Monday, November 2, 2009

Beach combers...

I'm always wishing I spent more time out in Spain, enjoying what is here before our time is up. Today, with my Sohl-mate and Young Sohl back stateside for a week, I decided that the older two and I should hit the beach. I adore hunting for treasures at the beach here; due mostly to the sea glass. I find it completely peaceful, relaxing. My two darlings, however, have lost interest in the sea glass searching.

Sohl son likes to climb the algae-covered boulders, and flick sand and such. Little SohlGal is finally to the point of realizing that sand never tastes as good as it looks, and is instead content to pick up any, and all, pink-ish shells, rocks, candy wrappers or other pink-like beach debris she discovers.

Today we came across what I thought used to be sea anemone, and it was really quite pretty. This squishy little blob was mostly purple with stringy green tips, and a beige-colored foot. The kids were smitten with the little thing, and slightly annoyed I wouldn't let them take it home.

It interested me, and got me thinking. I know what beach treasures I enjoy; I know what little SohlGal likes; I'm pretty sure that I know what Sohl son wants from his experience. So how do I make home more like the beach?

Oh, and then there's this. As we're walking down the stairs to the beach, little SohlGal says, "Mom, can we swim in the pools?" Sohl son quickly corrects her. "Little SohlGal, that's not the pools. Those are things are HUGE BEACHES."

Saturday, October 24, 2009

My spongy-self...

God's been working some firm lessons, moving them to heart knowledge. I've been struggling quite a bit over the last few months, feeling lost and unsure why. What's interesting is that I can pinpoint the last time I felt secure, and it was when I was secure in how God sees me. While that hasn't changed, my drive to focus on Him, on His vision has.

Have you heard of the Principle of Displacement? In a nut shell, here it is: I am a sponge, and I must be filled with something. I can allow myself to be filled with the sludge, the muck, the leftovers. Eventually that sponge (me) "stinks," and when that happens, it needs to either be santized, washed clean, renewed - or thrown out. Often, I've been allowing the voice in my head to win out, telling me I'm only worthy of the latter, which flies directly in the face of the enormous sacrifice Jesus made for us all. He deemed me worthy of being renewed, cleansed, and if He deemed me as such, who am I to question that?

OR, I can fill myself with clean, pure water, and when needed more abrasive cleansers to rid the pores of my spongy-self of germs and muck. Yielding to what His word tells me, yielding to His truth so that I am filled with His glory and equipped to do His good works.

While it's obvious the second option is better, it's not always the one I choose. I've let my time with Him slide by the wayside, for silly reasons. That time, the quiet, focused, personal relationship time with my loving Savior is essential for me to remain as He sees me. Otherwise, my spongy-self fills up with the nasties which abound, and I'm quick to throw myself away.

I want to be continually transformed into His likeness, as I've studied so often in Phil. 3:10. AMP ver.
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Jesus, thank you for loving me. Father thank you for your patient guidance, and yielding forgiveness and love. Strengthen in me the knowledge of your true character, and help me stay firmly on your path. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Oh, and man does it feel good to blog again!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Pressure...

Let me begin by saying that the opening to "Under Pressure," the Queen/David Bowie song always throws me off. Tricks me into thinking I'd better take heed, as Vanilla's a lyrical poet - Miami's on the scene, just in case you didn't know it.

Since I've started to blog I've always felt this need to say something, be it something valuable or knowledgeable or unique. If it's worth blogging, it should be inspiring, or thought-provoking, or at the very least, interesting, right? If I want readers to take heed - be impressed by my lyrical skills - I should have something along the lines of a chemical spill. So what does my life mean if I have nothing note-worthy to report? Several friends here say most days feel like Groundhog Day. As witty as the Lord's made me, most Sohl-days are pretty serious.

Another blogster today, though, wrote that just starting, just getting something down makes a dent. Then the initial pressure's off, and that release comes with writing. Regardless of which opening comes that day, Queen/Bowie or Ice's flow, I'm prepared to share a bit of each day again.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Wives, submit to your husbands...

Oh yeah... I'm going there.

