Mama's Turn Part 2

Baby Update:

For those of you that don't know, I've been on bed rest for the last 4 weeks now. I was lucky enough to spend it at home, and it has amazingly gone by much faster than expected. What started it all was an elevated blood pressure read out of nowhere at my 33 week check up. That was a Monday. My doctor sent me to Labor and Delivery for some monitoring, and after a few hours my BP came down and I was released. I had to go back to the doctor for a BP check on Friday and it was still elevated. Up until this point everything was going pretty picture perfect, so you can imagine my shock when she said I was put on bed rest until I delivered! She also mentioned that we would probably induce around 38 weeks. Everything was precautionary at this point, as she didn't want me to develop preeclampsia. I have felt fine the whole time - no headaches, blurred vision, stomach pains, not even the usual pregnancy swelling. That's what makes this bed rest so challenging. I feel great and it's hard to have someone do everything for you while you just hang out in bed or the couch, especially when we have to prepare for a baby!

Anyway, the Friday after 4th of July I had more monitoring at the hospital since my doctor was out of town. My BP was still elevated, but nothing crazy. However, this time Baby Boy was being lazy and didn't give them the reactive heart rates they wanted. It wasn't anything too alarming, but they still monitored me for about 5 hours and did a quick sonogram. I was finally released and was scheduled to see my doctor the next Monday. Everything there checked out fine with me, but she sent me over to see a perinatalogist for a more in depth sonogram and more monitoring just to check out little man. He looked good and they even gave an estimate of 6 lbs 3 ounces. That was at 36 weeks, so I would imagine he'd be around 7.5lbs at induction. Don't get me wrong, this is a great size for 38 weeks and would probably mean an easier delivery, but Sophia was 9lbs 1oz, so this actually seems pretty scrawny to me! Hehe.

Now we are up to date. My doctor is on vacation this week, so my 37 week check had to be done at Labor and Delivery. This was yesterday. I was fine, but Baby Boy just doesn't seem to be a morning person! He didn't give them the reactive heart rate they wanted again, so I was monitored for a few hours and was given lunch to see if that would perk him up. By this point the on call doctor was notified and on his way from another hospital. I was told by my nurse that he is very conservative and plays it very safe when it comes to patients that aren't his. When he showed up Baby was moving around like crazy and performing great on the charts! Too late, Baby Boy. Too late. The doctor had already made a decision to admit me until my own doctor can come by and see me on Monday. Booooo! He doesn't know if my doctor will let me go home on Monday if everything looks okay, or just keep me until Wednesday, which is the day we are scheduled for induction. I'm hoping to go home, but for now we'll just wait and see.

I've feel like I've been surprisingly calm through all this. I know that we are in God's hands and that His plans are far greater than mine. He isn't going to give me anything I can't handle. Maybe this is all a lesson to be more flexible and learn that it's okay to give over control every now and then. Since my first birthing experience was so tough, I really wanted to labor at home until the last minute possible this time around. I wanted as little intervention as possible. God said, "Hold up!" I had all these plans to reorganize the house and decorate Sophia and Baby's room just the way I wanted. God said, "Hold up!" I even had secret plans to escape the house with Jon and Sophia to spend some family time together for out last Family of 3 Weekend. God definitely said, "Hold up!" We've had so much help around the house, with meals, and especially Sophia. You would think this is a long vacation, but you'd be surprised at how hard it is to let people do things their way. At least for me it is!

I am so grateful for all the help we have had. Our parents have just been amazing. I don't know how stay at home moms make it on bed rest when they don't have all the help around! Sophia has done pretty good with all the changes and has loved all the extra time she's getting with all her grandparents. I didn't think it was possible, but she has definitely been even more spoiled. She's in for a rude awakening when Mommy gets moving around again! :) We've also had sweet friends drop off dinner on nights we need a little extra help. Such a blessing! Jon has been incredible through everything as well, but that was always expected! He's been working hard at work and even harder at home. He's done everything from dinner and laundry to turning the office into the nursery! Thank you, sweetheart. I love you so much!

We'll try to keep everyone updated on any changes. But as of now we'll be singing Happy Birthday to our no name Baby Boy on Wednesday, July 25th! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated!

