40 Weeks, 4 days

We went to our final prenatal appointment today.  Below is the summary.

• BP:  112/64 high for me
• Fetal Heart Rate:  124
• Fundal Height:  No significant changes
• Progress:  No progress since last appointment
• Next Steps:  Midwife stripped my membranes, not painful for me--guess I am lucky.  That may or may not help move labor along, but we are hopeful it will.  I have felt only slightly different since then but that could be the placebo effect at work :)  The midwife also feels like it will not take a whole lot of help to get this baby going if we do get induced.
• INDUCTION DAY:  Induction is set for Thursday, October 27 at 6 AM.  This is the LAST day they would let us go :)

Whether Manna is induced Thursday or comes on his.own----we get to meet Manna THIS WEEK!!!  We cannot wait to meet Manna, name Manna, know Manna's gender see Addison as a big sister, swaddle up Manna and be a family of four!!!  I cannot believe the pregnancy is almost over...sniff, sniff.  I will miss being pregnant :)

We appreciate your prayers this week and particularly on Thursday.  We will post an update here and plan to send an announcement email, but I am CERTAIN we will inadvertently leave someone off.

It's D-Day!

Well today is D-day and I have a feeling Manna is in no hurry! Below are the comparison profile shots (40 weeks and 41 weeks); I think the tummy size is pretty similar but Manna looks lower to me!

I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET OUR LIL MANNA!!!!!

40 weeks with Manna

41 Weeks with our Blessing Addison

18 Month Routine, Pre Manna

Since about May or June we followed the same general routine for Addison and that was the first time I put it on paper. So the last routine was geared for about 12-18 months. I loved having it on paper because it helped me problem solve when things were chaos, helped me accomplish a lot more of our goals (blanket time, errands, etc.). I blogged about it (New Routine, The Wise Series Way) and gave ALLLL this disclaimers about still being flexible and such. What's interesting is I have actually felt MORE free since we put the routine on paper! So it made sense why I have felt so chaotic since we dropped the morning nap in late September---I had no revised routine!!!

Below is the new Addison norm beginning about 18 months. This will change soon based on how we integrate Manna into the routine. Most of the components of Addison's day will stay the same, the timing will just be altered to allow me time to nurse or nap the new baby. Sibling time will be added soon too, YAY!!!

39 Week Doctor Appointment

Quick update from the doctor visit today....

• Progress: 3 cm dilated; 50-60% effaced still. Head down and in pelvis but not applied at. My babies like to just sit in my pelvis.
• Reviewed results of ultrasound last week: Doctor agreed my due date was probably off a week but that does not change anything this late in the game. Just means this one probably wont be as big as Addison. I HATE that they did not explain the entire report to me...they only focus on the size!!!! My friend Tonya went over it with me and helped me see that there is some great news in there, which distracts me from the size GUESSES. Manna scored an 8 out of 8 on the Biophysical Profile, the fluid levels were great and Manna had fluid in his/her stomach and bladder! YAY!!
• BP: 110/60
• Fetal Heart Rate: 130's. Took forever to find it; Manna did not cooperate.
• Fundal Height: Little to no change. The last few doctors believe this is just how I carry my babies at the end. They just sit in my pelvis, but do not fully engage which makes it difficult to obtain accurate fundal height and u/s measurements.
• Next Steps: My final appointment is Monday October 24. Assuming we do not have Manna between now and then that is the day we will set an induction. They will still only allow me to go 7 days late so it will more than likely take place on 26th or 27th. We shall see. However we are still hoping to go into labor naturally!!

Manna Pictures

My sweet friend Sheila took maternity pictures of Manna with Addison recently. She is a wonderful photographer and was looking to expand her portfolio into maternity photos, so I was VERY happy to help her with that. Although I do not LOVE the look on my face in many of the pictures (I was too busy watching Addison be silly) they turned out great. We particularly LOVE the ones with Addison :)

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

WARNING...now starts a few bare belly pictures......

Halloween Cake

Matthew got a random itch for some cake a few nights ago so we made chocolate cake from a box and then homemade vanilla butter cream frosting. The touches to make it halloween were quite last minute.

She sure is Mommy's helper lately!

Whoops, she got batter on her fingers :)

Every kid needs raw dough or batter eventually right??

The final product

In the words of my Little Tummy Yummy blog...YUMMY IN THE TUMMY

39 Week, 1 Day Ultrasound

Preliminary findings indicate the due date may be off by a week; in other words I am 39 weeks but the tech feels like this is probably a 38 week baby despite the estimated fetal weight of approximately 7.5 lbs. We have suspected this all along, but they do not change due dates if they are only off by a week or a week and a half. Unlike the 35 week ultrasound, Manna was very cooperative and actually has been really calm all day today.

