Waiting. . .

Well, I had my membranes stripped yesterday (ow!) and I was really hoping that would send me into labor last night or today, but so far nothing new is happening. I'm having my usual contractions. People keep telling me that today would be a great day since it's leap day, she would have a unique birthday. Ryan thinks that might be a good idea then he could tell her she could date on her 16th birthday (she'd be 64!).
If nothing starts happening with our little Anna banana, then we have a fun evening planned (not that labor wouldn't make for a fun evening). We are going to our good friends Book Signing party! I have written before about their other book, Gid the Kid. Tonight, they are signing the second in the Heroes of Promise Series, Ten Gallon Sam. We have already bought the book and Rylie loves it! She also loves that they signed it for her, she always shows me where it says her name! Everyone should check it out on Amazon or other book retailers, or on their website!
After that, we are planning on going to a Wii party! Maybe that will get labor going! At the very least, I should prove quite amusing for my friends as I try to bowl, etc with my rotund shape!
I also can cross one more book off of my list, The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis. He is one of my favorite authors. I will work up a review of this book as well.
Hopefully the next post will be the announcement of our baby girl!

Aren't these the cutest shoes ever?! (Thanks Kristin!)

Wordless Wednesday (the sign I made for Anna)

A New Baby. . .

but not ours! Congratulations to my pregnancy buddy, Becky and Noah (and big sis Lindsey)! Haley was born today at 12:59 pm. She is 5 lbs, 6 ozs and 18 1/2 inches long. We went and saw her at the hospital tonight and she is absolutely beautiful!

When Manna Isn't Enough

In my Bible reading, I was in Numbers 11 and came across the Israelites whining in the wilderness. If you remember the story, God had been graciously providing them with Manna for their daily sustenance, but they started complaining. God had provided for them in a miraculous way and still they complained and wanted something different. How like us this is! God always provides for us in a myriad of ways in life, but we want something different, depending on the craving of the moment. It is a wonder that God remains patient with us! When we are wanting something different than what God has provided we are lacking in contentment and gratitude. These are two of the hardest things to obtain, but they are the things that will really make us happy/joyful. I need to learn to be content and grateful for what God has provided and stop thinking that my cravings are more important than what He has provided. I am thankful that He is so patient with me!

Cross One More Off The List

I finished book two in my reading challenge, now only eight to go by the end of the year! This one was, "The Inheritance" by Louisa May Alcott (the author of "Little Women"). It was her first novel she had ever written, at age 17. It had gone unpublished until some researchers found it in her family archives. I will write a review of it later, but for now, it's crossed off!

Progress!

My doctor gave me some hope today! He said I am now dilated to a TWO!!! I know that's not a ton, but after weeks of painful contractions with no dilatation, a two is wonderful progress! He also had me on the monitor for a non stress test and her heart was doing great and not in any distress. He did another ultrasound and my fluid levels remain the same as last week, in the high normal range. We were able to get a glimpse of her adorable face and the top of her head. Ryan thought maybe he saw hair! (When I had my last ultrasound with Rylie they were able to see hair on the ultrasound and she was born with a ton of it!) I have another doctor's appointment on Thursday, when he is going to strip my membranes (moving the bag of waters off the cervix). Usually people go into labor within two days of having that done! He said we would also discuss induction at that time. Things are progressing and we might have a baby this weekend! My sister-in-law, Pam, is very excited because she's been predicting the whole time that Anna will be a leap year baby, and now there is a real chance that may happen.
After my exam today (in which he tried to push her head down some), I started having stronger contractions, so Ryan and I went and walked a mile to try to get her lower. I'm not sure if it worked but I'm still having some contractions. If nothing else, then we're getting good exercise!

One Book Down, Nine To Go!

Last month, I posted about a book reading challenge that I had joined. The challenge is to read 10 books in 2008. I have completed one of the books on my list, Amish Grace. I should have finished it awhile ago, but it's been hard to concentrate on reading lately. I'll write a review of it later, but for now, I am happy to cross one off my list!

At Home

I figured I'd better post since I didn't go to church today. I'm not at the hospital, I'm home. I had a miserable night, my body is just hurting so much, so my wonderful Ryan stayed home this morning so I could sleep. When he got Rylie up, he discovered that she is sick with a cold, so it was good for her to stay home and rest too. Right now, we're curled up on the couch together watching Diego! We knew her throat hurt when she actually stopped talking for a little while! We love to hear her, but sometimes it's nice to have a little quiet too! I'm debating if I want to just rest today and let my body try to relax, or if I should do a bunch of housework and try to bring on more contractions. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions!

