Sneak Peak!

Today we got to have a sneak peak at the baby! He was measuring right on....about 4 1/2 pounds at this point; 33 weeks. I think he looked like Ben, but David thinks it's all in my head. He does have David's widow's peak though! We will get a final report from the Doctor later about the fluid levels. Ben and Kate love looking at the new pictures! They seem so much more real to them in 3D. Kate is so excited for her, "little baby" to arrive and Ben wants to "rock him or something tomorrow!"

Random Bits & Pieces

February has been an interesting month in Baltimore! We have gotten more snow this winter than Anchorage, Alaska! Needless to say, today was Ben's 1st day back to school in over 2 weeks. He was thrilled to go back. We had a fun time in the snow, but it did get old after about 4 feet of it. Everyday in February felt like some sort of weird Groundhogs day to me. We passed some of our time making sugar cookies for Valentine's day.



Kate took up running on the treadmill. She even got out my ipod, plugged in the headphones, and took off her shirt (just like Daddy does) to go for her jog.

On Thursday, I turned 31! I feel so old, despite Ben telling someone I was only 15! I got to go out to eat twice that day and got lots of birthday wishes. After many pleas from some friends in OK, I will post a picture of my belly. This will be the last! Now you can all agree that its a fact.....I am huge! Do I really have 8 weeks to go? I think I am even more ready for this baby to come than Spring!

On Saturday, Kate got her first haircut. She was an angel and absolutely loved every minute of it. She didn't want it to end!

A Record Snowfall!

I can't remember the last time I was literally snowed in! Saturday marked a new record for Baltimore! We got about 26 inches at our house in 24 hours. It was pretty crazy, but fun since David was off this weekend and we never lost power. It took David nearly 7 hours to shovel the driveway and sidewalk! Maybe now he can finally empathize with my sore pregnant back! For the first time, I was relieved my due date was still far off and I didn't have to rely on David's 6 week OB rotation to deliver this baby! David spent most of yesterday playing with the kids in the snow. They sure had a good time sledding in our backyard and building a snow cave. Not only did we surpass the record single snowfall this weekend, but we also surpassed the record snowfall for the winter. Looks like we moved here just in time. And looks like Nana's best investment all year will be Ben and Kate's snowsuits. They sure have been put to good use!

I REALLY MUST BE HUGE!

I am 29 weeks now and feeling bigger than ever! And apparently I am! When I was pregnant with Ben and Kate I never got any "big" comments. This time around things are very different. Is it because I am on the East Coast? Is it because its number 3? I think I have finally realized its just because I really am HUGE! So some friends at church suggested I start a section on my blog dedicated to these lovely comments I have received. Someone might as well enjoy them and be grateful its not them! You can read them along the side of my blog in my new section, "Life, when you are pregnant."

Thank you for your prayers!

Just wanted to update everyone on Samuel. Rob texted me yesterday and said Sam had done so well Sunday night that they transferred him out of the ICU to the regular pediatric floor. He is smiling and much more comfortable. They have decided to go through with the first of 2 operations tomorrow.....a fundo or nissan.....in hopes of preventing his reflux and thus decreasing his risk of aspiration. Thank for your prayers. Keep them coming! He is a fighter!

Prayers for Samuel

Samuel is my hero. He is the toughest little boy I know. For those of you who do not know Samuel or his family, I will give you a little background information. Relatively from birth, Sam has suffered from an unknown seizure disorder. Over time, these seizures have rendered him completely dependent on others for all of his cares. He is fed through a G tube in his stomach. Samuel is now 8 years old and has undergone numerous episodes of pneumonia, surgeries, tests, procedures, therapies, treatments and hospitalizations. He is a trooper and never ceases to amaze me. Currently Samuel is in the ICU in San Diego and has been for the last 15 days. As requested by his parents, I am writing to you today to ask for your prayers....prayers for both Sam and his family. Over the next few days, they will be facing some very tough decisions. Decisions that I hope to never face. They are seeking guidance from our Heavenly Father to know and understand His will as they face these important decisions. As you pray, please ask, above all else, that Samuel will not suffer. For those of you who are able, our family will also be having a special fast for Samuel and his family this coming Sunday and would invite you to join us. Rob and Di are amazing parents. Over the years, and particularly the years we shared living in Oklahoma together, I have watched them display amazing courage, unconditional love, and unwavering care in Samuel's behalf. I have no doubt Our Heavenly Father is aware of them, Sam and their current struggle. Thank you for your faith and your prayers.

Our First Visitors!

Last Saturday, we had our first visitors! My parents won the prize! We had a great time showing them around and being with family. Its been really hard being so far away from EVERYONE....friends and family, especially for me!


On Saturday, we drove to the Chesapeake Bay and looked at the lighthouse in Havre De Grace.


On Monday, we drove to Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and toured the brand new visitors center along with the auto tour around town.


On Wednesday, we visited Fort McHenry and ate seafood at a nice restaurant located on the inner harbor. Ben and Kate really enjoyed getting reacquainted with, Grandma and Grandpa (or "that" as she referred to him as). The kids were very disappointed to discover they had really left this morning as I had forewarned. Kate kept asking, "Why? Why?" They are already looking forward to seeing them again. We are awaiting our next visitors.....everyone is welcome!