What does this mean? Lots of "unofficial" (not official until the doctor complies his/her report) good things....

1. Estimated weight is 7.5 lbs, but (according to my doctors) this does not measure any body fat.
2. They will probably allow me to go up to 7 days late. That doesn't sound like good news to most people, but it IS good news when you REALLY want to go into labor on your own and naturally
3. Baby Manna is still the perfect size
4. No abnormalities
5. Head down and low low
6. Manna has lots of fluid still (not like big sister)

All in all I think it was all very positive. We will return to the doctor Tuesday (2 days before d-day) for our weekly check up; we are hoping they are supportive (and feel its safe) for us to allow Manna some time to come on his/her own. I think I am destine for an induction or something to help start my labor, but you never know.

Matthew and I tend to take the estimated weights with a grain of salt because they can be up to 25% off in either direction. Only the Lord knows whats going on with Manna and I have to remind myself constantly that HE is in control of timing and size and everything else.

Happy 39 Weeks

Just a profile picture update below; hard to compare the pictures because I am so silly in the one with Addison. Looking forward to our ultrasound tomorrow!!

39 weeks with Manna

Looks lower than last week, just a tiny bit

39 weeks with our Blessing Addison

Date-Palooza

Since we are nearing the arrival of Manna (6 days from today to be exact) Matthew and I have been trying to spend some time alone lately. With all the other things going on, our pre-Manna date somehow got shoved near the verrry end of this pregnancy so we ended up with a datepalooza if you will.

Southern Miss vs. Navy

On Saturday October 8 we attended the Southern Miss vs. Navy football game in Annapolis, MD. Not only did Southern Miss dominate, we were able to spend time with some local friends AND some friends who we attended Southern Miss with. Our friends Sheila and John Henri watched Addison almost ALL day while we attended the game, we are so thankful for how they love our Addison.

Our local friends Kim and Kevin hosted the most awesome tailgating ever. Chef Kevin and his trusty full sized gas grill cooked up some delicious bratwursts, chicken and burgers. It was not JUST a meat fest; there was chips and dip, brownies, veggies, pinwheels, shrimp and I am sure more that I am forgetting.

The game started off H-O-T but by the second half it was perfect. We enjoyed seeing some familiar faces, smelling victory and spending some time alone. It was a blast.

The group

Katie and Jason Townsend, Kevin and Kim Manuel, Matthew and Kelly (and Manna) Grant

(from left to right)

Jason being silly.

My love!

Starring Manna as the Cup holder; being pregnant has its advantages

CFA Grilled Chicken Sandwich on the way home = GLORIOUS!

Caps vs. Tampa Bay

Apparently we like going to see live sports because the following Monday (10/10) we attended a Caps hockey game with our friends Kenneth and Amber Peacock. They recently had their third child (and third girl) so this was a well deserved night out for them too!! We were also blessed to have our neighbor watch Addison; her daughter is Addison's BFF so it was a very big treat for Addison to spend the evening with them.

Before the game, we ate dinner at Bar Louie where everyone but Matthew enjoyed a delicious hamburger. Either I was starving of that was one good burger....or I was 9 months pregnant :) Matthew loved the shrimp po boy he got too! Bar Louie was just outside the Verizon Center so a couple minutes before the game we headed over there to find our nose bleed seats. Although the seats were high up, we loved them because you can see the entire rink.

It was a very exciting game which ended in the Caps pulling out the win after overtime and then a shoot out!!!

Datepalooza was fun!! I love spending time with Matthew especially now a days with one baby and one on the way!

Opening of the game

We seriously are so weird.

Excited face!

38 Weeks, 3 Days

No picture this week, just wanted to update about the doctor's appointment today. Matthew and Addison came with me today since today is a federal holiday; it was nice to have him there to talk to while we waited!

I saw a doctor again today vs. a midwife, they always seem a little more anxious to get me into delivery than the midwives. Concerns still remain that this one could end up large despite my 35 week ultrasound indicating that its "average". AND we did end up with an exam today.

Summary:

• Heartbeat: 140's again, man this baby is trying to make it hard for us to speculate gender
• BP: 102/70, YAY!!! Although, I can't wait to get back to my normal BP of 90's/60's :)
• Fundal Height: No change/slightly smaller again. Apparently it's normal for this to be steady/decline towards then end as the baby descends.
• Position: Head down, very low but not fully engaged.
• Progress: "A good 1 cm dilated" to use the doctor's words and 60% effaced; translation: HARDLY ANYTHING SINCE 36 WEEKS. As with Addison I seem to get "stuck" around this point; with Addison I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced from week 36 until I was induced 11 days post due date.
• Movements/Contractions: I think I have been having braxton hicks contractions fairly regularly, however I don't know if I had any with Addison so I cannot be 100% certain that's what I am feeling. Manna is still a mover, much more than big sister Addison was.
• Next Steps: Ultrasound schedule for Friday afternoon to check on size again. The doctors are not convinced the baby will be average despite my 35 week ultrasound saying it was. They think it will still end up relatively large, especially if I go to the due date or beyond. At this point, babies are just packing on the pounds. Induction discussions already started, the doctor asked if I would be willing to consider inducing next week; we declined pending the ultrasound findings. She also asked if she could "strip my membranes" today, which we also declined pending the ultrasound findings. We declined because she said the baby is healthy, I am healthy and there is NOT an emergency situation. We will re-evaluate on Tuesday at my next appointment. We would like to get to the due date before intervening at all and the doctor thought that was perfectly fine. They just want me to have an "easier labor" this time (Addison was 36+ hours and 4 hours pushing) but we would like to allow Manna time to come on his/her's own time IF possible. We know that a post due date induction is highly likely, but since we are opting for no pain meds again, we would like it to be as natural yet as safe as possible.

Only 10 days to due date, hard to believe we are already here!! We cannot wait to add Manna to our family, although it already seems like he/she is. Please continue to pray for Manna's healthy arrival as well as our family as we prepare for the new arrival (emotionally, spiritually, financial, etc.).

13 DAYS!!!

Only 13 days until Manna is due...its really starting to set in how soon Manna will join our family! AND we will know the gender soon!!!!! I love the labor and delivery process so much, but I look most forward to hearing my wonderful husband tell me "ITS A GIRL" or "ITS A BOY" with excitement, joy and surprise in his voice; nothing is sweeter.

38 Weeks with Manna; check out my HALLOWEEN socks :)

38 weeks with Blessing/Addison

Comparing Bellies: All of a sudden, the way Manna used to spread all the way up and down my tummy seems to have changed a bit. Seems like Manna is poking way out and low whereas with Addison I was still high and spread out. Oh how I love being pregnant!!!

Doctor Appointment Summary (37 weeks 5 day):

• BP: 105/70
• Heartbeat: 140's..hmmm...girl??
• Measurement: Same as last week, 36. Doctor explained measurement can hold steady for a week or two when the baby begins to drop.
• Position: Head down, dropped slightly but not full engaged. No internal exam.
• Overall: Saw a doctor again this time; he said everything is looking good and he, like EVERYONE ELSE AT THE PRACTICE since my 35 wk ultrasound has all but done a jig that this one MIGHT be smaller than Addison. Ug, I admit--this is getting on my nerves. He thinks maybe I didnt gain as much weight this time around (i find that hard to believe) but he says he can tell I am in very good shape. I asked if my rigorous and regular exercise (up until this week) could have caused a smaller baby and he said absolutely not. Oh well, what can you do? It is nice that they keep reassuring me I have done nothing wrong IF this baby is smaller. I do not know why, but I have it stuck in my head that a BIG BABY = a healthy baby. And when I say big I mean 9 pounds. I KNOW this is not true. Matthew reminds me....trust God, I have done everything I can!
• Next Appointment: Monday October 10; 38 weeks 4 days. No internal exam planned, yay!

How am I feeling?

I do NOT feel over 38 weeks pregnant at all! I have been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions and a few regular ones too. I am staying busy and loving all the movements---even the ones that hurt! Manna is a mover, especially at night when we have put Addison to bed; it's as if Manna knows that is when he/she can get attention! I still hope that Manna stays put until due date or even a few days late. I think thats what made Addison put the chunk on :) I will miss being pregnant even though it will be nice to get my body almost back and end this acid reflux. I cannot wait to start running again and doing sit ups---that's sick right?

Matthew and I say everyday how anxious we are to meet Manna. The experience is totally different the second time around, we know what to expect and we are so much more confident about being parents than with Addison (remember, Matthew and I had only been married about 2 months when we got pregnant with her by surprise). We look forward to seeing the two little ones interact too.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for continued safety of Manna
• Praise him for protecting Manna and I for the last 9 months
• Pray for a safe delivery
• Pray for HIS timing and method of delivery
• Pray for Addison's adjustment
• Pray for Matthew and I as we prepare and as we continue to try to parent as God leads
• Pray for all the other new mommies and mommies to be for health and safety too; we know so many people who recently had babies or are expecting; Pray they seek God as they parent

Addison Joy is 18 Months

Happy 18 months to Addison Joy!

Addison surely is the joy of our lives, especially lately; I find us laughing constantly at our crazy little family. It has been a long time since I have done an update on Addison, so I thought 18 months would be a good time to do it! The bear will be a once a year thing from now on...expect for Manna!!!!!