Well, really I want to go there, but I'm not sure how. Because that voice inside me (Sohlmate and I have named her Margaret, and she's even more bossy than I) tells me that I have a demanding responsibility to point out exactly where my husband's missing _________ (the blank to be filled with the up-to-the-minute thing that he's lacking or forgotten or blown up or messed up).

Interestingly, I'm so glad that I don't have someone like myself following me around to let me know where I'm lacking or missing things. Which is, as I recognize, a complete double standard.

I've been blessed to hear a few great women offer interpretations of what God's ideal submission looks like. It isn't lying dormant and it isn't simply giving over to which ever wild hair makes it... well you know where. But somewhere in the muck that's clogged my mind, I've forgotten what the picture really is intended to be.

All this to say, I'm not sure whether or not Margaret has a vaild point - I'm not sure that Sohlmate's missing or lacking. As a few wise mentors have reminded me, when it's time to point out who is lacking, the task of pointing out the speck is much more comfortable than identifying the log in my own eye.

So... what are your insights? What does your example of submission look like? Or, if you're like me, how do you cope with that voice telling you to point out the speck? And how do you reprogram or ignore it?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Sorry my friends...

So I know it's been forever, and I humbly seek your forgiveness.

Young Sohl is crawling and chatting up a storm. His favorite person is probably his older brother. Little Sohl Gal keeps everyone entertained with her monologue. Some friends from CC stopped over to visit, and we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with them. It was great to hear about where they're living now, what they experience, and the differences between here and there.

The kids and I spent the other morning with some great Christian women friends and their children. There were ten children there, running every which way. The best part? The view of the ocean while the moms chatted about the joys and trials of motherhood. It was really an encouraging time, and I was truly blessed to see these women in action.

I've been struggling with my confidence as a mother, which if you're like me, affects every other aspect of life. Reading this book, How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, and Listen so Kids Will Talk, has been incredibly insightful. What has been encouraging is that it's easy and effective. What has been a bit discouraging is the realization that the way I've talked to them up to this point has been less than respectful, and locked me into this distructive cycle in the first place.

The root of the problem? The lack of quiet time. As I learned in One on One with God, the relationship is on-going, but I'm feeling the lack of fellowship. Honestly, I'm surprised at how easy it is to be lured away. I shouldn't be - since I know how the enemy works. Day by day, though, I drift farther and farther from that fellowship and closeness. And while His truths don't leave me, they're not first. If you're consistently experiencing this time with Him, you can relate. If not, I encourage you to recommitt with me to spend time with Him daily.

I've filled that time with many things - even many good things (many not so great things... others may, I may not) - including reading several enlightening books. My favorite was Left Behind, which was eye opening for me. Scary, if I allow myself to be completely honest. Made me realize how little I know about that last chapter of His word.

Globally enlightening was A Mighty Heart, which is the memoir of Mariane Pearl. I have a very limited understanding of political system and of what journalism is and is not.

Living abroad has offered many challenges, opportunities, and a sense of responsibility to represent a specific picture of America. But that's for another post. Hugs and love friends!


Saturday, March 14, 2009

It's March?!?!

I know it's been forever since I've put up pictures or blogged. So I am hereby agreeing to update weekly with pictures and a new blog. I encourage you all to hold me accountable, encouraging me to be true to this goal I've set for myself. In the meantime, here's what's been going on in Sohl-land.

Little Sohl Gal and Sohl Son have grown much, much taller in the last few weeks. We've gone up to 3T and 5/6, respectively, and plan that Young Sohl will be fully into 6 month clothing very soon as well.

Sohl Gal's taken up running with a friend. The goal is to run a 1/2 marathon in the fall. It's been easier than I'd have imagined, and though I've never considered myself a runner (nor have I wanted to be one), I'm really enjoying it.

My Sohlmate's finally been blessed with a supply of Arnold Palmer's. We recently learned that it IS possible to mail them, and he's happily enjoying them on a regular basis. Thanks to the Moms for those! He LOVES Arnold Palmer's. OR, as Little Sohl Gal calls them, "Awww BUMMER sodas."

We've reached strawberry season again, and I was able to buy a kilo of strawberries (2.2 lbs.) for 2 euros - cheap, cheap, cheap! I really enjoy going out into town and using my Spanish, and I'm praying that it's improving.

