32 Weeks (or so...)

So Emily is now at a little over 32 weeks, which is great because we are still progressing along nicely! We went to her doctor again on Friday (Nov. 21) and had a sonogram to make sure everything was okay, which it was. Also, Noah measured out at about 35 weeks (they said he was a little over 5 pounds!). So we still think he will come a little early (like the first of January). We also recorded his heart beat and womb sounds to place inside the teddy bear that I built for Emily and him when we found out it was a boy. The pictures are from 7 weeks and 32 weeks, amazing difference!

Emily’s doctor was not too concerned with the ongoing contractions but did say to stay off of her feet even more so now because her cervix is beginning to thin a little bit due to the pressure of the baby’s head. No dilating yet (thankfully) but the thinning is the preliminary step. So now even minor laundry, dishes, etc., are out of the question for her, and she is only supposed to get up to use the restroom and very few other times. Some of you may have experienced this before and you know that it is not much fun for anyone. We are ready for this baby to be full term now ASAP and move on to the next stage!

Because of this bed rest, Emily wasn’t able to go to the baby shower in Stillwater last weekend so I went alone. It was an amazing blessing to see everyone and to hear their concern for us and to have them provide us with so much great baby stuff! So many family members and Hillcrest people (our church there in Stillwater) came to love on us and we are so grateful. And, as usual, my sister (Lori) and cousin (Sarah) put on an incredible display of décor and creativity. It was so cool! Check out some of their pics through our Facebook pages or at this link.

Today John and some friends will be working on getting the house ready for this baby to come by painting the baby’s room, putting together furniture, cleaning, etc. We seem to have a lot to do yet and it appears that Noah wants to get here quickly, so we better get on it!

Work is still going well for John and he is getting further along in handling his own stuff as they give it to him. Still learning a ton but seeing a little more light in the tunnel now. And his head is clearing up from the concussion a couple weeks ago as well, but still only to about 97%. Keep praying for our health!

We can’t say it enough, you are awesome to us! Such an encouragement, very needed, and so loving. If only we could reciprocate it to each of you! And just thought I'd include a picture of our boys as they prepare for a new addition to our family as well!

John, Emily, and Noah

P.S. Our SS class is having a baby shower for us at our house on December 7^th. We are still registered at Babies R Us and Walmart, along with gift certificates to www.cottonbabies.com for reusable diapers.

30 Week Update

Ok, so it's been another interesting week! The last two weeks have been the most demanding and challenging weeks of our lives, but I guess it's all preparation for the rest of our time with children!

Last Saturday (Nov. 1) I was playing in a flag football game at the seminary when I came down hard after a catch and hit my head on the ground. The "screen flashed" and I went cross-eyed for a few seconds while feeling dazed, but felt okay enough to finish the game. Had a headache the rest of the day but the fun began that night. I woke up at about 3am and felt like I was on a carnival ride spinning so fast, I couldn't even stand to lay down. Woke up again a little later doing the same thing then felt like I was seconds away from throwing up. Laid around all day and felt a little better but all week I have had those dizzy spells at night and just a touch hazy during the day. The doctor on Friday didn't seem worried and this weekend it has been getting slowly better. Please pray for that!

Emily hit 30 weeks on Tuesday (Nov. 4) and has still been having regular contractions. They increase in the evenings but they are not consistent/severe enough to cause concern. Some of them hurt, but she is more frustrated with the fact that she has to lay around all day and feels like she can't prepare herself for the delivery. Everything else seems to be going smoothly with Noah, he is still moving a lot and nothing appears to be progressing too early. Emily actually went to work for four hours on Friday morning (Nov. 7) and did okay but was pretty worn out and had a few abnormal contractions. Please pray for her encouragement, strength, and healing. God is good and we are so blessed to be saved first of all, and also to have the love of friends and family that He has given us.

We are praying for you as well, and we love you. We hope to both make it up to Stillwater this coming weekend for our baby shower up there, but it may just be me. We'll see how Emily feels.