Lexi Grace Sealy - Birth Story, Part 2

So, On January 21, after waiting in the hospital for about 7 hours to figure out what was the best course of action for us, I was loaded up into an ambulance and started my two hour trek to another hospital.  After Matt kissed me goodbye he ran to the car and went to meet his dad on the side of the highway.  Since we were going to be gone for several days, Matt needed some clothes for himself (again, I was so glad I had Matt grab mine and the baby's bags before we left earlier that morning!) so his dad was bringing him a bag as well as a couple other items I needed.  "Conveniently" enough, though, we completely forgot about our camera!  Thank goodness for Matt's iPhone with the camera on that!

Right as we were leaving the hospital, it started snowing, although not too heavily.  It was also about 5:15 p.m. so it was almost dark.  I also need to note here that, other than my toast for breakfast and few peanut butter crackers for lunch, I had had nothing to eat all day.  I was starving!  But I was also having some of the worst heartburn.  Earlier in the day the nurse had given me something to help.  Boy, that stuff was disgusting!  It tasted like crushed up chalk mixed with water!  It even had chunks in it!  So gross, and it didn't even help at all!  So here I am, separated from my hubby, having some contractions, going on my first ambulance ride of my life, hungry, and experiencing harsh heartburn.  And very uncomfortable laying on that stretcher!

The highway was nice and smooth for the first half of the trip, but then it got quite bumpy.  You see, it is winter.  In the country.  So the roads are not keep quite up to normal standards.  So that began to add to my discomfort.  The nurse and EMT were just sitting there, chatting about anything and everything.  I joined the conversation as much as I felt like, but most of the time I was looking out the back window trying to see if I could see Matt in our van (which was a stupid idea since it was dark and all I could see was headlights!!!)

I have also forgotten to mention that I had a terrible cough - had had it for the past couple weeks.  It was an awful cough that was killing my back and stomach muscles.  So I kept getting into coughing fits.  And each time I would cough, the EMT would give me some water to drink.  And that made the heartburn worse!

The road was getting bumpier and I began to feel the contractions a bit more.  Then, the OB nurse looks at me and says, "They are getting stronger, aren't they?  I can see your stomach getting tighter each time."  That's when I realized that they were stronger and even more consistent.  Hmmm... Maybe driving on the bumpy roads was a good idea!

Well, we were just about 20 mins from the hospital when the OB nurse decided she needed to check my blood pressure and the baby's heart rate one more time.  The road was so bumpy (especially in the back of an ambulance which, really, rides like a truck!) that she couldn't get it on the doppler so the driver had to pull over so the vehicle would be still.  It still took her another couple minutes to find the heart beat, which made me nervous for a second.  But, she got it finally and it was nice and strong.  I guess Lexi was just laying way down to where it was really hard pick up her heart beat on the doppler!

We took off again, and before I knew it, we were at the hospital (which is rather large, I might add!), and I was being wheeled up to 3 North to Labor and Delivery.  The OB nurse, ambulance driver and EMT passed on my chart and info to the nurses there and they said good bye and wished me good luck.  The OB nurse told me to be SURE to call our hospital to let the nurses know how everything went, as they were all going to be wondering.  What nice nurses.

So now it is 7:30 p.m. and I am getting in my lovely hospital gown and hooked up to the monitors.  Matt arrived just a few minutes later.  It was right at shift change so I didn't see any nurses or the dr. on call (remember, it is Saturday night) for a good 20 mins.  During that time my contractions stayed as they had been for the past hour or so.  Matt and I were waiting, impatiently I might add, for the dr. to come and let us know what he was going to do.

Around 8, in came my nurse, a med student, and a resident dr.  They introduced themselves and the resident asked me if I minded if both he and the student checked to see my progression.  Well, I'm not one who minds if I am "practise" for someone, so I said sure.  The student went first and she said she thought I was almost 2 cm. dilated and hardly effaced at all.  I told her that they had been saying that I was more than 60% (I was NOT about to have someone tell me I had farther to go then I thought! Ha!).  Well, the resident dr. then checked and he confirmed what I thought, and we all then got a little lesson on how to tell how "thinned out" a woman is.  Very educational. ;-)

The resident then explained that they were going to prep me to be induced that night, just wanted to have the dr. come and look things over first, then they would start the pitocin drip.  Then Matt and I were left alone again for a while.  We called my mom and his parents to let them know what was going on and then just waited. Then around 8:30 or so, the dr. came in, I gave him a rundown of how my past labors had gone.  It was then when I told him that my water has never broken on its own, and that every single time after they have broken my water, I was pushing within an hour.  I was trying to convince him to just do that, and I was sure I would go on my own without the pitocin.  I don't think anyone believed me (well, Matt did, of course! Ha!).  So I really think they stalled some so they could get the pitocin ready.  Sometime during all this the nurse hooked me up to an IV.  For this pregnancy I tested positive for Group B strep, so I needed antibiotics during labor and delivery.

We had mentioned to the nurse that our Libby's 2nd birthday was Sunday, so she started "pulling" for us to try and get things going to see if something happened before Midnight, so the girls would have different birthdays!  I agreed totally! :-)

So now we move on a few hours.  The dr., resident, and student came back in, checked me again.  I was now at 4 cm.  Again, Matt and I told them they needed to just break my water.  So, finally, the dr. said, "Well, lets give it a try and see what happens."  I remember looking at Matt.  We both gave each other that look that says, "Praise the Lord - this is going to be over very soon!"

The resident didn't totally break my water, he just tore it a bit, but that's all I needed.  It was now about 11:30 p.m.  They all left except the nurse who now had to be with me until I delivered.  She asked us again about my past deliveries, then said, "Well, it sounds like you go fast so I'm just going to go ahead and get everything prepped for delivery."  Good idea. 

Within 5 minutes I was already experiencing stronger, harder, tighter, and much faster contractions.  Within 15 minutes I was needing Matt's hand to squeeze during them, and had to concentrate on breathing and focusing.  after about 20 mins. the nurse checked the monitor and said, "Wow!  They are right on top of  each other now, aren't they?" All I could do was nod.  She asked me if I needed any pain meds, which I said not yet.  About 30 mins later there was the huge "gush" and my water completely broke.  Its then that the contractions are usually too much for me and I ask for the laughing gas (I used that with Leila and Libby and it helped me to relax a little, even though it didn't take the pain away).  So I remember thinking that any time now I was going to need the gas.  But I just kept squeezing Matt's hand and closing my eyes and breathing.

So now it was about 12:30 a.m.  The nurse had the warmer on for the baby, all the deliver "stuff" was set up.  The nurse then said, "Okay.  We are ready to go.  Make sure you tell me when you feel like you need to push."  Well, I was already starting to feel that so I told her, "I am starting to feel that urge now."  She looked at me, with her mouth wide open (literally!) and said, "Really?"  I said yes, so she went to tell the dr.  right away.  The dr, student, and resident came in.  I don't know that they believed me still, but they checked and I was already more than 9 cm., and fully dilated.  So we just had to wait a short bit to get fully to 10 and I was gonna have that baby!

