Baby Ben Update

Well today was quite an emotional day for us all. First, we had all our blood work back (we do not know results yet). I felt like a pin cushion. Then I had my gestational diabetes test where they draw your blood, then you have to drink really nasty orange stuff, and then wait an hour to get more blood drawn. Finally I had to go up to labor and delivery and get my injection of rogram which goes into the muscle and stings for about an hour. That is what I was today, a total pin cushion and I hated it.

Finally, we got to our appt with Dr. Jadali for our US of Ben to check the amniotic fluid which was high at our last appt. We also needed to look in on Ben's growth and make sure that his weight is progressing at the right speed since he only has a 2 vessel umbilical cord. Last Thursday he weighed 1 lb. 15 oz and today he weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz so as far as his weight he seems to be doing really well. The doctor also monitored his heartbeat which was 133, within normal range. So far, it seems as though the 2 vessel cord hasn't slowed him down much. He appears to be healthy and very active. In regards to the fluid, things appear to be back to normal so we are just left to wonder where the extra fluid came from and where it went. Our next appt is May 15th and then we will begin to have appts every 2 weeks after that.

Please continue to keep Ben and mommy in your prayers. Please also pray for the many changes that are coming up in our lives with Bryan graduating, moving, and preparing for the birth of our son; prayers of wisdom and praise. Finally, please keep me (mel) in your prayers as I am dealing with some things at school and need guidance and wisdom right now so that I can finish out the school year and grow and learn from them.

MY FAVORITE PIX: He is hiding. . . so cute!!!

Things are moving . . . and it is not just baby Ben!!!

(previously sent in an email but incase you missed it)

. . . That's right, we like moving so much that we are doing it again!!!

We are excited to announce that we have recently entered escrow on our first home!!!
We are attaching pictures so that you can see the home for yourself. We are excited because it is a house that needs a little love but still has room for us to grow into.

The house is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two story house built in 1988, located on a quiet street in a cul-de-sac right off of Jasper (near Aunt Chris).

We are expecting to close escrow on May 15th but we will need to do some painting and cleaning before we move in. So we are looking at our move in date to be Memorial weekend so get ready for another moving party folks!!!

First Baby Shower

Sunday was my first baby shower and it was sooo much fun! The shower was thrown by 2 moms at my school and it was beautifully done. I felt so special and so blessed to be able to spend such a great time with great friends, parents, and students. Baby Ben got a lot of cute outfits, bath toys, bibs, socks, and other fun things. Here are some pix from the shower!

25 Week Update

Ben is back to being a movie star! This week at the OB appt we got another ultrasound done and Ben was showing off to say the least. He was moving and dancing, playing with his feet and even waving :)

He is in the 57% for his height (gee, I wonder where he gets his height? LOL), he is currently weighing in at 1 lb. 15 oz, and his little heart was beating strong. So far, all seems to be healthy with Ben and his size does not seem to be effected by his umbilical cord being short one vessel so praise God!

I am doing fine as well. My blood pressure is still great and I have only gained 11 lbs during this pregnancy which my doctor says is AMAZING since I am almost 7 months. The only hiccup that we can across today (and that we are asking you all to pray about) is this: there seems to be some fluid building up around Ben in the amniotic sace and at this point we are not sure where it is coming from or what is causing it. I am going to get some blood work done and to see the high risk perintologist again to get some more answers first thing next week. So please pray that all goes well with those appointments and the Ben remains strong and healthy.

LONG ARM AND FINGERS
BEN SHOWING A "PEACE" SIGN BEN STRETCHING

BEN WAVING "HI"<

Dancing for Jesus!

Today I was sitting in chapel with my students and Ben was going nuts in there. He was kicking up a storm and dancing to the chapel music.(He does this during worship at church too, he really loves worshiping Jesus, ha ha) Anyways, I was really having a hard time focusing becuase he was kicking SO HARD, so I pulled my dress tight along my tummy and sat there for a few seconds and just watched and all the sudden I SAW him kicking. It was the COOLEST thing I have ever seen. I have been waiting for this for day for a long time. I just sat there watching him, smiling. Pregnancy is the coolest gift that God gave women! I am SO in love with our little guy and I can not wait for him to get here :)

Where Did That Belly Come From?

So, keeping in mind that Bryan and I have only seen each other for 2 days in the past 2 week, when I called Bryan and told him that my belly grew significantly over night, I do not think he really believed me. But when I walked in the house tonight after being gone at outdoor education for a week, he got the shock of his life! We both laughed at how my belly just popped out in the last 2 days. He can not stop rubbing it and he is still in shock; he is sooo cute!!!! He wanted to take some pictures so here they are (6 months PG): (please forgive me for being so sunburned and tired looking but after cooking for, cleaning up after and taking 45 students on week long trip, this is the best it gets)