for comparison

Parade 2009 ~ Tigger

Parade 2008 ~ Baby Lion

Parade 2007 ~ US ARMY Baby

Pumpkin Baby 2007 (2 months)

Pumpkin Baby 2008 (13&1/2 months)

Pumpkin Toddler 2009 (26 months)

Costume Parade 2009

A fun costume parade with friends....

Our cousins: Lance Armstrong & Little Annie (in a wig!)

My Mom walked Tigger in the Parade while I watched!

Lance Armstrong and our Cowgirl girl friends

It was great to have my Mom and my Grandmother there too!

We enjoyed the parade, the games, the CANDY, and the bucket of dry corn was a huge hit!  Most of all, we enjoyed seeing friends, taking pictures, and allowing Mommy to count a camping chair as a bed (bed rest) for a little while. 

We are in the 2's (meaning he is two years old) and dealing with lots of changes, so I am trying to be understanding, but he is in a phase of things not being as easy or as fun as they could be... but I am praying for wisdom and wanting to help him feel safe and secure in the mist of change. 

I LOVE MY TIGGER! 
Happy Fall Yall!!!!

joy comes in the morning

So I don't know for sure what happened last night, but I do know that the baby moved. 

- At the very least, him moving/changing positions is GOOD NEWS because this could reveal more measurable fluid for the sonogram test on Monday

- He could be head down (or closer to it) and that would be GOOD NEWS too

Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Either way, God has answered the prayers of MANY who have prayed for this baby and for our family.  Thank you Jesus!  And thank you to those of you who have been praying and trusting the Lord with us!
 
 
 
 
ANOTHER BELLY PIC
(he feels like he's moved, but we kind of thought it even LOOKED different this morning) 
See what you think:

37 Weeks & My Pregnancy Update

MY UPDATE at 37 Weeks:
Well, the non stress test went well.  The baby was still breech and not facing out.... in other words, he's curled up in a way that his arms and legs point toward my back.  So I am feeling him move, but it's not kicking and elbows.  I feel gentel rolling or flutters.  But that counts and that is what is "normal" for him.  His heart rate looked good.  I'm not dialated yet.  The doctor talked to me about the baby being breech and the fluid levels being low....
The Doctor Says:
- They will NOT be trying to turn him (because the fluid is low)
- They do want to plan and schedule a c-section the week before my due date
- The Dr says the baby is "full term" this week and will most likely NOT have to go to the NICU
- He said to have our bags ready
PRAYERS THIS WEEKEND:
I will go back to the specialist to check the fluid levels again on Monday. 
At that point, if the fluid levels are the same or up
--> I will continue to stay on bed rest/drinking water/etc. and he will get to stay in there a few more days. 
If they find that the fluid levels have dropped again (on Monday)
--> they will possibly do the c-section that day!! 

So, mentally, we are ready for him to be with us next week!
*-We are praying that he will stay in as long as possible.
*-We are praying that the fluid levels will go UP.
*-We are praying that he will just turn head-down on his own.
_________________________________
Your pregnancy: 37 weeks
From Baby Center
How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.  Your baby weighs about 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard).  Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1&1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.  It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before. BabyCenter.com

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS & SUPPORT!

Playgroup Fall Party

PICTURES

My mom went to the playgroup party with me last week and she shot a few pictures of the kids playing.  We loved having a big pot-luck lunch and running around for a little while.  (Running around is important when Mama is on full bed-rest everyday!) Happy Fall!!!!

Baby and Bed Rest Update

I am still on full bed rest. 
I went back to the specialist on Monday.   Things went fine.  They did a non-stress test to track the baby's heart beat and mark movement.  He was not moving a lot -- probably just sleeping.  They brought me some apple juice and keep tracking him a little longer.  He moved okay so the Dr did not seem to be worried.  He's still breech and his back is toward my belly button, so I am just feeling flutters and gentel rolling movement... not hard kicks or elbows.  But every movement counts.  His heart rate was normal and his Daddy got to be there with me.  Next, we went in for the sonogram and awaited the news on the fluid levels.  The sonographer was not getting very high numbers (in the 5's & 6's) but she said we should wait until the doctor came in to look because he might find more measureable fluid levels.  He looked for a while and re checked the four pockets.  He ended up with a 6.7 fluid  level.  Slightly lower, but about the same as last week even after being on bed rest and drinking water all day.  We were bummed.  The specialist said to continue bed rest because it's not hurting and may help.  However, going back to my regular schedule or activities could cause the fluid levels to go down.  I will most likely be on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy. (Currently 36 & 1/2  weeks)  They will do a non-stress test twice a week and the sonogram to check the fluid levels at least once a week.  I go back to my regular OB office on Thursday for a check up and a non-stress test.

