I had a nice surprise today – I felt like I got to meet my daughter! Based on the OB’s timeline, I am 35 weeks/ 4 days today. I gathered from the doctor today that she had ordered today’s ultrasound since baby girl had gone breech on us earlier.

My first thoughts upon seeing the head were kinda those of panic – it looked HUGE! Well, maybe not to anyone else, but it was HUGE to the person that has to get this baby out of her.

The tech pointed out arm bones, the heart, abdomen, spine, etc… But then she did something I wasn’t expecting – she switched it over to 4-D!!!! I don’t remember ever having a 4-D done before, and it was amazing. Within seconds, I could see this little face on the screen in front of me – my little baby girl!

"I can't wait to kiss those cheeks!"

I’ll be honest, she didn’t look a thing like I had pictured in my mind – but the more I look at the pictures she gave me, the more I’m falling in love with this little one I have yet to meet face to face. I can’t stop looking at her! She *might* actually look a little like me?

"Awww.... She looks like she's crying"

Her nose is the same as my mom’s side of the family, mostly like DS2. Her cheeks are so cute and CHUBBY!! I was a little worried to see that from every angle, the cord was right there at her neck. The tech didn’t seem to think it was wrapped around it, but instead just floating in front of it. I still don’t feel very comfortable with the whole thing.

She is already something special, too! For one, the tech pointed out in one of the shots the three vessels in her cord. She said you couldn’t line up a shot w/ all three if you tried – but there it was, just as clear as could be.

"Look closely and you can see the three vessels of her cord, on the left side, just below her cheek."

Our last two had the cord around their necks, the last baby had it wrapped twice. And both of these two had true knots in their cords. All this to say, cords make me nervous – esp. the angle of the first pic above. So over the next few weeks I’ll be praying the cord stays a healthy distance away from around the baby’s neck.

For specialness #2, you hear of babies opening their eyes in the womb. The tech said she’s NEVER seen this though – eyes wide open!

"Looking into darkness, but eyes wide open! Now to just get that cord away from her neck/ face!!"

Maybe now we can come closer to determine names, since we have a face? Have I mentioned it was a cute, chubby face???

She’s jumped from 30% to 55% on the charts, weighs approx. 5 lbs., 12 oz (with 4.5 weeks to go/ .5 lb a week – she might beat the record size of 7 lbs., 12 oz. at birth), and at 35 weeks/ 4 days measures 35 weeks/ 3 days – pretty close.

I’m a good 2 cm now, she said between 2 and 3, and I’m 50% effaced. The baby is head down and at -3 station. All seems to be progressing nicely!

I put out a request for cell and home numbers from those near us, and have been touched by the emails of those willing to help us out when baby time comes.

DH has now started the final month of work – which changes from 4 – 10 hr. days to 3 – 10 hr. days. I am VERY glad for built up vacation time! I actually did feel much better today though at the visit. Last time, I wasn’t even 90/ 60 blood pressure, and today I was just over 100/60 – HUGE improvement in energy levels.

My afternoon weigh in there was 149.5 lbs, so they should have to bump it up to the next level next time. My total weight gain to date is around 24 lbs, with my usual being 32 to 34 lbs. total by birth.

I’m getting so excited now – more than being nervous. There was a couple w/ a new baby at the office today, and when it started crying in her daddy’s arms, it was all I could do not to take her and calm her down. They must’ve been first time parents, funny how they stand out (LOL) – but I couldn’t understand why the mom never tried to calm the baby or take her. This just made me want to hold her even more.

Soon enough we’ll have her to hold – that is, if the children will ever give us a chance. At least since I’ll breastfeed her I’ll have that time. Held, cuddled, snuggled, kissed – yep, she’ll be all that more than she can imagine!

DD came and laid up on our bed tonight, propped up on her elbows, looking at all of the pictures from today’s visit. She left the room, returning with a baby doll in her arms, swinging it gently side to side with the biggest smile on her face. She’s so in love with her little sister, and what a blessing it is to see.

