jenni from the blog

Winter ONEderland!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:29:00 +0000

I apologize for my absence here lately, but it's just been insane as we prepared for Christmas and now Emerson's 1st birthday.

Yes, you read that right.

In just 4 short days, our sweet Emmie Mae will be ONE.

I'm having such mixed feelings as this day approaches. For a 4th time, I just can't wrap my brain around just how fast this past year has flown by. At the snap of my fingers. At the blink of an eye. My sweet newborn has turned into a toddler.

This past year has been such a dream. Emerson is the sweetest baby in the entire world. Just perfect. She was so, so easy and Bob and I count our lucky stars every single day with how we ended up with her as our 4th baby. This year could have been so much more stressful having two little ones only 16 months apart, (andplusalso two additional kids, ha!) but she took it easy on us and cut us some slack. She was patient as we constantly stopped feeding her to tend to other kiddos (cough:::reid:::cough). She happily played as we cleaned up spills and helped with homework and cut up food and SHOWERED. She was, and still is, the best baby in the history of ever.

Thank you sweet girl for not breaking us as we wrangled 4 kiddos through this past year. We all survived and we owe that, in large part, to you!

Here are a few things I wanted to share with you as we prepare for Em's party...

Anyone that follows me on Pinterest can tell that I've been going crazy over there gathering ideas for Em's Winter ONEderland party next weekend. I designed the invites myself and I'm currently gathering RSVP's and making sure there are enough seats for everyone {I'm not kidding.} The cake has been ordered. The balloon artist/face painter is booked. The decorations are ready to be put out. The food list is made. The final touches will be done by this weekend. And I took 2 days off next week just to make sure things are in order. Whew. This is my last 1st birthday party, so I want to go out with a bang, ha!

Here's a glimpse of the theme/style I'm going with... lots of silvers, shimmery whites, soft pinks and touches of blue.

Some of the paper products and party supplies we got are the "Shining Season" theme, and I just love the look!

I can't wait to see everything decorated next weekend! I also ordered her a special birthday shirt, have her outfit already, and ordered a few special decorations from Etsy, along with some things I plan to make on my own. We'll see how they turn out, ha! ;) I'll leave the cake a surprise, but this is the smash cake I ordered.... EEEKKK! It's ALMOST too pretty to eat. Almost.

And last, but certainly not least, I'm going through Emerson's monthly pics to place in her frame to be displayed at the party. I swear this year has flown by almost as fast as it's taken me to put these pics together. This sweet girl is just SO LOVED. Can't wait to celebrate her!

Just one last picture to capture on Tuesday, January 27th {Emerson's actual birthday} and the year will be complete. Ahhhhhhh.

You guise, this doesn't get any easier with practice. It may even get worse. Prepare yourselves.

More to come...

M Family Pics 2014

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:20:00 +0000

You guys. I don't even know what to say.

As I mentioned before, we had our annual family pictures taken last weekend. After an afternoon of rushing to get ready, driving to Ridley Creek State Park, awaking 3 out of the 4 kids that fell asleep in the car, trying to make them "picture ready" while dealing with their "I'm tired"(s) and their "I'm hungry"(s), chasing down a rambunctious 2 year old, making sure none of the kids are kidnapped, trying to get them to smile, trying not to have them roll down the leaf hill (Reid) and/or jump off the stone wall (Reid again) and remembering to get all the shots we want to try to take all while not saying "fuck it, let's just leave." That is picture day for us, in a nut shell. I feel anxious and stressed out the rest of the night. (And immediately head for the wine rack.) I drive away from the session hoping for ONE GOOD SHOT. Just one. It's seriously one of the most dreaded days of the year for us. And it's not because I don't absolutely LOVE to see Stephanie Glover every single chance I get, but because the day is fucking exhausting.

But the result? Breathtaking. And that's why we do it. I mean, this picture right here???

You have GOT to be kidding me with this one. It's a picture that I will treasure forever and ever.

Stephanie, thank you so much for putting up with our crazy family year after year. You've captured some of my greatest moments, and I'll never be able to give you back what you have given to me. I have so much love for you!

And with that, some of my favs from our session on November 9th...

Sorry, not sorry, for the picture overload. There's even more than this, but I didn't want to over do it ;)

Happy Anniversar(ies)!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:56:00 +0000

13 years ago, today, I started dating a handsome guy that could make me laugh more than anyone has before.

8 years ago, today, I married him.

Even now, after all this time, he makes me laugh every single day. He has seen me though the hardest days of my life and has been there for me to celebrate the best ones. I love him and the family we have created together and I can't imagine my life with anyone else.

Today, I just want to thank him for being an amazing husband and father. I am a VERY lucky girl.

Happy Anniversary Bobby <3

Family Picture Outfits

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:30:00 +0000

So, it's almost that time of year again... our annual fall family pictures with Stephanie Glover Photography!! EEEKKK! If you can remember from last year, we took a chance and did a purple/grey/white theme and I absolutely LOVED the way it turned out against the fall colors.

Here is my 2013 outfit board...

...and one of our 2013 family pictures {and my 29 week baby belly... Hi Emmie Mae!}

So this year, I've decided to stay on the non-traditional route and go with a navy/grey/white theme with touches of soft pink for the girls. I really love it and I'm hoping it will look as cute as I think it will! We'll see after this weekend, I guess, right? ;) Here's the board I've created...

I absolutely adore Brynn's dress, and I got her new grey star boots, since she wore the boots from last year almost every day from November to June {I'm not kidding. The new ones are hidden until after our session this weekend!!} And Reid's sweater? OMG. Carter wore a tan version of that GAP sweater in our 2010 family pics and it's one of my all time favs {and OMG baby Carter!!} So when I saw it in navy for Reid, I just HAD to have it. Emerson is not wearing that exact sweater dress, but a similar grey cable-knit GAP hand-me-down sweater dress from Aubrey. I adore it and I'm so glad it's the perfect size for her! And Carter's sweater is super comfy, which is basically all he cares about these days, ha! Should be fun negotiating him into wearing jeans that day though {woo hoo... send wine!}

Here is a link to my Polyvore board this year so that you can see where most of the items are from. Not everything is exact, as some of the items {like Em's dress, my navy jacket, etc} I already owned and it's no longer online so I found something similar. But most of the items are new and linked correctly. Happy shopping :)

And now I can't wait to see how our session turns out! Let's just hope for good weather. And FOUR cooperating kids. That last one was a joke. {We'll just have lots of wine on standby for after the session. And that was not a joke. You get me, right?}

A Brynn update...

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 19:13:00 +0000

Ya know, I was talking to someone yesterday and realized that I never posted an update about Brynn on here {I actually haven't posted anything in awhile...whoops.} Anyway, as I mentioned before, I posted looking for advice on what to do since she was acting SO SHY about playing soccer, but still wanting to actually GO to the practice and games. {So confusing, right??} Well, I wanted to report to you that homegirl is ROCKING IT now. She LOVES IT. It only took her about half the season to warm up to it, but she is going in, STARTING and playing with no problem at all! She's even practicing with her teammates, warming up before the game and everything! This Friday is her last game of the season and she is SO EXCITED to be getting her very first trophy! YAY BRYNN!

