Who Says 13 Is Unlucky??

We are approaching the end of the first quarter of 2009, and in the last month, there have been TWO Friday the 13th's. Why is that important to me? Well, because it was one month ago today that I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. That's right, on Friday, February 13th, God blessed my family with a little boy ....
I'd like to introduce you to Kaiden Isaiah. He was my biggest baby to date, weighing in at a whopping 8lbs 3oz, and 21 inches.
The day didn't start out the best. As you may already know, I was scheduled to go in at 9am for an induction. Well, apparently I wasn't the only one having a baby at that time, and when we arrived at the hospital, we found out that they were full, and we had to go home and wait for a call letting us know that there was a bed available and we should come back. After heading out for some breakfast, some tv watching, a little bit of wii, and a glass of wine, we received the call. Yep, at 4pm we headed back to the hospital in hopes in having the baby before midnight so that my boy wouldn't have to share his birthday with Hallmark.
The induction began around 5pm, and he was born at 10:24pm. He must have heard our prayers. Everything went well and I had another perfect little baby. Today we are celebrating his one month birthday. It's been a great month!
He hasn't had too many outings, but his first one was to one of Sydney's performances. His big sis loves him, and family in Iowa can't wait to meet him. I haven't been posting pictures (obviously), but I will soon.
Hope you're all doing well!

It's a Golden Kind of Day

11 years ago a little miracle came into my life. It happened at 10:32pm on March 11, 1998. She weighed 8lbs 1/2 oz, and she was 20 3/4 inches long. Her name was Sydney Alexis and she was perfect!
Today, Sydney stands 5 feet tall and weighs, well, it's not polite to talk about how much a lady weighs, but I can tell you this.... She is just as perfect today as she was the day she was born.
In 11 short years, she has brought more joy to my life than I could ever ask for, or imagine. She has made me proud with every milestone big or small. I still get tears in my eyes when I watch her perform, or when I see how well she behaves in church, or even when she calls me mommy.
Sydney, I am so blessed that you are my baby girl and I love you so much.
Happy Golden Birthday!!

Down to the Wire

So I went in for my last "appointment" today. Ok, so it wasn't really an appointment, but yet it was. I actually went in for an ultrasound today to get an idea of how big this baby boy is. The ultrasound tech told me that he's evened out a little bit, and he is right around 8 1/2 lbs; give or take. That means that, come Monday, he could be closer to 9 lbs. I think I'm a pretty tough girl, but come on now. That's a lot of lbs!
I asked to see Dr. B before I left so that I could chat with her for a few minutes. I'm so glad I did! My induction was moved from Monday the 16th to Friday the 13th! That's right, we're going in tomorrow morning at 9am, so that's even sooner that I get to meet this little guy!
I have to admit, Rod and I both went into freak mode. I went back to work to make sure everything was taken care of since I won't be back for 12 weeks, and Rod left work, too. He wants everything to be just right.
I have Syd taken care of, and last minute stuff like packing our bags, and I finished up my birth plan. Now the big one..... We still don't have a name chosen. So Rod keeps walking by me asking me if I'm being productive. I think I am, but we need a name now, so I better get to looking!

Ok, This Is For Real

I know, I know.... I had countdown before, but this time it's for real. (If you have no desire to read about what is going on with this pregnancy, just stop here, it's ok. Trust me, I won't be offended.)

I had a great appointment this past week! I go to my appointments alone because normally, nothing exciting happens. I drive to the Dr. from work, I go in and my bp is too high, they make me lay on my left side, they take some blood, and I'm on my merry way. Ok, so maybe there's more to it than that, but still... not exactly exciting.

At one of my last appointments, one of my Dr's had me take a 2nd glucose test and get an ultrasound because there was a 3.5 cm jump in size in one week. Glucose test came back normal, bloodwork came back normal, ultrasound told me something that I've known all along.... I've got a big baby. So this past week when I went in, I was hoping for some news. Anything! When I left for work that morning, Rod and Sydney each had one word for me.... INDUCE.
Well, my tiny, little, magnificent Dr decided that since my "little" guy doesn't seem to be slowing down in the growth category, she thinks it would be a good idea to take him a little early. How early? Only 11 days, but hey, 11 days is still 11 days!
I'm hopeful that he may decide to come even earlier since I'm dilated to 3 cm now. If he wants to stay in the confines of my belly, we'll let him for just a little while longer.

So, every day I wonder.... Could today be the day? Today has been no exception. Either way, what I know is that I have no more than 9 days left! Whether he decides to bless us with his presence tomorrow, or 9 days from now, our household has been busy with last minute things to get ready. I think we're all doing pretty good. Rod and Sydney have both been amazing! I'm so lucky. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we wait and approach this next exciting chapter in our lives.

My, How Time Flies

It was 16 years ago today....

My life was blessed with a baby girl. She weighed 8 lbs 1/2 oz and she was beautiful, just as she is today. Initially I thought she was going to come early, but she proved to be strong (and stubborn), again, not at all unlike what she is today. She gives me many things to be thankful for and many happy memories to look back on. Even though she is not here with me, I hope and dream for her. I hope that life is being good to her while we are apart, and I dream that she achieves everything that she strives for. Happy Birthday Daryn! 

3...2...1...

Ok, I admit it, the countdown has officially begun!
I kept telling people (myself included) that I wouldn't mind being pregnant until June. That is now a lie. I have admittedly been going through a pretty selfish time. I sleep when I want. I can be alone and not feel guilty. Syd is old enough to be so independent that it makes me sad sometimes. That being said, selfish me hasn't been ready to give up that "freedom".
Well, I'm ready now. Sleeping when I want has meant tossing and turning for hours at a time trying to find that comfortable position. You know the one. The position that lets you dream deep. Alone time has been..... well, there really hasn't been any alone time per se. But that's ok. Syd can be independent all she wants. What she has definitely been most recently is a huge help with things that I have trouble with. She really is a sweet angel to me.
Anyway, I think I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore. Both emotionally and physically. Honestly, I think I'm about 2-3 weeks out right now, but I'm now counting days, and have considered figuring out hours, as well. Not only am I looking forward to the day that I can sleep with a certain level of comfort, but I'm really looking forward to this little guy that has been nudging and rolling and kicking and hiccuping in the confines of my belly. I can tell already that he has quite the personality. Maybe I'll be able to talk the doc into letting me choose my date when I see her in the morning. Wish me luck, as I continue counting down.

If You're The Praying Kind....

Yesterday, we received tragic news that Sydney's teacher passed away. Unfortunately it was an untimely death not due to old age, but as a result of what we hear was a murder. It was a shock to us all and needless to say, it's a very emotional time for everyone that knew her.
Please keep Sydney, her classmates and parents, her school, her teacher's family, and of course her teacher in your thoughts and prayers as everyone goes through this difficult time.
I hope that none of you ever has to go through what this community is going through right now. Even though there is grief and sadness, we rest assured knowing that she is in heaven with Our Heavenly Father.
God bless you and keep you safe and happy Mrs V!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eym833fy8Uc