One on One is going well, and I can't believe how much He's growing me each day and week. I'm so thankful for His patience and unyielding love.

I'm out of exciting news to report, so congratulations on the new babies DaWags and Ketch! Thanks for the love and support, Jenni, Tooley, Daph, Hollenrockers, Sarah, and Mom. Miss all of you, love you all, and pray for you, too. Update you soon!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

What do you do?

What do you do when you're having that day? The one where the mess, the routine, the challenges are so magnified that you struggle to see His light behind them?

A commercial I've seen recently spoke to me about this. There's a man and a rock - which looks to be much, much bigger than the man. The man talks, slowly taking steps forward. You realize that the rock isn't as big as it seems, it's just the way you see the situation. I know Pastor Bil's talked about this, too.

So what do you do when you're having that day? I read a bit in my Bible, where He reminded me that He's in charge, and I have to relinquish my false ideas of control.

Gotta move some rocks... but shoot me your ideas on how to change my perspective.

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

More pictures...



Sohl son decided we needed a diet.







I'm in the book...

Facebook, that is. My friends have convinced me to start, and I have to admit that it is enjoyable. I much prefer it over the social network I used before. So... now I figure out how to use that, and update this... so everyone can stay updated. Fun!

Anyway, if you are a fellow facebooker, and we know each other, let me know. We can be friends.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sohl son's view...

Sohl son wanted to make some webcam calls, but our call recipients weren't available. So he decided he wanted to write something instead. Here's what he said...

"Now I have to say Spanish words. Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez, once, doce, trece, catorce, quince." (counting, 1 - 15).
"Comer" (to eat).
"How do you ask someone their name?"
"Como se llamas? Camiseta is a t-shirt. La jaqueta is jacket. La puerta is door. Techo, ceiling. Casa, house," (putting hands up to point over his head).
"What else do you know?"
"Manos arriba, a la cabeza." (Hands up, on your head.)
I asked Sohl son, "How do you say paper?"
"El papel is paper."
"How do you say chair?"
"La silla."
Then he does this chant from school...
"Pollito - chicken
Gallina - hen
lapiz - pencil
Pluma - pen
Ventana - window
Puerto - door
Techo - ceiling
and suelo - floor."

"Los zapatos," he says. "What's that?" I asked.
"Shoes, Mom. Ropa, clothes. How about... how do you say scarf in Spanish?"
"How do you say it, Sohl son?"
"La bufanda!"
"What other things do you know? How 'bout hat?"
"El sombrero."
"How do you say dress?"
"El vestido."
"How do you say sun?"
"El sol."
"How do you say sunglasses?"
"Gafas del sol."
"What does it mean when I say, 'Donde esta su mochila?'"
"La mochila aqui. It means, 'Where's your backpack?' Mommy, I don't know if I can do every Spanish word."
"You're doing great!"
"Well, I can do some..."
"What other things do you know?"
"Ummmm... Kung Fu Panda. How do you make his name?"
"Well, he's not Spanish."
"I'm just kidding. He's not Spanish. How 'bout el papel? Mama, I think it's time for me to watch a movie."
"How do you say movie in Spanish?"
"I don't know. Can you say it for me?"
"Movie is la pelicula."
"Peculia?"
"Pay-lick-u-lah. Is there anything else you want to say?"
"Adios, hasta manana!" (Bye see you tomorrow!)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Christmas meme...

So I'm taking a meme from someone who took it from somewhere else (an important reason not to just take for granted info you find on the web). I'll be borrowing from it here and there... so be ready.

If you want to do it too, let me know so I can see your responses. If not, I'll know my answers are right.