Pregnancy Buddies!

Still no baby! I am having contractions (what's new?!) and her bassinet is now set up in our bedroom! Thank you to my friend Apryl who sent me these pictures of her, Keren and I when she was in town visiting a couple of weeks ago!

Who's In Control?

The other day, Ryan and I had gotten to my doctor's appointment a little bit early (if you know me, you know that I am a freak about not getting to the doctor's late!) I was feeling anxious and impatient. I was wanting to know exactly when Anna will be born and all of the circumstances that will surround it. Of course I don't know that, and neither does my doctor. As I was sitting in the car anxiously drumming my fingers on the dashboard, Ryan suggested I read a book as he was doing. I gave him some snide remark about being to anxious to read and all I had was my book from Sunday School anyway. I realized though that my sighs were starting to drive him batty, so I picked up my book. The first thing I read really convicted me. It was like the Lord was speaking right to me in that moment. I'll share some of it with you (from the book War of Words, by Paul Tripp).
"There is no situation we will ever encounter that is not ruled by Christ. Our lives are not out of control. Christ carefully administers them for our benefit and his glory. . . Christ right now, at this moment, is ruling all things for our particular benefit as his children. I may not always see his hand and I won't always recognize the good he is doing, but he is active and ruling all the same."

Mall Walking

Ryan and I walked four miles today! I'm not sure if it accomplished anything or not, but I really enjoyed spending the time with my husband. As we were eating lunch at a 50's Diner, we both realized that it might be the last time we had some alone time. We decided to count it as a date, we even held hands! I'm having some contractions now, but it doesn't look like it will happen tonight. I'm praying that my water will break so we will have a clear sign and they won't send me home from the hospital! I think Anna's enjoying the bean burrito I just ate, she's moving like crazy!

One Late Night

Most of you have probably allready ready Ryan's post and know all about our late night last night. For those of you who didn't hear, here is the rundown. We had our first night of our Mission's Conference last night. As I sat there, I kept having more and more pain with my contractions. Usually, I like to be around people when I'm having pain because they distract me and I get strength from other people, but last night when I found Ryan I told him we needed to go because I was hurting so badly. As we were driving home Ryan said maybe we should start timing them. During the half hour car ride home, they were coming every 4-5 minutes, so we decided to grab our bags and go to my parent's house (we live 45 min. away from the hospital and my parents only live about 10 min. away from the hospital.) When we were at my parent's house, my contractions kept getting stronger and more painful and continued to be 5 minutes apart regularily. Everything we've read says to go to the hospital when that happens for over an hour. We wanted to be sure, so we waited for three hours before we went to the hospital. When they didn't show any signs of slowing down we decided to go. We weren't sure if we should go to the ER or to the Maternity Ward, so after some confusion the triage nurse took us up to OB. They hooked me up to the monitor and the contractions continued to get more intense. Then they measured me and I was dilated to a one. I was disapointed that it wasn't more, but also somewhat relieved that at least I was dilated! Then, for some reason, my contractions just slowed down and eventually stopped. So at 2:00 AM, we headed home. It took me awhile to fall asleep, needless to say, I'm very tired right now!

I had a doctor's appointment this morning. They just hooked Anna up the monitor, he didn't check me or anything. Rylie and my Mom came with me and Rylie was so excited to hear her sister's heartbeat!

Today I've just been having small contractions on and off. Tomorow, we're going to go walk around the mall to see if that does anything!

Me And My Girl!

When I opened up my blog yesterday, Rylie saw her pictures and said, "Look, it's my blog!" I told her it was actually my blog and she said, "Well, it can be yours and mine". It's so nice of her to share with me!
(Sidenote: I had contractions on and off all day yesterday and several all through the night last night. I've been having more today, not as frequently, but more painful ones. They could be not doing anything like the ones in the past, but I'm thinking optimistacally since I'm 38 weeks now! My darling husband stayed home with me today just in case. He has been doing a great job of taking care of Rylie so I can rest since I was up most of the night with the contractions. He also bought me some treats to make me feel better! Thanks honey!)

It felt like Spring!

