The Bump

I have to wonder what Colby thinks as he sees my belly growing bigger and bigger. Paisley is old enough to understand what's going on (to the extent that a 4 year old can understand that a human being is living inside my belly and one day will come out to live among us)... but Colby doesn't really acknowledge "the bump" at all. People ask him if he knows where mama's baby is and he points to himself. I ask him if he knows he is about to have a baby sister and he looks at Paisley - probably because she is his big sister and he cannot yet differentiate. 

Out of shear laziness and exhaustion last night - not to mention my husband's absence due to a meeting - I threw both kids and myself into our whirlpool tub for a group bath before bedtime. We were all needing to wash off after being at the pool and this seemed easier than leaning over the tub to wash them one-by-one... seeing as my belly is beginning to make even simple tasks such as these much more complicated. So, as we're sitting there splashing in the tub, singing "Splish, splash I was taking a bath" and making bubble beards on each other's faces... Colby curiously points at my belly with a smile. I look into his big, blue eyes and try to imagine what he could be thinking. 
Does he think I drank too much pool water?
Does he think I am bloated from eating too much dinner (and dessert) the night before?
Does he think I've just put on a few pounds? (okay more than a few)
Or does he think I've always been this way and he's just now noticing it for the first time?

I think the reality is there is nothing but curiosity behind those adorable eyes. I think he just likes how massive my belly appears as it floats between me and him in the tub... or how the bubbles settle on top like whipped cream on a pie. Maybe it makes a nice pillow when we cuddle. I know it makes a good ledge for him to sit on when I'm holding him. (We'll both miss that!)

I truly believe he has NO idea there is a baby inside there.
And what about when I'm cuddling with him at night and the baby gives him a swift kick in the stomach... I mean, this baby can throw a punch or two when she wants to and I know firsthand how strong it feels on the outside. She has even been known to knock the remote control off my belly with her kicks. So what does Colby think when he's quietly snuggling with me and all of the sudden gets a sharp jolt to his gut? Does he think it was me? And doesn't he wonder why all of the sudden my belly is packing punches his way?

Paisley, on the other hand, likes to rub "the bump". She is fascinated with the fact that the baby can hear her voice - she will talk to her many times a day and tell her all of the things she will do for her once she is born. It's really precious. Still, I wonder if she ever thinks about how the baby will get out of my belly. You think she would wonder about that - but luckily she hasn't asked me yet. (That will be some conversation, I'm sure!) Recently, she was concerned about the 3D ultrasound pictures I got because the baby looked so dark in there. She wanted me to turn the light on so the baby could see. Too cute. As a (very young) woman who will hopefully one day experience carrying and delivering a baby herself, I think it's wonderful that she is taking such an interest in all of the details. I want her to embrace her womanhood - especially the miracle of what her body can create and sustain - and to be proud that she has been gifted the right to fully experience it. 

I think "the bump" is a beautiful thing. I can't say I love the feeling of my breasts touching my belly per se... but I think there is nothing more beautiful than the miracle of life. A glowing, pregnant woman is proof positive that no matter what happens in the world, life truly does go on. I am sad when I realize I only have 7 (or so) weeks left pregnant. This is my last pregnancy and I can honestly say I will miss "the bump". In the same way, I am honored that God gave me the chance to experience it firsthand. Women may have to deal with periods, cramps, the pains of labor and menopause... but, in my opinion, we definitely get the best end of the deal. We experience the joy of feeling a miracle grow and move within us... we get to love someone before anyone else on this earth can touch, feel or see them... and we are blessed with a bond that is unbreakable. 

Now, that is a "bumpy" ride worth taking!

Colby's first day of 2 year old preschool

Colby went off to his first day of 2 year old preschool today. It's more a combo of Mothers-Day-Out and preschool but he will be learning, reading, singing and playing so it's all good. I love his teacher - Paisley had her two years ago as well. She is an amazing, loving woman that God has blessed with the gift of teaching and the ability to love toddlers!! Anyway, as sad as I am to see him growing up before my very eyes, I am happy to see how much he loved going to school today. And no matter what - I can rest easy knowing he is in such good hands!

Here's a poem for Colby's first day:
"Whose Child Is This?" by Anonymous

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should"

"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school"

"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."

Preparing for Labor & Delivery

I have been preparing these past few weeks for Labor & Delivery. Granted, I'm still 8 weeks away (more if you consider Paisley and Colby both went WAY past their due dates), but I have decided to devote as much time as I can to preparing for this L & D. This devotion comes mostly from the desire to have an easier birth experience than my last one.

