37 Weeks

I am just over 37 weeks pregnant and now considered term. This baby is fully developed and just getting bigger by the day. I can tell this is true because we seem to be fighting for space as each day passes. My far-away family really appreciates belly shots. And, I've noticed Emily has been dropping some not so subtle hints of wanting to see the belly. So, here I am unashamedly posting the big tummy.

I still go to the chiropractor and get medical massage weekly. Both of these appointments really help with my sciatica and just overall discomfort. It's so odd because there are some days that I feel really great and others I'm screaming in pain at the slightest movement. My boys are quick to bring me my "walking stick" and help out in many ways. Often it's picking up things for me or bringing me water. It's so great having a 5 & 7 year old around me at all times.

This weekend my parents are popping in to help with last minute stuff. I have a lot of borrowed baby items in my garage that need to be brought in and cleaned up. Once we have everything inside I'll have a better idea of anything I might need. We'll be setting up our pack-n-play, changing table, and dresser drawers in our office like we did with Carter. This child does not have a nursery because I have no plans on going up and down the stairs during the night. Randi and Cheryl hooked me up with a crib that will go in Carter's room for when it's necessary for the baby to NOT be in the office. So, there's sort of a game plan.

I went for my weekly OB appointment today. Baby has a strong heartbeat and is always moving around. I got officially checked today. I'm 1-2 cm. Baby is high (as my other 2 were) and my cervix has not effaced. So, we have a starting point. He wants to see me next Monday and then make a decision on whether I have to go in next Wednesday night for cervidil or just go in the next morning for induction. Of course I'm hoping to just go in next Thursday morning and get things going, but I won't know the exact plan until next Monday.

Look at that BIG Belly! That is what my boys tell me everyday.

Jenny is about to POP!

That's the theme of my baby shower today! It was so fun! My small group from church gave me a sweet shower providing me with all the essentials for bringing a new baby home. I had made a list last month of things we needed and just hoped my mom would run to the store at some point to get them. But, instead my small group wanted to shower me before baby arrived, so I passed on the list to them. They did an amazing job!

Back Row: Gretchen, Laura, Jennifer, Stefanie, Erin

Couch: Me, Jennifer, Michelle, Beverly, Julie

Among the food and drinks were "popcorn" chicken and soda"pop"- Dublin Dr. Pepper for those of you that know what I'm talking about!

Erin made my diaper cake. I've never had one before! I love it! It's my new centerpiece in the dining room!

The food and decor revolved around the idea that "Jenny is about to POP!"

I have so many things now that I'll be needing on a daily basis and can fill my diaper bag. I've got diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, blue bags, washcloths, bath wash, lotion, baby oil, pacifiers, nail clippers, brush, comb, baby mittens, gowns, blankets, formula dispenser, snack container, nursing pads, bottles, baby books, Dreft & All, and even a gown & robe set with cute slippers.

It was all just so surreal sitting there opening gifts for MY baby. Just realizing that he or she will be home with us in 2 weeks seems crazy! All the girls at the shower are convinced this is a girl. Apparently one morning at small group everyone was talking about their experiences with dance recitals and Steve's reaction was just priceless... wide eyes and shaking his head. I am still not convinced. I fully believe this is a boy. We'll know very very soon!

Happy Pregnant Woman

Here's my new FAVORITE purchase!

Call me ghetto. Call me white trash. Call me cool.

Because I am cool... for the first summer ever in our home.

Our master bedroom is H-O-T in the summer. We have 2 A/C units for our home. They are located on the other side of our house from our master bedroom. And our master gets the afternoon sun beating in to our 4 huge bay windows. We've put up solar screens. We've planted an oak tree, magnolia tree, and a gigantic rose of Sharon. Despite the landscaping and window screens we still have a bedroom that is at least in the mid-80s during a typical Texas summer day while the rest of our house is 78.

Last year I researched portable A/C units and any option that could possibly help. The reality with adding any A/C is you have to vent outside. Knowing we can't afford to be redoing our Central Air I made a trip to Lowes and picked out what I wanted. My parents were generous enough to pay for the installation because we are just not that handy. And I wanted it sealed in tight. So, today our Lowes man came and installed the window unit. Once installed we turned it on and enjoyed the 60 degree air blowing in our room. (We've since turned it up a bit)

This has to be one of the happiest days of my life. Now I will move out of the guest room and back into our bedroom. It's a great day!

36 Weeks

The end is near... or should I say the beginning. It's funny how you focus on pregnancy stuff for so long and then BAM! you realize that means a baby will be here soon! A real, crying, pooping baby. I still don't think we've really grasped what's about to happen. All the baby gear we've been collecting is still tucked away into the garage or our guest room. The only obvious sign a baby is on the way is the big belly that's causing me to waddle every which way.