We’re anxiously awaiting your arrival, baby girl – Love you! Mommy

*Now I just need to start thinking about packing the suitcase…

I can’t believe I’ll only be pregnant for 4 more weeks! After a good friend had her baby this week, part of me got even more excited about our little one coming (because I’m next in line from all the preggie people I know), and part of me got nervous – because each time I have contractions, I’m reminded of just how bad this could hurt.

I thought I’d nearly start crying (again) the other day when I realized that the constant time I have w/ this little one is nearly over. I love the close bond during pregnancy – the hiccups, the jabs, the rolling over, the just knowing we are together all the time. There’s just an empty feeling once the baby is born – you know, for those rare occassions you can go to the bathroom or take a shower by yourself.

I’m not saying I won’t love the cuddles and sleeping close once she’s here, I’ll just miss us always being “one”, so to speak.

This morning, I migrated to the good ole’ pink recliner (the BEST yard sale find EVER!!!) to finish my bowl of oatmeal, and sat the bowl on my belly as I ate. I got tickled, as did DD when she came in the room with me, watching the bowl jump up and down every few seconds as little baby hiccupped. We had our own bonding time laughing together about how much fun the baby already is!

Baby boy (2) gets so excited about it all, and talks about the baby daily. He keeps saying, “baby, home? baby, home?” – to which I reply with “she’ll be coming to our home soon”. I’m not sure how much he understands, but I do think he knows a good bit. I just can’t decide if it will be him or big sister that will be most excited about baby sister.

After turning breech on me a 2nd time this past week, she’s back head down. Hiccups are a good clue as to her location – as are the kicks and punches. It’s strange, she’s the first baby in 5 that I have noticed turning breech on me. It’s not a comfortable feeling for sure!

Alright, Little Mommy is getting tired – bedtime is getting earlier and earlier (if you can think 11 is early). I’ve had my fill of watermelon tonight, so I’m happy. I have decided that God must’ve created watermelon just for women that are pregnant in the summer months. I’m gaining little (just now at 23.5 lbs.), but just eating fruit won’t really pack on the weight. It’s just so… good and cold!

Til next time,

Little Mommy

Mommy – one of my absolute favorite words, and I am getting so excited about having a new little one call me that very soon! There is nothing sweeter than holding and nursing a little one, cuddling up close in bed, and seeing all of these motions I’m feeling come to life.

I have to wonder, after seeing the OB again today, how she is able to bear being apart from such a wonderful gift each day. (She had a baby in July). There’s just a bond that can’t be explained that comes along with being together – mother and child. A blessing, something that I just couldn’t live without, and feel sad for all the moms that miss out on so much. Okay, I’ll be crying here if I don’t stop… just another something that seems to be a more frequent event, crying at the drop of a hat.

But really, stay at home moms, don’t let the world deceive you and feel bad about all they say you are “missing out on” or losing. Nothing compares to this – I’ve been so grateful my husband has wanted me to be home raising our children – all 4 so far! I wouldn’t trade a million dollars a day for the time we’ve had. It’s something you will never regret and wish you had chosen a job, money, or insurance for. But many a working mom looks back over the years and is saddened to see what she missed, and she can’t ever get it back. Yes, be encouraged – God designed motherhood to be this way - love and embrace every moment of it!!!!

Baby news – We’re following right along as normal for me with this pregnancy. This past week I’ve had the pleasure (LOL) of strong contractions for 2 to 3 hours each morning. Something about eating breakfast starts them, and I can hardly make it to my cozy position in the recliner quick enough – where I stay until they ease up.

Was it last week?, I really can’t remember now, but this little gal got ALL mixed up direction wise from my “oh so comfy” position in the recliner. What had been head down for weeks upon weeks turned into side to side – YIKES! I didn’t realize that it could pose a problem if she grew too big to turn back head down, I was mainly concerned with the very intense pain from being kicked in places I wasn’t used to being kicked in. Ribs are bad enough, but I never knew my sides could be so tender.

Thankfully she turned to what I believe is head down again – given the little hiccups are down low.

Everything baby wise seemed to settle down just in time for little ones here to start running fevers and throwing up. Hubby was at work, and for a pregnant momma of 33 weeks, it was mentally exhausting. At one point, I was crying along with 2 of the sick ones!

