Our Atlanta Surprise--Baby #4

Hello Sweet Baby...

This is not the beginning of this journey, but rather, the middle. I'm not sure what has taken me so long to get on Board with writing this journal...but, better late start then never.

So, sweet one, I shall start by saying that, we are so happy that you are on your way. We being your family, myself, dad, your brother Jacob (who is 3 1/2), and your sister Lauren (who is 18 months). Your oldest sister, Rachael Ann, is certainly smiling down upon you from heaven, and giving us the strength we need to help you grow and have a great start in this life.

We found out about you a few weeks after we landed back in the USA, from Heidelberg, Germany. Your dad was stationed there for four years, as he is a soldier in the Army. We must have conceived you the week we landed...our Atlanta surprise!

The first several months of your being, we were so busy with finding a home, moving in, getting settled, and of course, finding good Drs. and a perinatologist to take care of you and me.

I felt pretty good during the beginning of this pregnancy...with only the slight "ickies" that I have experienced with each of my pregnancies. I am truly blessed this way. I of course felt tired, and napped when I could...but otherwise, I am feeling pretty good!

During the 14 week of your life, we found out that you are a girl!!! Hooray for girls! We are so happy that there will be two pretty princesses in our family. I am one of three sisters, so, I know how things can be...but, hang in there sweet one...sisters are great to have. And, your brother wants FOUR sisters...so, he is thrilled that you are a girl.

During your 16th week of life, I went to have a cerclage placed by perinatologist, Dr. Potter. During the procedure, my bladder was perforated, and an emergency repair had to be done. The necesitated the re-opening of my c-section incision, and a two week in bed recovery with a catheter attached. This was probably the most uncomfy two weeks of my life....but, you are so so worth it.

So...here we are at week 22! I "blossomed" around 20 weeks...and I know that you are really growing inside of me right now. I feel you move all the time, which is definetely a comfort to my heart! I love that I am wearing my summer maternity wardrobe this time. I bought such pretty things when I was expecting Rachael. Somehow, I feel even closer to her this time. And, I think that g-d feels the need to bless me with one more precious daughter.

We have not come to a conclusion on your name yet...but, you will be named in honor of your Great Great Aunt Bea(trice), who passed away this past May. She was the Prima Ballerina in our family...and a dear, sweet lady. I can not wait to tell you all about her, and show you her dance portraits! Two names that we are considering are Brooke Rice and Brenna Rice. Rice is your Papa's middle name...and the last name of one of your Great Grandmothers on dad's side.

Well, sweet one, here is an ultrasound picture of you taken a few weeks ago...at 16 Weeks

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...0716WeeksB.jpg
Off to rest...but, I promise to try and write here daily!

I love you!

Mom

Hello Sweet Baby!

I hope that you are well today! As I sit here typing this, your older sister is upstairs singing her lungs out...EIEIO...sheesh, she is a terrible sleeper. I sure hope that you sleep more like your brother....who's is out as soon as his head hits the pillow! At least her singing is entertaining...and better than hearing her cry.

We had a nice day here today...the weather was just gorgeous. It so reminded me of a perfect summer day in H'berg...we miss being there, and would love to return. I took your sibs shoe shopping...and a tad over $100 later...I bought three nice, good quality, pairs of shoes. Both of your sibs have hard to fit feet...and I hate to buy anything but quality shoes, to help eliminate foot issues later on in life. So, instead of having tons of cheap shoes, they'll have a few good pairs. This afternoon, we ran around in our humongo backyard. The kids had a blast rolling balls and hitting the balls off the T-ball stand. I so can not wait to get a swing set/play area for all of you.

I am feeling pretty good today, just full from the yummy stir fry I made for dinner. I feel you kick, move, and react whenever your sibs raise their voices. It's amazing, but I really think you are trying to get "in" on the action already...hee hee. Guess our home will be filled with little people giggles, tears, squeals, etc. for some time. I like this noise most of the time, but, it does make my few hours of quiet in the evenings even more precious!

Tomorrow, Miss L and I will go to our first Mother's of Preschoolers (MOPS) meeting. I am anxious to meet some more moms in the area, and some new playmates for your sibs.

Ok, my sweet one...it's off to shower and rest.

I love you...Always and Forever!

Mom

Hello sweet baby!

I hope that you are well today.

We had a busy day here in Atl. First, we dropped Jacob off at school...

Miss L and I then went to our first MOPs meeting. Without a tear, your sister went and played in the nursery for a few hours. When I picked her up, she was happily playing in the room with all the toys. I just LOVE her independent nature...she's so much like me.

I truly enjoyed my time there. It was interesting to see so many older mamas of preschoolers...woo hoo!!! I hope to make some good friends over time, and that Lauren will get some good playtime, too. Just a quick note that, I will be 40 in October. I actually am excited about this, and feel that I am just as good a mother, as active etc. as any younger mom. Plus, you little ones sure keep us moving and grooving...and thus, young.