So, for all the parents out there that commented here, Instagram and on Facebook about having a similar issue, I wanted to let you know how it turned out for us. Because she wanted to go to practice and games but just didn't want to actually go IN and play, we just stuck with it. I would have taken her to every game and practice of the season and sat on the sidelines with her, as long as she wanted to go. Thankfully she finally warmed up to it and started playing more and more each game. It makes me feel like we made the right decision by continuing to take her and I'm so thankful for that.

Keep on, keepin on, amirite? ;)

Take It Off Monday

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:46:00 +0000

I kinda had a feeling that this week would not be a HUGE weight loss week. And it wasn't, I was right. But after losing 5 pounds last week, it wouldn't be normal {or healthy} to continue losing weight that fast. I will say, however, that even though I only lost a pound this week, I still feel better than I did last week. I just feel a lot less bloated, overall, which I'm excited about! {Perhaps I'm losing inches? Have to count the non-scale victories (NSV) too, right!?!}

It's been awhile since I talked about how the plan works, so let me tell you about it: I'm on the 5 and 1 Plan. That means that I eat 5 Medifast Meals per day plus 1 Lean & Green meal. I usually save my lean & green meal for dinner time, because it allows me to eat with my family. In addition to these items, you can have 1-2 Medifast snacks per day.

Now there are a hundred different ways you can do this plan, but here's what works for me {on the average day}:

8:30am- Medifast Meal 1 {ex: Spiced Pancakes}
10:30am- Medifast Snack {ex: Spicy Black Bean Veggie Chips}
12:30pm- Medifast Meal 2 & 3 {ex: Macaroni & Cheese and Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks}
3pm- Medifast Meal 4 {ex: Peanut Butter Crunch Bar}
5:30pm- Lean & Green Meal {ex: grilled chicken, broccoli/squash/zucchini mix & a side salad}
8pm- Medifast Meal 5 {ex: Brownie}

I usually skip the mid-morning Medifast meal because lunch is usually when hunger hits its peak for me. So if I can get by with a snack {and lots of water} around 10:30am, then it allows me to eat two things together for lunch, which keeps me much fuller {and less likely to cheat!}

Like I said, there are a million different ways you can follow the program, but this worked for me last time {when I lost 30 pounds!} so imma stick with it, mmmkay?

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Week 2 Summary

Weight loss this week: 1 pound

Weight loss to date: 6 pounds

Weight left to lose: 24 pounds

First Goal: 10 pounds

Reward: Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet!

Second Goal: 20 pounds

Reward: New boots!

Final Goal: 30 pounds

Reward: A new outfit {or two, because: skinny!}

Success: I lost another pound, so I'll take it!

Set-Backs: Lots and lots of parties this weekend, so that was a bit rough. Parties are hard!

Exercise: Walking.

How is everyone else doing on their weightloss journey?

As a Medifast blogger, I receive Medifast meals and support to facilitate my weight loss journey. All opinions are my own.

Brynn

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:15:00 +0000

So, Brynn turned 4 in May and is old enough to play soccer this year. She excitedly helped pick out her little cleats and shinguards and couldn't wait to get on the field to play after watching Carter from the sidelines these past 2 years.

When we took her to her first practice, she was OMGSOEXCITED and could barely contain it...

...but as soon as we handed over her soccer ball and pointed her in the direction of her team, her smile disappeared. The face that she gave me as she slowly walked towards her team and looked back, kind of broke my heart. Her big blue eyes were welling up with tears. She then ran back towards me, saying that she was scared.

I walked over to her team with her and held her hand as she listened to the coach's directions. But she refused to play. She just stood there next to me, frozen. I tried to encourage her, but she kept repeating that she was scared. She also didn't want to talk to the coach or any of the kids on her team. As I held her hand, I started getting her to dribble the ball in the cones and play the shark game with the kids, so that she could take part in the practice. As she felt more comfortable, I slowly started backing away and returned to the sidelines with Bob to watch the practice.

Now we know that Brynn is a very shy kid, but she usually has no problem playing with other kids once she feels comfortable.

Fast forward 3 days later to her very first soccer game. She excitedly got ready, putting her way-too-big uniform on and shoving her little feet into the cutest pair of soccer cleats my eyes have ever seen. And as we drove to the field, she talked with Carter in the back seat about how they were both going to score a goal in their respective games.

But once we got out of the car, we saw that same face we saw at her first practice. I held her hand as we walked to the field and took her to the other side to be with her team. I slowly started walking to the parents side when I heard her crying. I then spent the next hour trying to calm her down instead of watching her play her first game. Nope, she didn't play at all. She actually refused to go in. But as soon as that final whistle blew, you bet she was the first person in line for the team snack. #thatsmygirl

The very next morning, team pictures were scheduled. We woke up early to get Carter and Brynn ready. Carter's team was first, and he did awesome. We then waited an hour at the field for Brynn's team pictures. But do you think she got hers taken? Not a chance. Again, she refused. And her second practice a few days later? Nope, not happening.

I continuously leave the field feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do. I obviously don't want to force her to play soccer if she doesn't want too, but at the same time, she asks me to play and says she loves it. She's excited to get ready for the games and practices and still tells me that she's going to score a goal. {Umm, you actually have to PLAY to do that, dear.} What gives? I know she's a shy girl, so maybe she's just not as comfortable around all the people yet? Maybe she doesn't want to be the center of attention on the field? I'm not sure!

I will say that, at her game last Friday night, she DID go in the game. For a minute. But she did go in. And she scored a goal...

...and then, after a few team high fives, she ran over to the concession stand to get in line for cheese fries. In the middle of the game.

Her third game is tonight. We're going to continue to take her, because she seems to want to go. I'm just hoping I'm doing what's best for her, ya know? I'll just keep encouraging her to play, without forcing it. That's about all I can do, right? Maybe she'll play TWO minutes tonight before running to the concession stand {which, I don't blame her much, those cheese fries are good.}

Anyone else have a super shy kid? We had the exact opposite problem with Carter, so this is all new to us. I'll take all the help I can get...

Take It Off Monday

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:26:00 +0000

Like I said in my post last week, I've decided to start the Medifast Program again. I've been successful on this program before {I lost 30 pounds in between Brynn and Reid!} and since this body of mine will house NO MOAR BABIES {yes, you read that right. As Olivia Pope would say: "consider it handled." In other news, OMGSCANDAL. 4 more days! Wait, what was I talking about?} I need to lose this baby weight for good!

That's my motivation this time, for sure. Knowing that this is it for me. This is my opportunity to focus on getting my body back. Making it a priority to lose this weight. Focusing on me.

The first week back has been an adjustment, for sure. But there was only a time or two where I felt like I might actually wither away. Well, I guess technically I was withering away because:

Now that, I can handle.

___________________________

Week 1 Summary

Weight loss this week: -5 pounds

Weight loss to date: -5 pounds

Weight left to lose: 25 pounds

First Goal: 10 pounds

Reward: Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet!

Second Goal: 20 pounds

Reward: New boots!

Final Goal: 30 pounds

Reward: A new outfit {or two, because: skinny!}

Success: Staying strong while my body was adjusting to the program.