As all of you know by now, Steve knows the gender of this baby. With all 3 pregnancies I wanted to be surprised, but got talked into finding out the other 2 times. This time around I stuck to my guns. Steve, however, was adamant about finding out. So, we were at a crossroads early on. But anyone that really knows my husband knows that he's the most mysterious, secretive guy around. I've always thought he was hard to "figure out." And I think that level of intrigue was part of my attraction to him. So, we made a deal when it came to baby 3. He could find out the gender, but had to lie to everyone about knowing. I didn't want to have to deal with grief from everyone for 5 more months and then possibly give in to other's pressure. So, to all of you who have felt lied to... I'm sorry. But, I really wouldn't have done it any other way. I really just don't want to know. It's fun to imagine both scenarios... boy or girl. It's a win-win situation for me, so I thought it would be fun to just not know. And yes, I often say things to Steve to get a reaction out of him. But he remains secretive on the whole thing.

And for those that want to know how he learned the gender:

At the 20 week sono we told the technician that Steve wants to know but I don't. She told us, "That never works. You'll give in before the week is out and want to know." But she played our game anyway. When it came time to go down and check gender I just looked away. The tech typed a letter on the sono screen. So, Steve saw a B or a G with the picture. We did not print that sono pic, so I have no photos indicating gender. That's it. And since then he's smiled ear to ear knowing who exactly I'm carrying while I remain clueless. Although I feel strongly it's another boy. But I thought my other 2 were girls early on. I clearly am not reliable by any means.

So, here I am at 36 weeks (and 2 days pregnant, but who's counting?) I'm going to weekly doctor appointments now. Baby is still head down (YEAH!) and moving all around. I've made "a little progress" but nothing that anyone else pregnant with child #3 wouldn't expect as well. I had the Group B strep test which will determine whether I'll need antibiotics while in labor. Results will come later. Doctor gave me his pager number in case labor starts after hours. And, we set an induction date for Thursday, July 9th.

As the delivery day approaches, Steve and I have had several conversations about how we hope things go. With this being our 3rd baby we fully know how exhausting labor, delivery, and recovery can be. In thinking that if all goes well on the birth day, we look forward to having visitors the next day once I'm settled into a post partum room. My goal during my hospital stay is to rest, recover, and focus on feeding. So, instead of having visitors streaming in and out all day, I will set up my own "visiting hours." Steve and I were thinking 10am-noon and then 4pm-6pm for anyone who wants to pop in and see our new bundle of joy. That way I know I will have time to rest and recover with just Steve and the baby. Once I get home I'll have 2 other boys that will be wanting my attention, so I want to take full advantage of my hospital stay. Also, I would appreciate it if you make other arrangements for your children. Those post partum rooms are tiny. In the weeks after I'm home there will be plenty of time for your children to get their own sneak peak at the newest James kiddo. I really can't wait for all of you to meet this little guy or gal. It's so amazing to think he/she will be here before we know it!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Stevan!

Happy Father's Day, Papa!

Happy Father's Day, Grandpa!

And, Happy Father's Day to all Fathers!

We spent the afternoon next door. It's so wonderful to have such great friends living on our street. We seriously all get along so well- husbands, wives, and children. It helps that our children have been practically raised together and forced to share toys from day one. In honor of Father's Day we opted to not make our men cookout. We ordered in fajitas and all the fixins from Chilis. We swam, ate, and swam some more for about 3 hours. A great way to spend this super hot Sunday!

5 of the 7 husbands (the other 2 actually spent time with their extended family)
Todd, Todd, Steve, Tim, and Brian

Carter's Bowling Birthday

Carter wanted a party just like Caleb. So, back to Main Event we went. We squeezed this party in between major freezer cooking and our sibling class at the hospital last Saturday. It was a crazy, busy weekend.
What a cutie-patootie! Carter loved every minute of his party!

And the big brother was right there with him the whole time!

My cousin, Anna (and hubby David), came with their boys, John David and Drew. I think Drew had a great time with his first bowling experience.

Here's the very pregnant me sitting with the twins, Tessa & Lana- Carter's lifelong friends. They first met in the hospital nursery 5 years ago.

Uncle Stew! Always so good to come to our parties and represent the James family. Stew's been to 3 parties at Main Event already. He knows his way around there pretty good by now.

Sunni- my BFF. Thanks for coming out with Kayli!

Kayli- my future daughter-in-law.... husband yet to be determined. I'll let her decide.