Mama's Turn Pt. 1

Mommy decided to take over the blog for a couple of posts.  This post is for my Sweet Sophia:


Sweet Pea,


You have now been 2 years old for 2 months.  I just can't believe it.  You amaze me everyday.  You are the smartest, sweetest, most beautiful child I have ever known.  I honestly don't know how your Daddy and I are so blessed.

I just love watching you and seeing how your little brain works.  You remember EVERYTHING!  Even months later.  It's both neat and weird.  You are a chatter box, and not just by knowing words.  You speak in FULL sentences all the time.  One of my favorite things you do right now is adding "es" to everything plural... like trucks'es, spoons'es, and dogs'es!  You understand everything we tell you, speak your mind, and even try to bargain with us.  It's pretty funny.  Every morning when you are asked what you want for breakfast you say, "Ummm, cereal.  How 'bout it?" and it always makes me smile.  You don't usually win that one, but I like that you'll try to change our minds by saying, "No. How 'bout cereal?  That would be yummy!"


I don't know what kind of personality you are going to have just yet.  You get awfully shy when we get around other people.  It takes you quite a while to warm up and leave our sides when we are some place new, even if it's with family and friends.  However, once you get comfortable you love to be the center of attention and make people laugh.  You actually can't stand when we aren't talking about or to you when we are at the dinner table.  You'll do just about anything to get the spotlight back on you!


The 4 people that you aren't shy around at all are Welita, Welito, Memaw, and Ampa.  Boy, do you have those folks wrapped around your finger!  We are so, so lucky to live so close to them and have them be such an important part of your life.  They all jump at the chance to spend time with you or have you stay the night.  You have no problem saying goodbye to us, and you always want to stay and "play for a little bit more" when it's time to leave them.  You come home worn out and spoiled beyond belief, but we wouldn't have it any other way!  In fact, you are at Six Flags right now with Welita and Welito; and I'm sure you're drinking lemonade and eating junk!

You continue to be a very healthy girl.  I don't know how we've only manage to go to the pediatrician for well check ups.  Like I said, we are beyond blessed with you, Little One.  You eat well for the most part.  You're pretty picky with fruits and vegetables though, and really only have about 10 in rotation.  I think it's a texture thing right now, at least I hope it is.  You do eat broccoli like a champ, which completely baffles me!  We just switched you over to Flintstone chewable vitamins, and you love them so much that you try to get a second serving almost everyday by saying, "I need more medicine to feel me better.  So I can be big and strong."  I'm not sure how big and strong you are going to be, but I definitely think you're going to be tall and skinny.  You gained just a little over 3 pounds in this last year, but you managed to stay in the 97th percentile for height!

As much as I hate to admit it, you LOVE watching TV and movies.  You know the names of all the Nick Jr characters, even the ones we don't watch.  You love to announce when a show is over and always ask, "What's coming on next?"  I will say that you also LOVE books and being read to.  Sometimes you even "read" to us and make up stories to go with the pictures.  It's very cute!  You also love spending time outside and usually fight us when it's time to go in, so don't think you spend all your time watching TV inside.

Sophia, you are the most incredible gift ever.  I am so lucky that your Daddy has let me stay home with you these last 2 years.  I wouldn't trade it for anything!  Your little world is about to get shaken up, but I promise my love for you will only continue to grow.  I have no doubt you are going to be the best big sister.  Your Daddy and I are already so proud of you.  I can't wait to see your personality blossom even more and see the little lady you turn out to be.

I love you so incredibly much, 
Mommy

Oink, Quack, Neigh, Moo...

Can you believe that I turned 2?  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday I was learning to crawl and walk.  Now I'm an independent two year old that is about to be a Big Sister!  

Before the big day, Mommy and Daddy took me around the neighborhood to take some pictures to frame at my party.  Can I let you in on a little secret?  I HATE taking pictures.  Mommy tried to make me comfortable by letting me lead the way and do my own thing.  It sort of worked, and after 311 pictures (no joke) in a very long 30 minutes we called it a day!  Of those 311 pictures, Mommy was able to crop and edit 25 of them.  Not too shabby!  Here are our 2 favorite pictures of the bunch.  It kind of looks like I love taking pictures, huh?

