LAST doctor visit. whew!

I am so thankful to have good doctors to rely on...but my goodness, I have seen them more than my share lately.  I have been going to the doctor twice a week for about 6 weeks now--geez, enough is enough. 

On Monday, they ultrasound the baby and check to make sure her heartbeat is good and steady, check my urine (yay me), and weight, and measure my belly.  It's loads of fun, I say!

On Thursdays (this week Wednesday due to Thanksgiving) they hook me up to two belts (one is for baby's heartbeat and the other is to monitor any contractions).  Oh yeah, and they check weight and urine (again). Yay.

Tomorrow is my LAST OFFICE VISIT until I have the baby on Monday.  It has been quite a long road with the doctor visits, so I'm quite glad this is the final one!  I think I know all the nurse's names and I think they all know me...sad but true.

I am so very thankful that the pregnancy has gone so great and that we are both healthy.  So thankful for that.

Now, the final decision on the name........should she have four names like my other two kids?  We shall soon see :)

Tessa will be here soon.

We went to the doctor this morning and he thinks C-section will probably be the best bet for us.  We are scheduled for Monday, November 29th at 6:00am.  The doctor says my pelvis is small (go figure--the one small thing on me and I can't even see it) and he thinks we would probably fare better with a c-section.  I trust his judgment, so we are going for it.
Please keep us in your prayers.
I will keep you all posted, I promise!
Thanks.

Random pics

 We love dress up!!

 and karaoke

 and birthday pinatas full of candy

 Our big 8 year old girl giving the princess wave.

 Emy, Luke and Ivana Diamond

Luke was helping with Emy's tangles.

By the way, the date on my camera is WRONG!!!

It is definitely Nov 2010.

LOL!!

EMY IS 8 TODAY!!

I can't believe my baby is 8 years old today!!  No more booster seat in the car!!  She is so happy about that!

Emy is the sweetest daughter a mommy could ask for. 

I love her to the moon and back.

Darrell's Fishing Trip with his Dad

Darrell and his 27 pound catfish!!  Go Daddy!

 Darrell's brother in law, Tony, with his 29 pound catch.

 Papa Martin with the biggest catch of the day--32 pounds!!

What a day of fishing!!  I'll enjoy these one day very soon!!

YUMMY!!

36 weeks

This is me, 36 weeks....countdown is ON!

I have gained about 10 pounds total and Tessa weighs over 6 already.

This will be the ONLY picture I will post because I am starting to swell in places I didn't know could swell...LOL!!

Enjoy, folks, this is it!

Pictures!!

My BIG BABIES!!!!!

Josh, Cristian, Emy and Luke

Me and my girl....she is getting so tall.

 Face paint!

 Foot long!!!

 Emy & Ma having lots of fun!!

Well, these are pictures from a baby shower, fun at home and at the NC State Fair!!  We did not let Luke go to the fair because of last year's incidents...he doesn't do well standing in lines and he said he should "just go to school" and Daddy would pick him up and buy him a truck.  That is exactly what happened!

We had a ball.   As you can see, there are no absence of smiles for my babies in these pictures....my mama either.  HAHA!!

Enjoy!

Tessa is growing!

Well, I went to the doctor yesterday morning and we have good news.  Little Miss Tessa is going to be fat and sassy. She already weighs 5 pounds, 12 ounces!  I have gained a total of 5 pounds, so I'm happy with that so far.  All of her bones and organs look good.  They tried to get a good 3D picture of her face but she kept turning away from us--the turkey.  She's a busy girl in there, constantly moving around, covering her face with her hands.  She is measuring about 34-36 weeks and I am 33 weeks.  Being a diabetic, I think this is excellent. My doctor is a more glass half empty type person (he's a little pessimistic).  But you see, I know where all this is going.  I'm not sure he does....God is in control.  I'm not too concerned with all of this because of that reason alone.  It's been God's work from the beginning and He is in ultimate control. This is His roller coaster ride and I'm doing just that, enjoying my ride.

Ever since they gave me medicine for my asthma that worked, pregnancy has been down right enjoyable!!

I will start going to the OB doctor twice a week from now until delivery.  I am still considered high risk and they want to keep an extra close eye on Emy and Luke's baby sister.  So, I will do as I'm told.  I will go every Monday and every Thursday, no matter how old it gets.  Monday, they will check me.  Thursday is Tessa's day :) They will ultrasound me every week to make sure she is doing okay.  If she is stressed at all, they will probably induce me early.  I don't foresee this happening.  Everything looks great every time they check on us :)

So, I hope you all have an AWESOME week (as Emy would say) and work hard at school (as Luke would say) and keep checking back with me--we are gonna have a baby soon!!  Emy & Luke are getting REALLY EXCITED about this!!

Love to all,
Cindy

Comment Moderation

I have enabled comment moderation due to some folks who are reading my blog that I'm not too sure about right now.  Please keep leaving us messages, I will post them as soon as I can.

Sorry, but this is a necessary step.

Back pain, asthma and heartburn, oh MY!

Yep, all three at one time usually....not fun.   I sit here feeling sorry for myself and then I realize something.

