It's Been a While....

Katelyn is trying to talk to me!
Ethan enjoyed the beach!
Playing with markers (thank goodness they are washable!)
Look at that sweet smile!
This is her princess pose!

It has been busy the last few weeks, so I haven't been able to do much on the computer. Here's a bunch of pictures though! I'm back to school again, but I'm really looking forward to the school year, especially as I'm part time. Katelyn is sleeping well--often going 4-5 hours at night between feedings! What a blessing!

Grandpa doing his grandfatherly duty by feeding the baby!
Ethan is all hot and sweaty from running around tonight at the barbeque. He had a great time!
Katelyn's first water bath
Ethan's cute face!
A pic of Katelyn today looking cute!

We've all been doing very well lately. Tonight we went to a community group barbeque and had a good time. Ethan certainly enjoyed getting out of the apartment!

Going crazy taking pics of Katelyn

For more pics--see her webpage (link to the right)! : )

Some pics of my cuties

What a cutie!
That's how Daddy sleeps!
Looking cute on the quilt Grandma Mary made!

Ethan doing his favorite thing!

Finally back on the computer

Her first time in the double stroller.
Ethan driving a school bus at the mall.
Katelyn's first bottle.
Going for a walk in our double stroller.

I certainly haven't been good about getting on the computer, but I'm sure everyone understands! I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since she has been born. Time has flown! My sister moved here to Louisville and already has a job and an apartment. God is good!

Ethan has been wonderful with Katelyn. He wants to kiss her all the time. He hasn't been jealous when I've held her or nursed her and I'm so glad. He's such a good boy!

Happy 4th of July!

Here is our precious angel! :)
Our 4th of July family picture!
Look at that patriotic boy!

The last week has been a whirlwind, but wonderful. Ethan loves Katelyn and kisses her often and hasn't exhibited any signs of jealousy even when I'm holding her. It has been a little difficult with my c-section in that I'm not supposed to lift anything heavy. Ethan doesn't understand this and I find it hard not to just lift him though I know I shouldn't. I've been scolded many times by my mother-in-law! : ) The blessing is that I have had family helping out a lot--mainly Janice and my Dad--who have washed dishes, done laundry, gone to the store, and many, many other things that have made our lives easier. Thank you so much! We love you!

She's here!

Katelyn Perri was born on Monday, June 26th at Baptist East Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds 11 oz and was 20 inches long. She is a sweet little girl and right now likes to sleep alot. I will try to put more pictures on soon! : )

5 days and counting!

Ethan playing with Grandpa!
What a cutie!
38 weeks

First I want to thank all of you who have left comments lately! It's such an encouragement to know that somebody is actually looking at this page! : )

My Dad came on Sunday night after a long drive (he got stuck in traffic for 3 hours an hour outside of Louisville!). Ethan started laughing the moment he saw him--he knew play time was just moments away! Ethan has had lots of fun with him!

Tracy had his birthday yesterday and we had a good time. We went and got pizza (Fat Jimmy's--yum yum) and then Grandpa stayed at home with Ethan while Tracy and I went to see X-Men 3. We joked that we felt so young being out late like that! hahaha

I had my final doctor's appointment yesterday and I still haven't dilated anymore. I got to finalize some details that I had questions about for next week. I can't believe that it is only 5 days until she's here in my arms!

Tonight we took Ethan swimming and he had a great time! He's such a good boy! : )

When is she coming?

I had another doctor's appointment yesterday. I had cramping all day yesterday (some of it pretty painful) and I was convinced this meant I had dilated some. Of course it didn't, though! I'm still 1 cm dilated. This time, however, she felt Katelyn's head and commented that she is very low. This certainly wasn't new information for me because I have felt the pressure of her head. Last night, she seemed especially low and must be pressing on my nerves, because I had shooting pains down my legs all night. I was a bit miserable last night and Tracy got me pillows to elevate my aching legs!

Even though I'm ready to get her out, it looks like she may make it to c-section day. I know it's better for her and family if she hangs in there, so I think I'll tolerate it :)! My next (and last!!) doctor's appointment is Monday (Tracy's b-day) and then it's just one week until our little girl is here! I can't believe it!

Ethan doesn't really know what's about to happen, though we've been talking to him about it. He'll say baby when we point to my belly and will kiss it and lay his head on it. However, he also says baby when he sees Daddy's belly!

Ethan has been a good boy as usual with nothing too exciting happening lately. However, he has been hating getting up in the morning. I think he's ready for a summer break too!

Weekend Update

He's playing with his favorite toy now--his train set. He's so cute when he says choo choo! And you just gotta love that hair--I couldn't get it down all day!!

Here's my big belly at 36 1/2 weeks. It looks like I've got a basketball in there!