After MOPs, Miss L and I came home and had lunch and rested (she napped) for a bit. Then, we hit a Children's consignment-type store to look for some summer outfits for you, for next summer. I have figured out that, there is just enough of a seasonal difference between here and H'berg, and age difference, that Lauren's 6-9 month fall/winter clothing will be waayyyy too warm for Hotlanta next year.

Speaking of, there isn't too much that we need for you sweet girl. However, I do need a new bathtub, as I got rid of the old one (that was a handmedown) before we moved. We also need a new cradle or bassinet, as the one that your sibs used was broken beyond repair during the move. I am not happy about this, as I really wanted to pass it on to you or your sibs. In any event, I am looking for something used, as there will likely be something "new and improved" by the time all of you have kiddos. We will also try and get another double stroller like the one we've been using from your cousins Alex and Ashlyn. It is much easier to maneuver it through doors and aisles, than the one I bought in Germany. Anyhow, not too much needed to prepare for your arrival...this is a good thing!

After this, we hustled through the grocery store and home in just under an hour. Spending ample time in a grocery store these days is just not possible. Fortunately, I really don't like spending too much time doing this...usually I take my list and get in and get out. Maybe some day I will have the time and desire to actually browse through a grocery store.

Ok...I am rambling and need to get my body on the couch to rest. I am starting to feel heavy, even though I've only put on 5 lbs so far. (It would be 10, however, I lost 5 during the cerclage placement ordeal).

Ok, sweet girl...I love you!

Mom

Hello sweet one!

I sure hope that you are well today.

Today was a good day here in Atlanta...and the weather continues to be gorgeous.

I had the entire house cleaned today...which always makes this mom feel soooo much better. The two ladies who clean are not our Giedre...but, they do a pretty good job and are nice. Plus they don't charge an arm and a leg for our large home. This is a plus!

I took your sibs to the Dollar Tree while they were here. Jacob picked out a whole bunch of things to put in his treat basket. He will get a treat each time he poops on the potty. So far, the basket is completely full. We are really having a hard time with training him...it seems that nothing really works. I know it will happen some day, and he assures us that he will get this down by the time he's 28! Sheesh, we have a loooong way to go if this is true. I think that, your sister (and maybe even you) will be trained before him. I really can't complain though, cause our Jake is one of the easiest, sweetest boys I'll ever know.

Your dad has been a huge help with this. He has the patience that I guess I just don't have...and he sits with books in the "reading room" with Jake whenever he is home.

Speaking of your dad...he is such a wonderful man...and so, so good with kids. I love watching him interact with your sibs..and I know they love him sooo much. I am so glad that he'll be home for your birth and hopefully, the rest of your life! Your dad is an Army officer and works his tushie off right now. Hopefully, his next career/job will allow him to spend even more time with you kiddos.

I made Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner tonight. Your dad has been asking me to try and make this, as he's not been able to order it since we left H'berg. I think it turned out ok...and he had two helpings...so, I guess it was. This is not my fav dish, but, I will make it on occassion.

Well, sweet girl...I will close for tonight. I am enjoying feeling your thumps these days...and am melancholy that, after you, I won't feel these thumps inside ever again.

I love you!

Mom

Hello sweet one!

I sure hope that you are well today!

I am writing this on Sat. morning, as yesterday just flew by, and I was too tired to write.

Yesterday, I took your sister to the Drs. for her 18 month check. She weighs a bit over 22 lbs, and is 31 " tall. She is 25% for both, and doing fantastic. We discussed a variety of things about her development, including speech. I told him that, Lauren is speaking about 30-40 clearly said words, and several 3 word sentences already. He noted that, this is a sign of above avg. intelligence. We shall see...but, it is fun watching her learn to communicate with words.

Then, we went to a Church consignment sale, where I was able to buy a gorgeous Sleigh Jenny Lind cradle, an Aquarium Bath Tub, and an Einstein playmat for you...for a wonderful price. I am SO,SO thrilled to have these items now, ready and waiting for you.

Ok...this one will be short, and I will write more later today.

I love you, sweet girl!

Mom

Hello sweet one!

I sure hope that you are well today. As I sit here feeling you thump inside, and your sibs playing in the background, I can't help but know how truly lucky I am. I have always wanted to be MOM...and I am so lucky to be able to do this. I am trying to enjoy every hour that you are inside of me, knowing that this will be the last time I feel these miraculous, amazing, glorious feelings!

Today has been a great day. We went to the park, we played inside and outside with dad, and we decorated a small cake that your brother picked out to celebrate his making his first bowel movement in the toilet at home yesterday. Yes, we are having a "Poop Party" tonight. He chose a chocolate cake with star candles, chocolate/raspberry icecream, and a Blues Clues Balloon. I think that we caught an "accident in the making"...but hey, he did it!!! And, what a great excuse to indulge in some chocolate goodies...LOL!!!!

