Well, now...According to my calendar, we've got just 41 days until little girl #2 arrives! If all goes as planned she will be born March 24th, 2009 at approximately 7:45 AM. Certainly you're wondering how we could possibly know this. And let me tell you, becoming pregnant has definitely not given me any extra special talents stemming from the brain, like for instance, psychic powers--in fact, it's exactly the opposite. I took Avery to the Doctor just the other day and I had to really think hard about what her birth date was--luckily she knew and told the Doctor. I either looked like an awful mother who forgets when her children were born or a good mother with a smart kid! Let's hope it's the latter! Anyway, the reason we know when she'll be born is because I will be having a cesarean section, or C-section. It was recommended by my Doctor in Ames that we do so just to be extra safe. When we found out this was the case, I tried to be positive about it and am still trying. But I think I'm just feeling like it's so against nature. It's not what I would've preferred, I suppose. Okay, so all you women who've gone through natural child birth are probably thinking "Lady, you're crazy"! Now, if I really remembered what natural labor felt like and it was fresh in my mind, maybe I'd be thinking the same thing. I do remember, but then again, it has been five years already! I think most of all, I really thought the whole birthing process was amazing. Let me explain: I remember the excitement of heading to the hospital knowing what was about to happen and also knowing I had some hard, painful hours ahead of me. However, being there in the delivery room with my husband, both of us anticipating what was to come, working together through the pain, meeting true exhaustion together...and then hearing "she's coming, just one more big push..." and then hearing her precious little cry and seeing her tiny perfect fingers, nose, ears, toes...the whole experience is something I can not put into words. So many emotions crashing together at once...I suppose I can only say it's something you probably don't experience and can't relate to until you yourself go through it. And not just the women, it's the guys, too. After all of this, being told you're having the baby "on Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30 AM" seems totally strange to me. I actually watched a C-section on tape. Yeah, shouldn't have done that. It was so fast and awkward--the big curtain's up so you can't see what's happening and you can't feel it as they make the incision because you're completely numb, but you're awake and can feel some pressure as they grab the tiny little babe and pull her out. And then within 10 minutes, she's here. They take her away while you're stitched up for the next hour and then you have to go through a much more extensive recovery than what natural birth requires. And I had heard you at least get to pick the day if you have to have a scheduled labor, but I sure didn't. If I got to pick, I sure wouldn't have said I wanted to go in for pre-op at 6 AM on a Tuesday. I couldn't tell you what I would've decided. But I think I would have chosen to maybe come in a bit later in the day! Even, 8 or 9 is better than 6 AM. But, I guess I went in to the hospital at 2 AM last time, so what am I complaining about, right? In my heart, I know everything will be just fine and seeing our little girl for the first time will bring us just as much joy this time around as it did last time, even if it has to happen via a very different method.
As we're heading down the homestretch, I truly am feeling some major anticipation for her arrival. Even more so this time I think, because we were trying to become pregnant and really wanted a sibling for Avery so when the test finally came back positive, it was wonderful news for all of us. And I can feel that she's getting ready for her own arrival too as her kicking is becoming very strong! And she's getting hiccups fairly often now. Avery had the hiccups all the time those last couple of months, too. It seemingly always occurs when I head to bed. Same with the kicking. It's like she's struggling to find a comfortable position in there--I can't even imagine what it must be like trying to do that in such a confined space (even though it looks to me like she's got more than enough room in that belly of mine!). We've been really busy preparing for her arrival. We just got through painting the downstairs bedroom and upstairs dining and living room this last weekend with mom and dad (thank you, again!). This weekend we've got to take all of Avery's furniture downstairs, as the bedroom we painted will be her bedroom now. This has been sort of a difficult move for all of us--especially Ava. She loves her room upstairs right by mom and dad's room and giving it up to her little sister who's not even here yet, is not exactly what she expected. She loves climbing in our bed with us in the morning and snuggling and "sleepovers" (this just means Friday night she gets Tang and popcorn, gets to pick out the activity for the night--usually a Disney video which she watches for maybe a full 30 minutes with mom and dad--and then gets to sleep in mom and dad's bed until we come to bed and take her in her own room) are her absolute favorite. But, I told her using the best choice of words, why the baby needed to be upstairs next to mom. She still wasn't exactly persuaded until I told her she could pick out some cool nightlights and walkie talkies and new stuff for her new room. And I told her mom could sleep with her in the trundle bed for a couple of nights. Then it was just great! We'll see what happens next week when she actually sleeps down there for the first time. It could be a long night for all of us. I'm hoping we read books, she falls asleep and begins snoring like any other normal night. And I'm hoping I can do the same as I know my days of sleeping through the night are numbered...41 left if all goes as planned!
