July 2nd - 31 wks

Yesterday was my weekly MFM appointment with MCA dopplers. Baby is still looking good with an MoM of 1.38 (PSV of 58.71). This number was slightly concerning to me since it is a little higher than it normally is, but my doctor said it is fine since it is still below the critical 1.5 value. I go back again next week and every week after that until delivery. As we get further along in the pregnancy and get a better idea of when this little guy might be born, we can formulate a better plan for delivery, including where to deliver (at the university hospital or my local hospital).

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.)