They all were quite surprised and showed it on their faces.  But by about 12:35 a.m. I was ready to go.  I started pushing and I was determined to get that baby out FAST!  Well, I pushed several times, a total of 5 minutes when all of a sudden they all yelled, "Stop pushing!"  Matt was on my right holding my hand, (well, and not to be too graphic, my leg too! ;-) )and the nurse was on the other side holding my other leg.  She leaned down and said, "Its okay.  The cord is just wrapped around the baby's neck so they are getting it off.  Just don't push."  Well, let's say that was a slightly uncomfortable situation, but I was not pushing like they said.  But I must have moved some or something  because suddenly the nurse pulled back really hard on my leg.  I felt an immediate burn and intense pain in my thigh on that leg.  I remember saying, "OW!" and grabbing my leg.  The nurse just said, "I know, every thing's stretching right now."  Ha!  I wanted to say, "I know because YOU are stretching it!"  But then they had the cord unwrapped (it was wrapped once around her neck and also around her arm) and then I gave one last push and then we heard the most beautiful sound - the first cry of our baby girl!

I laid back on the bed and remember just saying, "Thank you, Lord.  Thank you!"  Matt leaned over and kissed me, said, "She's here!  You did great!" I then shooed him over to go look at her and to take pics and see how much she weighed.  The dr. and student (who, by the way, was the one who "got" to unravel the cord, which you could tell by her face was a thrill for her.) were still by the bed telling me I didn't need any stitches and complimenting me on how well I did.  The student (she was probably about 22 years old, if that!) told me I made that look easy.  I just looked at her, smiled, and said, "Well, it wasn't!"  Haha!  She was a sweet girl and made me laugh.  She seemed very excited to be a part of all this which is great!

Then Lexi Grace was brought over to me and we were able to do skin to skin and she nursed for the next hour.  I love that time - when they are first born, nursing for the first time, and you are reveling in the miracle that just happened!

It wasn't until this time that I realized I did it with no pain management of any kind.  I don't say that to brag on myself.  I say that to give glory to God who is able to give you the strength to get through anything!  That's certainly is what he did for me!  Maybe I have blocked it out of my memory, or maybe I somehow have raised my pain tolerance level, but I don't remember it hurting as much as in my other labors.  Weird.

The nurse made the comment to me that she was sorry we "didn't make it before midnight."  Then she said, "If only they would have broken your water sooner, your daughters would have different birthdays!"  I could only smile.  Sometimes the patient may know better then the dr., it seems! :-)  In reality, I don't min that Libby and Lexi have the same birthday.  I actually think its kinda funny.  Whoda thought, huh?  Shortly after that I was able to take a shower (one of the BEST feelings in the world, in my opinion!) and was then moved to my room where we settled in and were able to get some sleep.

I thank the Lord for the strength He gave me through all this.  It was a long 9 months, but we got through it and in the end, God answered my prayer of a safe, FAST delivery.  In all, I was really only in "real" labor for almost 2 hours.  I didn't have to be induced.  And we had a very healthy baby girl.  Although it wasn't in the place that I wanted, on the day that I wanted, with the people that I wanted, it was exactly how God wanted it to be.  Which makes it perfect.  I am just so thankful.

My recovery has been very easy, really.  I have not experienced any soreness at all (which I find very strange - after each of the others my soreness seemed to get worse, so I was expecting it to be terrible!  Yet I have absolutely none!  Praise God!  I think He knew I had had enough discomfort for now! ;-) )  I felt great.  Except for one thing.  My left hip/leg were hurting quite a bit.  Can you guess why?  Yup.  The nurse!  I don't know what she did, but its like she over-extended my leg and really stretched the ligaments.  And to be honest, I am still struggling with it.  I have gone to my chiropractor several times and it is getting better each time, but it is still sore some and I still limp a little.

The next day the neurosurgeon came to check on me with my weakness in the leg situation, and all was much better since Lexi was born, so we attributed it to the pressure of the baby.  Later that day Matt's parents and my mom came to bring the kids to see us (it was a 2 hour drive one way, but I really wanted to see my Libby on her 2nd birthday!).  Then, Monday we were able to go home.

Lexi was born January 22, 12:45 a.m., weighing 7 lbs. 11oz and 19 1/4 inches long.  We are so happy to welcome her into our family.  And SO glad she finally decided to come - on her own! :-)

Until next time...

Lexi Grace Sealy - Birth Story - Part 1

Well, its no secret - Matt and I were not necessarily planning on having another child.  But I am so thankful that God's ways are not our ways and the last day in May we found out I was expeceting baby #4.  We both were not sure what to say at first.  My immediate thoughts went to my health and if I would be able to handle this.  My pregnancy with Libby definitely took a toll on my body and we were currently in the process of visiting various doctors and making plans for surgery to remove some lumps I have in my arm.  So I, among many others - including my doctors - were concerned for my health.  But we know that God has a perfect plan and this was not a mistake.

Let's just say that it was a LONG 9 months, especially the last month.  The last three weeks I was having pretty consistent contractions off and on each and every day.  Sometimes they would keep me up and were a bit painful, but mostly just uncomfortable.  Once I passed the 37 week mark, I was more than ready to have baby girl out of me.  But, I did not want to be induced, and they don't induce just because a mom is uncomfortable, anyway. 

Because I was having such a hard time, and with my consistent contractions, my mom made the decision to fly out earlier than we had been planning in order to help me with the house and kids as well as to be here when Lexi was born for sure.  So Mom came and I was able to just focus on resting and gearing up for the birth.  At each dr. appt. I had them not only check if I was dilating, but also to strip my membranes.  That always seemed to work in the past.  Each day I would wake up, hoping that "today would be the day."  But the days came and went, and nothing happened.

As my due date approached, I literally thought I was going to be pregnant forever.  Literally.  There were times that I would be on the verge of tears because I was so uncomfortable and in pain.  I wasn't sleeping and was starting to have some interesting symptoms that scared me a bit.  I was experiencing extreme weakness in my legs, to the point that I could barely walk at times.  I was really unsteady on my feet and often felt like I was just going to fall over.  Also, I was having increasing numbness in my legs, particularly my left leg.  This is always scary to me as that can also be a sign that my spinal tumor could be growing again.  I tried not to talk about it much or tell my mom or hubby that I was worried, or just how weak I really felt (although they both aren't stupid and were probably pretty clued in to it all).  So I would just pray and pray that God would allow this baby to come so I would not only have our precious girl in our arms, but also we would then be able to determine if the weakness and numbness was because of the pressure of the baby being so low (she was very, very low), or if it was something to do with my back.

Well, a few days before my due date, I was up at night timing contractions as they were closer together than before and much more strong and tight.  We were about to get up and head to the hospital in the night when they stopped altogether.  I was pretty disappointed, but fell asleep due to exhaustion and slept the rest of the night.  But by morning they started up agian so we decided to just go to the hospital to be checked and be sure nothing was happening.  It was Saturday morning, January 14. We got to the hospital and found that the dr. on call was the one whom I for sure did NOT want to deliver my baby (long story, but he just isn't one of my favorite doctors).  But we were there, so I figured - oh well!  They hooked me up to the monitor and we just sat there for half an hour to see if I was contracting and how the baby was doing. 

