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June 30, 2008

More Sleeping

I think she sleeps like this during the day to mock us.

Posted by Peter at 07:33 PM | Comments (1)

June 28, 2008

Asleep, and Awake

Charlotte spends most of her days looking like this:

Every so often, though, she decides to explore her world:

Posted by Peter at 08:53 PM | Comments (1)

June 25, 2008

Sisters

Natalie and Charlotte begin the bonding process. Natalie is fascinated by "the baby Charlotte" and has spent a lot of time trying to feed Charlotte various food items. So far, so good.

Posted by Peter at 07:54 PM | Comments (5)

June 23, 2008

Say Hello To Charlotte

Charlotte Martha. Born earlier today at 8:36 p.m. Weighs 8 lbs, 12 ounces and is 20 3/4 inches long. Just as beautiful as her mom and older sister.

Now I'm really outnumbered.

Posted by Peter at 11:43 PM | Comments (22)

This Might Be It...

So Debbie just called and has a "gut" feeling. She wants me to come in so she can check me again. I am a bit achy, nothing major, but she says things can be different the second time around, and I might be farther along than I think. So Peter's on his way home, and we're taking our bags just in case. To be continued... :)

Posted by Shannon at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

Monday Baby Update

Okay, Amy, here's the update you requested. :) I saw my midwife again this morning, and there is some progress, but this kid looks to be as stubborn as Natalie about greeting the world. Today I am at 4 centimeters, cervix was nice and soft, and Debbie stripped my membranes. This procedure is oh-so-fun (not really). If I am getting close, it can just jump-start things a little. So far no result except some more Braxton-Hicks and tightening, but time will tell. The plan is to touch base by phone with Debbie Thursday, then if I make it to Monday we will discuss inducing again, but she is hopeful that I will go on my own.

On another note, I am feeling so thankful to my hubby and to God for some much needed rest over the weekend. I had been feeling really drained with some cumulative bad nights of sleep (Natalie, pregancy and a gross and horribly itchy foot rash of all things!). Yesterday Peter stayed home from church to watch the girl and let me sleep. He made a delicious breakfast for her with leftovers for sleeping beauty when I arose at 10 am! I crashed again with her for a nap in the afternoon and he grabbed her when she woke up while I continued right on sleeping until 4:30. Then we all had a better night's sleep last night. Oh, and did I mention that he cooked dinner as well? Can you say hubby/daddy of the year award? I hate having to rely on him for strength and help even before the baby comes, but so appreciated it and feel in a much better physical emotional space today. I am now ready to take on labor and delivery!

And yes, we'll both try to remember to dash off a quick blog entry when things do finally kick into gear. Love to all-Shannie

Posted by Shannon at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)

June 19, 2008

At the Playground

Natalie at one of her favorite locations - the playground near our house.

Posted by Peter at 10:11 PM | Comments (4)

June 17, 2008

She's One Classy Lady

What would Martha Stuart say to a tea party in your diaper? Who cares? My girl's got style :) And she's rather difficult to keep clothed these days. How can you cover up that beautiful physique? :)

Posted by Shannon at 07:08 PM | Comments (2)

June 15, 2008

Playing Mommy

Natalie practices swaddling a baby.

It doesn't end well, but she's having fun.

Posted by Peter at 09:12 PM | Comments (2)

A Good Dad's Day

Steak, family time and a great gift from my daughter.

Who could ask for more?

Hope those of you who are fathers had a great day.

Posted by Peter at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)

June 11, 2008

God is Good

Baby Update:

Monday my belly had not grown at all and I had actually lost a little weight (amazing given the size of my feet!), so Debbie (my midwife)was very encouraged about this baby actually being a "reasonable size" and was hopeful that I will be able to do this on my own, without intervention. Yay! Music to my ears. Although I'd gotten to a place a peace and preparing myself for whatever God's will would be, this was great news.

I continue at 3 centimeters dilated, but now she's calling me a "loose 3." Sparing the boys the other gory details, let's just say things are moving in the right direction. Two nights this week I've had "practice run" contractions--to the point that I got out of bed at 3 in the morning to pack toiletries one night. :)

So any day now...maybe Peter will have an extra special Father's day gift.

Posted by Shannon at 01:04 PM | Comments (3)

June 09, 2008

First Pee on the Potty!

