The Doctors Wife

A Favor

Ok ya'll, I know it's a Friday and many of you are about to shut down your computers for the weekend, but I have a favor to ask. It occurs to me that our sweet little baby #2 is going to be here soon, as in very soon, and while I feel we have definitely tried to prepare Hannah for this major life change- I want to ask all of you mommies if you have any little gems of advice on this topic, or your mom, or your best friend, or whomever... any ideas on anything, (albeit last minute) that we should do to prepare our little Miss for her new brother?

So far we have:

• Talked a ton about our new baby brother (and I actually think she understands as well as she can for her age- 22 months)

• Been in brother's room, talked about the things in his room, looked through the baby clothes, etc.

• Read books about new babies, and becoming a big sister

• We have purchased a new baby doll (it's a boy!) for Hannah to have when brother comes home

• I have been stocking up on crafty projects that I feel will engage her, but also require limited supervision so she has fun big sister things to do while I am busy with the baby.

• I have stocked up on small surprises, treats, etc. to reward her helpfulness, sweet attitude towards brother, or serve as a distraction (or bribe- I can call an apple an apple).

• We also plan on bringing home cupcakes when we bring home the new baby so we can celebrate- and honestly, doesn't cake make everything better?

So any advice? I want this to be a happy time for Hannah and our family so ANY advice is greatly appreciated!!

Sometimes All You Need Is A Swift Kick In The Ribs

I am at that point  you hit in pregnancy when things are just, uncomfortable. This little guy is out of room and I am sore from being kicked and crammed. 

I am also at that point in pregnancy where I am just so ready to hold my baby. I am so ready for him to be here. I have also hit that point (for me) where I am just paranoid. I think most women at this point are worried about their water breaking, going into labor, etc. And while these things cross my mind, I also worry about this sweet little baby. I worry that something could go wrong. I am so highly aware of his movements- and when this little guy takes a break (you know to sleep) I start to get panicky. I know some of you are nodding along, and some of you think this is the most ridiculous  thing ever. I pray a lot- for peace and for the safe delivery of a healthy little boy, but when this little guy is still for too long, I must confess that a  little panic sets in. 

This afternoon I was noticing a period of stillness, and decided to take a bath, because this baby moves around a lot when I am in the tub. But today, no movement in the tub. I got out, had a glass of chocolate milk and waited for some movement. Mike came in and put his hands on my belly and we both almost immediately felt small movements, much to my relief. I cried, because God knows just what we need, and I got it. A nice swift kick in the ribs. So while I know I can complain about being uncomfortable, I'll take the kicking and discomfort. And be thankful that God is good, and he knows just what we need, and when we need it.

Also have you been keeping up with Harper? Go and see how amazing God is!

My Favorite Things... Continued

Yesterday I shared a few of my favorite things from the baby's closet, here are a few of my other favorites:

We got this sweet blanket and little cuddle blanket- they are packed in my hospital bag for the baby.

They both have the sweet elephants and "Little Peanut" embroidered on them. Elephants are my favorite animal- so I just adore these!

Isn't this burp cloth adorable?

I love crosses- I have one in every room in my house! I think this one is so sweet!

So these are a few of my favorite things! Now if I can just wait until this little guy is here!!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things- The Clothing Edition

Is there anything more fun than getting ready for a baby? Even though I consider myself to be well on the girly side- I have had a lot of fun picking out sweet little boy things. And here are a few of my favorite

These are two of my very favorite outfits- the one with the guitar was the first thing I bought for this little guy, and the "handsome man" romper? Oh So Cute!!

And I just adore these little booties! I can't wait for my little man to wear these sweet little things!

And clearly I have a thing for footwear- Hannah had the Trumpet socks, and this little guy has a ton of the boy version! Oh the cuteness!

 

I will share more sweet little boy things tomorrow! 

Ice, Ice, Baby

It is very cold and icy outside. I am still in a hyper nesting mode, and no baby yet. My Mom was supposed to go home Sunday afternoon, but I was a little freaked out about her leaving since we knew we were due for some nasty weather. And it is one thing for my parents to be a couple of hours away, and an entirely different thing if they get iced out where they may not be able to make it here for a few days! So my Mom graciously agreed to stay until Thursday. This makes me a very happy pregnant lady. And Hannah a very happy little girl, and if both of his girls are happy, then Mike is happy too (plus my Mom has been cooking- yum!) So we are going to be stuck at home for a couple of days- but we are all happy and it only feeds into the hyper nesting, so things could definitely be worse! I'm just hoping that this little guy will decide to hang out right where he is for a couple more days- I'd rather not have a dramatic, icy trip to the hospital! Hoping you are all warm and cozy!

So Happy

I am so very glad that my Mom is here. She is just so wonderful and Hannah has such a good time playing with her Grammy, and I swear that even the dogs seem to behave better when she is here. Thank you Mom for being so amazing and always so willing to come and help out! Today we made a quick trip to the mall to exchange a few things for the new baby, and  Hannah needed new shoes. This afternoon my friend Katie and I went to visit another friend who had her baby today. He is just adorable and if holding him and seeing all of those precious little newborns doesn't send me into labor, I don't know what will! I think it is so neat that our boys will be so close in age! We also paid a quick visit to Kelly and her sweet family. Please keep praying for Harper and the other NICU babies.