Baby was just fine and I was contracting pretty consistently.  But when they checked me, I was still the same as I had been the last two weeks (almost 2 cms dilated and about 60% effaced).  So, the dr. had me walk around for an hour to see if that helped.  I was worn out and walking was really hard, but I was trying to push myself because I so wanted to have her out!  But after more than an hour, they checked again.  Nothing.  So I was sent home to rest.  Dissapointed again.  I wanted to cry.  "Lord, I don't think I can go much longer!" was what was constantly in my prayer.  But God promises us that when we are at our weakest, He is at his strongest.  And He was definitely giving me the strength to get through the days, even though I sometimes didn't "feel" like He was.

The next few days were much of the same stuff.  On Wednesday, January 18, I went in for a non-stress test as it was my due date.  Again, the same dr. from Saturday was on.  Stink.  But he was actually pretty nice that day (or at least I got along with him better, I suppose!).  After 20 mins. on the monitor for the non-stress test, he checked me and..... no change. So he sent me home to rest.  Again.  This was getting old.  Since I was now past my due date, they wanted me in every three days.  So I was scheduled to come back on Saturday, January 21. 

The next days were, again, the same discomfort and impatience.  I will admit that there were times when I was probably pretty unplesant to live with.  I would just outright tell my husband and mom, "I'm in a bad mood today."  But they were so understanding and put up with me!

So Saturday came and I was feeling more contractions than normal - and they were much tighter than normal.  We got up, I had a very light breakfast and Matt and I headed out to door to get to my 10 a.m. appt.  As we were walking out the door, I had Matt grab the bags "just in case."  I'm so glad I did that!  We said our quick goodbyes to the kids and headed to the hospital for my non-stress test.  On the way there, Matt told me he wanted me to be firm and totally honest with how terrible I felt.  He hated seeing me this uncomfortable and wanted me to feel better and wanted to push for the dr. to do something to help labor progress - or start - soon.  I agreed.

We got there and I got set up on the monitor.  I was excited because the dr. that was on call that day is one that I LOVE and the one who delivered Leila.  He is a wonderful dr. and loves what he does, and is quite compassionate to how the patient is feeling.  So I definitely started praying hard that I would deliver before shift change the next morning! 

It was about 10:30 a.m. Baby was moving all around - so much so that it was really hard to keep the belts on to hear the heartbeat.  My contractions were still there - consistent as before.  The resident that was there checked me and there was no change.  But I just explained to the dr. how hard of a time I was having, how I was some concerned about my legs, and I was just so uncomfortable.  Once he found out about the other health issues I have, he immediately started checking things out and agreed that we needed to focus on my well being. 

So, to summarize the day, he and the resident spent lots of time going over my charts, looking back at my MRI from the previous year, and on the phone getting consults from several other drs.  During all this time, Matt and I were just sitting in the labor and delivery room, wondering if today was going to be the day.  We had a wonderful nurse looking after me and we spent a lot of time talking and chatting about all kinds of things.  This particular nurse spends her free time knitting hats for all the newborns.  I love that about our hospital - each baby gets a unique, handmade hat instead of those silly mass-produced ones that is standard in most hospitals!  She asked us if there was any specific color of hat we wanted, to which we told her we would love a red hat.  Leila had a pink one, Libby a purple one.  Each girls hat matched their going home outfit, so I wanted Lexi to have red as "her color."

Anyways, we really enjoyed this nurse (we had her before when I was in with Libby - just not during labor).  I think it was around 3:30 p.m. when the dr. came in to discuss what all he thought was the best thing for me at this point (we had been talking some about this all throughout the day).  He said that, since I was past my due date, and the baby was just fine, there was not benefit in her staying in there any longer.  He was more concerned with me and my health.  He felt that, due to my back issues, it would be best for me to deliver in a larger hospital where there were more specialists on call, particularly a neurosurgeon (due to my spinal tumor).  Also, being in a bigger hospital, there would be an anesthigiologist right there in the unlikely event that I would need to have an emergency c-section.  Matt and I agreed, although it was not my first choice by any means.  I wanted to deliver at MY hospital, near MY dr., near MY kids.  I love the relaxed feeling our small hospital has.  And I didn't want to go far away from my kids.  After all, the next day was Libby's 2nd birthday and I wanted to be near her to celebrate with her. 

While waiting for all the details to be worked out, I just sat there in the hospital bed, fighting back tears.  This was not how I wanted my last delivery to go.  I was not in active labor, so most likely I was going to have to be induced when I got to the other hospital.  I wanted a fast labor.  I did NOT want to be induced.  It seemed all the things I had been praying not to happen were coming true.  Didn't God care what I wanted?

But I tried to put on a brave face and just be thankful that this would soon be over. I now needed to focus on being ready and rested for the delivery. Now, due to the fact that I was overdue, contracting quite regularly, and tend to have fast labors, I was going to be sent by ambulance with on OB nurse to the Saint John hospital, 2 hours from our town. Matt would follow in the van. Then, when we got there the OB on call would decide whether to induce that night or in the morning. So we got all set, the ambulance driver and other EMT came and I was put on the stretcher. The OB nurse got all her gear ready(should I have to deliver on the side of the road!!!) and I kissed Matt goodbye and off we went! I was really trying not to cry because I wished Matt could go with me in the ambulance. But he couldn't so we left the hospital and headed out.

To be continued.....

Until next time....

And Waiting....

Due date is here and almost gone and it looks like nothing is happening.  This will be a new one for me since I have never gone past my due date.  Had a non-stress test this afternoon and Baby is doing just fine - seems happy as a lark in there.  Still only 2 cm, even with all the contractions I am having.  But am fully thinned out so that is good.  Sleep is not coming so great and my cough is still quite present, so I am a little weary.  The kids keep asking if Baby can come soon and pray for it all the time.  We all are! :-)  I know she will come just when God wants her to, so I am just trying to be patient.  But being this uncomfortable is hard, especially when your almost 2 year old is wanting you to pick her up and hug her and that's pretty much impossible for me to do right now! :-(

I go back on Saturday for another non-stress test if I don't have her before then.  So we are still just bidding our time.  I actually made supper tonight and cleaned up afterwards, which I haven't done since my mom arrived.  But I am paying for it now - can hardly move!  But I was hoping it would help move things along!  Oh well.

I do have a sorta funny story to tell really quick.  Yesterday morning we all ventured out in the windy cold to get some groceries.  We were all walking in - Matt holding Libby, my mom walking with Leila, and I walking (or should I say waddling/limping :-) ) with Liam.  We were still outside when an older man pulled up in his truck, rolled down the window, and said, "Seeing you guys makes me think of that family on t.v. "18 kids and Counting."  We just smiled and he drove away.  I found that odd.  So, us having 3 kids with one clearly coming any day now is reminding people of the Duggars?  Haha!  I think we are a bit behind them and don't think we will be catching up - ever! :-)  Although I know in this age having more than 1 or 2 kids is considered a lot and even crazy!  But not to me!

Still would appreciate your prayers.  Not only is my discomfort on my mind, but knowing what's coming (uh, labor!) is on my mind too, and I am very much looking forward to having that part done with!   Not a fun process by any means!  Plus, we are just so eager (and anxious) to see what our little girl looks like and to hold her, as well as starting to adjust to a family of 6.  Wow!  6!

Until next time...

And......Still Waiting.

