Introducing...

Macy Bleu Salamanca was born Wednesday, February 4, 2009 @ 6:23pm (three days overdue). She weighed 8 lbs, 4oz. and was 21 inches long. Both Mommy and Macy are doing very well. Jadon and Daddy are adjusting to having another female in the house ;) I will do my best to add all of the details of her labor within the next few days, as well as many more pictures.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers, emails, Facebook comments, phone calls and text messages. We can't wait to share the story of our little princess with all of you as she grows :)

In-DUCK-Shun :/

Getting ready to double check all of our bags, make sure everything is packed for the hospital. I'm SO tired. Nervous. Worried I'll end up having to have a C-section :/ Scared to experience the pain of labor and the dreaded "crowning" of Macy's head. Oh my! Ahhhh....okay, breathe!

Jadon is spending the night with my mom (thank you, thank you, thank you). We'll be headed to the hospital at 5:30am for the induction. I'm not 100% at peace with this, but I'm not about keeping her inside any longer either. My stomach is as hard as a rock, and tender to the touch at times. I have to lean back, in order to breathe normally, at this point.

It is nice to be able to "plan" some things, before we have to go to the hospital (i.e. bags packed, Jadon cared for with all of his million things that go with him, camera packed, not in any pain before I'm medically supervised, etc.). I still think it is odd to choose Macy's birthday (likely 20 days before mine). I hope we've made the right decision. I just want her (and me) to be safe. Prayers appreciated :)

I wonder how long this process will take??? With Jadon, I went in at 3:30am and didn't have him until nearly 8pm that night. I wonder if my cervix has made any progress, since last Friday? My guess is no. I wonder what the pitocin will make the contractions like, when I'm not having any on my own. How fast will they come? How strong will they be? I DREAD things like a catheter (yuck!), but you have no choice, when you get an epidural. I CANNOT imagine pitocin without an epidural!!! No way!

So much unknown. I have to trust that it is all in God's hands because it truly is. I cannot control any of this, just hope and pray that we both end up safe and healthy. God willing, I will be nursing my baby girl tomorrow evening. How exciting to think of all that will change for everyone in our family (exhausting too, of course), but such a miracle, a blessing is about to happen in our family :) We will post pics as soon as we can.

In the meantime, don't forget to check out Jadon's blog for a good chuckle. Whatta monster he is! Can't wait to meet his baby sister! :)

Week 39: Officially Served!

Okay, Miss Macy Bleu, Mommy is officially giving you an eviction notice, my dear. It is now less than six hours before your due date, and well, if you haven't heard...WE'RE READY!

On Thurday evening (around 4pm), I started having a lot of pressure and then some cramping. Honestly I swore I was going into labor! I called my mom, and she drove from work 3 1/2 hours away and everything! Obviously it was a false alarm. I went into ultra-nesting mode, and told Jamie we needed to run to the store to buy another pack of diapers and some Burt's Bees brand bath stuff for Macy, and it would also help me to walk around anyway. By the time we turned out of our development, the cramping ceased :/ I thought for sure it would start again...at least within a few hours, but nothing! :/

We went to our scheduled doctor's appointment on Friday at 2:15pm. Since my mom was home from work, she wanted to go too. She swore I was going to be dilated to 4cm. I knew I wasn't, and I was right :/ If you want to say I "progressed," I suppose you could, but being dilated to 1cm is like someone telling me I'm pregnant...duh! And it's taking FOREVER! Jamie keeps saying he feels like I'm only 6 months pregnant. It's like nothing is happening. Nothing is changing. She's not moving down. I'm no more uncomfortable, physically, than I was months ago. At least with Jadon, I KNEW things were changing. I felt him drop. I couldn't sleep well at all because I felt like I had a bowling ball between my legs...not so with Macy (which is kind of a good thing). This pregnancy is just so much more emotionally draining. The anxiety! The waiting! I think mainly because I have two big concerns: (1) my mom now works out of town throughout the week (this week 3 1/2 hours away) and (2) I have a toddler to care for and wonder, "Who will be immediately available to care for him? Will I be able to tolerate him running around, when I'm in labor at home for several hours, or will he drive me crazy, and I won't have Jamie's attention to stay focused on my contractions?"

So here is where we stand nearly 5 hours before your due date, Macy Bleu...If you are not born within the next three days, Mommy and Daddy made the executive decision that we will go to the hospital on Wednesday, February 4th at 5:30am and make you come out :P I'm kidding about it being that simple of a decision or that simple of a process, of course. Mommy is beginning to swell and have a lot of water weight gain(uh...like 10 lbs), so I just want to keep us both safe, and I can't really imagine going more than four days past your due date would be okay (even though my blood pressure and urine are perfect). I pray you wiggle your way down and Mother Nature takes over, so we can meet you this weekend, and Gramma will be home, be in the delivery room, and Jadon will be cared for. If not, Gramma will come back home Tuesday night, Jadon will stay all night with her, and then they can come to the hospital early Wednesday morning. I am guessing (?) we will definitely meet you by Wednesday evening (?)

P.S. Although Mommy wants you "out," it has nothing to do with you, and it doesn't mean I am any less thankful or see any less of a miracle in what is about to happen. Surely everyone knows and understands that. If you've been pregnant, and sat around waiting for a baby on your due date or after, you surely should remember what that is like. We'll keep you posted!

I Prayed for You

Dearest Macy Bleu,

Before you were even born, I prayed for you. I have been praying for you, since the day I found out you were growing inside me, and I will continue to pray for you all of the days of your life. What kinds of things do I ask the Lord? Well, that list is endless. There are times I pray for things in the very near future, like when you will certainly struggle to make your way into this world and take your very first breath, when you will no longer be safe inside of your Mommy's belly where the Lord can use me to provide EVERYTHING you need. (Although I'm ready to have you out of there, soon you will begin the journey to a never-ending desire for independence and inevitable separation that we must endure, no matter how hard Mommy and Daddy try to hold on.)

I ask the Lord to deliver you safely. I ask for the umbilical cord to not be wrapped around you. I ask that you will not need assistance like forceps or a vacuum. I ask that your lungs are fully prepared to accept the first breath of life you will take. I ask that Mommy will not need to have a C-section and that you will breastfeed easily right away.

Then there are things that I pray about that are YEARS away. I pray that you have a long, happy, and blessed life. I pray that your eyes are open to see ALL of those blessings. I pray for you to praise the Lord's name, even when things aren't so good too, that you will see the lessons He would have you learn...there certainly will be many. I pray that your Daddy and I are able to provide guidance and Truth for you help you along the way. I pray that you will love the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul. I pray we will be good examples of His goodness in your life. I pray that your big brothers will do the same.

