Well, life as a "rested" woman has not been too horrible.  I have to say that this is mostly because I have the most wonderful husband.  Many of you know that my "neat freak" mentality will be my biggest battle during the next 14 weeks.  But my husband cleaned the house and went to Costco, with the girls, all in time to get home before my in-laws came over.  He has been wonderful even though I feel terribly guilty about asking him for every little thing.  He reminded me though "It doesn't bother me.  I would be mad at you if you didn't ask."  It is times like this that remind me of our marriage commitment.  When one of us is down (uh, me!) the other ones just picks up the slack.  And the best part is that he does it without complaints. 

Last night we had the Troxel Birthday Quad-fecta.  We have four birthdays in April and so we have one large celebration.  Each year one of those with a birthday picks out a special restaurant.  It was my sister-in-laws turn and she was deciding on a couple of, what sounded like, fantastic ideas.  That all changed though and my in-laws graciously canceled the original dinner plans, grabbed Buca's to go and headed over last night to celebrate at our house.  They were all so sweet about the change of plans, and after seeing how crazy all the kids were, it was probably best that we didn't venture out in public anyway!  Ha-ha!  I just kept thinking to myself - "Three kids is crazy!"  Hopefully it was just the drugs making me so tired  We did exchange gifts.  I have included a picture of my favorite, a beautiful tea pot from my father-in-law and mother-in-law.  The girls and I used it this morning to make some wonderful mango tea.  Perfect for a mommy who has nothing better to do than sit around a drink delicious tea!  Avery has already asked if we can use the teapot for her 5th birthday party (mind you this is in December) because she wants to have a "Dress-up, Fancy Tea Party."  She is a planner like her mom.

Besides watching my husband slave around the house, I finished one book and am well into the next.  I have a feeling I am going to tear through my "To Be Read" pile of books rather quickly.  I also finished a wall hanging for the baby's room.  The girls had fun helping me pick out which buttons to use from the stash I got from Jennie's sewing room.  They love buttons.  I have lots of other sewing projects I hope I can work on as well.  I don't care much for TV so I am avoiding becoming an Oprah junkie. 

  

I suppose the hardest part about bed rest so far is that I get up to do one thing, and I find myself thinking of a million things I could do "real quick."  (That and the incredible guilt I feel constantly!)  Suddenly I have been up and about doing stuff for way too long.  It is a cycle that is hard to break.  And when the girls are doing something, I hate, hate, hate yelling at them from across the room, but that is all I have right now.  I will say though that Avery has really stepped up to help.  She gathered laundry for me yesterday and swept the living room this morning.  And she is quite helpful with Mia at times as well.  Hopefully all of this can be a good thing....  And so, my Pity Party has subsided a bit, mostly because of the love and support of family and friends.  Thank you to everyone who has called and offered child care, meals, prayers and other various kinds of help.  You have all been such an incredibly blessing and comfort and although it is hard to say yes to help, it is already getting a little easier because of your kindness.