Carter and the girls. He was born 2 days before them. They love celebrating together!

Here's the party group! We had 3 family, 3 soccer team, 3 neighbors, and the twins (our only girls!) It was a great mix. The party was fun for everyone. Thank goodness Main Event provides bumpers in the gutters!

The party room! We went there for pizza, cake, and drinks. The children were all very hungry after an hour of bowling.

The soccer cake... Carter's choice. Let's just say green and black icing is a bit messy. And would you believe Carter wanted none of it. He just wanted to blow out the candle and watch everyone else eat the cake!

Happy Birthday my sweet Tart! Can't believe my baby is 5!

Hijacking the Blog

This is Steve and I'm hijacking the blog today...June 18th...30 days from Jenny's due date (even though we fully expect the baby to arrive before then). I just have to get this out there: I know the gender of the baby....and i've known since week 20. In the words of Disney's Prince John (the character on the left in the picture): "forgive me a cruel chuckle".

Now, so that everyone is clear, i am the only one without a medical or radiology degree that knows. Jenny is still in the dark...though she'll occasionally make a comment seeing if she can get it out of me.

At this point, i'm only to confirm that Baby James will be wearing either a blue or pink outfit (perhaps something in a green, yellow, or burnt orange pattern....grandparents?) home from the hospital.

After everyone's depiction of what a dance recital weekend is like, I'm still hoping for a boy...but I'd love to have the first James granddaughter...i guess we'll have to wait and see, eh? The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.

Time to Vote!

To the left is the gender poll! Please VOTE!

Happy Birthday, Carter & Nanny!

(Several posts this weekend, so scroll down to see them all)

June 14 is a big day in the Gorham family. Not only is it Flag Day (how many of you know about this holiday?), but it's also Darlene's birthday and Carter's birthday... born 54 years apart! With June 14 falling on a Sunday this year and our big freezer cooking weekend happening, it worked out well to have mom and dad up on this weekend. Carter has loved sharing his birthday with Nanny. He's always telling her, "It's almost OUR birthday, Nanny!" This is the first year he's understood that his birthday is the same as Nanny's.

Here's Nanny and Papa holding newborn Carter soon after we got home from the hospital and then me holding him just after birth.

Carter Reinhardt's birth was quite an adventure (originally a c-section b/c of breech position, moved out of surgery to L&D b/c he flipped last minute, big brother Caleb down in the ER getting stitches from a fall while I'm upstairs in L&D giving birth) Oh, it was quite a day! I've certainly learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to having a baby!

And here's our sweet family of four the day after Carter was born. Yes, Steve is in the hospital bed while I'm leaning over to be in the photo. Now, who's the patient?? :-) This was Caleb's first time to meet his baby brother. If you look closely you can see the stitches in the corner of his mouth. Thank God my mom, the nurse, went down to the ER and held him down to get the stitches so Steve could join me for labor and delivery. So, 3 of the 4 of us actually had hospital records for June 14. And did this stress me out? Not really. I actually found it comical. It takes a lot to push me over the edge. Carter's birthday will always be unforgettable for many reasons. It's just hard to believe that he's now 5 years old! And, in a few weeks... he'll be the Big Brother! Let's hope this child's birth will be a bit less eventful than Carter's birth. But, then again... I've learned to expect the unexpected.

Sibling Class

The boys went to a sibling class this morning at the hospital. This was a family event, and turned out to be lots of fun. Caleb was really into it. He just listened to every word the teacher spoke. Carter was not as interested, but certainly participated as well as any other 5 year old.

When it got time to practice holding a baby, Caleb immediately picked up his doll and did exactly as the teacher instructed. He supported the baby's head and held the doll closely to his body in such a nurturing way.
Carter, on the other hand, crossed his arms and sat back refusing to hold the baby doll. So, I didn't push it. I was actually quietly giggling inside. Who knows what was going through Carter's head. Either way, he had no interest in learning how to correctly hold a baby doll. Maybe things will be different with an actual baby, but the baby doll was a no-go.

Our class moved onto the hospital tour where Caleb followed the teacher's instructions and carefully carried the baby around the hospital. Carter's baby remained on the table back in the classroom. Poor doll.... left alone and neglected.

We toured the waiting room, LDR room, PP room, and the nursery. At the nursery the boys got a close up look at a newborn baby. Lastly, the boys made Big Brother shirts.

I think they now have a good idea of what to expect when the baby comes. Overall, I'm glad we all did the class. It's so different having a new baby with a 7 & 5 year old versus just a 2 year old. I can't wait to see them with their new brother or sister!

