Update

I went to the doctor this morning, and she told me that I am 3cm dilated and completely effaced. She stripped my membranes, so we shall see what happens. Cassie and I took a walk before lunch, and we will take another family walk later today. I am hoping that Lacie decides to come own her own, otherwise I am to call the hospital at 5am on Thursday morning to receive an arrival time. Dr. W said that if we induce on Thursday, she expects it to be a quick labor since I am considered "ripe."

Fun times!!!!

Contractions started!!

Well, with Cas, my labor happened fairly quickly and fast. Wade and I were out buying "hospital" cigars at Specs for Wade to hand out to visitors, then I started to feel pressure, my water broke and within the hour I was already at the hospital hooked up to the monitors. I never felt any pain during labor with her, as they gave me an Epidural early on (against my wish).

Fast forward to Lacie .... as I have mentioned, I have been feeling a lot of pressure, and early Sunday morning, contractions started. Around 1:30am I started having Braxton Hicks, and then by 3:00am the real contractions started from my lower back and wrapped around to my front. Each lasted about 1 min and they came every 5-6 minutes. It was quite comical, as Wade had his track stop watch out ... crazy boy!! Finally we decided it may be time to go to the hospital, and as I began to get ready, they stopped. Yesterday I did not feel well, but today I have felt much better. Thank goodness, because I still needed to get the car washed, complete all the laundry and load the house up with groceries. So ... now I can officially say I am ready for Lacie to arrive. Once Wade gets home from work this evening, we will be taking a long family walk. I will see Dr. W in the morning, so I am anxious to hear if I dilated more over the weekend.

Getting EXCITED!!!

Renaissance Festival - not for me!!!

We decided to take Cas to the Renaissance Festival Saturday afternoon, since a) Wade and I have never been b) it is located close by and c) the weather was so nice. What a mistake that was!! We arrived about 3pm, and had to park miles away. Once we made it through the front gate, I saw a woman throw up and two men get into a fight within the first hour. Needless to say, we did not stay long at all. No offense to anyone, but that is NOT my cup of tea. Maybe we should have arrived earlier in the day, but I am not sure that would have been much better. Regardless of all the strange people, Cas got to ride the Merry-go-round, which was quite an experience for her.

Sweet Cheek's first time on a Merry-go-round ride.

She seems unsure about the experience.

She is taking in all the interesting sites!!

Week 40 - the end!!

Miss Cas did not want to nap, so she is crabby in this pic!!

39 week update

Today I went in for my 39 week checkup, and I am 2.5-3cm dilated and Dr. W said that Lacie's head is really low!! I knew it, because I am officially VERY uncomfortable and extremely tired. I was going to try and work up until I delivered, but after miserably sitting through meetings and conference calls yesterday, I decided that today (Wednesday) was going to be my last day in the office. I am not sleeping at night, my stomach itches all the time, I feel a lot of pressure when walking and just getting up from sitting is difficult. I was not like this with Cas, so this discomfort is new to me ; )

Now we just wait and see what happens, but at the most we only have a week to go, as Dr. W will induce me next Thursday. I really would like to make it through the weekend, and then go into labor on my own early next week ... of course that is ALL out of my hands!! Wade and I are thrilled to start this next journey in parenthood, and meet sweet Lacie : )

I go back to the doctor on Tuesday morning for one last checkup, so I will post an update shortly thereafter.

Halloween fun!!!

So ... my main goal was to keep Lacie in for Melissa's shower and Cassie's first trick or treating event ... and I can say, mission accomplished!!!!

Cassie started out a little grumpy since she did not nap on Sunday, but she quickly became very fond of all the Halloween festivities. She refused to wear her witch hat, so I improvised and had her wear an orange bow instead. She had the best time going up to each house, and Miss Social Butterfly kept wanting to walk in and make herself at home ; )

Yummy, can I really have some candy???

Fun times with Mya

Getting into trouble ; )

38 week belly pic/Melissa's shower

Pumpkin carving

37 week belly pic

37 week ultra sound

Today I had my 37 week ultra sound, and the model estimated that Lacie weighs about 6.8lbs (+/- 8 ounces). Also, if I carry her to term (Nov 11th), then her estimated weight will be 7.5lbs. I told the tech that maybe I need to eat Blue Bell every night for the next 3 weeks, but she said that probably won't help. Bottom line is ... I have small babies!!!! I am still dilated 1cm, but my cervix has started to thin. Dr. Westmoreland seems to think that I should be able to carry her three more weeks. I sure hope she is right!!!

