A sleeping Prince...

Well, Adam is 3 weeks old today and he is adjusting to life outside the womb fairly well. He was officially due on 12-21 (this last Sunday), but instead of being born, he was experiencing his first bath. He sleeps a LOT during the day and is doing all the things an infant is suppossed to be doing-eating, eating, eating, pooping, and of course, sleeping. He is very much an easy going baby, unless we take too long to change him or feed him...then his squeaks and coos turn into full blown screams. He tends to get really red in the face when things aren't going exactly his way, but that just makes him all the cuter. Amazingly, when the sun sets (usually around 8pm) he miraculously awakens and is bright eyed and bushy tailed from his restful day. Sometimes he peeks with just one eye open to see if there is still any light outside, and if there is, he'll go back to sleep. Looks like he's training to be a night owl like Mommy. However; once the lights dim, he loves to hang out and take in the world around him (after a marathon eating period of course). Big sisters, Yasmeen and Leena, are loving him more each day and often argue about who gets to hold him first when they get home from school. He is such a sweet, little boy and we are so grateful to have him safe and sound at home with us. Happy Holidays, everyone!

He is here!!

Well, It's over a week since Adam was born and I am finally home and recuperating well. We went into the hospital for a scheduled c/s on 12-3-08 and went into the O.R. on time and had Adam at exactly 7:14pm (much to my anxious relief). He weighed in at 7-14, too, so that was kind of cool. He measured 19 3/4 inches and let out a very discrete cry upon entering the world. His apgars were 8/9. He is so sweet and my precious little miracle. We are so grateful to have him safe and sound in our arms and excited to be back home (those hospital beds are awful!!). Although I've had my share of pain post-op, Adam is worth every little bit. He's a quiet baby, sleeping most of the day (although somehow Daddy and I don't manage to sleep much at all) and waking once the sun goes down. Nursing is going well, although it seems Adam has a hearty appetite and I hope I can keep up with the demand! We are so grateful for his presence in our family and happy to share our joy with you. Here are some pictures of our newest addition!!

A Whole Lotta Paintin' Going On...

Well, today I am officially 36 weeks and just 10 days away from D-day! To celebrate another weekly milestone, I decided I wanted to have the girls paint on my belly. I got the idea from an episode of "A Baby Story" I'd seen a while ago and thought it was a great way to remember this time in our lives. It's especially important since this is the last pregnancy for our family and we are just so excited to meet this little guy on his way--Inshah Allah. The girls really got into it, and Mohammed even joined in the fun. Leena drew a pumpkin and a sun and wrote "I love Adam" on my belly. Yasmeen also drew a pumpkin and decorated her "side" of my belly with polka dots. Her message read "I *heart* Adam". There's no doubt about it, we love Adam and we haven't even officially met him!! Even Daddy put his mark on my belly by drawing a face smack in the center of all the designs. It had big red lips and "angry" eyes--to commemorate his feeling that this pregnancy has made me a little cranky these past few weeks...but what does he know :-) Between my GROOOOOWING profile, lack of comfortable sleep, anxiety over my pre-term contractions and worries over Adam's safe arrival, who can blame me if I'm not as jovial as in days past???? Well, at least we laughed quite a bit tonight and made some memories that hopefully Adam will see one day and laugh at too! Here are some pictures we'd like to share (some of the others won't make it on here-LOL!):

Still here...

Hi everyone,
First off, I wanted to touch base with you all and let you know that I had my last appointment this week with my delivering OB (I have one more appt. with another OB next week before delivery) and I was almost certain that she was going to keep me in the hospital or put me on strict bedrest. Even after a week of being on medication to stop my contractions--they keep coming, although in all fairness, not as frequent or as hard as they were BEFORE the medicine. Even so, with my risk of a uterine rupture, it was all I could do to run around (ironic, eh?) the day of my appointment and make sure I had everything I would need IF I had to go into the hospital early. When the doctor saw me, she just recommended that I increase the frequency of when I take the medication and continue to "take it easy". That's when I let out a sigh of relief, because even with less than 2 weeks left before I deliver, there is still PLENTY to do! It seems that the more I organize and clean, the more clutter there is and the more cleaning there is to do. So, I'm home again, and really trying to take it easy as the doctor mentioned that the baby is on the big side and I'm still worried about a rupture...