It was such a beautiful day today! We even ate ice cream outside (an "ice cream pic-a-nic on ice cream day" as Rylie said).
My appointment went well, other than the fact that it will take dynamite to open up my cervix! I have been having painful contractions every night this week (including right now), but they have not done a thing! On a positive note, when he checked my cervix, I felt him push Anna's head and she did too, she moved right away. That means that her head is lower, so that is a good sign. He did the Non Stress Test again (put me on the monitor), and Anna's heart rate was wonderful. She continues to not be in any distress, praise the Lord! He wants me to come back on Thursday and do the monitor again. The monitor monitors her heartbeat and also my uterus so it can tell if I'm having any contractions. Apparently, it also notices if your husband makes you laugh uncontrollably! Ryan kept making me laugh and the harder I tried to stop, the harder I laughed. It showed up on the monitor as a big spike. We had to explain to the doctor, that that wasn't a contraction!
He also did another ultrasound to check my fluid level. Last week, I was at a 25 which was on the line for being too high. Today, it had gone down some and is now at 23, so that is a praise! We didn't get to see much of Anna because the ultrasound was focusing on measuring the fluid. We did get to see her ribs and her practicing with her little lungs. My doctor said that if I haven't had a baby yet by next Monday, he wants me to come in for another ultrasound to check the fluid levels again. I'm now having two appointments a week. When we were leaving, the nurse asked me, "Can you please try to be dilated next week? I keep starting to get excited for you!"
Before our appointment we went out to lunch with our friends, Becky and Jenaya. They offered to watch Rylie during the appointment, since Jenaya only lived a few minutes away from the doctor. I was getting worried when the appointment lasted about an hour and a half longer than we had anticipated. I knew Rylie loves them, but she had never been to Jenaya's house, and it was nap time. I was thinking she might be missing us or needing us to help her feel secure in a new enviroment. After the appointment we called them and they met us at Cold Stone for ice cream. When Rylie saw us she said, "What are you guys doing here?" I told her that we came to get her and have ice cream together. She said, "I want to stay with Becky and Jenaya. I didn't miss you guys." So much for her needing us! Later on during our visit, she told me that I wasn't her Valentine, Becky was! Little stinker! I am actually very glad that she does have other people that she loves and that love her back!

Interesting

I recieved in my email this morning two links that I thought were interesting and that I would pass on to you all. The first one is this article from The New York Times. It discusses the current medical research into whether or not fetuses can feel pain. Of course there is arguments from both sides. The most compelling though is from a Harvard trained physician (who is not necisarily for prolife) who has done the most research and has come to the conclusion that babies in the womb do feel pain. This research has been translated by some into a proof that fetuses are human (due to the philosophical argument that one of the marks of humanity is the ability to feel pain), and therefore should not be aborted. Others, such as Sam Brownback, are trying to pass bills that would require doctors to inform mothers who were considering abortions that the baby feels the pain of the procedure (agonizing pain) and recomend anesthia.
I thought it was a very interesting article and worth reading, as another defense for pro-life. With all my heart and soul believe that a baby in a mother's womb is a human being from the moment of conception and that abortion is murder and absolutely reprehensible. I do, of course, also believe that God offers His grace, love, and forgiveness for any one involved in abortion.
The other link is actually for a film that discusses what is called "Demographic Winter". It poses the theory that because of low birth rates there is not going to be enough new people to make up for the aging population that will soon die off. They propose that this will lead to great problems with our economic and social structure. I thought this could be another interesting argument against abortion.
My wonderful husband and two of our friends are at this moment, down at the local Planned Parenthood praying for an end to abortion. Don't worry, they aren't freaky protesters (they don't have any bombs!), they are just peacefully praying on the sidewalk. For more information about this, and to read Ryan's experience last week, check out his blog.
I will post later today about my doctor's appointment, I'm going to have another ultrasound so the doctor can see if there is any difference in my amniotic fluid and to make sure Anna is not in any distress. I am trusting the Lord and looking forward to seeing her beautiful little face again!

Craving. . .

Snowballs and Funyans! (and having contractions)

We love our Flock Group!