I'm pregnant!  It just slips up on me sometimes, the amazement of what God pulls off in my life.  I mean, who would've ever thought it would happen to us?  Definitely not US. LOL!!

So, instead of feeling sorry---right now I'm ECSTATIC and looking forward to what God has in store for me--a brand spanking new baby girl to dress up, to love, to hug, kiss, and to share with my family and friends.  Emy and Luke will so enjoy this.  Darrell already is enjoying this. 

So, here's to Miss Tessa.  I love her so much already and can't wait to meet my little pink bundle of screaming JOY.

Short post--but to the point.  God never ceases to amaze me!

Please do me a favor also . we have international adoption friends who are getting held up in their 2nd adoption.  The little girl's name is Treya....please pray for Treya's safety and for Julie(mom), Pat(dad) and Devi's (big sister) peace of mind while they wait for this precious one to join them.  Treya is 20 months old and she needs to be home with her family so they can shower her with LOVE.  I ask this because ... that waiting?   It is HARD (hard doesn't even describe what you go thru). . . the waiting consumes you with every breath, every heart beat and everytime you answer a phone or get an email you are thinking "this might be it". . I've been there and done that twice and it is not enjoyable or fun. . . it's downright heartbreaking everytime the phone and computer doesn't give you the right answers.  I would really appreciate the thoughts and prayers for this special family during this difficult time.  They will appreciate it as well. 

If you want a peek at this family just look over to the right and click on DEVI's name.

I love my fellow bloggy buddies--they seem to just "get it".

Have a great week. Good night.
Cindy

Pregnancy update!

Here is an up to date pregnancy fact sheet on me.  I will be 29 weeks along tomorrow!!  Not much longer....the excitement is growing I guess, along with Baby Tessa.  Emy can't wait to get her hands on her and Luke, well Luke is Luke and doesn't really say much about the baby.  He will be a great brother and Emy will be her hero.....of course.

My diabetes has gotten worse with the pregnancy.  I am on insulin and I am going to the doctor once a week for the high risk clinic because of my sugar levels and the fact that they call me a "geriatric" mother to be.....how wonderful they make me feel...I have gained a total of 4 pounds so far and Tessa is quite active at times and other times she is just a lazy bones.

I am sticking myself 13 times a day.  This includes checking my sugar 8 times and I have to give myself 5 shots of insulin throughout the day.  It's not as bad as it sounds.  It's just my new normal routine.  I am counting carbs and it stinks.  I am a country girl who loves her taters and grits and I just cannot have them right now.  I have switched over to whole wheat bread (and not much of that) and hardly any crackers or chips.  My diet consists of lots of protein, fruits and veggies.  I don't really crave much anymore, other than chili beans and hamburgers...LOL.  Now I eat my burgers without bread and it works out better :)

So there is my update.  My glucose screenings are getting better everyday, I am learning how to give myself more insulin depending on what I eat.  Fruits raise my sugar really fast.  I can't drink anything with real sugar (I haven't for years anyway).  But the bread, potatoes and things like that are slowly getting to be less difficult for me to give up.  I am staying away from pasta too.  No more Olive Garden, unfortunately...:( but I can live without that.  Anything to ensure a healthy baby. 

So I hope all of you have an excellent Sunday!  Enjoy your families.  Thanks for reading and keeping up with us.

Love,
Cindy

Emy's Blog

Hey everyone!
Emy wanted her own blog, so here it is.  I have comment moderation on for her safety so bear with me if you want to comment.

Have fun and visit her often.
Cindy

September 2010

Well, here we are and it's September already.  I am 28 weeks pregnant and Baby Tessa is a busy girl. She kicks alot sometimes and then again my stubborn girl stays really still for hours and worries me to death :) I've already told her to straighten up...LOL.  She shouldn't make her mama worry like that.  My mama told me I did the same thing to her so I guess this would be considered payback.

Emy is in 2nd grade and has loved every minute of it.  She is reading so well and her math is outstanding.  She will always excel at everything she does, no doubt about it.  Emy got a doggie a couple of weeks ago.  Her name is Ivana Diamond (guess who named her).  My dad took her to the vet because of a very bad tick bite and she had to be put on antibiotics for about 10 days.  That was fun.  My dad didn't want to say the name Ivana so he gave the vet a false name of "Pinky".  I still get a laugh out of that.  He is so funny. Ivana Diamond loves her new home; unfortunately we can't keep her in the house because of my asthma and allergy to dogs.  But, she has a very nice dog lot to stay in.  It is very shaded and she doesn't mind it.  Emy walks her every day, lets her run off of her leash, and she has to do all the feeding, watering and she even gave her some of her medicine.  She loves that doggie....she is a sweet dog.  I will post some pics later on.  Ivana Diamond needs a bath and so we will attempt that soon.  That should be something to see (LOL).  I am proud of Emy and her level of responsibility she has taken upon herself.  She has such a good, sweet heart and I love her soooooo much.