Well, we are just a few days out from my due date and I have to say, I'm having a very hard time.  My mom has been here a week and it has been such a blessing to have the help.  The kids are loving having Grammy here, and I am able to rest and such.  Last week Matt spoke each morning at chapel at the Bible School that is not too far from here.  With the exception of Monday, I was able to go each day with him.  Then, on Friday I had my weekly prenatal appt.  Not much had changed from the week before, so she just swept my membranes and we came home.

It was a little later that day, about 8 p.m., that I started having a bit more contractions which were a lot more noticeable and uncomfortable.  So I was just sitting in my rocking chair and seeing how things went.  Not only dealing with the uncomfortable contractions and such, I am fighting a cold and have developed quite an intense cough.  Not to be too graphic, but I get into such a bad coughing fit that it makes me vomit.  Not cool.  Also, my nose was quite stuffy and I feel very sick to my stomach after every time I eat - no matter what I eat.  So, I don't really want to complain, but I was (and still am) quite miserable.

Well, Friday night was a loooooonnnnnggggg night.  I was having consistent contractions all night.  At first I was able to sleep a little, but I was keeping Matt up because I was moaning and groaning whenever I would have a contraction in addition to coughing - almost constantly.  Naturally, he was concerned about me so sleep was the last thing on his mind.

Finally I just couldn't sleep and we started timing the contractions.  They were pretty regular and we were then trying to decide if we should head in to check things out or not.  We mainly had two concerns with this.  First, the weather was NOT good.  It was cold, had been snowing then freezing rain, so the roads were quite slippery.  We had been hearing several reports of cars in the ditches and such.  So if we needed to go to the hospital, it was going to be a dangerous and slow going drive.  Second, the drs. keep telling me that with how my labors go and how "far down" the baby already is, I should not take my time in getting there - its probably going to be a fast delivery.

Well, around 3:30 a.m. we were going to just go ahead and go, but then I got into an intense coughing fit and threw up pretty much everything I had eaten in the last day! (aren't you SO glad I shared that with you? :-) )  Anyways, as soon as that was done, the contractions stopped so we just stayed home and tried to get some rest.  I was able to sleep for about 2 hours when around 6 a.m. I woke up with some pretty intense contractions.  I had them for about 2 hours every 5 mins or less so we decided to go in.  I wasn't really convinced that I was really in labor, but as I said before, I didn't want to take a chance.  They kept me there yesterday morning for a few hours.  I have dilated a bit more but it seems the contractions weren't really doing much so they sent me home.  This is all just "early labor."

So now here we are, today, with still contractions, still a cough.  I was able to sleep most of the night so that is good.  My biggest problem now is a very sore throat and back from all the coughing.  I am just praying that goes away before I am actually in active labor because it is going to make the contractions and pushing that much harder!

So that is our update for now!  I am going to try to do some walking today to let gravity help with everything and hopefully soon we will have our sweet little girl here!  Can't wait! (And so very ready to get this labor thing over with! :-) )

Until next time...

Its Hard To Wait!

So, we are less than two weeks away from the due date and, as usual, I am having lots of trouble being patient.  Not only am I SO excited to meet this little one, but I am SO excited to be able to do just regular things again without getting worn out or being out of breath or getting heartburn!  I had my 38 week appt. on Wednesday and all looks good.  *Warning - "detailed" info about to be revealed - if you don't care about specifics of dilation, etc., skip ahead to next paragraph! :-) *  The dr. checked and I am about 2 cm dilated (I figured I would be at least that - since its not my first child!) and 60-70% effaced.  The baby is definitely head down and, as the dr. put it, "She is right there!"  Which is how it was with Libby - which is why I only pushed 2 times when she came out!  So that was some good news to hear.  I had her strip my membranes, which in the past has jump started everything within a few days to a week.

So now we are just waiting.  I am sleeping - in like 15 min increments at night, so that makes for long, sleepy days. I do have regular Braxton-Hicks, but not too painful.  After my appt. I called my mom to let her know all the details, and, after some discussing, she decided to change her plans and come here early.  At first, she wasn't going to come until the 20th, but she really wants to be here when the baby is born, and I really will be surprised if I go that long.  Even if I do, I told her how I could really use some help with the kids and the house.  I am overwhelmed with everything since I really can't do too much and am just so tired all the time.  Thankfully, it cost nothing to change her ticket and she is flying to NH tonight and she and my sister will be here tomorrow afternoon.  I can't tell you what a relief that is on my mind! 

The kids are constantly talking about the baby, giving my belly kisses and talking about what they will teach the baby.  The love seeing all the "new" baby stuff appearing.  I think we have everything all out and ready to go.  Today someone dropped by and brought us a big box of diapers and of wipes, so now we are really ready!  I am packing the baby's bag and mine (ya, I hadn't done that yet) tonight.

The last 3 days I have felt somewhat "off."  Its one of those things that I can't really pinpoint how I feel, its just I don't feel well at all.  I am nauseated all the time and am back to getting sick at least one time a day, sometimes more.  It just like at the beginning - the sickness.  I really am not wanting to complain.  As much as I am sick, uncomfortable, and yes - moody (just ask my poor hubby!), I am also cherishing the feeling of a baby inside me, kicking me all the time, getting the hiccups (she had them at the dr. office when we were listening to the heartbeat - so cute!), and just moving around.  As I have said before, this is our last child we plan to have (well, biologically) so I am trying to not wish the time away too fast.

I appreciated your prayers.  Please pray that I will continue to have the stamina and strength and make it until she comes.  Pray that my labor will be quick as it really is a lot for any woman, but me especially with my back.  Pray that Baby L will be healthy (everything appears that way, Praise the Lord!).  Pray for my recovery as I have found it a bit harder with each child.

So, that's where we are right now.  I don't know if I will be on here again before the baby is born or not.  Hopefully she will come soon and the next thing you hear from us is that he is here, her name, and get to see her beautiful face!

Until next time......

Status Update.

Baby - still cozy in belly, moving all around all the time, and getting bigger and heavier.  Baby L's prediction on appearance - she's keeping that a secret. Silly girl.

Mommy - sciatic nerve is not bothering me anymore, can breathe a lot easier (baby must have moved down a lot more), waddling around like a duck, stomach sticking out (Waaaaaaaayy out), even water gives me heartburn, and nesting like crazy.  Baby clothes washed and put away, car seat out and ready to go, bedrooms all set up and CLEAN, toys purged and ready for a garage sale in spring.  Up for a while last night with REAL contractions - painful and not fun.  Was going to give it about 15 mins longer before waking Daddy up when they stopped.  Of course.  Trying to be on feet and active in hopes of bringing about labor.  My prediction on Baby L's appearance - January 16.

Liam - busy back doing school, playing the Wii, loving his Angry Birds calendar and helping Mommy.  His prediction on Baby L - will come this Thursday, January 5.  That sounds good to me!

Leila - busy as always asking constant (and by constant I mean incessant!) questions about anything and everything.  Her prediction on Baby L - January 1st.  Hmmm.... if she means 2012 - then too bad.  If she means 2013, then no way, Hosea!

Libby - VERY busy and getting into everything such as lotion, Vaseline, dvds, wipes, dresser drawers, and food.  Has a runny nose and is a little cranky but giving Mommy lots of hugs (usually by running and basically jumping on Mommy, which is probably a little jolt to little sister!)  Her prediction on Baby L - just kiss Mommy's belly over and over and say, "Baby, Come."  Not sure she realizes exactly what that entails for her life as she knows it!

