It's a boy!

I am so in love!  Our newest little boy was born yesterday at 8:24am, weighing in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces and he is as perfect as can be.  He is feeding well and is totally happy and content.  We have still not picked a name, but Johnny has been lovingly referring to him as PC (short for President's Choice no name brand).  He has lots of dark hair, but looks very different from each of the other three kids.  Pictures will be posted once we get home from the hospital!

One more sleep

Well actually, I don't think I will sleep much tonight.  We get to meet our new little one tomorrow!  I am nervous and excited all at the same time and so thankful that we made it this far.  Tomorrow's gestation will be one day short of 38 weeks and only a few days before Shaylah's gestational age at birth.  She weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces....so I am guessing this little one will be close in size.  I have officially gained 35 pounds, which is the most of any of my pregnancies.  I give total credit to doing nothing but eating and lying in bed for 2 months straight!  I have been having lots of random contractions this past week that are fairly intense, but nothing regular.  My feet swell every night and my pelvis clunks every time turn over in bed.  I think my body is ready!  Our surgery is at 7:45am, so all prayers for safety and a quick recovery are greatly appreciated.  It is a much different experience knowing the exact day and time your baby will be born...I must admit I prefer the excitement of the unknown better.  Johnny and I plan on cherishing our few days in the hospital alone with this baby before coming home to the chaos (which will also be fun) and look forward to seeing the looks on the kid's faces when they see the baby for the first time.  Next post:  pictures and details of baby Black #4!

34 weeks

This baby is continuing to grow and I feel huge (in a good way)! I am finally able to leave the house for periods of time and walk short distances. It feels good to slowly start helping with the kids and eat sitting up. I also had my very last visit by the nurse at home today. I am hitting the uncomfortable stage of pregnancy...feet starting to swell, difficulty sleeping, lots of heartburn, SI joint pain, waddling, fatigue...but I am so thankful to be this far along. Looks like this baby is happy being inside for a little longer. The kids enjoy trying to help me stand up from sitting by pulling on my arms. They think it is pretty funny. They also know to give me extra time because I move really slowly these days. We have been spending hours in the back yard while the kids swim in the inflatable pool, which is great because I don't have to go very far. We are very much missing spending time at the cabin though. Hopefully we can get down to the beach after the baby arrives. We do not have a c-section date yet, but it will likely be in about 3 weeks. Not long now!! I have not prepared anything for the baby yet. Such a fourth baby! Everything is sill in the basement and needs to be hauled out and cleaned. We haven't even decided where the baby will sleep yet or picked out a name. Name suggestions are definitely welcome because we need help. :)

Big Question

As I was leaving Ashlyn's room last night after putting her to bed, she stopped me with a very important question...."Mom, if there is only one God, how can He be everywhere at the same time?". How do you explain omnipresence to a 4 year old? I did my best and she seemed satisfied. Looking forward to the next question about our amazing Creator. :)

Shaylah's update

Shaylah had a wonderful Kindergarten year at our local school. Many of her friends from her pre-school were in her class, so the transition was so easy. She adored her teacher and did very well!

Shaylah is a very social, kind hearted and happy girl. She is such a mix of both of our personalities and it is fun to watch her grow. She is highly emotional and giggles a lot like her mom; she loves to be the centre of attention and is very intelligent like her dad. She started reading full sentences before her fifth birthday and is now into reading chapter books (favorites include Geronimo Stilton and Rainbow Fairy books).

This year Shaylah has enjoyed team sports, playing both soccer and t-ball; She has lost 4 teeth already, with a fifth hanging on by threads; She currently wears size 7/8 clothes and size 1 shoes, weighing 57 pounds; she loves to wear dresses and skirts, but really isn't picky about her clothes; she is quick to learn her Bible memory verses for Sunday School each week; she LOVES candy and all kinds of sweets, but hates eating dinner. Shaylah has been her Mama's big helper while I have been on bedrest, bringing me food and filling my water bottle. She snuggles with me each morning and prays with me each night. She is so excited to have a new baby and I already know what a fantastic big sister she will be to the new little one!

Frustrated

I am frustrated. It is so hard to do anything. I ate breakfast with the kids this morning and had to spend the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon sleeping because of it. I knew I would be tired, but even I am surprised at how tired I am. I want to be part of my family's lives again, but am still unable. My loving husband keeps reminding me that it will take time, but I am impatient. I have been waiting 2 months for this! This will just have to be another one of those life experiences that will make me a better physiotherapist when I return to work. :)

32 weeks

I made it! 32 weeks and still counting :). This was my doctor's big goal for me and I am thrilled. My appointment today was very encouraging. I am now allowed to get out of bed and I don't need any more ultrasounds!! My plan for this evening is to eat a meal with my family for the first time in 2 months (it's the little things, right?) I am hoping to be able to lighten the load for Johnny a little bit, but I am also realistic on what I will be able to do. I am very de-conditioned and get so tired with the smallest amount of activity. I do hope that this will gradually improve over the next few weeks before baby arrives so that I can actually care for the little one myself. I think my family will be glad to have me back...even if it is only part of each day. Final words from Dr. R. today..."32 weeks is great, but 36 is better". :) On another note, Johnny and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary yesterday. In romantic fashion, he called up to me on my bed from the dinner table with the kids. So sweet. Haha! We should have waited one extra day to celebrate.