Happy Valentine's day everyone! Happy Birthday, Dad! Love you all and we will write again soon (history repeats itself, so count on a month or so! I'll really try to get one up sooner)!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Friday, December 5, 2008
Weird Science
Happy Friday to all! I apologize for not writing sooner--Jer, I'm hearing your voice in my head right now. But, nothing much has changed since the last time we wrote! Well...I guess that's not true. You can't see me! I'm currently sitting an extra 10 inches away from the key board. Why? you ask. I believe in a matter of one week my belly has grown to the point of no return. Maybe it's the fact that the baby and I had a very bountiful Thanksgiving? I don't know. But, I feel as though my belly is now officially a member of the weird science club. And I certainly think my feet have joined, too (peer pressure stinks). Again, why? you ask. I simply can not see them. Thus, they have not been receiving the much needed (and I think, well-deserved) attention from my upper half like they used to. I'm pretty sure I need to recruit my wonderful, caring, kind and feet-loving (he hates feet) husband to help me out in that department. We don't generally give gifts to each other for Christmas, but I've insisted on changing those rules this year as I am in definite need of a pedicure! I'm sure at this point, you're envisioning green, hairy, and very smelly feet (and if you weren't before, now you are). I assure you, that's not the case. But, I can tell you this much. It's not pretty. I've also asked asked for a package of short socks, too. Am I greedy or what?! In my defense, though, I can not bend over to put my stinkin' (no pun intended) socks on! This weekend I may have to bite the bullet and get some for myself as John's not readily available until Tuesday to put my socks on for me. And really, cutting my toe nails and putting my socks on for me probably aren't activities that strengthen our bond as a married couple. Ya know what I mean? On that note...hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I'll be writing soon!
P.S. I have to tell this quick Thanksgiving story:
Imagine 19 adults and seven children under the ages of 6 together for four days (and nights) in one home. Then imagine six of these children running a circle around the kitchen table where the adults are with the bellies of their shirts stuffed with miscellaneous items from the stuffed animal toy box. Okay, now picture one tiny hand up in the air, fist shaking in delight, while the other holding their various stuffed toys in their shirts, their mouths wide open, each of them yelling loudly, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant" while constantly giggling at the same time! And the punch line is, Grandma Mary (God bless you, Mary) intervened after hearing this and the chaos stopped only momentarily while she spoke, "why don't we instead say, 'I'm so precious, I'm so precious, I'm so precious'. A few seconds later, we heard again, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant..." Oh, gosh. Forgive me, Mary, but I could not stop laughing for the life of me. All I can say is I wish we had a video camera. The kids won't remember it, but I know I will. Brightens my day just to think of it now!
P.S. I have to tell this quick Thanksgiving story:
Imagine 19 adults and seven children under the ages of 6 together for four days (and nights) in one home. Then imagine six of these children running a circle around the kitchen table where the adults are with the bellies of their shirts stuffed with miscellaneous items from the stuffed animal toy box. Okay, now picture one tiny hand up in the air, fist shaking in delight, while the other holding their various stuffed toys in their shirts, their mouths wide open, each of them yelling loudly, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant" while constantly giggling at the same time! And the punch line is, Grandma Mary (God bless you, Mary) intervened after hearing this and the chaos stopped only momentarily while she spoke, "why don't we instead say, 'I'm so precious, I'm so precious, I'm so precious'. A few seconds later, we heard again, "I'm not pregnant, I'm not pregnant..." Oh, gosh. Forgive me, Mary, but I could not stop laughing for the life of me. All I can say is I wish we had a video camera. The kids won't remember it, but I know I will. Brightens my day just to think of it now!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Answered prayers
One little girl's prayers have been answered...
John and I were able to have an in-depth ultrasound yesterday in Des Moines. "Do you want to know the sex of the baby"? the woman helping us complete paper work asked. "Yes" we said. So, 45 minutes and lots of belly-jelly later, there it was.
People are always asking me "Do you have a feeling"? And I reply back with a simple "no idea". I suppose I'm just not one of those mom's who have that "thing". That internal motherly "thing" that gives them the littlest inkling of what's growing inside of them--a little boy blue or a sugary sweet little girl. Well...now that I think about it, maybe I did. No wonder I was always referring to the baby as one specific anatomy the whole time. And maybe there was a reason I was never able to come up with any other baby names? Maybe I did have an inkling, and via the ultrasound, that inkling was something I shouldn't ignore!
