A Huge Sigh of Relief

The surgery is done!  I am so glad that this step is behind us.  We still have some rocky patches ahead, but this was a huge deal for me.  Now I know that there are two tight and knotted stitches of material like 30lb fishing line holding my babies in.  I had a doctors appointment today to check everything, and it looks really good.  I feel much more relaxed about things right now.  I know that as time goes on and we approach the time when I delivered my daughters, it will be difficult.  But that is later, and right now I am really working on being in the moment. 

Hope you are having a nice start to the week.

Feeling Loved and Supported from Far Away

I received a package from my mother today that I know was her way of putting love and hugs and good thoughts and prayers into something I can hold.  When I opened I cried and cried, because I truly felt the love that she had pack with it, which was just what I needed to not feel quite so scared about tomorrow.  What she sent was a plaque, or board, that she had painted in 1987 when I was four years old.  We always had it in the kitchen and I have read it time and time again.  It has little encouragements and sayings on it that have always made me feel better, and also I feel really embody how my mom chose to parent me.  Some of them include "I like you just the way you are" "You can trust your feelings to help you know" "You have every right to be here" "You're welcome to come home again" Your needs are ok" "You don't have to hurry."

Thank you mom, for loving me so completely, all the time, without question or concern.  Thank you for raising me in a purposeful and thoughtful manner.  Thankful for being here for me in just the right way, even though you are far away.  My prayer is that I can look to your example to be the very best mother I can to be my own children, and I know that you are an incredible grandmother to all of my children.

I was going to include a picture, but right now I feel like holding on to this just for myself.  I will include one in the future when I feel like it is appropriate.

A Trip to the Vet

I finally took the cats to the vet yesterday.  I have been putting it off for months, but with bed rest looming I literally had no more time.  It actually went really well.  As well as it could with two squirmy cats who dislike traveling, being in strange places, and having things poked into them.  They got all of their shots updated and were declared healthy.  Boo is a little underweight, so I just need to increase their daily amount of food.  Needless to say, it was a big and tiring event for all of us.

                Here they are after the vet visit.  They were so tired and really looked pathetic.

14 Weeks

We have made it 14 weeks.  This is really the first milestone that I have been aiming for in this pregnancy.  We have lots more ahead of this, but thinking about it today, 14 weeks is a long time.  It is over three months.  It is the week I will have my surgery.  I went today and pre-checked in for Friday.  Only three more days and these babies will be stitched in there snug and sound.  That will be such a relief for me.  I leave you with a belly shot.  It has been a month since I shared my last one and you can tell that they are getting bigger in there.

What Four Years Mean

A lot can happen in four years.  That is how long a presidential term is.  Both high school and college last four years.  From birth to four years you go from not being able to do anything for yourself to walking and talking and even tying your shoes.

In the last four years I have experienced a love like I never knew possible and had the privilege to be part of a beautiful marriage that continues to grow in ways that I can not imagine.  We have been through so much together and I am so thankful for the man that is consistently by my side.  I think back to the beautiful day that we said "I Do!" and love to remember the beautiful early fall evening, the happy tears that fell, the joy that was felt by all.  But now it is so much more than that, it is everyday since then wrapped into a feeling of strength that he and I are in this for the long haul, for the forever, and that no matter what we face, we will do so hand in hand, together.

I love you honey, happy anniversary!

One Sign of Fall

Fall is my favorite season of the year.  I love when the air starts to get crisp, the leaves change colors, and there is that special fall smell in the air.  This year I am especially looking forward to it because it has been so hot here.  One special treat that always means fall to me is apples with caramel dip.  In middle and high school I would take it with me in my lunch.  Now I enjoy it as a fairly healthy and tasty snack between meals, as well as a sure sign that fall is on its way!

The Count Down to Bed Rest Truly Begins

I knew it was coming.  I knew since the loss of my last pregnancy when we talked with my doctor about what we could do differently next time.  I knew since my first prenatal appointment with this pregnancy, and again my doctor brought it up.  I have know for weeks.

However, after today's appointment when my doctor set the date for my surgery, and therefore bed rest, it really hit me that I don't have very much time.  Everything is going to happen next Friday!  I have already started making a list of meals that I can make and freeze.  I am also going to be using our local library's online catalog a lot.

Although it is going to be a challenge, I already have lots of support and things to be thankful for.  I have a husband who is already planning how he can be of help and support to me during this time.  Both my mother and my in-laws will be coming in October and November to help while my husband is out of town.  I have a great doctor that is going to check everything at least once a week.  I have already seen the specialist who said that everything looks great right now and we are on course to have a successful pregnancy.  Every day that I am able to make through is another day closer to holding my babies.  I need to hold on to these positive thoughts.

My hope is that I use this blog a lot during that time, and mostly not to complain or whine (although I know I will need to from time to time).  So truly, the countdown and preparation has begun!