Taking it easy for me means staying home most of the time. It doesn't mean napping, laying in bed or staying still for very long. Although I'm making the effort to lay down throughout the day (or at least SIT down), it's very hard to take it easy when there is a lot to get done, AND you have 2 very active kids coming home from school each afternoon ready for action. Thankfully, they understand that I need to rest, so they've been ok about watching TV, doing homework and pretty much keeping to themselves this week. Of course, that cooperation starts after they run into the house demanding snacks and causing a ruckus! Starting tomorrow they'll have 1/2 days for the next 4 school days, and then they are off for Thanksgiving. Let's see how long they'll attempt to cooperate with Mommy...

So, just a quick update on what's going on here...I'll be sure to keep you posted with the latest breaking news as time allows. Wish us luck that we get to our scheduled delivery date without further complications and are able to finally bring home our baby boy, Adam!

Hugs to all,
Janet

Update on contractions...

Well, after seeing the OB last week, she had me take an NST and it turns out that I am contracting here and there...it seems worse when I stand up, but they can't monitor for contractions standing, so only a few "true" contractions showed up. I was asked to "be a princess" for the next couple of weeks and rest 2 hours for each hour of activity I have. She also prescribed medication for me to take to stop the contractions...

It'll be a week tomorrow that I've been on the meds and I'm taking it easier than prior weeks, but the contractions keep coming. I'll see her again tomorrow and am hoping I don't go on full bedrest after her evaluation, although as of last week, she just wanted me to make it to Thanksgiving at least...and that is next week. I would really prefer to wait until December 3rd (37w1d) as planned, but Adam seems to want out...and of course, with my history, I'm worried about a uterine rupture. So I guess I need to the prayers to start pouring in for us that he comes at the right time and is healthy. So many worries...

On a more optimistic note, the crib is up, the blinds are up, even some of the decorations are up in the nursery. The room is coming together, and all we need is the mattress that will be arriving in NJ along with my in-laws soon enough. Now if I can just get it together enough to pack my bag and figure something out for Adam to come home in...

Well, that's it for now...just wanted to check in with you all in case I'm out of comission for the next week or two before Adam is due. Of course, if I make it back from my appointment with any news, good or otherwise, I'll try to update as I can.

Hugs to all,
Janet

Just 3 weeks to go!!

As I sit here writing this, it boggles my mind that as of this Wednesday, we have just 3 weeks until delivery day (God willing)! This past month has definitely been harder on me than the rest of the pregnancy put together, but I am cherishing every minute since this will be my last one. We are all anxiously awaiting the (safe) arrival of Adam, and Mohammed even picked up the nursery furniture late last week. I'd post a picture, but it's still a mess in there...gotta find some energy to get things organized once the crib is put together. I'll give you a hint, though. It's black, and as scary as that sounds to some of you, it's pretty darn nice, if I say so myself! Many thanks go out to Gido and Shoo-Shoo for getting us this furniture--it's really beautiful.

As for other news...the girls just wrapped up a long weekend due to the NJ Teacher's Convention being held and all the schools being closed this past Thursday and Friday. They had several playdates and Yasmeen even attended a Volleyball clinic in a nearby town. Leena will be going on her 1st grade field trip this Wednesday to a local farm, and although I was asked to chaperone (and wanted to go), I've been prohibited by my OB's office due to the onset of recent (and rather frequent) bouts of contractions.