Set-Backs: There was that one day that I forgot to pack all my Medifast meals for work. Whoops! I'm still getting back into the swing of things here, people.

Exercise: I have 4 kids. Does that count? No? It should.

Has anyone else started a weight loss program recently? Tell me about it... we can get through this together!

As a Medifast blogger, I receive Medifast meals and support to facilitate my weight loss journey. All opinions are my own.

I think I know what my problem is...

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:59:00 +0000

I have at least 10-12 drafts that I've tried to post in the past several months, and each time I save it thinking "I'll just finish it later." Do you think that ever happens? No. Not even close. I get busy with work or home responsibilities. Oh, and also: 4 kids.

Now, it's not that I have OMGNOFREETIME. I do have some free time. But that time usually occurs between 9-10pm and I'm too tired to do anything but watch Bachelor in Paradise at that point. {Oh, don't judge.}

But now? I think I know what my problem is... Or was. I think I know what my problem was. I was trying to catch you up on my life since my last post and it just. wasn't. possible. So, let's just start small.

This post right here? This is my first post back.

I'd love to tell you everything that has happened lately. Like, Carter... he's in 1st grade now. Brynn? She just started soccer {and loves/hates it... more on this later.} Reid just turned two last week. TWO. And Emerson? Oh, my sweet girl. We lucked out in the baby department, you guise. That girl is so sweet and loving and PATIENT. She's the best.

As for me, I'm working on myself right now. I'm trying to lose this baby weight for good {I started Medifast today! I've had success in the past and I hope I can do it again. More to come on this.} I also recently got promoted at work, which has been keeping me quite busy, but also makes me so excited. I just celebrated 10 years at the university that I work at and it's crazy to think back to when I first started. How much my life has changed in the past 10 years.

Back then I was a just-turned-25-year-old in a 2-bedroom apartment with a city view. I had an amazing boyfriend, could go out whenever I wanted and was about to start grad school. Shortly after I started working, I got engaged, planned a wedding, finished grad school, got married, bought a house, renovated ALL THE THINGS, had a baby, turned 30, had another baby, celebrated 5 years of marriage in Disney, lost a baby, had another baby, lost my dad, sent my first baby off to kindergarten, had ANOTHER baby {OMG, now I know why I explain my past life in kids... "oh, that was totally 2 kids ago."} turned 35, and just sent my first baby off to 1st grade. That's a lot of stuff in 10 years. A. LOT. And I'm so excited to see what the future holds for me and my sweet, "little" family.

So, yeah. I'm back. And I guess I should redesign the blog. My header is totally 1 kid ago, you guise.

Happenings Lately

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:06:00 +0000

So much going on, people. So much. Obviously I haven't blogged in awhile. The truth is... I can barely go to the bathroom, shower and/or eat with 2 hands {oh, the luxuries!}, so clearly blogging is going to take a back seat. But I'm now trying my best to get back into the swing of things. So here's what's been happening lately...
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I go back to work next week! Ahhhh. How did this happen!?! Baby girl is 9 weeks old {today!} so I do feel lucky that I will have had 10 weeks at home with her before I go back. I also have a nice transition back into the office over the next month, which I'm very grateful for as well!

But, I have to admit... I'm having serious mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, I am super excited to get back to work. {Call me crazy!} I just miss being in my work environment, having daily adult interaction and actually getting a designated lunch break where I'll be able to eat. With 2 hands! {It's the little things.}

On the other hand, I know I will miss my baby girl like whoa. And my 3 other babies too, obviously. But especially Emerson. We've been attached at the hip {or she's been attached to my boob, rather} for 10 weeks straight... it will be a difficult adjustment to leave her for 8 hours a day while I'm at work. But we'll get through it... I have 3 times before this, right?
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Speaking of going back to work... I've been having serious anxiety, to the point of having nightmares about it. And not for any of the reasons mentioned above. Here's the thing...

My very first day back in the office after my maternity leave with Reid? My dad died.

The. very. first. day.

Imagine being overwhelmed with the thought of leaving your new baby for the first time as you head back to work. Running a little late, as you transition to your new morning routine. Sitting down at the computer to hundreds of new emails. Your desk flooded with all the changes made in the short time that you've been gone. You haven't yet said hello to all of your fellow coworkers, because you've been inundated with work. And just as you get a moment to breathe after a few overwhelming hours trying to get re-accustomed to your work environment, you get that fateful call that will change your life forever.

I never realized, until recently as I prepare to head back to work again, just how much it has impacted me. The timing of it all. Being with Reid for 12 weeks straight and then, leaving for work that day, and not seeing him for more than an hour in the week that followed. Makes me cry just thinking about how difficult that time was for everyone. It's hard enough losing a parent, but to have it happen just 2 hours into your very first day back from maternity leave when you're already an emotional mess, made it all that more difficult. {And let's not add to it, the fact that I came home late that night to a dog that could no longer walk and that we were told to put to sleep THAT SAME DAY.}

It was obviously the hardest day of my life.

So, as I prepare to go back to work next week, I can't help but have severe anxiety about it. Almost like... "what terrible thing is going to happen when I return to work this time?"
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Let's shift gears, shall we?

Carter is playing baseball! Well, tee-ball, but still. He's so excited about it {and so am I!} Opening Day is this Saturday and I'm praying for nice weather. The poor kid has only had 1 practice so far because the other 4 have been cancelled due to rain and SNOW. {Ugh!} Would it be too much to ask to have spring-like weather in spring?? Anyway, here's my little cutie just before his first {and only, grrr} practice:

Love him! I must also add that he is doing amazing in school. I was so worried about how he was going to do with being so young {he has a July birthday!} and I was even more worried about how he would act in school, but I'm happy to report that he is doing SO WELL!! We are so proud of him! Go Carter Man!
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With April approaching, I am in the midst of planning Brynn's 4th {WTH!?!?!} birthday party. Her birthday is on a Saturday this year {May 24th}, so that makes things easier. Of course, that's Memorial Day weekend too, but whatever. It is what it is. Anyway, baby girl wants to have it at Build-A-Bear again, so that's what we'll do. And, like every other child on the planet, it MUST be Frozen themed. Because, what else is there right now!?! Exactly. {And a Frozen/snowflake theme on Memorial Day weekend makes so much sense. Obviously.}

I did design her Frozen birthday invitation a few days ago, and I'm still tweaking it to perfection, so I'll be sure to post it as soon as it's ready! I will say that it's one of my favorite invitations that I've designed so far though... EEEKKK!

Here's a recent pic of Brynn and I on our little girls day out...

We only went to Target and Chicl-Fil-A, but hey! It was fun! It was so nice to just have some time with my first baby girl. :)
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Reid Joesph turned 18 months on March 10th. He is doing amazing... he's smart as a whip but equally as evil. He is into everything, let me tell ya. There's a reason he's so cute, ha! We have his 18 month well visit on the same day as Emerson's 2 month visit, so I'll include his stats in that post as well. Here's a pic of my sweet boy along with his cousin, BFF and birthday twin, Aubrey, last weekend at their cousin Ben's 7th {ahh!!} birthday party...

