Mid-Week Update

So, I had my appointment today at 39 weeks & 2 days. I have only increased to 2 cm & 60% effaced. At this point I'm thinking our baby is being very cooperative & going to let me make it to both graduations this weekend before showing up.:) Dr. Irvin also informed me that she is not on call this weekend, so I'd really like to try to hang in there until at least Monday (my due date) before the baby arrives. If I don't have the baby before Monday, then Dr. Irvin wants to set an "end date" so I'm not still hanging on past 41 weeks.
At this point I am completely 50/50 as to my thoughts on the sex of the baby. I have no gut feeling either way as to whether or not we're having a boy or a girl. I am always wrong anyway, so what's the point in guessing now. My guess for the date is June 3rd & I have a feeling this baby will be bigger than both the girls... around 8-1/2 lbs. Anthony's guess was for today (missed that one) & he's thinking GIRL, 7lbs. 3oz. Isabella has said BOY from the very beginning. She just told me that she thinks the baby is going to be here in 5 days... that would be Monday, my due date.
Any guesses? I'd love to know what everyone is thinking at this point. I'm going to go ahead & add a picture, because I know every one's curious. I am absolutely HUGE at this point & don't really think it's possible for my belly to stretch anymore than it already has. Sorry for my sleepy eyes... guess the exhaustion is starting to show.

39 Week Baby News

Today marks one short week until baby is due. If this baby is like Isabella, I won't make it through the week. If this baby follows after Mackenzie, we'll be pushing into much later next week. Either way, I'm getting really close. I had to give an update today since my due date is only a week away. However, since today is Memorial Day I didn't have an appointment. Last Monday at my appointment I was still just 1cm dilated. My visit this week is scheduled for Wednesday, so by then we'll be able to see how much progress I've made. I have actually been having contractions off & on throughout the weekend, but nothing major enough to make us rush to the hospital just yet. I would love to be able to wait until the end of the weekend because Anthony's brother & my niece are both graduating this weekend. I know everything is in God's hands, so we'll be happy regardless. We would love every one's prayers for a healthy delivery & baby. Thanks so much for all of the thoughts & prayers along our journey.
***Just a little side note... Kristi, I'm so sorry I had to miss your shower this weekend. I knew if I didn't go nothing would end up happening, but at the same time I couldn't get the thought out of my head of having this baby on the side of 35 in the back of my car. Sure would have made for a good news story though. I missed all my girls this weekend & hope it is not too long before I get to see you all again. Love you all to pieces!!!!!! xoxoxoxo

Mother's Day & Baby News

I just wanted to say a belated, but very "Happy Mother's Day" to all the moms & mommies-to-be out there. It is such a wonderful day dedicated to making the moms in our lives feel special. Anthony & I made our moms really cute coffee mugs for their special day. On Janie's mug we put pictures of all the grandkids inside hearts & the top said "Grandma's Loves," which is what she calls all of them. We took this picture with my mom after church to put on her mug with the saying, "Peace, Love & Nana." (I don't think we could have fit all 17 of mom's grandkids on one mug.) They both turned out really cute. Plus it was a great chance to get a good pic with my mom & the girls. After church, I pretty much got to relax the rest of the day which was nice after our long walk on Saturday. Anthony wanted to send me out shopping for a day by myself, but staying home to relax was really what I needed more than anything.

I know every one's anxious for the baby news. I had my 37 week appointment on Monday. WOW! It is really hard to believe our next baby is only 3 weeks away... CRAZY! The appointment went great. Dr Irvin was on vacation this week so her nurse Kimberly checked me. She could feel the babies head right away. I am just 1 cm dilated & 40% effaced. To me, this doesn't mean much. I was at 1 cm for 2-3 weeks with both the girls so it looks as if things are moving along right on schedule. Although, I can definitely tell the baby has dropped. I told Anthony that I have been feeling like a duck lately having to waddle around everywhere. I'm feeling pretty silly. I wanted to add this picture in it's full version because it shows off my basketball belly much more.... & NO, I am NOT having twins!!!!!!

We Did It!!!

"Team Mary Alice" in front of the capitol

Today was a very successful day. We participated in the March of Dimes, March for Babies. It was a 3.2 mile walk around downtown Austin. Luckily, it didn't send me into labor. We'll see on Monday at my appointment if it did have any effect on my progression though. We were accompanied by many family members which made the day so much more enjoyable. It was rather humid out, but the clouds helped protect us from the extreme heat of the sun. Everyone had a blast & we are all already talking about the walk for next year.

Thanks so much for everyone who helped out along the way. I am very proud of the outcome we achieved. Even more so, we had a great time doing it.

Luke & Adam

Amy & Cian

Aodhan just hanging out

Claire passed out by the end of the walk

Anthony & I made shirts for our team members for the walk. We were really pleased with how they turned out. We all had "TEAM MARY ALICE" on the front & the backs said, "in memory of our very own guardian angel" with angel wings & Mary Alice's birthday below. Mine & Anthony's were a little different. We added a heart over our right shoulders saying, "I love my angel daughter" and Isabella & Mackenzie both had a heart on theirs saying, "I love my angel sister."

You won't see pictures like this much longer. This family of four will very soon be a Party of 5!!!

Last cry for help!

Hey friends! I am getting really excited. Our walk for the March of Dimes, March for Babies is tomorrow morning. Anthony & I are planning on finishing up our shirts for our team tonight. Less than 24 hours away and I am a mere $5 away from reaching my goal. I know several of you said that you would like to help out if you can. No better time than now. It's really easy. Just click on the link on the right side of my page & you can donate online if you'd like.
Also, anyone that's in the area & would like to join us for the walk, feel free. It starts at 9:30 at Auditorium Shores & the walk is a little over 3 miles. (Let's hope this doesn't send me in to labor!) There will be tons of activities for the kids to participate in afterwards as well, so feel free to bring the whole family. Be sure to give us a call if you decide to come out so that we can look for you.
Thanks so much to everyone for your support. This is something that I am extremely proud to be a part of & will continue to look forward to every year. We will forever remember our sweet angel & are overjoyed to be walking in her honor. We love you, Mary Alice!
Love & Hugs to all!!!