All my bags are packed...

We're ready to go, but apparently our little miss is NOT. 

Today is officially her due date and still no sign of Emmerson. I had my doctor check up last Wednesday. I was still 50% effaced, -2 station, and had a measly half a cm worth of dilation progress which put me at 2 1/2 cm total. Possible TMI ahead: My Dr. decided to mildly strip my membranes which wasn't all that bad. I spent the rest of Wednesday feeling fine until about 10:30 that night came around. I was just getting ready to crawl into bed when I had a fairly strong contraction. I was so tired that I just wanted to go to sleep so I laid down. But sure enough more contractions and they all seemed equally strong. I was up alllll night long. I had to breath through each one of the contractions and found myself sitting up and walking around our room throughout the night. They started about 20 minutes apart and then got down to 12 and by 3 or 4 in the morning had worked their way down to 7 minutes apart. At 5:30 in the morning, I was pretty convinced that we would be on our way to the hospital soon when I finally gave into my exhaustion and fell asleep for about an hour. When I woke up around 7 the contractions were completely gone. 

So here we are on her due date and I'm still feeling pretty darn good. Too good to think that labor is around the corner. In fact, we had 2 birthday parties this weekend. At my niece Laurel's first birthday there was a woman there that had been a midwife for years. Apparently she told my mom and sister-in-law that she could tell by looking at me that I was, "no where near ready to have the baby." Not words that a 40 week pregnant gal wants to hear. :) But she may just be right. 

I have my next appointment tomorrow at noon and then my first official NST on Thursday morning. If all goes well through the week they will plan on inducing me next Monday, June 3rd. So at least I have peace in knowing she'll be here soon. 

Thankfully this weekend has provided lots of welcomed distractions. Like I mentioned, a couple of wonderful birthday celebrations, dinner with family, and a day working in the yard with Dustin today. Not to mention the season premiere of Bachelorette tonight!!!! 

The house has been cleaned THOROUGHLY, organized and reorganized, and I don't think there's much more to even put on a to-do list. We are feeling pretty darn ready. 

Here are the hospital bags ready to go complete with Emme's outfits and my focus pictures of Donovan. Hopefully it will serve as motivation to push her out quickly and get back home to my little guy! 

 Speaking of my little guy, we have been having so much fun together lately. This age is SO cute!!! I love listening to him chat away and he seems to say something new everyday that just makes my heart melt. This weekend he took a picture of my mom's cousin Paul. When Donovan was done, Paul asked, "How do I look?" Donovan said, "You look bootiful just like my Mommy." Talk about sweetness! I could not love this boy any more if I tried! 

On Sunday we baked banana muffins together. He LOVES to help me in the kitchen lately. Every time he sees me start to work on something, he pulls up a chair so he can be counter height and lend a hand. 

 Another thing that I love is how perceptive Donovan is now. He notices everything around him. In the mornings after he gets up is usually the time I pull out my Bible and journal to do my devotions. I'll turn on some cartoons and cuddle him in on the couch so that I can have a little bit of quiet time to myself. Well this weekend he asked, "Mom, what you doing?" When I told him I was reading my Bible, he ran upstairs to get his Children's Bible and then told me he wanted to read the Bible too. So we sat side by side. He vocalized each of his own Bible stories while I quietly journaled about my own. Dustin came downstairs and snuck this picture. I'm so thankful to have it. There are so many moments that I wish I could just keep in my memory forever. This was one. 

I still can't believe he's going to be a big brother! It's so strange just being in this holding pattern knowing that a bunch of chaos is coming our way. But we're also SO excited and welcome this transition with open arms knowing how wonderful it is going to be to see them grow up together. 

The wait continues... 

Wishing you all a great week and a very Happy Memorial Day. 

Maybe, just maybe we'll have a little girl to blog about later in the week. But then again, maybe not. :) 

1 week to go!

39 weeks my friends. I apologize if my blog absence of late led you to believe that Baby Girl made her debut. She most definitely has not and my belly is undeniable proof. At church today so many people gave me the big-eyed WHOA look and then asked, "When are you due again?!" Even my own Oma said to me today, "You seem bigger even since I saw you on Friday." I'm pretty sure she's right. I am feeling so big and so ready to meet this baby girl of ours. 

