Saying Goodbye

After 11 weeks of getting to know and love Brittany, the helper we hired while I have been on bed rest, it was time to say goodbye on Friday. We made the decision the week before as we learned of an increasing uncertainty in the security of Andy's job. Plus, we are quickly approaching the recommended point in my pregnancy (32 wks) where it is "safe" for me to be a full-time mom again. I cannot begin to tell you what her service to us has meant to me. But of all the duties placed upon her, I am most appreciative of the love and patience that she showed my children. The time spent reading books, blowing bubbles, horseplaying, and just laughing are the memories we will cherish. Thank you, Brittany - we will always remember your time with us.

On this same fateful day, we learned of another goodbye. Unfortunately, Andy found out that morning that he will be laid off indefinitely from his manufacturing job, effective immediately. We are disappointed, but not discouraged as we are confident that God will sustain us through this time. We trust His will for our lives and look forward to seeing what He has in store for us. Your prayers during this time are appreciated as we figure out what the next steps are and strive to make the best decisions for our family. As always, we are grateful for your love and thoughtfulness.

June 25th - 30 wks

Wow, how exciting to be 30 wks along!!:-) I am so thankful to have made it this far! Today was my weekly appointment with the MFM and everything is still looking great! The baby's MCA doppler was a PSV of 45.7 and an MoM of 1.12 - very good. My cervix is still looking nice and long measuring in at 4.4 cm. I was a little more concerned this week as I have had lots of cramping and a bout of contractions at one point, but it is not changing my cervix so that is a relief. He still needs to cook a little while longer before I am really comfortable about going into labor. My doctor told me that I might feel more spells of contractions as the weeks go by and gave me some guidelines to go by so I know when to call or go in and be checked. I am slightly more at risk for pre-term labor with the cerclage (stitch) in place so I just have to be watchful of what my body is telling me.

I was very fortunate today to have the ultrasound tech give me some 3D/4D shots of my little angel! Seeing his tiny little face in real-time brought tears to my eyes and wonder to my heart. It's AMAZING what technology can do these days. So, here are some really neat pictures of our little munchkin as he is still growing in my tummy. I hope you are able to make out all of his features. I think he already has his daddy's full lips and "sizeable" nose, lol!





And here is is on the outside. ;-) We are definitely GROWING!!

A Day at Camp!

Yesterday, Clayton spent the day at White Mills Christian Camp's "Day Camp" program for 4 and 5 year olds. He had a wonderful time! The day was spent doing group activites learning more about God, and of course, swimming and canteen time. :-) Here are a couple of pics of our little camper.

Eating Lunch

Ready for recreation

Waiting to get in the pool

June 18th - 29 wks

I had doctor's appointments both yesterday and today and everything is going GREAT! Cervical length was great at 4+cm and the baby's MCA doppler (measure of blood flow in his brain) looked great, too, with a PSV of 48 and an MoM of 1.24. I go weekly to the MFM (in Louisville) for the MCA doppler ultrasounds on baby's brain and every two weeks at my local obstetrician's office (in Elizabethtown). I am feeling fine, but definitely GROWING, lol. I am used to it by now, though, and every week that goes by adds more excitement in my heart about meeting my newest son. :-)

Happy Father's Day!

I can't imagine a better way to celebrate the man I married than to showcase his life as a father. My kids are so lucky to have a dad like him. His fun-loving personality brings so much laughter into our home and he always knows how to put a smile on our faces. He is constantly aware of his responsbility as a role model and leads by an example of Godliness, respect, and humility. His willingness to sacrifice and put himself last never ceases to amaze me. He has patience where I do not. He lives for his family. We are so blessed. We love you Daddy!

Can you guess?

Which one of these women is 28 wks pregnant and which one is 37 wks pregnant? Which one of these women has 7-lb babies and which one has 9-lb babies? LOL My sister-in-law and I have had the pleasure of sharing yet another pregnancy (her son and my Evan are 3 months apart). She has just 3 wks or less to go and we are exited about meeting their newest addition, a little girl (somebody has to have girls, right?). I am praying for a smooth delivery for you, Laura! :-) (By the way, please ignore the fact that I squeezed into those overalls that I'm wearing in the picture, lol. It was part of our "barnyard" theme for Vacation Bible School.)

June 10th - 28 wks

Today was my 28 week apppointment with the MFM. I think I forgot to mention in my last update that it was going to be 2 weeks until my next appointment so that's why there was no update last week. Everything continues to look really well. My cervix measures over 4 cm still and the blood flow in the baby's brain is right on target and he is not showing any signs of anemia. I had my titer drawn today and have the results already and it is still at 1:16! This is all great news! We discussed what I can expect for the rest of the pregnancy and to what extent I should be on bedrest. I can pretty much do whatever I feel like, but with the sense that I know how much is too much. Being that I am 28 wks now, we are at a MUCH safer place for the baby to be delivered without any long-term side effects. We have had a babysitter to help with the kids since my surgery 10 wks ago and my doctor recommended that I wait until I am at least 32 wks before taking back on the job of full-time mom. I can expect my cerclage (stitch) to be taken out between 36 and 37 weeks and this can be done at my local doctor's office. I will still be going to the MFM weekly for ultrasounds because we need to make sure the the baby is not becoming anemic from the antibody issue. With as well as things are going I am beginning to think he may be negative for the antigen and thus there is not an incompatibility between mine and his blood, but it doesn't hurt to check and make sure he is as healthy as he should be. :-) I am so thankful my doctor is so thorough - I love that! Thank you SO MUCH for your continued support. I am getting so excited about getting to meet this little miracle! I thought I would share some pictures of "us."
Today's ultrasound

11 wks to go!

A Day at the Zoo

Thursday we went to the Louisville Zoo with my mom and two sisters and their kids. It was hot, but none of us minded a bit - we all love being out in the sunshine! I rented a wheelchair for the day, and I had plenty of help with the kids. It was such a nice, enjoyable day! The kids had a blast and were so good for such a long, hot day. I am so thankful that I am not having to miss out on events like these!

Starting out


The Zoo has a "splash park," a water play area. I think this may have been the kids favorite part!

Clayton was all over the place!


Grant couldn't stop giggling!


Evan finally warmed up to the idea and really enjoyed himself!