The "Last" Day

This is it... the "last" night before I go in to deliver Lil' Bit! I spent most of my "last" day wrapping up "last" minute details. I did manage to pamper myself. I went and had a manicure and pedicure. But, then it was down to business. The swing I ordered came in, I picked up my months supply of prenatals, and finished the laundry. I know... there will always be laundry to do, but at least what was dirty is clean for the time being. I colored my hair, I can't stand the gray just yet, and I knew there would be pictures, so no need in flashing those beauties. I packed my bag since I had everyone else packed.

Brett and Landry had a "last" day also. They took the car to get it inspected, oiled and cleaned. Then they spent the afternoon bowling, eating and playing games. It was a great way to spend some much needed time together. I decided bowling was out for me.

The rest of the after noon was spent relaxing and eating our "last" meal. My mom made her wonderful lasagna when she came a few weeks ago for the shower and managed to make extra for me. It is my favorite meal she makes. So, I managed to save one for tonight to enjoy before I get to eat those delicious meals at the hospital.

I then went to my friend Amy's house for a gathering of gals for a Southern Living Party. It was just another way for me to think about something besides tomorrow. I contained myself and purchased nothing! But, enjoyed visiting with the ladies and seeing what was new and on sale.

Finally, Brett and I took Landry to our second family's home... The Croy's. They will be keeping him at night so that Brett can be at the hospital to help me. We found out that the hospital I'm delivering in does a "leave in" nursery. Meaning the baby is pretty much in your room a majority of the time. With a C-Section I can't imagine spending nights by myself, KB & Lute said they would keep Landry so Brett could be at the hospital.

It has been an exciting day. Many people have called to check on me and let me know they were thinking about me as tomorrow nears. Or they have called to let me know they would be coming to visit us at the hospital. Either way we have been blessed by those who have remembered and showered us with their love. Obviously I won't be posting anything until I'm released on Friday... but expect to see more pictures than words.

Family of Three

We went out to a little place that I like to take pictures and took our last set as a family of three. Since tomorrow is the day before Lil' Bit arrives I figured we would be busy trying to wrap up loose ends. So, I made everyone dress up, grabbed the tripod, and camera and off we went for some family bonding. The pictures actually turned out OK. Landry got to try his hand at using the "big" camera and did a pretty good job. As always I'm not all that impressed with how I look. What I see in the mirror and what came out in the pictures don't seem to match up. But, when do pictures really reflect what we see in ourselves!;) Landry is quite the model. You can tell he has grown up with a mother that makes him pose for pictures. As a matter of fact he made us pose for the pictures he took. We enjoyed the evening as a family. We actually thought about bringing Chappy with us, but decided at the last minute it would be hard to be in pictures without him being with one of us, and then he would get overheated. So, he missed the "family" shots.After pictures we decided to go grab a meal out, and talk about the life changes that we would all be experiencing as a family. Landry told us all the things he would be teaching his little sister. Such as reading, writing, and of course having kids. He wouldn't give us much detail on what he was going to tell her about having kids but it made us laugh.After pictures we decided to go grab a meal out, and talk about the life changes that we would all be experiencing as a family. Landry told us all the things he would be teaching his little sister. Such as reading, writing, and of course having kids. He wouldn't give us much detail on what he was going to tell her about having kids but it made us laugh.Tomorrow holds lots to do before we head to the hospital EARLY Tuesday morning. Landry will be staying with our friends the Croy's at night, and coming to spend the day with us at the hospital. He and dad will be hangin' out during the day and relaxing at the house in the afternoons. It will help dad recover!
We are excited! It seems like we have lots to do before Tuesday. I'll keep myself busy in hopes of keeping myself from getting anxious. We love you all and can't wait to share in the joy of our new arrival.

BANG!!!

First off... I'm fine, the baby is fine, and Landry is fine! My intentions were to post yesterday and celebrate the fact that in one week we would be welcoming "Lil Bit". Obviously that did not happen as other things got in the way. We woke up and I needed to run to Walmart to pick up a few things I wanted to have for the hospital, and for Landry. I decided to make a "Big Bro Bag" for him so he would have something too. Mind you the Walmart is maybe three blocks from our house... no harm, no foul. Unfortunately on our way home the van behind me decided to punch the gas and slammed into the rear of my car and send me into the man in front of me. It happened soooo fast, I didn't have time to react! My glasses flew off my head, Walmart bags were all over, and I was left in shock. Landry was fine. As a matter of fact he was out of his belt and up beside me before I really had time to react. He was checking on me, and worried about the baby. I wasn't sure what to do. I was upset, and I had to mentally go through who I could call to come be my "support". I was able to immediately get a hold of my friend Amy who lives a street over from us. She and her husband showed up at the accident, and took care of me. I was a mess. Amy dealt with the two guys, the firemen, paramedics, and police, all while they were attending to me. Landry just wanted to leave and go with Amy and Ben. He saw no need to sit on the side of the road anymore!