I've had a few mornings where I woke up crampy and thought... hmmm, this could be the day. But then the cramps subside a few hours later and then there's nothing. Consistent braxton hicks contractions from day to day let me know that my body's getting ready but otherwise she seems pretty content to just stay put for the time being. 

I had no doctor appointments last week, so I'm not sure if there's been any "internal" progress for all that's worth. My next appointment is on Wednesday and I'm sure she'll have more of an update for me. At this point I just keep taking each day a step at a time and am giving thanks for this incredible time off. I am loving this stay at home mom thing... especially since Donovan still has the opportunity to go to daycare when I need to get some work done. This is a life of luxury! I'm spending most days running errands, cleaning/nesting like a mad woman, and also soaking up the sun at the beach! 

I don't have any great belly pictures to share. You should probably thank me for that... it's not pretty at this point. :) But I do have some pics of my favorite little guy from the past week. 

Donovan has been loving the backyard and playing in the "brinklers" a lot lately. 

 We made a trip to the beach last week for an evening stroll and a quick bite of dinner. 

 Here's a not so flattering look at my ever-growing girl!

 On Mother's Day  Donovan was super excited to give me the awesome things that he made with Miss Cindy. 

 I got a lovely bonnet and flowers. All day long he kept telling me, "You're welcome Mommy!" Those kinds of gifts are THE best! I laughed so hard that tears were rolling down my cheeks. Such sweet memories. 

 This is how we've been spending most of our afternoons together... a whole lot of hanging around outside in very little clothing. I'm loving this summery weather! 

Nothing cuter than this little man strutting his stuff in his diaper. 

So here we go onto week 39. Let's see if we make it to 40. 

Miss Emmerson, we're ready when you are. :)  

2 Weeks Left (and praying no longer than that!)

Well hello there! I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day with your families. I had such a nice relaxing day with my boys and then dinner with my parents and Oma. It was a perfect way to spend Mother's Day. 

Now on to the baby update...

Baby Emmerson and I are still here and growing bigger each second. Up until this point I have been feeling like a champ: nice walks, lots of energy, motivation to be up and about getting things done. That has all seemed to change over the course of last week. 

I am now feeling huge, uncomfortable, and more than ready to get this show on the road. You'd think, having already been down the crazy newborn road before, I would be embracing these last few weeks of sleeping, relaxing, and being able to have my feet up. I promise, I'm trying... but just like with my first pregnancy I am getting so anxious for baby to make her arrival. 

I haven't had many signs of labor beginning. My belly has definitely "dropped" but I know that can still be weeks before baby's arrival. Last night I woke up a few times with stronger braxton hicks contractions, but nothing that gets progressively worse or consistent.

I do feel a lot of pressure down below that's making me waddle more than walk normally and I have to be super strategic about going anywhere to make sure there is always a bathroom nearby because I have to use it about 100 times a day. 

And that's about all that's going on in our world lately. Just a holding pattern in great anticipation of lots of changes to come. 

Today, Donovan and I are off to the beach. The weather here is crazy warm and I can't think of a better way to beat the heat. Have a wonderful start to your week! 

a name for our daughter

(source)

 Emmerson Grace

Choosing a name for our baby girl wasn't quite as easy as it was when we chose Donovan James for our son. We were shocked to find out last December that we were having a little girl and had always assumed we'd have a household full of boys, so we hadn't given much thought at all about girl names until the big gender reveal. That's when I took to baby name searches like a crazy woman. I spent countless hours reading name after name to Dustin and there were very few that he'd even acknowledge with more than a shrug of the shoulders. Some were too common, others too strange until we read "Emerson." We both liked it. We thought it seemed to fit with Donovan's name pretty well and then it quickly became a top contender. But I was still unsure if it was THE name. 

So I did what I always do when I'm having a hard time making a decision... I prayed about it. And the very next day after I prayed I had such peace and certainty that it was in fact the perfect name for our sweet daughter. Dustin agreed and so our baby girl became Emmerson. The other total selling point was hearing Donovan say it out loud. I'm not kidding you when I say that even though I've heard him say her name now hundreds of times, each time it makes my heart skip a beat! It is too precious for words. 