I pray for BIG things, like your ability to remain pure until you are married, and I pray for smaller things, like you being able to brush off not being invited to a birthday party in Kindergarten. I pray that you will talk to your Daddy and me in either one of these situations, and if you choose not to, I pray that the Lord provides you with Godly friends and mentors who will speak the Truth to you.

I pray that your Daddy can provide enough love, support and attention for you to be fulfilled with the need to be loved and accepted by a man. I pray that he will show you, through his love for your Mommy, that the only thing a man puts before his wife is his relationship with God. I pray that you always see my appreciation for your Daddy, and learn to appreciate Godly qualities in your future husband.

Speaking of your future husband, I have been praying for him too. (I know he may or may not be born yet, and if he is, he is likely no older than five.) But anyway, I pray that he is raised to love God and fear Him, that he will save himself for your wedding night, and that he will love you unconditionally all the days of your life, providing for you, supporting you through the hard times, loving all of your imperfections, respects you, shares a million laughs with you, and looks at you through the eyes of Christ (otherwise, he has to deal with your Daddy).

I pray that you are humble. I pray that you are the girl people see as beautiful on the inside, a girl who is kind and accepting, the girl who seeks righteousness, the girl who stands for something bigger than herself in the midst of a million temptations. I pray that you love other people, that you will not seek material possessions and wealth, nor approval for things that always fade like beauty. I pray you are not embarrassed to dress a certain way, to drive a certain car, or to be who you know God has called you to be. I pray you seek His approval above all others, even your Daddy's or mine.

I pray that you will out-live me and your Daddy. I pray that we never have to see you suffer physically, and in the event that we do, that you will heal quickly. I pray that you will be surrounded by people who will love and care for you, in the event that your Daddy and I are no longer here. I pray that you will be that loving, supportive person in your brothers' lives as well. I pray that you appreciate and respect your family. I pray for you to be patient and forgiving of people's shortcomings. I pray for you to have a heart of gratitude for all things that are provided for you in life, be it the intellectual ability to make good grades in school or the physical ability to see, hear or walk.

I pray that you KNOW, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that ALL good things come from God, that He sent His son Jesus to die on a cross for your sins (and mine and everyone else's), and that you can NEVER do ANYTHING that will separate you from His mercy, love, or grace. He is a good God...always! I pray that you place your faith in that, knowing that the same God who holds you together inside my womb as I type this, is the same God you will one day stand before, giving an account of your entire life. I pray that you know that life in this world is temporary, short, and meant to be lived with purpose. I pray that you seek all that He has in store for you, my sweet baby Macy, living a life that serves and honors the One who created you, all the days of your life. I commit your life into His hands. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Week 38: "...a baby by lunchtime."

We had another doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and well, obviously it wasn't time to have a baby. The only thing my midwife said is that (TMI) my cervix is "very, very soft." She said if they "(PIT)ted you (gave me pitocin/induced me) in the morning, you'd likely have a baby by lunchtime...that's how soft your cervix is." Hmmm. So that brought us to our next conversation about me possibly being induced. I have what is supposed to be my final appointment this coming Friday (January 30th). If we decide to go with an induction, she said to call and re-schedule for Wednesday or Thursday, and I could have the baby whatever day I choose.

I REALLY don't want to be induced :/ Even more, I REALLY don't want to choose Macy's birthday. That's so odd to me. I know millions of women do it all of the time, but to me, it's messing with the whole Psalm 139:16 verse:

"...your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be."

I know we can argue this point, but it really does seem weird to me to choose the day...way to much control over Macy's life for me. It's kind of like reverse euthanasia or something to me. I don't want to play God or Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

So anyway, that's where we stand right now. Alhtough I'd LOVE to have our little girl here in our arms, rather than in my belly (I mean, it's just not fair to Jamie...I mean me fair to me...at this point), I think we'll hold out until our appt. this coming Friday and see what happens. Last night, I did start to feel a lot of pressure and some very, very minor cramping, which excited me, but also scared me a little too.

Am I, are we, really ready for this? Not that we have a choice, and of course, we are so excited to have another baby...but do we have a clue how to balance two babies under two? Of course we don't! We're still winging it with Jadon sometimes. I mean, who would have thought he would tear tiny pieces of paper out of his lift-and-flap book the other day and put the paper in his ear??? And for whatever reason these last few weeks, he decided it would be super fun to dump potting soil from our plants in the foyer onto the floor...like every hour or so. And can someone tell me (other than the obvious brushing!) how to get rid of cat food-scented, toddler breath? Yucky!

Ah parenthood. You really have to laugh at the things you deal with as a parent that you never thought of when you were in your 20s, running around the mall, shopping at American Eagle and Abercrombie, grabbing a Starbucks on your way to work, going to the gym afterwards, hanging out having lots of adult conversations with other people who didn't have kids...good times, I tell ya! But you know what is better and even more fun than all of those things...and has a whole lot more meaning? Sitting here blogging about being pregnant with a baby girl, while my 19-month-old baby boy with fishy toddler breath lays his head on my chest, yawning and watching his Baby Einstein video, while my husband prepares yet another thing to take to the hospital (our video camera), so we don't miss one second of the BEST years of our lives :)

Week 37: A Whole Lotta Nothin :/

Just got back from our nearly 38 week checkup, and well...NOTHING! Macy is still enjoying the warmth and coziness (???) of her mommy's womb. What the heck? I mean, it's okay that she hasn't been born yet, but it would be so encouraging to hear that my cervix has thinned or that I am dilated to like...oh I don't know...a ONE? Nothin'! She is still WAY up in there. I do keep reading that the second baby usually doesn't "drop" until a few days to a few hours before labor, whereas the first baby drops like two weeks before labor, which I believe was the case for Jadon...already hard to remember, but I do remember feeling like I was carrying a bowling ball between my legs for a few weeks with him, and I don't feel like that with Macy. I'm not thrilled at the thought of having her head between my legs, but if it means she will come within days, if not hours, from that time, then so be it!

Today's appointment could have been a mess, let me tell you. I thought for sure we were supposed to be there at 10am. After waiting for about 15 minutes, the receptionist informed me that my appt. wasn't until 3pm! She said they would try to work me in (thank God because it is 35 minutes from our house). Let me just say that, for a 19-month-old, Jadon was a trooper. Jamie and I did our best to plan for a long wait, taking cereal and a banana for a snack, two sets of flashcards, and a few other things for him to play with. Other than climbing on and off the couch I was sitting on about 30 times, he was REALLY good. Around 11am (yes, an hour after our arrival!), he fell down, but didn't hurt himself, instead he got embarrassed??? It was a delayed reaction, and he looked at me as if he couldn't stand the thought of seeing anyone else in the waiting room :/ His eyes welled up with tears, and I sat him on my lap.

