11/30/07: Two Reasons to be thankful I haven't had the baby yet:
1. I got to go to an awesome photography class last night at Ritz Camera. I learned all about the manual focus feature, F Stop, Lighting/ Apature (spelling??), and taking pictures in low light or action. It was REALLY cool and very informative! I love my new camera even more than I did!
2. Ava will have the blue topaz birthstone instead of the yellow topaz. So, when and if I ever get a mother's ring, It will be Aquamarine, Emerald, Peridot, and Blue Topaz (blue, green, green, blue) pretty! I don't really care for the yellow stone, so that makes me happy! Be happy about the little things in life!
I'm feeling pretty good today and I guess there is still a possibility that she could be born in November. But, not likely. December is her month! Three special people in our lives have birthdays the next 4 days: Michele McLaughlin is tomorrow, my sister, Tina's is the 3rd, and my niece, Ashley's is the 4th. I wonder if Ava will share a birthday with any of them.
It is pouring down rain here today and there are many freeway closures due to car accidents (California drivers have a little trouble with driving in the rain... lol!) . It would be tough for Jen and my mom to get here in a reasonable amount of time today. It would also take Christian a lot longer to get home from work because the 5 Freeway is closed too... Not such good timing for little Ava, but she doesn't read the traffic reports. We'll see...
Until next time, Love you all and thanks for checking in on us.
11/29/07: Every time I go to church, work, Maddy's school, Emma's school... I just keep hearing, "You haven't had that baby yet????" I reply with a dissapointed, "Nope, not yet." I really wanted to go into labor yesterday because it was a really busy hectic day that I had scheduled for myself and it would have been nice to get out of all of it. I worked, I babysat two extra girls, I went to the college to sub for my mother-in-law, and we had Pioneer Clubs. If this schedule doesn't throw me into labor, I don't know what will! I'm working again today (9-noon)...my church can't believe I keep showing up. But, actually it's just as much work to be home with the kids as it is to go into the office. It breaks up the day to be with the adults in the office. I enjoy being at work. Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to be off for my 6 weeks of maternity leave getting to know Ava Claire. Come on Baby Girl... Today is a good day to have a baby!
Again for today...."Nope, I haven't had that baby yet."
11/28/07: I love all of you for "stalking" my site! It's so much fun to get so many comments every day. I wish I had some news for you all.... but I don't. I'm still playing the wondering and waiting game. I'm feeling a lot of pressure and lower back pain today when I stand. So, maybe this means she's coming very soon?!?!
11/26/07: I'm still dialated to 4cm. The doctor said that she's seen women stay dialated to 4cm for up to 3 weeks, especially with their 4th baby. She scheduled me an appointment for Mon., Dec. 3rd to come in for a pre-natal check. At that appointment she would schedule me an induction date since I would be officially over-due. Hopefully we don't get to that point. Only time will tell. I don't know if I would schedule an induction anyway. I would rather just wait til she comes on her own. But then again, I don't know how I'll be feeling 7 days from now- my attitude could totally and completely change!
11/26/07: A little story about an off-balance pregnant women who's belly is entirely too big for her own good....
