Thies Farm 2013

It wouldn't be Fall without a trip to Thies Farm.  These kids basically count on it nowadays.  We braved the windy conditions with my mom and baby Henry in tow. 

 It's amazing to visit a place only once and year and see how much more the kids have progressed and grown since then.  Henry could barely make his way along the rope course and this year he had no problem.  

Lizzie was MaMom's trusted sidekick throughout the farm.  She'd never leave her side.  

Henry -- One month

Height: 21 1/2 inches -- 50%

Weight: 8lb 11.5 oz -- 25%

Some things about Henry:

• Loudest eater EVER
• Super gassy/burpy all the time (I've since gone off all dairy, greens, acidic fruits/vegs)
• Loves to snuggle and sleep in my bed
• Looks different everyday
• Nicknames:  Henrique, Hank, baby, Henny Penny, Mr. Henry (Lizzie)
• Does NOT like his diaper changed
• Bath?  Meh
• Likes to lie on belly

While MaMom's in Town

It wouldn't be a visit from MaMom without a trip to the bowling alley.  I don't know what it is with my children and bowling, but they LOVE it!  I mean, on any given weekend when we ask them what they'd like to do, more often than not they will reply with, "Let's go to the bowling center!!!"  Still not sure where the term bowling center came from; nor the obsession with the game, either.  Thankfully, MaMom is always happy to oblige a trip to the lanes.  

Des Peres Park

Photo series: Henry's many faces

Journal 9.20.13

I wrote this on my phone while I was waiting in the triage room (for about six hours now) at Missouri Baptist Hospital.  Little did I know that things would change -- drastically -- just hours later.

Journal 9.20.13

Came to the hospital today around 10:00 am. Been having cramping/contractions since about last Friday. I did NOT want to come to the hospital just to be overly cautious. But after visiting the doctor's office on Wednesday, and already putting off the hospital for another 24 hours, I figured I should come.

Of course, within the first hour of them checking me out, I have one teeny tiny contraction. Cervix not dilated. So they assume they'll want me for another hour or two and I'll be on my way. Dave leaves to get lunch and get some work done. Sure enough, right after he leaves, the contractions come back. Stronger. And stronger. They give me a muscle relaxer shot. Makes me jittery and my heart race. I thought I was going to die if I couldn't get my bra undone! Over time the side effects wear off. Dave gets back. But the contractions are still there. Inconsistent. But not stopping or really letting up.

Concern is that I've had two previous c-sections. Scar tissue not strong. Don't want to risk rupture. Eek!

Here I am almost eight hours later. Dave went to get dinner with the kids. I'm nervous. Confused. Scared, quite honestly. I have no idea what this all means. What's our course of action?

Thankfully, baby boy is still doing acrobats in my tummy. He's been a little rascal and moves EVERYwhere except where the monitor can track his heartbeat.

I'm just nervous. Trying to remember that Heavenly Father knows what's going on. He is in control; I  need to trust that. Faith, not fear.

Finally home!

Hooray!

Photo Series: First day home