O Tannenbaum!

We decided to get a real tree this year. Not only a real tree but from a Christmas tree farm. We live in a great area of North Carolina that has tons of tree farms and we wanted to support our local farmers. Caroline was way excited to help us pick out a tree. It was freezing and even though you can't see it from the pictures there was still a little bit of snow on the ground.

It was a cut your own tree farm. It was literally in a guy's backyard. It was cool to see all the baby trees that will be decked out one day with lights and ornaments.


I love how Caroline sticks out her tongue while working so hard to hang the lights.
We taught her the art of squinting to find out where we are missing lights.

After such a long day Tu-tu was tired and found a great spot to rest.

PS. For those of you who don't know the story, Tu-tu is what we have to call Caroline when she is pretending to be a puppy. When she is Tu-tu she will bark to talk to you, run on all fours and give you puppy hugs (rub up against you) and puppy kisses (lick your face).

34 weeks...

Well, Here are my 34 week belly pics. I had my midwife appointment today and I am still at a 2 so things are going well. Here's to hoping she stays in and cooks a little longer!

I just realized that this is my 100th post! Yahooooo!

Bed Rest Update...

Ok,
So here is the story. When I was 29 weeks along, I had an appointment with my midwife. I explained to her that this baby was really low and I was feeling a little bit of pressure. We decided to do a Fetal fibronectin test which can sort of predict preterm labor. You want a negative test because that means I will not go into labor in the next two weeks. Of course, mine was positive which means there is no guarantee that I won't go into labor in the next two weeks. I went to the hospital and was monitored for a few hours to see if I was having any contractions (I wasn't). I was also given a steroid shot to help develop the babies lungs in case she came early. At that point I was put on a level 2 bed rest which meant I could not lift anything, I could not stand for more than 10 minutes at a time and no travel, all for two weeks. At the following appointment they would do the test again and every appointment after that.
At my 32 week appointment I had the test again and it was negative. That did not mean I was off the hook. I still can't do housework or cook or lift Caroline but I can stand for a little while and go to church and go to Target (but someone has to go with me.) Also, at my appointment I discovered that I am 2 cm and 50% effaced. My midwife told me that is kind of normal for a second baby but it really scares me.
So I am sitting in my Lazy-Boy recliner as I write this and I am feeling this sweet baby move around and stretch. I am nervous about what will happen but I feel so blessed to be healthy enough to be pregnant. Kevin gave me the most beautiful blessing when all of this first happened that was poignant and faith-promoting. I can't wait to meet this sweet girl (who still doesn't have a name) but then again, I can wait a little bit longer.