Freezer Cooking

I got back to town on Friday just in time to leave the boys with Steve and head to Sam's and Tom Thumb for some MAJOR shopping. A few months ago I decided to do some freezer cooking before the baby comes. My mom was able to come home with me as I drove through Waco after leaving the lake. Now, I've done freezer cooking in the past, but nothing came close to what we accomplished this weekend. Here's the dishes we made (and the number of portions):

Spaghetti Sauce-7
Sloppy Joes- 4
Chili- 6
Chicken Spaghetti- 3
Mexican Casserole- 2
Chicken Pot Pie- 2
West Texas Spaghetti- 3
Pork Chops- 3
Brisket- 9
Broccoli & Rice Casserole- 2

And miraculously we fit all 41 dishes in my freezers. I have fridge/freezer combos both inside and outside. These meals are to help me make it until D-Day, and then after the fresh meals prepared by my wonderful friends cease to come to my home. I'm hoping this will last me well into fall.

Now I didn't take photos of all of our work or finished products, but I assure you it was quite amazing. I'd like to take credit for doing it, but I really did a small percentage of the work. My mom had to endure most of the work on Friday because my sciatic and back were giving out. Contractions started and I was forced to sit down. Steve was gone to the Ranger's game that night so it was left up to my mom.

The rest of the cooking was finished up Saturday afternoon. I was feeling better and my dad drove up, so we had more hands in the kitchen. It was quite a productive 2 days. I'm so glad to "check this off my list" in preparation for the baby.

Gone to the Lake

I left yesterday with C&C and stopped over in Waco. My Granny is in the hospital with... get this... severe sciatic nerve pain (among other back and disc issues). We commiserated well together! Although, I must say she has it much worse than me.

This morning we left Waco and drove to Spicewood. It's so nice to be at the lake house. My doctor doesn't want me traveling past this next weekend, so I'm hoping this child stays put. But somewhere in the back of my mind I'm thinking... What if my water breaks? What if I go into labor? Well, I guess I'll just find a hospital here. But my plan is to not worry about all that stuff, and instead just enjoy relaxing in the pool and napping during the day.

34 Weeks

Not long now! Baby James is continuing to grow well... and grow low in my pelvis. At some point during everyday I'm laid up with severe sciatic nerve pain shooting down my left side. In the last 2 weeks I've been to the chiropractor 3 times and once for a massage. This is a new experience for me. My two boys were carried very high- basically under my ribs until the moment of delivery.

Yesterday at my appointment my doctor spent a lot of time with me. I've been curious about the position of the baby. Knowing Carter flipped at the end, I wanted to see how this baby was positioned. So we had a sono. The baby is head down (for now) and hopefully there to stay. We got lots of looks at his/her sweet face.

OK, tilt your head to the right. In this sono picture you can see the baby is lying on his/her left cheek. The nose looks all smushed because of the doppler equipment pressing against him/her. You can make out the forehead, right eye, nose, and upper part of the mouth. The doctor sees very little hair, but big chunky cheeks... sounds like our boys at birth.

My doctor decided to do some measurements to get an estimate on the weight of this child. Right now it looks like he/she is 5 1/2 pounds and in the 60%. Right now we are measuring 8 days ahead. Obviously, sono measurements are much more precise than belly measurements. So, I'm hoping we'll have a baby in 5 weeks!

Let the Summer Begin...

In the words of Alice Cooper, "SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!"

I think we are the last people in America to start summer vacation. At 1:30 my neighbors and I all walked to the end of the street to meet our school bus. The children came running off the bus with the biggest grins on their faces. Our street now has a 3rd grader, 2 2nd graders, a 1st grader, and then next year a new kindergartner. (And when Carter goes in Fall 2010 there will be 4 boys from our street all going to kinder at the same time. Considering there are only 7 families on our little street, that's a lot of kids in school!) And since we've been here 6 years, we've known many of these children since they were newborns. It's been so fun raising our children together. They are all friends and get along wonderfully.

So, in order to properly celebrate the start of summer, the Raburns had us over for swimming and ice cream. I think we were all in the pool before 2:00- so we didn't waste one second!

Here's 5 of the 7 of us. The hugely prego me, our host Melaina, Tammy, Diana, & Kristi



Do you see Caleb's 2 fingers??? (indicates he's now a 2nd grader!)

Steve giving Caleb a good throw. Look at the cannonball form!

The kids taking an ice cream break!

Daddy and his boys... once again, 2 fingers for 2nd grade and then 5 fingers for Carter because his birthday is next week!

Happy Summer Everyone!