, choose to do things, will continue to grow….and I praise God for his faithfulness!

  I’m tired and don’t really want to blog…but I want to keep up with how far along Baby Clarke is…here is the latest:

* Vernix (a white cheese-like protective material) forms on baby’s skin with the lanugo (soft, lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs); both serving to protect your baby’s skin during the months in water.
* Your placenta continues to grow and nourish the baby. Don’t forget those prenatal vitamins!
* Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs. He’ll be putting these lungs to good use in just a few months!
* Her vocal chords are formed. She goes through the motions of crying but without air she doesn’t make a sound.
* Features of your baby’s heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an ultrasound.
* Your baby measures about 5.59 inches (14.2cm) this week and weighs about 6.7 ounces (190gm).

All of the Clarke ladies were sick this weekend: Corinne since Thursday, Lilli since Saturday, and myself only on Sunday. Not only does Michael have the metabolism of a hummingbird, but his immune system is top notch! Must be nice, huh? Let’s face it, getting sick is just no fun…the fever, aches, pains, I could go on and on (but don’t worry, I won’t). I hate getting sick, not only because it feels terrible, but because I’m such a busybody that I have to be doing something at all times: cleaning, organizing, ironing, well - you get the idea. I can’t stand it when I’m stuck in bed because (as my hubby says) I’ve “come down with the sickness” & can’t get things done. But when your kids are sick…that feeling is a billion times worse! How I wish I could take on their sickness, their aches & pains! Unfortunately I can’t. But thankfully, I can provide a comfy lap to rest a head on, arms to cuddle with, lips to kiss a forehead, and the ever so important abillity to handle a remote control so we can watch movies over and over and over again. (Our living room was a sight this weekend. Michael had pulled out the sofa sleeper, made it up, and the girls and I pretty much camped out.) Prayerfully, this bug will fly away…the sooner the better!!

“He forgives all my sins
      and heals all my diseases.”
              ~Psalm 103:3 (NLT)

It’s Monday…and since I haven’t blogged in a WHOLE WEEK I’ve decided to do a recap and skip Music Monday (however I did hear a Def Leppard song yesterday while over my neighbors’…reminded me of 1st grade, rockin’ out in the back of the bus - which, by the way, I could only ride in the back because my cool cousin was in 6th grade - while listening to my tapes on my walk-man…wow- 20 years ago?! Now that’s a flashback!).

Weekly Recap:
* My Dyson came in!!! How crazy is that?! I’m ecstatic about a vacuum cleaner. But really, with two kids, two dogs, & an “outdoorsy” hubby, our home tends to be a cheerio/furball/dirt magnet. This Dyson makes me want purposely spill things- just so I can use the vacuum! I know, I have issues
* I’ve put my knitted baby blanket project on hold for the past two weeks and was swayed by a certain 4 1/2 year old to knit her a Kitty Cuddly. Lilli has been pestering me for a while about this - in fact, ever since she lost the knitted bunny “Bow” a few months back. I think she finally realizes that if she loses something, she has to do without it…it may not always be so easily replaced. It took me 3 days, but “Kitten” was finally born… & Lilli keeps him safe on her bed Something I didn’t expect, though, jealousy from Corinne. She wanted a kitten too! So, a couple days later, “Mini-Kitty” was born and all was well in Corinne’s world.

* Organic Seeds! That’s right, planting season is right around the corner and I want to be prepared! Thanks to http://www.organicaseed.com , we’re right on track. Michael is looking forward to the cucumbers that will be pickled, I’m looking forward to the green beans, and Lilli is THRILLED about the strawberries! As the months pass, I will be sure to start blogging about this subject more often
* We had a visit from my dad! He stayed with us a night, while on a business trip in DC. Michael and I enjoyed his company and the girls had fun spending time with Opa. It was cute seeing Corinne hold his hand as they walked and Lilli making sure he sat next to her at dinner.

* I finished the book, Power of a Praying Wife. My good friend Vicki has asked me to start a small group with her (for which I am still humbled) that focuses on how to be true Christian wives…not as the world thinks wives should be, but how God has commanded wives to be. I’m really excited about this opportunity and am so thankful that God has surrounded me with such wise & godly Christian women. Vicki gave me two books last week: Power of a Praying Wife & Divine Romance. I should have DR read by the beginning of next week and prayerfully God will reveal which book He wants us to start with. I’m interested to see where He leads us
* Lilli is a reader! That’s right, my 4 1/2 year old can read! In fact, she puts letters together and makes up her own words! Her latest book is “Kit” from the Calvert School’s Early Phonics Storybooks. Here are a couple examples from the book: “Kit has a hat” & “Kit can sit.” She is so smart and I pray that her thirst for knowledge continues to grow.

* Lady had her check up and is looking good. She weighs 13 1/2lbs and is in great shape. Within the month, she will be getting spayed.