Needless to say I was checked out by the paramedics and sent on my way to the hospital. Landry went with Ben to Centennial High School Basketball Camp where he had a blast. After about a 1 1/2 hours at the hospital we were sent on our way with a thumbs up! Amy stayed with me the whole time, and when I got home KB was cleaning, and making dinner for the night! I am again reminded of what great friends the Lord has blessed me with. Brett decided to come home early too! He showed up with Lute in tow at about 6:30. It has been nice to have him home... I know Landry was pumped. He hasn't left Brett alone since he walked through the door. I think I have given my mom a few more gray hairs with this pregnancy. Especially since it was my second surprise visit to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. As a matter of fact she was ready for them to go ahead and just bring Lil' Bit now!

As for today... I'm achy, but nothing like I thought I would be. All is well, and I see my doctor tomorrow for my last and final check before delivery. There is much to do before our bundle comes! Please keep praying for our home to sale. I know God's timing is perfect... I just want His timing to be mine. I of course know that is unrealistic, but it would be our last check off on our list of "Things to Take Care of"!

Fabulous Friends!

I had my weekly appointment yesterday to check on lil' bit. As usual things seem to be progressing well. She is growing and "practicing" breathing, KICKING, PUNCHING, trying to make more room...:) Needless to say the Doc Joseph was pleased. So, after my appointment I had some things I wanted to do. My friend Shellye who has been pregnant with me, and was the one who recommended Dr. Joseph to me, delivered her baby on Wednesday by C-Section. Since the doctor's office is in the hospital I decided that I would go see her after my appointment. Wednesday was a long day of waiting to hear how Shellye and the baby were doing as well as the sex of the baby. They decided not to find out the sex, however, she and everyone around them were convinced that she was having a little girl. So, to every one's surprise she gave birth to a boy. Needless to say I knew she only had little girl things and would be in dire need of boys stuff. I asked KB to go with me to Target so we could pick up so boy clothes for the little darling. He is such a beautiful baby, like most c-sections he is flawless. And I don't think he made one sound the entire time I visited. My time spent with Shellye and her husband, Kevin, made me anxious about my upcoming delivery. Not in a bad way... I'm just ready to go NOW! I also had lots of questions for her. Most of you know Landry was not a normal delivery. Ask either of the moms and they will give you an ear full about how bad it really was. It was important for me to know what a "regular" c-section would be like, and the type of recovery I would have. It is my belief that I have had enough issues with my pregnancy... tumor, pupps, hormone issues, bleeding, bed rest... that post pregnancy I should be given a break and not have any unusual issues. At this point, I simply want what most people want, a healthy baby!

After my time with Shellye I was able to meet some girlfriends for lunch. One of our friends that we all worked with and moved came back to visit. We went for lunch, and then came back here to the house where we could be more comfortable to continue our conversation. I was feeling really guilty because I haven't been great about emailing my friend Kristy. But, we picked up where we left off. I LOVE when I have friends who understand the chaos of life, and can accept that even though I may not call regularly or email for that matter, we are STILL friends. Those are the most comforting relationships to have because they love you for who you are, and accept all the imperfections you posses. As great as it was to see her it was also sad to see her go.

We are on the count down... Brett will be gone for two weeks straight. God is definitely preparing me for baby nights. I'm not sleeping well, and my assumption is that it is because I'm so uncomfortable. Keep praying for our house. I just know God is proving his faithfulness and wants to do it in some grand manor! Our friends have resorted to burying a St. Joseph figurine... if it works I may have to invest in one myself.