Paisley, my first child, was 10 days overdue when the doctor told me I had to be induced because my water was getting low which was a danger to the baby. I went to the hospital that night, was given a dose of cervadil and woke up early the next morning in active labor. Total labor time was 13 hours which is pretty good for a first baby. She was a small baby, and while it was painful it was definitely manageable pain and I would welcome another L & D experience like this one if given the choice.

Colby, on the other hand, was not so easy to birth. He was 7 days late and perhaps it didn't help that everyone told me time and time again how EASY my second child would be in L & D and that he would just pop right out. I should never have believed them!! I'm sure it's true for most people that each consecutive labor gets easier... but Colby was quite the opposite. Once again, the doctor sent me to the hospital one night to be induced (again low water issues) and they gave me the cervadil which kicked me into labor - this time waking me from sleep in the middle of the night. He was a big baby and descended down while pressing on a bone or nerve that caused me great, great pain with every contraction. This labor lasted 13 hours as well (so much for the quicker 2nd L & D) and I can honestly say I've never felt such excruciating pain as I did that day. I honestly lay there thinking I would adopt my next child - or at least consider an epidural.

So... with this knowledge I am praying for a different outcome, but expecting our 3rd child to arrive late as well and for the doctor to tell me I once again have to be induced. (Sigh!) However, I have been walking an hour each day as well as swimming 25 laps in the pool daily in the attempt to help my body do what it's supposed to these last few weeks to prepare for L & D. I am doing pelvic tilts and squats on a regular basis and I am mentally telling myself that this labor will be easier (isn't there some saying about "mind over matter"?) I am hoping to continue the walking right up to my due date - and come October, if I have to walk 4 hours a day (or even hoe my entire backyard) to get this baby to come on her own... I am prepared to do so. Of course, my first prayer is that she is healthy. My 2nd prayer is that she comes on her own (i.e. no induction). My 3rd prayer is that she is a small baby like Paisley (looking that way so far) and that she comes descends and births easier than Colby did. And my final prayer is that Dr. D (my favorite ObGyn) is on duty to deliver.

I keep telling God that I know this is a tall order, and I should just focus on the healthy baby/ healthy mama angle... but I figure it never hurts to ask. He does care about our every desire!!

Well... I'm off to swim my 25 laps for the day. I sure hope I don't end up with chlorine hair!

Itty Bitty Perceptions (in the eyes of our children)

So... apparently, our children think that Curtis and I do not work. It's actually mostly true for me - I am a stay-at-home mom so I do not go to a conventional job everyday. Curtis, on the other hand, has a great job but his company is between products to sell so he has been blessed with a flexible schedule that has allowed him to spend more time playing than working this summer. The 2 conversations below show Paisley and Colby's perceptions of "work", most likely based on observations over the past few months.

Curtis: "Paisley, would you like to go to work with me one day?"
Paisley: "That's silly, Daddy. Don't you know that girls don't work??"

--------

Colby: "Mama, where's my Daddy?"
Lisa: "He's working."
Colby: ""Is Daddy golfing while working?"
Lisa: "No, Colby. Daddy doesn't play golf for a living... he works at a computer and talks to people on the telephone all day long."

Sorry to disappoint them both. And believe it or not, I never told Paisley that women don't work. I actually have no idea what gave her that idea!

Hope you have a wonderful day today!

Paisley's "Fancy Nancy" birthday party

Better late than never - here is a recap of Paisley's 4th birthday party:

This year for her birthday Paisley decided to do a "Fancy Nancy" themed party. She loves to dress-up and get her nails painted so this seemed very appropriate. I decided to do the invitations myself, and they really turned out cute. Thank goodness she cooperated for a picture.
Each little girl was invited to "dress fancy" and then they were treated to manicures and fun hairdos so they would feel really special. They ended the party with a runway show for all of the parents - it was so adorable. I printed out a Fancy Nancy autograph sheet and they all signed their names to it. I think I'll put it in a scrapbook or frame it for Paisley so she can remember who came to her party.

They had cupcakes and parfait with sprinkles on top for their treats... and drank pink lemonade out of teapots and tea cups.

Party favors consisted of these little tin purses with each little girls name on it - stuffed with a pink and purple boa, a posh pampering set (i.e. nail polish, lip gloss, a file and some purple Q-tips), and some fancy candy.

Here is a picture of all the little girls after the runway show - dressed all fancy. The next picture is of Paisley and her best friend, Kiira (a very fancy girl indeed).

Next is a picture of Paisley with her good friend, Riley; and finally, it was time to hug goodbye.
What a fun party!!

3D Ultrasound - the miracle of technology!