Saturday night after we had our dinner and desert Jen and I got started on tackling the mountain of dishes that had erupted from a fun evening of lots of food. The kitchen was a mess! We had dishes piled on the drying rack, in the sink, on the counter, and on top of the stove. I opened the oven and then turned around to grab some of the clean pots and pans (including the HEAVY cast-iron skillet) to put back into the oven where we store some of the flat pans. With all the pans in my hands, I took a few steps backwards to put them in the oven. I stepped back just a little too far and bumped into the oven door with the back of my leg which caused me too drop all of pans, fall backwards onto the oven door, and have all of the stuff on top of the oven (including the roaster pan with all of the turkey drippings, the green bean casserole dish, a whole pumpkin pie, two full glasses of Coke, and many other dishes) come sliding off the oven towards me- on the oven door, sitting on the floor. At the same time as all of ths is happening I see the whole oven falling toward me and I fear that the whole thing is going to fall on top of me and crush me and Ava! It was all happening in slow motion as the noise of all the the dishes are falling and breaking around me. Jen to the rescue!! She some how redirected every dish, pan, and glass away from me and held the stove from falling at the same time. After all the things had setteled around me and I was lying on the floor in a pool of greasy Coke and pie, Jen and I just started busting up laughing!! It was VERY scary, but once it all happened and she and I could tell that I was OK, it was hillarious. At that point, Walter and Christian walked in. They just heard the whole commotion from the backyard and rushed in to see what happened. Luckily, I was laughing when they came in. Walter and Christian spent the next 2 hours with the Simple Green, papertowels, the drill, screwdrivers and pliers, trying their best to fix the oven door so that it would close properly again. It is still a few centimeters off, but it seals when it's shut- Thanks guys!! It was pretty embarrassing and a little painful, but Thank God I didn't get smashed or burned. I guess it's one of those stories that will get funnier as time passes. ... all in the day of a big, fat, 9-months pregnant Me!
I have my doctor's appointment in about 30 minutes. I'd better stop typing now so that I can go. Let's see how far I'm dialated now.... Stay tuned!
11/25/07: Still waiting.... I have had many contractions coming and going but nothing strong enough still. I am trying to be patient, but it's hard. I know she will come when she's ready, but I hope that is very soon! You will all know when it's time to go to the hospital- I'll be sure to come onto the computer real quick to let you know or if I rushing out the door, Tina or Kristin will update for me. Awaiting.....
11/24/07: Still...nothin'! I had 4 contractions in less than 25 minutes last night and thought that maybe we were going to be on our way soon.... nope. The 5th contraction was about 2 hours later. Then a few more throughout the night. Ugh! I want my baby girl! I have a pre-natal apointment on Monday morning. Let's see if I make it that far. I'm beginning to think December 3rd, 4th, or 5th are great birthday options for my little patient princess- late, like her siblings!
The kids are having a blast with Jen here. We went to see "Enchanted" yesterday (very cute!!) This morning they built a fort in the living room and watched Nemo from inside. Jen is like one big kid. She is soooo much fun! It sure would be nice to go into labor while she's here. We'd be able to leave the kids here worry free and hassle free. We'll see.....
11/23/07: It's Friday morning and no baby.... We did end up driving out to Ventura and Agoura yesterday and we ended up staying the night at the Ekman's house. They are camping, but we stayed at their house anyway. Jen Landers is coming back home with us today to stay the weekend, Yippee!! We are all happy to have her over! She's going to meet us at my Mom and Dad's place today and then we'll all drive back together. She's gonna take the Amtrack home on Sunday. Montse is coming over tomorrrow and we will all cook Thanksgiving at our house. (If I don't go into labor....)
We had a really nice day yesterday with all our friends and family. I had quite a few contractions throughout the day, but nothing strong or consistent enough to warrent a call to labor and delivery. Well, I guess it would have been kinda tough going into labor this far from home anyway. Maybe today......
11/21/07: Well, no baby yet. Lots of you signed my guestbook, which tells me you are as ready as I am! Fun, fun, fun!! Stacey- that wasn't very encouraging to hear you were dialated to 4cm for 2 weeks!! Thanks to all of you for the frequent visits! Please don't hesitate to sign the guestbook often. I enjoy seeing how often my friends and family visit- especailly at this exciting time! Isn't it so much fun to have all these babies due in BHP land?? I love it!
Last night was another restless night. I am getting very uncomfortable in my lower region. My hips are hurting quite a bit when I walk and especially when I am trying to sleep. Wasn't it just a few days ago that I said I was super comfy and thought I'd go over my due date?? Ugh! Now, I'm telling you- any day! Hopefully sooner than later! I love my belly, but I'd love a beautiful baby girl in arms even more.
