Saturday, February 27, 2010

36+ weeks

If I don't take these pictures (or post them) I know I'll kick myself years from now. But, truly, this is not easy. I'm way past the cute tummy stage and into the "wow, are you kidding me?" stage.





I'd also like to point out that this is the LAST room in the house left to paint. I've GOT to get rid of the awful wallpaper. And the shower doors are so tacky. But I have to say they do a much better job at keeping water in the tub than a curtain does. My boys test this often.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Stream of Consciousness

I have so much floating through my brain right now I'm having trouble organizing it. But I want to get it "out on paper". If I were to actually write it on paper I'm sure I would lose it, or it would turn into a paper airplane, or be used for practice writing the word "poop". So this is for safe keeping. My stream of consciousness on the World Wide Web.

I went to the doctor today. I had a bio-physical ultrasound (my 3rd in as many weeks) to make sure the baby is thriving despite my low blood platelets. It is. In fact, thriving very well. This baby is big. Why am I surprised? I always get to this point and I'm surprised when they say "your baby is in the 86% for growth". The estimate is 7 1/2 pounds. No, that doesn't sound that big, but it's 1.5 pounds bigger than last week. That means in 2 weeks it'll be around 9 1/2 pounds. That's big. But these are all estimates, there's so much they can't see on ultrasound. I have pushed out a 10 pound baby. I can do this. Interesting note, this baby's legs are measuring 2 weeks further along than it's body. Ha!

But my blood platelets are now below 100,000 (normal is 200,000-500,000). They seem to be dropping by 10,000 a week. In 2 more weeks, that's only 80,000. This means no epidural for me. Blood platelets cause your blood to clot. So they won't stick a needle in your back for pain relief if there's a chance for bleeding in your spine. This is fine by me. Spinal bleeding sounds awful. I've done natural childbirth before, I actually prefer it. But not having a back up plan is scary. Calvin was 10 pounds and posterior, I NEEDED that epidural and was SOOO thankful for it! But, not this time.

So given those 2 factors my Dr has set an induction date of March 9. That is 2 weeks from yesterday. I am praying (would you pray with me?) that I'll go into labor on my own before that day. If I have to do this drug-free, I'd rather not be induced and have that lovely pitocin coursing through my veins. I am 1 cm dilated, and "soft". Keep in mind I'm 35+ weeks, still 4 weeks away from my original due date.

So we shall see. They are watching my blood platelets closely. I have another blood draw in a few days. There are many factors that could change all these plans.

All of this and then today I was reminded that tomorrow does not even exist. What a thought! I am not promised tomorrow, it literally does not exist yet. Yet, so much of my mind is consumed by tomorrow. But the Lord knows. He knows exactly what tomorrow brings, and how many days are after that, if any. There is so much comfort for me in this. Thank you Jesus.

Calvin Turns 5

Calvin is 5! Of course this seems unbelievable to me. But in some ways Calvin has always seemed older than he is. He's now the age that, since he was 3, everyone assumed he was. Of course, now that he's 5 people assume that he's 7.




He had a great birthday. He chose to eat lunch at McDonald's (why, oh why), we took treats to pre-school. We also took treats to our small group that night. This was the first year we had a "friend" party. In previous years cousins and siblings were enough. But we took a couple sweet boys to the indoor swimming pool, did cupcakes, etc. He is so easy to please. If you can't tell by the pictures the theme was "Jayhawks'!




Calvin Sameul, you are a delight! I enjoy everything about being your mom. I'm so thankful that the Lord chose us to be your parents, what a blessing.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

An Array of Letters

Dear Calvin,
Happy Birthday. You are my favorite 5 year old in all the world.

Dear baby inside of me,
Please step off my sciatic nerve. Step off.

Dear Chiropractor,
Thank you for whatever you did to me this morning. When I came in I couldn't walk, when I left I could walk. But seriously I have no idea what you did. It took 5 minutes. Could you teach my husband to do whatever it is you did?

Dear blood platelets,
Please increase in my body. I'd like to at least have the option of pain relief during labor.

Dear Eileen's Cookies,
Thank you for making ridiculously good cookies. I think almond extract is akin to crack.

Dear Charlotte,
I'm sorry it took me so long to get you to the doctor. I might be a little too laid back when it comes to ear infections. You can blame your brothers for this.

Dear Laundry,
Please fold yourself.

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the weather today. Fifty degrees in February feels like 75 degrees in July.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Out of the Mouths of Babes

We're potty training this week! Woo hoo! This is much harder than it was with the boys. First, we're not home near as much as when I was potty training the boys. It's important to be HOME when potty training. Second, girls sit. The boys were tall enough to stand in front of the potty and for whatever reason that seems to be much easier.

I have decided potty training when you are 34 weeks pregnant is a good plan. Since I have to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes, I just take her with me!

Quote of the week (maybe even year!). Tyler took her to the potty and she sat there quite a while just talking to him. Pretty soon she looked down between her legs and said "I think it's out of batteries."

She is the best!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Today

The kids were busy making valentines this evening. Some think this is best done without pants.

I love this man. LOOOOOOVVVVEEEEEE him. He's working hard on seminary classes (along with his regular job and being super husband and daddy). He's trying to finish one before the baby arrives. It will be a very tight squeeze. He would appreciate me being pregnant the full 40 weeks. I don't think (or hope) he'll get his wish.



This is my view, looking down, right now. Can you see your lap? Can you hold your legs together? I'm jealous.