OMG, they're the best, aren't they!?!
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Emerson just turned 2 months old on March 27th. Can you believe it!?! I have a whole post planned for later this week, but here's my little sweet pea on her second monthaversary...

Still with the hair. I LOVE IT. She's the sweetest!

She has her 2 month well visit on Thursday with Reid, so I'll have stats and everything for you then! But let me just say that she is a great baby. She's been sleeping through the night for several weeks now, has been an awesome nurser {with no signs of reflux, woo hoo!} and is very go-with-the-flow {poor thing doesn't have a choice, but still.} She just adores her brothers and sister too. She's all smiles when they're around! :) I'll have more on Emmie Mae later this week...
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In other news, Bob and I are still alive after two months with 4 kids, so that's saying something, right??

More later. Promise.

Survival Mode

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:32:00 +0000

Oh, hey. I'm still here. You have no idea how many times I've tried to post in the last FOUR WEEKS since I had Emmie. {Yep, she's 4 weeks old today, ahhhh!} The problem is, when you're nursing almost constantly, it's quite difficult to get on your computer. And when you hate doing anything but scrolling Instagram and Facebook from your phone, it'll take you 4 weeks to write any kind of post.

Unfortunately, this is not the post I wanted to write and I so wish I had more time. I want to tell you all about the last 4 weeks. {What a whirlwind!} How life with 4 is going. {It's easier than I thought it would be!} How Carter, Brynn & Reid just ADORE their new little sister. {It's amazing.} How the other kids, especially Reid, are adjusting to this big change. {Reid is a little monster now and in to everything. But so damn cute.} How breastfeeding is going this time. {Better now!} How I'm really not getting any sleep. {Typical.}

But for now? This little check-in will have to do.

In the meantime, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram {especially IG} as I have been trying to post daily updates there!

Oh, and one last thing... I had Emerson's newborn pictures taken {by the wonderful Stephanie Glover Photography} when she was 6 days old and I plan to post them all soon. But for now...

LOVE. I'm one lucky mama.

Be back soon. Promise.

Emerson Mae: A Birth Story

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:21:00 +0000

First, I want to say thank you for all of your love and support on Monday. I know a lot of you were following my sister's Instagram updates and I truely appreciate all the healthy vibes you sent. They worked!

I wanted to try to type this up as soon as I could before I completely block out labor and delivery from my mind forever. Ha! I knew this baby girl was on her own schedule, and she definitely showed me and everyone else who is boss. I'm expecting her to give us a run for our money for many years to come ;)

So here it is... the birth story of our sweet Emerson Mae:

Things progressed beautifully at first. I was at the hospital by 6am, started the antibiotics by 7am and was checked for the first time at 8:45am. I had already progressed to 7cm on my own, so my OB decided to wait until 10am to start the pitocin and 11am to break my water so that I could get a full 4 hours of antibiotics to treat the GBS. She advised me to get the epidural soon after starting the pitocin as well, just in case things progressed faster that what we expected.

Around 11:30am my BP started going crazy. It kept dropping significantly (I had gestational hypertension going in too, so it started really high) and it stayed in the double digits on the top and bottom the entire time. It made me feel TERRIBLE. I was light-headed, dizzy, my arms and hands were tingling. And every time I tried sitting up it would drop again. I spent a lot of time getting fluids and slowly trying to raise my bed so that I could sit up.

It finally worked and by 1:15pm, I had progressed to 10cm and was 100% effaced and was ready to start pushing. I remember thinking "whoa, this is going so fast!"

Famous last words, right?

After I started pushing for a bit, baby girl would not come down. She was transverse and her shoulder was stuck. My OB decided to wait and let her labor down a bit on her own so that I didn't spend hours pushing. I completely agreed. At 2pm we tried pushing again. No dice. Homegirl was not having it. By 2:30, we decided to wait a little longer while I laid on my side trying to get her to turn. At that point my epi stopped working and I was feeling EVERYTHING. They were able to give me a bolus at 4pm, but from 2:30-4pm I basically thought I might die from the pain. I just wanted to push and I couldn't because she was stuck so all I could do was lay on my side and breath/scream/cry through the contractions. It was awful.

Once I got the bolus, it took about 10 minutes for it to take affect. When I finally got a chance to look at the clock, I knew that my OB would not be delivering my baby (she was off the clock at 5pm and I knew she had somewhere to go. We just didn't think there was even a chance that I'd still be laboring at that point.) She came in to see me and I started to cry. I was just so frustrated and we both thought that it would have gone much smoother/faster than this. I mean, this was baby #4. Everyone did.

But there was just no rushing my baby girl.

My OB and I talked about her size and she was confident that I could deliver vaginally, but I asked her at what point we'd decide that was no longer an option. Honestly, I was absolutely exhausted at that point and I was doubting if (1) she would ever turn and drop and (2) if I had the energy to push any longer. Together, we came up with a plan.

They let me rest from 4-5pm, which I appreciated so much. I had a real moment here because I finally accepted the fact that I was no longer running the show. Baby girl was the boss from here on out and I was okay with whatever we had to do to get her here safely. From 5-6pm we did some practice side pushes to try to get her to turn/drop and get her shoulder unstuck then I rested again and labored down until 6:45pm.

Around that time, I finally started feeling differently. Like MAYBE there was a chance to deliver this baby girl. And soon. The OB on call came in (she delivered my niece Aubrey so we knew she was awesome) and she was. She was simply amazing. She made me feel like I could deliver this baby girl without having a c-section.

I started pushing again at 7pm and I FINALLY felt like we were making progress. All day I felt like I was pushing for no reason, but this time was the real deal. Baby girl was finally ready.

After just 17 minutes of pushing, Emerson Mae came into the world kicking and screaming. She was born on January 27, 2014 at 7:17pm weighing 9lbs 15.22oz and 21in. (No wonder she was stuck!) She has a full head of DARK (what??) hair and is absolutely beautiful! She looks like a mix between her 2 brothers right now and it is so sweet. And, let me tell ya, watching my FOUR babies meet for the first time is a moment that I will never, ever forget. My heart bursts with joy.

I'll be posting L&D pictures as soon as I can, but wanted to quickly share her hospital picture that was taken yesterday at not even 24 hours old.

We are so in love! Our hearts are so full and our family is finally complete. Welcome to the world, sweet Emerson Mae, we've been waiting for you.

It's my baby's birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 11:00:00 +0000

I'M HAVING A BABY TODAY! AHHHHH!!

This is so surreal. It's my forth time and yet it's still so surreal.

I'm feeling great. I'm not nervous or scared or anxious. I'm ready. Let's get this show on the road, huh?

Don't forget to follow along on Facebook and Instagram, as I'll likely be posting baby announcements there first. {Let's face it... it's easier.} You can also follow my sister, Kacy, here... as I'm sure she'll be sharing some L&D antics as well. That's how she rolls.

So, yeah. It's baby day. EEEKKK!!! Catch ya on the flip side.

In just a few short hours...

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 12:20:00 +0000

In just a few short hours, I will have this baby girl. We will be a family of 6. I will deliver my 4th baby and we will finally be complete.