Honestly, I wish I had taken a picture of what happened next. Jadon is not the kind of toddler who wants to be held. Although he is VERY affectionate, he's super independent. I think he has only fallen asleep on my lap twice in the last six months. He was so sweet in the office though. I could have cried about it, to be honest. The entire time he was laying against my chest (sitting up with one leg on each side of my belly), Macy was moving around like crazy. It was such an awesome moment for me as their mommy. I knew Jadon could definitely feel my belly moving against his face and chest. He was the calmest I've ever seen him in months. He let me stroke his hair and pat his back, and then he started to get heavy eyes. Ninety percent of the time, Jadon has to fall asleep with his hand down the neck of mine or Jamie's shirt (usually putting his hand in my armpit (who knows?), so that's what he attempted to do in the waiting area. It reminded me of the days I used to nurse him to sleep.... I just love being a mommy. I wish I could press pause and savor each moment I have with Jadon being so little still, yet I'm so very ready to meet our baby Macy.

I try not to think about how I'm not going to be able to give Jadon my undivided attention. It makes me sad sometimes to think that he will ever feel neglected or jealous of the attention Macy will require. I try to think of ways I will include him in nearly every task I have to do with her. I daydream of ways I will give him my undivided attention at some point each day, allowing Jamie to take Macy away, so we can play with his favorite flashcards or go kick a soccer ball together in the yard.

I've rambled enough for now...Macy, I hope you know how much I love you and can't wait for you to get here. You will soon become the "baby" of the family, and the dynamics will certainly change, which is fine. A new baby always brings such joy to a home :) Jadon, we love you more than you can imagine, and even though you won't be the "baby" of the family by age, you will ALWAYS be Mommy's baby, my first born, my big boy, my little man.

P.S. Macy, Jadon said that is the LAST time you will ever be able to kick him in the face without any retaliation ;)

And here are the ultrasound pics from our last appt. The top pic is a side view. You can clearly see those HUGE lips of Macy's in this pic...nose, then BIG lips! The bottom pic is a frontal view. If you haven't seen an ultrasound pic ever or in a long time, I know they can be hard to read...especially if you are not a Mama ;) The best way to see the face is to look for the black dots inside of the big, white image...those are the eyes, then you can hopefully tell from there :) (In the top pic, you can only see her left eye---side view. In the bottom pic, you can only clearly see her right eye---frontal view.)

Last Call

On Satuarday, Jamie and I went on what we expect to be our last date, before I become a mother of two. We went to see the movie Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. It was a GREAT movie! LOVED it! My mom and Wally watched Jadon, so we could go (THANK YOU!!!). It was so nice out that day...about 65, when we came out of the theater around 5pm, so we ran and got an order of sushi to split and sat outside and enjoyed the weather. Jamie, of course, also enjoyed a coffee from Starbucks...as always.

We laughed about how much more difficult our lives are about to become. We are SO EXCITED to meet Macy, yet so unsure of how to really prepare for all of the changes her birth will bring to everyone and everything we do...even little things, like going to the grocery store, will become ever-the-challenge. Two grocery carts? Every stinkin' time we shop? Yeah, that'll be a change for sure. We kind of have the art of packing Jadon and his things down to a science...FINALLY...and now we will have to coordinate two of everything (diaper bags, diapers, snacks/breastfeeding stuff, etc.). Two car seats! A double stroller! Oh my! Millions and millions of families do it everyday, so I'm sure we will adjust. I suppose we are just wondering about all of the things you can't really predict, like if Macy will cry in the car a lot or if Jadon will find something in the backseat to throw at her. Will he be jealous, etc.?

All in all, we are anxiously anticipating everything that will come along with having another baby. Especially now that we got a movie at the theaters in, we're more than ready. I will say that both Jamie and I shared an experience at the movie that neither of us expected. ***DO NOT READ, if you plan to see Gran Torino, as this next part may ruin some of the movie for you...okay? You've been warned!***

There is a part in the movie where the young girl who lives next door to Clint Eastwood is raped and beaten by a gang. HORRIBLE!!! I was an emotional mess inside for the remainder of the movie! I held back all of my tears because (1) I was in a public place...and it's a movie for goodness sake! and (2) I knew my Mama Bear instinct for Macy had finally arrived in a big way! The pregnancy hormones were getting the best of me, yes, but also it is an emotion that will never really leave, now that it has arrived...EXACTLY like the one I have for Jadon. That girl in the movie was Macy for me. I have NEVER connected to a girl in a movie like that...in a motherly way...EVER before. It sank in that I am having a daughter, and I will kill to protect her. Sounds a bit insane, I know, but not to anyone who has kids (and, I'm assuming, especially a daughter).

Of course, I've known for quite sometime that Macy is a girl, that I'm pregnant and set to give birth on or around January 31, 2009. I will become a mother of two, and Jadon will have a baby sister. I have been careful not to expose myself to bad things, during my pregnancy (no more than one cup of coffee/day, etc.). I have rested appropriately. I have not lifted anything too heavy (other than Jadon). I have responsibly taken my prenatal vitamin and DHA supplement everyday. You get the picture. I am and have been connected to this baby from day one. Something changed for me, during that scene of that movie though, and when I asked Jamie afterwards what he thought of during that part, he said he experienced the same thing.

There is no emotion like it...not even close. I would appear completely insane, if I were to go into any detail about it, but as I sat outside yesterday, enjoying the weather, sushi, and the company of my best friend and husband...as I looked out at the setting sun with the birds flying peacefully overhead...as I saw the calm waters of the pond in the park across the way...the Lord revealed His neverending love for his children (me included) once again. He loves and cares for me (and each of us) the same way that Jamie and I do for Macy...and Jadon...and Justin. What a tremendous responsibility we have as parents! What an awesome gift to be chosen by God to help raise these little miracles! I stand in awe of you, Father. I ask for your grace, peace, guidance, knowledge...your mercy on us, as we embark on this next phase of our lives. Without You, we would surely be lost. Thank you for trusting us. Amen.
Luke 15:1-10

Week 36: Staying Put

On Wednesday, we got to see our little girl for the last time on the inside of her Mommy's belly. Obviously she has grown considerably, since we last saw her four months ago. Can I just say, "Look out Angelina Jolie!" This girl has some lips! Honestly, from the looks of the ultrasound, her lips are the size of Jamie's. She definitely will get that from her Daddy, which is fine. I suppose girls like having plump lips for lip gloss...oh brother! Makeup...jewelry...the clothes (oh, wait...I love that part) ;)

It was honestly SO AWESOME to see our baby girl on the screen. I mean, we clearly know this is really happening, and we are fully prepared for the birth of our DAUGHTER, but this made it so very real! She is ADORABLE! She was moving around, and even put her hand up to her face, as if to blow us a kiss, right at the end. Jamie said she was doing the sign for 'Thank You'...whichever...so, so, so, so cute! We did get it on video, but I can't get it to upload right now. Maybe later, maybe not. You may have to just trust me.