18 Month Doctor Visit Summary:

• Height: 33.5-33.75 inches; 91%
• Weight: 25.5 lbs; 61%
• Head: 91% (dont remember exact measurement)
• Autism: I was pleased that my doctor conducts formal autism screening as early as possible--18 months. Although we had no concerns about autism, I am glad that it was medically backed up she does not demonstrate any autism red flags.
• Diaper Rash: Addison happen to have a wicked diaper rash when we were already scheduled to go for her well baby visit. The doctor recommended a concoction of desitin, lamisil and neosporin; WOW within two diaper changes it was almost completely gone!!!
• Shots: Three shots including a flu shot. Now everyone has gotten a flu shot now, so hopefully we won't bring the flu home to little Manna this flue season.
• Overall: The doctor was pleased with her verbal ability, mobility, growth and ability to understand/interact. It was a GREAT doctor's visit!!

Other Updates:

• General Disposition: As with any toddler, we have our tantrum moments, but overall Addison is still a generally easy going and happy kid.
• Verbal: Blown away. That describes us every day when we listen to Addison talk. She can say any word you say, she repeats everything and REMEMBERS everything. I think the biggest change over the past month has been verb usage and sentences. Addison has started to learn verb tenses (-ing, -ed, etc.) and tries to use them. This also means that she builds more complex sentences "Piper is running", "Piper barked". She uses articles a lot too, so strange how they figure all this stuff out. I still love that she always says "I see the moon" every time its out! The moment her eyes open in the morning or from a nap she is talking and narrating everything going on.
• General Learning: I could not be more proud of all the things Addison has been learning and refining. She can identify (out of order) all but a couple letters of the alphabet, she can identify 7 basic shapes (square, triangle, circle, star, heart, moon), can identify SOME colors, knows her name and age, her body parts and articles of clothing! We are working colors, left/right and counting a lot now.
• Time Concept: Only recently, Addison has been trying to figure out yesterday, today, tomorrow, later, now, etc. Occasionally, she remembers (and understands) what we did yesterday or that I said we would do something later when it is actually later. Its neat.
• Independence: Addison seems to need the boundaries that her independent play time offers. We generally have 25-40 minutes of play pen time daily (length depends on what else we have going on that day) and 20 minutes of blanket time every other day. Blanket time is still a work in progress; we are up to about 95% compliance.
• School: LOVES SCHOOL! She cannot get away from me fast enough when I drop her off. She talks about Mrs. Sandy and what she did that day the whole way home. Naming off all her classmates is a favorite as well. I am pleased with how school has already seemed to help her with socialization and separation anxiety. The consistency of school 2 days a week will be key to her adjustment to Manna's arrival.
• Mealtime: For those of you who know me or read my blog, I have never loved mealtimes. I love cooking, but I do not enjoy the inevitable discipline opportunities or the also inevitable battle of wills. I am learning that variety is key these days. Addison is a great eater and even better when she has several different things to eat. She is showing preferences with her foods, but she FINALLY understands that she is expected to try a little of everything she is served and there is no alternative meal if she does not like something. However, if we serve her a radically new food I do not expect be in love at first bite. I expect her to try it and if after trying she does not like it---THEN I will give an alternative because its new! She LOVES to try anything we eat, even though its always the same thing she is eating!!!

Her Favorites:

• Color: Green and Purple
• Food: Bananas, Grapes, Cheese, Broccoli, Noodles of any kind, cupcakes, crackers
• Words/Phrases: "I see the moon", "Hi , "Tickle please", "Read the book", "Night night" (lays down then quickly pops up) Wake up", "Daddy at work"
• Activities: Coloring, finger painting, puzzles, playing with Piper, playing with her friend Elle (a year older than her) hinny time (when she runs around her room naked after her evening bath), giving hugs and kisses to things---even things that are not alive (a chair, a tree, lol)
• Toy: Babies
• Place to Go: Chick-Fil-A or the playground

My how we are blessed with a delightful little girl. I look forward to seeing her as a big sister very soon. Children sure can bring you frustration, but...the joys, smiles and laughter erase those before you even have time to let it get you down. This age is magical to me.

Kissing the measurement bear...she has not seen him in a while!

October 2011

Hugging the bear...sweet girl

October 2011

Trying to hug Piper; Piper is such a good sport these days

October 2011

Addison Said: "Nose Piper. Touch Piper Nose" as we took this picture

October 2011

Carousel at the National Mall where we watched Matthew play a pick up game of ultimate.

September 2011

Cheesing it up on webcam for Mia and Piper as we did a fashion show of all her consignment clothes we bought for the winter.

September 2011

She loves cupcakes

August 2011

First time finger painting

August 2011

SMOOTHIE TIME!!! She grins with delight every time she hears the bullet making her and Matthew a smoothie (its plain all natural yogurt blended with fruit with a dash of vanilla, nutritious and delicious)

August 2011