Daddy - going crazy with all of Mommy's nesting requests - even to the point of getting hurt (hmmm... maybe save that story for tomorrow!), putting up with Mommy hogging most of the bed, having no heat on at night due to being so hot I think I'm gonna suffocate, and snoring (I only snore when I am greatly pregnant!).  Talks to Baby L everyday, usually saying something like, "Come OUT!!!"  :-)  His prediction on Baby L's appearance - not soon enough.

Until next time...

Nope - not yet!

I bet you are coming on here to check if I have had the baby yet, huh? :-)  Well, I haven't.  She's still kicking and wiggling and growing all cozy inside of me.  I'm about 37 weeks now, so it isn't too much longer.  This is always the time when I know that God is teaching me patience - and its really hard!  As has been true with this whole pregnancy, everything is different.  I am having all these different symptoms that I had always heard and read about that can happen during pregnancy, but never experienced them.  Like my newest "adventure" is my sciatic nerve is giving me major trouble.  I don't know if you have ever experienced that, but it certainly is not the most comfortable thing!  All throughout the day, as I am just moving about, I will get an extremely sharp pain shoot down my left leg.  And more often than not, my leg is numb so it feels like I am walking around on a wooden leg.  Its bothersome at night, but I'm not too sure how to relieve it.  My chiropractor is on vacation, otherwise I would get in to see him.

I am going to the dr. weekly now and all is on track.  Basically, I am considered full term and we just wait.  Baby is healthy and active.  And I am healthy and not active.  Haha!  I can't do too much, so I do spend a good bit of the time on the couch.  I know, I'm such a lazy bum!  But, as in the past.  This is just a phase and it will pass.  Matt is being a great help and pretty much taken over the cooking.  I'm sure he can't wait for my mom to get here in 3 weeks so she can relieve him of that duty! :-)

The kids are good - very, very busy.  They are enjoying their new toys and fighting over them and such.  I plan to write about our Christmas soon.  Just don't feel like it tonight!  I think Leila might be in the beginning stages of a cold, so I hope it doesn't stick around too long.  Seems like we all just got over that!  We have had some very, very cold temps lately, so we don't go out much.  When we do its a race from the car to the store or wherever we are going since it is so cold and windy.

It is getting to that point where I am getting those looks from people when I am out.  You know, the "Wow, your going to pop any second" look.  And with my numb leg I'm limping and waddling even more than the average preggo, so I am sure I am quite the sight! :-)  I keep thinking I should take a profile picture since I always do at 9 months, but keep forgetting when I look presentable to do so!

The kids are getting excited about the baby - they keep telling us what they think we should name her (which I'm not going to tell you, just in case we change our mind last minute and use that name!).  This week I finally started getting some things ready - like the bassinet out and pulled out the newborn clothes.  Still need to wash the clothes and pack the bags.  Maybe I will do that tomorrow.

So, one more little update and I am going to go to bed!  Libby has been our little Miss Mischief lately.  She is SO BUSY!!!  Getting into everything possible - like lotions, chapstick, Vaseline, the dresser drawers, food, etc.  She is making a mess of everywhere she goes!  I have had to take a bunch of stuff out of her room because at nap time (and sometimes even at bedtime) she will make a mess of something.  All this made me realize something.  I have always heard mothers mention how hard it was when they switched from a crib to a toddler bed to get their kids to stay in bed.  And I never understood it.  With Liam and Leila, we didn't have this problem at all.  But we went from the crib to a twin bed.  So I realize that the toddler bed is so much easier to get out of than the twin.  So there's the problem!  Libby has that freedom and is definitely using it!  Sometimes at nap time I will put her in Leila's twin bed and Libby stays put.  But not if I put her in the toddler bed!  Its kinda funny to me. 

I still think the toddler bed is cute and it is helping with the bed/space problem we were having, but I am seeing some more cons to it as well.  Oh, well.  She will learn.  Hopefully before she destroys everything! :-)

Well, have a great night and a Happy New Year!  Enjoy your last day in 2011!

Until next time/year......

This Week So Far

We have had a very busy week - and basically all involving dr. appts!  On Monday I had my now bi-weekly prenatal appt. and all is looking good.  Baby's heartbeat is nice and strong and she is head down (although she could still turn a little if she wanted to - but I hope she doesn't since that would hurt alot!  I think I have mentioned that we are not totally certain on my due date, which sort of makes me a little anxious.  I'm three for three now on going into labor - on my own - right on my due date.  So not really knowing this time kinda makes me antsy.  Not that it would happen that way again - it just seems to be the way I do things! :-)  So really, once January 18 comes along, I am going to be ready to have that baby (January 18 is the first date they think might be the due date). 

I also think it is funny that the drs. and nurses always tell me how they just can't believe that I have never had a baby early - since I am such a "tiny person."  I tell you this not to brag or anything like that.  But it makes my heart so thankful to hear things like that, since growing up I was told many times that they were not sure how or even if my body could handle a pregnancy.  I remember when Matt and were dating and things were getting more serious telling him the possibility that I would not be able to bear children.  Thankfully that didn't scare him away and God has been so very good and blessed us beyond what we could have dreamed.  So now I am just trying to enjoy these last few weeks of being pregnant and savoring each punch and kick I feel (which is still a ton - we definitely have a squirmy wormy with this one!).

Monday night we dropped the girls off at Matt's parents' house to spend the night.  We had to get up very early Tuesday morning and drive an hour to a hospital where Liam was have a surgical procedure done.  It is nothing to worry about, but just something that needed to be taken care of to help with some issues he had been having.  So we got up bright and early (well, actually it wasn't bright - it was still quite dark! ha!) and left our house at 6 a.m. and drove to the hospital.  We got Liam admitted and ready for surgery and then had to wait for his turn.  We were just in a small room in the Day Surgery area.  Liam spent the time trading off and on with Daddy playing Angry Birds, and I attempted to enjoy the quite time and read, but instead fell sound asleep in my chair!  But then, I can pretty much fall asleep these days on demand at any given moment!  I am always so sleepy!

After about an hour and a half, the nurse came in to get Liam and I just have to say what a brave little boy we have.  We both gave him a big kiss, told him we loved him and would be waiting right there for him.  He then left with the nurse, walking down the hall with his little bum flashing everyone he passed.  It was kinda cute!  Anyways, the procedure only took not even half an hour, and then he went to recovery and within an hour they brought him back to us.  He looked good and was devouring a Popsicle.  Poor guy - it was then just before 11 a.m. and he hadn't been able to eat since supper the night before!  The nurse then brought him in some toast and he basically just swallowed that whole!