As for any progress? NADA! Man! Although I really was prepared to hear that my cervix had not dilated or thinned at all, it is still somewhat (okay, extremely) disappointing :/ I know I don't want Macy to come out, before she is good and ready, but I'll tell you, I am SO VERY TIRED of this heartburn!!! It's exactly the same as it was with Jadon's pregnancy. I actually had heartburn the entire way thru my labor and delivery, and it appears that will be the case with Miss Macy Bleu as well. Oh how I look forward to life without Tums again (not that they help AT ALL, at this point...I really don't bother anymore).

There have been times this week that I thought Macy had dropped, but the doctor shot that theory down quickly. She said she's, "Still way up there...looks like she's pretty comfortable right where she's at." C'mon! Gimme a break! It cannot be more comfortable all cramped in there than it will be, once you come out and get to be swaddled in a soft, pink blanket...right? I'll even rock you...sing to you...feed you real food...um...ANYTHING you want...just come outta there! I mean, look at this...does this look comfortable??? I think not! So let's get this ball rollin'! You're upside-down for cryin' out loud! Have I mentioned how ready we are to meet you??? :)

P.S. Thanks to Auntie Em for watching Jadon, so we didn't have to torture him in the small examination room for the ultrasound...or is that torture us?

Week 35: In the 20s!!!

Ahhh...yes! Just look at that ticker at the top of this screen. The little baby is in the last possible position, and it says I ONLY have 27 days to go :) ONLY??? Oh man! Twenty-seven days to go :/ I just KNOW you're coming sooner, Macy...right? I mean, after this week is up, and you're 37 weeks developed...full-term...fully developed lungs and ready to go! This turkey thermometer is about to pop...you're almost done :)

On one hand, I'm sooo very ready to get to know you. I've done this before. It's so exciting to get to meet a new baby for the first time, to watch each detail of your personality unfold, to watch Jadon's reaction to his new role in life---big brother! On the other hand, I feel like a rookie at this :/ I realized this week that I forget how to count contractions and don't know when I'm supposed to head for the hospital for sure. I MUST pull my resources out, along with my stop watch, and get ready. You're coming in less than 27 days!!!

Mommy and Daddy took a few pictures this week. I apologize again for the lack of belly pics for my pregnancy with you. I know we have weekly pics for Jadon's belly book...he was our first, and though we are equally excited about your pregnancy and arrival, our lives look MUCH different now, so we had many other things to focus on. You, on the other hand, have something Jadon didn't have...a 19 month old big brother who can't get enough of talking to your thru Mommy's belly :) He's excited to meet you!







P.S. How about Daddy's photography skills? Pretty impressive...with Mommy's nagging direction, of course ;) While Daddy was taking the pics, he asked, "I thought you liked doing this stuff?" I said, "I like being the PHOTOGRAPHER, not the SUBJECT!" At any rate, we accomplished the task...Daddy the photographer, Mommy the editor. We make a pretty good team, your Daddy and I ;) Hopefully we can get Gramma to take a few pics of Mommy and Daddy together, before you come...I worry with my emotional state, at this point, my head may explode with frustration during that photo shoot though ;) Gramma is what I like to call a pre-intermediate photographer...but we love her anyway :)

Doctor's appointment coming up in three days!!! We get our last ultrasound. Can't wait to see what you're doing in there, besides kicking Mommy to death and giving me tremendous heartburn still. Daddy says you're going to come out with pigtails :)

Week 34: Family

Aunt Suzy and Uncle Chris left today to go back to WV. They were here for the entire week. Neither of them had seen me pregnant before, and I'm guessing by the reflection I see in the mirror, it was quite a sight to behold ;) I'm growing sooo much! (That might have something to do with the eating contests my uncle Chris and I had on a near-daily basis!!! Thanks for all of the no bake cookies and galettes, Gramma!!! Geez!) I know I say it all of the time, but I'm really ready to have this baby on the outside...just two more weeks, and she'll be full-term...but likely won't make her debut for another 4-5 :/

I just don't do well with pregnancy. I DESPISE the weight gain, I'm overly emotional and irritable, the heartburn could bring me to tears at times, and...well I just don't care for it at all. They were watching the movie Click at my mom's last night, and I thought about my views on pregnancy and how much I wish I could fast forward the process a little. The point of the movie (and with life, in general) is that we should enjoy the journey and blessings of each day, and I do honestly, but when it comes to the process of pregnancy, I surely struggle. I know it would be wrong of me to want to miss seeing my belly move or see Jadon kiss and talk to my belly one more time. I know Macy will be here soon enough, but I do think I might skip the last few weeks, if given the chance :/ I just wish there was a way to have a baby, have lots of energy, not gain weight, have my feet hurt, have heartburn 24 hours/day, and lay anyway I want to when I sleep. Blah! Okay...enough!

It was nice to have family visit this week, for them to experience a change of scenery and weather (it was in the 70s several days!). The best was for them to see Jadon and get to know him more. The last time they saw him, he was only 4 1/2 months old, so a lot has changed. They were OVERLY generous with their gift to me and Jamie. We used some of the money to buy clothes for next winter for Jadon and Macy, and have money left over to buy a case of diapers for each of them. We are truly blessed to have people who love and care about us so much, even when they have less than we do. Of course, I cried, when I opened their card (1) because I'm an emotional mess at the drop of a hat and (2) they really do have less than us :/ I just always pray that Jamie and I can be at a point in life one day to help them more...to send my uncle Chris money to fix up his house...or go to WV and actually help him do the work.

And to Mama Dorie, Papa Dom, my mom and Wally: I cannot even begin to write about how grateful we are for all that you do for us on a weekly, if not daily basis...be it spending time with Jadon, sending him gifts in the mail, or offering to buy him bananas at the store, while you're out...we are SO VERY thankful! We honestly know how blessed we are to have the family we have and know how hard life would be without your love and support. We will do all we can to help take care of each of you one day as well.

