Blake - 1 week old

Whoa, little man...let's stop the hands of time from ticking away so quickly! It seems like the last week has literally flown by in a whirlwind! I know that's because of all the excitement of you being born and family being in town and visits from friends. But even though I probably won't remember much about this week in a few years it sure has been SWEET!

You are such a joy! A true blessing from head to toe. Today we had a busy day...busy for me at least. I am still adjusting to getting out and about and my body still gets really tired and sore from "running around".  This morning we went to Riley's preschool to meet her teachers. She has Mrs. Suzie and Mrs. Eunice this year. They are really sweet and Riley had a good time seeing her classroom and seeing her friends who were there. She described her teacher Mrs. Suzie to Daddy last night as "BEAUTIFUL"! So cute!

After that we headed to Chick-fil-A for lunch. That was super yummy, as always and you were a perfect little angel the whole time. This was mommy's first time nursing you in public - man I forgot how cumbersome those nursing covers are! I managed and you were happy and content. We ran into our sweet friends The Porter's and Riley was able to play in the play area with Noah and Anna for awhile.

We came home and rested for awhile and Nana went to pick up Avery from school. I really miss your sister during the day but she is having so much fun in First Grade! She is such a huge help when she is here. She likes to pick out your outfits, hold you standing up - like a "big person" and lay on the couch with you. You are such a great snuggler, Blake, so I don't blame her always wanting to be with you.

We ended the day at the girls favorite place!

ZAXBY's

It was your first trip to the Memorial store. You missed it though, because you slept the whole time. But you were there and we documented it with a picture.

A great day hanging with you! Happy 1 week!

Blake's First Dr. Appointment

Daddy and I took Blake to his first doctor appointment today. He did so well!

He had to get stripped down naked for his weight check and he didn't like that much but he was easily calmed down and took a little siesta until the doctor was ready to see him.

He looks and sounds great the doctor said. He hadn't gained much of his hospital weight back since we left (he was only 10 lbs) so Dr. Goth wanted him to come back for a weight check on Friday. Hopefully he will be gaining weight soon enough...especially since I am breastfeeding.

Baby #3 - The night before!!

So, I am 39 weeks officially! (Today I am 39 weeks and 4 days)

Time to get this little boy out of my belly!

It's the "night before" Blake will arrive and I have so much running through my head! It's crazy all the emotions that can take over and flood your thoughts. Here's a few things that happened today...

1. Avery started 1st Grade today! Oh boy, was she excited.

I actually handled it pretty well. I wanted to burst into tears in her classroom but I held it together and relished her enthusiasm and excitement for her new school year. She is such a gem of a child! I don't know how she could get any sweeter. I am sure going to miss her during the day...how did this full day of school come so fast? But it also makes me grateful for the 1/2 days she had last year...at least I got a little more time with her then. :)

I have to write what she said to me the night before school "Mom, I am really glad I am going to be in school all day, because then I don't have to run errands with you!" LOL- excellent observation my dear daughter!

2. Riley and I spent the day together! It started out with me scurrying around trying to get laundry done and dishes washed. I changed bed sheets and swept the house (it's amazing what you can get done when you are on "school" schedule and not "summer" schedule) We even ran a couple errands and then it dawned on me...it's my last day with RK as my baby!

So, I turned and looked at her as we sat in the Sam's Club parking lot and asked her if she would like to go to the pool today with just Mommy? Her face lit up and she said "YES"!

We hurried home, I packed us a lunch and snack and we went to the pool. We stayed for a couple hours and it was so much fun!

When we were at the pool you said to me "We are having a Mommy Daughter Day"....you melt my heart Riley Kate! I LOVE spending time with just you because you are a completely different child without your sister around. It's not a bad thing but it's just different. You talk so much to me and tell me all sorts of random things. You still LOVE to hold my hand everywhere we go and your giggle would make me laugh in the hardest of times! I always call your sister "sweet" but you are just as much - a little "sugar muffin". 

