"I No Say Cheese"

It's a fun experience to take a two-year-old and a three-week-old for a photo session. At least our friend Stacey is a good, patient, God-fearing woman who says that she doesn't mind difficult subjects. I, however, did mind. A lot of prep, and an hour and a half after our sitting started, Collin, who hadn't smiled the ENTIRE time we were there, looked at me as we were leaving with a sly grin and proudly announced, "I no say cheese." We "no go to McDonald's" either. The pictures are hysterical, and much cuter than I thought they would be. Perfectly capturing what it means to be TWO!

Here's proof...

Yet the infant...

This is as close as Collin got to a smile-

Things You Don't Keep for Baby #2

So, I'm compiling a list of things that even the most frugal of parents shouldn't try to reuse for their second baby. I've learned some of these the hard way.

1. Bathtub- as you can see from the pictures below, we've done this one. Yes, the bathtub is from Collin, and no, I probably wouldn't do it again. It had been in the attic (wrapped, but still) and when we took it down we gave it a good anti-bacterial cleansing. Yet I couldn't get the thought that Collin had, in fact, left an offering in that very bathtub out of my mind. All the wrapping, retreiving, scrubbing, and sanitizing probably wasn't worth the $20 to get a new one.

2. Nicknames- I really don't think this is just because my kids are different genders. Even the unisex endearments that I had for Collin just don't seem to work with her. She's definitely her own little person (or princess, sweetie, SK, skittle, etc.).

3. Diaper Genie- for all of the reasons that you don't keep a bathtub...and then some.

4. Bottles/Pacifiers- chances are, your second one isn't going to like the same kind just because you went to the trouble of saving them, santizing them yaddah, yaddah.

Onto the pictures. As you can see from all of her pics below, SK is very mellow! She doesn't really ever cry unless she's hungry, or her tummy hurts, which is unfortunatley more than I would like. But even at those times, she is so even-tempered (totally gets that from me...haha) and generally easy going. What a relief!
The picture of Collin is from his first sno-cone! We got him a grape one- questionable decision- but he loved it!

Our Family of Four

She's here! Sorry for the obvious delay in posting, I't seems like I don't want to do, hear, watch, or eat anything that I did in the hospital- which includes blogging. Anyway, here's our precious little girl! Thanks for all of the prayers- they were answered. We had a great delivery and everyone is happy, healthy, and at home!

Sarah Kate

8 lb. 2 oz.

19 1/2 inches long

Collin decided to finally wake up from his nap and meet his baby sister. He loves to hold and kiss her!

She loves her blankie- like mother, like daughter!

Finally going HOME!
Some pictures from Collin's birthday party the day after we got home from the hospital...probably wouldn't do that again, but it was fun!

Birthdays!

Today, my sweet baby boy turns two! I CANNOT believe that two years have gone by already. It's one of those things that everyone talks about, but that you can't get a grasp on until you become a parent. Unfortunately/fortunately for Collin, he has no idea that today is his birthday. I'm being selfish. Since David and I can't spend the day with him like we want to, we're going to ignore it, and celebrate when I come home from the hospital. My doctor has said that he can't even come up here today anyway, and he and David are at the doctor's office right now because he has an ear infection. All that to say, it wouldn't be a really fun day for him anyway.

Tomorrow, my sweet baby girl will make her debut! We are so thrilled, but continue to ask for prayers since she will be a little bit early. Every sonogram and test that we've had done indicate that she is happy, healthy, and somewhat of a spaz (I thought I was due for a calm one!). I started "getting sicker" yesterday and the doctor made the call to go ahead an induce me ASAP. There were no slots for an induction today, so we're going to have her tomorrow. We're actually really thankful that today was booked since it is Collin's birthday and since he's feeling so bad. God takes such good care of us!