PRAYERS:
- Please pray that the fluid level will go up
- Please pray the the fluid levels will NOT go down below a 5
- Please pray that the baby will turn head down on his own
- Please pray for him to move regularly (so we'll know he's Ok)
- Please pray for the emotional and mental prep in case he comes early or comes by c-section / The desire of my heart is for him to go FULL TERM & to be able to have a natural labor & delivery w/ good health
- Please pray for how bed rest effects my whole family
- Please pray for God's will to be done in all of this
- Please pray for God to give us the baby's Name

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, PRAYERS, & SUPPORT!

Life-Long Friends

We have been friends since we were 4 yrs old!  We grew up going to the same church.  We ended up going to the same college.  We were each in other's Wedding.  And lately we have not gotten to see each other very often, because she lives in another state.  I miss her so much.  She is a true friend to me in every sence of the word.  Very loyal and true.  Now, we are both pregnant with BOYS at the same time.  Putting aside the fact that standing next to her, makes me look giant... ; )  I was so blessed to see her this weekend.  She and her whole family came in town and we had a big shower for her and the new baby.  Even though I am on full bed rest, I had to go! (I was good and stayed seated though) 

It was super great to see her!

I wish we lived closer together!!!

She is due Jan 29 and I am due Nov 19

Friendship can be a life-long blessing!

Pregnancy Update - Bed Rest

36WEEKS

Things have been moving a long just fine with this second pregnancy. I did have that concern about having pressure down low at about 29 weeks, but that turned out to be Braxton Hicks. It is a tightening but not pain and you just have to get off your feet.
This week, I went in for an OB visit and I asked the Dr if the baby was/is still breech. He measured my belly (right on track) and listen to the baby's heart beat (sounded good). Then he felt the baby belly and said he did think that the baby was still breech. He asked for a sonogram.

The sonographer confirmed that the baby was/is breech. Then she checked several things to help determine his weight and the amount of fluid. She went to get the Dr (not usual). He came in and watched the monitor. Things were more matter-of-fact. Their conversation was not as much about what position my son is in, but about fluid levels.

The Dr left the room with my chart. I could tell something was up, but did not know what exactly all of this meant. The sonographer explained that the Dr was less concerned about the baby's breech position and more concerned about the low levels of fluid that she was able to measure. She thought he might want me to see a specialist. The Dr came back in and said just that. I was to go, right then, to a specialist in the building next door. Bypassing checking out at the OB and then bypassing fully checking in (paper work) at the specialist, they took me right in for another sonogram. I was concerned and asked 1,000 questions.
The new sonographer checked everything (just as the first one had) and came up with about the same weight est -- around 6 lbs possibly about 6.4 lbs at this point. She did not tell me about the fluid and just wanted me to wait until the specialist doctor could come in and double check and go over things with me. The wait seems long.

There was a knock on the door. It was my Mom! When I called just to let her know I was going to a specialist and I would know more later... she left work and drove over to be with me. My husband had our two year old son, or he would have done the same thing. It was a blessing not to be alone. And it was on my Mom’s birthday too!!

After what seem like a long time of the specialist doctor checking and re-checking the same things that I had seen 4x that day, he finally said that the baby was Ok. His heart beat is good, He's breathing, He's moving, Etc.... (Exhale!!) He said that the fluid level is low, but not as low as what they had thought. I would not have to go to the hospital. Praise God.

He put me on bed rest. He said I need to get off my feet, lay down on my left side, and drink lots of water. I will go back to see the specialist on Monday afternoon for a non stress test (which tracks the baby's movements and heart rate) and another sonogram to check the fluid levels.

My OB called me later that night to follow up and go over what was done and said. He is so careful and very thoughtful to call. He explained that had they not found more measureable fluid, he would have sent me on to the hospital for an IV and we would go from there. If the levels had been too low, they might have started to talk about a need to deliver the baby early. Being that he is breech, this would mean a C-section. Thankfully, the levels of fluid that were measured at the specialist office allowed me to come home and to be on bed rest. Now we have time to pray.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE BABY & PREGNANCY:
- That the fluid level will increase
- That the baby will be able to stay in there as long as he needs to for his lungs and everything to fully develop / for his overall health
- That the baby will turn (which the Dr says is and can be related to the fluid level going back up) head down and that we will be able to go through labor and delivery naturally

OTHER PRAYERS FOR OUR FAMILY:
- That my older son will not miss out on Mommy while I have to lay down / not getting to run round with him or get out at the park
(I want both of them to have the BEST everyday and yet it is now very important that I lay down and that I am not keeping my usual pace or schedule...because the fluid levels could go back down.)
- Overall peace and health for our family
- Mental and Emotional prep for whatever happens
(I can't plan. I can't worry. I need and want to TRUST GOD in all of this and just be open to what needs to happen with this sweet baby.)
- Other things going on... For our house to sell fast!  For more work and God's provision in this time. 

THANK YOU!

_________________________________________________________

37 weeks update from BabyCenter.com

Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She/He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She/He's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath.  Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.  Next week, at 38 weeks, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she/he's in a head-down position, but if she/he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly. You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. Read More

35 Weeks Along

We love our little Honeydew Melon! Can't wait to meet him & hold him!