I had a 3D ultrasound of our sweet babygirl today. She reminds me of Colby because she loves to lay her head on my placenta like a pillow - and Colby did that for his 3D ultrasound too. She was sucking on her feet and hands so I think she'll be into paci's too. And these pictures remind me of Paisley and Colby's 3D ultrasound pictures - so maybe she'll look like her older brother and sister. Paisley asked me "Why is she so dark?"... hard to explain ultrasound technology to a 4 year old. I just told her it was dark inside mama's belly. She said we should get some light in there so she isn't afraid of the dark. Cute!

Check out the pics and decide for yourself. The first one below is a close-up of her little foot.

And in this last picture below - one of her hands is beside her face (on the left of the picture) and you can see her little fingers spread out. The other arm is going across her mouth like she's trying to clasp her hands together. So cute!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Paisley!

I'm a little late in writing this (37 days to be exact) but better late than never, right? I try to write a letter to each of my children on their birthday as part of my gift to them. It's my way of sharing who they are and how I feel as I watch them grow each year. So, this letter is in honor of Paisley's fourth birthday.

Dear Paisley,
Happy 4th birthday, sweet pea. I am amazed every day when I think about the fact that I have a 4 year old now. Has it really been that long? It seems so recent that I was holding you for the first time and I can still remember vividly how in love I was with you the first time I laid eyes on you. I can tell you one thing: my love for you has only grown stronger over the years.

I'd like to tell you a little about yourself at age 4:
First of all, you are such a bright light to so many that know you. Your teacher last year told me that if you ever went missing, I could find you at her house. She loved your sweet spirit so much - and so do your Daddy and I. All of the kids in your class were given an award at the end of the year - and your award was "Miss Generous". She said that you are always willing to help others and give a generous word. The other teachers in your preschool hut all know you well because you always had a compliment for them as you'd wait in the carpool line (i.e. "I love your hair today." "Blue looks really pretty on you."). You have made me smile so many times by hugging me and telling me what a pretty smile I have or that you love the way I wear my hair. I hope you never lose that sweetness of spirit.

You are also strong-willed. You march to the beat of your own drum and no one tells you otherwise. No one is going to convince you of something if you don't want to believe it. You are a perfectionist and will throw something away or destroy it in frustration if it is not exactly right or how you pictured it. You love to draw and paint - and Nana and I think you are quite the artist. We may be biased but you really are pretty artistic for your age. You sing all of the time. You love to sing in the car (in fact, we play the same VBS CD every day and you never get tired of it), on the potty, at dinner, while you are playing or drawing, etc. You even make up your own words sometimes.

You are so close to reading - and can actually sound out quite a few words already. It's very cool to watch. I know it's just a matter of time before you are reading books to me (instead of me reading to you). Your favorite books lately are "The Giving Tree", "Once I ate a Pie", "Fancy Nancy" (any of them), and a Usborne collection of children's bible stories we have. You still love to learn and pick up on things so quickly. I hope that is one quality that you do not outgrow.

You take gymnastics, swimming and soccer. I am sure you get your athletic capabilities from your dad! Our hope is not that you are the best but that you love being active because it will keep you healthy and strong all of your life. I'd love for you to take dance lessons one day but we'll wait a little while for that. I don't think you're ready for something so structured. (In fact, when you played soccer last year - it was all I could do to get you to participate... you'd rather do your own thing).

You love to cook with me, Nana and Grandma. And you love to play dress-up: both with your friends and with your dolls. If you are not dressed up like Cinderella or Ariel, then you are in your flannel pajamas (no matter how hot it is outside) with your fuzzy socks on. You crack me up!

Some of the things I love best about you are how you love to hold my hand and cuddle. You ask me to sleep with you every night, and even though I don't... I secretly wish that I could. I love that you watch how I do things and you try to do them exactly the same way. You are very excited to be a big sister again - you knew I was carrying a baby girl from the very beginning and you love to share it with everyone. You rub my belly and talk to her all of the time. You tell everyone that your baby sister will be here in "Octember" (we're working on not merging October and November together). You are already so helpful with Colby. You really love him and play with him well (it wasn't always this way but you have blossomed into a wonderful, loving, protective big sister), I can't wait to see you with your baby sister!!

Paisley, I just love you so much. I want you to know that you make me happy every day when your sweet voice wakes me up. I love our time together when we make your bed, put together a puzzle, or sing and dance. You are a special young lady and I'm so proud that you are mine. I love you with all of my heart, babygirl!
Happy 4th birthday!

From the mouths of babes!