Mommy had her wheels turning for quite a while before my birthday and decided on a barn theme for my party.  She knows how much I love petting zoos and playing with my Little People Farm, so this theme was PERFECT for me!  She spent a little time each day for 2-3 weeks working on decorations and deciding on the menu so she wouldn't get too overwhelmed when the day finally came.  With help from Daddy, Abuelita, and Tio, they managed to put her vision together perfectly.  Daddy also gave Mommy the okay to get a petting zoo and pony rides for the party!!  She did lots of comparison shopping and found a great company with an incredible price.  It also helped seal the deal when she promised that would be the only gift they get me!  Here are the pictures of my Barnyard Bash:

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sophia!

Goodie Bags

Snack and Dessert Table

(Chili was the main course for Frito Pies and Hot Dogs)

My Strawberry Farm Cake - Mommy's Favorite

Chocolate Cupcakes - My Favorite

Lemon Cake Pops - Daddy's Favorite

My Buddies

Petting Zoo Fun

Here chickie chickie!

The ponies!

Yee-haw!

Blowing out my candle.

Best family picture of the day!

The day was AWESOME and the only thing I would talk about for the next 2 weeks!  In fact I still like to talk about it from time to time.  I wonder what Mommy is going to do next year to top this one?!  On my actual birthday, Daddy took the day off so we could have a family fun day.  We had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, went to Chuck E Cheese for pizza (currently my favorite food) and games, then to Toys r Us to spend some birthday money, and finally to Bahama Bucks for my new found love of snow cones!  This next picture is of me on the day I turned two.  Now there's the picture-taking-hating girl you were looking for!

Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

You read that right...  I'm going to be a big sister!  Mommy found out at the very beginning of December that she was going to have another baby.  It really took both Mommy and Daddy quite a while to let the news sink in.  Mommy, of course, wanted to let Daddy know in a cute way this time around, but was so shocked she just laughed and handed him this stick.  Pretty gross if you ask me!  

Anway, Mommy's due date is August 6th.  That puts us at just a little over 7 weeks until we get to meet my stinky little BROTHER!  We are finally starting to get his room figured out.  The house we are currently in is only 3 bedrooms.  After a lot of rearranging, storing things, and a big garage sale, we are turning the office into a nursery.  Daddy has done such a great job moving everything out with no complaining!  Mommy's belly is getting pretty big now, and she just can't seem to move around as easy anymore.  In this whole process of my brother getting a nursery, I get a big girl room!  He'll get my current crib and furniture, and my new furniture has already been purchased!  Mommy has spent the last 2 weeks looking and deciding on bedding for both rooms, and decorations and ideas for the boy's room.  My room will stay decorated the same, with my bedding and curtains getting an upgrade.  I'm pretty excited about the idea of sleeping in a twin bed, even though Mommy and Daddy have their doubts!  We'll keep you posted on all the changes... hopefully.

In case you were wondering how Mommy is feeling, the answer would be different depending on the time of day you ask her.  Mornings and afternoons aren't too bad, but the evenings and night time are getting a little rough.  She has lots of heartburn, back pain, pelvic pressure, and overall soreness at the end of the day.  Nights are pretty restless, so it's a good thing I sleep in until 9:30 or 10:00 most days to help her get some sleep.  One thing Mommy is terrified about is delivering a giant 10 pound baby!  Now I know most of you are thinking, "That's just crazy talk," but I think her fears might come true.  If you remember correctly, I was 9 lb 1.2 oz.  Not exactly your average sized baby.  Stack that up with this being Mommy's second child and him being a boy... Aye Dios mio!  Don't get me wrong, Mommy (and Daddy) is very excited about welcoming a new baby to the family.  Even though she's already been through this once, she is still amazed by what her body is doing and thinks it's fascinating that a little person is growing inside of her.  His kicks, punches, and rolls make her smile every time they happen.  Please keep Mommy and Baby Fabey #2 in your prayers over the next 7 weeks.  Please pray that my little brother is growing strong and healthy, and for Mommy's sake, that he's not Baby Huey!

October, November, December!

Oh goodness!  I have to get better at updating this thing.  I'm going to try to do a recap of the end of 2011.  I realize half of 2012 is already done, but a lot has gone on that I would like to remember forever and ever!  Let's start with October...

