Baby Bump #3- 34 week update

We Made It!!!!!  And are breathing sighs of relief!!!  We hit our goal, and are beyond at this point.  I have another appointment on Wednesday with my Dr.  He is going to check me then to see if anything is happening.  With all of the contractions that I have been having, especially the past couple of days, I'm sure there is something going on.

Today is the last student day.  Our kids leave at 12:00 for the year.  I struggled through the last few days a bit, and am looking forward to a quiet afternoon in my classroom to get some busy work wrapped up for the year.  I'm honestly not sure that I will make it back in next week for the last workshop days.  I've been feeling pretty rough.  My body likes to grow big babies, and grow them fast.  I guess I can't complain!!

We are thisclose to being ready at home.  Only a few more little things that I'd like to get together.  The kids' gifts from Baby are here and ready, they just need to be put together.  My bag is started, but I need to finish packing it.  Baby's new carseat/stroller came (love it!!!!), but we need to get the bases strapped into the vehicles.  Baby clothes have been washed up and put away, Baby's blanket is SOOO close to being finished, Baby's bag is packed and ready, big brother and big sister are packed and ready.  Just a waiting game at this point, with a wonderful surprise ending!!!!!  We can't wait!  Names are narrowed down- one boy, and one girl.  It's a daily conversation in our home about what we will bring home.  The kids are always changing their minds on what they think it is, "but we will love it no matter what it is" is recited quite often!  I love that we had the patience to wait it out again to find out the gender.....I am eagerly anticipating that moment when I give the last push, and literally almost jump off the table and ask, "WHAT IS IT?!?"  I don't believe God grants us any greater surprise in life!

I was starting to get a little nervous with our busy schedule, and my sis-in-law's busy schedule, and the rainy weather, and the baby wanting to come so soon that we would miss out on baby belly pictures.  We got them done last night!!!!  I'm so happy it worked out before Baby made his/her appearance!  We even took some with the name spelled across my belly.  Of course, we had to do 2 names.....now, which one will we be sharing?!?

Thanks again for all of the kind thoughts, words, and prayers.  They helped us through the scary few weeks we were caught up in.  Every day from here one out is an added bonus to Baby growing and getting healthier! 

Love.

This man and everything he is.....

This boy and the person he is becoming.....

This girl and her most amazing personality.....

Baby Bump #3- 31 week update

I'm late again...sorry.  That's life for me right now.  Lots going on at this busy time of year.

I'm actually over 32 weeks right now!!!!  We are getting so close!  Dr. Holmes wants me to make it at least another week and a half.  I'm counting down the days.  Not that baby will arrive in a week and a half, but I can't wait to have the relief that all will be well if we can just make it that far!

I went in last Tuesday for my 31 week appt.  My Dr. was very happy and confident with how things are looking.  He said that since the contractions haven't gotten worse throughout the 3 weeks, that whatever I'm doing must be working.  He again told me to continue on as I am.  I again measured bigger than where I am.  Measuring 33 at 31 weeks.  We like to see this.  My babies have all been big and early like that, so especially with our situation, he said that is a good thing.  He again did the fetal fibronectin test for me.  He called me the next day and said the results were negative!!!!  That was great news!  He said there was obviously a reason the previous test came back positive, though, so we need to continue to monitor, and I need to continue to take it easy.  Since the results came back negative I won't go back now until next Wednesday.  He said after that it doesn't really matter, because he is ok with the baby coming at any time then!

I am happy, relieved, and resting!!!  I am starting to swell a bit, and I can feel that the end is getting near.  Yesterday with the 90+ heat we had was pretty rough on me.  Hoping this baby makes a healthy appearance before the real heat of the summer kicks in!  I've been spending my time making some decorations for the room, and sitting with my feet up putting together the cutest little baby blanket.  I can't wait to wrap him/her up in it!

We are thankful to more of my sweet cousins who went out of their way to prepare some meals for our freezer!  We couldn't be more grateful to the kindness of friends and family while we go through this.  You are amazing, and we are so thankful to you!

Baby Bump #3- 30 Week Update

I'm a few days late on posting my latest update. 

It's a good one.  We are breathing a sigh of relief.  We are not out of the woods yet, but things seem to be moving along ok at this point.

I saw my Dr. again on Tuesday.  This was my 3rd appointment with him in less than a  week!  I hope we don't need to do that again!  He reviewed all of my information that we found from the ultra-sound from when I went in on Friday morning.  He reassured me that he was very happy with the results of the ultra-sound at this point.  He again went through the stages of baby, and brought me comfort with the fact that we are 30 weeks along now, and things will be fine at this point.  He reminded me again that we have passed some very critical milestones, and at this point the baby would need some extra support, but would be fine. 

He measured my belly- this was big like always.  I measured 32" at 30 weeks.  A good sign for us- baby is big!

I shared with him that my principal has been nothing but supportive of me along with the rest of my co-workers.  I have been able to be off of my feet a lot more than normal, and he was comfortable with me continuing on.  He would like my feet up at home in the evenings and on the weekends as much as possible, and I need to limit my lifting, bending, squatting, etc...as much as I can.  He said to be sure to come in right away if the contractions get much worse, and to read my body when it is telling me to slow down. 

I will see him again on Tuesday, and he is going to run the test again at that time.  There is a possibility of the test coming back negative, but if it comes back positive again we will go from there. 

I have to share the amazing family I have- 2 of my sweet cousins and my parents read the stress that I was feeling about not being ready for this baby paired with the fact that I am so limited in what I can do at this point, they came over on Sunday and deep-cleaned my house from top to bottom!  My windows were washed, floors were scrubbed, bedding was cleaned and changed, vacuuming was done, closets were turned over, meals were prepared, Baby's bedroom was put together......It was amazing!!!!  Those 4 and Chad worked their tails off, and I couldn't be more thankful!  Not to mention my Grandma sending over meals for my freezer.  It almost brings me to tears what these people did for me.  They came together and helped me out when I felt like there was nothing I could do.  I love that I have so much wonderful support near-by.  I don't feel alone going through this, I have so many people that care!  Now- my job is sit back, relax, and cook this baby a bit longer.  That I can handle!

Another week down!!!!  We are celebrating!  Getting close to 31 weeks now- looking forward to a restful, relaxing weekend!

Thanks again for all of the prayers, kind messages, texts, e-mails, and phone calls.  You are an amazing group of friends that I rely on for support and encouragement- It is so very much appreciated!