PROGRESS!!!

So, my doctor hardly thought it worth noting, but when I went yesterday for my 38 week visit, he said that I have dilated some (meaning maybe 1 cm). That is huge for me! (was only 1 cm when I went into the hospital in active labor with D). Still not expecting this little girl any time too soon, but we are praying she will be on time (to coordinate with my mom's schedule). Ever since last Thursday night's contractions (and they were real ones), I have been having the uneventful Braxton Hick's contractions. Rather uncomfortable sitting down, sleeping etc... Guess this is God's way of preparing me to have this baby.

and to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street...

a dog on a roof

When commenting on it, my sister told me that it was not as crazy as it sounded. The neighbors actually have something in the backyard that makes it more logical. I looked back there. Here is what I saw:

I burst out laughing at the thought!!!

Of course, my sister meant stairs to a sunroof, not the trampoline.

Victorian baby she will not be

According to my sister, I could have had a “Victorian” baby…so sorry to miss out on that, but…

We did go to Victoria this past weekend to visit my sister, bro-in-law, and 4 kiddos. Like always, we stopped at Bucee’s both there and on the way back. David was more in favor of the bears this time and wanted to give them a kiss. (a new skill he has now mastered pretty well)

We enjoyed the yummy food (again, as always). I meant to take a picture of the lettuce wraps or the homemade pizza but forgot until we were all done them. :( We played some Wii and spent a lot of time outside enjoying the gorgeous weather. Larkin, the girl next door, shared her 5 electric cars and E, J, and D enjoyed racing around in them, alternating cars.

Jane wanted D to pull her around like a dog on a leash—something he was quite happy to do!

D enjoyed playing cars with the girls…and lining them up, as he always does

Wii watching

David enjoyed rubbing the VERRRRYYYY long-suffering cat

He also enjoyed the good-old standby, the cozy coupe…(that is until the motorized vehicles came into the picture)

David was not merely content to just ride along, he wanted to drive. After the first sweet attempt by cousin E to let him drive with rather dangerous results, we encouraged him to ride along as a passenger. (It was also at this point that we enjoyed a very unusual sight...stay tuned in another blog post)

Then, everyone enjoyed making their mark on the sidewalk, each with unique chalk pictures. Upon being asked, David even accurately added a nose to his chalk outline!

Meanwhile, others enjoyed the swings…

…and balls.

Thanks, Wilsons, for once again hosting us and providing such a fun time!

a baby's shadow

Interpretation of the Times

Much like our study of Revelation on Thursday evenings, I feel like I am in a state of interpretation now. I am 37 weeks pregnant today. I know I am living in an out-of-body experience; someone else is sporting the big belly, someone else will have their world turn upside down in a few short weeks, someone else will soon have the joy of meeting a new little girl. I feel like I am watching it all from the outside.

Last night, it became a bit more real. I woke up at 2:40 to go to the restroom (usual affair) but just felt a little funny. I thought about it and realized that it felt strangely like I was having a contraction. Now, this is where the interpretation comes in because I apparently had been having contractions with D for weeks before my water broke, but they just did not feel like what I was told they would feel like. I only realized them when hooked up to the non-stress test that also tests for contractions. I vaguely remember those early contractions but this felt similar but more certain. Decided to try to go back to sleep but as soon as I did, I felt another one and was certain that this indeed was what it was. OK. 30 minutes apart. No worries. However, I then felt like I needed to time them to make certain they were not coming any closer together. The next one was 40 minutes later. Great...back to sleep. Unfortunately, it took a while to go back to sleep and the next contraction woke me up right after falling asleep. Then, a stirring husband, then a cat, etc...Not a great night's sleep! Thus far this morning, I have felt nothing but am uncertain of whether to drive the 3 1/2 hours to visit my sister this afternoon or not. I guess the Drs' appt. this pm will tell me all. Braxton Hicks? Who knows...they felt stronger than the previous contractions I later determined I was having with D. They came on while I was lying down. But, most importantly...are they doing anything to proceed labor. I guess I will find that out this afternoon. Meanwhile, I just will be more aware...oh, and pack my bag, and pick out a name, and finish my last to-dos.

Happy V-Day!

We enjoyed a fantastic dinner date on Friday night while D enjoyed playtime at the church. Happy Valentines, Big Lovie!

2 1/2 years ago...

Hard to believe it has only been 2 1/2 years ago today that you were born! Life has been full of ups and downs, but we can't imagine life without you now and love you so much, David!

Your imagination is hard at work this month...still constantly chattering to yourself during playtime. You love to pretend to feed your trains and cars. You feed and take care of your stuffed animals. You rock the baby doll in the swing. You pretend to hand Mommy items all the time. You love to play doctor. What a funny boy!

Your toys of choice this month are even more pronounced. Your golf clubs still (did I mention you are very particular about using the iron? The other clubs can be shared with people, but not the iron!), your matchbox cars (and other sized vehicles), and your favorite now--all trains! You will walk in the door to the house and rush over to "play trains." Dinner time is called and you say, "no, I play trains." Lunch time and naptime too. It is even hard to pry you away to go "bye bye" now. You love to watch Thomas the train on Netflix and amazed me this morning by mentioning several trains by name that we have never discussed as you flipped through the pages of your favorite book. (a Thomas catalog that you will mull over for quite a while!)

Gradually your eating horizons have expanded although you still are not too sure about new foods and prefer PB&J at every meal.

Last weigh in was about 34 pounds and getting taller and taller every day!

You are getting better about learning to clean up (you certainly have to practice this enough--multiple times a day!) However, we still have a long way to go before it is without constant coaching and help.

You are napping a bit better again--perhaps 3-4 times a week now. The rest of the time, you enjoy playing in your room for quiet time. (see: clean up practice)

Other than your extremely wild/wound up moments (often after days of no naps), you are such a joy to be with-- so cheerful and endearing!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this precious gift and the little boy our son is becoming!

5, 4...

a ticking timebomb, ready to go off at any moment, only probably not at any moment. The doctor informed me today that he does not expect to see any action too soon. Big surprise! :) (remember, D was 2 weeks late) It just would be nice to not be on the final countdown if I really have 6 more weeks.

Baby girl is sitting on my right side constantly. Still not feeling pregnant but have definitely gotten larger in my stomache this week. In fact, when I look at myself, I am quite big now! Overall, nothing new to report.

a surprise shower

Thanks to our Sunday school class for the surprise shower! Who would have guessed that the Superbowl party held more than just the game and lots of yummy food? David enjoyed opening the presents too. He even got so excited by several of the presents, that he raised his hands in the air with the presents and yelled, "Yeahhhh!!!" Thank you again for all my sweet friends who put this together!