Last Day of Swim Lessons

Landry had his last day of swimming lessons. Two summers ago we were lucky enough to get into some lessons with a teacher who does lessons durning the summer for some extra money. She is so good with the kids, and Landry loved her. We weren't able to do our schedule lessons last summer, but I managed to get him in before little sis arrives. He has become such a good little swimmer, and so fearless. We will need to keep up the swimming. His teacher was impressed at how far he had come. He even swam the length of the pool twice! I've been on bed rest and my friend Nicola took Landry all week to occupy some of his time so he wouldn't be shut up in the house with his mom. It was great because she took him to his lessons, and then after lessons she would take him and her two kids to go swimming at our neighborhood pool. Which meant he could continue to practice what he had learned. Usually by the time he made it home he was exhausted! It made going to bed easy for him... and me. The best part of the week is that Brett came home early on Thursday night. I say early... he got home at 11:30, but we get an extra day added to our weekend with him. It also meant he was able to see Landry at his last lesson and take the pictures for us.

We continue to pray for the sell of our home. We did have a "looker" on Thursday. Our realtor seems to think they are coming back this weekend! We know we are suppose to move to Queen City, so we continue to believe in His will. I believe this house will sale. I just hope it happens sooner than later. Please keep praying that happens for us. We are not deserving of anything, and yet He continues to prove His love and faithfullness to us. It is the one thing that I can't ever get over... EVERY move has been a blessing in some form. Most moves I've been ready when Brett has said let's go. But there have been two that my mind was set on being stubborn and agreeing to the visit and then telling him NO. And EVERYTIME... God impresses on my heart that it is where we need to be. I so desperately wanted to tell him no to the move to Queen City, as a matter of fact I wasn't honest about what God had layed on my heart when Brett first asked my reaction. I knew driving home from there that day we needed to go... but I wasn't ready to be that upfront about my feelings, because I DIDN'T want to go. In the long run it would have been easier, and probably saved a few arguments. But, that is what happens when you deny God's desires. I hate to think of what the outcome might have been if we had said no.

Last Sono

We have made it to 36 weeks! The Doc was happy with her progression and she looks good. The sonographer pointed out that she has lots of hair, and appears to be about 6lbs 4oz. The top picture is pointing to the hair, and then I just thought her profile was cute. I can't help but think she looks like Landry. His profile was similar. She was rather active and "practicing" breathing. Her mouth was moving as if to say "Hello world... here I come!" The realization that this baby will be here in almost two weeks just hit me. I'm ready... but am I really?

The count down begins.... I can't wait for her to be here. I feel pretty good, just a tight squeeze. People have asked why we didn't do the 3D pics, or why we won't tell what we are going to name her. I figure there needs to be something left for us to leave to the imagination. The name is a family secret, that Landry is in on, and is always excited to tell others... "It's a secret between my mom, dad, and me!" I think it gives him some ownership in our family. We find out the sex, and see the baby on sonograms, but it seems to add to the excitement about how she will exactly look.

Of course last night storms hit Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Tornados directly hit Manhattan. I haven't been sleeping well so when a text message from a friend came through, and I was still awake at midnight, I became obsessed with finding out what happened. So, as soon as I could call home this morning I did. Mom said they were fine, but the area just to the south of town and then K-State were in bad shape. Once she was able to get out and see the damage she was in awe. They were so blessed to have NO damage at all. There were 30-40 home absolutely demolished, and 20 million dollars in estimated damage to K-State. After I spoke with her my friend Lori, whose family also lives in Manhattan called to see if my family was OK and let me know hers was as well. It always makes you appreciate what you have when things like this happen.

Catching Up

No one has been given any information about this blog, so catching up seems silly since I'm the only one who has seen the first blog. But, I figured I would write, and then inform people of the blog. We have finished school. I was placed on early leave due to some issues with pregnancy. Fortunately God was gracious and my bleeding stopped, so I'm just trying to take it easy. It is our hope to make it to July 1 for the c-section, and it looks like that is possible. Landry finished his first year of school. We have decided to go ahead and have him repeat "K" next year. He is actually OK with the idea. Moving will make that transition easy for him. He loves to tell people that he is moving, and going to be a "Bulldog" like his dad. Of course I have a job at the neighboring community, and Landry will tell you that I don't get to be with them... I'm a "Rabbit". Either way we are anxious about our move. God has continued to bless us with a home to rent, a new babysitter, jobs... and so many other things that continue to prove to us we are doing the right thing. The last detail we need to fall into place is the sale of our home. My faith tells me that will happen too! That doesn't mean I don't get a bit nervous. The mother's were here this weekend for a shower that some friends of mine threw. It was so nice to have family close... but the weekend was SOOO fast! It seemed like they had just arrived and it was time for them to leave. It made me sad. But, I'm trying to get things done before we leave. Lots to do... and little time to get it done.