Macy, you are going to be born into one of the most loving and supportive (yet very small) families a baby girl could ask for. Always be thankful for that!

Week 33: Smooth Sailing, Worrying, and Braxton Hicks

I had my 34 week checkup yesterday. Everything is perfect :) It was one of the quickest appointments I have had. It consisted of a weigh in (ugh!), a belly measurement, a check of Macy's heartbeat (in the 130s), and a scheduled appointment for my last ultrasound at 36 weeks. The midwife asked if I had been experiencing any Braxton Hicks contractions, and I did (a lot) on Thursday and Friday...lots of tightening in my upper stomach, making it hard to sit for long periods and making it harder to breathe...fun stuff, but it only means my body is getting ready for the big day. Daddy wasn't able to be at this appointment because he had a job interview, and Jadon stayed with Auntie Em (thank God!). We're moving right along, Macy Bleu!

It is still amazing to me that I have had NO PROBLEMS whatsoever with this pregnancy! I know I shouldn't speak so soon, since I still have 42 days to go, but I am truly amazed. I never had a spot of bleeding, not even in the very beginning. My blood pressure, glucose level, urine specimens, and thyroid function remain absolutely perfect with every passing doctor's visit. For all of these things, I am so very thankful...YET, unfortunately, I still worry about some things.

This week alone, I have had the following thoughts (crazy!): I may have preeclampsia/toxemia (because my ankles looked a little swollen a few times, after I had been standing too long); what if someone hits our car head-on and I die? the baby dies? Jamie or Jadon die? (this happens EVERYTIME we drive somewhere...even to my mom's 3 miles down the road!); what if Macy is born before she is 37 weeks, and her little lungs aren't ready?; what if I have some major problem during labor?; what am I going to do about Jadon's wild behavior, once Macy gets here?; How in the world am I going to survive the first 6-8 weeks of breastfeeding and sleepless nights with Jadon to take care of too? Oh, the list is nearly endless!

Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm a worry wart. Maybe I think about morbid things. Maybe I don't trust in the Lord enough. I know to 'trust in Him with all of my heart'. I know not to 'lean on my own understanding'. I know not to 'worry about tomorrow'. I know all of these things, and I really do believe His Word. Maybe I'm just a mom though. Maybe I'm a pregnant mom. Maybe I'm even a typical mom.

Last weekend, while sitting at my mom's house, Jadon was sitting behind the couch playing with his toys. Jamie was in his zoned out place of "ah, finally some peace of mind and some other people to help watch him...I'm gonna watch TV." I was sitting with my mom at the kitchen bar, and I couldn't help but look back at Jadon every few minutes, just to make sure he was okay and not putting something in his mouth, etc. I said to my mom, "I can't wait until my kids are at an age that I don't have to worry that they are going to kill themselves accidentally...when I can relax a little bit more. What age does that happen...five, six?"

Her answer surprised me because my mom has NEVER appeared to be a mom who worries about me or Emily. She said, "It never ends. I mean, like tonight, I worry about Emily leaving the house, and something happening. I worry about her getting home safe. I will probably stay up until she gets home."

Then I asked her if she worries about me being pregnant, and she quickly answered without a doubt, "Well yeah, of course!"

"Do you worry I'll die during labor?"

I'm sure a small part of her (the worrying mom part) thought "yes," but she quickly reassured me that she didn't think that. She didn't share what she the specific worries she has about my pregnancy and delivery, but I am sure her worries are similar to my own.

And so is the life of a mom. We carry a lot of burdens for our kids. We think about everything from what our kids eat to their choice in a marriage partner...from small bruises as a toddler to parties in college...from fevers and vomiting to their decision to place their faith in Jesus (the MOST important by far)...from driving in a car at 16 to watching the birth of our own grandchildren. Jadon will one day be a dad???? Macy will one day be a mom???? Oh my! My babies will have babies...such a joyous thought, yet also another burden of worry I will somewhat carry because I know the feelings they too will have and the HUGE responsibility the Lord will have given them.

Everyday, when I see Jadon's chocolate brown birthmark, just above his chubby little butt, I think about the story I will tell him about where it came from. "Well, before you were born, God was eating chocolate. Then, He kissed you 'good-bye for now,' and gave you to Mommy and Daddy. Your birthmark is a reminder that He wants you to come back home to him one day."

From this day (and the writing of this blog) forward, I am going to work much harder at trusting the Creator of All Things with the well-being of my babies. They were, in fact, His, before they were mine. They have been in His hands, until this day, and shall remain there until He calls them back home...whenever and however He choses to do so. I do trust you, Lord, and I thank you for choosing me to raise these babies in particular. I pray I serve you well as their mommy.

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD." ---Jeremiah 29:11-14

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you. ---Psalm 139:13-18

Week 32: Autopilot

Dear Macy,

I love you and I hope you know that your Daddy and I are just as excited about your arrival as we were your brother's...BUT we have not done near the preparation for you that we did for him. And so goes the story of the second child. You see, birth order plays a pretty big part in a person's life and development of their personality, etc. You'll learn more about that, when you get older, but I just wanted to make you aware that I am aware this is happening.

We know more now. Let me rephrase that; we think we know more now. There will be no breastfeeding classes this time around, and I will not read any books about labor and delivery (though I'm sure I'm in for as much of a treat with you as I was with Jadon). We have all of the supplies we need (though we could never really have enough diapers, now could we?). We (along with Gramma) have bought you enough pink, purple and flower-printed outfits to wear for the first year of your life. I kid you not...all on sale...like MAJOR sale from Baby Gap, Old Navy, and a few things from Carters. Since we didn't know Jadon's sex, before he was born, we also have a TON of neutral clothes for you also.

The only things we have to pick up still are a few pink blankets and a double stroller, which will likely come after you're born. We were able to sell Jadon's swing on Craigslist, and got the $60 we had hoped. (We honestly made friends with a great Christian couple who live within a mile of us by doing that...so awesome!) So now we have ordered the swing we have chosen for you, and hope we are happy with it, once we get to try it out...with you in it, of course :) :) And today, Gramma ordered a high chair for her house...mostly for Jadon right now, since he is an absolute mess to feed at her house most of the time. We have been using an extra large phone book as a booster seat, which is still not quite high enough. Within the next week, however, we will have a highchair there that you can use in about five months, but it can also be converted into a booster seat for toddlers...not to mention that it blends fairly well with the decor at Gramma's house...nice! :)

Okay, so Mommy is truly sorry that she doesn't seem to be putting as much energy or thought into how to decorate your nursery, and I never really did a scrapbook or belly book for you, like I did Jadon. BUT you do have a blog, from day one :) And most importantly, you have lots and lots of love waiting for you, once you get here. Besides, Mommy is entirely too busy keeping up with your big brother to do much more. Something tells me I'm going to need all of the energy I can get, once you arrive. Hopefully you can forgive me for my shortcomings. It's not that I love you any less or that I'm any less excited for you...I'm just a mom who is on autopilot :/ If not while you are young, you will likely better understand when you have children of your own.