So, where are we now? I just passed the 34 week mark, have gained 22.5 lbs., and I learned at my visit I’m now dilated between 1 and 2 cm. She didn’t mention the rest of the stats, she only seemed a little concerned about all the contractions and dilating (which are normal for me) and now wants me to come in weekly starting next week instead of at 37 weeks.

For the upcoming visit next week, she’s ordering an ultrasound to check the fluid levels and position of the baby. I’ve never had this before, so I’m wondering if it’s standard now? The heartbeat was in a little different place, just a tad though… I know I’ve questioned the lack of weight gained – I usually gain between 32 and 34 lbs. I’m at the point now where I’m filling up sooner, and happy to eat light things such as fruit for a meal.

I’m not sure if she thinks “I” think the baby will be here at 37 weeks, cause it’s the 2nd visit in a row she’s said something about it. She didn’t say if there was any reason “she” thinks the baby will be early. I personally am leaning more towards her coming after 40 weeks – just because she seems to be small. It’d better be soon, cause I am losing my mind all the time now!

Today, getting on the elevator from the parking deck, I got on going one direction, only to wonder once on if I was going up or down. The numbers were all confusing as I looked at them, but I decided I must be going the wrong way. But which floor was I supposed to go to??? Seriously, my mind was as blank as could be – and it’s happening more and more.

Part of it is from stress and lack of sleep. Besides the kids being sick, we pretty much missed our 3 day weekend this week – having to be at several different places over it. This in and of itself is taxing on me – I just like being home! I did need the church service yesterday, which hubby thankfully let me go while he stayed home w/ sick kiddos. There’s nothing like being fed by the Lord!

After this and next week, hubby will start using some of his vacation time and take off an extra day each week – making him have 3 day work weeks. I can’t wait!!! One of my favorite parts of his off days is that he is so sweet and lets me sleep in and/ or nap as much as I need to.

I guess that’s about it, just resting as much as possible and trying to keep contractions at ease. Thankfully, I just won an auction on eBay of Bible videos, so I’m able to let the kids watch 1 or 2 a day without worrying what’s on, so I can get some rest time.

Til next time,

Little Mommy

The title of this post brings to mind large tractor trailer trucks, and the caution sign you often see as you are driving beside on of them on the interstate. They just want you to be safe as you drive next to them, and realize there’s a blind spot where they can’t see you.

Welp, (yes, that’s a word in the South), I’ve reached the point at 33 weeks that it is very important for me to wear one of these signs. I’ve had near misses, as well as collisions, with my own children, and have warned them often that I’m just not able to see them when they walk directly in front/ under me.

Poor DS2 got his foot run over with the shopping cart last week thanks to my “blind spot”.

Yesterday, while taking said DS2 to the doctor for a high fever and moans, I realized the situation is getting more dangerous. I *knew* other people had entered the office, and I *thought* I had remembered seeing a little girl walking near us.

A quick glance reassured me that I must’ve looked wrong, and I started to turn and walk away from the sign in desk. Then there she was, zipping quickly past where I was about to step. Just a second or two delay on her part, or quicker waddling on mine, and I would’ve smooshed a poor little girl flat on the floor at the doctor.

Yep (another Southern word), I need a sign – and maybe they should add WIDE LOAD to it as well, since hubby and I can’t walk side by side between the kitchen counter and island anymore.

Little Mommy

Today I went in for my 32 week visit, although I’m really 32.5 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by, and yet it still seems like forever in some ways before we get to see this precious baby girl.

Yes, it’s a girl! After having a second ultrasound confirm her gender, we decided to go ahead and tell the other children. DD was thrilled, to say the least.

She’s been helping me wash and put away clothes, pack the diaper bag, and her eyes light up when she feels her moving (as do DS1 and DS2). DS3 doesn’t seem to notice much when she moves, but I’m not sure he’s been patient enough to feel her either.

As DD helped me wash off the changing table and then fill it up with baskets and such, she’d put something in one place just so, then decide to move it over just a tad to the right or left til it was perfect!

I’m measuring right at 32 weeks, and being discreet – I’m just a fingertip dilated and am long (which is good news since I was 4.5 cm at this point w/ DS1). I’ve gained about 22 lbs. now, which will likely have me the same as the other 4 children, gaining between 32 and 34 lbs.

