13 Days Left!

This picture was taken last Saturday. No it isn't the most flattering in the world, but hey I was sweaty and tired after putting up the tree all day. I figure I should have some pictures of my ever progressing belly. I was 27 weeks and 4 days here.

Well if you can believe it I only have 13 days until my estimated due date. It is amazing that I am actually nearing the end! It is questionable at this point when Violet will make her grand debut. I realized the other day that Lydia was actually 6 days late! Adelle I think was on time or 1 day early, but that was after they had tried to induce me at 39 weeks without success. I figure that had to help me go into labor on my own when I did. When I got checked out 6 days ago at my doctor's office she said my cervix was still pretty hard and that I was dialated to a 1. I honesltly wasn't expecting much because I was still 2 1/2 weeks out. Violet is head down though, which is good. I do get bouts of contractions that can get pretty uncomfortable and last for a couple of hours, but I find if I lay down or change the way I'm sitting they will stop, which is a sure sign of "false labor".

I did have an interesting thing happen on Sunday. I am pretty sure I lost my mucus plug. Ladies and gentelmen if you don't know what this is, don't try and figure it out. All I can say is gross and really too much information! It may have had something to do with getting an internal exam this last Thursday. It set me thinking "Is she coming soon". Alas, she still isn't here though. Honestly that is okay though. I was hit pretty hard with a cold that my girls have had. I am super congested and I don't even now how I would breath during labor. Day by day, I seem to be getting better though which is encouraging. I really want to be better. I am just praying that Wes doesn't get it.

Violet is still pretty active and enjoys moving about, which can be painful at times because she is getting so big. It is reassuring though to feel her movements and know that she is doing well.

My hospital bag is in my trunk just in case. With Lydia and Adelle I was admitted straight after doctor appointments and I'd rather be prepared. The girls have even packed overnight bags just in case she comes during the night.

Wes and I have decided that we don't want Violet coming in 2010. If we wait until 2010 we will end up paying $450 more (since we will have to restart the deductible on our insurance) and we will miss out on the tax break. I am going to speak to my doctor about an induction date the last week in December just in case I go over. As much as I am really not a fan of induction, the downside is too great. I still have some natural induction methods that I can try though once we get closer to the due date.

I am trying to get things squared away at work and with my church callings so I won't be worried about things while I am on leave. I am planning on taking a full 3 months off, despite my boss' best efforts to have me take off less time. I am really looking foward to the leave and the the opportunity which I will have to spend with my new baby and Lydia and Adelle.

I have decided that pregnancy has been made to be so long and difficult (especially near the end) so as women we won't mind going through all of the pain and stress of labor. When it comes down to it, we really just want to move onto the next stage of our life and enjoy our new little one. I can't wait!! Have I said that already? Well I guess I can wait, but I am eagerly anticipating my baby's arrival!

Deck the Halls!

Last Saturday we decided to set out on a Grand Adventure to find a real Christmas Tree. In years past we have always used an old, fake one that we have. It was Wes' idea to have the fresh tree this year, and I thought "why not". Now we didn't set out into the wilderness like the Griswolds because, let's face it, it isn't very practical for our family. Wes and the girls had checked out a little, local lot down the street the night before, but most of the tress were too big. We have a very compact living room. We decided to check out Lowe's. It took some searching but we were able to find a tree that would just barely fit in our living room. It is super plush too :)

As we were out searching it started to snow, which made the experience all the more fun!

Lowe's was great enough to trim the bottom of the tree and to put it in netting for an easier drive home. The girls were SO EXCITED!

Wes managed to strap the tree to the top of the car and we made our way home in the slippery snow.

Once the tree was in the living room I started putting on the lights. I ended up running out since the tree is so much fuller than our fake one and we all headed out the door to the local Wal-Mart. The drive was a little scary thanks to the snow and the crowds were massive, but we made it back!

After a few glitches with our BRAND NEW lights, we finally got the tree all set up and decorated. Wes kept mumbling "never buy durable goods at Wal-Mart". The girls really enjoyed putting on the ornaments. Wes and I were super exhausted!

Wes still managed to put up the garland.

I managed to get a little bit of garland outside and the wreath, which has quickly become a home to the neighborhood birds.

We can gladly say though, that the house is all decorated! The fresh tree is beautiful and makes the house smell WONDERFUL! Now if only I could find the energy to wrap the girls presents!

