Sigh of Relief

I am 24 weeks pregnant today! If this little one follows in her brother/sister's footsteps and comes early that means I only have about 12-13 weeks left to go. How time flies!!

As I blogged earlier in the pregnancy I had horrible sickness my first and most of my second trimester. I am finally over that and gaining weight (maybe a little TOO quickly!) instead of losing weight.

I had an ultrasound at 19 weeks where we found out it was a girl, but what I didn't initially add was that the doctor stated I had what is called PLACENTA PREVIA. I didn't write about it because I was not quite sure exactly what it was. Let me tell you - if you ever need a diagnosis DO NOT look on the internet!! What a scary bunch of stories I came across on this condition. The doctor and several websites stated that Previa prior to 20 weeks usually resolves and there is no need to worry. BUT the horror stories from the majority of people made me extremely nervous. I was put on pelvic rest which meant I couldn't really do too much - not even pick up my sweet little kids. So for 30 days I pretty much went to work and then went home and lounged on the couch. I had a follow up last week for another ultrasound and to my extrememly happy surprise, the Previa had completely cleared!! If my complete previa had not cleared I was going to have to look forward to bed rest, possible bleeding complications and a C-section delivery. Although many ladies with this condition end up just fine, I did not want the stress of worrying about any of it. And now I'm in the clear!

So my next goal is to start getting some exercise and to start refreshing myself on the Bradley Method of Childbirth. Both my other prior deliveries were successful Bradley birth's and I hope for a third one just as pleasant. Since I've been so sick and then on a 30 day restriction my body is so out of shape. I can barely walk up to my office at work without getting out of breath. My plan is to start walking the track at the park and doing some good stretching at home. I know my family will be a great help. We are all so excited for the new princess to arrive. Below is a picture from the second round of ultrasounds.

Valentine's Day

We had a simple yet sweet Valentine's Day this year. It was Matthew's first year giving cards at his school so I tried to make it something fun for him. I luckily found Dinosaur cards that he really liked and was excited about. I added some dinosaur gummies to make it super special.

For Emma, I found a cute idea on PINTEREST and it actually came out pretty good. I braided bracelets for each of her classmates and put it on a handmade card Emma put together. We used orange because that is the color for first grade at Bascomb Elementary (Green is Kindergarten and I think 2nd is red, etc). I tried different types of bracelets but braided was the easiest way to go and since I had to do 24 of them, EASY was the ONLY way to go!!! I think they turned out pretty cute and Emma's report was that they were a success in class.

Ben surprised me at work with a perfect red rose and a beautiful card. He is so awesome! Everyone at work was talking about how great he was. Even the guys. I am so blessed. He also made a yummy spaghetti dinner and although I made a red jello dessert for Vday , we ended up eating cookies Emma made. For Family Home Evening the day before I had us all write on cut-out construction hearts why we loved eachother and what we loved about our family. Then I taped it on our bedroom doors. It was great to hear what the kids had to say. Matthew was happy to get watch television with Emma. And Emma loved being a big sister. They both loved Daddy's tickles and Mommy's cooking. What a great little loving family I have!!