Ethan did this last week at church--his first art/craft project. We're not sure exactly what it is, but we're very proud of it and have it placed on the frig!

Things have been pretty good this weekend. Tracy had to work a lot so Ethan and I played. Friday night we just stayed at home and Saturday Ethan and I went for a walk. The walk nearly killed me in my big belly state so I might not try that one again! Saturday night we had some friends over who had a double stroller that was given to them by a couple who went on the mission field. Their job was to find someone to give it to and we are those people! It's a great stroller and we're excited since double strollers are expensive. Tracy is going to take it work and clean it really well since it has been stored in a basement and garage for a while.

Today we went to church in the morning (instead of evening) since we were going to a birthday party in the evening. Ethan was pretty good during the service (since it was a new place we didn't put him in child care) but Daddy finally took him in the foyer when Ethan started distracting all the other people in our row with his cuteness! We all took an afternoon nap and Ethan woke up a little grumpy. We think he's getting some more teeth in because he's been sucking on his fingers and drooling a lot. We then went to the birthday party at the Italian restaurant (it was for Tracy's boss' wife) and Ethan was such a good boy. He ate spaghetti for dinner and as usual he ate it with his fingers and made quite a mess. He started to get sleepy towards the end of the evening and was a little fussy, but everyone commented on what a good boy he was and that he was "a doll!" Even two other kids wanted to play with him all evening!

I'm 37 weeks tomorrow which means Katelyn is now full term! Yeah! No more worrying about a premie! My next doctor's appointment is on Wednesday and we'll find out then if she's coming at 38 or 39 weeks! I can't believe we're so close to the end of this pregnancy already. It has certainly a good pregnancy--I haven't had many of the symptoms I had with Ethan like carpal tunnel! However, last night I woke up at 4:30am wide awake! I guess I better get used to waking up in the night again!

Nothing new!

Good news! I am now 36 weeks and off of the medicine. I feel great and cramping has been minimal. I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and no further dilation has occured, her heart rate was great and I'm measuring perfect. I've even stopped gaining weight which has been a bit of a relief since I was gaining in leaps and bounds most of the pregnancy. I've gained about 25 pounds so far which is a healthy weight gain. She is still moving consistently (especially when I talk to her or play music) but seems pretty relaxed. My stomach still contorts in to weird shapes, but at least she's not rolling all over the place! : )
So it's now three weeks until she's here!

Ethan is doing wonderful. Tracy and I just adore this little man and he brings us so much joy. He's very entertaining to say the least. Every where I take him people comment on how good he is. Of course, he can still wear me out! He got a hair cut again on Saturday, but he wiggled too much and it was kind of a waste of money. Last night, Tracy got out his clippers and had a go at it. He did pretty good though it was hard pinning Ethan down. Afterwards, Tracy let him play with the shaver (he couldn't turn it on) and Ethan pretended to shave his own head and Daddy's head. It was too cute!

A look at Katelyn

These are Katelyn's ultrasound pictures from today (there are more on her website). Isn't she a cutie? I love those chubby cheeks! They are estimating her weight to be about 5 pounds 7 oz right now, which is a good healthy weight. She has dropped in to my pelvis (so that's why I have to pee all the time) and I've actually started dilating. My doctor thinks she may try to come early and that we might have to do the c-section a week earlier (on Tracy's birthday!). I have another appointment on Monday (which is when I am done with my medicine) since I've moved to the weekly and she's going to keep an eye on my dilation. I just want her to be healthy! I am glad to hear she already weighs around 5 1/2 pounds now because that means even if she came now, she'd probably be fine! It was so exciting to see her again and see how much she has changed from her last ultrasound!

Boys will be boys!

Ethan likes to get in to mischief and, as always, he's got his trusty cell phone in his hand!
Ethan is trying to get his book out of the diaper bag. He certainly loves his books!
Daddy and Ethan dancing in the kitchen. Aren't they hilarious?

Tracy had to work today again, so it was just Ethan and me. However, when Daddy got home, Ethan certainly had fun with him! He's such a sweet little boy!

No, that isn't a pacifier--it's a plastic tree! He's still getting teeth in and loves to bite stuff! That's not exactly how that table is supposed to work, but Ethan is enjoying himself! : )

School is finally out! Whoohoo! It's been a long week and I still have tons to do, but it's nice to have a school year behind me. On the last day I had several students give me gifts for Katelyn, which meant so much. In fact, one of them made a quilt for her! Isn't that wonderful? I'll have to take a picture of it and put it on the blog. Yesterday was also a month to the day when Katelyn is coming! We are both so excited, but it also seems a bit unreal! I am looking forward to not having a huge belly and being so uncomfortable all the time.