My sister, Tina (bhp/ekman5) will be updating my site for me when I go into labor. She'll be getting the play by play by phone every few hours or so. She's away this weekend, but Kristin (bhp/schauers) said she'd update for me in the event of Tina being out of town. It will be fun for you all to be able to know what's going on even before sweet Ava arrives. Time will tell.......... and to think, I could possibly still go another two weeks... Please, No!
11/20/07: I am now to my weekly pre-natal check-ups. Last Tuesday the doctor asked me if I wanted to be checked for dialation and I said, "no". Today's appointment she said she wanted to do the exam and I am dialated to 4 cm!! Wow! I am surprised that I am that far along. I guess it could be any time that I go into labor! Hey maybe I'll throw a wrench into Thanksgiving Day...who knows?!?
For Thanksgiving we are going to do breakfast with the Landers and McLaughlins and then go to my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be about 90 miles from home, so I hope I don't go into labor while I'm out there. Saturday night we are making our own small Thanksgiving dinner here to have some leftovers in the house. We got a 13 lb. turkey and the fixins to make a few side dishes. Luckily, Christian loves to cook! Auntie Tete will join us for our Thanksgiving that night...Yummo!
Sleeping has been eratic the last few nights. The doctor says it's safe to take a Tylenol PM at night. So, I took one on Sunday night and slept like a baby! I probably won't take one again though because I would hate for me to be all sleepy and go into labor in the middle of the night! That would be awful! So, I'll resort to the sleepness nights as a preparation as to what's to come when Ava is born.
11/19/07: Only 2 weeks to go for Ava Claire!! I can't believe she's coming so soon! We did our maternity pictures this past weekend at JCPenney Portrait Studio. They came out really good. I can't wait to get them. We managed to get maternity pictures with all of the pregnancies. (I know a lot of people intend to do them, but they go into labor before it gets done). If you watch the slide show on the front page you will see the maternity photos from the last 3 pregnanies. This time we wore fall colors with a mocha background; I think the color scheme looked nice. Christian took some pictures of the kids out front while I finished getting myself ready for the appointment. He got some pretty cute shots. I ordered the picture sheets and also photos by e-mail; they should be here in about a week. Yeah!
11/18/07: My "baby" sister, Amanda just got engaged over the weekend to Luis, whom we already considered family ("Uncle Luis"). The whole family is thrilled for the two of them and wish them the very very best as they plan for their wedding. The wedding date has been set for November 8, 2008. We all look forward to the day and look even more forward to gaining a new member of the family!! Congratulations Amanda and Luis!!! We love you!
11/16/07: Last night was the roughest night yet. I slept in brief incriments of 30- 45 minutes at a time. I guess it's time for this to start happening, but I do enjoy my sleep! I had inconsistent contractions that were a little painful throughout the night. I guess they are just Braxton Hicks, but they certainly do trick me into thinking..."This could be it!" until I don't get another one for an hour or two. I just wish my water would break this time so I don't have to wonder for weeks with every little contraction that this may be the one to start real labor. My water was broken by the doctor all 3 times so far...I think it would be fun to have that surprise at home. Only 17 days to go..... Come on Ava!
11/15/07: Christian's parents left for a 2 1/2 week long trip to Chile. They left today. It was Lita's birthday yesterday so they went out to dinner to celebrate. I couldn't go because I had to go to Pioneer Clubs at church. I let the kids miss, but I, as the director, had to be there. They went to the Olive Garden. I have lots of pix that Christian took. Too many to post for now.
Today was Emma's Thanksgiving Musical at preschool. It was really sweet! Her class did 2 songs as well as the rest of the classes doing about the same. Landon sang along with Emma's class since she has been singing them at home all week, he knew them pretty well. After the musical there was a Thanksgiving feast for the families. It was very yummy! Pix and video to come... stay tuned!
11/15/07: Landon does this funny thing where we aren't sure how he came up with it??? When he tells us that he wants something in a demanding voice, we ask him to use his manners (meaning say "May I", and "please"...). Well, to Landon "using his manners" means that he asks with with a sweet smile, a sweet voice, and his head cocked to the side. It is the funniest thing! So he'll demand rudely, "I want Juice!". When I ask him to use his manners, he sweetly says, "I want juice."... Forget the "May I have some juice please." I'll take his type of manners for now, it's much cuter!