In just a few short hours, we will begin this next phase of our lives, and as ready as I am, I also know that I will miss being pregnant. {Not enough to ever want to do it again, mind you. Ahem.} But I'm certainly having mixed feelings about these final hours of pregnancy. I just can't believe that I'm almost done. I've spent over 36 months of my life being pregnant, yet the end is almost near. I will never again feel my baby move inside me. Never again feel the excitement of hearing "it's a boy!" or "it's a girl!" Never again have my baby all to myself for an entire 9 months. Never again meet my baby for the very first time or hear that first cry.

But, being done with pregnancy, also means that I will enter a new chapter in my life. One that I am able to enjoy with my family.

My whole family.

Watching my babies as they grow. Being there with them as they learn new things, play new sports and make new friends. Celebrating birthdays, going to school plays and soccer games and dance recitals. Helping them with their homework and talking to them about their day. As much as I love the baby stage that Reid is in now, I can't help but get excited about having the types of conversations with him {and Emerson!} as I do now with Carter and Brynn. Each year gets better and better as I watch my kids grow in to people. Real people that have ideas and thoughts and imaginations and conversations. And it happens right before our eyes.

So, while I know I will certainly miss being pregnant, I'm ready to be done. To move on and enjoy our life as a family of 6.

To feel whole.

In just a few short hours, I will have met my very last baby. And I can't wait for that moment.

39 Weeks and Some Last Minute Stats!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:17:00 +0000

39w1d today and just had my very last OB appointment. EVER. Like, for real. Ever, ever. I promise. I also had my last BPP ultrasound as well... here are the details:

I didn't ask how far ahead I was measuring today. I was 7 weeks ahead last week and I figured what the hell's the difference at this point, right?
I was still sitting at 6cm, so that's great news. While every other 39 weeker in the world is hoping for progress, I, my friends, am not. 6cm is a perfectly fine starting point for my induction, and at this point, I just really want to make it to Monday.
"Feet up all weekend." Doctors orders. No problem. {Well, except that I have 3 kids. And I'm watching my niece and nephew on Saturday night too. Hmmm. 5 kids under 6 should be no problem at all, right?}
My BP was high again today. My OB is worried and we're both glad that I only have to make it 3 more days. She gave me a list of signs/symptoms to be concerned about {all of which I'm aware of, having had pre-e twice before} so we'll just take it easy and try to make it to Monday.
Baby IV did amazing at her BPP today. No problems meeting any of the requirements, so that's a plus. Good job baby girl!
The tech did a quick growth ultrasound along with the BPP. My OB and MFM just wanted a few measurements to get an idea for Monday's induction. Homegirl weighed 9lbs 10oz today. No big deal. And I'm not saying that sarcastically. I thought she'd be around 9lbs 8oz on Monday, so that's pretty spot-on. I guess we'll see! {Now watch her be my smallest baby! Fine by me! Ha!}

Can't believe I'll be meeting my 2nd daughter in just a few days. EEEKKK!!! The kids are all beyond excited. Everyday Brynn asks me "Is Emersom finally coming TODAY mom??" Carter has a countdown going to Monday and always says "I wonder what she's going to look like?? I think she will have blue eyes and yellow hair and look just like Brynn!" It's so cute. Reid doesn't really know what's coming, of course, but he sure loves rubbing my belly, giving it kisses and saying "ahhh, baby!" That kid is too sweet. I think he'll really love her.

So excited to meet my final baby... the one who will make our family complete. We love you so much already, my sweet girl. See you soon.

Pregnancy: 39 weeks

Days until 1.27.14 induction: 3 days

Weight Gain: 35 pounds

Sleep: Reid's molars are coming in. Enough said.

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Ready!

Health: Watching my BP, trying my best to take it easy with 5 kids in the house this weekend and hoping to make it to my induction on Monday!

Movement: She is a crazy person and it is so painful at this point. OUCH.

Belly: Measuring 7 weeks ahead. My biggest belly yet.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: ALL DONE!! I'm to report to the hospital at 6am on Monday! YAY!!!!

Let's talk hospital bags.

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:10:00 +0000

So, I've posted this list before I had both Brynn and Reid but wanted to post it again for those wondering what the hell to pack in your hospital bag. I don't have much to add to it because, for once in my life {or, um, 3 times so far, I guess?} I did it right. I packed and didn't forget a single item. I did, however, include a printable version below for those that like crossing things off your list {and let's be honest? Everybody loves to do that. AMIRITE?}

Okay, so my usual reminder: You'll want to pack like you and your husband are taking a weekend vacation some place very exciting and then bringing back an adorable mini version of yourselves as a souvenir.

Not too difficult, right?

After doing this THREE times now {oh my gawd, am I really about to do this a forth time??} here is the most updated version of my hospital bag packing list. I hope you find it helpful!

For Mama:

Pillow
Slippers
Flip Flops
Comfy clothes- zip up hoodies, nursing or regular tanks, nursing or regular/sports bras, comfy shorts/pants, PJ's and undies {I can't stress the importance of wearing your own clothes... they make you feel human again, especially when you have visitors. I even went out and bought cheap granny panties for the hospital. I bled on NOTHING. I can't imagine sitting around in a half-opened hospital gown while 36 people are in my room with me.}
My Breast Friend/Boppy {great for learning how to nurse with the lactation consultant present or even propping/holding the baby if you don't plan to nurse}
Nursing Cover {if you're having a lot of visitors}
Lanolin {although sometimes the hospital does supply this}
Nursing pads
Laptop/charger {I had plenty of time to be online in the hospital, especially at night when the nurses came in and checked on me every 10 minutes}
Camera/charger
Phone/charger {I never received or sent more texts in my entire life...yes, even while I was in labor. Make sure you're phone is completely charged at all times and ready to go.}
Video camera
Toiletries {travel size work best} of shampoo, conditioner, body wash {plus a loufa}, toothpaste, hair spray, lotion, face wash, face wipes, deodorant, etc
Toothbrush
Razor {yes, I shaved in the hospital}
Hair dryer
Flat Iron {yes, I actually used mine... What? You're a temporary celebrity.}
Make-up {see above}
Hairbrush and extra hairbands
Insurance information
Copy of your birth plan
List of people to call/text

Some stuff the hospital had for me: Peri-bottle, Dermaplast numbing spray, Tucks, ice pads, maxi pads, mesh undies {though I wore my own after the first day...I just wanted to feel normal!}

For Baby:

Coming home outfit
Onesies
Hat
Cozy warm blanket
Car seat with base installed in the car that you bring to the hospital ;)

Some of the stuff the hospital had for the baby: diapers, wipes, Triple Paste, blankets, nasal aspirator, pacifiers, etc.

For Daddy:

Pillow
Comfy clothes
Flip flops
Toiletries {again, travel-size work best}
Toothbrush
Razor
iPad/charger
Kindle/magazines
iPod/headphones
Debit card/cash {for food!}
Snacks

Bob and I fit everything into our travel/carry-on-size wheely suit case. I then packed all the baby stuff in the diaper bag, all the toiletries in a cosmetic bag, and all the electronics together in a laptop bag.

You can also find the printable version of this list here.

Good luck!!

