The plan (for now)...

Well we are nearing the end. And an ultimate end is in sight! I went to the doctor yesterday for my weekly check up. After being awake for 3 nights in a row and having lots of contractions (nothing timed of course) I was praying he would tell me I had progressed nicely and that my body was gearing up for labor. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. My cervix is apparently very thick... much like a woman who has never had a baby before. This would be OK, except that I have had a baby before and more importantly I've had a c-section before. So this brings some challenges. Dr. G has said from the get-go that he doesn't like the idea of inducing a woman who has had a c-section b/c it isn't allowing the body to naturally progress which could pose risks for me. Also, the weight of the baby is an issue as well that could potentially rule out a VBAC. SO, realistically if I go on and let my body do its thing, I could still need a c-sect if he's too big by then. And if he's looking to be too big there isn't much by means of induction that we can do. Now I will admit that the first thing I said when he told me I hadn't made much progress was that I was just about ready to schedule that c-section. I was tired, uncomfortable and really ready to meet my baby. When I was told I'd have to have a c-sect with Truman I was so upset and felt defeated when we tried to do everything we could to turn him. The main reason I wanted to have a VBAC with this baby was slightly different. I was more concerned about recovering from a c-section with a toddler and a newborn and all that comes with it. I don't care so much about the method of delivery anymore, I know the end result is worth it no matter what! But, I also felt much better after discussing recovery etc with Dr. G yesterday. His patients are out of the hospital in a couple of days and recover much faster because he doesn't cut the muscle. That was a huge relief to me! SOOOOOOOOOO after all of that, we have penciled me in for a c-section. If this little guy hasn't made his arrival yet, we will officially meet him on August 10th, 2011!!! For many reasons I sure would like to have him sooner, but at least I now know that the end is near! Less than two weeks to go.... I can do this! :)

Remembering....

Yesterday I saw FB posts from various firefighter friends in NC that the Asheville Fire Department lost one of their own in a terrible fire. As soon as I read this a swarm of emotion came over me. It has been almost exactly 1 year since John wore a uniform and got up to go to a "job" that could put him in harms way. As my due date approaches and we prepare for "coming home" with the baby etc. I've been reminded how different our life is now with John being out of the fire service. That was one advantage of him working a 24 hr shift... he got a lot of time off! It was so nice to have him home for nearly 2 weeks after Truman was born. As we look ahead in the weeks to come we are a little stressed out because of ALL that is going on with his work schedule. As President of a company in an oil service profession, time off is not exactly a "perk"! While he loves his job it has certainly been an adjustment for me. But as I sat and listened to the news and read the reports yesterday I was thankful. I am so incredibly thankful for those who risk their lives every day to protect us. Not only firefighters, but police officers, and of course anyone in our military. I remember what it is like to listen to the scanner and pray that nothing happens when they're called to a structure fire or even a traffic accident. I remember the anxiety I felt when they had to do training on the days when the heat index was 115! I remember the days that followed when we said goodbye to a fellow firefighter and how much it brought us all back to reality that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. While I am so proud of those who serve in whatever capacity they do, I am so thankful I no longer live with that anxiety. Yes, there are still a lot of risks and I still have anxiety when my husband leaves the door but I know that the risks are a little different this time. As we remember the life of Asheville Fire Dept. Captain Jeff Bowen, I will also be sending a prayer of gratitude for the opportunities we have received that gave John a chance to change his career. And thank you to all of you that do risk your lives every day!

Grateful...

As many of you know this pregnancy wasn't exactly "planned". We knew we wanted another baby but did not plan on getting pregnant until February or March of this year (I really didn't want another hot summer pregnancy- Haha). Anyhow, we no sooner moved here and I found out I was pregnant. Pregnancy is hard enough as it is, but adjusting after a move and having your second pregnancy proved to be even more difficult. Then of course the week I started my second trimester things got tough! Between the fainting spells and then the kidney issues I was becoming increasingly overwhelmed with this pregnancy! As I look back at this, I realize it was painful, difficult and uncomfortable but we made it through and that's all that matters. Soon we will be holding our precious baby boy and I know that it will all be ok!