To my kids (how weird to say that)! Your mom and dad have thought about and prayed for you both so much over the past nine weeks. Collin, you are such an amazing little boy for being able to give up your mommy so that I can take care of your sister. You will sleep anywhere, play with anyone, and you have never refused to hug and kiss me, or talk to me on the phone. You are such a good boy! And Sarah Kate, I can't wait to see you! Although, just like with Collin, I feel like I already know you. I've gotten to see your chubby little face so many times on sonograms, and I get to feel you squirm and kick your brother off of my tummy! What you don't know is how many people love you and have been praying for you. You are being born into a family that will always love you and Collin, no matter what! You are already a precious gift to our entire family, and we are anxious to hold you and introduce you to the world.

It also occurred to me this past Sunday that your dad and I have thought so much about your physical birthdays (when SK would finally come, what kind of cake Collin would want, etc.) but that we long even more for the day your are born into Christ. More than anything, Daddy and I want you to know Him as your savior and to live fully in His grace and promises. We pray that you will always seek Him, and that He will reveal the call that He has put on your lives. We love you both, and Happy Birthday!!!

Update...Kind of

Not really an update- not much to update. I'm still in the hospital, doing well, which is great. The doctor says we'll probably have a baby this week! Hopefully more to come soon...

Funny Collin statement: When he got to the hospital today he said, "I come to Mommy's house." That's pretty sad. I'm so ready to be home!

It's Getting Hot In Here!

Sarah Kate is doing awesome! And I guess I'm hanging in there...just a little tired of being a patient, and anxious to get back to being a mom! My doctor says we'll have a baby next week, but the perinatologist isn't wanting to rush things so we'll see. For now, we're just hanging in there and waiting! I was reminded today after the neonatologist visited me that I need to refocus and commit myself to staying pregnant just a little while longer. As uncomfortable as I might be (we added inflatable boots on my legs last night...NICE) she would be much more uncomfortable sitting in the NICU. I look and Collin and am reminded of how wonderful how it is to be a parent, and how much this little girl needs me. So, I'm trying to enjoy my last few days of pregnancy and prepare myself for what is to come. I'm encouraged to know how much our God has prepared and planned for her too, that every day of her life was written in His book and that she is precious and purposed!

Unfortunately, today my doctor put a huge "No Visitors" sign on my door. No parties for me until we get home! Thank you all for your prayers! Enjoy the pictures of our time in the hospital...

One of my few moments with my baby boy. He's turning two next week- and we're wondering if he won't be sharing a birthday with his little sister!

Apparently I'm keeping the room a little cold- at least that's what I hear. As far as I'm concerned, it can't get cool enough. In fact, I spent part of the day today under ice packs. I am SO pregnant!Precious Henry and Angie! (I'm sure it's hard to tell in this picture, but SK is there too... :) )

And this isn't near as funny as the fact that Collin now knows what a blood pressure cuff and a fetal heart monitor are...they are sponges, huh?

Home Sweet Hospital

Yesterday I took up residence in the hospital for the remainder of the pregnancy. It's hard for several reasons (not yet ready to have this baby, I have to be away from Collin, the remote to my TV doesn't let me change the volume and makes me change channels one direction, etc.) but at least they have chocolate milk in little cartons. A special treat!

So here are the stats...
According to my official (and more accurate) calendar, I am 35 weeks, 1 day...YIPEEE!
According to my doctor, I am 34 weeks, 5 days...still a great accomplishment! The baby (brace yourselves) is measuring a whopping 5 lb. 15 oz. as of yesterday, and has already had the steroids for her lungs. She should do great if we had to have her soon. Also, I am already progressing towards labor, which is good news for me!

The doctor said that this could happen in the next couple of days, or if we're lucky, we could buy another week or so. It's just kind of a wait-and-see game right now. I'm being seen by a cardiologist today because my heart is doing some funky things, but I don't really expect to hear that there is anything abnormal...I'm just abnormal, normally.

Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers for our little family....and a HUGE thanks to everyone who has picked up the slack and made this a manageable situation. David and I are so incredibly blessed, and Sarah Kate has no idea how many people love her already. Praise God for our friends and family!!!

Stay tuned...