Mommy is going to try my best to continue having time to spend with just you (and Avery) once Blake comes. :)

3. Looking back at the 2 years that we tried to have another baby and all the prayers said and tears shed, we are now less than 24 hours away from meeting our newest blessing. Being a mom is the hardest and most amazing challenge I will ever face. Raising kids to honor their parents, Love God, have good behavior, respect others, take care of their "things" and love life, sure is a huge undertaking. I know that most days I royally screw up. I know most days I don't even come close to being the mom I know I could be but in the end I know that God's GRACE covers it all. He has my tired, sore, aching back and will carry me through the challenges that lay ahead in parenthood (and life). And my kids may be a little "messed up" but in reality who isn't?? haha

I am beyond blessed to have grown in my relationship with God over the 2 years that I waited for Blake. God taught me some incredible lessons - most importantly - to be thankful today for all that surrounds me. To be content in my situation and to trust that his timing and plan are PERFECT. I don't know why things happen when and if they do but I know that God has plans that far exceed what I could ever ask or want.

And even though right now, I am so thankful that he gave me what I desired...

I know there will be times in the future where I won't receive what I ask for...

or my children won't get what they pray for...

or a friend or loved one will not hear the answer they desired. 

My hope is that my heart will continue to TRUST GOD through it all. And to remember His best is always laid out for us as long as we are seeking Him. 

Thank you Lord for our Blake and Thank you Lord for our Hope in You!

Baby #3 - 38 weeks 5 days

I went back for my last OB appointment today. I saw Dr. Bluementhal and was "checked" again and I am now 4 cm dilated. I have gained a total of 10 pounds...CRAZY! (but I'm not complaining)

I officially go in to the hospital on the 23rd at 7 am if I don't go into labor before. I really hope that I will....

but I feel like I won't.....

and I will probably make it another 6 days.

That's ok...it's all in God's timing and I can't rush it any faster than the 23rd (although that's really taking it in to our own timing, right??). Ha!

Anyway, I am looking forward to meeting Blake and seeing what he looks like. I must say, I am glad  we found out what we were having this time. It's been a neat expierence even though I think I've called him Blake only a dozen times...I am so used to referring to my pregnant belly as "the baby".

Baby #3 - 37 weeks

I went back to the doctor this afternoon - technically 37 weeks 5 days. I saw Dr. Bluementhal - (my main doctor and the one who delivered Riley). She saw me and asked why they were doing Ultrasounds and NST's. She said she really didn't think they were necessary even though Dr. Brown ordered them. Well, I hate when doctors don't agree but at this point I think they aren't really necessary either.

But I did get to see Blake before I saw her. He still had his head down really far and it was hard to see his little face but I got a few peaks while the Ultrasound Tech was measuring fluids and stuff. It's been fun to see him the past few weeks. We did set an induction date this week with Dr. B. We set it for 7am on August 23rd (the day after Avery starts 1st Grade)!!

I am feeling really ready to meet my little man. I am very uncomfortable while sleeping at night. In fact, I've had lots of what I think are contractions throughout the night but nothing that ends up being consistent. I am uncomfortable sitting for too long and standing makes me really tired. :) But I am so thankful for this time. I am trying to sit here and enjoy that the house is quiet. I am not changing diapers and I'm not aching from all the "after effects" that come from delivery. I know soon enough he will be in my arms and I will really be tired! haha

I must say the girls are being so sweet with my belly. Every time Riley sits next to me she will rub my belly. I don't even think she knows she does it most of the time but it's so sweet. She already calls Blake "Blakey" and talks to my belly all the time. I know she is getting anxious for him to arrive as well. Avery is precious as well. She is so good at giving me hugs and kisses every night or whenever we leave each other and then she immediately kisses and hugs my belly. I love how sweet they are and I know that their love will only grow as soon as Blake arrives. :)

We can't wait to meet you little man and see who and what you look like! xoxo

Baby #3 - 36 weeks

I'm technically 36 weeks and 5 days (don't you love my exact dates)! :) Today I saw Dr. Brown again and did the weight check Ultrasound and NST. According to the Ultrasound Blake already weighs 8lbs 3oz! Oh boy and to think that I still have 3+ weeks to go!

The doctor "checked" me and I was 2 cm and 80% effaced. Which basically means nothing. :) I could walk around that way until the end. I didn't gain any weight again this week but didn't loose either...so I guess that's good.

I hoping that next week we can set a date for induction if I haven't already had Blake by 39 weeks.