36 weeks

It's hard to believe that I'm 36 weeks. Although I feel like I've been pregnant forever. The girls cannot wait for brother Jeremiah to get here. They keep asking when is going to come. I've been having some strong contractions on and off. A few weeks ago I told Bella it was too soon for Jeremiah to come, so she said I needed to wish on 3 stars at midnight so they would go away. Before Joel put her to bed she came out and said "Remember Mommy 3 stars at midnight." They both say good morning and good night to Jeremiah by kissing my tummy. The girls came at 37 weeks, so I'm anticipating next week but think I may be psyching myself out. I do think he's bigger than the girls were and even though I haven't gained much weight it is all in my belly this time so I feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball around. He just keeps dropping so my back is starting to hurt and I have pee constantly, so I am ready to get here although I'm nervous to see how the dynamic of our family of 4 will change when we are a family of 5.

Here are a few pictures Steph took of the giant belly. The girls went with us and of course were quite characters...you don't need to encourage too much to have them turn on the diva.

Gabby is 3 (well last month)

Gabby turned 3 last month. I know I'm a little late. She had a monkey party and had so much fun. At her check up she weighed 35.8 lbs and 37 inches. She is so funny and a keeps us on our toes. She is so quick to respond to anything and her hand gestures - she is so animated.

Bella's funny sayings

Today I picked Bella up and she said, "Mom I have a really sad thing to tell you." So I asked what happened today and she proceeded to tell me that she had a big boogie come out of her ear today, "but don't worry I washed my hands." Then she asked if we could go see Papa so he could check her ears for more boogies. When we got there he checked her ears and said there was a little more wax in the other one, but then Papa asked her why she had a band-aid on her arm. She said she had "unskinned her elbowed at school today." She had fallen on the play ground and skinned her elbow pretty good. Papa thought it was more appropriate how Bella described it as "unskinned".

Bella has been on this healthy eating kick lately. So Monday night I was bringing in Gabby's cake for her birthday and Bella said, "Mom can I tell you something...I know you're an adult, and the boss and pregnant, but eating cake isn't very healthy but it's okay you can have some."

The girls have been so cute talking to Jeremiah and wondering when he's going to come. I do have to admit I miss being able to cuddle the girls on my lap...the belly is just too big. Gabby always brings Jeremiah toys and Bella is always talking to him. They both have been overly sensitive lately, so I'm not sure if it's because of it getting close to time or if it's something else. Hopefully it will turn around, it is exhausting these days.

Two Peas in a Pod

As we anticipate the arrival of Jeremiah the girls couldn't be more close. We can't wait for the new adventure to begin and the girls are starting to ask every day when will he be here? Here are their school pictures.

It's been so nice outside and we've been spending time at Papa and Nana's house. Mother's day Bella decided to try her roller skates. She almost has outgrown them, so it was a good thing we put them on.This weekend we went to my friend Eve's house. Eve and I used to ride together, but she has turned into quite a cowgirl these days. Of course Bella loved riding Bonita and Gabby swept the barn and stayed away from the horses unless Daddy was holding her.Monday, Gabby joined Bella's gymnastics class. They had so much fun together. It's hard to get good pictures in the gym so they are a little fuzzy.

Wrapping up Bella's Soccer Season

Bella finished up her soccer season with 6 goals!! Her record was 8 and she became quite a scoring machine. She had a great coach and really worked with all the kids and taught them a lot as far as dribbling and control of the ball. We can't wait for the fall league to start where Gabby will get to play! She has quite a leg of her own so it should be fun to watch even though she'll only be 3. Bella will move up to an all girls team, so hopefully we have good coaches in the fall too.

Gabby's Trip to the ICU

Well after 4 days of a fever that started on Easter, we went to the pediatrician on Wednesday. Her pulse/oxygen level was 84 (normal is usually 98). After two breathing treatments her lungs were still congested, after giving her a little oxygen her numbers came up but then went down as soon as she was taken off. They got as low as 78. We were sent to the ER and the she was admitted. After 9 breathing treatments, blue lips and no progress they sent her to the ICU. They continued with more treatments and more steroids and antibiotics, she started to progress. It was a long few days and she was stuck in the bed until yesterday. They finally changed her oxygen line so she could walk around her room. They started to wean her off the oxygen but it took 5 days to get her off. It was quite a challenge to keep an almost 3 year old in one spot for 5 days. We took "rides" on the bed and played with the buttons, styled her dolls hair, blew bubbles to help her lungs, Nana brought scissors, glue and tape which were the biggest hit. It was a long 5 days, but we are happy she is home. They think she had a virus (probably what Joel & Bella had a few days before her) and the mucus collapsed part of her right lung so she couldn't get enough oxygen. They think she has underlying asthma issues and we talked to the pulmonologist. They ran allergy labs and they all came back negative, which surprised us. Since she hasn't had any wheezing for 18 months, I'm still skeptical of the asthma diagnosis, but I'm just glad she home. So she's on two inhalers and a steroid for a few more days. doing crafts with NanaBella came to visit Friday night and brought Gabby McDonalds for dinner. Bella was so worried about Gabby although I think she liked hanging with Nana and Papa a few days. When we went home Friday night she kept asking what was wrong with Gabby and saying she keeps praying for her. When we came back Saturday after her last soccer game she didn't get to stay long as she went to hang out with Nana. Mom asked her what was wrong and she said she was having a sad day. They went to help McKenzie get ready for prom and Bella wanted to buy surprises for Gabby. They ended up with two outfits and some new crocs - which Gabby promptly put on and would not take off.

This morning Joel sent this picture and I was so excited that they had taken her oxygen tube out. She still had to have oxygen over night, but during today she was able to take an almost 2 hour nap with no oxygen and her levels stayed around 91 (they just wanted her above 88 when she slept) and she was at 98 when she was awake. Thank you everyone for your prayers. They really helped get our baby well.

Easter

The other morning I snapped a few pictures of the girls before picture day at school. Bella had gotten sick the night before but still wanted to go take pictures.
You can see Bella's missing bottom tooth.

Saturday we stayed home from soccer and decorated eggs.

Saturday night Gabby came down with Bella's virus. Neither one of the girls slept very well and Gabby got up about 12 with a 102 fever. Of course she noticed the Easter Bunny had come and brought her a ladybug pillow pet, so while we tried to get Motrin down her she pointed and said I want to sleep with that. We skipped church in the morning, but headed to brunch at the Phoenician. We had a great time even though Gabby wasn't feeling well.

Bella loved the petting zoo and pony ride. She loved petting the bunnies and picking up the baby ducks.

Well Bella is getting better but Gabby can't shake her fever and Joel can't shake his cough. I just hope I don't get this bug. I had my 28th week appointment today. Hard to believe I've started my 7th month. We can't wait for Jeremiah to get here, but time is flying by really fast.

Gabby has been quite a smarty pants lately. The other night she asked for grape juice. I got in a debate with her since the only grape juice I thought in the fridge was Cran-Grape. Gabby frustrated said "Mommy can I show you something" and she promptly opened the fridge, moved some things around and said "See Mommy grape juice". Joel was laughing so hard. She has also been asking how everything is made. "How are strawberries made?" "How are doors made?"