38 weeks

I had my ultrasound this morning to check the baby's size. The result is that he/she is going to be big. The ultrasound measured the baby at 9 lbs 15 oz. Apparently, this measurement could be a pound off so the baby could weigh only 8 lbs 15 oz...which isn't that much better! I am scheduled for an induction on Tuesday morning if I don't have the baby before then. The doctor stripped my membranes, which may or may not help with the start of labor between now and then. I am going to rest and hopefully I'll be able to hold off until Tuesday.

Tinkle,Tinkle & Itsy, Itsy

Avery has 2 new favorite songs. She will bust out at any point of the day singing Twinkle, Twinkle and Itsy Bitsy Spider. It's so cute because most of the time she doesn't even sing the whole song. She will just pick a line and sing it. As you can see from the title of this post that her words come out a little different, which totally cracks me up! It makes hearing the song 20 times a day a lot more entertaining! The other day I heard Avery disciplining Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I was kind of proud because she was telling them basically what I tell her during those oh so great times! Here's her version said with a lot of enthusiasm! She was really playing the part! One of those moments you wish you had on video! "Okay Mickey you are going to get a spankin'. Okay, now you sit in time out. Mickey, you say you sorry to Minnie. Thank you Mickey! I love you. Give me kiss. Give me hug! Okay, all done Mickey"

Reflection

As the final days of my pregnancy approach, I have been trying to soak up my moments with Avery. I find myself staring at her as she plays or watches cartoons basically in awe of the blessing that I've been given! She is such a beautiful little girl with a sweet spirit and kind heart! Even during the moments when she is testing me, I am so grateful that God has given me the opportunity to parent her. What a responsibility Motherhood is but what a huge joy it brings! So, I am looking forward to discovering who I am as a mother of 2 and how the challenge will make me a stronger woman. I'm nervous about how to handle everthing and doing the "baby days" all over but seeing my 2 1/2 year old reminds me of how fast those days go by. So, my eyes will be staring at 2 blessings soon and I don't know if my heart will be able handle the love! My cup runneth over!

Nursery

The theme of the room is bumble bees, with brown, yellow and green.

37 weeks

There has been some progress here...I was 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced at my doctor's appointment this morning. Which doesn't mean a whole lot because I could stay that way for another week or two. But it's a little reasurring that something is going on and baby #2 is on the way! I am scheduled for an ultrasound next thursday and the doctor said they will be able to get a better picture of the baby's size then. I will more than likely be induced around 38 1/2 to 39 weeks if nothing happens before then. Whoa...this is coming down to the end! We are as ready as I think we can be. Big Sister Avery is so excited. She's reading her Big Sister books every night before bed and talking about the baby all the time. I can't wait for her to meet this baby! The nursery is done and I will be posting pictures today or tomorrow, so stay tuned for those!

I LOVE my girly girl!

Here are a few pictures of Avery dressed up in her new digs from her friend Rylan!

Tonight we got a little storm with some thunder and lightning. When Avery was going to bed she wanted to look out the window and watch for the lightning and listen to the thunder. I am glad that she hasn't gotten to the fearful stage of storms yet. She still thinks they are pretty cool! She was standing there and she said "Thank you church for the lightning". I corrected her and told her that God makes the lightning etc. etc. So, she then says "Thank you God for the lightning". She stood there for another minute and after she saw another lightning strike she said "Good job God!" Disclaimer: The lightning and thunder were pretty far away. I would not normally let my child stand by a window and watch lightning strikes! Just in case you were wondering!