Her middle name was decided upon just recently. FINALLY! That had been quite the debate. But for me, Grace was THE ONE. After miscarrying last summer and doubting God's plans for our family only to find that we were unexpectedly pregnant again, could only be described as His incredible grace for our family. 

Grace is defined as God's unmerited favor given even when we don't deserve it. And that is truly how I was feeling when we found out I was pregnant. Here I was questioning my miscarriage and still so unresolved in my emotions only to find out that God had blessed me infinitely more than I could imagine when I was the least deserving of it. 

Emmerson is the ultimate gift and every time I feel her move and kick I can't help but praise God because this little one was all His timing. No charting, no temperature checks, no positive ovulation strips... just pure GRACE! 

So there you have it friends, Emmerson Grace Hein. 

Her name is all over her room and I couldn't wait to share just a few pictures of some of the things I am loving the most. 

 A banner made by my sweet friend Hollie hangs over her closet

This quilt with her hand-stitched name was a gift from my assistant principal at school. It was the first thing that I was given with her name on it. 

And these teeny tiny pink mary-janes with her name printed on the sides were hand painted by a teacher at our school that is talented beyond words. He has his own company called Shoe Tattoo. I've barely been able to put these things down since he gave them to me on Friday. So in love!

3 Weeks to Go!

(Sorry, no belly pics from the weekend. I'll get on that ASAP. 

Instead, here we are freezing our buns off while visiting friends who were beach camping in Dana Point on Saturday) 

 Well, hello there. This is the all new me. The me that hasn't quite wrapped my brain around the fact that I am now a stay-at-home mom with a child in full time day care. Uh huh. Did you hear that giant sigh of relief? 

Now, I can't get ahead of myself just yet. I made a list of to-do's today that was about a mile long and number one on that list is some quality time with my favorite little guy. So although he will still be making visits to Miss Cindy's on most days, I plan on allowing us both time to sleep in a bit in the mornings and eat breakfast together before we begin the rush of the day. I'm so excited to just have some quiet, down time with him before his little sister completely takes over our world. 

So, once I drop Donovan off at Cindy's tomorrow I have about 8 stores I need to go to. So many errands to run that it could take me a week just to cross everything off of my to-BUY list. And then there's report cards to begin and some grading to do. And somewhere in all of that craziness I would love to put my feet up and just indulge in some HGTV or a nap or something luxurious like that. 

We'll see how the week pans out. I have so many things I would like to post about on here before time slips away from me. I had an entire week of being spoiled rotten by colleagues and family and neighbors. Little girl's room looks like a disaster right now because I have lots of laundry to do and some adorable new things to hang up in her closet. Have I mentioned that little girl stuff is beyond fun? Pretty sure I might have said that already in the last 10 posts. 

Speaking of little girl... she is FULL TERM today! That feels like a huge accomplishment and sense of relief. It's hard to believe that she could be here any day now. Some days I am convinced that she'll make an early arrival and then other days I remember that I felt the same exact way with Donovan and he made it almost all the way to 41 weeks. So I guess only time will tell. 

I am still feeling pretty darn good. I haven't totally slowed down or anything although I have moments in each afternoon where I am so tired and just want to nod off on the couch... but then I have a little friend that eagerly begs for my attention and a walk to the park. So, I'm still keeping plenty busy. 

I don't think the reality that a new baby is on it's way has fully hit me yet. In some respects yes, but for example, I haven't given any thought to packing a hospital bag just yet and there are so many other odds and ends that I need to prepare before it's go time. 

My next doctor's appointment in on Wednesday. Until then, I am SO thankful for this time! 

Here's to week 37... Another week closer to holding our sweet daughter in our arms.

Confession

I can't stop looking at cute little girl stuff online. Help! I feel so bad saying this but I have never been a major shopper when it comes to Donovan. From time to time I spot something cute and get it. When he is in major need of some more shirts to add to the rotation, I get him some things. I've just never felt the need to shop online or specifically go out to shop for him just for fun. Is that bad? I'm starting to feel guilty because man, has that changed. I need to pull in the reigns a bit. I could spend an entire paycheck on this little gal and she's not even here yet! 