We had to wait around for a bit longer to be sure he was okay, and then we rushed off to eat some lunch before my dr. appt with the high risk OB at 1 p.m.  This was just a follow-up exam to make sure that we were all still on track for me to have a natural delivery.  So we got to see our little Baby "L........" again.  This was Liam's first time seeing an ultrasound in person, and the look on his face was absolutely priceless.  He was smiling so big and kept gasping and asking, "What is that?  Is that her foot?"  And the dr. would tell him what we were looking at.  As always, it is so amazing to see your baby like that.  We saw her sweet foot, and heart beating away, and even saw she already has some "chubby on her cheeks" as the dr. put it.  We saw her eyes and could even see some eyelashes and a bit of fuzz on her head.  She was, as usual, moving around like crazy so it was hard to get a profile shot.  But it was great to see her again and watching Liam's face was just as fun to watch.  Its so exciting to think that the next time we see her she will be in our arms!  Although they can't be totally sure, according to the measurements and such they estimate she is already almost 6 pounds!  Whew!  And I'm to the point now where really all that's going on with her is her lungs developing and she is putting on the weight.  So, it looks like we may have another good sized baby - especially for me being such a "tiny person."  Haha!  (Liam was 8 lbs, Leila was 7.10 and Libby was 8.6).

Wednesday we had yet another appt, except this was to the chiropractor fo Matt and I.  It is always so nice to be adjusted and it really makes a HUGE difference in your overall health and how you feel physically.  If you don't believe me, I would LOVE to try to convince you!  Anyways, Matt and I were able to go to that without the kids, and we also picked up the last few things for Christmas - the stocking stuffers!  We are now all set for Christmas. 

So, while getting these last few things, we went to a store in Houlton, ME called Mardens.  I know I have talked about this store before.  It is basically a place where stuff that is either slightly damaged, overstock, or older models of stuff is sent to be sold.  And you can really find some great deals.  There is everything from clothing and shoes for the whole family to bedding and bath stuff to small appliances.  They have furniture, mattresses, carpeting, flooring, hardware, and even books.  The stock is constantly changing, so even if you went there you would find something new every single time.  And you quickly learn that if you see something you want - get it right then.  NEVER "think about it and come back" because you are almost guaranteed that it will be gone.

So we were just walking through there when we came across the furniture section.  We saw some really cute toddler beds set up so we just looked at them.  Now, in the past I have always said I thought they were sort of a waste of money. We always just went straight from the crib to the twin bed with no problems.  Well, since we have been getting ready for baby #4 to come, we have been trying to figure out the bed situation.  Now, at first she will be in with us in her little bassinet things.  But after that I wasn't sure what we were going to do.  We do have a set of bunk beds that my parents are giving us, but that is in Colorado and we don't know when that will be brought here (its kind of a long drive, you know!)  So, we looked at the beds and there was one cute one that was the exact style and color of our crib and changing table.  So we thought about it for a few minutes and discussed getting it.  There wasn't a price on it so we had to ask.  The guy wasn't sure, but found out and even took $20 off the price for us.  So, after going back and forth for quite a little while, we decided that, since it was a really, really good price, we would get it.  It would not only give us some time to figure everything else out for the other kids, but it also would make some room since the kid's rooms are feeling a bit crowded.  And honestly, what we paid for it is actually what I would ask for in a yard sale myself, so I know we can make our money back in a couple years.

Well, let me tell you - Libby LOVES this bed!  It is really cute to watch her in it and any time you ask her about the bed, she will run to her room to look at it!  Tomorrow I will try to take a picture so you can see it.  So, there's another thing I can add to my "Things I Said I Would Never Do But Have Done" list!

So today, since we have been so busy, I have done not much of anything.  Except be with my family and sleep.  Matt and Liam went out on a "mystery errand" this morning, resulting in a new present under the tree. :-)  Liam's good at keeping secrets cuz all he will tell me is that it is a "Christmas surprise for Mommy."  Today the weather was a "wintry mix" meaning it started out snowing half the day then turned to rain.  That makes for bad road conditions, so we just hung out at home the rest of the day and it has been wonderful!  Tomorrow we will be home most of the day until supper when we are going to some friends' house.

And that's this week!  We are all excitedly counting down the days until Christmas.  But actually, another very important thing happens first.  A certain Somebody has a birthday on Sunday!  And he reminds us about every 25 minutes or so.  Lest you be confused, that "Somebody" is none other than Daddy himself!

Until next time...

So, Ya......

Well, a lot has been going on since my last post.  Let's see if I can "summarize" it all for you...
Since I last posted we:
 
- Have been to many, many dr. appts.  For me, for Liam, for Matt.  We are all fine, just some check-ups and such.  But I'm pretty sure we are close to having met every doctor in the Province.  I have been seeing my regular GPs for my monthly (now bi-weekly!  yay!) prenatal appointments, but also, because of my other non-pregnancy related health issues, I have been seeing high risk OBs and other OBs.  And every time I see one they tell me something new.  Like the last one I saw informed me that my official due date, according to my first ultrasound at around 10 weeks, is January 18.  That's a whole 6 days earlier than the January 24 date they were giving me.  I guess since we weren't for sure on exactly all my dates, they took the farthest date, which is the 24th.  But it is kinda nice for me to think that maybe I only have 7 weeks left rather than 8.  But don't worry, I'm not getting my hopes up (or trying not to).  I am really getting uncomfortable, though.  But I have done this before and I know I can do it again!

 -Have had a lot going on at church.  Of course its been all the usual stuff for Matt.  And I had our last ladies' Bible study for the year.  We finished up the book of Esther(we had been there for a little over a year!).  I am thinking of moving on to Ruth now.  Now things are in full swing of decorating and planning for the Christmas festivities.

 - Got our Christmas tree. I don't know about you, but I LOVE a real tree.  On the years that we go to Colorado for Christmas, we just put up our fake tree.  But every other year we get a real one!  We are blessed to have a family in our church that has their own tree lot and they always give us one as a gift.  What a blessing (because if they didn't, I doubt we could afford one - they seem to be quite pricey these days unless you tramp out into the middle of the woods and cut one yourself).  We decorated it the same day - the kids love it!  Libby is definitely quite interested it the "balls" on the tree and she is learning to not touch.  I love our tree!

  - Got snow tires.  Wowsers - are tires expensive, especially if the ones for your vehicle are not a standard size and most places here don't carry the "off" brands in the non-standard size.  But, my husband, being the deal finder that he is, got a couple places to compete with each other and we got a great deal.  And it basically came down to not only competing with other companies, but the place that gave us the deal did it partly because of our loyalty to them.  It is the place where we bought the van, and we get all our oil changes and tire rotations, etc. done through them.  Matt has sent several customers their way to whom they have sold cars.  Maybe its the small town thing, but the company really seems to appreciate it and they often give us a break when we need it.  So it does pay to be a loyal customer!

- Spent Thanksgiving with my brother and his family.  I think I told you all we were going.  Well, we did!  It was so much fun!  They have three children - a boy that is Liam's age, and girl that is Leila's age, and a 7 month old.  The kids played very well together and it was just so fun to watch them interact.  I love it that my kids have cousins that they can be good friends with.  In our family we actually have 4 kids Liam's age, and 4 Leila's age, and one a bit older than Libby (with some older ones in there and of course the 7 month old).  So that is really nice for them to always have friends that are family! 

I did find out what I already suspected.  I think we are going to have a hard time with Libby being jealous of the new baby.  Every time I held Oliver (the 7 month old), Libby was NOT happy.  She hated it and would run to me, cry, and start to throw a little fit.  Great.  At least now we know and we will hopefully be able to deal with it easily.