Well, we survived our 1st Halloween at the new house. It was actually pretty fun, with tons of kids roaming the neighborhood (unlike at our last residence). We went through almost 3 large bags of candy, but received just as much in return. I accompanied the girls and Mohammed (along with our neighbors) on their walk to trick-or-treat, but had to back out early due to sheer exhaustion. Just the night before we attended the annual firehouse pumpkin carving event with the Yankos and I guess all the activity just caught up to me...

The day after Halloween, Mom and Dad came over early to take me and the girls out to breakfast. Mom mentioned that she wanted to spend some time with me before the baby came, and we had also planned on getting a cake for Aileen's upcoming birthday. Little did I know what awaited for me when I came home and walked through the door!!! Aileen and Mohammed threw me a surprise Baby Shower on November 1st. I was totally shocked and quite touched at all the people that were present. Even Yasmeen knew about it, and somehow managed to keep it a secret from me! There were so many people from all facets of my life there. There was family, lifelong friends, scrapping buddies, MOMS Club pals, and even a few of our new neighbors! We are fortunate enough to have many wonderful people in our life, and received so many great things. Now I just need to get everything set up and we are ready to go!

Wish us luck as we venture into the next phase of our lives with the pending arrival of our newest family member. I'll be sure to keep you posted of the progress as time allows :-)

Until next time,

Janet

First Fall illness...mine, not the girls'

Well, it's taken me a while to get you guys updated on what's been going on here lately, but I've bought myself a few days of R&R compliments of a nasty bug I've caught which quickly progressed into an asthma exaccerbation. So, here I am at home on a ton of meds (Sorry, Adam) and trying to get back on my feet.

The last few weeks have been a frenzy of activity here, between service people coming over for repairs and inspectors checking out the work done in the nursery, to keeping up with the girls' daily activities (and my TWO Girl Scout troops!). We've also had a few days off of school due to several Jewish holidays, and we took full advantage by visiting Johnston Park (which we haven't done since the girls were a LOT younger). We've also made our last trip of the season to Sesame Place for their Halloween Spooktacular (along with our neighbors) and that was a lot of fun. And of course, October means that both Leena and I celebrated another birthday. I am...hmmmm...let me see, officially in my late 30's (ok, NOT 39, but close enough), and Leena turned 7! We celebrated my birthday at the Rainforest Cafe again this year (can you tell that the girls love that place???) and then my sister cut a cake and make a fabulous dinner the next day at her place. Leena lucked out with both a family dinner at a fun restaurant called Gabriel's Fountain as well as a friend party at a local bookstore themed after her newest idol--Hanna Montana! Needless to say, I've been a little run down and very exhausted with all the activity, so I guess I can officially say that it looks like this 3rd trimester is kicking my butt!

I am officially 31w3d today (check out my latest update picture at just about 30 weeks) and excited that we have made it this far without much trouble. That's not to say I haven't been driving Mohammed and my OB crazy with my irrational fears, but physically, it's been smooth sailing...well, until a couple of days ago and my current illness, that is...but thankfully, Adam seems to be taking it like a champ. Although I think the steroids I was given yesterday knocked him down a little, he's back to his jumpy and kicky ways today. And people...WE HAVE A DATE! My OB finally scheduled my "elective" C/S for December 3rd, at 6pm--yup, that's PM, as in evening. Barring any delays, looks like we'll get to meet Adam that night...even if I'll have to starve the entire day to get there-LOL!

The girls are doing well in school. I love how well bribery...uh, I mean, motivation works for Yasmeen. Mohammed promised her a Nintendo DS at the end of the school year if she could maintain straight A's (and maybe the leeway of one B) and she's stepped up to the challenge. That doens't mean she's SELF motivated, just yet, but with a little push from us, and some daily guidance, she's been aceing the 3rd grade so far. On the flip side, Leena doens't need much motivation from us at all--that girl LOVES schoolwork!