Ethan and I had fun today, but Tracy had to work so we missed him. We played around at home for a while and then I took him swimming. I thought Tracy was getting off work and would be able to meet us at the pool, but at the last minute he got called in to another job. Ethan certainly enjoys swimming more with Daddy (I'm a little limited in my actions!) and it was hard trying to get in and out of the pool with him. I think next time I will make sure Tracy is with us!

Ethan did something cute this afternoon. After I put him down for his nap, I checked on him using the video monitor and he was just talking and moving around! It made me laugh because usually he just conks right out. I fell asleep too (I've learned finally to sleep when he sleeps).

I hope everyone is having a good Memorial weekend. I hope to do a barbeque some time, but it's hard to know with Tracy's crazy schedule!

Look at that belly!!!

Well this is me at 34 weeks and I'm always amazed how big my belly is when I see these pictures! I'm definitely a lot bigger now than I ever was with Ethan and I still have 5 weeks to go!! Next week I have an ultrasound to figure out how big she has gotten. Tracy and Ethan are going to be there too--we're excited to see our little girl again. We'll definitely post the pictures after we scan them. So far the medicine has been working and the cramping has stopped. I'm feeling a lot better and hope to start working out again next week.

Ethan is playing peekabo with Daddy using our tape recorder! He is getting better and better at it too!
Look at that sweet face! Isn't he adorable? He has been keeping us so entertained lately. He's added some new moves to his dancing groove. He now stomps his feet as fast as he can and waves his arms by his sides. It is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We also took him swimming last night which we hadn't done for almost a year! He loved it though! Tracy took him in the big pool first and as Tracy went down the steps, Ethan said "Whoooooooooooo!". Then he laughed and laughed and kicked and splashed! He had a blast and we're glad. We had fun too! We can't wait to keep him swimming!

Good news!

Tracy and I went to the doctor this afternoon and the good news is that the cramping has not caused any dilating! They prescribed me some medicine to stop the contractions and told me to rest as much as possible, but didn't put me on bed rest! The medicine will be until I am 36 weeks (2 1/2 weeks from now) and then if I go in to labor, it would be okay for the baby.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I feel so much more at peace now since I'm not worrying about her coming too soon. Her heartrate sounded good and everything else is good, so I think we won't have a problem. What a relief! : )

Cramping Again!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I started cramping again last night and I'm going to the doctor this afternoon to make sure I am not dilating. I may be put on bedrest for a while, which is going to hurt us financially so please pray for us in this as well as for Katelyn and her safety. I will update tonight after my appointment. Hopefully, I'm not dilating and everything is fine.

Nana's visit!

Ethan likes it when Nana comes to visit--he gets time with his Nana and, oh yeah, lots of new toys! : ) Ethan was such a good boy this weekend while Nana and I were busy getting stuff ready for Katelyn. Here he is helping me get the carseat ready for Katelyn.

Nana came to visit this weekend to help me get everything together for Katelyn. She came early Friday afternoon and then picked up Ethan so she could have some time with him. He was very happy to see her! That night we just relaxed at home because we knew we had a busy day ahead of us!

Saturday we did a lot of shopping and washing! We bought a crib set for Katelyn, some plastic drawers for her clothes, and many other things. We put her bassinet together and washed all of her clothes in baby detergent. After all is said and done, I feel that we are pretty ready for Katelyn. Not that we want her to come any time soon, but I feel so much better having things ready. Speaking of which, I've been feeling pretty good lately. I'm trying to take it easy at home and at school. They are very supportive at school and have made it very clear that they are willing to work with for whatever is necessary. I feel very blessed.

Ethan had a rough morning though. Shortly after I dropped him off, he threw up. I went and picked him up and he's been fine all day. I can only assume that he just had a random throw up episode because he's been good all day. I'm glad too--I don't think I could handle him having one more stomach virus again!!

Tracy is finally done with all of his school work! What a blessing! He feels a big weight off of his shoulders. We've also officially changed his major to churchplanting. We both feel really good about this decision.

I only have two more weeks of school left and I'm definitely ready for the summer! Of course, it would be nice if the weather thought summer was coming too. It has been rainy and cold for the last week and a half!

My Doctor's Appointment

I went to the doctor yesterday for my prenatal checkup. I've gained 3 1/2 more pounds! Her heart rate was good and the doctor confirmed that she has gone head down. I mentioned my cramping to the doctor and she was very concerned and said the pain I described was indeed preterm labor. She was ready to put me on maternity leave for the rest of my pregnancy (so that I could rest) right now, but I am out of sick days and I also have SO MUCH work to do at the end of the year. We only have two more weeks of school, so I'm praying that I can at least make it to the end of the school year. However, I do want to take this seriously and not endanger Katelyn so please pray for us! My doctor says if I have cramping again like before that lasts longer than an hour, I need to come in to make sure my cervix isn't dilating. I still get sporadic times of cramping, but nothing like before which lasted so long. I'm trying to take it easy and to pay attention to any pain. I still have 6 1/2 weeks left. I know that babies born at 34 weeks tend not to have any problems, but that is at least 1 1/2 weeks away.

