A Night Out

Saturday night I went out with a huge group of girlfriends for dinner and a movie. Of course the occassion was "Bride Wars." It was great to get out with so many of my friends, I only wish we could have visited more!

"Somebody's Praying!"

Direct quote from my doctor after she measured my cervix every which way she could and only got measurements that were LONGER than Monday's measurements!! So keep on praying, and I'll keep on taking it easy!

The New Cot

When Clayton started school, he had quite the time adjusting to laying down on his cot for nap time. But after they let him start listening to his music, he learned to love it. (Even though he never actually sleeps for them). He got to where he was talking about that cot all the time! So we figured what better starting point for a toddler bed than this? And with that, Santa brought Clayton his very own "new cot" for home. We set it up in our room (you didn't really think we'd move him across the house so fast did you???), and we braced ourselves for the first night. (Keep in mind that Brian and I are just as attached to sleeping with him as he is with us!) That first night was so hard for us--the first thing that happened once we had him in the bed was "Momma, hold your hand." So we immediately moved the bed right next to ours and now I have to hang my hand off the side of the bed basically until he goes to sleep! He's slept there maybe a total of 6 or 7 full nights and some nights he almost makes it, but for the most part he goes to sleep without much fuss (just takes him forever like normal), and after a few hours he wakes up crying and just can't get himself calmed back down. And it's absolutely amazing--as soon as Brian lifts him up and puts him in our bed, he's immediately back to sleep within seconds. Just something about Momma's bed I guess!

Neurotic Pregnant Woman

Okay, so ever since last Thursday my imagination has been running wild. I took it real easy this weekend, but I was still analyzing every little pain or feeling I had in my body. I just knew I was going to go into labor at any moment, so I called the doctor yesterday morning and they saw me in the afternoon. (I'm sure the nurse was wondering why I didn't go for therapy instead of coming to their office!) It's amazing how stress can affect your body--my blood pressure was higher than I've ever seen it--it's no wonder I couldn't sit still! The doctor measured me again and I was the same, thank the Lord! She is still going to visit with the perinatologists again about my options and I'll see her on Thursday for my regular appointment. I calmed way down after I saw little Baby C playing with his foot like nothing exciting was happening. Very reassuring and I feel much better today, especially since Clayton is back at school and I can just sit in one place most of the day. I appreciate all the prayers everyone is saying on our behalf--they are working!!

18 Weeks

I knew it was coming, but I'm still in shock. I saw the doctor today and my cervix was just a tad shorter this time--still in the normal range, no major change, but definitely shorter by a few milimeters. I start weekly progesterone shots tomorrow and for now I will see her for weekly measurements instead of every two weeks. She called the perinatologists to discuss putting a stitch in and so they are on notice that I may be coming in soon for their opinion. Now all of this news in itself isn't all that shocking considering my first pregnancy, but what's thrown me for a loop was the doctor telling me that under no circumstances can I lift Clayton or his chair anymore. YIKES. I knew this would come eventually too, but there was no way to get ready for it. This definitely throws a wrench into plans of everyday life. I guess we're just going to take it one day at a time. I'm already finding myself wondering what about when this happens? what about when we do such and such? But we're willing to deal with any and all inconviences in order to get the healthiest baby possible. Pray all goes well for us in the coming months!!

Regularly Scheduled Life

Today it was back to work and school for Brian and Clayton. As for me, it's continuing to get ready for the baby and taking care of myself. Last week I started rearranging EVERYTHING in our closets and in Clayton's room in order to make room for this new baby. Since I still have the crib set up exactly like it was the day Clayton came home, I'll be using that room for the baby's room. That just means I have to do a lot of organizing of Clayton's stuff to make room for a new little guy in there. I'm making progress, but it's been slow going so far. At this rate, I should be done by my due date!!!!!

Happy New Year/Happy Birthday Brian!

And the poor guy even had to cook for the crowd on his birthday . . . (glad he considers that a good time!)

We had a great New Year's Eve and Day (even though we were in bed way before 12:00 rolled around!). Brian's birthday went great and all is well here in our household . . .here's to a great 2009!

Sharing the News

Everyone was thinking girl, so we all got surprised!!!