Just a few fun things Paisley has said recently:

1) When you ask her how old she is now, she'll hold up 4 fingers and say "four". After a short pause, she'll hold up all 5 fingers and say "And next year, I'll be a whole hand."

2) My mom (Nana) was telling her a story the other day and Paisley said she wanted the plot to be about them swimming together. Nana said "Paisley we haven't been swimming together very much - I don't have any stories about that" to which Paisley replied "Silly Nana, stories don't have to be real. Don't you know that?"

3) Some friends of ours were visiting us the other day and she was holding her doll, Allison, while talking to them. My friend, Bethany, inquired about Allison.
Is she Paisley's best friend? "Yes, she is." Paisley replied.
Would she be eating lunch with us? "Yes" again.
Would she be going swimming with us after lunch? Another "yes".
And lastly, does she wear sunscreen too? To which Paisley very plainly stated, "No, she doesn't wear sunscreen - she's not real, she's just a doll."
(Duh, Mrs. Bethany - couldn't you tell? haha)

4) Paisley has a skirt that she got for her birthday and she likes to wear it as a strapless dress (see picture below). I keep telling her it's a skirt, but she doesn't seem to care. Today, she put it on and I informed her again that it was a skirt - not a strapless dress. (Might I also add here that it falls down all of the time because she doesn't have the "chest" to hold it up.) Anyway, as I was pointing out to her that it was really a skirt and she shouldn't wear it the way she was wearing it because it didn't fit her - she said, but Mrs. Megan wears it this way. My friend Megan lives near us, but I was racking my brain to remember when she has seen her wear a strapless dress. I feel like it's been weeks and weeks ago. I asked her if she was sure and she said yes... she wears one that goes to her toes and it has a bow on the front just like mine. Suddenly, I remembered that Megan does have a strapless dress that is floor-length that she occasionally wears. I was musing over how good Paisley's memory was when she asked me... "How does Mrs. Megan keep her skirt up? How does she keep it from falling down like mine does?" Hmmm... perhaps that's another discussion for another day.

Update on the baby

Well, we had our follow-up ultrasound this morning and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support along the past 8 weeks. We are praising God right now because all 4 of her cysts have disappeared and she was measuring the correct weight and size for her due date. Also, there did NOT appear to be any abnormalities at all - so as far as we know she is perfectly healthy!! SUCH wonderful news!! We cannot thank you enough for all of your prayers over both our anxiety and her health. We are so excited to know that she has finally been given a clean bill of health (of course, the Dr. reminded me that there are no guarantees but we feel secure with it now). I no longer need to see the high risk Doctor assuming all continues to go well. Yeah! I feel such a huge relief off my shoulders now. And every kick inside of me feels so much better than even yesterday's did.

On a side note, while we were there we did ask them to confirm that she is indeed a girl and they said that they are 99.99% sure she is - so it looks like Paisley and Colby will definitely have a baby sister.

Guess that's all I have to update today.
Have a blessed day!

Freedom is bittersweet

Today, the kids went to visit my parents for 5 days. As liberating as it is to have some time to myself, I still found myself overcome with sadness as I watched them drive away. I'm so used to having them around every day that I don't really know what to do with myself... at least when it comes to days of unlimited free time.

At 28 weeks pregnant, I am feeling the "nesting" urge a little bit so I imagine I'll be knocking out some projects I've been dying to do and hopefully get some exercise in as well. But, as I write this, it still feels like the house is too quiet and peaceful right now, almost eerie in a way. I guess the chaos really does grow on you after a while.

No sense procrastinating... as much as I love blogging, I should go get started on some of my home projects. No time like the present, and besides... before I know it, they will be back here destroying the (currently clean) playroom, wanting me to hold them both as I try to make dinner, demanding my attention while I'm on the phone or computer, and fighting over who gets the blue popsicle.

Ah, life is good!

Lance Armstrong - watch out!

This morning, Curtis took Paisley to get a new bike. She has outgrown her "beginner's bike" and Colby is now riding it (yes, complete with pink and purple paint, a girly basket, a princess bell and some pom-pom fringe on the handlebars!). Don't worry, he'll get a more masculine bike one of these days!

As much as I had hoped she pick another girly one - I could not have been more wrong. Curtis, on the other hand, hoped for a cute red bike... which would have been better than the one she chose, but no, Paisley had her own ideas (surprise, surprise). She decided that she wanted an orange bike that looks like it's meant for mountain trails and dirt biking - not taking your Itty Bitty Twin dolls for a leisurely afternoon ride up and down the street. As much of a TN Vols fan as I am - even the orange paint bothered me. It just looks like a little boys bike - there is nothing feminine about it. But hey, it is her bike and that's the one she chose. What's important is that she's happy and willing to move to a bike with no training wheels - this is a big day in our family.