I was very much into the Halloween spirit this year and had 3 costumes for 3 parties!!  I went as a pink and purple butterfly to the Monster Bash, a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader to Trick or Treat in the Park, and this cute little pirate for my playgroup's Family Halloween Party.  This was definitely my favorite costume, and I actually still love play pirate and say silly things like, "Arrrrr, matey!" and "Ahoy!"  The best part about this party was Mommy and Daddy had to dress up too.  Mommy spent a lot of thought into our thrifty homemade costumes, and I think they turned out pretty great!

I won the "best girl costume" award!

Pirate Family

A few days after Halloween, Mommy and Daddy took their 4 year anniversary trip to Cancun.  I was shipped off to Memaw and Ampa's house for a couple nights, and then off to Welita and Welito's house for the remainder of the time.  I had a blast eating junk, going to fun places, watching movies, and staying up past my bedtime!  Mommy and Daddy said they had a great time too, but I think they really missed me.  Does this look like more fun than hanging out with me??

 A boring view of the water.

Daddy getting sunburned.

Mommy taking pictures of herself.

Strawberries and champagne... Yuck!

After their trip and some Thanksgiving action, we got ready for my favorite time of the year.  I love Christmas!!  It's such a fun time getting together with family and friends all month long.  We eat yummy treats, sing Christmas carols, watch Christmas movies, and most importantly, celebrate the birth of Jesus!  Every now and then I like to mention Christmas time while playing with the kitchen Santa brought me or singing along with my Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer toy.  Singing has become one of my all time favorite things to do.  Mommy says I sing just like her and says "Bless her heart," so that must mean I can carry a tune pretty well!  Anyway, I can't wait to celebrate Christmas again in 6 months!

Decorating my first gingerbread house.

Mommy's "Work" Christmas Party

Christmas Morning Pancakes

Christmas at Ampa and Memaw's house.

Christmas at Welito and Welita's house.

My shirt says, "Guess whoooo has a secret?"

WOW!

Punkin' Patches

This year I got to go to two punkin' patches. I went to one in Grapevine with Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa, and Grandma and to one in Mckinney with my awesome playgroup! The one in Grapevine was really neat and the weather was perfect. Well, almost perfect, it was a tad on the warm side. Mommy's vision of my outfit was incomplete without my denim jacket. It's okay though, I was in a much more adventurous mood versus a picture taking mood anyway. Here a a few shots Mommy did manage to get.

Hurry up, Mom!

I want this one!

Cheeeeese... or not.

This truck was cool.

Until I was force to take a picture.

Riding the toy tractors.

With Grandpa and Grandma.

Riding the real tractor!

Family Picture

The Mckinney pumpkin patch would have been really neat too, but we went on the morning of that heavy, heavy fog. Everything was really muddy and yucky. We didn't stay too long, but I did get to hang out with some of my friends and see some farm animals.

See - friends and animals.

This goat tried to kiss me... or eat me.

Oooh, what's this thing?

High five, Casper!

Annual Fall Kick-Off

Mommy just realized that last year we went to the Ft. Worth Zoo on the first Saturday of Fall. We went this year, too. So it's official - it's now an annual event! This year was sooo much more fun than last time. This time I was able to walk/run all over the place, and climb all the rails to see all the animals! I've also learned the names of most "ordinary" animals and the noises they make, so it was a hoot seeing it in action! Here are some pictures of that fun day.

Mommy and Daddy just love this one. It's the only picture where I've ever really posed.

Here I am with Daddy, looking at the chimps. They're fun to watch... until they eat their own poop.

Just playing around.

These guys were fun to look at, but they were awfully smelly. We called them "stinkies."

Getting directions to the "Lion King."

Found him! He's just like in the movie I like to watch over, and over, and over!

Mommy thought it would be fun to share a couple "then and now" pictures with everyone, just to see how much has changed.

Here is Daddy trying to impress Mommy with his gator wrastlin' skills on one of their first dates. Cute!

Here is Daddy trying to impress me! Okay, not much has changed there.

Kangaroo 2010

Kangaroo 2011

Boy, do I know how to grow!!