That being said, I am also forever grateful for friends and family who have gotten me through these rough few months. Most of you have heard me mention or talk about my dear friend Rooney (far right in the picture). I actually met Rooney through a mutual friend we have in North Carolina (Melissa Allison). Rooney and I have very similar stories and sometimes sit back in awe at how we came to be friends. She was also born in NM, but raised in the Raleigh/Cary area, went to Meredith College, lived and worked around Orange County and then ultimately moved out here with her husband. We have so much in common and I truly do not know how I would have made it through without her! She is a mother of two and has been a great source of guidance for me as I have all of these questions on the "logistics" of parenting two small children. She has introduced me to great people and organizations, and yes, even urgent cares when needed! We have a great time together and I am so thankful for her! Yesterday, Rooney threw a wonderful shower for us! We had a wonderful time visiting with my friends and family and got to "ooh" and "ahh" over cute baby things again. It was the first time I actually started to get really excited about this baby! Thank you so much Rooney for all you have done for me (and my family)... I would be crazy without you! :)

We are so blessed to have friends and family all around the country that love and support us as we go from being a family of 3 to a family of 4! Thank you everyone for all you have done for us and all the support!! We are hoping that this little one will make his appearance this week or next! Who knows, my next post might just be announcing his arrival (fingers crossed!).

Lazy summer days for us...

Well the end is in sight!! I went to the dr. last week and was very surprised to find out that I'm 1 cm dilated and that he has already descended quite a bit (the dr. could actually touch his head). I'm only 35 weeks (measuring 36) so I wasn't expecting that at all! In fact, as ready as I am to meet our little guy, I'm praying he stays in for another week or so! This is possibly the worst week ever to have a baby! My in-laws will arrive today to visit for a week. Our main foreman at work is out this week and we have a huge audit so John will be super busy with work! My good friend Rooney has planned a baby shower for Saturday so I would really like to make it until then! So... I'm doing my best to lay low and resist any nesting urges I have! Of course with company coming, cleaning is necessary but I've even kept that pretty minimal! :) I go back on Thursday and we'll see how things look then. In the mean time, Dr. G also told me it is looking good for me to not have to have a c-section! That's been my prayer from the beginning, so I hope my body cooperates!

We've all decided that Truman senses that things are about to change dramatically for him! I spent last Monday laying around all day with him. He was especially clingy and not just needing me but wanting to snuggle and physically be right next to me all day. I happened to be having horrible Braxton Hicks that day so I decided to just enjoy the day with him and we snuggled and spent some great quality time together. That was a week ago and as I type that, I still have a little boy sitting on my lap b/c he won't even watch his new favorite show, Little Einstein's, without me right next to him! I hope for his sake that the baby doesn't come this week either. Ideally it will be when we are having our normal routine life w/o a huge influx of grandparents and lack of Daddy time due to a crazy work schedule, etc. So... everyone say some prayers this week! :)

BIG

As you can see, I am carrying a very large baby! John and I both think that this guy is going to be much bigger than Truman. He is head down which is SO different from carrying a breech baby! One, I now know what women mean by being "kicked in the ribs"... that is not fun! And I can't breath because he is totally taking up all the room between my ribs. I just had Truman's head to deal with and looking back, that wasn't so bad! Ha. I am 33 weeks so we still have 4 weeks until he's "full term" and 7 weeks until my due date! That seems like forever in one sense, but right around the corner in terms of all that has to be done! I've said it before, but it is amazing how different things are with the second child. I still have a LOT to do to get ready for this baby! I'm making about 10 make-ahead freezer meals, packing our hospital bag, purchasing little last minute items and finishing the nursery! It will certainly be a busy few weeks!

I won't lie, I'm starting to get a little nervous about the logistics of having 2 kids! Not only the day-to-day tasks, but also just the adjustment Truman will have. We have a very special time every morning when he runs and gets in bed with me and just snuggles next to me. I wondered the other day if that's going to still happen with feeding schedules, etc. Hopefully we can still get some of that time in after this one arrives. Until then, I'll just cherish each moment I have to give him my undivided attention!