So right now, Mohammed is over at the school in Leena's class taking my place at her "Fall Fest" event in class. Due to this nasty bug, Mohammed kindly offered to sub for me and run the door hanger activity for the class. I was bummed I couldn't go, but right now, my health has to come first. Leena was graciously understanding this morning when I mentioned the possibility that I might have to miss it. Thanks, Mohammed, for stepping up for me, as always. You are one GREAT daddy (and hubby)!!!

Ok, well I guess I'm off rest a while before the girls get home. I'll be sure to update this blog soon as we get closer to the big day...until later,

Janet

Let Autumn Begin...

Amazing how quickly the weather changes once school is in session. We have been having highs in just the 70s, with lows dipping into the mid 50s. Thank goodness, though...because lately, I'm becoming pretty intolerant of heat. I don't even use a blanket at night, while Mohammed snuggles in a thick hoodie (with the hood on!) and a comforter. I guess I owe my temperature regulation to hormones these days. Speaking of which, the pregnancy is progressing well. We had our follow up ultrasound at 24 weeks and Adam is looking perfect. He's growing and weighs almost 2 pounds already. I still can't believe that in just about 3 short months, he will make his appearance (God willing of course). He's also finally making himself known to me (and to everyone on the outside world that lays a hand on my tummy)on a daily basis with kicks and jabs that are actually making my tummy move! It's really odd, I've gotta say, but so reassuring that things are coming along as they are meant to be. On a related note, fatigue is finally setting in again. Seems with the start of school, I've been running around a lot more and find that my eyes are literally closing if I sit still for more than a few minutes. It doesn't help that when I CAN finally go to bed, I'm totally wired. I guess it's just nature's way of training you for the sleepless nights ahead (although I don't think that's very fair!!!).

Earlier this month, Mohammed and I celebrated our TENTH anniversary. Hard to believe we've been married that long and together even longer than that. We spent the day with our girls (it was the day before school started) and talked about our plans for the future and the many upcoming changes that are in store this year. I joked that maybe for our 15th we could finally take that Mediterranean cruise we've been wanting to go on...but for now, we've got a great family, a new house, and a new baby on the way to celebrate...and there is nothing better than that!

The girls are officially in the throes of elementary school. Yasmeen loves her teacher and thinks that 3rd grade is the most fun ever (even if we still have to struggle to get her to do her homework!), and Leena is adjusting beautiful to full days at school. It helps that she has 2 of her friends from the neighborhood in her class. Having them gone all day is actually not as productive for me as I thought. Seems like the hours fly by between errands and preparations for upcoming events--including BOTH Girl Scout troop meetings. This week alone I've had 1 GS parent meeting, 1 stamping class, and 1 Stampin' Up open house in my home within the span of 4 days. Next week is just as busy, and that doesn't even take into account trying to get preparations for the baby's room in order. Oh, and let's not forget that the girls have also both started dance classes again. Ah, the life of a "stay at home" mom!

Well, I guess that pretty much sums up all of the activity here since the month began. Hope the start to your Autumn is a good one!

Can't believe August is almost over...

Well, it's been a whirlwhind summer and I can't believe that in just 2 and a half short weeks the girls will be going back to school! We've been busy, but thankfully, not unbearably so. The girls and I just returned from several days of visiting our friends at their camper in Pennsylvania and we had a great time. We've also attended a local baseball game through Mohammed's job, and even got to see some cool fireworks after the game. Soon, though, we'll have to buckle down and get serious about bedtimes and back to school shopping! They've enjoyed the "freedom" of going to bed close to midnight many nights (and Mohammed and I have enjoyed having them get up waaaay past 9am each morning). We've also finally gotten them the Wii game console and they've been keeping busy playing Hannah Montana (Leena is a HM game whiz-she's finished the game twice already).

