Oh, so I forgot to post about Sunday!
First, though, a little quote to share for you all, also because I use this blog to help me fill in the kids' scrapbooks.
Carter: "Why are you daddy's wife?"
Me: "Because he picked me."
Carter: "Was it because you were the most beautiful?"
Me: "Yep, that's why."
Sunday, I took the boys to church, figuring we probably won't go next week. Henri went off to nursery and Carter sat in the pew with me as we watched the mission trip slide show and waited for it to be time to go to Sunday school. Carter found out there was going to be a baptism that day and he decided to stay to "watch the baptism and so you won't be lonely." How sweet, my heart melted!
Yes, he talked the entire time and didn't really pay attention, but he whispered, and after the baptism, after the pastor walked around with the baby girl Carter said, "Where did he take that cute little baby?" He's so ready for his sister to come!
Anyways, a little about the service that really hit me. Number one, the gospel was the one about Mary listening to Jesus while Martha worked. Luke 10:38-42. This story pops up in my life whenever I'm doing "too much" and not focusing on what's going on around me enough. Of course, this, our busiest week of the summer and preparing for a birth, I needed the reminder to spend some last precious days enjoying the two babies I already have :)
Also was the story of the Good Samaratan which was last week's lesson, but I was working in the nursery. It was the theme for the mission trip the youth went on. Rather than a sermon, some of the mission members talked about two major points: One was to help those around us, even if we normally wouldn't, but the other was about being open to being blessed, as Mary was open to being blessed by Jesus while Martha was too busy doing work. This last week or two feeling so, so pregnant I've had to stop saying, "nope, don't need anything, I'm just fine!" to asking for help and letting others bless me. I think I mentioned in another post that we're getting meals, people are watching the kids while I go to multiple doctor appointments, and now people will be helping me get Carter to and from Vacation Bible School. I'm learning my blessability this week, so all in all Sunday morning was very meaningful this week and I'm so glad we went.
Monday, July 19, 2010
37 weeks...tomorrow
So tomorrow's 37 weeks, Thursday we are inducing.
Physically, I'm so done. It's funny because each pregnancy has actually been BETTER than the one before it! My blood pressure lasted longer each one, I felt better longer during each successive one. My morning sickness was practically non-existent with this pregnancy! However, my body hits a point sometime after 30 weeks where it is just done being pregnant.
In the last week, I've had... trouble sleeping-I can't sleep on my back or front or sides and my wierd angle that worked for the first 35 weeks now causes back pain because of the size of my belly; carpel tunnel numbness and pain in my shoulders; my clumsiness is getting worse-last night I slammed my thigh into the end of the metal babygate-1 inch higher than the bruise that was already there; I'm swelling like a balloon, and now, starting last night, I have some sort of knot-like pain on the left side (my sciatica issues were on my right) that gets worse when I relax like I'm supposed to. Add that to the rising blood pressure and the tinges and wierd pains of a body ready to labor and you've got one mommy body that is ready to no longer be pregnant.
However, since Sunday, I've also gotten extremely emotional. Part of it is probably that I'm tired from not sleeping well... take not being able to find table corners to protect Henri's head in Fred Meyer this morning. I almost cried after looking in 3 different departments out of frustration. But some of it is sentimental. It's finally hitting me that we're actually having a girl and that I'm probably in my last week of pregnancy ever (unless Carter gets his way and gets the other boy he's ordered!).
As much as I'm tired, in pain and ready to be done and meet this little girl, I'm also sad that I may never feel flutters of a new life in my belly, or get congratulated by a stranger on the street or get excited hugs from friends when announcing a pregnancy or get to see an ultrasound to see a little life forming over a very long 9 months. I know we're pretty sure we are done. Heck, my doctor hopes I'm done-she told me this morning I'm multiplying her gray hairs at an alarming rate. But, it's still a little sad.
Also scary! In 4 days, Paul and I will be outnumbered by kids! I'll have to be in labor and push out another baby! We are so blessed that we have relatively easy kids who are really, really healthy. I pray that this little girl slips into our family easily and soon we'll wonder how we ever got along without her.
Well, probably the next post will be of statistics and pictures of a baby girl. Keep an eye out!
Physically, I'm so done. It's funny because each pregnancy has actually been BETTER than the one before it! My blood pressure lasted longer each one, I felt better longer during each successive one. My morning sickness was practically non-existent with this pregnancy! However, my body hits a point sometime after 30 weeks where it is just done being pregnant.
In the last week, I've had... trouble sleeping-I can't sleep on my back or front or sides and my wierd angle that worked for the first 35 weeks now causes back pain because of the size of my belly; carpel tunnel numbness and pain in my shoulders; my clumsiness is getting worse-last night I slammed my thigh into the end of the metal babygate-1 inch higher than the bruise that was already there; I'm swelling like a balloon, and now, starting last night, I have some sort of knot-like pain on the left side (my sciatica issues were on my right) that gets worse when I relax like I'm supposed to. Add that to the rising blood pressure and the tinges and wierd pains of a body ready to labor and you've got one mommy body that is ready to no longer be pregnant.