Thanks for understanding. I love you,
Mommy :)

P.S. Mom, I totally understand why my baby book was filled out almost completely...stories, pieces of my hair from my first haircut...a small box with some of my baby teeth...and Emily's was nearly empty. You should never feel guilty about that. The same goes for you too, Mama Dorie. Jamie completely understands. We get it now...well, almost...but we will understand on an entirely different level in...oh about 48 days or so, right?

P.P.S. Macy, if you could help Mommy out just a teeny, tiny bit with this excruciating heartburn you are giving me, that would be just dandy :) Thanks!

Week 31: Building

YOWZA! Look how big this girl is getting!

The suspense is building! As I type this, we have a mere 56 days, until Macy's due date. I'm thinking she's coming a little early...wishful thinking, I know...only after week 37, when she's full-term though ;)

Not much to report this week, other than our doctor's appointment yesterday, and still, not much to report. I have gained 30lbs. so far. If anyone thinks that's a lot, please do me a favor and click the little "X" at the top right-hand corner of this page. Thank you ;) I will NEVER be one of those people who only gains 25lbs. during a pregnancy...NEVER. Can't do it. Wish I could, but it's not gonna happen. And I'm guessing the grand total for this pregnancy will likely be 40lbs, if Macy makes it to her due date. Eight weeks away = eight pounds...add a few for Christmas dinner and leftovers, and there you have it. Oh well. I did take off 50lbs. from breastfeeding Jadon, so I'm hoping I have that on my side again.

In other, much more exciting news, Macy's heartrate was 140bpm and my belly measurement must have been on target because the midwife never said it wasn't. We LOVE our midwife! We knew her through Jadon's pregnancy, and she was supposed to deliver him, but was out of town for Memorial Weekend, when I went into labor :/ So I got stuck with Dr. Richmond (all business, no personality). Anyway Stacey, the midwife, is originally from Parkersburg, WV (which is why she has such an awesome personality). She went to WVU, just like us, and is a true Mountaineer :) We absolutely LOVE her, and feel confident she will deliver Macy, since there are no holidays at the end of January.

I think that's it. Getting bigger, more uncomfortable, more excited :) The suspense is building, especially with Christmas just a few weeks away. We have family coming to visit from WV...my mom's sister Suzy, her brother Chris, and my dad's sister Carla. Carla has never been to visit us in SC before...she's 65 and has honestly never traveled further south than Virginia. How sad is that? So we're excited for her to see something new :) The last time the three of them saw Jadon, he was 4 months old, when we Jamie and I went to WV. Boy are they in store for some changes! And this will be the first time any of them have seen me pregnant. I unpacked my Chrismas maternity PJs last night, just for the occasion :)

Week 30: Stuffed

There for a while, I felt like Macy was not near as active as Jadon was, and her movements just didn't seem as intense. This is no longer the case! Though I do think Jadon moved more frequently and with more intensity at an earlier stage of pregnancy, Macy is quickly coming into her own ;)

I kid you not, my belly is growing rapidly! Though I am not gaining a lot of weight, I am growing in inches for sure! Lately the meals I eat are smaller, and I stay full longer...there just doesn't seem to be much room left in there for anything but baby. And when I do eat, the heartburn can be unbearable at times, much like it was with Jadon. This week I have even gotten heartburn from my toothpaste, from the smell of that God-aweful over-powering smell that leaks out of Abercrombie and Hollister stores at the mall, and from the aromatic scent of those cinnamon pine cones at Target and Michael's. Yes, the heartburn has finally gotten to the point that is was, when I was pregnant with Jadon...two Extra-strenght Tums are not doing the trick :/ Now I have to take at least four at a time :/ I don't think I am supposed to take so many, but it is near-impossible not to. Sometimes I swear my esophageal lining will burn away :/

Aside from what I already know about the "bad" things that come along with pregnancy for me (i.e. heartburn), Jamie and I are getting SOOOO excited to meet our little girl :) Everyday we talk about the wonder of it all...what will she look like? will she be rambunctious like Jadon? will she think her brother is the coolest kid ever or will he annoy her with all of his "vroom vrooms" and "choo choos"? will she sleep through the night sooner than Jadon? (Dear Lord, we hope so!) and will she like to ride in the car, unlike Jadon? (Dear Lord, we pray!)

All in all, we are truly enjoying life right now :) We are all healthy, have amazing family on both sides of the country, get to watch our baby boy blossom and explore the world more and more each day, have a beautiful home, two cars that run, food to eat, an awesome church that feeds us spiritually, great friends who love and care about us...all of this and another miracle on the way! We cannot wait to meet you, Macy Bleu!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." ---1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Week 29: Harder

Macy has clearly grown this week. My belly is much higher and harder than last. If a certain shirt could have hidden the fact that I'm pregnant before, there is NO WAY of concealing it now. Not only has my belly gotten harder, but it has now become harder to sleep comfortably, sit comfortably...well to do most things. If I drop something on the floor, while riding in the car...forget about it! Everything is harder!

So Thanksgiving is coming up this week. I really don't care to have a huge meal with all of the trimmings because, frankly, I don't feel like I have much room in there for anything other than a piece of pumpkin pie with lots of Cool Whip ;) But seriously, all I can think about is getting through the month of December, so I can start really counting down the days, until we get to meet our new little miracle.

