Is this for real? Nope, just false labor.....

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to update you all- I had a GREAT AWESOME time at my baby shower at Amy's mom's house. It was so sweet and low-key. I am so thankful for everyone who could come. I am truly blessed to have so many great women in my life, and now Sydney get's to enter into their lives. Awesome cake too ; P

We had a little "scare" two days before the shower though. I had been having some pre-term labor symptoms (which I won't divulge, for your sake : )) Then on Thursday, my body went into Braxton Hicks overdrive. They became very consistent, and started to get really uncomfortable. They radiated through my back, which made me a little more cautious about them. I started timing them (ironically, I had my 34 week appointment that morning and the doc noticed I was contracting). Turns out they were lasting about 45 sec. and occurring every 7 minutes or so. I called Aaron, who was at work, and said I was going to check in to labor & delivery. He drove over, and I stopped by Babies R Us to get a carseat real quick, just in case ; ). I checked in, and once they hooked me up to the monitors, sure enough, I was having frequent contractions.

The doctor decided to give me a shot of terbutaline, which knocked them out quick. In 45 minutes though, they returned, stronger, longer, and closer together. They had discharged us right before the contractions came back, so we waited a couple of hours. They were starting to get painful, so we went back to L & D. They hooked me up, and I was having them about every 3 min. and lasting 1 min. They gave me another shot of terbutaline, which stopped them again. They gave me a prescription for the medicine, and said I could go, but to come back in a week. I wasn't progressing (a.k.a. dilating or effacing), so they were not too worried.

Long story short, I have been having many Braxton Hicks since, but none as intense as that day. Baby decided to "drop" this week as well. I am now 35 weeks, and getting really close to full term (officially 37 weeks). I have my suspicions that baby girl is going to come early, but I will probably end up like most first time moms, and go to 42 weeks. Yikes!

I have worked on the nursery, so here are some pics for you to oggle. It is definitely not "finished", but it is well prepared for baby's arrival, if she chooses sooner than later. It is raining outside, and it is dark, so the lighting isn't the best. I apologize!

The entryway- our countdown/name tracker

The wall directly in front of you when you come in. UPS lost my other window valance over 2 months ago, so I am still waiting for that to come... The rocking chair will hopefully be here.

To your left when you come in- Office/dresser system

To your right when you come in- dresser/changing station

The BEAU-tiful crib our family friends gave us- we are starting a tradition. She wrote her children's names and birthdays on the crib, and I will do the same. I will pass this to whoever is next!

And yes, that is a hamburger pillow... Thank my brother : ) He couldn't resist it on our baby shopping spree. This, and the bubba teeth pacifier ; ) Very cute! I saw a pizza slice pillow the other day and thought I should get it.... maybe later : )

Tiny baby diapers!!! Holy Moly!

The super duper cute pig-in-a-tutu-bank Amy gave at our baby shower. Everyone put in their "2 cents" of advice and we read them while opening gifts. It was so sweet!

Thanks everyone for your prayers!

P.S. My sister Barbie got engaged on Valentines Day!!! I am so excited for her!!! Can't wait to see her in a beautiful dress!!!

And baby decided to send me into another wave of contractions just now... oh the joys!

Make Good Choices!

-Sarah T.

Latest and greatest

Hi friends! It has been quite a month for sure, which would be why it is February and NOW I have time to post.

I think this month has been one of learning patience. Aaron and I have so many needs and ambitions, yet time seems to make things delayed. I also have had to go back to school, which is a little story in itself.

Basically, Fresno State denied me a Leave of Absence, which means that I would either not go to school like I planned (and be considered a dropout, therefore losing my catalog year and potentially taking MORE classes), or go to school and take 12 units and graduate in the spring. I chose the latter. I keep getting the question "What's your plan when baby comes?" To be honest, I don't really have a plan. ALL of my plans this past year have not really "come true", so my planning has gone down to a minimum. I know I will do my best in these classes to finish well. I know I want to breastfeed. I know I don't want my little girl in a daycare. I know I want to have a natural birth. These are my values, but as for everything else, I am hoping and praying they fall into place.

I am nervous about many things, such as nap schedules and breastfeeding schedules while I am in class. I am in class 4 days a week: Moday from 9-12; Tuesday from 3-5; Thursday from 3-9pm; Friday from 10:30am-12pm. I don't really know how I will pump, but it will have to work out. Also, both grandmothers are offering up their sitting services, so I am VERY thankful for that!

But that is future stuff- I have had to turn down many committments I was really hoping to do, such as Pregnancy Care Center and coaching. I really have a burden on my heart for both, but my priorities this semester is my immediate family. It will always be my immediate family; however, this season of life will be extremely consuming with a new little one. I think it is the best decision to stay home with my little girl so hubby can work and do ministry and I can go to school and be there for her in her most vulnerable time.

Hubby is at Apple, and he seems to really enjoy working there. I get to hear awesome stories everyday, some really bummer stories, and some REALLY creepy weird ones of really odd customers. He is still working hard to get a promotion to full-time. We have a couple of other job leads as well, so I will wait to post on those until we have clarity.

I am very thankful for the incredible support systems in our lives. I am blessed with two great grandmothers in town who are there for us. My church body is incredible. I consider them family, not through obligation, but because we have all grown so close. I see no difference between them and my own blood. Our friends are so great to us and understanding of our life situations. My professors are very helpful with the pregnancy- I am so thankful for how God has come beside us in this total transition.

Lastly, this weekend is the babyshower. I am very thrilled to see many family and friends I have not seen in awhile. I am so thankful for everyone's anticipation and support, from before we have been married until now. WHat a great time it is going to be : )

With that, I hope you all have a great week and take the time to think about the many blessings in your life.

Make Good Choices!

-Sarah T.