37 Weeks

Whew! This is the longest I've ever been pregnant. :o) Today's doctor's appointment was encouraging. Little man had a steady heartbeat of 158 beats per minute. I am also 2-3 cm dilated and 80% effaced! The doctor seems to think that I could have this baby anytime now.I am still feeling pretty well overall. Winded walking up the stairs, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, general pelvic pressure- check, check, check, and check. But really, how can I complain? Both pregnancies up to this point have been so easy compared to other women's stories I have heard. More importantly, I am so thankful that we have this opportunity to be parents once again. So often I take it for granted that we have been able to easily have children and I forget to thank God for the wonderful blessing that it is. So when those sleepless nights due to feeding and crankiness come along here again soon, I pray that I will remember how richly God has blessed us, and to truly treasure those 2 am "snuggles."

Christian is 27 Months

Since I don't do Christian updates every month like I did during his first year, I thought I would try to do a little update every 3 to 6 months. Christian is such a joy in our lives. He is fun and silly, and we are enjoying him as he learns and picks up on everything. (We have found that we need to be a little more careful these days about what we do or say.) His vocabulary is continually increasing, although it seemed slow at first. It has been fun to see him get excited about the "school" that he attends once or twice a week, and I love watching him interact with other children. He is most certainly ALL boy. He loves wrestling with Daddy on the bed, attempts free fall stunts whether or not anyone is there to catch him, and enjoys using his loud voice. :) Funny how boys just know how to make airplane engine sounds and growl even though Mommy has to work much harder at it. Christian has also taken up an interest in coloring and writing with pens. He loves to sit at the table and color in his "Crayola Magic Wonder" books and coloring books when I am cooking in the kitchen, but he especially likes it when Momma and Daddy join in the fun. Of course, paper shredding is a big thing these days too- I haven't needed to use our machine paper shredder in some time now.
We talk about baby brother with Christian quite often, but I am still not entirely convinced that he truly understands the changes that are going to be taking place soon. He lifted my shirt one day last week, kissed my belly and said, "baby." Then he proceeded to lift his own shirt and say, "baby." He has also noticed the infant car seat that we installed last week. But I wonder how a two year old truly understands that there is a little life forming in Mommy's womb when it is difficult to comprehend the amazing miracle taking place even as an adult? Nevertheless, we are excited and I just know that Christian is going to be a wonderful big brother and even more, I look forward to the relationship that the boys will develop as they get older.
We are in love with our sweet two year old, and are so thankful that God gave us this mission as parents.

36 Weeks

It's hard to believe that I delivered Christian at 36 weeks and 4 days and here we are! I have been a little anxious about getting to this point without knowing whether or not baby #2 would come early as well, but so far we have made it. According to this morning's doctor appointment I am measuring at 37 weeks, the little guy is head down and is facing my left side, and he getting eager to stretch and see the world! I am guessing that we will have a December baby, but time will tell. Here's to 37 weeks and a healthy, full-term baby!

Winter Iris

These beauties (though not as vibrant) are blooming in our backyard right now. Crazy to see iris blooming in December! I think they are confused with the switch from 50 degree to 70 degree days and cool nights.We would love to see some snow here in South Carolina like last winter, so please send some from Colorado! The comfortable 70 degree days are wonderful, but a cool, balmy day on Christmas would be welcome and feel more like home. I guess we will just have to dream of a white Christmas (after Steve's parents arrive of course.)

Random: Phoenix enjoying some winter sunshine, the rocking chair, and Boppy pillow that I retrieved for Baby #2.

35 Weeks

Getting closer! My lung capacity is quickly dwindling these days and I find myself winded quite often. Other than the heartburn and expected discomforts I am still feeling well. Today's doctor appointment was fairly uneventful. I was hoping that she would check to see if I am dilated or effaced, but she said she won't begin checking until I am 38 weeks. Checkups will be every week now! We are becoming really eager to meet this sweet little boy, and to experience those newborn snuggles once again.

Christmas Decor

As requested by my mom, here are a few more pictures of the Christmas decorations in our home. (Although they will probably still be up when she comes to help with the baby in January.)

Christian's Early Christmas Gift

Christian chillin' in his new chair from Nana and Papa- an early Christmas gift :) The big box it arrived in was nearly just as exciting!