Janice comes today to help me get ready for Katelyn and I'm excited. We're going to wash Katelyn's clothes and figure out what else I might need for her. Janice is coming this morning and Tracy is going to take her to get Ethan so she can spend the rest of the day with him. I know she can't wait to see her little man!

I know I wrote last night, but...

Ethan did the cutest thing this morning! While Tracy and I were up this morning getting ready, I heard the funniest noises coming from Ethan's room where he was supposedly sleeping. I heard laughter and other noises and when I went in to his room, he was lying in his crib just entertaining himself talking. It was too cute since he usually fusses to get our attention in the morning. When I came in, he was so excited to see me and wrapped his arms around me so tight! That's got to be one of the sweetest things in the world!

Later when I was getting him dressed, he was so helpful. He always helps me by putting out his arms and lifting his feet. He especially loves it when I put his shoes on. This child loves his shoes (good job, Uncle Kelly!)! I have to hide them when we get home or else he'd wear them to bed!

Ethan meets Kaleb--Love at first sight!

Ethan loves the camera and tries to take it whenever I have it!

Ethan and Daddy wrestling! : )
32 weeks pregnant and growing! I think this was my belly with Ethan at 39 weeks! I don't know if it is so much bigger because my muscles are all stretched out or because Katelyn is a moose! I guess we'll find out in 7 weeks! She moved in to the head down position today and, though she changed her mind for a while this afternoon, seems settled there! She's still making her presence known to me with lots of wiggling and kicking.

Ethan met Kaleb this afternoon since they came home from the hospital and from the very first moment, Ethan was interested in him. He wanted desperately to touch him and pat him and we let him pat his hand. He kept talking to Kaleb, especially when Kaleb was crying as he got his diaper changed. Later, Ethan leaned forward and gave Kaleb kisses! It was so adorable and I wish I had my camera with me then! However, it has encouraged me that maybe Ethan will love Katelyn too!

Kaleb Andrew is here!

For those of you who know Naomi (one of my close friends for almost 10 years), she had her baby boy Kaleb Andrew yesterday at 2:56 pm. He is 8 lbs. 5 oz and 21 inches long! He is quite a cutie with blonde hair and chubby cheeks! I may post a picture of him later if they are okay with it. If not, in the next couple of days, you may view a picture of him on http://babynet.baptisteast.com/. Just look him up under their last name. You can send them a message (they deliver it) by going to the following site: https://secure.bhsi.com/www.baptisteast/ecard.asp?bhcp=1.

I got to see him yesterday and I must say it has gotten us excited about our bundle of joy who is coming in 7 weeks and brought back memories of our time there when Ethan was born (it's the same hospital). We feel so blessed to have Ethan and to have Katelyn coming soon!

Our weekend was very busy between Naomi's delivery, a baby shower and yard sale shopping! Ethan has been as fun as ever. He got to go the park on Saturday and Sunday and is now such a big boy that he doesn't need any help on the slide! He can basically hold his own on the smaller playground equipment and yells "Weeeeeee!" when he goes down the slide! He is too precious!

Doing Much Better

Ethan can now reach the light switch and entertained himself for about half an hour yesterday flipping the kitchen light on and off. It made me a little crazy trying to wash dishes though! : )
I took Ethan outside to get some energy out after our lazy morning and 3 hour nap yesterday! He insisted on bringing his Elmo toy and carried it around outside!

I just want to thank any of you who have prayed for me today. Around lunch time, the cramping stopped and I've been feeling much better! I'm still taking it easy and sitting or lying down whenever I can. I've figured that it probably was triggered from picking Ethan up too much--he's starting to put on a little weight! In the picture above, you can he's starting to get the fat around his wrists again (one of my students said when he was younger that it looked like his hand was screwed on because it was so chunky! I love it!). Tracy has been getting up earlier to carry Ethan to the car in the mornings and I've been encouraging Ethan to climb the stairs by himself. Of course it takes a little longer (since he feels it is his job to remove every leaf on the outside stairs) but my back appreciates it!

A Prayer Request

I stayed home yesterday from school because the cramping continued. I laid around all day (poor Ethan didn't have too much fun) and felt a little better this morning. I am at school now and it is still cramping, so I'm trying to stay off my feet as best I can. I'm out of sick days and I have so much to do at school, so I can't stay at home any more. Please pray that this cramping stops--it's made me worried for Katelyn's sake! I had this with Ethan and they put me on bed rest for a week! However, I was 35 weeks then and it wasn't as dangerous for Ethan then. She's still active and moving all around. I can feel her little feet and it is just too precious!