Favorite Christmas.... (let me preface this by saying I'm leery of calling anything my "favorite," so I'll say that these are the things that strike me first as relevant to the question)
01. Non-Jesus-related song? The Rusty Chevrolet (Mom, don't you miss Wayne's broken down, sewn-up truck??)
02. Jesus-related song? What Child is This?
03. Santa-related song? I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
04. Fictional character?
05. Dinner’s main course? Spiral Sliced Honey Baked Ham (thanks, Dad... Sohlmate thanks you, too, for getting us hooked).
06. Dinner’s dessert? Pumpkin cheesecake
07. Scent (pine, gingerbread, candles…)? cinnamony-vanilla-y-pumpkinish (Look for cinnomon vanilla from Divine Designs)
08. Animated movie? I don't think I have one... can't even think of one I like to watch.
09. Non-animated movie? The Nativity Story
10. Personal memory? Huge gatherings at g-'rents house with family.
11. Story/Fairy Tale? Gift of the Magi

Friday, November 21, 2008

I like you so much

*blushes* I made you a mixed tape. (Shyly hands it over). Oh... you like it? If you want, you can come over and we can curl our bangs and maybe french roll our acid washed jeans. Far out, huh?!?


Mixwit make a mixtapeMixwit mixtapes

Monday, November 17, 2008

Lists...

Things that lift our Sohls…
Lincoln log constructions ala Sohl son
Musical stylings of Sohl son and Little Sohl Gal
Intermittent smiles from Young Sohl
Having dinner with friends
Dreams of a Honda Odyssey (oh, sweet three rows)
Dreams of a new Beemer…
Eureka (a slightly odd, and yet entertaining show)
Dexter (a very odd, and yet entertaining show)
Leapster LMAX learning games and baby dollies
New towels
Our Spanish gardener and housekeeper – sweet relief!
Cheez-its, Oreos, and fruit snacks (respectively)
Grilling
The marvelous views out our back windows
Dreams of being debt-free

Things our Sohl’s miss...
Our friends and family
Our church in Corpus Christi
Target
Our Honda Odyssey
Dining out
Barnes and Noble
Watching commercials and regular TV


Stuff we need...
Visitors
Regular communication with our fam and friends
Prayers

Octubre... en picturas


Young Sohl... about 5 weeks...

One eye's black, one has a bug bite. And we're trying to decide what to do with that hair.

Dad's new boots, and the latest art stylings of Sohl son.

Totally eighties... thank you, Sohl son.

She needs a certain number of pieces of flair... he helped her take care of that.
Shopping, with Little Sohl Gal's b-day gifts.
Her new shopping cart.
Halloween was great. They were cute, and got waaaay too much candy.
Little Sohl Gal's b-day festivities. Make your own cupcake - mmmm...
Oh yeah... cupcake.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

I'm baaaack!

Hola mis amigos!

We’ve been wrapped up in ourselves here lately, so I apologize for the lack in updating. Here’s what we’ve been doing…

Sohl son and Little Sohl Gal had an open house at Sohl son’s Spanish Immersion school, where we got to see artwork from the kids from birth to age 5. Then we had a Thanksgiving feast in the courtyard, family-style, where we pass the food around the table. We sat with the families of two of Sohl sons’ friends. We enjoyed turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, veggies, cornbread muffins, and pumpkin pie for dessert. And, in a European twist, unrefrigerated boxed milk to drink. (They also have unrefrigerated eggs here… I don’t know…)

My Sohlmate and I attended Sohl son’s conference, where his teacher shared with us how well he’s doing. He shares, participates, and is cooperative with the kids. He’s also doing very, very well with his Spanish, and the goal she set for him is to begin using more Spanish phrases and sentences, rather than isolated words. We’re also supposed to encourage his written language, as he often chooses not to express himself that way.

Sohl son’s creativity is high, and he often spends long periods of time completing self-designed projects. She said he really loves tape, and will build structures with tape, string, or blocks, and often encourages other kids to join him.

Little Sohl Gal is a charmer, and loves to go to “school.” I usually take her Tuesdays and Thursdays, and she runs right in to get started. Her teachers are amazed with her vocabulary, often stating how easily understood she is. Another parent let me know last night that he always looked forward to picking up his son, because besides the hugs from his own child, Little Sohl Gal made sure she hugged him, too.

Young Sohl’s up to about nine and half pounds, and is extremely tolerant of his often-overzealous siblings. They love to “help,” from singing him songs to calm him (often the Spanish colors song), to helping find clothes and blankets for him, to retrieving his car seat or other dropped items. Each morning at school, Sohl son announces Young Sohl’s arrival, and Little Sohl Gal runs her own version of interference, often telling Sohl son’s friends that it’s “her baby,” and that they, “can’t touch.”