Auntie Em is in West Virginia visiting our family there, so it is really just the five of us here in SC, along with my friend Michelle who moved here in June, and she will likely have to work. We're a small brood. All of the work to create a larger family is on me ;) I really do want to have like four or five kids, so our home will be full for holidays. The good news is that Aunt Suzy, Aunt Carla, and Uncle Chris are coming down here for Christmas this year :) It will be the first Christmas in several years, since my mom's side of the family has all been in one place, minus a few, like Uncle Steve in California who has a project at work that won't allow him to make it :(

Both Jamie and I keep saying how weird it feels to not be spending either Thanksgiving or Christmas in California with his equally small family. We have been there for one or the other four out of the last six years. The last time we were there was for Christmas 2006, when I was four months pregnant with Jadon. I can't imagine how or when we'll be able to make the plane ride in the near future with two kids :/ Maybe Macy will travel better than Jadon, and we'll get to make it there next year for Thanksgiving. I also can't really imagine spending Christmas anywhere but out our house, now that we'll have two little ones, and everyone knows that Santa won't be able to find us, if we're not home ;) Seriously though, how could we afford the airline's prices to travel back home with any presents anyway? Maybe both of our families can skip Christmas one year and hop a plane to Hawaii? Ahhh...that sounds fabulous, doesn't it? I'm sure I could technically give Santa directions to Maui...I've heard he's a pretty smart cookie, that Santa Claus ;)

Week 28: Emo Much?

Actually it was last Sunday (during week 27) that I had a fairly big breakdown before church. I can't remember now what caused it, mainly because it was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, but I had decided that I just couldn't go. I was just too emotional. Jadon had a runny nose, so I didn't want to put him in the nursery and expose the other kids to his germs, and I also felt incredibly guilty for "shipping him off" to Gramma for a few hours, while we went. That's how I saw it..."shipping him off."

My mom literally lives three miles away from me, and the church is two miles away from our house in the other direction, so a 10 minute trip max. from the church to her house. For whatever reason, (1) I couldn't stand the thought of abandoning my sick little baby (honestly he wasn't sick at all, just a little runny nose, and clear snot at that!), (2) I felt just too uncomfortable in my skin...okay, my snug clothes to even bother getting dressed, (3) I felt super heavy and didn't even want to expend the energy to shower and get ready anyway, (4) I just knew church was no place for the world's worst wife, mommy, and daughter to be..."I'm a mean, irritable, horrible person right now...God wants nothing to do with me! How could He?"

So I did what any irrational pregnant girl would do, and I called my mom and had an emotional breakdown, nearly causing her to cry at my misery. MISERY? What in the world was wrong with me? She assured me that I was beautiful and that she loves taking care of Jadon, that he is never a bother to her. She reminded me how smart and handsome Jadon is and that Macy is sure to be just as amazing, but I didn't buy it. I mean, she's my mom. She has to say that stuff. But then, as I continued on with my self-pity, boo hooing about how I have "nothing to wear," she said, "Oh, honey, don't cry. It makes makes me sad to hear you cry." Then I heard her start to cry, and I thought, "What in the WORLD is wrong with you? Snap out of it, you lunatic! Now you're making your mom cry. Way to go!" So I had a short out-of-mind/body moment, and I thought to myself, "Now what was I saying all of that for? Why am I so upset?" Gramma and Grandpa picked Jadon up 15 minutes later, and off to church the bouncy pregnant girl went :) CRAAAAZY! COO COO!

So, yeah, that was last week, but I think I've been sort of irritable this week too. I can't think of any specific examples, but they surely had nothing to do with what I was grumbling about (i.e. Jamie leading Jadon to the potty, rather than picking him up, when we both knew he had a turd coming out...I mean, c'mon! Can you walk and hold your poop, when it has already started to come out? I think not!). I've had moments when I've been a sheer mess, but then there have been others of total bliss, like last night, when both Jamie and I were able to see Macy moving around underneath my shirt. She's getting sooo big now! Yes, my favorite part of pregnancy is upon us :) I can't wait to see her butt sticking out of my rib cage :) Sounds delightful, doesn't it? It truly is though :) I LOVE seeing a baby move all around from the outside of my stomach. It's so amazing, and it's then, if not before, that the baby seems like a REAL baby...like a small little human inside of me. WHAT??? So cool!

Although we had a doctor's appointment today, I really don't have a lot of things to say about it :/ Jadon wore his "Mr. Happy" shirt, and for the most part, he was :) Jamie had to take him to the lobby for a few minutes because he thought it was super fun to bang his sippy cup on the glass top table in the waiting area.
***And this is a totally RANDOM side note: I am listening to an apparently new Jeremy Camp song AND I FREAKING LOVE IT! When did this come out??? I listen to KLOVE every, single day...all morning our radio is on the John and Sherry Rivers radio show, and I haven't heard this? I'm inspired. It's like Jeremy Camp with a choir singing backup at the end. LOVE IT! Tiff, Tara, and Janine: we MUST go to a concert soon...like when I'm not pregnant or breastfeeding and Tara is out of med school, and Janine is not living in Africa, and Tiffany is not out vagabonding around. Do you girls know of this new Jeremy Camp? Why have you not shared? Jeremy Camp is bound to be retired, before we all get together again :/

Okay...back to the doctor. Pretty much, in a nutshell, I had a blood test for gestational diabetes...sure it's fine, but will know in a few days if anything is off. Jadon spun in the chair in the exam room. The midwife said we should just make babies and either (1) sell them??? or (2) sign them up as Gap models...little does she know I am in the process (sort of...Gap casting call results are Dec. 8th). Sweet of her to say :) So she then did the belly measurement and held the Doppler thingy on my tummy for like five minutes, while we talked politics (presidential race results and abortion, etc.). All the while, I should have been taping my adorable 17 month old being held by his daddy to my immediate left. They were listening to the heartbeat, Jadon enjoying mommy's shirt being up and seeing the smiley lady hold a thing on it. Jamie was telling him to listen to "Macy" and Jadon smiled from ear to ear. It was the only time he was still the entire visit :) Oh yeah, and Macy did some kicks, which could be heard by way of the doppler device thingy too :)

All in all, a great day. All in all, a great week...emotional roller coasters and all. To top it off, we drove Jadon to the airport to let him see the planes take off for a few minutes. His face said it all, "Why haven't we been here before? I LOVE this place!" I especially enjoyed watching him perched on Daddy's shoulders, as I stood there dreaming of the little life God is knitting together inside of me...I wonder if you'll like airplanes, Macy.

Week 27: Hello, Macy!

Oh my, Macy! Mommy is surely getting ready to meet you! The third trimester immediately brought a growth spurt, apparently for you, and most definitely for your mommy!