Practicing For Anna!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

I love this holiday! I know it's made up by Halmark, blah, blah, blah, but I really enjoy all of the hearts and flowers and focus on love. I know we should focus on love every day, but it is nice to have a day dedicated to it. A holiday makes the day (week, month) seem extra special, a break in the mundane. It is ecspecially fun to give and recieve cards and gifts from loved ones. It was so cute to watch Rylie open all of her Valentine's from her little friends ("ooh, Ratatouille, My Little Pony, Dora!") The best though, was watching her jaw drop when she came downstairs this morning and saw the gift Daddy had set out for her on the table. It was a plush My Little Pony baby, complete with a diaper and bottle. She has been playing with her regular ponies nonstop and loves babies (ecspecially with all the Anna talk), so this was a perfect present for her! Her face was so cute, her jaw did literally drop. She could have cared less that Anna got a super soft pink teddy bear from Daddy, or that Mommy got a Starbucks gift card and movie from Daddy (Gone with the Wind). She did pause for a moment to give Daddy the picture frame she had painted for him.
After our gift exchange we ran some errands and then she went out to a special Valentine's lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and the seniors group from church, while I went to my Doctor's appointment. I was able to spend a half hour focusing on my little Anna Sophia while she was on the monitor. The Doctor said she was not in any distress, and was in fact doing perfectly what he would want her to be doing! This is such a praise! I will go back in on Monday for another ultrasound to see if there is any change in the amniotic fluid levels, but so far, so good! (For those of you keeping track, I have been having strong contractions the last two nights.)
Tonight, Rylie gets to spend time with her Nana and her boy cousins (which she adores!), while my Valentine and I go out for dinner with our Flock Group.
I am so blessed by all the love in my life. I have such great family and friends (even though Rylie told me this morning that Daddy and I didn't have any friends) and am blessed by a wonderful church body. A day never goes by that my sweetpea and I don't exchange lots of hugs and snuggles. I love it when she's in the middle of playing and looks up at me and says, "I love you Mom"! My littlest Valentine is snuggled inside of me right now! My true love is amazing! He is such a Godly husband, father, friend, mentor. . . I could go on and on. We have been married for allmost 10 years now and been friends for 18 years (is that possible??). He is my "best friend with benefits" and I love him so much. He unselfishly cares for Rylie and I and constantly shows us that he loves us. He is always there for me and challenges me to grow in my faith. He is my night in shining armor with his white steed (or Buick)!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hollywood Girls!

I recently reconected with a friend of mine, Lola, on Facebook. Her and her husband, Andy, lived here for a little while and attended out church. Ryan and I formed a quick friendship with them and were very sad when they moved to Arizona. Two years ago, when we went to Disneyland, we met up with them. Andy's Dad pastors a Ukrainian church in Hollywood. They asked Ryan to preach on that Sunday we were there. That's when this picture was taken. Don't you just love my little starlet in her sunglasses?!

Keegan's Valentine's Party!

Yet Another Doctor's Appointment. . .

. . . and no change in my cervix! My doctor actually found it amusing! You would think that experience would have taught him that you don't laugh at a pregnant woman! Of course my husband thought he was amusing too when he suggested that I ask the doctor for an extra large gown so it would go all the way around me. If looks could kill . . .
We had the privlage of seeing our precious Anna on the ultrasound. She was sucking on the umbilical cord. The doctor thinks she's doing that because she's bored! Apparently, I have a large amount of amniotic fluid. The normal range is between 5 and 25 (millaleters?) and mine is measuring at 25, so he said it's "right on the line". Because of this, he wants me to come in on Thursday and have the baby monitored and then have another ultrasound next Monday to see if there is any change or any distress to her. He said that if there is too much fluid that can be an indication of Diabetes, or infection, or Down's Syndrome, or other "fetal abnormalities". He said that since I'm right on the line, he doesn't want me to worry, but he also wants to do the monitoring in case there is something wrong. Hopefully, I will know more on Thursday.
I woke up this morning with a lot of pelvic pain and could hardly walk. As the day has gone on, it has gotten a little better, but I am now officially waddling! I did have some contractions last night and a few tonight, but nothing regular. When I have the hard contractions, it leaves me with a killer headache though, so that's not too fun.
Something that is fun though, is going to my pregnancy buddy's Baby Shower tonight! Becky M. has been on bedrest for over three months, but her doctor let her come to her shower at the church. I think she enjoyed being out and seeing everyone, but she was also exhausted by the end. It was so good to see her though! Keep praying for her and for her little baby, Haley to grow and stay in for a few more weeks!
I went to Old Navy today and used my gift cards. I am sitting her now in the comfort of pink fleece pants! I love them! I also got the cutest little jeans for Anna and some matching shirts and pajamas for my girls! I can't wait to see them together!
I want to thank my husband for cleaning the house for me today while I was gone! It was quite the disaster after our "Rachel and Luke are in town" party! He worked very hard, and I am very grateful! This was after he spent the morning in the cold praying with some other folks outside of the local Planned Parenthood. He truly is an amazing guy!

What A Belly! (36 Weeks)

Anna's Baby Shower!!!

Thank you so much Mom, Pam, and everyone for such a wonderful baby shower today!!! It was so much fun and I was overwhelmed by all of your generosity! Anna is so blessed to have all of you in her life! Go here to see all of the pictures from today.

Fun Day!

I'm so excited for today! My wonderful family is throwing Anna a baby shower at noon! Rylie and I can hardly wait! Of course, Rylie's more excited about the cake! I'll post pictures tonight.
Our friends, Rachel and Luke are in town visiting, so tonight we will be having dinner with them and a few other friends. This is promising to be a very fun day!

