Christmas 2012

My Christmas Eve started with a doctor's appointment.  (remember, I go twice a week now).  Everything was still looking good.  She even gave me permission to go to church which made me extremely happy.  After my appointment, I got in a good nap before getting ready for church.  Here's a very pregnant me with my handsome little man after church.  (My big man was very handsome too in his matching red tie and white shirt, but we didn't get a family photo.)

 I (quickly) baked a chocolate chip cookie cake for our Happy Birthday Jesus cake while Drew gave the squirt a bath.  Don't worry...I was only on my feet for maybe 10 minutes.  Drew doubted that I could mix up the dough and have it in the oven in 5 minutes, so he set the timer.  I had 28 seconds to spare!  :)  Then with a clean boy it was time to prep for Santa.   Andrew sprinkled his reindeer food on the sidewalk.

 Then he put out some cookies and wrote his letter to Santa.

 Before bed, he got to open one present.  He opened his dream lite that he asked for.

 Then with Andrew all nestled in bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head, we had a visitor from the man himself...SANTA!  Remind me to have words with Santa next year about leaving a GINORMOUS basketball goal in the LIVING ROOM!

 The next morning Andrew got up around 7:45.  Drew and I were waiting on him in the living room.  He took a look at the basketball goal and said "Hey, that's what Daddy wanted."  Then it was off to the Star Wars characters.

 Look at that sleepy bed head!  :)

 Lovin' on Goofy

 After we finished checking out Santa's loot, it was time to open presents from Mommy and Daddy.  There were a couple of shirt boxes wrapped.  He opened one of them first and it had some new pjs in there.  He took a look at the other shirt box and said, "I'm not opening that one."  He figured out real soon what comes in those type of packages.  LOL  He saved  We made him save the biggest one for last.  He was happy with his Millennium Falcon!  Big hit!  I mean, it is pretty cool.

 After all the presents were opened, we went to the table to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and have cake for breakfast!  

Even though we couldn't be with family, it was so nice to know that we didn't have to go anywhere that day.  Andrew got to stay home and enjoy all his new presents.  It was a very relaxing Christmas day.  So relaxing, in fact, that I went back to bed and slept until my parents got into town.   Mom, Dad, and Granny Margaret drove down to spend a couple of days with us.  They got here around 3:30 and we had Christmas all over again.  Even though we didn't get to see the "whole" family, I'm really glad they came to see us.  

We are blessed.  We had a great Christmas and I hope you did too.  I pray you kept the true meaning of Christmas close at heart by remembering the birth of our Savior.

Pre-Christmas Fun

I helped Andrew put together a gingerbread house kit that his Grammy got him.  She also got him his cute chef's hat.  We worked in two sittings.  Before bed one night we "constructed" the house and let it dry overnight.  It took total concentration to get the roof on!

 My little chef

 The next day, we decorated.  Andrew told me where to put the icing so he could "glue" on all the candy.

 His finished product.

 Since I'm on bed rest, our families had to come and see us.  Drew's family came the weekend before Christmas.  Drew's mom made chicken gumbo, his aunt made potato salad, and we had desserts galore. (Including Uncle Adam's coconut pecan caramel pie...YUM)  I did a horrible job taking pictures, but I did manage to snap two from the recliner.  I could have sworn I took more, but apparently not.    

Pregnancy Update: 33 weeks

(Long post...sorry, but there are pictures at the end!)

A lot has happened since my last update.  I mentioned two weeks ago, after my 31 week appointment, that I had to do the 24 hour urine test.  Well, I got a call from the nurse at my doctor's office saying that I failed that test and that my doctor wanted to see me the next day.  She actually made me go to the ER that night since I had another one of those blurry vision/numb fingers episodes.   (I'd just like to interject here, that going to the ER was a complete waste of time and told me nothing.)  

December 12:
I went in for an unscheduled appointment with my doctor where she told me I had mild preeclampsia.  All the blood work they did came back normal.  My platelet count is a little lower than it was last time, but nothing too concerning.  However, due to my history of preeclampsia with Andrew, she's watching me really closely.  She proceeded to tell me that she wanted me to go to the hospital for 48 hours of observation.  (Totally ruined my day).  We had plans to go to a Disney Live event that night for an early birthday present for Andrew.  She proceeded to tell me that I wouldn't be going.  So, I was instructed to go home, pack a bag, and be at the hospital by 6.  At this point it was already 4:45, so I had to hurry since my appointment was in Gulf Breeze.  Drew met me at the house, I packed up, and the boys headed to the show while I checked myself into the hospital.  
That night they did a non stress test, ultrasound, blood work, and gave me the first of two betamethasone shots (to mature her lungs just in case we had to deliver early.)  I finally got to sleep around midnight.  Then, of course, they woke me every two hours to check vitals and/or take more blood.  

