39 Weeks

Today we had our 39 week prenatal appointment. I think they were surprised to see me at this appointment. We all thought the baby would have arrived by now but I don't think this one is in any hurry. I still have not progressed from the week before but I know that does not mean anything. The doctor did go ahead and stripped my membranes (sorry if that is too much info) to see if that would help move things along. She said if it is going to do anything it would happen in 24 hours. Well so far nothing is happening. It only works 50% of the time and with my luck I will be in the half that it does not work for. So we went ahead and talked about inducing. Not my first choice but I will take it. We are thinking next Tuesday, 9/7 but I am still waiting to hear if they were able to schedule me that day or not. I really hope it does not come to that point. I would much rather have things be natural, especially since I do not want drugs. For now we will let the waiting game continue.

My Little Baker

Emma has developed a love for baking and anytime I mention we are going to bake something she immediately starts pulling out the measuring cups and bowls. Every week we bake banana bread and today we made some peanut butter blossom cookies. Emma loved being part of the baking. I think a trip to Williams & Sonoma will be in her birthday future.


Making banana bread the other day. Emma loves the big mixer.


Making our cookies. Emma was trying to sneak some Hershey kisses for herself.


Checking out what is in the bowl.


Helping with the stirring.


The finished product. Emma was slightly bothered that the chocolate was no longer hard. Her placemat quickly became a piece of chocolate artwork. The kid does not like her hands dirty so I stepped in and fed her the cookie.

Memorable Moments

As this pregnancy is coming to an end I would like to reflect on some funny things my wonderful husband has said. Before we do get to those sayings I would like to thank him for being an amazing husband and father. There has never been a time when he has not stepped up to the plate to help out with something, especially towards the end of the pregnancy. Every morning he gets up with Emma b/c he knows I do not sleep well at night. One day I was able to sleep until 8:20. I was shocked when I looked at the clock b/c I usually am up by 7:00. I have a hard time staying in bed when I know Emma is up and Andy needs to get to work. It was a wonderful treat. He also will cook and clean if I ask him. Though I am such a micro manager when it comes to the house so I really try to avoid doing this unless absolutely necessary. But he will do it and do it with a smile. Thank you Andy for all you do. Emma and our new little girl are very blessed to have you as a father.

Ok now some funny things:

-The hospital recently added on a new labor and delivery center and I informed Andy that we should take a tour. His response was why do we need a tour. I responded with, so we know where to go when the baby comes.

-One day we were driving in the car and I of course was being a backseat driver (usually I drive for the sanity of our marriage) and Andy informed me since I did not like his driving that I could drive myself when I was in labor (he said it in a funny way) and now I can't help but laugh at this. Who knows it might happen.

-Since labor can take some time, Andy suggested that maybe I should read a book during labor. I am wondering if he remembers the first time we went through this and how I was in pain and could not sit down.

-As the end is nearing I am having a hard time being patient, especially since I like to plan things, so Andy went on a website to read about things to do to distract myself and one thing he suggested to me after reading the website was making a birthday cake for the baby. I told him that is hard to do since I do not know when she is coming and he said that maybe I should make a new one every few days.

Oh Andy I love you so much but there are times when you are just too silly. Thanks for being my husband!!


Andy and Emma at the arboretum where we had lunch today. Emma of course was distracted by something and would not look at the camera. We are really having a hard time these days getting her to look at us with the camera and smiling. She is very anti camera.

38 Weeks

Today we had our 38 week appointment. It was pretty routine with nothing new going on from last week. The only thing is the doctor thought the baby was lower than last week. So it was a very uneventful appointment. We are just getting excited for the baby to come. I think this is one of the hardest parts about pregnancy, the waiting game. With Emma I was so early so I feel I should be the same this time around but I know it is just all in my head. This baby will come when the time is right. Patience is key at this point.

Pigtails

Recently I was going through old photos of me as a kid and came across a few where my hair is in pigtails. I just love pigtails and I love putting Emma in pigtails. So I thought I would post some of Emma sporting the do and me as kid with pigtails.


Pigtails when we went to Zilker.


Emma with her pigtails this morning. There is something about this shirt that always makes me want to put her hair in pigtails when she wears it.


Me when I was probably 2 years old.


Me when I was in first grade. This was right before I got my first haircut. I will have to find the photos from that event and share them. This is why I do not want to cut Emma's hair. I just love the long locks.

37 Weeks

Today we had our 37th week prenatal visit. Things are going well. The heart sounded great and they think the murmur is over. That would be awesome! I was 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and the baby is at station +1. I must say when she told me I was dilated 2cm I was shocked. It was exciting to hear but I am not trying to read into it too much since I could easily sit at 2 cm for awhile. I guess it is just nice to know that progress is being made. So the jury is still out on when this baby will come. My parent's are hoping for this Friday, the 20th, which would be 2 weeks early b/c all their grandkids were born on the 20th. This one might be breaking that trend.