However, since Sunday, I've also gotten extremely emotional. Part of it is probably that I'm tired from not sleeping well... take not being able to find table corners to protect Henri's head in Fred Meyer this morning. I almost cried after looking in 3 different departments out of frustration. But some of it is sentimental. It's finally hitting me that we're actually having a girl and that I'm probably in my last week of pregnancy ever (unless Carter gets his way and gets the other boy he's ordered!).
As much as I'm tired, in pain and ready to be done and meet this little girl, I'm also sad that I may never feel flutters of a new life in my belly, or get congratulated by a stranger on the street or get excited hugs from friends when announcing a pregnancy or get to see an ultrasound to see a little life forming over a very long 9 months. I know we're pretty sure we are done. Heck, my doctor hopes I'm done-she told me this morning I'm multiplying her gray hairs at an alarming rate. But, it's still a little sad.
Also scary! In 4 days, Paul and I will be outnumbered by kids! I'll have to be in labor and push out another baby! We are so blessed that we have relatively easy kids who are really, really healthy. I pray that this little girl slips into our family easily and soon we'll wonder how we ever got along without her.
Well, probably the next post will be of statistics and pictures of a baby girl. Keep an eye out!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
36 Week update
Yep, 36 weeks! Went to my appointment today and doctor decided she just couldn't stomach me and my blood pressure longer than one more week. So tomorrow, hand doctor, possibly hand doctor sometime next week, NST on Monday, then Thursday I go in at 9:15 (same appt time as the day we decided to deliver Henri!) and I'll probably be admitted to the hospital by 10am on July 22nd! Please note this does not mean I want you all to come to the hospital. Giving birth is a messy, not great endovour and I would much rather people see me at home! I'd expect we'd be home by noon next Friday.
We've been so blessed having my Mothers of Preschoolers group bringing us dinner Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I'm exhausted and being on my feet long enough to make dinner, not to mention the carpel tunnel from cutting up ingredients, has made preparing dinners nightly a total pain, literally! This has been such a huge, huge wonderful thing to have!
Paul is staining the deck and keeping the lawn trimmed, my incredible babysitting co-op members (esp. Jackie & Dayna) and friend Jodi have all helped me so much by being available to watch the boys for my doctor appointments. It's been so wonderful to go in to the doctor and just spend my NST time reading my bible (for those that aren't aware, I'm trying to read it cover to cover this year) has at least made my blood pressure lower than it would otherwise be at the doctor's office!
My parents will keep the boys while we are at the hospital, members of church have offered to get Carter to VBS next week, my mom is hoping to take off the first week in August, and my inlaws are coming the second week.
Thank goodness, because 3 kids is going to be quite the adventure!!!
Ballard Locks
Our adventure last week was to check out the Ballard Locks. I had always heard it was a great place to take kids and, best of all... FREE!
Luckily, my friend Christine was available and because of Vacation Bible School was minus one of her three children, so I had someone to help me with my two little bundles of energy. 35 weeks pregnant is not maybe the best time to let the children roam out in public....
We were very lucky and got to see both the small and large locks being used and the fish ladder was FILLED with huge salmon.
what a surprise, Henri trying to climb the fence.....
This one is my favorite!
Luckily, my friend Christine was available and because of Vacation Bible School was minus one of her three children, so I had someone to help me with my two little bundles of energy. 35 weeks pregnant is not maybe the best time to let the children roam out in public....
We were very lucky and got to see both the small and large locks being used and the fish ladder was FILLED with huge salmon.
what a surprise, Henri trying to climb the fence.....
This one is my favorite!The fish ladder.... 
Thursday, July 8, 2010
35 weeks update
Carter took some pictures for me this morning...
Here's the scoop. No baby today, but baby is happy, 5.5 pounds and perfectly well. She'll be fine no matter when she's delivered.
My NST (non-stress tests testing her heartbeat and movement) are being upped to 2 x per week, so I'll be going in Mondays and Thursdays until she's born.
We plan to go to 37 or 38 weeks if possible, but if I cannot get my lower blood pressure number down below 100 for 24-48 hours, I am to call and be induced, no matter what day it is.
I'm also to take it easy and keep up the water.
Dr said, "baby's happy, but you are killing me with this blood pressure of yours, get it down!" She doubled the meds 2 weeks ago and it helped for about 4 days, she'll deliver rather than up them again.
why yes, that is my belly button way the heck over to the side. Baby girl has been head down, leaning on the left for the last 15 weeks or so.