Thursday, December 13th was pretty much the same thing.  They put me on the monitors twice a day for the NST (non stress test), did an ultrasound everyday, blood pressure checks, blood work, and the whole works.  I also had an MRI on Thursday to deal with the blurry vision/numb hands situation.  That was my first experience in an MRI machine.  I just closed my eyes and found a happy place.  Aubrey did NOT like it at all.  She was bouncing all over the place the whole time.  Luckily, everything came back normal.  The neurologist said it must just be migraines that are presenting themselves differently now that I'm pregnant.  I talked to my OB that morning and she said they were going to run another round of tests on Friday morning and if everything checked out, she'd get me out of there on Friday, so I could go to Andrew's party on Saturday.  Thursday night brought the same round of tests again, along with my last betamethasone shot.  (I wasn't thrilled about having to take that.    I knew that we weren't going to deliver so I felt it was unnecessary.  But, the doctor and all the nurses said that it wouldn't hurt anything by getting them and not needing them, but if something were to happen, it would be bad if I didn't have them.  SO I had the shots.)

In my downtime on Thursday I was frantically trying to find someone to make Andrew's cake.  It was literally killing me that I couldn't do it.  Andrew was a little upset too.  When I told him I'd be home on Friday he said, "Oh good, then you can make my cake."  :(  Poor baby.  Luckily, my sister called  with a great idea.  I called my hometown bakery in AL and talked to my friend Nicole and she saved the day.  Annah brought the cake with her Friday night.  

December 14th:  They were really trying to get me out of there early on Friday (which I was thankful for) but they started at 2:30 am with my blood work.  Then at 6, they came in to do the ultrasound.  Of course, Aubrey was sleeping at that time and they didn't get the movements they were looking for so I had to repeat it a couple of hours later.  They did the NST at around 8am that morning.  Dr. Schneider came in and told me that everything looked good, but that I'd be on bed rest at home for the remainder of the pregnancy.  (Lovely....but I saw it coming)

I went home at lunch time on Friday.  I got to enjoy the birthday party on Saturday and I've been in the bed ever since.  I have to go to the doctor twice a week, where I get a NST every time and an ultrasound once a week.  So far everything is still all good.  My job is to stay pregnant as long as I can. My doctor is aiming for at least 36 weeks, but I'm aiming for 38.  Andrew was born at 37 weeks, so we'll see.  Either way, it looks like we'll be having a January baby.  

This whole bed rest thing has messed up a lot of our plans; namely Christmas.  We can no longer travel, so our families have had to adjust and come and see us instead.  I wasn't finished shopping, so Drew has had to do most of that.  (He's really good at buying gifts, so I'm lucky there!)  He has also been getting really good at cooking and cleaning.  :)  He's taking really good care of me.  I really appreciate all his hard work.  

My sister and I had planned on doing a maternity photo shoot together while I was home for Christmas, but those plans went out the window with my orders of bed rest.  So we had to improvise.  She was in town for Andrew's birthday party, so we had 2 hours between his basketball game and party to take a few pictures.  It was hurried and rushed, but Mom managed to snap a few pictures of us.  
Here we are at 27 and 33 weeks pregnant:

 It's tradition:  we always have matching PJ's....even when we're pregnant!

 Also tradition:  "the Sissy hug" (which is a lot harder with two pregnant bellies!)

So, that's what's going on with me lately.  Bed rest is no fun, but at least there are plenty of Hallmark Christmas movies to keep me company!  I'll be sure to keep you updated on what's going on.  In the meantime, pray that I stay pregnant as long as I can and that Aubrey is born healthy!  

I Have a 6 Year Old!

Andrew's birthday fell on a Saturday this year and since our tradition is to take him bowling on his birthday, he wanted to have his party at the bowling alley.  It actually worked out quite nicely since I was technically on bed rest anyway, so having it at our house would not have been ideal. (More on that later).  

Andrew woke up to find that Sumper the elf had left him a very special birthday message!

Then he took a sneak peek at his cake

Then it was time to get ready for his basketball game.  I didn't take my camera to the game and wouldn't ya know, Andrew was the high scorer today, making his first goal on his birthday!  We were so proud.  Granna, Paw-Paw, Gracie and Uncle all got to be there too!  Luckily Gracie got some pictures.  *Note to self: get those from her!

We had a couple of hours to run back to the house and get things together before heading over to the party.  We went to the party room first for pizza, cake, and presents.

The birthday boy with his cake. (Made by Nicole at the Albertville Home Bakery.  Annah saved the day and brought it since I was unable to make the cake-super bummed about that by the way)  She did a fabulous job and he loved it!!  Thank you Nicole for working us in last minute!

Happy Birthday to you...

Then it was on to the bowling and arcade fun! 