Our prayers: Let us all be healthy and well throughout the pregnancy, especially that new life growing inside of me. And please, let's get this "morning sickness" (why do they call it that, anyway? I'm changing it to "you-just-never-know-when" sickness) thing over with already! As far as we were told and were able to see yesterday during the ultrasound, all is well. The baby is growing quickly now. Almost 7.2 oz--still smaller than a can of pop, but big for her age of 16 weeks, 6 days old. Yes, we were a little behind as I wrote last time that we were at 16 weeks. But, it looks like we are just now passing that point. So, we'll add another two weeks to the count down.
Avery's prayers: "Jesus, please, let me have a little sister because I don't want a boy". Now, I just laugh at this as it seems so simple of a request to her. She says "mom, it's not FUNNY"!--man, she's serious. And it looks as though her prayers have been answered...we're having a GIRL! I have to say it truly didn't matter to John and I, but I was extremely excited to hear this. I just picture bed time giggles and girl talk and am so grateful that Avery and her baby sister will have each other always. I have a very close friend who has a sister nearly 5 years younger and they couldn't be better friends. And they got to borrow (well, I suppose Linds would call it "steal") each other's clothes and talk about girl stuff and giggle together--they still do. I believe they talk to each other on the phone every day even though there are many miles between them. And, I have a wonderful sister, Codi, who I remember wanting to be just like growing up--she had the best hair, cutest boy friends, best make-up, was and is still a very genuine woman. She is the most amazing individual, mother, and wife I know. She sets a great example for us all and I still want to be like her in many, many ways. I so want this for my children. I know it's probably not time to think about all that now, but I must say, it's already in my prayers.
We told Avery the news last night. Boy, she was so happy she just didn't know what to say. We're all happy. And prayer time before dinner last night was peaceful for all (if we had to share the news that we were having a boy to Avery...well, let's just say, it probably wouldn't have been so peaceful at first).
Will be back soon,
Britt
John and I were able to have an in-depth ultrasound yesterday in Des Moines. "Do you want to know the sex of the baby"? the woman helping us complete paper work asked. "Yes" we said. So, 45 minutes and lots of belly-jelly later, there it was.
People are always asking me "Do you have a feeling"? And I reply back with a simple "no idea". I suppose I'm just not one of those mom's who have that "thing". That internal motherly "thing" that gives them the littlest inkling of what's growing inside of them--a little boy blue or a sugary sweet little girl. Well...now that I think about it, maybe I did. No wonder I was always referring to the baby as one specific anatomy the whole time. And maybe there was a reason I was never able to come up with any other baby names? Maybe I did have an inkling, and via the ultrasound, that inkling was something I shouldn't ignore!
Our prayers: Let us all be healthy and well throughout the pregnancy, especially that new life growing inside of me. And please, let's get this "morning sickness" (why do they call it that, anyway? I'm changing it to "you-just-never-know-when" sickness) thing over with already! As far as we were told and were able to see yesterday during the ultrasound, all is well. The baby is growing quickly now. Almost 7.2 oz--still smaller than a can of pop, but big for her age of 16 weeks, 6 days old. Yes, we were a little behind as I wrote last time that we were at 16 weeks. But, it looks like we are just now passing that point. So, we'll add another two weeks to the count down.
Avery's prayers: "Jesus, please, let me have a little sister because I don't want a boy". Now, I just laugh at this as it seems so simple of a request to her. She says "mom, it's not FUNNY"!--man, she's serious. And it looks as though her prayers have been answered...we're having a GIRL! I have to say it truly didn't matter to John and I, but I was extremely excited to hear this. I just picture bed time giggles and girl talk and am so grateful that Avery and her baby sister will have each other always. I have a very close friend who has a sister nearly 5 years younger and they couldn't be better friends. And they got to borrow (well, I suppose Linds would call it "steal") each other's clothes and talk about girl stuff and giggle together--they still do. I believe they talk to each other on the phone every day even though there are many miles between them. And, I have a wonderful sister, Codi, who I remember wanting to be just like growing up--she had the best hair, cutest boy friends, best make-up, was and is still a very genuine woman. She is the most amazing individual, mother, and wife I know. She sets a great example for us all and I still want to be like her in many, many ways. I so want this for my children. I know it's probably not time to think about all that now, but I must say, it's already in my prayers.