Last night we went to the only remaining drive-in movie theater on the Iberian peninsula, and were treated to Madagascar 2. We met our neighbors and a few other friends there, and grilled out before the movie. We learned two lessons: the first, bring blankets in November, because it’s cold; and the second, have food ready before it gets dark.

I’ve set a goal to try 70 Spanish wines before leaving, and I am really enjoying this task. Our local grocery store afforded me my first taste of sherry wine, the manzanilla. Phew! I thought I had mistakenly taken a shot of vodka or something! There’s a reason why the sherry wine glasses are so tiny. Right now my favorites are tinto roble, and this new wine that is from right here in Cadiz.

I stopped by the gypsy market the other day, and grabbed two bufandas (scarves, which are huge here in Spain) and a medio kilo (a ½ kilo or 1.1 lbs.) of olivas negras and of aceitunas con almendras (green olives with almonds - sounds gross, I know; but super extra tasty!). The gypsy market is somewhat like a flea market, where you can buy anything from bras and underwear to lentils to a pair of leather boots and a new dress. Of course you can also pick up your daily ration of caracoles (snails) and tiny gambas (shrimp).

Pictures tomorrow, friends!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Young Sohl's arrived...












Hi everyone!

Grant Joseph's made his grand entrance! He was born October 1st, at 4:58pm central European time, weighing 7lbs 2ozs, and 20 1/2 inches long. His hair is dark blonde, and his eyes are dark blue. He has very long feet and large hands, so we fully expect him to be very tall, taking after his cool SohlBro uncle.
I know that you've been anxiously awaiting an update, so here are a few pictures to tide you over. I'm all recovered from my infection, and I thank you for all your prayers, calls, and emails. Our internet is back up, so time permitting, I will be more dilligent in posting updates.

Most of all, please know how thankful Sohlmate and I are for your love and support. We miss you all very much, and pray that you are all healthy, safe, and blessed.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Week 37...

It's now week 37, and as of my appointment last week, I'm 2 cm., and 50% effaced. Young Sohl is happily squirming about as I type, seeming none too concerned with the idea of making an early appearance. I can go in this week to get the membranes stripped, and hopefully that will make things move along a bit more rapidly. In case you can't tell, I'm finished with the pregnancy thing. Not that I'm not appreciative of the baby, the blessing, or the fact that I can conceive and carry the baby. I'm so thankful for all those things. I'm just ready to meet this young man and to begin our lives as a family of five, instead of as just us four with a super tired, crabby, pained mom who requires more personal space than a Mack truck.

Little Sohl Gal is all about babies right now, and loves to see other babies, talk to them, and really, really wants to touch one. I've held her off, because all the babies she sees right now are teeny, tiny babies, or are inside a classroom she peeks in on. I'm not sure she really gets that one will be living in her house, though she loves to "kiss da baby" when she thinks of it (which is fairly often). I'm torn as to how she'll accept the baby. On some level, she'll be upset that the attention she used to command will be shared; mostly, though I expect that she'll be the mothering type, and that I'll find her inches from the baby more often than not.

Sohl son's taken on the big brother role of Young Sohl already. We were shopping the other day, and Young Sohl moved in such a way that I gasped. Sohl son frowned at my stomach, and said, "STOP it, Young Sohl! You're hurting, Mommy." To which Little Sohl Gal added, "TOP IT SOHL SON!!" At least they look out of me and for each other, right?!?

He says he remembers what happened when Little Sohl Gal was born, and we took him to the labor and delivery unit at the hospital to see where Young Sohl would be born. He liked the rocking chairs, the TV/DvD sets, and was highly concerned about the presence of shots. He remembers that I fed Little Sohl Gal, "tummy milk," and wanted to know if I'd feed the new baby the same way. :) Tummy milk. He also has asked if I can open my mouth so he can talk to Young Sohl and hear Young Sohl's voice. I'm always intrigued by what decisions they've made as to how the whole thing works.