Luke is going to attend one more year of preschool before we attempt Kindergarten.  He just isn't where I think he needs to be.  He gets very frustrated, very fast, and then he is discouraged.  We are working on his letters, site words, colors, shapes, he is doing puzzles, we are reading almost every night and he loves to read....he is memorizing the books where he can tell the stories himself.  I am so proud of him as well.  He has come a long way in 2 years and 7 months......he has learned our language, speaks it fluently, throws temper tantrums, has bonded with his sister and us and our extended family, he knows how to fish, he adores photo albums and tends to carry around Emy's picture or one of the boys (Josh or Cristian).  He does still suck his thumbs and hopefully that will cease by the time he goes to Kindergarten but even if he doesn't, it's ok by me.  It's his security and I understand that. 

We had an awesome summer and Labor Day weekend will be great as well.  Cookout with the parents, a swim in their pool and lots of love and laughter....Can't wait for it on Monday!!

So, Emy just came in from walking Ivana Diamond and Darrell is getting ready to take the kids fishing.  Soooooo, I guess this is my cue to stop typing and get started on my housework.  blah.  Talk with y'all later.  Have a great, and safe weekend.

Love,
Cindy

Summer!

These pictures just prove what a great summer we are having--it's passing way too fast.

Emy had a back to school pool party today and Luke went fishing with Daddy.

Overall, we have already had a terrific weekend--looking forward to a quiet Sunday, though.

Enjoy the pics!!

Are you rich?

Are you rich?

Do you know someone who is?

FRANKLY,
I AM LOADED.

And the name will be.....

TESSA RENAE

What is in a name?

What is in a name?  Alot of thought!  Man, its even harder to name this child than the other two.  We are really leaning toward Ava Renae (this was actually possibly going to be Emy's name so long ago and remains my fave).  Darrell likes Joy and Emy likes Tess.  Luke doesn't care.

Do y'all have any suggestions?  Now is the time to make your thoughts known....I feel like I can't rest until I've named this baby!

Later.

It's a Girl

Well, we have ultrasound proof---we have a girl. Now for a name. We could use any and all suggestions you may have for us.

The middle name will probably be Renae.

Thanks.

Love to all.

Busy summer days

Life is just busy. Especially now, in the summer. I love summer and always have. The kids and I are so much more relaxed, no homework, no reading EVERY single night (unless we want to) and no have-to anythings except for the regular teeth brushings, baths, and one little lady's hair brushing of course.

We are cleaning the house from top to bottom. We have a mess, to say the least. Our bedroom is looking really good right now. We are making room for a basinet/small dresser/changing table to go in there. Geez, I still cannot believe I'm expecting a baby. Really?! Amazingly still shocking to say to myself.

I am at 18 weeks now and I am feeling some changes that I'm not sure I'm too thrilled with. My tummy is really getting tight (and larger), like I needed it any larger...I know it is necessary but after what seems like a lifetime of trying to lose weight, here I am, trying to keep the weight gain at a minimum while also trying to fill in my hunger pains. By the way, I've gained ZERO pounds so far, but Monday is my next appointment and I can just about bet I've gained 2-3 over the past few weeks. This is not an easy task I tell ya. Because I am hungry all the time. The good thing is that tomatoes and cucumbers are coming out of the garden and they are my very favorite thing to eat in the summertime. I also love cantaloupe and watermelon so I can't wait for some of that to ripen up.

Everyone is asking what I am craving and the crazy thing is--I am craving red meat (it truly disgusts me what I'm eating). Before the pregnancy I had changed over completely to turkey meat. I would say for over a year, we have gone to no red meat or only occasionally (maybe 1-2 times a month). Now? I don't want turkey, I HAVE TO HAVE RED MEAT, or I'm not happy. I'm trying to really only eat it 1-2 times a week because it is so bad for us. This baby truly loves hamburgers and meatloaf LOL!!

I am looking for ground turkey recipes to hopefully make my life a little healthier. I am trying really hard, but losing to the cravings. . help me my blogger friends. I need new recipes.

Luke also loves ANY kind of meat. Emy is not a big meat eater--she will eat a little taco meat and she likes chicken, but not all the time. She'd rather have spaghetti tacos minus the meat. She is my pasta lover. Darrell is smart enough to just eat what is put in front of him and Luke follows suit. Luke is a BIG eater, almost eats as much as my 13 year old nephew.....PIGGY!

Anyhow, I'm swimming alot this summer, trying to stay in some kind of shape and with the 100 degree heat almost every day this past week, it has been necessary. This week it is supposed to cool down a little, thank the good Lord above. We need a reprieve from this heat wave! We had a thunderstorm this afternoon, so this evening when we went swimming, the pool was so much cooler and more refreshing. Swimming in the evening is my favorite!

Y'all keep me in your prayers, that I can keep the cravings to a minimum and eat healthier in the next few weeks. I need to, or I'm gonna gross myself completely out. ugh! red meat, yuck! and yum! I'm so weird.

By the way, we are going on vacation very soon, so I'll post pics when I can. I'm planning on keeping the kids busy riding bikes, swimming and going to fun places like Chuck E Cheese. I'm more excited than they are :) later y'all.

13 weeks.....

This is Baby O at 13 weeks.

After this ultrasound, Darrell forced me to go to the Olive Garden for soup and salad.

YUM!