We are having record-breaking temps here and still have only the two window a/c units, it was 90 yesterday and is supposed to hit 94 today.
Here's the scoop. No baby today, but baby is happy, 5.5 pounds and perfectly well. She'll be fine no matter when she's delivered.
My NST (non-stress tests testing her heartbeat and movement) are being upped to 2 x per week, so I'll be going in Mondays and Thursdays until she's born.
We plan to go to 37 or 38 weeks if possible, but if I cannot get my lower blood pressure number down below 100 for 24-48 hours, I am to call and be induced, no matter what day it is.
I'm also to take it easy and keep up the water.
Dr said, "baby's happy, but you are killing me with this blood pressure of yours, get it down!" She doubled the meds 2 weeks ago and it helped for about 4 days, she'll deliver rather than up them again.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Busy, busy day
Started this morning by getting back to gym class. The boys were so glad to be back doing it and had a great time. Then we drove to my old office in Seattle to say hello and go out to lunch with Cissie. Then back to Kirkland to drop the kids off at Dayna's so that I could go to the hand therapist, then picked up kids and mom brought Etienne over to play with Carter.
Henri only slept from Seattle to Kirland in the car and we did all this plus, when I got home the nesting set in. I spent 4.5 hours cleaning the garage. I don't know if you've ever been in my garage, but we park two cars in there, plus keep our holiday decorations and hand me downs in labeled bins and our tools out there. It's pretty darned organized. Now, you may not want to lick the floor, but you certainly wouldn't think twice about eating a dropped cracker off the floor in there. Henri was with me most of the time, so he was BEGGING to go to bed when I finally took a break to give the kids dinner and a bath.
The whole time my hands didn't go numb or hurt. The only thing different they did at my hand appt was, get this... a parafin dip! However, my butt and legs are a different story, the good ol' relaxin has also kicked in and is making my hips wobbly and waddling. Wondering how I'll feel tomorrow when we go explore the Ballard Locks.
Henri only slept from Seattle to Kirland in the car and we did all this plus, when I got home the nesting set in. I spent 4.5 hours cleaning the garage. I don't know if you've ever been in my garage, but we park two cars in there, plus keep our holiday decorations and hand me downs in labeled bins and our tools out there. It's pretty darned organized. Now, you may not want to lick the floor, but you certainly wouldn't think twice about eating a dropped cracker off the floor in there. Henri was with me most of the time, so he was BEGGING to go to bed when I finally took a break to give the kids dinner and a bath.
The whole time my hands didn't go numb or hurt. The only thing different they did at my hand appt was, get this... a parafin dip! However, my butt and legs are a different story, the good ol' relaxin has also kicked in and is making my hips wobbly and waddling. Wondering how I'll feel tomorrow when we go explore the Ballard Locks.
4th of July and pregnancy updates
For the 4th of July I have no pictures, so I'll just have describe it for you....
We went to some friends' house who lives on Cottage Lake (excuse the poor grammer, it's late!) and had potluck dinner, then changed the kids into pajamas and watched fireworks out their huge windows looking out on to the lake. A highlight was when Carter decided to change upstairs in their loft and throw his clothes down, including his underwear, like a fancy stripper. Awesome.
Anyways, Henri wasn't so sure about it, but once we got settled in, he thought they were quite awesome, esp when they were going off of the dock in front of us, and across the way, so that there was less delay in the action. Then I sat with my legs up and he laid back on them with a sippy cup of water and decided this was the life and was quite happy. Though I think he did about 150 situps going up and down trying to catch all the action. Then when we were done with ours on the dock, he was the only one left in the dark living room and called to us seemingly saying, "hey, where are you going? They're still going strong across the lake!"
We loaded kids in the car and drove home almost over a family who decided the best place to light off fireworks would be in the middle of the road in the entrance of our development, We pull in the driveway, get the kids to bed and our neighborhood looks like we're in a war zone. Anywho, then, about 10 minutes later, this mysterious family drives up in front of the house that is for sale next door, opens their car trunk and starts shooting off fireworks in front of that house in the street. 5 minutes after that, our neighbor across the street comes out to talk to them, apparently to tell them to move along. Which they did. 2 driveways. So now they are parked in front of our house lighting off fireworks. We turn lights on thinking maybe they'll move along. Nope. Paul goes out to talk to them, asking nicely if they could move along, our strip of road didn't have fireworks on it and, frankly that's probably the safe thing. See our road has been deemed too busy to put speed bumps on and it's quite curvy.
She tells Paul basically that we are a bunch of non-patriotic people with sticks up our butts. He points out that he doesn't like fireworks landing on the roof while his family is sleeping. She insists they aren't. Just then they all turn to watch still-flaming pieces of firework debris land on our roof. They ended up moving along. Seriously. Go home or find a friend who has a home who will let you use their driveway like everyone else. Sheesh.