Ok, I know taking a picture of your daughter's pee is kind of queer and gross, but I couldn't help myself! Yesterday we had a few dribbles after dribbling across the floor, but today the real deal! First annointing of the potty. Diaper was dry after naptime, so to the potty we went for practice. As Mommy was sitting on her potty too (surprise, surprise, pregnant lady had to pee), I plunked her down and suddenly heard the happy sound of tinkle hitting plastic--woo hoo! Very exciting stuff.

After months of build-up, she's finally putting it all together. First we put the potty out to get her used to its presence, next dollies and stuffed animals sat on the potty but she would only sit on the closed lid, then she got daring and began sitting on the open pot with diaper on. Now as Peter has previously posted, she removes the diaper as soon as it is full, so we take her right to the potty to make the connection.

So we'll see how things go from here. I am totally happy with the slow and steady, at-her-own-pace method. Besides, there may be regression when baby arrives :)

Posted by Shannon at 04:59 PM | Comments (2)

June 04, 2008

Baby Day Approaches...Maybe Sooner Than We Think

So on Monday we found out that baby may be joining us sooner than we thought. I was 3 centimeters (10 means baby coming out for you boys out there)dilated and belly had grown 3 weeks worth in 2. Debbie brought up the possibility of inducing me in the next few weeks if things continue to progress. She remembers that I made a 9-pounder the first time and wants to spare me a 10-pounder, for which I am grateful.

But the idea of induction is a bit hard for this natural-birth-lovin'- slight-hippy girl to swallow. I tend to have a vision in my mind of how things are going to be (surprise, surprise to those who know me), and when that vision is threatened I don't do well, just ask Peter :) I'm also a rather opinionated nurse who's heard and read far too many scary things about induction, but I recognize my need to not be too rigid and keep an open mind.

I suppose it's better than ending up with a c-section or a lot more pain, and Debbie assures me it's a little more sophisticated than it once was and would just simply help my body along in a process that is well on its way. Most women would probably jump at the chance to go early and choose their baby's birthday. Still, tough for this girl to adjust her expectations.

I find my feelings are mixed as the big day approaches. Most of the pregnancy I've felt fairly relaxed and confident, having walked this path before. But lately I've been having more pre-birth jitters because I know what is coming. It's hard to shake and is often coupled with fears about the transition to handling two. At the same time, I completely look forward to this.

So at night when I'm tossing and turning and getting up to pee, I'm trying to turn these thoughts and feelings over to the Lord and also spend the time bringing other things before Him besides my own selfish stuff--things we sometimes don't have time to talk about in the course of a day with a 2-year-old. He's been really faithful in the last 24 hours to bring to mind verses to remind me of how I can trust Him and have peace. And then this morning, Amy had such a sweet post for her pregnant friends...and the words to In Christ Alone hit me from the Ipod at lunchtime...

"In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all— Here in the love of Christ I stand."

This song also is good reminder of the grander scheme--Christ's sacrifice for us, the relationship that we have in Him--I mean, really, what's a few labor pains, adjustment to a second child, or an unexpected birth plan? It always amazes me what my brain can selfishly get stuck on when there are MUCH bigger things at stake in the world. And He is big enough for all of it.

Posted by Shannon at 08:59 AM | Comments (5)

June 03, 2008

MUD!!

What is it with kids and mud? Our weather's been kinda stinky lately, but it gave Natalie some good puddles to play in today. She was really fun to watch, and she invited me to join her, hence the picture of my fat preggo feet. :) She also ingested some of the mud...yummy! Needless to say, we both hosed down before coming inside for lunch.

Posted by Shannon at 08:04 PM | Comments (1)

We Love Hand-me-downs

My good buddy Laurie regularly gives us huge bags of lovely hand-me-downs, and Natalie always gets several days entertainment out of them before I get around to sorting and putting them away. She likes to layer up and makes me laugh commenting on how "pretty" she and the dresses are. She especially liked the Princesses pink boots that are several sizes too big. Yesterday she actually went to my doctor's appointment in the outfit I'd chosen, then 2 dresses (backwards), a jacket, hat and the boots, all of which she'd chosen and put on herself!

Posted by Shannon at 07:31 PM | Comments (1)