My sister is also pregnant, and is 38 weeks, PRAISE GOD! She's also 2 cm., and is "softening nicely," according to her doctor. My mom asked her if we were racing to see who could have the baby first. I'll tell you what - I'm older, so I should get to go first. :)

I'm asking for prayer for my parents. They've been without power since the remnants of Hurricane Ike rolled through the Louisville area, and are possibly to be restored today. A friend has lent them a generator so that they can keep the food cold, and occasionally make contact with the outside world. Mom's been working, still, and says that while she enjoys camping, she likes it better when she's camping because she wants to, not because she has to.

I still don't have official details of what will happen in C's case, but we're prayerful that we'll know by the end of the week.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

PRAISE!

God has provided a response and a result for our yuckiness, and has answered so clearly the prayers we've had. Can't go into too much detail, but the case has been substantiated, and then some.

More when I have it!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Let's see...

I'm sure I should have things to blog about by this point... but most of what's going with my Sohlmate and I is stuff I'm not willing to share in the blogosphere. I'll leave it that God's in control and that we're believing hard after that fact.

So I'll share stuff about the little Sohls.

Sohl son has started Spanish Immersion. He goes daily for a few hours, and has about fifteen kids in his class. His teachers, Maria Jose and Rocio, are Spanish nationals who are definitely gifted with children. He's learning a Spanish counting song, and various words. He knows the word for spoon (la cuchara), class (la clase), closet (el cuarto), and several numbers. This is interesting because they prepared us at the start that the children may act as if they know no Spanish at all. Thankfully, with his vocal nature, he shares new words often.

He's also busy playing with Tell-man, and a new friend, I-sen. There are four other four-year-old boys right around our house, and our Sohl son is in his own personal heaven. Trains and bikes are his favorite activities right now, and these other four boys love the same things. Sohl son is into reading books, and insists on reading books to himself before his nap and bedtime. Current favorite titles include, "No, David", "Rack, Shack, and Benny", "Joseph Had An Overcoat", and "Duck on a Bike."

What's great is that little Sohl gal has three little girls to play with as well! One is almost 3, one is 2 1/2, and one's birthday is the day before her's. She's into the girly-girl stuff. Shoes, clothes, hair brushing, lotion, stuffed animals, bling, and anything pink. Her current favorite animal is a horse, though she still likes dogs and Cookie Bird. Her Spanish vocabulary includes see you later (hasta luego), bye (adios), thank you (gracias), hello (hola), and then repeating any other phrases she hears. She's quite the little chatter, and will talk to just about anyone. Her favorite pastimes are to, "reek a book," and she always wants to join dad and brother when they, "rike a bike." She likes to color, cuddle stuffed animals, and be held by anyone willing.

In Young Sohl news, he's 35 weeks, and is already a pain in the... literally. His movements are very strong, and since he's so low already some of his movements make me stop in my tracks. My doctor said that the cervix is still far back, but things have started changing already to prepare. She said I should take it easy, but didn't put me on bed rest. My Sohlmate, knowing my heriditary trait of busy-body-ness, placed me on a week's worth of rest, clearing me of all housework, Little Sohl Gal carrying, shopping, curtain making, etc. The reason behind the enforced rest period? In order to deliver at the hospital of choice, I have to be at least 36 weeks. While we know that God's in firm control of Young Sohl's eventual arrival date, we're trying to do everything we can to aid his delivery at the hospital of choice.

I've not been told his approximate size; but given Little Sohl Gal's weight of 7lbs 12oz at 38 weeks, and Sohl son's weight of 8lbs 13oz at 41 1/2 weeks, I'd say he'll be at least 6 1/2 lbs if he's born at 36-37 weeks. I go back to the doctor Monday, so we'll have more news then.

Funny story - so at about 36 weeks, the ob/gyns like to do the group B strep culture. It's a swab of the... ahem... 2 delicate regions... to find out if a natually occuring strain has made it outside the body. While it's not harmful inside, it can cause problems at birth. The way to avoid this is to test early, and then administer IV antibiotics at the time of delivery if the test shows the presence of the strain. With the first two, the doctors just told me, and took care of it. This time, the doctor said I could do it at home, or they could. What?? I don't know about you, but I'm not interested in performing an at-home swab. I polietly turned that responsibility back over to her. She kind of laughed at my response. I'd imagine there aren't too many who'd take on that job.