Well, we've also gotten some exciting news this month. We had our 20 week ultrasound and found out that we are having a BOY! Oh boy...we're having a boy!! I think Mohammed and I were in a little bit of shock for the 1st few days after knowing, but the girls are very excited and we are finally getting used to the idea that Mohammed won't be the only guy in the house in a few months! I also started to feel the baby move around in there and that's pretty amazing! Right now, it's just my little secret, since as hard as I've tried, Mohammed and the girls have yet to feel his acrobatics.

In light of the upcoming changes in our family, I've finally started tackling some of those older pictures I had hoped to scrapbook someday. I found a really cute one of Leena at just a year old and went all out with an ultra girly page for her before I start scrapbooking the pictures of our baby boy. I also found 2 pictures of our family when it was just Mohammed and I with Yasmeen and then another with the three of us plus Leena. So cool to compare...I just love this layout. I ran out of room on the front to tell the story behind the pictures, but I've attached it on the backside. Basically, it tells the story of the outfit that both girls are wearing in the pictures (the cute, green one)--a gift from my sister. Funny thing, too...aside from my usual pregnancy cravings of beef, I've started craving foods from my childhood. A sweet friend of mine was able to make me a batch of this Spanish pastry I'd been dying for, and then I had to have a certain roll from a certain bakery in Brooklyn, along with my childhood favorite onion rings in a bag. Go figure!!! I must be nostalgic or something...

Mohammed has also had some things going on in the firehouse. The company hosted a wetdown in honor of a new truck they purchased and we were all able to attend. The girls had a blast getting on the new truck for a quick look around and also especiallly loved getting soaked by the hose on one of the other trucks. More recently, Mohammed took a call for a structure fire in town where he served as pump operator for the 1st time--pretty cool if you ask me! I still can't believe he's been with the company for almost 4 years now.

Well, looks like that's all for now...keep posted once the girls are back in school! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

So Much News...

Well, it's mid July already and so much has been happening since my last post. The biggest news? Well, we are expecting once again and so far (at 17 weeks of this writing) things are going well. The baby looks good and although we've yet to find out the sex (believe me, we are hoping to know soon enough), all is going as it should and we are so, so grateful. My official due date is 12/21 of this year, but with my history, the OB is not taking any chances and delivering me early--about a month early to be exact! Here is a picture of our little one at just 11 weeks:


The school year ended well. Leena is on her way to 1st grade and Yasmeen will be entering 3rd grade in the Fall. Summer is now in full swing and the girls are doing great. We've gone to Sesame Place several times and have had numerous playdates and sprinkler socials. They are currently taking a week of Summer Enrichment run by our local schools and they are loving it! We've even gone to our old pool with our friends from The Glen and I've got to say, they are like fish in water.

Earlier this month, we hosted our first big shindig here at the new house. Well, heck, the first event for us EVER anywhere for that matter. We had our families and friends over for a BBQ and it was great fun. Now I've been bitten by the hosting bug and I want to do it again soon. Definitely before this baby comes! We've also enjoyed the local town fireworks for the 4th and even taken a trip to a farm with Aileen and her longtime friend, Gladys. It's been busy, but fun. Thank goodness the morning sickness is gone for now and I'm feeling somewhat energetic :-) Here are some more pictures to enjoy until the next post.

Hugs to all...

Spring is here...

Yes, we're finally getting into some warmer weather and I just love it! Seeing all the beautiful flowers and trees start to bloom in the new house is really breathtaking. We've got this gorgeous tree out front and we haven't yet decided if it's a dogwood or a cherry (can anyone clue us in?). Either way, it's a fantastic view and the girls have gotten into the spirit by having their first run in the sprinkler this month. Well, it's actually a lawn sprinkler, but, hey, it works! They've also hosted many hot tub playdates (waaayyyy more than Mom and Dad have been able too), learned to ride a 2-wheeler, and Leena even lost her first TOP tooth--gotta love that smile! Many changes this month, and many more to come, God Willing. Enjoy the gorgeous weather and let's hope that we don't get a Spring blizzard anytime soon...