38 Weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 23:31:00 +0000

38w4d today and I really can't believe that I will have this baby girl exactly one week from today! EEEKKK!!! Here's a picture my sister took of me on Saturday at my little surprise sprinkle that my family had for me {so sweet!}

I was in complete shock over this, by the way. I mean, let's be real... it's my 4th baby. Yet, they still wanted to celebrate her as if she were my first. I've said this before, but we really didn't buy much at all for this baby girl and a lot of the things we're using for her we got when we had Carter. And while it's nice that we've got our money's worth out of some of those baby necessities, it is so lovely having some NEW things as well!! We got a new Boppy, Rock-N-Play, diaper bag, UGG slippers {for me!} blankets, clothes, towels... just so many wonderful things. And diapers. Oh, the diapers. Thank you, thank you to my wonderful family! This baby girl is so lucky to be coming in to a family like ours, that's for sure. I love you all!

Here are a few appointment updates from Friday morning:

Baby IV almost failed her BPP ultrasound for lack of movement. She usually passes that part of the test the first 10 seconds of every ultrasound. But she just. wouldn't. move. Homegirl was sleeping. I hope she sleeps like that on the outside too.
When my OB laughed at my belly measurement for a second week in a row, I had to ask. 7 weeks. I'm measuring 7 weeks ahead. NBD.
My BP was elevated and I now officially have Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) / Gestational Hypertension (GHTN). I had pre-eclampsia with both Carter and Brynn, so this is not unexpected. However, I was always fine with Reid, so I thought I'd luck out this time too. And, I guess I did in some regard, since it's developing so late in my pregnancy.
After an internal my OB said I was "a good 6cm, but she didn't know if she could call me a 7 yet" to which I immediately replied "Don't. Don't call me a 7." I just can't handle that.
I got my induction orders. I am to report to the hospital at 6am on January 27th. Because I am GBS+, 6+cm dilated and have short labors they plan to start my antibiotics immediately, wait 2 hours to start the pitocin and then wait another hour before breaking my water. My OB just wants to make sure that I get all of the antibiotics required to treat the GBS before actually delivering the baby. She ended the appointment by saying "you'll have a baby by lunch."

Yeah, so that's that. One more week!

Pregnancy: 38 weeks

Days until 1.27.14 induction: 7 days

Weight Gain: 35 pounds

Sleep: I was just thinking to myself how good I've slept this week. And then the last two nights I was up all night trying not to puke up stomach acid. Lovely, right? Done. So done.

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Ready!

Health: BP is on the rise now and I can feel my swelling getting worse and worse. Just trying to make it to the 27th at this point.

Movement: It's so painful.

Belly: Measuring 7 weeks ahead. My biggest belly yet.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

LAST Appointment: OB and Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Friday, January 24th at 39w1d.

37 Weeks and We Have a Date!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:12:00 +0000

Whoa, would you look at that thing? That belleh has a mind of it's own, I swear. So ginormous.

Um, anyway. 37 weeks. Woo hoo! I have a few appointment updates for you...

When I last posted, I was about to go to my growth ultrasound at MFM for baby girl. All is well with her, but she was estimated to be about 8.5 pounds at 36w4d. That's considered "above the 99th percentile" for anyone that didn't automatically assume as much. Ahem.
On Friday, I had my OB appointment with my regular doctor, who was surprised at how "small" the baby was. (She be cray.) Seriously though, she just thought Baby IV was bigger than that at this point, and honestly? My OB has guessed my kids birth weights every time, so I tend to believe her. Which, of course, makes me even more nervous.
She laughed at my belly measurement (I didn't even ask what it was, but I was measuring 6 weeks ahead the week before, so...)
She then checked me for dilation. 6cm. Yep. Pretty typical for me, really. She didn't even mention my effacement, but I'm assuming it was 80% or more, considering I was 80% the week before.
My OB and I talked everything over and she gave me 3 possible induction dates and left the choice up to me. January 23rd, January 24th or January 27th. I'll explain below.

Anyway, ever since my severe bleeding issue after Carter's birth (see here and the cause here) my OB doesn't want me to go too far past 39 weeks. (I also had pre-e with Carter and Brynn and a cervical mass with Reid, giving me "high risk" status with both Reid and Baby IV's pregnancies.) I mentioned already that I'm 39 weeks on January 23rd and we were all set for a January 24th induction and then this happened.

So, at my appt on Friday, my OB told me that I could be induced with another OB at the practice on January 23rd (39w0d) or January 24th (39w1d) but if I wanted HER to do the induction, then I'd have to wait until January 27th (39w4d). So while I was really hoping for a January 24th induction for several reasons (i.e. it's a Friday, it's convenient, Bob would have a full 2 weeks at home with me post delivery, we wouldn't have to worry about getting Carter to school, etc) none of those reasons even compare to having my own OB in charge of my induction/delivery.

Here's the thing... I really like my OB. I trust her. I trust her medical choices. I trust her delivery style. I trust her techniques. She's delivered all 3 of my babies thus far. She didn't force me to go right to a c-section with Carter when he was measuring ahead and I wanted to try an induction first. She handled my post-delivery drop in blood pressure (after having pre-e) and bleeding issues perfectly. Brynn's delivery was problem-free (despite a short stint in the NICU because she came so fast.) When Reid was sideways, she helped me push him out with no interventions and no tearing.

I mean... this woman is amazing.

So, obviously, I'm going to choose her over any date or convenience factor in the world.

While I'm very confident with my decision, I'm also a little nervous. This baby is measuring even further ahead than any of my others at this point and, if I wait until January 27th to deliver, this will be the longest pregnancy for me. Only by 4 days, but still. The longest. And, if I think about this baby girl being the same size as Brynn and Reid (9lbs 3oz at 39w0d) then it's really not a big deal for me. She'll just be slightly larger than that. Whatever.

But then, I think about her being the same size as Carter (ya know, since she's measuring bigger than he was at this point). And I cringe. Carter was 9lbs 5oz at 38w0d. So this pregnancy would be approximately 12 days longer than that one. Do you know how much more a baby can grow in 12 days? I don't even want to think about it.

Then again?

She could be a teensy, tiny little thing (and clearly, by that, I mean 8 pounds, something). You just never know. So I don't want to make any delivery decisions based on her possible size either. We'll just see.

And also?

She could actually come on her own. I mean those things happen during pregnancy. Not with any of my pregnancies, of course, but who knows. Maybe one of my kids won't actually have to be forced out. Then deciding on an induction date won't even matter. I could have any joe schmoe off the street delivering her at that point. And at 6cm and 80%+, I'd say I'm well on my way.

But I'm also 99% sure I'll make it until January 27th.

2 more weeks, people! TWO. MORE.

Pregnancy: 37 weeks

Days until 1.27.14 induction: 14 days

Weight Gain: 34 pounds

Sleep: The acid reflux. The achey belly. These are not good for sleep.

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Crappy, but more ready now after this weekend! We got SO MUCH done and I've done just about everything except setting up the swing and installing the carseat (which is IN the car... it's just not installed yet.)

Health: BP has been pretty good, baby girl is passing all of her BPP's, I passed my 3 hour GTT. Everything is good. She's just big. I'm just big. But everything is good.