Your daddy and I went to a wedding this week, so we finally had a reason to take a few pics, one together at the reception (a lot going on in this background, huh?):

...and a few outside our house, before we left:


We have our next doctor's appointment coming up this Friday. I'll have my glucose test for gestational diabetes this time, and after this we start going to the doctor every two weeks! Already??? The time for us to meet you is quickly approaching, even though there are many days it seems like it is taking forever. Gramma bought you a few new pink and purple dresses at Carters this week :) Your closet is getting full! We'd like to sell our old swing we had for Jadon, and get you a new one. I HAVE to make an effort to get that done this week because I REALLY like this swing a lot:
It's so not necessary for us to buy this, but we were VERY disappointed with Jadon's swing, when he was a tiny baby, and hope we can upgrade to this one for you. We definitely won't, unless we are able to sell the other one for at least $50. We paid $130 for it, but people only want deals on used baby items...guess we'll see if Craigslist can help us out.

Other than that, the only thing we would like to buy, before you arrive is a double stroller, so mommy can start taking you and your big brother for walks, soon after we get you home. This too is not truly necessary, but would be a great convenience for us, since Jadon is still so little and tends to run off quickly...not like he's going to walk alongside me, while I push you in the stroller. Yeah right! Ha! Ah the joys and challenges that will soon come, as I become the mother of TWO!

Oh yeah, and Mommy got a little worried this week about your lack of any real jolting movements. I was looking back through Jadon's pregnancy book and thought, from what I had written, that he seemed to be moving more frequently and with harder, more intense movements than you do at this point. I called the doctor just to be sure about it. The nurse said, as long as I am feeling 10 movements (no matter how intense they are) within a two hour period that you are fine. She said I should start feeling more intense movements in the next few weeks. Funny because I made that call on Friday morning, and that night you kicked me so hard, I could see my belly moving under the blanket that I had on me :) Thanks for the confirmation and reassurance ;)

Mommy's Growing

Jamie and I had a date night this past week. We went to a wedding for a girl who was in the small group I led last year. Can I just say I was a bit envious (mostly excited for her and her new husband) that they were leaving the next morning for a 10 day honeymoon to Hawaii? Ahhhh...how nice would THAT be??? Okay, back to reality! Jamie and I had a WONDERFUL honeymoon five years ago...all-inclusive at the Spa Palace in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. We're at a different place in life right now, but can I just say how ready I am to have two kids who are an appropriate age to travel on a plane (possibly to Hawaii)?

I desperately need to adjust my attitude toward my burgeoning belly! I will get back to my "old self"...one day...but then again, my "old self" won't really be that person any more. I'm going to be a mommy of two :) I'd just prefer our daughter be on the outside of this ever-growing oven:
Thanks to Gramma and Grandpa for watching Jadon ALL DAY, while we enjoyed some time together. They picked him up at 11am, and we didn't get back from the wedding until almost 8pm! It's so funny how life changes. Even though we rarely are without you, Jadon, and you are now 17+ months old, when we are away from you (even when you are sleeping), we miss you desperately. Both Daddy and I both agreed (at least five times) that we wished you could be at the reception with us...especially when we saw other babies there :/ We love you, buddy :)

P.S. I could have done without one of your "firsts" that happened this week though. While we were home by ourselves (no Daddy here), you decided to put your hand in the back of your poopie diaper. Even though you were right in front of me, when you did it, I had NO CLUE what you had just done...until I carried you to the changing table and started changing you, that is. That's when I found the poo all over your hand...and my hand...and your neck??? and your lip...EWWW! Like I said, I could've done without this "first." You could have at least waited for Daddy to be home for this one...geez!

Week 26: Two Down, One to Go!

Tomorrow officially begins my third (and FINAL) trimester! Thank you, Lord! We officially made it through Halloween, and had a great time taking our little monster out for his first trick-or-treating experience. Now we just have to make it through a big turkey dinner, put up some lights and a tree, and do our final countdown to meet our little princess.

Just so you know, Macy, Mommy already has plans for your first Halloween costume! Next year, at this time, we will be going door-to-door with you and your brother in your first of a few duo costumes, that is until you two are old enough to voice your own opinions about such things. I'm hoping we're safe next year for this idea, since you will only be about 10 months old, and Jadon will be a little over 2 1/2...maybe I'm underestimating the thought process and will of a 2 1/2 year old though :/

At any rate, things are going well with you, so it seems. I do worry about things going on inside my belly a bit from time to time...nothing out of the realm of ordinary for any pregnant mommy. Lately I tend to think that Jadon moved a little more than you do, at this point in my pregnancy, but Daddy reassures me I thought that with Jadon. When I go a while without feeling you, I start to pray about your health...that the umbilical cord won't be wrapped around your neck, etc. (bad to say, I know, but I do think it's just normal to think these type of things here and there). And you know that stuff happens all of the time...more than people realize, and I know babies are fine in most of those situations, and that's what doctors are for, but YOU ARE MY BABY and you matter most to me and your daddy :)

Aside from that, the only other thing going on at this point in my pregnancy is that my #1 enemy, heartburn, has returned :/ Ah hearburn...he and I go way back to my pregnancy with your big brother Jadon. Although my syptoms aren't too bad yet, Tums are an everyday necessity now. There really is actual scientific evidence that the hair on a baby's head (in utero) can cause heartburn. So you have lots of hair like Jadon did, huh? Well, hope you are enjoying the Tums in there ;) Honest to goodness, the minute I delivered Jadon, I never had heartburn again...until now that is. Welcome back, heartburn! You only have a few months left to torture me, then I will say goodbye to you again...until my next pregnancy, that is.

Week 25: Double Digits

Ah, yes! Only 99 days to go, until our little girl is expected to greet the world :) You cannot know the excitement it brings me to finally see that the days are down to double digits.

Nothing too exciting to report, as far as little Macy goes (I mean, other than she's moving like crazy, and obviously growing considerably, since I feel as big as a house already). We have spent everyday this week doing much of the same things (1) job hunting for Daddy!!! (2) taking Jadon on some type of outing most everyday (outside to play with his lawn mower, to Books-A-Million to play with Thomas the Train, or to the mall to run around the arcade and ride a few rides), (3) constantly cleaning up toys around the house, doing housework, and decorating for Fall outside...finally, and (4) listening to a sermon online everyday during Jadon's naptime...this week, Andy Stanley's series on "How to Be Rich." It's not what you think, so check it out for yourself here ;)

We've been preparing for Halloween lately too! It's only one week away! (Then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then Macy!!!) There are so many festivities for kids in Myrtle Beach for Halloween. We have a few Fall Festivals to hit this weekend that include costume contests, pre-trick-or-treating, hay rides, etc. Jadon has been practicing his growl in his costume, but you'll have to wait for pics on his blog to find out what he will dress up as.

That's all for now. Gotta go meet Gramma for dinner at the Outback...and the pregnant woman says, "Yummy!" :) Oh yeah, and check out how big this baby is getting!