Dunkin Donuts - A family tradition

I remember my mom telling me a story about my dad stopping at Dunkin Donuts to get them a donut on the way to the hospital when she was in labor with my brother and I. I always thought that was cute. Just a little something that I am sure put a smile on her face as she was about to experience the worst kind of pain! haha Anyway, my doctors office is probably a mile from the only dunkin donuts in our area so, I have made it a point to stop after every visit and get myself a little sweet treat! My order is a bowtie donut (they are like a glazed donut just shaped different) with skim milk. For some reason this store doesn't sell milk in containers so they always poor me some from the gallon in the fridge under the coffee maker. It's always super cold which is just the way I like it and I get a huge plastic cup full! As I was getting my bowtie and milk this morning I began to think of some things I will miss once this pregnancy is over. For the most part I can't wait to have the baby and get on with the next phase but I am trying to stop and think of things that I will miss once this baby comes. Here are a few... 1. Feeling and watching the baby move around. Sometimes it really hurts but for the most part it is really cool! 2. Having Avery rub my belly and telling the baby that she can't wait to meet him/her. 3. The attention you get during pregnancy. Everyone is so happy for you and willing to do anything for you - it's really nice! 4. Being able to protect the baby from the world. 5. Not having to be on a diet! 6. I'm going to miss just having one on one time with Avery. She is my only focus right now and it's hard to imagine splitting that with a baby. 7. I will miss the routine we've gotten accustomed to. As a family unit with a 2 1/2 year old we aren't tied down by a baby's naps or feeding times anymore. 8. Having Ryan feel my belly when the baby moves - his hand of protection on us - it is very comforting. 9. My Dunkin Donut runs after my doctors appointments. 10. I will miss the anticipation that a new baby brings. What will he/she look like? How will the baby act? What is Avery going to do/say? A part of me loves the unknown, so once the baby is out ther is no more expectations. So, that's my short list. I think being 36+ weeks pregnant it is easier to think of what I won't miss. Here is a list of those. 1. Heartburn 2. Sleepless nights 3. Feeling like I'm about to explode because I don't feel like my belly could get any bigger. 4. This particular comment "Do you know what you are having?" 5. And this one "Oh, you didn't find out. No one does that anymore" 6. And one more "I am way to organized to not know. I have to have everything taken care of" 7. Braxton Hicks contractions 8. Not being able to have Avery snuggle on my lap. 9. Potty training while pregnant! 10. Peeing in the middle of the night

4 weeks to go...

Today was my 36 week check up at my OB doctor. Everything is great! The baby's heartrate was in the 140's, my blood pressure was perfect and for those keeping tabs..I gained 1 more pound. I had a Group B Strep Test today and I should get the results back next week. The doctor checked to see if I have made any progress toward labor and it doesn't seem like I have. I did measure about 34 weeks which she said could mean the baby is dropping. So, that's something right? Here is our Expect Net link in case anyone wants to make a final guess about the baby. I will lock the game after the weekend so no one can change their answers as the due date gets closer.

Movie Store

Today was a big day for Avery...her first trip to the movie theatre! (She calls it the Movie Store) We have been trying to get to the movies this summer and it never seemed to work into our schedule until this week. To be honest, I actually rescheduled a doctor's appointment so we could go. This is the last week of the free movies during the summer so, what was I going to do?? Movies or doctor??? Wouldn't you choose a movie...some day she'll thank me! :-) Anyway, the movie was Shark Tale which was rated PG and I'm sure way over her head but for the most part she really enjoyed it. She made it through the whole movie and really loved the music. We enjoyed $1 popcorn and icee and I can't say that there was anything better to do, on one of the hottest days of the year. Now, I need to figure out what to do this afternoon???

A faithful friend is the medicine of life...Eccl 6:16

I am so blessed to be able to say that I have an amazing group of friends here in North Carolina. I have met some amazing women over the past 2 1/2 years and they have become great friends that I know I can count on. This weekend my friends got together and had a baby shower for me. I have to particularly thank Shelley and Jennifer for planning such a special event. It was really great to share some time with the girls and celebrate this new baby coming into our lives! I was glad my mom was there to take part in it as well - I think she enjoyed seeing us all together and sharing our stories and laughter. So, as I get ready to welcome this second baby into our family, I know that the girls are there to encourage, support, vent and pray with me! Thanks to all of you for being such beautiful women! Love you all!

Mom & Me

Jennifer, Me & Shelley

The girls