I was concerned 2 weeks ago when I passed some blood and what I thought might’ve been amniotic fluid, but things eased up just as quickly as they came on. I think I had just been doing too much that week before. Shortly before that, at 27 or 28 weeks, I had my usual “pregnancy scare” a few weeks earlier than the 32 mark.

Pains started out as just a sharp, stabbing pain early in the morning, like her head was about to crown. By early afternoon, I couldn’t help but lie down. Within 30 minutes, I had decided I was either having another kidney stone, preterm labor, or my appendix had ruptured and I was being poisoned to death slowly. Whichever way, I was mentally preparing myself to have the baby on the bed, or die one!

After that 30 min., I decided I had better call DH just to let someone know that something was wrong. When I told him I didn’t feel good, his reply was kinda a smart, “Okay….”. LOL! I had to clarify that it was more than just not feeling good, but that something was wrong.

He works an hour away, and would leave ASAP, but in the meantime he wanted me to call the ambulance. Just as they got here, the pain stopped. “Last I remember, labor doesn’t start and stop like this”, I joked with them.

Since it was obviously a kidney stone now, I sent them away since my family was on the way – they could take me just as easily and it wouldn’t cost $100 for the ride.

My uncle and aunt came to stay with the other children, which were crying now because it was DS1′s 7th birthday – we hadn’t decorated the cake and it was possible his trip to Chuck E. Cheese might be called off. “I” wanted to cry!

My uncle has had a lot of stones, and he insisted on putting ice on the pain in my back – saying it would relax the muscles and allow the stone to pass. Within 5 minutes I was pain free, and kept ice on my back for the 50 minutes to the hospital.

Hubby met me there since he works so close by, we got to labor and delivery, and as they had me change into a gown and go to the bathroom – the stone came out! Wouldn’t you know it! It was okay I guess, cause DH wanted them to be sure it didn’t cause preterm issues like they thought it did with DS3 two years ago. Everything was fine.

My mom brought the rest of the crew to B’ham and we still had our party. I still feel bad about the day not being perfect for my boy, but hopefully it ended on a good note for him.

Closing up, I’m excited! I’m on 2 week visits now for a couple of weeks, then weekly ones. Contractions are a norm now, and her kicks are getting more like intense scraping – OUCH! LOL… Lying on my right side is almost impossible now for some reason, but the nights are nice in that I usually only wake up once to use the restroom, if that.

In the past, my bathroom schedule at night was also the baby’s waking to nurse schedule, so I’m hopeful she’ll sleep through the night – at least more than just 2 or 3 hours at a time.

I did have the hardest time leaving this morning for my OB appt. There’s just something about the “what if’s” that hits a momma hard when she leaves her children. What if I have a wreck and die? What would happen to my children? They would miss me, and who would comfort them; dry their tears?

I know it’s all in God’s Hands, but it’s just not normal for a momma to leave her babies – except penquins, LOL. It just makes me realize how blessed I am that God has opened my eyes to see that He wants momma’s to be home with their children, taking the responsibility of raising them themselves.

In a day when the world pressures women to leave their homes and children, I realize just how much of a blessing it is that He has revealed this to me – from a young age actually, when youth groups were already pushing the question – “What do you want to do/ be when you grow up?” The strange thing is, why were church leaders asking this? It’s not a matter of what we want, but what He wants.

To take advantage of the precious, short time we have to mold and guide them in His ways. I can’t imagine having to leave them daily! I say all this not to boast in self-righteousness, but in gratefulness to my Lord for this blessing He has allowed me. I would be another working mom had HE not placed Godly women in my life to show me the Scriptures at a very young age.

I’m happy to say that the Lord brought me home safely, and I get to spend tomorrow celebrating DS2′s 4th birthday! Wow, about 1/4 of the time God has placed him in my care is gone. Have I used this time wisely, have I taught him to love the Lord and be filled with His wisdom?

Being a parent is an awesome responsibility! We don’t just love and provide for this child, but we are responsible to the Lord for their souls. Wow, amazing and humbling, to know the Lord trusts us with these precious lives…

I love being a Mommy today more than ever, and can’t wait to welcome this precious baby girl to our family!

Little Mommy