We left our house on Tuesday and drove the 6 hours there and made good time, with stopping every few hours for me to stretch and go to the restroom.  We are so thankful for the good travelers we have and the kids gave us no problems.  Wednesday night was a girl's night out for Danielle and I, and it was really fun.  I don't get that but maybe 2 or 3 times a year, so I really enjoy it when I can!

Thursday we went to Danielle's mom's house and had a delicious meal.  Pierre, Danielle's brother-in-law, made the turkey and I have to say, it was the best turkey I have ever had (and I am not really a huge fan of turkey!).  Oh, it was so good!  It was a little crazy with our three kids, Andrew and Danielle's three kids, and Pierre and Deanna's four kids, along with the rest of the adults, but it was fun.

Matt went out shopping around 10 p.m. to get some of the deals.  There were long lines, but since we weren't going for any of the door busters or the big items that everyone seemed to want, it wasn't that bad.  Then on Thursday Matt, Danielle, and I (along with Leila and Evie), went out for a few hours mid-morning.  We went to Target and Kohl's.  There were long lines at Kohl's, but we only waited for maybe 30 mins - not too bad at all.  Actually, I stayed in the toy sections with the girls so they could play while Matt and Danielle stood in line.  We also went to Babies R Us and I was able to get a new outfit for the new baby!  Its so cute and I can't wait to put it on her!

By the time we got home from that, I was wiped out, but didn't feel like I had outdone it like I did two years ago.  We got home, Matt and Andrew went out golfing, and I took a nice long nap on the couch.  That night we had a super delicious meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls, and veggies.  It was so good!  Then, Saturday we got up early and headed off.  We drove the 4 hours to Bangor, ME (well, we stopped one time in between) and did a little more shopping there.  We had just a couple things that we still wanted to get.  Well, that's when our nice day went downhill.

We didn't want to spend a lot on lunch, so we just ordered an $11 pizza from Papa John's and ate it in the car.  Dumb idea.  The kids wanted their pizza cut up, and I didn't have any way to cut it up.  So they made a huge mess.  Because we were trying to save time, Matt ran into Kohl's while I fed the kids in the car.  But trying to balance stuff on your almost non-existent lap with a big belly in the way is not an easy task.  But we all got some food in us and headed back into Kohl's.  Now, let me say here - I usually love Kohl's.  I still do.  I look forward to going there anytime I am near one (which isn't all that often!).  But I was upset with them on Saturday.  First of all, I could not for the life of me find a cart.  With all the stuff we travel with, we didn't have room for a stroller.  I searched all over and could not find one.  This has happened in the past and it irritates me that they never seem to have enough!  I tried not to give an "evil eye" to the people I saw pushing around the carts that have the seats for kids, except they had no kids and were using the seat part for their coat!  That made me mad! (Ha, can you sense I have some strong preggo hormones going on right now? :-)  So I was having a hard time keeping up with all three kids.  They weren't really being bad, just having fun playing among the racks and stuff.  We were trying to find some clothes for Matt.  He has been in desperate need for some new clothes for quite sometime.  Well, we walked around and found some stuff and got ready to check out.  There was not a very long line (thankfully) and we were at the cash in almost no time.  We were excited because we had some Kohl's cash and a 15% off card, so we were only going to have to pay maybe $14 for some really nice stuff.  Well, the clerk was almost done with the order when she informed us that we couldn't use our Kohl's cash that day.  We had to wait until Monday.  What?  I mean, I had looked at the thing, and guess I didn't realize that it had start dates on it.  I looked at her and said, "Really?  Even if we are from out of the country?"  She then smiled really big and said, "Oh are you from Canada? Well we can take it late, just not early.  So you can come later!"  I appreciate her enthusiasm, but really, when I say out of country, what do you think that means?  Its not like its a quick jaunt over to "pick something up at Kohl's."  I asked her if there was anything she could do, and she said again that they can take it late, just not early.  Well, I know you have to have rules, but that one doesn't make sense to me.  What's the difference?  Really?  So, we just told her, "Never mind, then." and walked out of the store with nothing.  We just didn't have the money for it without the Kohl's cash.

The kid's were confused and asking why we weren't bringing our stuff, so we were trying to explain why we left the stuff there.  And that's when I started crying.  It was a combination of being tired, frustrated, a little embarrassed, and upset that we couldn't get the stuff for Matt.  Oh, and those pregnancy hormones seem to be in full force these days.  So, I was upset.  I guess it isn't really Kohl's fault, but it feels better to blame them.  Haha!  So, to help me calm down some, Matt got the kids in the car and I went next door by myself to Old Navy.  They have slippers there that I always like to get for the kids.  They are my favorite kind of slippers I have found and the kids actually wear them!  So I was able to get those on sale, and to make myself feel a little better, I also got Matt and good deal on a pair of jeans.  So when I came out, I was feeling a bit better.

I'm still irritated that we spent 45 mins looking and digging through the mess at Kohl's with me a bit stressed about the kids being loose and free, only to have to leave everything there.  And to come home with hardly anything new for Matt, which he really needs, is bothering me.  But we will get him new clothes - someday!

So that was our Thanksgiving!

 - Got sick.  The cold or whatever bug has hit our house.  Everyone but Matt is sniffling, coughing, and wheezing.  But thankfully no fevers or anything so far.  I stayed home from church on Sunday with the girls in order to not spread all our germs with everyone else.

So, I guess that is what is up with us!  This is a busy week getting the church decorated.  We are having a pot-luck at church on Sunday so we have that to set up for as well.  Also, we, as a family, always give a homemade goodies-gift to each family in our church every Christmas, along with our Christmas cards.  We plan to hand those out this Sunday as well.  So we have some baking to do!

Well, I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was an enjoyable one!  Now the countdown begins to Christmas.  And then baby for me!  Getting really excited!

Until next time....

Hi.

We are still here!  I suppose when I wrote that last post I was feeling very down and discouraged - can you tell?  Thank you to those of you who have contacted me letting me know you are praying for us.  That means the world to me.  And please don't stop.  We still are having some difficult times - not only with church and family stuff, but also just battle extreme exhaustion.  This happens to us this time of year - especially Matt.  We give and give and work and work and keep busy all year long, and there comes a time when you NEED a break.  Everyone is like that - no matter their vocation.  Well, we are there.  But we are taking a vacation soon which I am so excited for and can hardly wait until then!  American Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

I did want to clarify that we are all healthy.  What's going on has nothing to do with anyone's health.  Just to let you know!  I am doing well with the pregnancy.  Baby is getting bigger and bigger, as am I.  I'm already getting the questions from strangers about when I am due.  Uh - I have about 3 months left!  They always seem surprised.  I just smile and move on.  I am enjoying all these feelings (well, most anyway) of being pregnant as I know it is the last time I will feel the incredible and indescribably feeling of having a baby - a human life - move inside of you.  Its great!  I am getting more and more uncomfortable, but that's to be expected.

The kids are getting excited about the baby.  They pray at night for the baby to come - then I remind them we have to wait just a little bit.  Both Liam and Leila got to feel the baby kicking the other day and I think they were surprised, awed, and a little weirded out about it! HA!