9 Months!

Hard contractions from 11:00 - 4:00 last night, but none today!

Oh Hypocrite Me

While I was reading Matthew 24 tonight, I was struck with how like the Pharisees and Saducees I am! How often do I want to set myself up in a place of honor and make the exterior clean, but not the interior! I was greatly convicted that I need to be the humble servant. I need to clean the inside, not just the outside! As I was asking the Lord for forgiveness for my prideful, hypocritcal attitude, I was blown away by the reality that He doesn't have to forgive me at all, but yet, in His grace, He chooses too. I am so thankful! I then read this Valley of Vision prayer that seemed to fit perfectly, so I wanted to share it with you.
God and Myself
"Lord God Almighty, thy understanding is unsearchable and infinite, thy arm cannot be stayed, thy agency extends through limitless space, all works hang on thy care, with thee time is a present now. Holy is thy wisdom, power, mercy, ways, works. How can I stand before thee with my numberless and aggravated offences? I have often loved darkeness, observed lying vanities, forsaken thy given mercies, trampled underfoot thy beloved Son, mocked thy providences, flattered thee with my lips, broken thy covenant. It is of thy compassion that I am not consumed. Lead me to repentance, and save me from despair; Let me come to thee renouncing, condemning, leathing myself, but hoping in the grace that flows even to the chief of sinners. At the cross may I contemplate the evil of sin, and abhor it, look on him whom I pierced, as one slain for me, and by me. May I never despise his death by fearing its efficacy for my salvation. And whatever cross I am required to bear, let me see him carrying a heavier. Teach me in health to think of sickness, in the brightest hours to be ready for darkness; in life prepare me for death, thus may my soul rest in thee, O immortal and transcendent one, revealed as thou art in the Person and work of thy Son, the Friend of sinners."

Knowing God

Becky and I have been reading, Knowing God, by J. I. Packer. It has been such a good study that has been showing me how I know about God, but am lacking in the knowing God in the relational sense. I read this quote the other day that talked about how God knows me. I thought I would share it with you.
"What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it-the fact that he knows me. I am graven on the palms of his hands. I am never out of his mind. All my knowledge of him depends on his sustained initiative in knowing me. I know him because he first knew me, and continues to know me. He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when his eye is off me, or his attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when his care falters."

Doctor Appointment

Ryan and I went to see my Doctor today, we are now at that point where we go every week. He didn't check me because he doesn't think anything has changed with my cervix. He did a blood draw, and listened to her heartbeat (which sounded great!), and measured me. She is now measuring a little bigger than she was. All along she has been measuring at whatever week I am at. This week she was measuring 1-2 weeks bigger. At the same time, my weight this week is actually a little bit lower than last week. Go figure! Several people at church yesterday, told me they thought my belly looked much bigger this week! It's funny that it's the only time in life people can tell you that your belly is huge and you're not offended by it!
She continues to move a lot and is very strong! Rylie loves to hug her and give her kisses. Lately she has been showing me how she's planning on holding Anna when she's born! It's too cute! She also told me tonight that she is planning on holding Anna on the potty when she is born! I have to explain to her why that won't work, quite yet!
In potty news however, Rylie has been doing a great job with potty training! She wore panties to church yesterday for the first time. She had no accidents! Now we just need to get her trained for naptime and nighttime. Anyone have any good ideas on how to do that?
I'm so blessed my two daughters! I had a special time with the Lord last night, thanking Him for them and praying for them!

Pray for Life!

Please check out my wonderful Husband's post today and join us in praying for life!

Lost

Those of you who are fans of the ABC show Lost, know who this is. This is a screencap of who was sitting in Jacob's chair in the cabin in the premeire episode. Look familiar? It's Christian Shepherd, Jack's father! What in the world???

I have to confess, I was disapointed with the show Thursday night, until now. I have been reading all sorts of theories and spoilers and things (what else do you do when you need to rest because of contractions?!) and there are a lot of intriguing theories out there. Who are the "Oceanic 6"? (my guess: Jack, Kate, Hurley, Sun, Claire, and Aaron) Who's eye do you see in the cabin (I don't think it's Locke's, different eye color)? Who is in the coffin (I think Ben and his teenage son was Karl)? I could go on and on, but then my husband would accuse me of being obsessed! If you want to see more screencaps, easter eggs, and even some spoilers, check out this site! Visit this site to see the Oceanic commercial that aired after the show! Comment if you have any theories you want to share!