2 Weeks and on strict orders

Today I had my 38 week visit. No news really. My measurement was back up so she was happy about that. I did lose a half a pound, which she wasn't happy about. But considering how crappy I felt this weekend and how little I ate, I am really surprised it wasn't more than that. She said that normal weight gain is 25-35 pounds. So far, I have gained almost 23 pounds. She gave me orders to eat Dairy Queen. Something I will be happy to do. I am thinking that tomorrow will be the perfect night to pick up a nice blizzard. She said that if I do not go into labor by the 16th, that they could induce me that day. So at the very latest I will be having this baby on the 16th. I guess it is really time to get serious about names, picking up supplies, and packing a bag for the hospital. Where in the world did the time go???

3 Weeks to go

So, I am on the countdown for weeks now. Pretty soon, I will be on the countdown with days. Scary to think about. Everybody keeps asking me if I am ready. Honestly, I don't feel ready and I don't think that Jeff does either. Time has gone by so fast. I don't know how anyone could really be READY for a new baby. Physically - yes, I am ready. Mentally - not so much. How is this new baby going to change our lives? How can we possibly love another child as much as we love our first. I know that we will, but it is hard to imagine.

My appointment this week was a little scary. When the midwife measured me, she seemed concerned that I was measuring small for how far along that I am. Last week, I measured at 36, this week I measured at 33 and should be at 37. So, she hustled me a long for an ultrasound right away to check my fluid. It was a little scary, but everything is fine. The fluid is low, but still within the normal range. I just have instructions to get plenty of fluids. She just said that it is probably because I have been sick and taking Benadryl. So, no worries.

Hopefully, next week's visit will be uneventful. I will keep you posted.

4 Weeks to go

Today I had my 36 week check-up with the doctor. Unfortunately, there really is no news to share. Basically, nothing is happening. She said I probably will not be going early, so looks like I have a few more weeks to go. I feel really good. I am tired most of the time and would give anything to have a solid 8 hours of sleep - but I guess it is just getting me ready for after the baby is born. Jeff and I are growing increasingly excited to meet this little guy or girl. Sitting in the doctors office this afternoon made me feel nervous for the arrival. What if we don't remember what we are supposed to do? I just hope it all comes back to us.

Big brother and I went to a sibling class this past weekend. He didn't really pay that much attention. He liked the cookies that he got, and that was about it. I just wonder what he will think of a new baby in the family. I hope he adjusts well and loves it with all of this heart.

My predictions: I think it is going to be a girl. She is going to be born 3 days late on Saturday February 14th (all of my mom's grandkids have been born on Saturday). She is going to be around 9 pounds (God help me now!!). I also predict a long labor. I am not sure what Jeff's predictions are. I will have to get them and put them on here. It will be fun to see how everything really happens. Oh one more thing that I predict - I predict a really nice epidural.

God bless you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

While I might be a little late in posting a "Merry Christmas" post, I still wanted to send our wishes for a wonderful season. Our family had a wonderful Christmas. We feel very blessed during this time for what we have and the people we have surrounding us.

This last week or two has been busy (to say the least). Adam has been a very good boy through all of the excitment of Christmas. Here are some pictures from our time with family.

Here is Adam "cheesing" it up. He was so happy with everything he received.

This was a fun present that cousin Jack received. Adam loved wearing it.

Here is what Adam looked like after a long day of presents and playing:

Jeff and I could have crashed like this also, but instead we took this oppoutunity to "retire" some old toys so we could make room for the new toys.

Jeff and I hope that everyone is doing well and that everyone had a great Christmas. Again, we are so grateful that you are in our life. Please keep our family in your prayers as we head down the final few weeks of being a family of 3. We are very excited, nervous, and maybe a little scared about what lies ahead of us. We are confident that with God, our family and our friends that we will survive!

Birthday Pictures

I know it is a little late, but here are some pictures from Adam's 3rd birthday party.

Adam had a great time. Thank you to all of our friends and family for making his 3rd birthday really special.

One Sunny Morning

The other day, Adam wanted to read a book. It just so happened that the book he picked was a cookbook. So, he started flipping through the pages. He read "One sunny morning, they all had sandwiches." It was so cute. It is amazing how just within the last couple of months, Jeff and I have seen his imagination and cognitive thinking skills grow. He is getting to be such a smart little guy.

3 Fast Years

Tomorrow is Adam's third birthday. While it seems like it was just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital, it also seems like ages. He is excited for his birthday. Me on the other hand just think about how time is getting away from us. Everyone always says that you have to enjoy this time. I understand that, but am sure I will have a better appreciation for that advice as Adam gets older. It is hard for me to think about how else to enjoy this time. What will I wish that I would have done differently when I look back 5, 10, or 20 years from now? Will I wish that we would have gone on more vacations? Maybe it will be that we should have taken those swimming lessons or gone to story time more. I don't know. I have a feeling it will be the things like turning off the tv and playing games together, or sitting at the dinner table having silly conversations or playing at the park at every opportunity (even if I have a million other things that I need to get done around the house).

I think I am enjoying everything now, but I know there will be things when I look back and wish I would have appreciated them more. If anyone has any great advice - please share.

When you have a second, you should check out this song by Mark Harris called "Find Your Wings". I love it. It really talks about how I feel right now. It is great. I hope you enjoy it also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnA1XhEcROA

In the mean time, while I am trying to enjoy Adam - I also have what feels like an alien in my stomach! We are reaching the time that when it moves around, my stomach moves around and it feels like it's about to reach through my stomach. This is my favorite thing about being pregnant. I love feeling the baby move and watch it move around in my stomach. It cracks me up. Jeff loves it to. It just kind of blows our minds.

I will post more with birthday pictures.