Our weather, like most of you, has turned quite cold.  We haven't gotten our first snow yet, but that is a-okay with me.  When it snows this early it just makes the winter seem forever long.  We often have very cold and snow into April, so we can put it off a little longer.  But I am enjoying the cold and having a nice, warm, cozy home with Christmas music and candles.  I haven't decorated for Christmas yet - but I never do that until after American Thanksgiving anyways - especially since we get a real tree!  Actually, there are many people here who find it offensive to decorate for Christmas before Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day (Veterans Day in the US.)  They think of it as disrespectful, so I don't want to offend anyone!

We are noticing a big difference with our new windows and added insulation this year.  So all that money and work was well worth it.  We still need to add more blown-in insulation in the attic, but that will probably have to wait until the new year.  Next year we hope to have a wood pellet stove as our main heating source, which will save loads of money on the electric bill!

So, in a just a couple weeks we are planning on heading down to NH to my brother's house for American Thanksgiving.  We have done this the past 2 years and it is becoming a bit of a tradition.  Its always so fun!  We just have a fun, relaxing time together, my sis-in-law, Danielle, and I usually get to have a girl's night out (I don't get that here at home usually!), and then Matt, Danielle and I go out on Black Friday with all the other crazy shoppers (no, I do NOT get up at 3 a.m. and go out - more like 8 or 9.  Although Matt will get up - and we have gotten some pretty good deals because of it!).

I'm not usually a fan of shopping, but if its Christmas shopping I like it.  And there is just something fun about shopping that day.  I know, I'm crazy, but its the experience that we enjoy more than anything!  The cold weather, the decorations, the music playing everywhere - just makes shopping fun!  Every year Matt and I save all our change which we roll and cash in, we save cans a plastic bottles which we get money back for, and that is often enough to have a good start on money for the kid's Christmas gifts.  Let me tell you - all that change lying around your house can really add up fast!

Now, after I said all that, I don't know how much I will actually go out shopping this year.  I will be able to go for a little bit, but I know that 2 years ago when I was expecting Libby I pushed it a little too far, and paid for it pretty much the rest of the pregnancy.  I had mild contractions, etc. for the next 6 weeks which was quite uncomfortable (although when it came time for labor - it was only 4 hours and I only pushed for 5 mins, so maybe it was worth it....Hmmmm..... ;-) ).

Well, I guess I will go.  Just wanted to let you all know we are still here, still surviving, yet struggling some.  But God is good, and is definitely giving us the strength we need to get through our days and weeks.

Have a great day, all!

Until next time.....

Update!

Hello!  Its Tuesday night, and we have had a good day.  We got up and were out of the house shortly after 8, dropped the kids off at their grandparents, and Matt and I drove the 45 mins to the hospital in another town for my dr. appt with the OB.  I wasn't really nervous - just anxious to find out what was up.  I am one of those people who wants to be told all the facts, to be told like it is - no beating around the bush.  I just what to know what I am facing.  So I was anxious to see the doc and see my baby on the ultrasound again. 

After registering, we headed up to the 3rd floor to see the dr.  After waiting a little while in the waiting room, we went in and got all set up for the ultrasound.  We went over my past medical history (a task I always hate since mine is a bit extensive!) and my past pregnancies.  The docs and nurses are always surprised when we tell them that I am 3 for 3 for going into labor naturally ON my due date.  I guess that is quite rare.  I always tell them that I have always been a little different than average!  Ha! 

Anyways, she started the ultrasound and we got to "see" our baby.  The dr. did all kinds of measurements at first.  And praise the Lord, everything is measuring pretty much to the day of how far along I am (which is 25 weeks, by the way!).  She had a resident nurse in with her, so she spent a lot of time explaining and pointing out stuff, which was fun for us.  Its always so neat to see the heart beating, the baby moving all around.  And this dr. said, just as all the others have said, that we have an active one.  I already knew that.  I have said it several times that this baby kicks and flips way more than I ever remember the other three doing.  But I love it.  And knowing this is my last pregnancy, I am trying to soak in every minute of it.

So, after the measuring, she asked if we wanted to know the gender.  We did, and we now have no doubt that we are having a..............hmmm.  I think I will keep you in suspense a little longer.  Hehe!

Next she went to check out the placenta and the blood vessels which was the whole reason for this visit.  They were concerned that I had placenta previa, which is where the placenta is covering either part, or all of the cervix, making a normal delivery impossible.  But what they were more concerned with a condition called vesa previa, which is a very dangerous condition, even life threatening to the baby, and even mother.

After just a few minutes of checking, she finished up and told us two wonderful words, "You're good!"  What a relief!  I asked her, "So, the placenta is not in the way?"  "No, its several cm away - not a problem."  Then I asked, "So, what about the blood vessels?"  "There are no vessels in the way."  Everything is just as it should be and she sees no reason why I won't be able to have a normal delivery, just as before (barring anything happening later on, of course).

I can't tell you how relieved we felt!  What an answer to prayer!  I don't even need to be on bed rest or any restrictions!  Praise the Lord!  Music to our ears!  So now we are just going about the rest of this pregnancy as we normally would.

*Note - I made a mistake in my last post - which I FULLY blame on my pregnancy brain (I use that excuse a lot these days!).  I said my baby was due in December, but my due date, is, in fact, January 24.  Sorry for the confusion! ;-)

I am 6 months preggo, and starting to feel it for sure!  I am getting to the point where sleep is less and less due to discomfort and making many trips to the potty (haha - can you tell I am a mommy to toddlers - "potty!").  My back is hurting me quite a bit, but that is common from now until the end when I am pregnant.  The baby looks perfect - weighing around 1 lb. 9oz.

I can say that I think I have sort of been "holding my breath" so-to-speak up until now.  I was a little afraid to get too excited about having this baby because of what could be wrong.  But after today, its like I let out my breath and now I am REALLY excited to meet my 4th little baby.  We both are so excited that after leaving the dr, we went to a store and bought the first two new sleepers for Baby.  Of course, we have clothes that I have stored away, but we still always like to get a few new outfits for the baby that are just for them - especially their "going home from the hospital" outfit. 

I still keep telling myself that I have 4 children - 4!  If you would have told me 7 years ago, on October 30 when Matt proposed to me, that in 7 years I would be 3 months away from having my 4th child, I would have never believed you.  But we feel so blessed and thank the Lord every day for His goodness to us.

So that is the update on me and Baby!  And, lest a riot break out, I suppose I will now reveal the gender.  We are adding to our family of 1 boy and 2 girls a...................................................................................

GIRL!

Yup!  Another baby girl!  Matt's already dreading the thought of them dating and having to give away 3 girls to 3 dudes who will one day think they love our daughters like we do! :-)  But really, we are thrilled, as are the kids.  We can't wait to meet our baby girl come the end of January.

Oh, and as far as the name goes - nope.  Not gonna tell.  For two reasons: 1 - we never reveal the name until they are born, and 2 - we still aren't sure! :-)  Suggestions are being taken and we are selling the right to name her at a low price of $1.7million.  Haha!

Thank you to all of you who have prayed.  Please continue to pray for us as I do get tried pretty easy (I have 3 kids - ages 5,3,and 1 for crying out loud!) and some days just have no energy.  But it is all worth it!

The rest of our week looks to be pretty busy as we are starting revival meetings tomorrow night through Sunday.  Our speaker is actually a friend from college, Evangelist Ben Schettler.  He and his wife, Mackenzie, are coming and we are excited to not only see them again, but have some great revival meetings!

Until next time...