* Baby Clarke is growing! I’ve felt little flutters here and there and have noticed a more prominent bulge (thank goodness…I don’t like that beer-belly look…I’d rather prefer the I’m-hiding-a-small-melon look…lol”) Here’s the latest:
* By week 17, your baby weighs about 4.97 ounces (140gm) and is 5.12 inches (13cm) long.
* He or she has a much more normal “human” appearance now. She holds her head more erect and her body and limbs are longer in proportion to her head.
* Pads are forming on his tiny fingertips and toes. Soon those individual swirls and whorls will be apparent.
* Her eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed.
* Meconium (composed of products of cell loss, digestive secretion and swallowed amniotic fluid), is accumulating in the bowel. This black gooey substance will become your baby’s first poop!
* The umbilical cord is growing thicker and stronger and continues to rush blood and nutrients to your growing baby.
* Her skeleton is tranforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier.
(info courtesy of www.pregnancy.org)

* The best thing about this week was by far my date night!! Michael and I have made it a point to have a date night at least once a month. As a parent, it is so easy to get caught up everything else: the kids, house, dogs, job, you name it and “forget” about your own needs. It’s also easy to “forget” to have a date night…something else (see list above…lol) always comes up. Michael is more than a dad, I am more than a mom…we are each other’s other halves with our own interests (no, Elmo is really not my favorite actor and no, I really don’t like playing with cardboard boxes and pretending it is my fort). So we’ve marked our monthly date night on the calendar…in permanent marker This past weekend we went to Red, Hot, & Blue and had a GREAT time! The food was awesome, as was our waitress Liz. But the best thing about our date was just being able to share a conversation, laugh, & be silly together for a couple of hours…just the two of us. I was woo-ed all over again

That’s it in a nutshell! Readers, I pray your week is richly blessed!

PS. I posted this blog in Linux…woo-hoo (sense the sarcasm, Michael )

No, it wasn’t from that AMAZING Trident Fusion…or the Boston Creme Dunkin Donuts…or the cup of coffee with International Delight vanilla creamer (my hubby did earn points for brining all of those home the other day ). I think it’s just what they call, “nesting.” It is 1:15pm and I have:

* Gotten the girls completely ready & fed them both breakfast, snack, & lunch
* Vacuumed
* Dusted (which I absolutely HATE)
* Finished three loads of laundry
* Unloaded the dishwasher
* Cleaned the bathrooms
* Homeschooled Lilli
* Read the girls a book & put them down for a nap (big yay!!! for the girls, who didn’t fight me on this one!)
* Brushed Nicki
* Balanced the checkbook
* All this and I even got a shower in…and brushed my teeth…WOW!

Anyone want to place a bet as to how long this burst will last???

Picture it: Yesterday at the Clarke house, around 2:30 in the afternoon, BOOM!, “Wahhhhhh!” Of course a mother hears this and her first reaction is to run to where her children are…or should be
Lilli and I both dashed into Corinne’s room, where she was supposed to be taking a nap. Sure enough, she had woken up, climbed out of her crib, and fell onto the floor. As soon as I picked her up and Lilli hushed her, Corinne was back to her smiling self and took off running toward the play room.

When Michael got home, he converted her crib into a toddler bed. Thankfully I saved the safety bed rail from when Lilli transferred into a big girl bed, which was at 18 months - the same age as Corinne is now. I was expecting Corinne to climb out of bed all night with her new found freedom. But amazingly, she curled right into bed and we didn’t hear a peep out of her until 6:30 this morning. Life is definitely good!

I had a routine OB appointment today and Baby Clarke is doing well The heart rate was 147 and at the next appointment, they’ll be able to tell me if Baby is a boy or girl…woo hoo! I gained a healthy 5 pounds during my first trimester and my blood pressure was normal - both pleased the doctor. So far, so good!

Here’s the latest with Baby Clarke
*You may begin to feel some fluttering movements as baby kicks, flails, twists and turns (but don’t panic if you don’t yet). She can also grasp, squint, frown, grimace and maybe suck her thumb!
*Your baby’s legs have grown longer than the arms and the body is now longer than the head.
*And you’ll be happy to note that he is moving those arms and legs often!
*His skin is very thin — so thin blood vessel are visible. It’s covered by a fine, soft layer of hair called lanugo. Lanugo comes from a Latin word meaning “down.” This hair is thought to help insulate your little boy.
*The three tiny bones in his middle ear have begun to harden. The auditory centers in your baby’s brain haven’t developed yet, so she might not really understand what you say but her hearing capacity is in the process of developing. Fingernails and toenails are growing.
*Eyebrows are beginning to grow and even the hair his head is sprouting. It will probably change color and texture after birth.
*All this and your little one is an amazing 3.98 inches (10.1cm) long and may weigh 2.47 ounces (70gm).

Oh, and just for fun…how cute are these baby porcupines?!

Now that my second trimester is underway, every day seems to be better I have no nausea, have more energy, and can actually cook dinner without wanting to pass out! Woo hoo!

This morning has been especially awesome…the girls and I woke up around 7:30, ate breakfast & got ready for the day, homeschooled, and thought it was a good idea to head out “into town.”

By 10:30am we were at Apple Blossom Mall, which I’ve probably only been to maybe 4 times in the year and a half we’ve been in Winchester…what can I say, I will always be a Tyson’s  & Garden’s gal.

Motherhood Maternity was a huge success…no pun intended and then it was off to Border’s, where Lilli & Corinne each got to pick out a book.

We were home by 12:30pm, ate lunch, and now the girls are taking a well deserved nap.

What a busy morning! But the girls and I really enjoyed our time together…and are now looking forward to Papa getting home from work later on
Now, I am going to take advantage of my quiet time: kick my feet up, continue to knit a baby blanket I’ve been working on, and turn on an episode of Little House on the Prairie (or as we say, “L-HOP”)

Psalm 118:24
“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (NASB)