Dentist Family Fun

This morning the kids had a dentist appointment and they both did really well. This was Zoe's first visit to the dentist and it was so cute to see her little body in that huge chair. Both of them are so proud that their teeth are shiny and clean. No cavities for either of them which is a huge blessing because Mommy wasn't so lucky.

Last Tuesday I had a root canal. Did I wake up in the morning knowing I was going to have a root canal? NO. I had been having some pain from a tooth I chipped earlier during this pregnancy. I decided to call the Dentist to make an appointment thinking I would get in some time after Peyton was born. I hadn't called the Dentist before now because I thought pregnant women couldn't go to the Dentist. Turns out, you can! Well, they had an opening on the same day, told me I needed a root canal to stop the pain, and said they could do it right then...lucky me. Fortunately, it sounds a lot worse than it is. The actual procedure wasn't bad at all. I was just a bit sore the next day. I was very fortunate to find such a great dentist that had a cancellation on the same day. I am so glad that I don't have any more throbbing pain when I eat cold food!

Peyton News

This past Tuesday I had a routine Ultrasound and things didn't go quite as planned. Peyton is healthy and doing well but for some reason I am not producing enough amniotic fluid. On a scale of 1-10, I am at a 5. I need to be at an 8 or above. The first thing we had to rule out was whether or not my water had already broken. Thankfully, it has not! Next, they thought I might be dehydrated. They kept me over night and pumped me full of a lot of fluid for the following 24 hours. Three scenarios could have happened. 1) my fluid decreased and I would have to be induced to get Peyton out. 2) it would stay the same and I would have to be monitored and on moderate bed rest in the attempt to keep Peyton in until 36 weeks. 3) my fluid would go up, I would be monitored but as long as my fluid stayed up I would be able to go to term. The worry is that as Peyton gets bigger and heavier, he will squish his umbilical cord and not get the oxygen/nutrients he needs. The more fluid, the better he floats.

Well, we didn't get the worst case scenario...thank goodness but, we didn't get the best case either. My fluid stayed the exact same. I am on moderate bed rest. Meaning, I can do a few things but will be spending a lot of time on the couch. I have gotten a steroid shot to help Peyton's lungs develope and I will go to the hospital twice a week to be monitored. If my fluid stays the same I will be induced at 36 weeks (3 1/2 weeks from now). If it goes down, I will be induced immediately. If it goes up, they will keep observing me but let my pregnancy keep going. Basically, the goal is to get as close to my due date as possible.

We know that everything will be ok. This just isn't exactly what we had in mind for this pregnancy. Please pray for my fluid :)

Labor Day Weekend

The Engstrom Family (my cousin Jenalyn and her family) were able to come down from New Jersey and visit us this Labor Day weekend. It was great to have some family time and our kids love playing with each other! On Saturday we packed a big lunch and went to Burba Park here on base. We thought there was a lake there but it is a small man made body of water that is pretty to look at. Our plan was to rent a canoe to take the kids out on the water but boats are not allowed at Burba. Instead the kids went "fishing." Cute little rods and reels with fish stoppers at the end...no hooks. We took our dog Charlie and let everyone run around and play. It was a beautiful day! After the little ones had their naps, we went to a pool party with our church. The party was very gratifying for me because at 7 1/2 months pregnant, I raced two military men and won...twice! It was a lot of fun but I don't think those guys will ever live it down. Everyone had a blast at the pool except Jacob. When we got there we was so excited he ran into another bigger kid and went splat! He scraped his ankle and knee and was unhappy from then on. When we finally got him home, he told me, "Mommy I need to rest!"

We had a great time with the Engstrom's and can't wait to do it again!

Zoe LOVES the water!

32 weeks pregnant

Unhappy Jacob. This is after we doctored his cuts.

Jacob and Adam...best friends!

Nerf guns and ammo belts, what could be better?

A common interest...dirt

Gone Fishin'

Brotherly Love

This past weekend Jacob felt Peyton kick for the first time. At first, you could tell that he was faking it or just didn't understand what it would really feel like. When he actually felt Peyton, he jumped back and yelled, "He kicked me!!" Then, Jacob put his ear to my belly to "hear" Peyton. He jumped back and yelled, "He kicked me in the ear!" Jacob then tried to look in my belly button to see Peyton...no such luck. Jacob is now getting a bit frustrated so he pushed on belly a bit and we had this conversation,

Jacob: "Mommy, Peyton needs to come out."
Me: "No, he isn't ready to come out yet. We have to wait a little bit longer."
Jacob: "Is he going to come out of your mouth?" (As he forces me to open wide to look down my throat.)
Me: "No?" (wondering where this conversation is going.)
Jacob: "Is he going to come out your belly button?" (As he tries to "see" Peyton again)
Me: "Your getting closer."

Thankfully with this answer, Jacob was satisfied. I really don't think I am ready for that conversation yet. I am afraid when Peyton actually gets here Jacob is going to want answers. Has anyone opted for a c-section just because it is easier to explain to a 4 year old? :) If any of y'all have tips about what/how to tell him let me know.

All About Jacob

Today was Jacob's first day of school! He has never been to any kind of day care so this was a traumatic experience...for me! We have been talking about going to school for a while. Last night we put his backpack together and set his clothes out. He would have slept with his backpack on if I would have let him. The first thing out of his mouth this morning was, "I get to go to school now? It's not dark any more?" Gosh, I love this kid! He goes to school from 9:20-12:00. Zoe and I went grocery shopping and I wasn't rushed! Crazy feeling. As we drove away from school I asked Jacob what he learned at school today. He said, "Um, I learned how to play!" I am so glad he had a good time!

My Latest Project

I have been working on a quilt for Zoe's "big girl bed" for the past 3-4 months. I am finally finished!!! I am wanting to make her room a garden/picnic theme. With my new embroidery machine I have been able to add some fun stuff. These pictures aren't in the order I wanted them but here they are.

This is on the bottom corner on the back.

Zoe will have ladybugs on her wall eventually.

She has two flower wall lamps that we painted purple.

Front and part of the back.

The whole front.

This is the most difficult quilt I have ever done and I am glad I am finished!

Operation Dragoon

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to honor Pappy and all the WWII veterans who were a part of Operation Dragoon. There was a ceremony at the Arlington Cemetery Amphitheatre and lunch at the Officer's club afterwards. It was really nice that our first visit to the Arlington Cemetery was such an awesome experience! It was really great to see Dad and Pappy, we just wish we could have spent more time with them.

Just Incredible!

Me and my Dad

Zoe was the life of the Party at the Officer's Club.

Jacob would go and do anything as long as Papa was going to be there!

Two handsome Men!

The ceremony was awesome.

The National Anthem was being sung. I am so grateful for what our soldiers, past and present, do to make our country what it is!