Almost Here!

Monday was my last appointment. When we went in, the doctor was not content with how much the little girl has been moving. She was extremely lethargic and didn't move most of the day. Therefore, her heartbeat was slow and based upon my measurements the doctor thought that maybe she was actually losing weight. So...she ordered another ultrasound...hooked me up to the monitors again. After about an hour the doctor came in and said we had two options. Based on the ultrasound and everything else, she felt very reassured and confident that I could go home with no problems...I'd just need to return Thursday for more testing/monitoring. OR we could go straight to the hospital to be induced. Brian and I decided to give the baby a few more days to come on her own. But, alas, nothing. So...tomorrow we'll make the decision not IF to induce, but when.

I know there are many out there with their own opinions on the idea. Everyone at school has been very vocal about their opinions. ALL of them very different. However, as my mom said...I have to trust my doctor...and after reading up on inductions and various other things I feel much more content. Nothing is out of God's control...whether we induce or go into natural labor...God is still the controller of all things. So...she'll be here soon! If not tomorrow...soon! :)

Still Here!

Yes...I am still here and still working and still walking (barely). Each day brings us closer to the due date...and while I am very vocally hoping that we are a few days early I have had to daily settle my excitement and rely on God's perfect timing. Brian's birthday was yesterday and he was really, really hoping for a little girl as his birthday present. Unfortunately, I couldn't control that, so we are now hoping for Shakespeare's birthday...tomorrow. We aren't short of birthdays to hit here...Emma's is the 28th and Anna's the 30th. So we have a few marks we could hit between now and the 4th.

I went to the doctor on Monday. She said there was little change and if I didn't go into labor this week, we'd talk about different options at my next appointment. So...I'm praying that this week I'd go into labor naturally and we won't have to make any decisions.

Below is the most recent picture of the baby's room (and her closet...thanks for the clothes Betsy, Roxie, Kim, and Michelle!). Unfortunately, we can't put anything on the walls yet. On one wall will be pictures of children from around with world that Brian and I have been blessed to love on...with scripture as the center. I'm still in the process of getting those framed. The other wall will have her name on it...but for obvious reasons we can't put that up. :) So...here is the bare necessities for now. The cradle look beautiful and if you can't see, the walls are a pale pink with white trim. Grandma Patsy made the quilt (I need to get a better picture of that posted...it's beautiful!). The only other major thing missing is the rocking chair which my mom and dad will bring when they come. It's the very chair that my mom rocked all of her five babies in. It was tough to get it from her, but I promised to give it back some day. Some day. :) So...that's all for now...hopefully the next time will have a picture of the baby!

Pictures

Oh my...I am so ashamed at my lack of blogging the past couple of months. I truly thought that once basketball was over I would have time...my own time. However, from the beginning of March we have had Spring Break (we spent in Indiana), a women's conference at which I was asked to speak, then we moved the last week in March. Ummm...did anyone know that blizzards are still possibilities in March and God chose to send one our way the very day that we decided to move? Oh...and the very day that my friend Amy and her husband Dan came to visit.



Friday about noon it started snowing and didn't stop until Saturday at noon. BUT, the warm weather Saturday afternoon helped melt the snow and actually made a great moving day. I couldn't have done it without the help from my family. When I got home on Friday, Kim and my mom had packed my entire kitchen and were unpacking it in my new home. It was such a blessing to have that done. THANKS!



On another note: Today marks my 37th week. So, today I am considered full-term and we are anticipating a baby girl in the next three weeks. So...if you don't hear from me, and you are friends with Brian on facebook...keep tabs that way until I can get back to blogging. Until then, here's my latest picture taken yesterday at our Easter dinner. :)

The Cradle

Okay...here's the belated post:

The first one is from Christmas. I am putting it here first so that you can see the comparison.



All the others are from...yesterday. I am officially 30 weeks and counting! You will notice beside me is the cradle for Peanut. Her daddy sure is talented!!! It should be finished by the time we move and get settled before she comes! :) Woooohoooo!!!

Baby _ _ _ _ _

It has been drawn to my attention (and rightfully so) that you are all still wanting pictures. So...I am posting our 24 week ultra-sound pictures so you can get a good profile of our baby girl. I am currently ending my 26th week and will officially be in my third trimester next week. In the past three weeks...since the ultra-sound...I have grown much, much bigger, a bit more uncomfortable, and my desire to spend all of my time in my favorite sweatpants is almost more than I can overcome! You are all wishing I was posting a picture of me! Honestly it's tough to get the camera out and say, "honey, take a picture of me." It's not the first thought on my mind...but I'll try to do better this trimester! Here she is:



Somehow, the timing of everything has been perfect. My first trimester ended exactly as basketball began. Basketball is ending exactly as my third trimester begins. So, you see, the energy level that everyone said I would have during my second tri was sapped and drained by many situations that are common the the world of girls basketball. Needless to say, there were many times that I asked God, "are you sure about this girl thing? Are you sure I can handle raising a little girl? What will I do if she whines or cries when she gets a paper cut? Will I have compassion and sympathy when she sprains her ankle? God...are you sure????"

Trust me...growing up with four brothers and zero sisters was good for me. Really good for me...but this season of basketball has made me realize I don't understand the world of wimpy, girly girls. And therefore, I have been drawn to my knees as I seek wisdom and advice on how to raise this little girl growing inside me. Coincidence? I think not...and I have to trust in the truth that there are no accidents when it comes to the sovereignty of God. :)

We're having a.....

So, the exciting news is that we had our ultrasound on Monday. Brian met me at the doctor's office and we got to sit and watch our little baby on a flat screen television. The technician showed us the kidneys, the stomach, the nose, the mouth, the ears, the eyes, the hands and feet of our baby. She took measurements once, twice, and three times! For about 20 minutes Brian and I sat there watching our little peanut try to hide its face with a hand and a foot. Nevertheless, we were able to see the profile...and I thought it was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. It is a miracle of miracles that we are able to tangibly experience! Oh...and we saw one more thing! IT'S A GIRL!

What a blessing to now be able to pray for this little one by name. God already new her name, but now we can intercede by name for her as we pray that He forms her and knits her together to love and honor Him.

Sorry...for those of you who would also like to pray for her by name, you'll have to wait until her sweet little face reaches this world. For now you may just call her peanut. God will know who you are talking about!

The "little" Bulge

This is for Emily and Kim:




Okay...here's a picture from about 3-4 weeks ago. I have one that is more recent but I CAN'T FIND IT ON MY COMPUTER! So...I will update as soon as I can. Kim said, "it doesn't take that long to upload a picture!" So...I'll try to do better :0

Snow!

I woke up today to our first "real" snow. I absolutely love the first snow of the season. Ask Brian...I get giddy and foolish. In fact, my goal is to dance around the kitchen until Brian laughs. Once I've done that, my most favorite activity on a day like today is to turn on the Christmas tree lights while Brian starts a fire and read a book that is only interrupted by short sips of hot chocolate and lazy glances out the window. That's my perfect snow day.

Unfortunately for today...it will have to happen only in my daydreams. The reality for today is research papers.

Someday...