it's late

It is late. I am tired. I will be in bed very soon. Jay Leno is on, so we're staying up long enough to get bored with him. Also, The bunny ears get shaky reception whenever this here laptop is in use, so the picture is super, annoyingly blurred very often.
Noah Sias is so adorable. He enjoys sticking out his bo-bo or his head or just curve of his back for me to rub lovingly. He is still shy around others, so he holds still when others touch my tummy. But he has gotten so big that he can't hide anymore. Any movement he makes can be seen through my tummy in strange, mystifying ways.
I got me some more sun. I now have a lovely sunburn after 20 minutes of sitting outside. I would love to tan that easily when I'm not pregnant.
I am going to bed now. Goodnight, friends. :)

hormones can do some crazy things to one's emotions.

So yes, I am going to blame a sudden surge of hormones for the strange snippy-ness that has been addling my mind as of late. Pregnancy is a good scapegoat for a lot of things.
My handsome husband is 25. wow. halfway to 30... I wonder if he feels wiser or something.
Not a lot to inform ya'll of, so I'm gonna end this one with a "sleep well" and a mental hug for you all!

beef jerky. yeah

I have not seen my husband in more than 24 hours. I miss him. I am comforted because I know he's coming home tonight and I get to see him soon!
The reason for his absence is a rather hefty job he's working on in Longview. or is it Lindale... no, it's Longview. To save gas and time, he stayed with a friend in Longview. His friend has a two or three month old baby boy named Lleyton. Stephan loved hangin' out with that little guy, so now he's super excited about our little one. He wont have to wait for too much longer. Today is the 24th of March. Noah's e.t.a. is May 24th. Two months, people!! It's going to be here so soon! I get to be a mommy!
Well, friends, this Friday is Stephan's birthday. He'll be turning 25. Halfway to 30. I know what I'm gonna get him for his birthday. :D
It is trying to rain right now. Yesterday it was so beautiful outside that I got a tan. WOO HOO!! On a related subject, if anyone knows a clever way to get a pregnant lady's back tan, please share your knowledge.

The only thing we have to fear...

I was tempted to be afraid today. The government is large and threatening and the factions for and against this and that are growing more and more raucous. As I pondered the fate of this country and how these troubled, changing times will affect my future and the life of my child, I felt the first hints of fear and frustrations creep into my mind. Very quickly, God reminded me of several reassuring truths and promises He has given me. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge. That last one was random. I thought so too. Then I realized why God put that one in my head; the only thing God has ever told us to fear is Himself. No demons, no principalities, no rulers of this world, God has them in complete control. Nothing will happen to me or any person that belongs to Jesus without the loving God who saved us allowing it. All thing work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose, so I won't be afraid.
Thank You, Holy and righteous God, for begin so very in control. Let me never forget your might and power. Let me rest secure in the shadow of Your wings. Amen!

hiccups :)

my body's current tenant gave me quite a delight this morning. As the doctor listened for a heartbeat at my checkup, another, not as regular noise sounded in the speaker. With every faint "whip" noise that was made, I could feel a tiny twitch in my tummy. The doctor was all smiles (which is usual, 'cause I have a remarkably and perpetually happy doc) as she informed me that my baby had the hiccups! Oh the joys that not-quite-motherhood brings! Now the squirmy little boy is continuing his morning exercise and making strange shapes out of my tummy.
It's hard to believe that I have been pregnant for seven months. Since late August of last year, and all through the winter, I have been sharing myself with a little person! Stephan is also amazed that it has been so long, partially because it seems to have flown by so quickly! In the beginning, it was "I can't wait until I look pregnant!" Now it's, "I can't wait for this kid to be here!"
I feel a little guilty, for I have found that by stealing Stephan's pillow, I can create a nest around me that allows for the ultimate comfortable pregnant sleeping position. I can get more rest now! hurray!
Back to living life, friends. Be blessed in all that you do and try to do.

I eat, therefore Noah moves

I love it when I eat healthily! I feel so healthy!
I think Noah likes it too. He dances with glee when my tummy is full. And when I'm trying to sleep. And if I'm driving. Heck, he just likes to move. What an energetic kid!
My husband called me this morning to tell me that he was happy. That made me very happy. I thanked God for making today a good day for Stephan. Then I got pinched. Guess who forgot what drunken holiday it was today and, therefore, did not wear any green whatsoever. This guy! However, I cannot complain. Today is just too darn blessed!
Back to work!

naked!

We shaved Roxy today. She's naked! She's not entirely hairless, just trimmed down. Now she looks a whole lot like Toby. I think Toby's health is failing. Or he's going blind. Maybe the sun was just in his eyes, but earlier today, as Stephan was raking the back yard and I was watching with my apple, I witnessed Toby trip over nothing and then stumble as he jumped off the back porch. I really hope he's all right.
It's a wonderful, sunny and warm lazy Sunday. I would love to go for a walk or fishing. Fishing! I really want to go fishing. What happened to my fishing pole? Maybe we can go out to Ma and Pa Du Toit's place later and fish. We will see.