11/15/07: I have been having a lot of fun with my new camera. I am still in shock that I have it! Along with buying the camera from "Ritz Camera" I get 7 photography instructional classes. My first one is on Thursday night, November 29th (if I'm not having or caring for a new baby!). I'm excited to go to the class to learn a little more and see what I can do with it. Christian is totally into reading all the manuals and teaching himself to use it. I have expiramented a little, but not as much as he has. We are both really enjoying it.
For the BHP moms out there- it takes a little longer to upload the pictures now than it did with my Kodak Easyshare. I guess since the pix are better quality, they take up more memory or something? It's worth the wait, but a little frustrating. I used to be able to upload 10-12 pix at a time, now only 3-4 at a time ...just for your info.
11/12/07: Always when Christian arrives home from work, he honks his horn when he is almost to our house and the kids and I go outside to greet him as he gets out of his truck. The kids usually run like the wind through the house to be the first one to get the first hug as he gets out of his truck. Today he honked his horn once he was in the driveway and we all went out to see him. He was walking away from his truck with a camera in his hands taking pictures of us as we walked out..... I was looking at him with this really nice, really big, really awesome camera in front of his face. I was VERY puzzeled as to who this camera belongs to!?!? As he approached me, I asked him (he's still taking pictures), "Who's camera is this??" And he said, "It's your's, you deserve it." I was astounded!!!! I have wanted a Canon Rebel for the past 4 or 5 years, but have always been content with a simple point and shoot camera. Christian got his first really good commission payout at work this week and he chose to spend the first chunk of it on me! We are going to be responsible with the rest of it and pay some bills down and get caught up on some stuff, but I am thrilled to be the owner of a brand new "Canon EOS Digital Rebel 300D". We played around with it quite a bit tonight, but I havn't downloaded any pix from it yet...I will though! Ahhhh, I'm so excited!! Anyone want some family portraits done??
I am 37 weeks today. Ava is now considered a full-term baby and can come any day now...yah right! I think I still have awhile. I feel great, no pressure or back pain at all. I have a prenatal visit tomorrow morning. I think they will check for dialation...we'll see??
11/10/07: Tracy and Araceli Ross gave birth to Caleb John Ross after being induced on Thursday, Novemebr 8th. He was 7lbs, 15oz., 19 inches long. Mommy and baby are both doing wonderfully!
11/10/07: It is really starting to set in that we are going to have a new baby in the house VERY soon! I have been 1-2 days late with our first 3 babies, so I'm not expecting Ava to make her debut for at least a couple more weeks, but the truth is...she could come safely any time now. I packed my hospital bag today and washed some more clothes for her drawers. It's so much fun! I have 4 or 5 non-gender outfits that were worn by all of the children. My sister, Tina, got Madeline a really sweet cream color nightgown that I had Maddy wear home from the hospital, then Emma did too. After that, I thought it's perfect for a boy too. So, Landon wore it and now Ava will be the final one to wear it home from the hospital in a few short weeks. I just wahsed it and put it in the hospital bag along with a little yellow sweater that Christian's "Abuelita" made for Maddy that they all wore over the gown for a picture on their going home day. Abuelita passed away in 2004, so the sweater is even more special now. To me, there is something so wonderful about hand-me-downs. I truly get so much enjoyment out of seeing my children in the outfits that their siblings and cousins wore too. I love it that all 4 of my children will have worn the same outfit for their big homecoming day.
Christian is working another Home Show this weekend at the Anaheim convention center (some extra money for Christmas- Nice!) Also, Auntie Tete took Maddy for the weekend to spend some time with her. Maddy was sooooo excited to go to her house! They had big plans which include going to see the "Bee Movie" and lots of shopping. They will have tons of fun! So, it's pretty much just me, Emma, and Landon for the weekend. We'll have fun too!
