One step closer....

I just got back from the doctor and have great news! I am continuing to dilate and am now at 3+ (almost at 4 but not quite). He was able to stretch me to 4 but I am sitting a tad under 4 on my own. I am 100% effaced and baby just needs to drop a bit more. The doctor said he can tell I have a high pain tolerance since I am almost at 4 and doing just fine. It was nice to have someone validate the intensity of the contractions I have been having these past several days. I have certainly noticed the change and am glad to have the confirmation that my body is in fact progressing along. The doc actually said I am moving more at a pace of a second time mom in that I am slowly progressing along vs. first time moms either don't have any dilation until right close to labor or sit at a lower dilation for sometime with little progression. This doesn't necessarily mean I will have an easier labor but it does give some hope that things could move a bit faster for us. (PLEASE!!!! That would be so nice!). Baby Henry is still in the right position and the doc thought that based on my pelvic bone (width) that I should have a good labor. Once again great news! I have always been told I have child bearing hips...now it's time to put them in action! Of course we can't predict exactly when Henry will enter the world but our guess is sometime in the next 7 - 10 days. I go back on Tuesday and will update you all then. Until then please send us positive thoughts of a fast and safe delivery! XOXO

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a safe and memorable time celebrating the arrival of 2009! Chris and I decided to pack up the dogs and head to the cabin in Westport, WA for one last trip prior to the arrival of Baby Henry. For those of you who are not familiar with Westport, it is along the western coast of WA just south of Ocean Shores. Chris' grandfather built an ocean front cabin many years ago and we all just love to spend time there. It is definitely one of our favorite places to kick back and relax and I look forward to all the future memories we will make with our own children at the beach. Here are a few pics of our trip.My boys at play -

Baby Henry -
Chris & Me -

Our doggies -

The Beach -

My handsome husband -

The cabin -

My happy place...the sounds of the waves

Merry Christmas

First and foremost here's to wishing a safe and healthy delivery of baby Pierson. My girlfriend Chrissy is having a C-Section today at noon as he was in a breech position that could not be rotated. I just can't wait to meet the little guy! Congrats mom and dad...we love you all very much.

I hope the rest of you all had a very Merry Christmas. We had such a wonderful time with family and friends and are absolutely exhausted. I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing today! Unlike my husband who has already gone out duck hunting...wish I had his energy, but not at 35 weeks pregnant! Here are a few pics from the festivities over the past couple days. Have a Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve Morning @ our house -
Mom and Me (and yes we have a deer on our wall..totally married a country boy! Brings me back to my roots of Kentucky)

Dad, Mom and Baby (blurry pic but still cute)
Christmas Eve Dinner @ my Mother-in-laws -
My handsome husband -

My mother-in-law and her sisters -
Christmas Morning @ our house first...one of our doggies with his huge bone...they are so funny every year when we wrap bones for them.
Christmas Morning @ my Father-in-laws - all the brothers, Daniela and Me
Christmas Dinner @ Uncle Mike's - all the kids (in his trophy room...well the whole house is his trophy room)

Cousin Tammy and her son Austin - I just LOVE this little boy!

Droppin' Like It's Hot

I was able to get into the doc today for my weekly appointment and we have good news!!!!! The baby has already dropped a bit and I am dilated to 2cm!! I hit 35 weeks on Friday and we need him to stay in there until at least 36 weeks. The doc thinks he will definitely come early. He goes on vacation from Jan. 10th - 17th so we are hoping he comes before then or holds out until they return from celebrating his wifes 40th bday. Regardless, everything is moving along perfectly and we are going to have our bundle of joy so very soon!!! Can't wait. I literally am smiling from ear to ear today. I didn't expect to hear I was dilated as first time moms typically are a bit late so for me to already be dilated is surprising. It is ok and nothing to worry about. Will keep you all posted. Have a Merry Christmas. Love you all! XOXO

Winter Wonderland

Hope all you in Seattle are staying safe and warm during this incredible snow we have been getting. I know that I certainly have been enjoying the cold temp as I am literally burning up. I can't imagine being 34+ weeks pregnant in the summer. I am so absolutely flaming HOT most of the time that the idea of running outside with little (or no) clothes on sounds fantastic...of course I haven't done that (wouldn't want to get sick or scare the neighbor!) LOL Anyway, here are a few pics of the family playing in the snow today.

34 weeks, 2 days

Hogan - he always takes great photos and gives really good hugs!Cole - he never sits still long enough to get a good shot....here are a few of him in action!

Maternity Photos

Today I took the day off work and had my maternity photos taken. It was such a beautiful experience. I really loved the photographer and for the first time in my life felt perfectly comfortable nude in front of someone, a stranger at that. I chose to be a bit more conservative and not show my girly parts (top or bottom) but use a lot of her wonderful silks, sheets, blankets and even a cowboy hat. She took 2 rolls of film and I just cant wait to see them. I have a preview session of all the prints on January 9th...it can't get here soon enough! If any of you are interested in maternity or family photos I highly recommend Jennifer Loomis Photography. She is very well known in the area for her maternity photos...check out her blog at: http://www.jenniferloomis.com

Granna Shower

After a very long day and more stressful than I anticipated at work it was really refreshing to get a call from my mom to share her fun news! Her co-workers surprised her today, leading her to believe she had a last minute conference, but as she entered the room it was a surprise Granna Baby Shower! They all thought that she needed her own stuff for her first grandbaby and put together an actual shower with food, gifts and lots of love! She got a lot of great things to help set up Granna and Papa's house for our baby. I could just feel her excitement over the phone and it really brought a huge smile to my face. He is going to be soooo spoiled! I can't wait to see all the fun gifts she got! Thank you to all of you who helped make my mom feel so special. She deserves it more than anyone I know and is truly going to be the best Granna in the universe!