I love my husband because of a clean car

Not just a clean car. I love that guy for a whole bunch of reasons, but this morning as I worked, he came to get my car, got all the stuff that needed updating updated, and cleaned it! He's got some crazy lovin' and affection heading his way!
It's Friday! The weekend comes soon and I am happy. My mother bought me a bag of mini Reese's, and a V8 (they cancel each other out, so I'm alright), and I am happy. I did not wear a jacket today, thinking it was going to be warmer than it currently is, and that made me a bit unhappy. (It's all good, 'cause I'm inside all day). Crap. That reminds me that I have to run out there and get the mail. I'll wait 'til noon-ish. Maybe it will be warmer then.
What does a pregnant biker-chic look like? Uncle Billy's turning 50 and the party is one honoring the ancient sect of biker-ism. (Uncle Billy drives a motorcycle.) I know how my hair shall be done, and Hannah let me have one of her stick on tattoos, but what on earth am I gonna wear?
Well, it's back to work, my friends. I want an English bulldog.

college haunts me

Dismal, wretched educational system. I'll never be done with you, it seems.
I complain, friends, because I am going to complete my final two semesters at UT Tyler at some point, but I honestly have no idea when it's going to happen. I am looking forward with excitement and trepidation to the path that God has put before me. Excitement because I can see hints and glimpses of what He has in store for me (being a mother as well as a wife), and trepidation because several other rather important parts of my life are still hidden from me (when will I return to school? Will I have to work and if so, for how long?) The best response I have for this unprecedented time in my life if prayer. Lots and lots of prayer.
Noah has become a mover and a shaker. He moves so much and with such gusto that my tummy shakes! Sometimes, while he is relocating, he pokes some part of his anatomy out so far that I can almost tell what it is by feeling it with my hands. Stephan got to give his son a pat on the back the other night. Or the bobo. I'm not quite sure what it was.
Life is about to get so crazy different! I'm a little intimidated. Be near, God, and please help me always in everything! And thank You for Stephan. Amen.

grocery shopping. poo

Welcome to a new week, friends.
I'm experiencing a mixture of emotions as this new span of six days starts off. For one, I'm happy, as usual, because I am blessed beyond what I ever deserve, AND My first baby shower was too much fun and Noah and I got a lot of cute things! But also, I am downtrodden. This weekend was a blessing in itself because we got to relive a bit of life as it was before the departure of our friends, the Skinners. Alas, all things must come to an end. In this lifetime, at least. But, I'm still excited because I am now anticipating more good things to come, and the eventual arrival of this small, shifting bundle of energy that is spending the majority of his captivity bruising my ribs. I have responsibilities; I must go grocery shop. *gag* a few pictures of how victorious the weekend was:

EXCITED!

Friends, nothing but good tidings from yours truly today! Last night, Bunco at the casa was a big 'ole success and everyone loved my house! (I try my hardest to type that in a way that does not sound vain and incredibly conceited).
This morning, I cleaned up the chip and cupcake crumbs, straightened what little needed to be straightened, and started a load of laundry. The rest of my day is shower, beautify, bank, work at le shop por le madre, and maybe even go and get myself a cute dress for this SATURDAY!!! That's tomorrow. I'm excited! I'll see you soon, Aubrizzle!
SATURDAY!!!!

Is hosting a fiesta-themed party considered racist?

So I was reading some news on Yahoo's website and I notice a student-lead protest against racism on a University of California campus. I read more, intrigued as I was as to what form of racism was displayed in such a liberal state and on such a liberal campus, and I found that there was outrage over a Mexican-themed party thrown on campus. If this is racist, than I must apologize to everyone, for I, too, have attended a fiesta-style shindig at one point and another. In penance for such grievous sin, I have resolved to abstain from all stereo-typical get-togethers, including any gatherings at which they are serving chips and salsa and/or queso. On that note, shame on you, Tex-Mex restaurants. How racist.
On a much more joyous note, It is Wednesday!!! People, in two days, I gets to see my Bri-Bri!
Saturday promises to be much fun, what with baby shower brunches and friendly get togethers. (Sans the salsa). Also, tomorrow, Thursday, I am hosting the Sylvania ladies' bunco game night at my house.
Friends, I have noticed something; when plans have been made that involve my house and people coming to it, as well made and far in advance as these plans may be, the stress level for Colette and Stephan Du Toit seems to sky-rocket. I'm sure everyone who cares the least bit about public opinion and appearance like to think that people will approve, if not be impressed with their house. But when those rare occurrences swing around in which people that I'm not very closely acquainted with come into my abode, I get a little nauseous with anticipation. That might be why I don't host more large get-togethers. Stephan's even worse, bless his hard-working heart. Gosh, I stinking LOVE THAT MAN!
So if I can be selfish for a moment and ask anything of you, my dear readers, it would be that you pray for peace and perseverance for myself and my husband. I know that, come next week, once all the events have passed, all will be normal and good.
To God be all the glory, amen!