Emily, Harlie (his girlfriend), and Skye

 Andrew and Tommy

 Andrew and his Aunt Gracie

 The birthday boy had a GREAT day!  Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Ghosts of Birthdays Past

Tomorrow my sweet boy will be 6. S-I-X?!  How did that happen? It seems like only yesterday I was pregnant with him and awaiting his arrival.  Maybe it's because I"m pregnant and we've been reliving all those fond memories.  Somehow we blinked and now he's turning 6.  His little life is about to change.   He'll soon be a big brother and what a great big brother he'll be.  Andrew has such a sweet heart, a servant's heart.  He loves to help others and he's looking forward to helping take care of his little sister.  He tells me all the time, "Mom, I wish Aubrey would hurry up and be here."  He's very excited.  

Today my mom and Drew carried some cupcakes to school to celebrate with his friends.  I couldn't be there because I'm in the hospital. (There's a post coming about that....I'm fine....it was just for observation, but it couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time.)  Drew took some pictures for me.  

Now, as I get ready for his party tomorrow, I wanted to take a look back at all of his past birthdays.  Watch as he grows from year to year:

1

2

3

4 

 5

Can't believe he'll be six tomorrow!

Hurried Up Christmas Cheer

We have been SO busy lately that I haven't had much time to think about our family Christmas card.  That's a lie...I think about it all the time and how we need to have one made because normally by this point, I have already mailed out our cards.  We've just never executed a plan due to our business.  So tonight, while I was cooking dinner I set up the tripod in front of the tree, ordered the boys to change clothes, and I snapped this one in about 5 seconds.  (Not exactly how I had it planned, but hey it works).  Viola! Christmas Card!  I emailed it to walamart and will pick it up first thing in the morning.  

In other news, we went to the Mall one night where I bought Andrew a new Christmas sweater, changed him in the mall bathroom, and voila! Santa picture!  I'm telling you...we're in a go go go, hurry hurry hurry mode around here.  ...Tis the Season!

Our Basketball Player

Andrew is very excited to be playing basketball this year and Drew is excited to be his coach.  I think he's really going to like the sport.  It's hard for the 5 year olds to grasp all the concepts of basketball.  Think about it, there's a LOT going on that they have to remember and it's so fast paced.  But they're doing a great job and we've WON our first 2 games!  Go Volunteers!   Here are some pics from the game:

31 Weeks

Today I had my 31 week appointment.  At this point in my pregnancy with Andrew I was close to being put on complete bed rest due to preeclampsia.  I've been thinking really positively that it wouldn't happen this time.  Well, today my blood pressure was up enough that the doctor ordered the 24 hour urine test.  *Sorry...gross stuff, I know.*  If you're unfamiliar, that just means that I get to pee in a cup for 24 solid hours and keep it all in the fridge until the next day when I take it in to the lab.  My doctor told me to "take it easy."
I've also had some "episodes" of blurry vision followed by numbness in my hand.  Weird stuff!  The doctor is getting me a consult with a Neurologist.  She wants me to have an MRI just to rule everything out.  No worries, I'm fine.  We don't think it's anything serious...just want to be sure.
So pray for me and baby in the coming weeks.  My next appointment is in 2 weeks.

Other than that, things are fine.  I'm getting bigger, feeling more pregnant, and starting to get puffy ankles...all the joys of third trimester pregnancy.  But it won't be much longer now and we'll have our sweet lil girl here with us.

OH, and I FINALLY ordered some bedding for the nursery!  It'll be here in January, so you'll have to wait until then for pictures.  But speaking of pictures, I did manage to snap a self belly shot today:

Aubrey @ 31 weeks

Happy Anniversary to Us!

What a busy week!  Whew!  I'm exhausted!  This past Thursday, Drew and I flew to Chicago for one last conference before Aubrey gets here.  We had class from 8-5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  We learned SO much and it was so good that it went by so quickly.  We didn't have time to take any pictures and we didn't get to do anything touristy.  But we did celebrate our early anniversary at this fabulous French restaurant where I completely and utterly stuffed myself!  The highlight of our meal was the gingerbread soufflé with pumpkin sauce that we shared.  YUM!

On Sunday night after class was over, Drew's friend LJ picked us up and drove us to the city for dinner and a crash course tour of downtown Chicagoland. (which by the way is very beautiful.  The architecture is stunning.)  I'd like to go back one day so I can experience all the city has to offer.  

Today, was our 8th anniversary and we did something very special.  We got to see a sneak peek at our lil Aubrey.  We picked Andrew up from school and headed over to 4D Peek-a-boo.  We learned a few things about our girl.  She's very stubborn and she LOVES her hands.  It took a while for us to get a clear shot of her face.  But isn't she a cutie?  

 We're going to have to teach her that we are NOT Texas fans!

 She has great lips!

 And she favors her brother.  This is Andrew in utero.  

Since we didn't the "best" shot of her, they are going to do a rescan next week....More pictures to come!