I bought this 

and this

for our little miss last night. I love the flutter-sleeved one piece, especially the colors. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of pink starting to collect in her closet but I am so drawn to things that are other colors too. And the little bubble romper I kept picturing with her tiny yellow sweater hanging in her closet that I sit and stare at every. single. day. on occasion. I just love to imagine what she'll be like and what she'll look like in all of these little outfits that are here waiting for her to try on. 

A few more weeks! I am so ecstatic but equally giving thanks for being able to go to bed whenever I please and sleep through the night (minus the potty breaks.) I know there are so many luxuries that I enjoy right now that will be long gone in the blink of an eye.

By the way, my last day of work is officially next Friday, May 3rd. I can't believe it's almost here. Me, home, with nothing to do but relax and spend time with my little guy... and maybe some shopping, too. Dustin better hide my wallet immediately. :) 

5 Weeks Left!

Tick-tock-tick-tock. The weeks keep flying on by. I am now 5 weeks away from our due date. I can hardly believe it! All continues to be going great and nothing makes me happier than a weekend filled with good weather, Mexican food, and beach time! 

 Here are my boys sitting across from me at Las Olas. I love that Donovan is old enough to only need a booster seat and to tell us what he does and does not want to eat when we go out to restaurants now. This stage of toddler-hood is pretty blissful and I am reminding myself to count my lucky stars before the chaos of newborn reenters our life in a few weeks. 

Big brother footprints in the sand. Donovan and Daddy collected some shells to put in baby sister's room. 

 It was such a gorgeous evening... totally reminiscent of the sweet summer months to come. People were out swimming until the sun was completely set. I felt so at peace watching my guys play together while I listened to the waves crash against the shore. I kept thinking, if only I could capture that particular state of peace and tranquility and channel it when labor begins. Note to self: Search for ocean sounds c.d. :) 

 Tomorrow is my much anticipated doctors appointment. Hopefully most of the lingering questions in my mind will be answered. Until then, not much news to report on how things are coming along. 

 Each week I feel a little bit slower, a little bit bigger, and even more excited than ever to hold our baby girl. 

 Last night was the first time I actually dreamt about what she'd look like. She had a head full of hair that looked just like her brother's. Donovan looked so different as a baby than what he looks now. I wonder if she'll be the same way. Who knew a dark, curly-haired, olive skinned newborn would turn into such a fair little toe head.  

The anticipation of meeting her grows greater with each passing week. But I'm trying my very best to savor these moments when there's still just the 3 of us. 

Have a fantastic week everyone!

6 Weeks to Go!

I don't have too much to report on baby girl. Just checking in for another week closer to the due date. 

 This week was pretty easy. Sleep became doable once again. The leg pains ceased for now, although flipping from side to side is becoming a bit more challenging and I'm still frequenting the potty in the middle of the night 1 or 2 times. Otherwise, I've been sleeping hard which has been amazing. I'm trying to soak that up while it lasts. 

 Donovan, Molly, and I went on lots of walks this week. Apparently, our kiddo that hated riding in the stroller, no longer minds it as long as there's a quick stop at the park for a few trips down the slide. On Friday afternoon I was feeling particularly brave and I decided we'd go for longer walk than usual. We got about a mile and half away from the house when baby girl must've shifted and all of the sudden it felt like I was about to pee my pants. The mile and a half walk back home was SLOW and painful. :) I might not be as ambitious from here on out. 

I am feeling good. A bit more tired. By Friday I was MORE than ready for the weekend to arrive. I am now counting down the weeks left of work but still have tons to check off of my work to-do list. Speaking of to do lists... I'm feeling a little unprepared for this newbie to join the family. I think when we were waiting for Donovan I was reading about childbirth, taking those childbirth & breastfeeding classes, I had crossed everything off of the registry list that was a necessity, I felt prepared and mentally ready as I could be. This time it's more like... oh ya, there's a new baby joining the family in a few weeks... do I need anything from Target? I hope we're ready for this little peanut because ready or not she'll be here soon. 

On my mind this week: 

* I need to get her a going home from the hospital outfit. 

* We really should settle on a middle name... like, yesterday!

* I need to pre-register for the hospital

* Time to prepare a bunch of questions for the appointment with the MD next Tuesday. 

* Time to dust off the old pump and check out what I need to facilitate that process once again. Dun, dun, duuuuun.  