Truman is doing great these days. He is LOVING school this summer session! He especially likes seeing Aunt Crystal there (she is working there this summer). We had a great trip to Flat Top lake where he was thrilled to utilize his amazing boy talent of peeing outside... I will post some pics, don't worry! He's starting to figure out that there is a baby coming with the discovery of new items like carseats and bouncers coming out. He also loves watching his new show... "A Baby Story" where he gets to see real babies being born. He really has no idea how much this baby is gonna rock his world, but I have no doubt that after some adjusting, he will be a great big brother!!!

29 week ultrasound and updates

We finally got to see our baby again this week! I had my 30 week ultrasound (I'm technically 29 weeks) on Wednesday. Everything looked great! That was a huge relief to me because of all that this little guy has been through along with me the last 10 weeks! He's been zapped with radiation, exposed to meds I wasn't supposed to take (courtesy of my urologist who I really don't like!), and jostled about while I've had 2 surgeries! Despite all that, he is doing his job... GROWING! He weighs about 3 lbs 7 oz already. While he's chronologically at 29 weeks, his head was measuring 33 weeks and 3 days and the other measurements were around 31 or 32 weeks!!! Due to that we'll have to measure again at 37 weeks to find out if I'll be able to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). My doctor is great and has not ruled it out yet but is also making sure I don't get my hopes up. I obviously want what is best for the baby and for me, but it sure would be nice to not have to stay in the hospital those extra days and deal with a longer recovery!
While the baby is doing great, Mommy is struggling with this pregnancy! I guess it is a little harder because I have a 2 year old to care for as well, but for whatever reason it has been tough! Between constant Braxton Hicks contractions, lingering pain from this stent (or from the baby pushing up against it), and indigestion... sleeping is difficult. My poor friends and family have all suffered through this with me though, I told them all I'm so sorry for whining and complaining. It's getting old! While I'm very thankful to have this blessing growing inside me, and I don't by any means want him to come early, I am sure ready to be done with this pregnancy!!! :) We have a lot of exciting events coming up this month so I'm hoping that it will help the time go by a little faster! We'll see! Next weekend we are taking Truman on one last "Truman trip" where we will enjoy all the things he likes to do/see... mainly animals these days! I'm sure I'll be posting pics of that soon!

Ok ok.... here's a belly pic!

Everyone keeps telling me they want a belly pic. I did great taking them when I was pregnant with Truman! I guess I'm not "embracing" my belly like when I was pregnant with him. Or, I just have less time to do it since I do have him! :) Either way, here is a pic I took today @ 25 weeks! (Oh and please excuse the messy mirror...Truman just put his dirty hands all over it of course because I cleaned it for the pic... but it was now or never!)


I haven't updated the blog in a while, but most people know by now that the "minor" surgery I had was quite an ordeal. It was not what I expected as far as recovery, but the good news is that I was able to leave the stint in and I have finally gotten some relief. I'm feeling pretty good these days compared to before! I've decided our little guy is making up for lost time and growing a lot of hair because I suddenly have horrible heartburn (I had it from day 1 w/ Truman!). John has also gotten sympathy heartburn (just as he did when I was carrying T!). We are finally starting to work on the nursery. I ordered the furniture and a few things here and there. I'm pretty sure I had Truman's room done by now and he was due a whole month later.... amazing how things are different with your second child! John isn't complaining though! Haha.


For those who aren't on facebook, Truman had his first BIG boo boo. He got 7 stitches on his chin after falling at Pa-Paw and Queen Bee's. He LOVES to play in their pool/hot tub. He usually gets so tired he almost seems intoxicated because he will just trip and bump into things etc. Well, after playing with some friends in the pool non-stop for 3 hours, he took a tumble right into a stone edge! Ouch! We feared the worst (his teeth mainly) as John ran and picked him up. Luckily, it was just his chin and boy was he a trooper! He only cried for a few minutes after it happened and then cried while they did the stitches (which took FOREVER and made mommy cry as much as T!). I think he only cried while they did the stitches because they covered his eyes with a drape and it scared him to not be able to see! Anyhow, I'm sure it won't be our last urgent care visit or set of stitches! I don't know how my nerves are gonna handle having 2 BOYS! Eek! That's pretty much the latest with our crew! Maybe I'll get better about updating this over the summer... we'll see!