Valentine's Day

Ahhh...the day of love, right? I used to think I wanted a big production for Valentine's Day, but not so much anymore; though I do like a little bit of spoiling, just for fun.

We didn't do a whole lot. Actually we didn't do anything. I made heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast and Andy and I exchanged some sweet treats with each other. I know my husband loves me very much because he bought me Pepsi. I have been craving it so much in the last few weeks of pregnancy and I am thanking him for not judging me for having pop! He also bought me chocolate (which never fails in my book, Valentine's Day or not) and wrote me another sweet little poem. Later in the day we gave Georgia a small gift which included some Hershey kisses. I think she ate, like, 17 of them.

But that is it! No big production and yet I'm a very happy wife and momma.

Life is Good

Tonight I was in the bathroom getting ready for another trip to the mall. (I'm trying to walk this baby out.) I opened the door while I put on my make-up and heard Andy and Georgia hootin' and hollerin'; laughing ridiculously at something, though what I don't know. But I had to smile and think, That really is the best sound ever.

Pregnancy Update

I know there are a few of you who like up-to-the-minute details of this pregnancy as we're nearing the end. I had an appointment yesterday morning and learned that I am 4 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I was honestly shocked at that information. I was in active labor with Georgia at 3 cm. I know that each person/pregnancy is different, but it seems strange to be one cm closer without feeling the pains of labor.

My doctor told me two things after my exam: 1. Because of my progression, I would be very easy to induce. I asked for at least one more week and she told me that was fine. (I would really like to go into labor on my own - just a personal preference.) 2. This labor is going to go much quicker than the first. I am not going to complain about that! Other than those bits of news, she said everything looked great and hoped to see me before my next appointment. :)

As the end draws near, I'm becoming increasingly excited. I have had a lot of back pain (as I did with Georgia, but worse), I haven't been getting hardly any quality sleep and the pain has prevented me from a lot of play with Georgia. I'm tired of complaining and I'm just ready to be done!

However, having said that, I'm trying to hold these last days close to my heart. In comparison to the span of my life and my child's life, the time that I spend pregnant is so short. And I don't want to forget how amazing it is to carry a life inside of me. There were many things that I'd forgotten about between this pregnancy and the last. It truly is a blessing from God to have carried this baby and now be able to raise it to glorify Him.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Preggos

This is my dear friend, Colby; the picture was taken a few weeks ago - right around the 37-week marker. She and I are both due February 11, each with our second child. It's been so great to go through this pregnancy with her.

Well, I guess I should say 'were due' as she decided to move forward without me and have her baby early! I was going to wait to do this post until next week when we were nearing the 40th week, but now I can't. Her son, Boone Douglas, was born last night around 8:00 pm after only a few hours of labor. He weighed in at 7 lbs. and 2 oz. Congrats, Colby!

Death Storm 2011

I was hoping we could get through the season without a major storm. What was I thinking??? This is Iowa, for heaven's sake! I am just really glad of two things: 1) I did not go into labor and 2) we didn't lose power. We were able to stay cuddly warm and Andy even got an extra day off.

Here are a few pictures of the aftermath of Death Storm 2011, as many have lovingly referred to it around here. Andy went out to shovel/blow snow, but couldn't even get out the front door! Thankfully the back door was a little more cleared, though he had to shovel his way from our back porch, through the driveway, and across the street to our neighbor's house, who kindly lent us his snow blower.

I'm not sure how many inches we got exactly, but I did hear it was right around 15. My goodness, that's plenty. Let's hope we can avoid another one of these storms before the baby comes.

Can't get out the front door!

Guessing Game

I am 38 1/2 weeks pregnant. Today I had a doctor's appointment and I am dilated to 2 cm and am 50% effaced. She told me that she thinks the baby is right around 8 lbs. My due date is still about 10 days away (Feb. 11). I know I shouldn't get too excited; I could be pregnant another 3 weeks. But I can't help it! The process has begun...

And because of that, it's time to play the guessing game. I would like all my faithful blog readers to guess the DATE and TIME that this baby is going to make it's debut. I am even going to offer a small (but fun!) prize to the guesser who gets the closest. You can throw in your gender, weight and length guesses for fun, but the prize will be given to whoever is closest to the actual date and time. (Please only leave your guesses by comment on this blog.)

Happy guessing!