Violet's New Room

This weekend Violet's room really came together. Pretty much everything is ready except I am planning on putting some white, vinyl lettering on the pink wall that says "Curiouser and Curiouser". I'm not sure what will happen as far as the teapot lamp either. One of the walls has been painted pink.

Most of the crib bedding is done.

The pictures have been hung.

My little white rabbit has been placed on the dresser next to a white rabbit framed picture.

The dresser is stocked with clean clothes, diapers and wipes.

There are many cute outfits hanging in the closet, a new bouncer seat, and a baby bath tub. I purchased a few things from amazon and I'm just waiting on one more delivery this week. We are pretty much set for my little girl to come. I have even packed my hospital bag. I am 37 weeks tomorrow which is when babies are no longer considered premature. I have been cramping and contracting quite a bit today, but it is hard to say at this point whether it will lead to something real or if it is just my body practicing. It will be great to meet my little girl soon though, whenever she comes, and it is nice to feel prepared to some degree.

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. It was pretty low key and comfortable. On Thanksgiving Day Lydia went with her dad and in the evening Wes, Adelle and I headed over to Wes' parents home. It was good to see them, to hang out and to enjoy wonderful food. Adelle loved seeing her aunt Erica and Wes and I really enjoyed chatting with everyone. I haven't been so great at taking pictures recently, so unfortunately I don't have any.

Sunday we headed over to my parents home to enjoy another Thanksgiving dinner. Lydia was able to join us for that one. The girls loved hanging around the newly decorated Christmas tree. My father has a wonderful Christmas Village that he places around the tree every year. Adelle looked through every window to see what was inside. The girls also loved playing with their young cousin Cedric. There is nothing like spending time with family.

At each gathering we dropped of Christmas present since we won't know how December is going to shape up.

Here are a few of the things I am thankful for.

-My wonderful, loving family; immediate and extended.
-My loving husband who is my best friend and love of my life.
-My two beautiful girls who really are so wonderful most of the time :)
-My little, unborn child that I can't wait to meet.
-A cozy little home to take care of and to have as my own.
-A loving Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.
-Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.
-A wonderful job that allows me to work from home 4 days a week.
-My health and the opportunity to live and learn every day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My Little Baby Shower

This past Saturday my wonderful step-mom and sister threw me a baby shower. They are so generous and wonderful. I love them! We started out with lunch and then after lunch we all sat down and decorated white onesies.

It was so great to see old friends and other women that I have come to love!

The grandmas didn't want to decorate a little onesie, but they enjoyed watching everyone else's creations. I wish we would have gotten some pictures of the finished products!

Julie not only decorated with cute pink ornaments and beads, but also with LOTS of baby clothes! Violet will be stylin' when she's born! My step-mom LOVES to shop! I am looking forward to capturing Violet in some of these amazing outfits!

Everyone got to take home soap from bath and body works. There were a few other prizes as well. There was a drawing for anyone that brought a package of diapers. My good friend Michelle who is due a few days after me won a wonderfully, soft blanket. There were card making kits that were given out to the people who made the best onesies. Lydia and my 12 year old cousin Christina were the judges.

Everyone was super generous and I am so grateful for their gifts. We got one of the most important items that we were needing, a car seat!! I had fun unpacking the gifts once I got home and setting up Violets room a little bit more.

Thank you so much Sarah and Julie for hosting the shower and thank you everyone who came!!! It was fun to be with you, to enjoy your company, and to have a special day for my little Violet!!!

Adelle's Thanksgiving Day Program

Adelle had her Thanksgiving program today. Her class has been learning songs for a while now and memorizing a special Thanksgiving poem. She was super excited, and a little nervous for the program. When Wes and I walked in she was fervently scanning the audience to see if we had arrived yet. When she saw us her face just lit up!

The kids did a really wonderful job and were on their best behaviour. It was a very short program, only about 20 minutes, but we did manage to get some video and pictures of Adelle's special day.

Adelle made these two hats in class. After the program we were excused to go so the Kindergartner's could have their Thanksgiving Feast. Adelle said she enjoyed ham, a roll, carrots and dip, a cupcake, and a cookie. She was offered pumpkin pie, but declined because she's never tasted it before. The funny thing is, that is my nickname for her :) She had a wonderful day and we were glad we could share a little part with her.

Thanksgiving Poem