Happy 26 Months!

Happy 26 Month Birthday Today....
October 19th

WE LOVE YOU!
You are going to be an awesome Big Brother and you are such a joy to our family!


Month 25 Highlights:
- Size 2T pants, 3T shirts and PJ's
- New Size 9 shoes!!
- Loved PETER PAN so much (Called it "No No Alligator" and then called it "Hook") We've watched it A LOT this month
- Your new thing is your You Tube Playlist that Gran Gran set up
It's a combo of flashcards (with sound, words, and movement), and other pre school songs like "The Wheels on the Bus", "ABC's", "5 Little Monkeys Jumpin' on the Bed", etc...
- You are learning ABC's, Shapes (have rectangle, triangle, and octagon down pat), Colors (you are doing so well) and even counting to 10 pretty regularly. You love to learn.
- You love the on line flash cards about animals.... you are picking up on some word recognition too. And you make ALL of the animal sounds so well!
- You have slept in your own bedroom for over a week now!!!!!!!!!!!! After two years of being with Mommy and Daddy -- this was/is a BIG step!
- Now loving the Disney Robin Hood movie (which Mama thinks is sorta a sad movie, but you just like the animals) and request to watch "Pox" which means "F-ox" which means "Robin Hood" almost every night!
- Just watched the Lion King for the first time this month and again... liked the animals and some of the fun songs
- Have gotten to see Nana & Papa a lot this past month too!
- It's rained A LOT and we have not been able to get outside much
- Mama has been getting us moved in and nesting to get ready for baby brother
- We are waiting on TWO more 2yr molars (on the top) to come thru
- Getting used to living with Kiki and Gran Gran and having dinner together twice a week or so (they LOVE getting to see you watching you show off with your YouTube playlist of learning)
- Went to the North GA State Fair
- Went to a "baby gym" for a playdate
- Went to the Pumpkin Patch (when we left , you said, "Bye Orange" -- Too Cute!)
- Lovin' your little toy hammer
- Can do your puzzles VERY well now
- Splashing in the bath and making the whole room wet -- like a wild man
- Great hand-eye cordination [you practice setting up a toy and then using another toy to wack it down]
- SO SWEET about sharing (will even think to offer Daddy a bite of cookie or color snacks even w/o Mama asking.... LOVE THAT sweet sweet heart Jesus gave you!)
- With all of life's transitions, you have done GREAT this month and we can't believe you are already 26 months old and talking and running around FULL SPEED AHEAD with great joy, every single day
- You are such a blessing! God has His hand on you little Bear!

GOT ONE!

.... A Car Seat that is!

A family from our church gave us a GRACO SnugRide and a Swing and a Baby Bijorn carrier!! What a blessing!
The car seat cover is pink, which she said we could keep in case we have a girl next. We are ordering a new seat cushion and cover in Boy-ish colors directly thru GRACO.
Praise the Lord!

I need your help...

WHAT TO DO ABOUT A CAR SEAT?

Our new baby is due in just 5 & 1/2 weeks!

We own a GRACO infant car seat (from our first son) which he out-grew at about 8months old and it was stored in the basement.

As some of you know, we recently moved, and in that process we found that the GRACO SnugRide was covered in mildew (or possibly some mold). The car seat cover/seat cushion is machine-washable. However, the biggest problem is that the mildew is all over the straps. The harness and straps are connected to the plastic seat.

According to the GRACO web site:

- Metal and plastic parts may be cleaned with mild soap and water

- Buckle may be cleaned with a damp cloth

Mild soap won't cut it! If we get into using Lysol or Bleach or even very hot water -- There are Risks:

1.) Risk to the baby of being around, breathing in, or getting chemicals in his mouth

2.) The chemicals can weaken the straps and the effectiveness of the car seat harness and may make the car seat less safe in the event of a wreck

WHAT DO WE DO?

Additionally, when we started trying to clean it and see what to do... I detached the car seat from the base. In the base (also plastic) I found evidence of mice. Yes. Mice have been on or in the car seat and the base while it was stored in our basement. Mice poop and mildew?! NOT GOOD. And certainly not good for a new baby being born in November.

I've looked at buying a new one...

The SnugRides range from about $160's-$190's

I've always been leery of buying a used or consigned car seat because you should NEVER reuse a car seat that has been in a wreck. And most of the time you don't KNOW that information when you are shopping a great deal at a consignment sale. Safety is very important for our little ones.

Another idea... borrowing one from a close friend. Or at least for a few months until we can buy one ourselves.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT THE CAR SEAT?

A. Toss it, it's covered in germs and there are risk (both health and safety) to trying to fully clean it

B. Buy a new one and get your peace of mind back

C. Borrow one from a close friend or as for a SnugRide as a Christmas gift from family

D. Clean it the best you can and don't spend the extra money to buy anything new

CLICK comment BELOW THIS POST TO TELL US YOUR ANSWER!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!