Monday, May 21, 2012

Pregnancy Update: 36 Weeks

We finally made it! From the start of our complications five weeks ago, the goal was to do everything possible to ensure that the baby was not born prior to 36 weeks. Our doctor said that the chances of the baby being born healthy without a need for interventions or an extended hospital stay significantly increased as we approached the 36 week mark.

We are very happy that we have made it this far; however, it has not been without more complications. Since my last post we have made multiple visits to the hospital for more dizzy spells, headaches, MRIs, and contractions. Fortunately, the contractions were able to be stopped with medication and the MRI did not show any reasons for the complications we have been having other than pregnancy. As a result, my symptoms should begin to disappear after delivery and I should start feeling normal again.

We are currently scheduled for a c-section on Monday, June 11th. Until then, I will continue to go to the doctor for monitoring twice a week and bed rest. The most difficult restriction has definitely been my inability to drive. I feel like I have lost all freedom! Fortunately, I have many friends and family members who have chauffeured me to and from my doctor appointments, picked up groceries, delivered meals, etc. I do not know what I would do without our amazing support system. I cannot thank everyone enough!

Below is an ultrasound picture that was taken at 33 weeks. The baby looked great and based upon the measurements at that time, it was predicted that he weighed almost six pounds! It looks like we might be having another big baby boy, but we would not expect anything else! As you can see from the picture, the baby had his hand in his face. The ultrasound technician has tried twice more to get a picture of the baby without his hands or feet in his face, but this was the best we could do. He must be too crowded to stretch out! 

In the meantime, we are anxiously counting down the days to June 11th when we get to meet our newest baby boy! 

33 Week Ultrasound

36 Weeks!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Peter's 8th Birthday

On May 14, our sweet, loving, rambunctious, wild Peter turned eight years old. It is very hard to believe that we welcomed him into our lives at 1:43 a.m. on May 14 eight years ago. In true Peter style, he did not wait for his scheduled arrival on May 18, 2004. Instead, he surprised everyone (especially his parents) by arriving four days early. 

Although Peter was not able to have a large birthday party this year with family and friends because of my pregnancy complications, he had some very memorable celebrations. His birth"day" turned out to be more of a birth"week." To begin the celebration, Aunt Tiffany made a birthday cake and took it to the branding on Saturday. While at the branding, everyone in attendance sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed some cake. Then, on Sunday Peter was able to visit Papa Steve at St. Luke's Elks Rehab Hospital in Boise. On Monday, Mema and Aunt Tiffany arranged an ice cream sundae party for Peter's entire class at school. All of the students enjoyed the opportunity to create their own sundae masterpieces. Monday evening we also celebrated Peter's birthday at home with an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Finally, on Saturday Peter and Matthew went on their first camping trip with Papa Mike and Jana to celebrate Peter's birthday. He truly had an amazing week! 

Peter wanted to light his own candles.
Birthday Boy
Make a wish!
He is pleased with the result!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Peter's First Communion

On Sunday, April 22, Peter received the sacrament of First Communion at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Vale. He worked extremely hard all year in religious education class to meet the criteria and achieve this honor. We are extremely proud of Peter and his accomplishment!

Peter's First Communion class. He is fourth from the left. All of the children looked so handsome and beautiful!

Peter with Father Cami. He looks so grown up!

Peter and I. Luckily, my doctor allowed me to attend mass that day with strict orders to go right home.
 I am so grateful that I was able to be there for Peter.

William is not the easiest child to control in church. Here he is trying to crawl under the church pew.

Matthew and William also looked extremely handsome!

Our family!