On another note, Cas keeps picking up various illnesses from Mother's Day Out. Not fun!!!! Her Pediatrician mentioned that ideally, I should keep her home full time (since Lacie will be arriving soon), but I really do not want to remove her from the program. So, we will see how the next few weeks go and then make a decision. I think the socialization with others kids at MDO is great for Cas, plus it will give Lacie and I a little one on one time.

In regards to work, my plan now is to continue working part-time until my 40th week, but I guess that all depends on how uncomfortable I get over the next couple of weeks.

I will keep posting updates frequently : )

36 weeks and 5 days ...

On Thursday I have my 37 week ultra sound to inform us of how big Lacie is and to check to see if she is head down. As you all know ... I want at least a 7 pounder this time around (Refresher: Cas was only 6.3lbs). Everyone I come across loves to tell me how small I am, except for Wade and Great Granny who seem to think that my stomach is huge. Since my last appointment, I have had quite a few Braxton Hick contractions and I am starting to feel a lot of pressure ... so I am very interested to see how much I have progressed. I will post an update by Thursday evening : )

Sweet cheeks Cassie caught the stomach bug Wade recently had on Sunday, therefore we were up all night with her. I have been blessed with a baby that has slept 12 hours each night from very early on, so Wade and I have not been up all night in ages. Boy was that hard!! I just kept thinking of how we will be doing this again very soon ... but it is OK, as Lacie is SO worth it!!

P.S. We still have another nice guest bedroom available, so anyone that wants to move in after Lacie arrives to help is certainly VERY welcome to do so ... PLEASE!!!

Baby update

Well, we are now at 35 weeks, and as of Wednesday, I was dilated to 1cm. I told my OB that Lacie must stay in 5 more weeks!!! We have completed the nursery, although I am still searching for the perfect rocking chair. I do need a few more last minute items, so there will definitely be a trip to Babies R'Us this week. Also, I guess it is about time to pack our bags ... eek!!!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!

We had a fun time at the pumpkin patch this weekend. Going later in the day was the way to do it ... no crowds, cooler weather and we got to pick our spot for the train ride. How time flies, as it seems like we were just here with Cassie when she was only 6 weeks old. Wow!!!

Mommy, Lacie (35 weeks), Cassie & Daddy

Cassie and her buds

Carson ... I really like your cool shirt.

Week 33 ... we are almost to the end!!

Wow, as of today I am 34 weeks already, and I must say this pregnancy has absolutely flown by (the pics below are from week 33). I am really hoping that Miss Lacie stays in until week 40, but I know that it is out of my hands. For the most part, I have had a really easy pregnancy, although I do not sleep much these days, I get heartburn in the evenings and I am starting to see a little swelling. Regardless, Wade and I cannot wait to hold Cassie's little sis ... even though we know life is going to be incredibly crazy. Only 6 weeks to go!!!!!

A "sprinkle" for Lacie Kate

My dear friends were so kind to throw a "sprinkle" to honor the upcoming arrival of Lacie Kate. It was so much fun spending time with the girls, and I have truly been blessed with wonderful friends.

Numbers are in her blood ...

Well ... since Daddy is a CPA and Mommy has an MBA (specializing in Finance) ... numbers are in Sweet Cheek's blood to say the least. Daddy has her training early ; )

Loving her Daddy!!

Sweet kisses from Daddy!!!

Mother's Day Out

Mother's Day Out has been an adjustment for Cassie, which really surprises us since I work part-time. Although ... Daddy and Mommy both had really bad separation issues when we were younger, so I guess it is inevitable. But, she is doing much better and we are so proud of her.

Before MDO, she is ALL smiles

At the end of MDO ... she is SO tired.

Sample of Cas' artwork

More crazy hair ...

Fun times with the ducks!!

Cassie is infatuated with ducks, so simply taking her to North Shore park is a huge event for her these days.

Birthday party FUN!!!

Cassie had a wonderful time at her first birthday party on Saturday, and she loved playing with all her friends. We are so thankful for everyone that came out and celebrated with her. The day went off without a hitch ... until sweet cheeks burnt her finger by grabbing her candle right after it was blown out (crazy girl). Luckily she recovered quickly (and thanks to Kammy for helping out during the fiasco). The past year has absolutely flown by, and I am SO thankful everyday that God has blessed Wade and me with our sweet baby girl. We LOVE her SO much!!!

Cassie's Mimi gave her a tricycle.

Katie and I are only 3 days apart with baby #2

Melissa is due in December with baby #2

Great times!!

Group photo, although only part of the gang ran over for the pic ; )

Parachute time!!

Cassie LOVES walking on this bridge!!

Sweet cousin Rylee

Air log time!!

Sliding down with her buddies Claire and Myla

Cassie and her boyfriend Carson : )

My great friend Lyndi, who I love!!! We met at Gymboree.

Cassie's Grammy put together this beautiful photo collage.