* And last but not least, I need to convince the hubby that it's time to take a trip up to the rafters to get down some of the good ol' nursery essentials. Diaper Genie I know you're up there somewhere.

Here's to 6 more weeks (hopefully not too much more than that) until we meet our Baby E. 

Have a great week everyone. 

7 weeks to go

Good morning. Happy Monday and super happy 7 weeks left to Baby E and I! Every Monday seems to arrive in the blink of an eye and little girl and I are yet another week closer to her arrival day. I feel like I am getting more and more anxious/eager to meet her with each day that passes by. 

Like today for example, I think I asked Dustin, "What day do you think she'll actually come?" and "How do you think I'll deliver her... any gut feelings?" and "What do you think she'll look like?" To which he finally replied, "You already asked me that!" (with a tone that meant I'd probably already asked him 100 times.)  

I'm pretty sure her impending arrival is on my mind most of the minutes of my day so it's hard not to bug everyone I'm around with my thoughts of her. 

 Donovan doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he asks to see her all the time now. Today he told me that when she comes he hopes she'll bring him a cupcake. Cupcakes are MAJOR in his little world right now and I'm sure that's one of the many big brother gifts he'll receive when baby sister makes her appearance in the family. In fact, does anyone have any great ideas for big brother gifts? That's been on my mind lately too. So much to check off on my never ending list of to dos. 

I had a doctor's appointment last Tuesday and all was well. Weight gain... always increasing, ha, blood pressure low and steady, fundal-measurement consistently a week and a half ahead. I scheduled my official appointment with a MD to assess their recommendations for delivery. It's about time, right? It's not until the 23rd at which point I'll be 35 weeks. How's that for procrastination? I'm still really nervous and definitely dreading the thought of a c-section but I keep having to remind myself that I'm not in control. In fact, as much as I like to feel like I'm in control... I never am, nor should I be. So I'm trusting Him to bring this baby girl into the world in the way that's best for her. And I will be so happy and relieved when she's finally in my arms no matter how she makes her way out. 

 After talking to my midwife at last week's appointment, I've had to rethink how long I'm going to remain at work. This has been another choice that I've had to give to Him in prayer and consideration. All along I've assumed that I'd work until the very end. But in listening to what my midwife had to say and the wise counsel of some friends and family members, I think I may just bow out a little earlier that I had expected. I have to be honest, the thought of cuddling with Donovan in our pajamas all day long sounds a million times more appealing than being on my feet all day, teaching 30 second graders. As much as I love my job, I am getting TIRED! 

This decision has been filed under keep procrastinating thinking until you feel enough conviction to set the formal exit date on the calendar. 

Speaking of tired... I'm becoming more and more sleepless. Mostly because of these crazy pains in my legs that I get. It's not the charlie horse pain, I still get those a few times a week too. Instead, it's like a constant pain in my hips that radiates all down my leg during the night. I think it might just be from having to sleep on my sides only and supporting the extra weight. Who knows? But it hasn't been pretty this week. I toss and turn most of the night away and wake up feeling so sore. 

But other than that and the increasing appearance of mild Braxton Hicks contractions everything else seems pretty wonderful at this point. 

I've been trying to make an effort to walk more, so Donovan and I have frequented afternoon strolls to the park and back. I'm trying to soak up every second I have with my little buddy where I can just pour out all of my energy and attention on him. The thought of not being able to give him all of myself has me a little worried. But I know we'll all adjust. 

And I guess that's all there is to share for now. 

Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Big Boy

It's been so long since I've updated. I've got lots to share, a birthday, a women's retreat that was  a-maz-ing, a big ol' 31 week belly, and progress in Baby E's room. Hopefully now that Spring Break has arrived, I'll be able to post more this week. 

Today was a bittersweet day in the Hein house. Our sweet baby officially took on the big boy bed. Dun... dun... dun. But don't worry, so far, so good. Here's how the afternoon went. 

 Daddy started setting up after Donovan woke up from his nap. 

 Of course little man wanted in on the action and provided lots of help for Daddy.

 The bed went up and Donovan took a rest from all the hard work with a little apple juice. 

 Trying out the big boy bed for the first time. Happy to have his doggie in hand. 

