[ritzbits]

I don't know how many of you noticed I've been gone for a while (since a little before Christmas), but I've been just... UGH. lol I got totally busy at Christmas scrapping all the last minute Christmas presents (calendars, mini calendars, etc) and didn't have time to be on any boards at all...much less participate in all the games and fun that was going on around here.

But you may notice where I'm posting...

I have a new excuse for not being around as much as I'd like.... We're expecting #3!!! We are very excited, but it's taking a toll on me emotionally, physically and mentally. We have one boy who just turned 3 this month, and another that is going to be 2 next month - both of whom are still in diapers and are as onery as all get out.... So I literally have little to no time on my hands.

I haven't done a page since Christmas, and I feel just horrible about it. We got a new camera at Christmas and my computer won't read the card, so I have to drag out all sorts of cords and junk to get the pics to my computer and they're HUGE files, so my computer is sluggish when downloading them... sigh. It's been tough. I need to get past all my excuses though and get back on the wagon. I know in 5 years I'm really going to regret NOT getting this stuff done.

Anyway... that's where I've been, what I've been up to (or lack thereof). I just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and semi-well. Keep me in your prayers - my boys are REALLY (I mean REAAAAAALY) testing my patience these days - and pregnancy horomones are not doing anything to help me keep a level head. I'd cherish the prayers - I know you guys are good for it.

Hopefully I'll be around more this month. I joined BINGO as some incentive to get me to the boards every day.

[LisaL]

Yea! I have 3 boys 19, 17 and 15 1/2 so I know pretty much were you are and you have my thoughts and PRAYERS! It will get worse before it gets better, but it will get better...I promise! I am here to lend an ear/shoulder if you need one! Been there, done that, have the scars!

[B&K Mom]

Nice to see you back, Lori. Congrats on #3. Hope the UGH and frazzled nerves resolve quickly....BTW, when are you due? Do you know boy/girl?? Inquiring (or just nosey) minds want to know!

Debbie

[Reyn]

Lori, I was thinking about you the other day. Glad you are well! I know exactly where you are coming from. I have a 4 year old and a 3 year old, they are 15 months apart. Thank God I didn't get pregnant after that 4th one! LOL! But seriously, I will say a prayer for you. Hope to see you around more often.

[Peppi]

Congrats on #3 Hope everything will get 'normal' again!

[floss]

Hey Lori I did wonder where you were.What great news.Congratulations.This is so exciting.When is the baby due?

[scrapariadna]

Congratulations, Lori! Hang in there!

[SandiC.]

Aw, Lori, welcome back to the action. Congratulations and many prayers heading up for you. I have three boys too and even though they were spread out a little more, I do understand. And it does get better. you need some purple immersion therapy. Hugs for you.

[elibar]

Welcome back, Lori! So good to see you! congratulations. in this blessing you will find a new "normal." May God continue to bless you and your family!

[Heather09]

Congrats on expecting your newest bundle of joy! I hope things start to calm down for you.

[podiumchick]

Lori, good to see you back aroiund. And many congratulations on your new little one.

[scrappinchar]

Awww, congratulations! It's nice to see you.
You will survive! I'll send some prayers for you, though.

[Bobbi Jo]

Sending prayers for you Lori -- this is probably one of the most exhausting, difficult times you will go through -- but you will get through it and the blessings are tremendous. Hang in there!

[SilverSwanMama]

Lori! I've thought about you several times the last month or so. I even checked your profile to see if you'd been around. I should have sent you a note. Congrats on #3! I know right where you are. I had my 3 in less than 4 years, so I know how tough it is to do. I also know how tough ornery toddlers are, especially when your pregnant. Praying for you to get some energy and start feeling better. I'll also pray for those boys to show you some mercy.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Congrats on #3. I haven't been around much either, but you were missed. And you know whatever time you can visit us is always a welcome time. You and your family have to come first.

[Sarah in VA]

Lori! Good to hear from you. You have certainly been missed. Congratulations of the new baby, even though this is what seems to be dragging you down right now. Hopefully in a couple of months you'll be in a better place, and so will your boys. Those toddler birthday times can be very stressful for them as well as you. You will be in my prayers for more calm and serenity, and time in your life.

[CRS]

Congratulations!

[ChristinaP]

Congrats Lori!

[regulargal]

Congrats! I hope the hormones settle down soon and you can enjoy this pregnancy and plan for the new little one. Scrapping will come back for you I'm sure. For now, just have fun browsing all the great LO's here - that will get you going in no time I'm sure!

[Burnsie]

Congratulations, Lori! I know it feels overwhelming, but it will all work out. When those boys are on your nerves, put yourself in time out! I have done that, and not only does it help give me some space, but the kids get humorously distracted from their antics.

An ecnouraging piece of info....I swear three is easier than two! Just start that assembly line!

Take care, I'll be praying for you!

[mbc72]

Congrats, Lori-a new baby, how exciting! Sending prayers and good wishes your way.

[Zaz]

Hey, it's Ritzy! And I DID notice where you were posting. Congratulations! I'll definitely remember you in my prayers. I truly feel your pain in the testing kids department.

I'll be thrilled to see you over at bingo! Glad you stopped by and filled us all in!

[ritzbits]

Aww! Thanks girls!!! You guys mean so much to me - and your words of encouragement DO help!

For some answers that I *should* have put in my original post... Our estimated due date is 9/11 (eek), so we have no idea yet if it's boy or girl. And I honestly don't have any inclination myself, either. I'm REALLY hoping girl, though... if it's boy, we'll probably be done. lol I have my first appointment a week from this coming Monday (my doc was a bit hard to get in to see!!), so I'll keep you posted.

[sheriL]

Congrats! Don't stress about the scrapbooking, there's a time for everything, you'll get there. Just take care of yourself. I hope you're feeling more on top of things, healthier, very quickly!

[April Showers]

Nice to see you Lori! And congratulations!!!

[Becca]

Congratulations, Lori!!!

I remember all too well how I felt when I first found out I was PG with #3. I disappeared for months, too. Only the Lifetime Channel and my couch saw me most days.

[sarabethp]

I'd noticed you were gone Lori, but you have a wonderful excuse. And don't stress about the pages you haven't been able to do. There will come a time (or at least I am hoping) when the kids are older and you will be more efficient. Just take notes occasionally, LOL. And do one here and there so you have a little time to yourself. I've got three boys and even thought they aren't as close together in age they are a handful. Sending lots of prayers your way.

[JoannB]

Lori, I've been thinking about you. I've been wondering how you've been feeling -- and I absolutely understand about the Christmas thing & being busy. There are just months when it's all we can do to just stay afloat. Hang in there -- good thing pregnancy ends, and don't kick yourself when you're falling behind w/ photos. That's the last thing you need to do -- heap guilt on top of guilt! Take care of yourself, and find time to do something you enjoy, and TAKE IT EASY! There's nothing wrong with putting your boys in front of the TV while you nap, or do something enjoyable.

Congrats on #3, and hope you get feeling better SOON! My sister just had her 3rd -- her last two are 19 months apart. Yikes. My last two are 21 months apart. Kids are busy, aren't they?

[catvinnat]

Congratulation Lori, lovely news

Just pop in when you can and rest up - you will need all your energy for those lively boys and their new sibling.

As has been said there is a season for everything and the pages will wait til you have the energy, the inclination and the time

take care of yourself

[lyoung04]

Lori, I had been thinking about you-good to see you! Congratulations!!