Movement: Homegirl be cray.

Belly: Measuring at least 6 weeks ahead. Maybe more. When your OB just laughs at your belly measurement, it is not a good sign.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: OB appointment and Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Friday, January 17th at 38w1d.

36 Weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 21:25:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Let me just say that I am SO EXCITED that it's 2014. And I'm still pregnant. 2013 was such a difficult year for me and my family for obvious reasons (i.e. going through all the "firsts" without my dad being the #1 thing) and I just did not want to have a baby that year. Call me crazy {go ahead, you can!} but I'm just excited to make it to 2014.

Andplusalso? We were married in 2006 and our other kids are 2008, 2010 and 2012, so... 2014 just makes much more sense. #obviously

No, really... you can call me crazy again.

So 36 weeks, huh? I'll actually be 37 weeks in just a few days. And there's so much going on now too; I really don't even know where to start.

How about a picture or two?

35 weeks on Christmas Eve:

36 weeks on New Year's Eve at a wedding in Ocean City, NJ:

Let me just tell you... finding a dress to fit THAT belly was not an easy task.

So here are a few key updates:

I had my first internal and GBS test at my 35 weeks appt. I was 3-4cm dilated and 80% effaced. Woo hoo! Here we go with the early dilation again! {Reminder: I was 6cm dilated for weeks with Brynn and 5cm dilated for weeks with Reid so this is not new.}
At this appointment, I also took the 3 hour glucose test because my doc at MFM was all "OMGABIGBABY." It was awful and I can't wait to see her tomorrow at my growth ultrasound so I can say "I PASSED THAT SHIT!" For some reason she just doesn't want to believe that some people actually just have big babies. I do not, nor have I ever, had gestational diabetes. #takethatMFM
I had my 36 week appointment this past Friday and I'm now 5cm dilated and still 80% effaced. WOOT. #kidding
I also got the results of my GBS test and I'm positive. AGAIN. I can't catch a break. I obviously know that GBS is NBD {I had it with Carter and Reid but did not have it with Brynn.} It's just another thing to kinda worry about with being so dilated. {If I go into labor on my own? Forget about it.} I'm sure I'll make it to my 39 week induction with no problem {just like I always do!} but, it does delay the induction process because my OB won't even start Pitocin until AFTER I receive all of the antibiotics {which takes a good 3-4 hours.} That's because my labors tend to go really fast and she just wants to make sure I'm good to go before we even start. I mean, I get it. But it doesn't mean I have to like it.

My next OB appt is actually with MY doctor, so I'm excited to hash out a plan with her. As of right now, my induction will either be January 24th or January 27th. She's trying to get her hospital schedule changed back to the 24th, so we'll see how that goes! I'm crossing all my crossables, that's for sure.

As for me, I'm just starting to come out of denial that a baby is actually coming soon. Like a real baby. That I have to take care of.

This past weekend we started clearing space to put her stuff and also ordered some new things for her {umm, like pajamas and onesies and a blanket.} I still need a few more things and I'm getting the carseat from my sister {ours expired in July so I'm borrowing Aubrey's Britax Be-Safe!} I also need to pack my hospital bag and figure out where the heck my kids are staying {which really depends on WHEN I'm being induced because Carter has school during the week} So yeah... we're getting there.

Pregnancy: 36 weeks

Weight Gain: 32 pounds

Sleep: I'd sleep great if I wasn't puking up stomach acid. Sounds lovely, right?

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Done.

Health: Everything looks good, so that's really all I can ask for!

Movement: Homegirl be cray.

Belly: Measuring 6 weeks ahead, woo hoo!

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: MFM Growth & Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Tuesday, January 7th - OB Appointment: Friday, January 10th at 37w1d.

34 Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:01:00 +0000

And on my way to 35 weeks in just a few days. How did this happen??

Here's my 34 week belly pic...

Just wanted to update you guys on a few things! My 33 week OB appointment was very... interesting. Here are the highlights for you:

- My belly is now measuring 6 weeks ahead.

- Based on that, combined with the fact that Baby IV weighed in at approximately 6 pounds at my 32 week growth ultrasound, my regular OB is "encouraging" me to make the 3 hour glucose test. She doesn't think I have gestational diabetes (nor do I considering that I've passed the 1 hour twice this pregnancy, have had 3 large babies and have never had GD) but since my MFM doc wants me to take it, she said I might as well do it "just in case." UGH. In an effort to refrain from acting like a selfish brat, I gave in. I take it this Friday. But ugh. Effing terrible.

- My induction was originally scheduled for Friday, January 24th (39w1d) but my OB's hospital schedule changed so now we're looking at Monday, January 27th (39w4d). I know it's only an extra 3 days, but she might as well have told me that I'm going to be pregnant forever. It's fine. But I think it just upset me b/c I've been in a lot of pain lately and finding out I now have to take the 3 hour GTT? Blah. I'll survive. ;)

Other than that, my weekly BPP ultrasounds have been going well, my fluid levels have been in the normal range and my blood pressure has been decent. All good things. I have another growth ultrasound on January 3rd (36w1d) so we'll see how big this girl is again soon.

Pregnancy: 34 weeks

Weight Gain: 28 pounds

Sleep: Meh. Pregsomnia is kicking in.

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Achy and my acid reflux is out of control. Trying to enjoy these final weeks of pregnancy while simultaneously wishing they were over.

Health: BP is good. Baby IV is good. Everything is good. Just hoping I pass the 3 hour GTT.

Movement: Homegirl be cray.

Belly: Measuring 6 weeks ahead as of my 33 week OB appt.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: OB Appointment & MFM Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Friday, December 27th at 35w1d. I'll have my 3 hour GTT and my first internal with the GBS test as well. So exciting, right?

32 weeks and in the 100th percentile.

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:49:00 +0000

So, last Thursday I hit 32 weeks {which means I'm 32w5d today... oops! I suck at updating this time.} On Friday I had my monthly growth ultrasound. My belly has been measuring about 4 weeks ahead, which is typical for me. So when they started the growth ultrasound, I knew the baby would probably be measuring ahead as well. NBD.

What I did not expect, was for the tech to tell me that baby girl is currently in the 100th percentile.

Yep, she weighed in at 6 pounds. At 32w1d. Awesome.

Now I know growth ultrasounds can be "off" and that this weight is just an estimate. But still. 100th percentile? That's big.

The MFM doctor told me, once again, that I need to do the 3 hour gestational diabetes test and that she's recommending that {again} to my regular OB. I told her that I've already delivered 3 big babies with no GD in the past and that I also passed the 1 hour GD test twice this pregnancy {and I wasn't even CLOSE to failing it} but she insisted. I guess, to her, people just can't have big babies. SIGH. I have an appointment with my regular OB this Friday and plan to talk about it with her once again. Hopefully she agrees with me {she did the first time they recommended I take it} and doesn't make me suffer through that mess {it makes me feel so sick.} But, of course, if she wants me to take it, I will. I'd just rather not.... ya know, since I don't have GD and all. Just big babies. Grrrr.

Anyway.