One More Date

Andy and I decided to have one more date before baby #2 comes. We dropped Emma off in the morning at her grandparent's house and took advantage of the day. My first task, since Emma was out of the house was to vacuum. I know that sounds exciting but it is impossible to vacuum when Emma is around b/c she is very scared of the vacuum. When I mention I need to vacuum she freaks out. So now my code word is "hoover" the house. After some house chores we headed to the movies. It was wonderful seeing a movie during the day. Then we did some baby shopping and some Emma shopping. Then last we headed to dinner for a nice relaxing meal. It was a great Saturday.



On the other side of town, Emma had a fun filled day with Papa and Gammie. She got to run in the sprinklers, drive Papa's Jeep, make banana bread and cookies with Gammie, go for a walk, water the flowers, run wild around the house, and look at the car section of the paper (this kid is very obsessed with cars). Oh and did I mention no nap. What a special day for Emma.




Emma at the end of her day. Does she look like she had fun or what?!

Emma Long Park

Andy's department had a family outing the other day so we tagged along for some fun at Emma Long Park. We socialized, grilled, and played in the water. One of his co-workers brought his boat but Andy was not comfortable with his pregnant wife going on the boat. I guess I will just have to wait until next time.

I must apologize, I have been bad about taking photos lately. This was one of those days so I only have a few of Emma by the water.


Looking cute on the dock.


Finding some buried treasure.


Jumping with Daddy.

36 Weeks

First off I must say I am sorry I have no belly pic for this post (I will get one later). Someone (he will remain nameless) dropped the camera today (thank goodness it was not our brand new camera) and I guess the pictures did not save. So if I remember tomorrow I will have that lovely cameraman take another pic.

Well today we had our 36 week appt. Everything is going well. The heart sounded wonderful! We keep hoping that it stays that way. The doctor did check me and I am 60% effaced but I am not dilated. No surprise there. I am thinking things this time around will be very similar to when I was pregnant with Emma. I just never dilated until it was go time.

We are getting very excited for baby. Things are ready to go for the little one. The only thing we have to do is pack but that is hard to do b/c you need your day to day stuff. So the stuff I can pack is packed.

Now the waiting game begins.

Backyard Fun at Gammie & Papa's

On Sunday afternoon we decided to bust out a sprinkler at my parent's house and let Emma run around and have some water fun. This activity reminded me of when I was a kid b/c we would do this at my grandma's house, except she had a huge hill we would run down and she would spray us with the hose. Oh the simple joys of life.



Emma standing on the sprinkler.


Emma loved having Gammie spill water on her.



Taking a seat.


Toweling off with momma.

Emma's Speech

As most of you know Emma has a speech delay. Most of the delay is related to a coordination issue. She knows her letters and sounds but has difficulty putting the sounds together to make a word. Well in June we started up with a new speech therapist that we have know since Emma was born. She also specializes in feeding issues (the mechanical side) and that is why we have known her for awhile. Since starting with her, Emma has been making wonderful progress. Every time we go to a session I just grin from ear to ear b/c I am so proud of all her hard work. Her vocabulary is picking up and even though we are still a ways off from a normal kid her age, her progress is something that deserves a gold star. We still have ECI come to the house once a week to help with communication as a whole but let me tell you being back in private speech therapy has truly been a life changer for all of us.

Emma you are an amazing girl who is not letting any delays hold you back. You always try your best and never give up. We are so amazed by your determination and all the progress you have made. No matter what, we will be by your side and be proud of you. Every hurdle you go over, whether big or small, is a huge accomplishment. Keep up the fabulous work!!

Emma's new words:
-up
-out
-open
-yes
-blue
-purple
-off
-in
-done
-bye bye
-hi
-push
-she kind of says her sister name
-Emma
-two or to or too

She is also putting words together like:
-bye bye dada
-help momma

Showered with Love

On Saturday three friends, Kristen, Kristen, & Kristin, threw me a baby shower. It was a great shower filled with close friends. I was thrilled to be celebrating baby #2 and could not have asked for a better shower. Thanks ladies for all that you did for me and baby.


Me all dressed up. Thanks to all the ladies for the lovely compliments.


Me and my bump.


My lovely hostesses, Kristin, Kristen, and Kristen.


My beautiful mom and me. Thanks for opening your home to all of us.


Cassie, me, Kristen, and Kristen. We started a playgroup when our first borns were just babies and now everyone has two kiddos, well almost. We are just waiting on me.


Some more beautiful ladies, Cameron, Kristin, and Crystal.


Julie counting some jelly beans. She is one amazing neighbor and I am thankful she has created our neighborhood women's group.


Taking a baby quiz. Lets just say I did not pass.


Gift opening time. We were spoiled with adorable items and gift cards that are ready to be spent. =)


Even Emma got some gifts. Thanks Crystal and Cassie.


Emma showing off her tutu.


Oh and some jewelry. Emma loves her bling.