Past 24 weeks now

I figured it was time for a quick update.

Health-wise, it's been a struggle the past 2 weeks. Had the flu Easter weekend and missed church. Thankfully just fever and soreness and no other more dehydrating symptoms! Grace and Isaiah got it as well. Dayton skipped it! Then last week during spring break, we went to church camp. Great trip and lots of fun and naps for me. Tried to go to sleep Friday night and ended up with excrutiating earpain, where nothing I had would help. Ended up going straight to the doctor Sat. afternoon at a local Thai hospital and as expected, I have an ear infection. I'm 28 and this is my first ear infection ever. And I hope to never have one again! Now on day 5 out 7 for antibiotics. If I were in the USA with many natural options, I wouldn't be doing antibiotics. At least I have some acidophilus and probiotics to counteract it. Many don't know the risks of taking antibiotics during pregancy. Raises the risk of yeast infection in the mom and a much higher risk of the baby developing thrush, thus much more difficulty with breastfeeding. At least I've got a ways to go to fix or prevent all of that!

Pregnancy-wise, I'm doing great. I truly believe I'm getting better prenatal care doing it myself. Much more involved every week than a once a month hurried OB appointment. I just don't get why women use OBs at all unless they're very high-risk. Low-risk pregnancies usually get high-risk management and an abundance of unnecessary tests and procedures during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Sorry! Just a small rabbit trail there, but it's true! So, my blood pressure, etc. is fine. Been doing loads of iron to keep that up... probably the most challenging part. I'm up to 25lb weight gain!! I'll try to post pictures in the next week or so.

Cleaning-wise. Our full-time helper left, and I'm back to watching the kids by myself and (not) cleaning the house. Dayton tries to help where he can. I just have half the energy this pregnancy, and I'm thinking I've only got another 6 weeks until I'm pretty much napping all day. Please pray we can finder another helper fast so I have time to train her! The only other help I have is a highschool student who comes in 2 days a week after school to do dishes, play with the kids, help cook dinner, etc. Better than nothing!

Weather-wise. It's just super hot! Upper 90's or low 100's. With the humidity, the heat index is 115F or higher! I just don't go outside during the day anymore.

I just realized that if I'm 24 weeks now, I could easily have babies here in hopefully 12 to 16 weeks... it's gonna fly. I've had fun collecting cloth diapers and other odds and ends. Ordering my twin breastfeeding pillow this week and possibly a couple pouch slings too. Still looking for an affordable mini-van that is mini enough for me to drive in Bangkok.

Off to nap while Isaiah naps and Grace watches her Circus Barney video! I feel bad with all the TV the kids are watching, but I just don't have the energy to do much else.