Coming home a family of four

Whew, what a relief to be out of the hospital! Last time I wanted to stay in the safety of the hospital for as long as possible because we had this new baby and had no idea how to care for it, and besides, people were bringing me food I didn't have to cook! :) This time we had a Gracie-girl waiting for us at home, plus the comforts of our own house to look forward to. My hospital bed was awful (but the food was good!). Erik had a more comfortable bed this time around, as they had us in a double room converted into a single, so he had a real bed to sleep in instead of the pull out chair. My dad and sister also came into town the day Matthew was born, so I knew we had a great team of helpers waiting for us. (My mom has been a helper here for weeks, so she goes without saying :))

Hospital Pictures

Checking out Matthew for the first time

Sara decides babies are pretty neat (and Grace does the poke test to make sure he's real).

This is exactly how he was sitting inside, only upside down. He would not undo his legs! We called him Froggy.

Loving that baby warmer!

Grace holding Matthew

Matthew Paul Johansson

Matthew Paul Johansson was born today via c-section! He weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Babies update

Well, for what seems to be the more important news, three of the baby birds hatched yesterday. We are still waiting for number 4, but I sadly don't think it will hatch. Erik is trying to get pictures of the babies without disturbing them. I'll keep you posted!

In other news, still no baby. I guess that's obvious. :) The hospital was booked for the 21st for a scheduled c-section, if it were to come to that, and the doctor (and my husband) were nervous to go past the weekend (which would be two weeks beyond my due date). So we have a scheduled c-section for Friday, the 18th at 8am. Unless the baby decides to make his entrance tomorrow, I guess we will be updating everyone then with baby news- FINALLY!

The watched pot that never boils

I'm feeling redundant, but here goes for you faithful watchers: still no baby. At this point with Grace, today was the day I was induced. I must admit the excitement has worn off. I feel like I will be pregnant for the rest of my life! We have the non-stress test and doctor appointment tomorrow. Will post another update then (unless, of course, I'm too busy! :)).

I can sympathize with her!

I discovered this beautiful Robbin's nest is in the pine tree just outside our front window last week. She was a very considerate bird and built it at the perfect height and location so that Grace can see it. Now we have moment by moment progress reports from Grace as to whether the mommy bird is there, if she is finding breakfast, if she can see baby birds yet, and if the daddy has made an appearance.
I have to admit, I feel for the poor mommy Robbin. First, she had to build that perfect little nest. Then she had to lay four huge eggs (huge for her!). And now she sits and waits. And waits. And waits.

P.S. We are still waiting for our baby to make an appearance too! I found out my friend who was due 10 days after me had her baby this morning. While I praise God for a healthy delivery and am glad she can do things like sleep on her back again, I must admit I am a little jealous! I am 8 days overdue and counting...

Another day

Phew! In a way, I am relieved that I made it past today; it meant I didn't have to deliver at a different hospital. In another way, it sure would be nice to meetthis little guy in person instead of having him get better aquainted with my ribs and organs!

Here is Grace and her belly. :) Erik pulled out the camera and she went running over to the "picture place" and wanted a picture taken of her holding her belly. She struck this pose all by herself. Do you think we've taken a lot of belly pics by the fireplace? They really are a sponge at this age.

Still no baby

What more can I say? :)

No progress :(

I had my 40 1/2 week doctor appointment today. Of course I caved and got checked. I haven't progressed any more (still!) but he did say the baby was lower than last week. I guess that's good?

They scheduled me for a non-stress test and ultrasound for next week. Hopefully I won't need the appointment! :)

A few prayer points, if you would indulge me:

1. My doctor works one Saturday a month at another hospital (Bethesda North) with another doctor group. For April, the date happens to be this coming Saturday, the 12th. I really want to deliver at Mercy Fairfield, the hospital we have toured and that is more focused on natural childbirth and has birthing tubs in each room. I know God can still work out all the details no matter which hospital, but I would feel more comfortable going into it "knowing" the hospital. (We don't even know where Bethesda North is exactly!)

2. Thankfully, my doctor will let me go all the way to 42 weeks before he would induce (or in my case, being a VBAC, schedule a c-section). I asked today and he said that date would probably be the 21st. Pray for wisdom on how far to safely go past my due date.

Thank you all for the sweet thoughts you have been sending my way! Obviously, I have a very comfy belly because my babies like to hang out in there past when they should!

Still sitting here doing nothing!

Hi everybody- quick update. Nothing new here. My due date was April 6th. I obviously have not had the baby, as my ticker so kindly points out. (Honestly, I thought this little guy really wanted out. He sure acts like it the way he abuses my insides!) My mom got in Saturday night to help out since I am so uncomfortable and to take some of the stress off of waiting and needing to find a "home" for Grace when we go into labor.

I have another doctor appointment tomorrow. Will let everyone know if something happens!

Sitting here doing nothing

Sadly, no progress to report. We all trouped up to the doctor today for my 39 week appointment because I was sure I had progressed since my 36 week internal check. Nope. Haven't done anything new. Nada. Zilch. The doctor assures me (as does Erik's "I've been telling you the same things!" look) that this means nothing. Labor could still start today or it could start much later. It just doesn't mean anything. But to me, it would have meant something. That I was getting closer, progressing, going into labor with a head start. All in God's timing!

In other news, we may be getting closer to a name. Well, lets just say I have finished going through the name books (and have a rather "short" list of 40 names!!) and every night now is "How about _______?"

I also have, with Erik's help, deep cleaned our family room, from the ceiling fan to steam cleaning the carpets (that is so satisfying!).

I think my nesting is complete. Our bags are packed. I am ready. Now aren't these the circumstances in which they say you go into labor?

Due date musings

First, I have to laugh that the ticker says there is no room for squirming. To borrow a phrase from the 90's, "As if!". I am still constantly pummeled, kicked, punched and generally abused. I'm afraid that the main reason is now that the doctor suspects that the baby is posterior, or "sunny side up". I am praying that he turns before delivery. All I've heard is how those labors are harder and longer, and frankly that's just not good news for a woman who was already nervous.

We woke up this morning kinda dazed that it somehow had gotten to be April already. I remember when that all seemed so far off. And here we are days (could it be 1 or could it be 19?) away from having a baby. Sure would be nice to get a vague idea of when.

Yesterday was the day they had me scheduled for my c-section with my old doctor group. Wow. I guess that would have given me a vague idea of "when". :)

And as much as I would love to have this little acrobat out, lets all just hope it is not today. Having an April Fool's day baby would be so sad for the little guy! Think of all the elementary school teasing.