11/8/07: Landon's conversation ability has just astounded us over the last 2 months. He went from words here and there. Putting together sentences a little 2 months ago, to now- full on converstaions! It's amazing once they start, how quickly it all unfolds. I love it! It's so much fun to hear what going on in his little head.
All of a sudden though he has added an extra syllable into many 1 syllable words. It's quite funny! But, we just don't get it because he was saying these words fine awhile ago, and now double syllbales? It's pretty cute though!
Here are a few examples:
The most common one: "Yay-yeah" = yah
"snay-yak" = snack
"cray-ash" = crash (and if you have a boy, you know how common this word is!)
"clay-ass"= class
"my-yine"= mine
He sounds like he's from the south or somethin'! It's really funny! We say he inherited this language from Poppy. (He's the only one we know with a southern drawl!) LOL!!
11/5/07: Finally we are all over the flu! We all caught it in different amounts. Christian, mine, and Maddy's weren't too bad, but Emma and Landon both got it for a couple of days each. I kept Emma home one more day just to be sure she wasn't a carrier of it to her preschool. But, she seemed fine all day. I think we're all ready to get back to normal.... I certainly know I am!
My shower for Ava yesterday was just beautiful!! I had a great time seeing friends and family that I haven't seen in awhile. It was wonderful! We got many many nice gifts and lots of diapers. It was perfect! I'm so thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life to love and care for our family and be so gracious to us. I feel so blessed!
Only 4 weeks to go...I turned 36 weeks today. Wow, it really just snuck up on us. This pregnancy went soooo fast! I can't wait to meet Ava Claire!
11/4/07: Christian got it! He was up at 4 AM. I guess this means that Landon is going to go to church with me this morning. I wish I could stay home with the family and take care of them, but I have 2 classes to teach and Christmas musical rehearsal to lead- ugh! Today is my baby shower and I am going to have to take Landon with me there too. I'd take the girls, but I'm afraid they'd give away this horrible flu! It's not going to be the best to have a 2-year at a tea party, but I can't leave him here with all the sickies. Christian needs to rest up so he can hopefully get back to work tomorrow. Well, All I can say is... It has gone trough the whole family now, we're done! Hopefully we didn't give it to anyone else.
....11/3/07 (11:52 PM) I spoke too soon.... Madeline woke up at 10:30 PM saying that she wasn't feeling well, we were watching a movie ("Perfect Stranger"). She stayed up a bit and then said that she felt better. She went back to her bed (where she had a "barf-bowl" waiting) she was half way up her ladder when.... "Blahuhuhuh"!! All over her sheets and pillow! If that wasn't bad enough, 10 seconds later Emma did the same all over her sheets, pillow, night-night, and comfortor that had been back on her bed all of about 3 hours! Sad thing is, I started laughing, what else could I do?? I got the giggles, and the girls didn't think it was very funny! I was just laughing at the situation because it was almost commical! So picture us... Christian puts both girls in the shower to warm them up and wash them off while I'm carrying load after load after load of sheets, blankets, pillows and comfortors (8 months pregnant) to the garage to start the laundry. So how's that for a fun evening?!?! It can only get better from here......... It's now after midnight and I'm off to go to sleep. Let's just pray that Christian doesn't wake up in the middle of the night throwing up. He's the only one left! (At least we have an extra hour tonight with the time change!).
11-3-07: Well, the flu is just working it's way around the family. Emma woke up in a pool of vommit last night. After a bath and a change of sheets our Sweet Little Girl threw up in a bowl sometime between midnight and 7AM and went back to sleep and never woke any of us up. She got up this morning and was almost back to normal right away. She played outside and was totally fine (aside from a little sleepiness) the rest of the afternoon and evening. She beat that quickly! Christian's not feeling so hot today- we'll see what's in store for him tonight!? Hopefully he and Maddy will make it through unscathed.
One month from today our little Ava is due!! Wow, only 30 days to go! Tomorrow will make it seem even closer when I bring home all of her new things from her baby shower. I can't wait!
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