Oh, so about the pregnancy thing. My body's getting ready, I feel like this kid could fall out at any minute. We don't know what's going on with the blood pressure, because it's up, it's down, we get high readings on one arm and low on the other. We do know the change in meds has made mommy very sleepy. It's been over a week and I'm still a zombie about 30-45 minutes after taking the increased dosage.
On Thursday, look for an update as to how my appt went. I think it's in the late morning, I should bring a snack now that I thiink about it. We're doing an ultrasound, a non-stress test and regular OB appt, who knows what all she's going to check and going over my blood pressure readings for the week (I turned in last weeks' when I went for my NST with the nurse) and we'll talk about how things are going. I'm hoping to find out a little more concretely when we'll be expecting this little girl. Hopefully she doesn't say "today" because I'm so not ready.
To keep busy while waiting for the appt, tomorrow gymnastics starts up, thank goodness. Henri has been climbing the walls, chairs and whatever else he can. In fact today I think was "If I can't reach it I'll find something to stand on it so I can climb to it" day. Then we'll go have lunch with an old co-worker and walk around my old office in Seattle, then we'll head back to the Eastside, I'll drop the kids off at a sitter and go for my hand therapist appt for the pesky carpel tunnel. Then I believe Etienne will stop by while my mom heads into her office for an hour or two.
Wednesday I thought since the weather should be nice and we have nothing else to do, we'll check out the Ballard Locks which we've never done.
We went to some friends' house who lives on Cottage Lake (excuse the poor grammer, it's late!) and had potluck dinner, then changed the kids into pajamas and watched fireworks out their huge windows looking out on to the lake. A highlight was when Carter decided to change upstairs in their loft and throw his clothes down, including his underwear, like a fancy stripper. Awesome.
Anyways, Henri wasn't so sure about it, but once we got settled in, he thought they were quite awesome, esp when they were going off of the dock in front of us, and across the way, so that there was less delay in the action. Then I sat with my legs up and he laid back on them with a sippy cup of water and decided this was the life and was quite happy. Though I think he did about 150 situps going up and down trying to catch all the action. Then when we were done with ours on the dock, he was the only one left in the dark living room and called to us seemingly saying, "hey, where are you going? They're still going strong across the lake!"
We loaded kids in the car and drove home almost over a family who decided the best place to light off fireworks would be in the middle of the road in the entrance of our development, We pull in the driveway, get the kids to bed and our neighborhood looks like we're in a war zone. Anywho, then, about 10 minutes later, this mysterious family drives up in front of the house that is for sale next door, opens their car trunk and starts shooting off fireworks in front of that house in the street. 5 minutes after that, our neighbor across the street comes out to talk to them, apparently to tell them to move along. Which they did. 2 driveways. So now they are parked in front of our house lighting off fireworks. We turn lights on thinking maybe they'll move along. Nope. Paul goes out to talk to them, asking nicely if they could move along, our strip of road didn't have fireworks on it and, frankly that's probably the safe thing. See our road has been deemed too busy to put speed bumps on and it's quite curvy.
She tells Paul basically that we are a bunch of non-patriotic people with sticks up our butts. He points out that he doesn't like fireworks landing on the roof while his family is sleeping. She insists they aren't. Just then they all turn to watch still-flaming pieces of firework debris land on our roof. They ended up moving along. Seriously. Go home or find a friend who has a home who will let you use their driveway like everyone else. Sheesh.
Oh, so about the pregnancy thing. My body's getting ready, I feel like this kid could fall out at any minute. We don't know what's going on with the blood pressure, because it's up, it's down, we get high readings on one arm and low on the other. We do know the change in meds has made mommy very sleepy. It's been over a week and I'm still a zombie about 30-45 minutes after taking the increased dosage.
On Thursday, look for an update as to how my appt went. I think it's in the late morning, I should bring a snack now that I thiink about it. We're doing an ultrasound, a non-stress test and regular OB appt, who knows what all she's going to check and going over my blood pressure readings for the week (I turned in last weeks' when I went for my NST with the nurse) and we'll talk about how things are going. I'm hoping to find out a little more concretely when we'll be expecting this little girl. Hopefully she doesn't say "today" because I'm so not ready.
To keep busy while waiting for the appt, tomorrow gymnastics starts up, thank goodness. Henri has been climbing the walls, chairs and whatever else he can. In fact today I think was "If I can't reach it I'll find something to stand on it so I can climb to it" day. Then we'll go have lunch with an old co-worker and walk around my old office in Seattle, then we'll head back to the Eastside, I'll drop the kids off at a sitter and go for my hand therapist appt for the pesky carpel tunnel. Then I believe Etienne will stop by while my mom heads into her office for an hour or two.
Wednesday I thought since the weather should be nice and we have nothing else to do, we'll check out the Ballard Locks which we've never done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)