The most exciting thing is that she actually came home and rode it without training wheels all by herself - several times. It was truly a momentous occasion in our household. Even some of the neighbors came out to cheer her on! Sure, she was tipsy at times and Curtis ran beside her like a good dad to catch her if she fell... but she did it. She balanced on two wheels all by herself. I was so proud of her - she did really great. With a little practice, I imagine she won't even need Curtis along side for backup much longer.

Great job, Paisley!

Gratitude Wednesday

Tonight, as I prepare to lay my head down to sleep, I am so grateful to God for the following 5 things:

1. Cousins - my brother and I were the oldest of all of my cousins by quite a few years, and we lived a good distance away from them as well... so I never knew the luxury of growing up with cousins to play with all of the time and share adventures, stories and friends, etc. like many children get to experience. Well, earlier tonight I sat back at the pool and smiled as I watched my children play with their cousins who live only a few miles away and are literally 1 year apart in age. I feel sure that they will grow up loving each other, going to concerts, having sleepovers, sharing friends, going on family vacations together, learning from one another, and yes, probably even getting into trouble. I thank God that they will get to have those experiences. What a blessing to be so close in age and only a few miles away.

2. Baby kicks - this baby girl inside of me kicks up a storm. I can't say for sure if she is my most active (Colby was quite a kicker in the womb too) but she is definitely in the running. Maybe it's because she's running out of room, but I feel like she does somersaults in my belly all day long! Whew - she may not be tired, but it exhausts me just thinking about it. She actually kicked me so hard last night that the remote control sitting on my belly popped up in the air and fell to the ground. Still, it is reassuring to feel her so much and be reminded that she's always with me!

3. Beautiful morning walks - I get an hour each morning to myself to take a walk and it's been so beautiful outside. It hasn't been too hot and I've really enjoyed my unusually pleasant July morning walks (normally, July in Atlanta is sweltering even by 8 am).

4. Peaches & Cherries - It's that time of year (and it only comes for a few months) where peaches and cherries are at their best. I'm sure my grocery bag boy thinks I'm nuts when he sees the amount of each that I buy each week... but I have to enjoy them while I can! I think I ate 8 peaches and a whole bag of cherries for snack today - that might be a little overkill, but it's healthier than chips, right?

5. My kids & bedtime - I should knock on some wood as I type this, but I feel so blessed that my kids go to bed every night with no fuss. I hear stories of kids who come out of their rooms a million times asking for water, stuffed animals, whatever they can think of, etc. and tonight after I put them both down and it was quiet almost immediately, I thought how lucky I am that they don't do that. They truly go to bed almost immediately and with no problem every night. I don't know if we did something right or if we are just blessed... but for now, I will just enjoy it and hope it stays this way.

Sleep tight everyone and be sure to thank God for at least 5 of your many blessings before you do!

Happy Birthday to Us!

Our family got a new toy in honor of my birthday! Lots of people in our neighborhood have golf carts for going to the pool, tennis courts, dinner at a neighbor's house, etc. It's so fun! Anyway, above is a picture of ours - the kids and I loaded up for the pool as soon as it arrived.

Also this week, we had a low-key family celebration for Paisley's birthday with the ceremonial cupcake in blue icing (her favorite color). Her party is this upcoming weekend so we'll do it bigger then. Besides, she thinks the golf cart is her gift too! :-)

Happy Birthday to us!

Good lab results!

I went to the doctor yesterday (just my regular prenatal check-up). It was time for my glucose screening test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. The nurse just called and all of my results were normal - no diabetes and no anemia. That's good news. I can't imagine having to be on a sugar-free diet while pregnant - that seems so cruel! 

My next appointment is July 24th. I will see both of my doctors that day - the perinatologist will do a follow-up ultrasound to monitor the cysts that the baby has on her brain (and hopefully they will have disappeared or reduced in number), and afterwards my regular OB will do my normal prenatal check-up and discuss my results. 

Then I will start going every 2 weeks for a check-up until 36 weeks when I'll go once a week. Not sure how often I'll continue to see the perinatologist, but I'll know more after the 24th. Between the kids dental/ doctor/ etc. appointments and mine, it feels like I might be living in the doctor's office for the next few months. (sigh)

Third trimester - here I come!

Fun on the Fourth

We had a great Fourth of July! Paisley was in her first parade - they were the Mighty Martians. Daddy went along for moral support.

Colby was too young to be in the clubs so he wasn't able to participate but he loved watching everything from Nana's lap.
 

Hope your fourth was delightful too!