Baby in My Belly

Okay, so I'm not a fan of the bare belly pregnancy photos that are so in style these days, but I figured this one was pretty safe to post! I just wanted to put it out there for those of you who don't get to see me in person very often. And while I haven't felt the baby actually move, I am starting to get that uncomfortable, something with legs is growing inside me feeling. I'm really feeling it when I'm lifting Clayton so I'm doing my best to cut down. Pretty hard when you have a bossy five year old telling you where he wants to move or go to constantly!

More Christmas Pics

Here's a hodgepodge of pictures from our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities. The chaos never lends itself to great photography, but capturing the memories nonetheless!

Clayton was more than excited when he realized that Santa had brought him an IPOD--he absolutely loves it and is already learning how to use it on his own.

Merry Christmas!

card design by Yolanda Williams

16 Weeks

Little Baby C is waving at us. The $10,000 question is this: is it a little boy waving or a little girl waving???? While you ponder, I'll try to keep the secret until after the holidays!!!!

Christmas Has Begun

Christmas began for us yesterday when we celebrated with my Dad's side of the family at my Grandmother's house. We started off the afternoon with some entertainment from my generation, and since my brother and Brian and I hadn't planned ahead, the crowd had to settle for non-Christmas songs from us. My cousin Stephanie did end the talent portion by playing some Christmas carols, so hopefully if anyone had gotten out of the Christmas spirit, she put them back in it! And after a reading of the Christmas story, the kids finally got to tear into their gifts and create the traditional chaos that comes with the excitment of new things. Here are just a few snapshots of the day:

Christmas Party at School

I've finally figured out that "party" at Clayton's school simply means instead of their regular afternoon snack, they have special snacks on special paper plates. You'd think they would plan some type of activity or something to make it a real "party," but I think the teachers are just glad to have the kids engaged in a huge meal. And for me, it means I sit there and snack right along with the other kids since Clayton doesn't want to eat his food. I'm hoping the teachers don't think I come just for the free food! (Clayton spends most of his time looking at me saying "go home" or "ready to go.") Still gives me a guilty conscience for leaving him there everyday! Of course, when we're at home he's constantly saying "go to school," so he keeps me confused on whether he really likes it or not!

Practicing

Clayton got to practice being a big brother on Sunday since we got to see our long lost friends Jamie and Allison. Baby Tucker will be four months old tomorrow and he is a cutie! Clayton didn't really want to get this picture made but as soon as we got them settled he started patting Tucker so lovingly--it was so sweet. And he wanted us to put Tucker in his chair, which definitely means he likes him! (He doesn't share his chair with just anyone!)

"Singing" With Momma

Here's the video of me singing with the kids. We had some sound problems, but you'll just have to listen past that! And even though Clayton sings every word at home, he decided to be silent once we were on stage!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6707354350607530633&hl=en

First Video

Well, because I'm the kiss of death to a video for my blog, you'll have to view this first one directly at youtube. Hopefully, I'll have the one of me singing with Clayton's class by the end of the week. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hw3Hdwz9-E

Thank you, Nicole for posting it for us!

Day of Christmas Music

Yesterday was jam packed full of Christmas music at church. The children's program was in the morning and the adult choir performed last night. I'm still going through the pictures from yesterday, but I saw this one and it instantly became one of my favorites! How cute is he up there singing with Momma?!! (Thanks to Annette for taking this!)

Sound versions coming soon courtesy of Nicole's Video Processing Service!!! :)

14 Weeks

Two weeks have finally passed and I had another doctor's appointment today. I was totally caught off guard by the extreme emotions I ended up feeling. The baby was much more active today and as soon as I saw all the movement, the tears just overflowed! The baby was yawning, sucking on it's hand and moving all around--it was so comforting to see my little baby so active. (And isn't it a wonder that all that's going on and I still can't feel any of it!?) You can see the baby bringing it's hand to it's mouth in this first picture:And here's a profile shot to give you more perspective. It's amazing how you can see their little bones and even the actual brain! God is definitely in the miracle business and it's a wonder to see the miracles our little babies truly are!And speaking of miracles, it's a been a blessing to have Dr. Lawrence by my side. When I broke down today, she was completely understanding. She knows intuitively how blessed I feel, but at the same time how extremely scared I am. She is great at balancing my fears, while still staying cautious and in prevention mode. I think she did more psychiatric work and Christian counseling today instead of actual obstetrics!

I see her again in two weeks, right before Christmas. She says we're getting to crunch time on my cervix, and while everything is looking great so far, now is the time to keep a close eye on things. And the Lord knows I'm all about going in every day if I have to!!