I finished cleaning all the wonderful things we found for you yesterday...and will post a picture of the gorgeous cradle soon. I need to go into the Babiesrus gift registry and take off the items there. So, really now we just need personal stuff for you, like a Memory album, a few stuffed animals/doll, some newbie diapers, etc. The only big thing is a sit and stand stroller...

Tonight, your dad and I are going to watch a movie and relax. This is a treat now, since both your sibs are sleeping well and through the night! So...we will have to get you to this point...and then, we are home free! Ok, a mom can dream, right?!?!

Ok, sweet girl...off to finish dinner!

I love you, always and forever,

Mom

Hello sweet baby!

I sure hope that you are well today.

Today was a slow (for us) and restful day here in Atlanta. We spent most of the morning hanging out...and I tried on a good amount of your brother's fall/winter clothes to check for size. Thankfully, he gets some wonderful things from cousin Connor in VA, so, I just have to fill in here and there.

Speaking of your brother, he has been making bowel movements on the toilet nightly, for the past three nights! Poor thing, needs more fiber to help things, and I am working on getting more of it into his diet.

We spent some time this evening outside, and the kids had fun playing with some neighbors that we barely know. This is such a huge difference from H'berg, where we had tons of kids to play with at any given time.

We spoke with your Great Aunt Sandy today, and your cousin Jana, who is also expecting a baby early next year. It's nice to have time to catch up with them on occassion.

I am feeling great today, and love feeling your gentle (for now...ha ha) thumps inside.

I love you!

Mom

Hello sweet girl,

I sure hope that you are well today.

Today, I volunteered in your brother's classroom. It's fun and challenging with almost 20 kiddos. I get to do whatever I want in the way of helping out. I like helping sing songs and reading them stories. The kids are cute, they always want to hug me. Meanwhile, Miss L gets to have some playtime in her age class. She loves playing with the baby dolls...and has made a friend with one of the girls.

This afternoon, we just took it easy...and I even took a short nap. I am feeling good, and am so excited that you will be here in a few short months.

Tomorrow, I am taking your sibs to one of the local libraries for Story Time. This will be the first time that I've ventured to a Library with them. Tonight, we discussed our Library voice and what it means to borrow books. If they have a lot of Thomas books, I am in deep doo doo. I think that, I am going to limit the amount of books we can borrow before we even set foot in the door. That should help solve things, right...yeah, who am I kidding...LOL. Anyhow, this is something that is important for my kiddos...reading and the love of books and libraries...so, off we will go.

Ok, sweet girl...will keep this entry short.

I love you!

Mom

Hello Sweet One!

Happy 23 weeks to you! This is both a happy and sad day for me. This was the point in my pregnancy with your sister Rachael, when I lost her. I lit her special candle tonight, and we talked about her during dinner. Your brother would really like to see her...and can't understand that he will have to wait to see her "some day". I know that, in time, he'll understand this better...as will you and your sister Lauren. A happy day in that, I feel relief, once again, to pass this point in pregnancy. And, I know that our sweet Rachael Ann is watching over you inside of me...and, giving me the strength I need to complete this pregnancy.

So.....I am feeling well today...and am starting to feel you pretty regularly during the day (and sometimes during the night). You seem to wake me around 5 am these days...guess to get me ready for after you are here...sigh!

Today, I took your sibs to the library for Story Time. They really enjoyed Ms. Duffy's presentation...replete with Pirate costume. They looked for "the treasure"...her library card, and made treasure maps. All in all, a perfect way to spend 1/2 hour. Then, after naptime, we went to a library near the house. I applied for a card, and we spent some time picking out books to read before bed. We were fortunate enough to find a Thomas Book...as the world revolves around this little train for your brother right now.

After dinner tonight, we kicked the soccer ball around in the backyard. This is definetely a plus--having warmer weather at this time of the year. I know it is already rainy and cold in H'berg these days...

Ok...off to rest my body.

I love you, sweet one!

Mom

Hello Sweet One,

I sure hope that you are well today!

We are good here in Atl. Not too much to report today....I am feeling well, and this is the most important thing. That, and the fact that you are growing and moving inside of me.

Today, I went to get my GA driver's license. So much easier and quicker than renewing in NoVa. Other than the 1/2 hour drive into the boonies...everthing went smoothly.

Your dad will be going away next week...to Kuwait (at least as of this posting). He should be gone for 9 days, which is nothing, considering that he's been gone for a year at a time. I am trying to pace myself these days, so that I don't poop myself out before I put the kiddos to bed. Anyhow, next week will prove interesting at best....with your dad away. He's really a huge help when he's home.

Speaking of your dad...he came home tonight from work bearing a few treats for moooah. Some humus, some dried apricots, and some port wine cheese. For some strange reason, I've been craving stuff like this lately.

Ok..off to rest and bed.

I love you, sweet one!

Mom