 He looks SO tiny in this great big twin bed. But we decided this was the best option for us. We wanted to reuse Donovan's crib for the new baby nursery and my parents were getting rid of their old guest room twin bed... so this is the result. A tiny boy in a great big bed. I bought the protector rail at Buy Buy Baby today. Hopefully it'll do the trick. 

 This picture will probably give Great-Oma a scare but I assure you, the little window is now in full on lock position. He was so excited to have a view of the sun and the birdies outside. 

And everything was a-okay until we started to move his crib out of his room and into baby girl's room. Donovan kept saying, "Guys, put the bed in my room... No guys! MY room!" I was half acknowledging him and half ignoring him so that I could focus on moving the furniture and then the worst moment of my day came: My sweet little baby was standing in the corner of his room with great big tears rolling down his cheeks. I'm sure this big, sudden switch was a shocker and he was so sad! It literally broke my heart. I picked him up and rocked him for awhile and then he was up and running again. 

He even wanted to help Daddy set up the crib in E's room. He grabbed his fake tools from downstairs and got to work hammering and putting pretend nails all around the bed. 

Tuck in tonight was flawless. He climbed right into bed, we all read some books, Daddy prayed. He gave out a quick, "No, don't leave." But that's his usual plea for more play time, and then he wished us a good night and we haven't heard a peep from him since. 

Let's hope the rest of the night is just as peaceful and quiet. Updates to come. :) 

redemption

It's been a rough few days around here. 2 words for you: stomach. flu.  Donovan woke up at 4 am on Sunday morning throwing up. Three times was his lucky number and then he seemed fine the rest of the day, playing and chatting away as usual. We thought it might have been a random fluke but then, sure enough Sunday night around 1 in the morning we got a text from Miss Cindy at Donovan's daycare that she was throwing up with the flu and wouldn't be working on Monday. 

I woke up on Monday feeling a little achy, but was still planning on going to work until it hit me at about 7:30 and I spent the rest of my day either laying flat on the couch or tossing my cookies repeatedly in the kitchen sink. The flu is not all that enjoyable when you're seven months pregnant. Case in point: throwing up violently and having very little bladder control do not go hand in hand. TMI? I apologize. Just keeping it real for you. 

Thankfully Donovan was an angel and played by himself all day long while Dustin was working. Dustin never threw up but felt all the other lovely aches and pains that come with the flu.  We both took today off to recover and good thing too. Even just taking a shower felt like a marathon. I'm back at work tomorrow but planning on taking it as easy as possible until I feel more like myself again. 

Onto the redemptive part of my day... so many goodies came in the mail! I was so excited and eagerly tracking the packages and what do you know, they all arrived at the same time! I love when that happens. 

 For starters, poms for baby girl's nursery. I can't wait to get these hung up!

I'm sure you've heard of or seen Katie Daisy if you're on Pinterest. I love her artwork so much that I had a very hard time deciding on the perfect print for Baby Girl. But this one was the winner. I loved the cheerful colors and thought the saying was so sweet. 

Big brother got some goodies too. I ordered a bunch of books for him on amazon to start preparing him a little more for the new baby and one for the big boy bed transition too. Donovan LOVES to "read" and be read to lately so I thought this would be a great start. 

 A few other nursery details coming along: This letter E that I painted out and hung on the front of her door. Just a little hint at the name that we chose for her... middle name is still up for debate. 

And finally, delicate little poms sewn onto Ikea curtains by my mom. These are hanging over her closet and she'll have matching ones over the window as well. 

Our spring break is coming up the week before Easter and that will be the perfect time for us to make some progress in her room. I can't wait to see it all come together. 

And just to add more to this already too long post: Spring Fashion

I always get in the mood to shop during this time of year. Thankfully, with little funds and a great big belly... none of these are actually coming home with me. 

BUT, as always, if I had an endless flow of money... these are the goods I'd be adding to my closet right about now. 

I have never bought anything from Madewell, but I love browsing. These tops are my favorite!

shirred silk tank

soft lace top

And these shoes too!

the turn about sandal

the side walk skimmer

And a maxi skirt from anthro with an elasticized waistband... this one may have to be mine if it ever goes on sale. Perfect for summer and a post partum belly! 

vertical paint maxi skirt

So, adios flu! I hope it's a long, long time before we meet again. Hope you're having a good and HEALTHY start to your week.