 I am still in a nesting mode, I had a great night's sleep on Wednesday and am still feeling great from that one night! My big weekend plans include a big trip to the store and a trip to Babies R' Us to exchange some duplicate gifts. I am also hoping to make a few extra meals to stick in the freezer for after the baby. I am just so excited and can barely contain myself, and I am having to direct that energy somewhere! Mike and I had a "date" last night and I almost started crying (perhaps just a wee bit misty eyed) because I am just so darn happy! Our little family is just in such a good place, and I can't wait for our little guy to join in on the action. I think that Hannah is going to be an awesome big sister and I hope that she and her little brother will be good friends. I could go on and on about my excitement, but it's getting late and I need to get my pregnant self in bed! I hope you are all having a great week, and have a wonderful weekend!

 

Because Wet Carpet Is Never Good

What a day! Last night as I was experiencing a burst of nesting, and was obsessively doing some cleaning and organizing I noticed that in the corner of our closet, the carpet was wet. Yes, wet. And the corner that was wet backs up to the wall that backs up to the garage, and more importantly the hot water heater. So we have wet carpet in our brand new house that is not even a year old. And I tried to not flip out, but maybe, perhaps, I did. Mike called the builder and decided that he would stay home today- because the builder suspected that they might have to go into the wall to fix the problem. 

GO INTO THE WALL. AS IN, BUST A HOLE IN THE WALL. And as much as I would like to say that my pregnant hormones are completely under control, alas they are not. I know myself, and knew that trying to watch Hannah, the dogs, monitor a plumber, try to get anything done around the house, and try to get Hannah and myself ready for a baby shower that Mike's colleagues threw for us this afternoon would be too much for me. Oh and did I mention that because of said wet carpet we had to turn off our water? And that I have hardly slept the past three nights because my organs are shoved together and my back has been killing me, so much so that this morning I burst into tears when Mike asked me if I was ok. Yes, I decided it would be too much for me. What can I say? I know my limits. (Honestly, it is the lack of sleep- everything seems so much worse when you are tired) So my sweet-hearted husband stayed home today so I would not bludgeon a plumber to death with a broken pipe lose my mind. The problem turned out to be nothing major, and a very easy fix, I am happy to report that no holes were put in my walls. (nor plumbers bludgeoned to death) Plus I think my parents felt so bad for me when I talked to them last night that my Mom decided to come up this afternoon and stay through the weekend to help out. I think I may have done a little happy dance when I talked to my Mom this morning and she said she was coming up! (they live a few hours away and have been so wonderful about coming up whenever we need help- I practically started crying with relief, after my happy dance) So with my Mom on her way, and no major plumbing issues, the day was taking a definite turn for the better. 

The shower was lovely- we received so many sweet things. I will have to try to get some pictures of some of the adorable baby things that I am just chomping at the bit to use! Hannah had a good time, and especially enjoyed the cake. She sat in Mike's lap and just went to town, making a "mmm" sound with just about every bite. Everyone seemed surprised that we are literally expecting any time now- they commented how I'm not showing enough! Which I think is hilarious because I also have people say things such as "Oh honey, you look like you are about to pop!" Yes, yes I am!

In Case You Were Wondering

Several of you have emailed about the baby's name, and pictures of the baby's room. We have decided on a name (we have known for awhile), but per Mike's request I am not going to post the name until after he is born. Mike feels certain that no-one would have the audacity to say anything negative about the name once the baby is actually here, but due to rude comments in recent weeks is leery that if someone leaves a snarky comment about the name, I will get all fired up. And you know that there is nothing that a husband loves more than a fired up pregnant wife. (and I am fired up a lot lately- thank you corn refiners association with your ridiculous ad campaign that makes me sooo mad every time one of your ridiculous commercials airs. Mike mentioned yesterday that he would love to go one day without me mentioning high fructose corn syrup- but the ads, by the CORN REFINERS ASSOCIATION, they just get under my skin! GAHHHH!) Anyway, back on topic, I will let you know the name once our little guy is here. And you will get to see pictures of the baby's room then as well. (his name is over his crib) 

Prayers for Harper

Please continue to pray for Kelly, her husband Scott, and their precious baby Harper. They are just the sweetest family, and we need to continue to lift them up in prayer. Please stop over at Kelly's blog and leave her a comment- even if there are already hundreds or thousands before you- lets help them to see how many people are praying for their little girl and pulling for them. And all you mommies and daddies out there go and hug your little ones a little tighter, and thank God for the blessings in your life- I know I did.

 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

Please Say a Prayer

Ya'll go and say a prayer for Kelly. And leave her a comment to let her know that you are praying for her, I cannot imagine how she must be feeling right about now, but I believe that the good Lord is watching over her, her family and her precious little girl.