We told Avery the news last night. Boy, she was so happy she just didn't know what to say. We're all happy. And prayer time before dinner last night was peaceful for all (if we had to share the news that we were having a boy to Avery...well, let's just say, it probably wouldn't have been so peaceful at first).
Will be back soon,
Britt
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Catching up...
October 8, 2008
Jerod and Leah, you inspired us so much with your blog that we decided to start one of our own. Something we haven't done before as we are a little behind the times and don't have the internet...though we're getting it today!! Something I've been looking forward to a long time, as I still get lost on my way to Des Moines sometimes and map quest is a life saver! Yeah, yeah, I know. It seems impossible to most. Dad, quit laughing.
Well, it is week number sixteen in the 40 week countdown to birth. I will give you a little insight into what it's been like the past four months with pregnancy number two...the exact same as my last pregnancy. Sick, sick, sick. I thought my body was finally starting to realize, okay--now we know what's going on inside--there's a baby in planet womb! It started getting better about a week ago, then Monday while driving Avery to day care, I had to pull the car over on a very busy street, put my hazard lights on, and throw up in someone's yard. Avery was yelling from inside "MOM! What are you doing"?!!! I'm sure cars driving by slowly thought the same thing. I just need a sign attached to my forehead that says"Don't worry, I'm pregnant". Needless to say, leaving early that morning didn't get me anywhere. At those very moments, though, I say a little prayer and thank God for blessing me with such an amazing gift--motherhood. It will get better and my distain for red meat will eventually go away.
John has been wonderful. Concerned and always hoping that I feel good and am happy. The laundry has been caught up and dishes always cleaned and put away. What was it? A few months ago, he even warmed my towel up in the dryer while I was in the shower. Now, that was great. Thank you, babe!
We've both discussed names, but can only come up with girl's names. Maybe it's a sign of what's to come during the ultrasound here the 30th. Dad, we can't tell you! And no, sadly, we will not be naming any child of ours "Sloan". So, all you other Garlands' of child bearing age, step it up and use this name for the next one so we don't have to discuss it with dad anymore! HA! Kidding.
Well, signing off now. We love you all and will be back soon.
P.S. Prayer before dinner has been even more wonderful lately as Avery has expanded her thank you to the Lord from solely ice cream for the past year, to oh, yes "and my little sister". We'll see what happens if we find out we're having a little boy!
Jerod and Leah, you inspired us so much with your blog that we decided to start one of our own. Something we haven't done before as we are a little behind the times and don't have the internet...though we're getting it today!! Something I've been looking forward to a long time, as I still get lost on my way to Des Moines sometimes and map quest is a life saver! Yeah, yeah, I know. It seems impossible to most. Dad, quit laughing.
Well, it is week number sixteen in the 40 week countdown to birth. I will give you a little insight into what it's been like the past four months with pregnancy number two...the exact same as my last pregnancy. Sick, sick, sick. I thought my body was finally starting to realize, okay--now we know what's going on inside--there's a baby in planet womb! It started getting better about a week ago, then Monday while driving Avery to day care, I had to pull the car over on a very busy street, put my hazard lights on, and throw up in someone's yard. Avery was yelling from inside "MOM! What are you doing"?!!! I'm sure cars driving by slowly thought the same thing. I just need a sign attached to my forehead that says"Don't worry, I'm pregnant". Needless to say, leaving early that morning didn't get me anywhere. At those very moments, though, I say a little prayer and thank God for blessing me with such an amazing gift--motherhood. It will get better and my distain for red meat will eventually go away.
John has been wonderful. Concerned and always hoping that I feel good and am happy. The laundry has been caught up and dishes always cleaned and put away. What was it? A few months ago, he even warmed my towel up in the dryer while I was in the shower. Now, that was great. Thank you, babe!
We've both discussed names, but can only come up with girl's names. Maybe it's a sign of what's to come during the ultrasound here the 30th. Dad, we can't tell you! And no, sadly, we will not be naming any child of ours "Sloan". So, all you other Garlands' of child bearing age, step it up and use this name for the next one so we don't have to discuss it with dad anymore! HA! Kidding.
Well, signing off now. We love you all and will be back soon.
P.S. Prayer before dinner has been even more wonderful lately as Avery has expanded her thank you to the Lord from solely ice cream for the past year, to oh, yes "and my little sister". We'll see what happens if we find out we're having a little boy!
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