During the ultrasound, they also found a Choroid Plexus Cyst on baby girl's brain. I know that these can be quite common, but it still worries me a little. {I mean, anything less than "your baby is absolutely perfect" will worry us mamas, right?} However, the MFM doc assured me this was NBD, especially with it just showing up at this point in the pregnancy. Hopefully the CPC resolves itself soon, but even if it doesn't, it absolutely has no affect on brain function at all. We'll just keep an eye on it at my weekly BPP ultrasounds.

Here's pic of my chubby girl...

I still think she looks a lot like Reid! Guess we'll see :)

Pregnancy: 32 weeks

Weight Gain: 26 pounds

Sleep: Meh.

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Achy, especially when I walk too much {i.e. during Christmas shopping... boo!}

Health: See ultrasound results above. Can't wait to talk to my OB this week!

Movement: Ouch. That's all I got for you. OUCH.

Belly: Measuring 4 weeks ahead now. NBD.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: OB Appointment & MFM Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Friday, December 13th at 33w1d.

It's been a year, today.

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 13:00:00 +0000

It's been a year, today, since I last heard his laugh.

An entire year since I last got his great advice or hung out with him in the garage as he cleaned his Chevelle.

365 days since I last went out to lunch with him or we watched a football game together.

12 months since he has played with my kids on the living room floor or watched one of Carter's soccer games.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. What he'd be doing if he were still here with us. What he'd say when my mom turned 60 or Reid and Aubrey turned 1. How'd he react watching Carter step on to the school bus for the very first time or when I found out I was pregnant with another precious baby girl.

He has missed so much in the past year and, while it's so hard to imagine all the years he will miss, I know that he is still with us always.

I picture his smile often.

I hear his voice when I need him.

And I know that he would be proud of the things that we have done.

Missing you always, Dad.

30 Weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:17:00 +0000

Well I hit 30 weeks last Thursday, and OMG. I can't believe it. Less than 9 weeks to go now until my family is complete :)

Overall, I'm feeling okay. Just really tired and achy. My belly is killing me and if I try to do too much, my body lets me know. I'll get bad contractions like whoa. But baby girl is still doing amazing in there!

I have weekly biophysical profiles (BPPs) now, so I get to see my sweet pea quite often. For those that don't know, a BPP is an ultrasound that includes a nonstress test and tasks that the baby must successfully complete within a 30 minute time frame. The tasks include: fetal movement, fetal tone, practice breathing, amniotic fluid volume and fetal heart rate. Failure to complete these tasks will result in a fun little trip to L&D. Woo hoo!

My first BPP last week took the entire 30 minutes because homegirl did not want to do her final task of practice breathing. She seriously waited until minute 29 of 30. I was in the middle of talking to the tech about what will happen when I head to L&D when she FINALLY got her stuff together.

And immediately after? This.

Hand on the forehead. She has it so hard, right?

So at my 2nd BPP on Friday morning, I was ready to be there the entire 30 minutes (and possibly head to L&D after). However, I was in and out of there in 4 minutes. Seriously. She took 4 minutes to complete all 5 tasks, including the practice breathing... and all while having hiccups too! I didn't even get a picture of her because she was so fast! Awesome. I had weekly BPPs in 3rd tri with Reid as well and he was always done in like 10 minutes, so I'm glad she's getting a little faster too.

We'll see how it goes next week though... I have a feeling she wants to do things on her own time. ;)

Pregnancy: 30 weeks

Weight Gain: 24 pounds

Sleep: Getting better! Reid is finally sleeping again so that means I have too! I still need to wake up to either pee or take Tums {good times!} but I'm sleeping pretty well overall. This week, anyway ;)

Gender: It's a GIRL! {Check out the reveal post.}

Name: Emerson Mae {Check out my original name post here and the reveal post here.}

Feeling: Fine. Tired and achy, but fine.

Health: Great! Baby girl looks good, BP has been steady. My fluid levels were high 2 weeks ago, but the past 2 BPPs showed fluid levels within the normal range (but still on the high side). They'll continue to be checked weekly.

MFM still wants to me take the 3 hour GTT test due to my high fluid levels, however I talked to my OB last week and she said we'll hold off for now considering I passed the 1 hour TWICE this pregnancy. Higher fluid levels could mean gestational diabetes, but I've never had it before and my fluid levels were high in my previous pregnancies as well. I just have big monster babies... that's it. :)

Movement: Baby girl is 100% my most active baby. She moves constantly. She really responds to the kids voices as well... they love talking to her and feeling her move. They're getting really excited about their new little sister!!

Belly: Measuring 4 weeks ahead now. NBD.

For reference, here are my side-by-side weekly belly pics with Reid and my first 20 weeks with Emmie Mae.

Next Appointment: OB Appointment & MFM Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: Wednesday, November 27th at 30w6d.

WW: M Family Pics '13

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:00:00 +0000

On Sunday, we made our way to Prophecy Creek Park, just north of Philly, for our annual family session with the wonderful Steph, of Stephanie Glover Photography.

Now, I'm going to be honest... when we left the park an hour after we arrived, I didn't think we'd get very many decent pictures out of the session. And not because of Steph, obviously... we all know how talented she is. But because of the fact that it was cold, WINDY LIKE WHOA {my hair was everywhere, let me tell ya} and the kids were just not having it. Especially Brynn, who flat out refused to get in any pictures, especially those that included her two brothers. And we actually had the opposite problem with Carter who wanted to be in ALL THE PICTURES. All of them. Poor kid had to be physically removed from some of them.

As we drove home on Sunday, I looked over at Bob and said that I'd basically call the entire session a success if we got one good family picture out of it. Bonus if we got one of each of the kids. Obviously not together... Brynn made sure of that. Ahem.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I get an email on Monday night from Steph with a total of 60 pictures from our session. Sixty. What? I expected four.

Steph, I can't thank you enough, once again, for your amazing work. You're the best ever.

Here are just some of my favorites from our session this year...

I still wish it wasn't so damn windy {Bob may or may not have been injured by my hair during this shoot} but I just love the way these turned out. If you're in the Philly area and looking for ~~a miracle worker~~ a great photographer, don't forget to check out Stephanie Glover Photography!

And for those interested, here's a link to the outfits we wore for this session... so glad I changed it to the grey and purple, I just love this color scheme with the fall foliage!

Happy Wednesday!

An Anniversary. Or two.

noreply@blogger.com (jenni) — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:50:00 +0000

12 years ago today, I started dating the man of my dreams.

And 7 years ago today, I married him.

Laura Novak Photography

Here's a picture my sister took before we went out to dinner on Saturday night to celebrate! Love this guy so much {and OMG my belly is totally taking over this picture!}...

It's funny how we've changed through the years. Our anniversaries used to include a lovely night with a romantic movie, maybe a trip to the winery. Late night dinner for 2 at our favorite little restaurant where we enjoyed each other's company over great food and drinks.

But now? Now it's more like a fast {but very yummy!} dinner with the senior citizens and we'd rather skip out on dessert at the restaurant in exchange for CFA milkshakes and a kid-free trip to Target.

And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Wishing a very happy anniversary to my wonderful husband... what a crazy road it has been and I look forward to celebrating so much more with you!