'You haven't had the baby yet?'

'You haven't had the baby yet?'...is a very common statement/question I've been getting a lot the last few days.  Lol

Who would have ever guessed that I would still be pregnant after being 2cms dialated as of last Monday and 4cms last Thursday. It was almost inevitable that I was having the baby last week right?  Not!

Today at the park with Nya and chatting with another mommy there, one of the fathers of the children I daycared road his bike up to me; 'Devin!!!! I thought you would have had your baby by now?!' he said puzzled; 'You, me, my husband and everyone else!!' I said with a laugh.

While many are scratching their heads in disbelief as to how I could still possibly be pregnant, what many don't know and some don't understand is, this is what I prayed for. This is a petition I cried out before the Lord when I was given the June 28th due date. I wanted Sweet Pea to come AFTER her sisters birthday.

As much as I myself am quite shocked that I haven't gone into labour as of yet (only because of the contractions and dilation I had last week) it doesn't surprise me for a second that Sweet Pea is still comfy cozy inside.

I have to admit though, with all the texts and calls I've been getting from family and friends, I couldn't help but start to feel a little concerned Saturday night when I hadn't gone into labour.

Yes, I am very aware of how common it is to go over on a due date, but I just never expected in a million years that it would happen to me. I think because Nya came at 2.5weeks early, I just assumed I was an early deliverer.

I began to research how long someone can be 4cms before labour as I started to think maybe something could be wrong. If all the Drs said I was hours away from labour since last Monday, shouldn't I be a little concerned?!

I started questioning Sweet Pea's lack of movement, how I hadn't had any major contractions for a few days, etc.

I was relieved to read that woman can dialate and be up to 4cms dialated weeks before going into labour.  Fewfh! But then a wave of 'oh no!! Could I be like this for another week and then have to be induced!'. Lol Gosh, there's no winning! Lol

Sweet Pea has since become more active the last few days; especially in the evenings once Dennard gets home. Honestly, its like she hears her daddy's voice and gets excited :) She's just been reassuring me that she's getting more cramped in there and that I can't expect her to be as active as she usually is.

It's funny, it was in my time of worry where I really felt the peace of God come upon me and whisper 'Isn't this what you wanted? Isn't this what you asked for!'. You're right Lord! I did request this and I shouldn't be shocked that you are honoring my prayer.

Now when someone says 'You're still pregnant!??!' I smile and respond 'Yes I am!!!! She's holding out to July for me' :)

I really only have two concerns about being over on my due date:

1. Birth weight.  The longer a baby 'cooks' the bigger they get! I am nervous about having an 8lbs+ baby!! Lol I keep telling myself that my original due date of July 6th is accurate and that Sweet Pea will be a nice, petite size when she is born. Lol

2. Not having time for an epidural. Yes! This is a concern of mine, and my husband's believe it or not. Being 4cm dialated already and knowing my fate will most likely be a rush to the hospital when labour hits, I pray there is time for an epidural!!! I want that bad boy the second I step foot into the hospital. Lol Hook me up doctor!!!! Lol
My husband even said last night that he hopes I get it too as he doesn't want to see me go through pain. I don't have a high pain threshold, so I'm concerned about what may lay ahead.  Lol

I see my OB tomorrow at 1:20pm. They will be very surprised to see me I'm sure. Ha ha

I will be able to ask all my questions and concerns tomorrow and see how far I've come in dilation. Hopefully we can plan an inducement date if I don't happen to go into labour naturally this week.

The only benefit to the idea of being induced is knowing that I have a higher chance in getting my epidural.

In any case, it's 2am and I'm not surprisingly still awake. Lol I've come to dread bed time knowing the battle of sleep I face each night. I can't sleep at night yet I'm beyond exhausted during the day. Smh. Lol

I'm going to sign off for the night and TRY to get some sleep.

Here's to a good report at the Drs tomorrow :)

We Did It!!!! We made it to 40 Weeks!!!!!!!!! :)

Glory Glory! What a momentous day! Our little girl turned 3 and Sweet Pea reached 40 weeks.

For all of you who doubted Sweet Pea and I in making it this far and through Nya's birthday....nah nah nah nah nah nah!!!! Loool

I got so many texts today from friends and family congratulating me on making it this far. Even into the evening I was getting texts asking 'are you still pregnant?'. Lol

I knew in my heart God would honour my prayers in making it past Nya's birthday and into my 40th week. Never doubt the power of prayer!!!! I am SO grateful!!

Today was a fantastic day! My best friend and her family surprised me at church today and her husband preached for us. What a treat!!!

Dennard has had me on bed rest the last two days trying to keep Sweet Pea in as long as possible to see past Sunday. He asked that I come to church this AM only to play for worship and then head back home to lay back down. I couldn't very well get all dressed up, go to church, play and go back home right after; that just wouldn't feel right. I wanted to hear his sermon, visit with my church family, etc.

Because I was feeling so great this morning, he was ok with the idea of me staying the whole service :)

My friend and her husband were suppose to be back up for us at church in case Sweet Pea happened to come today, so I didn't expect to see them this morning seeing that Sweet Pea didn't come.

When my husband called me on my way to church and told me they were still going to come, I was so excited to see them :) Nya was just as thrilled as she got to celebrate her birthday with her close friends in Sunday school today; they couldn't have come on a better day!!!

After AM service we took Nya out to East Side Mario's for her birthday. I FINALLY got my appetite back after a week of force feeding, and ate like a queen today! Lol I made up for lost time!!! Lol

After lunch, between services, the three of us crawled into bed and snuggled until we had to head back out to PM service. It was a sweet time together and even sweeter when Dennard said we could all drive to church together tonight :) It's the small things like this that are easily taken for granted when pioneering a church.

Every Sunday we take two seperate cars in order to pick people up for church.

Boy how I miss our car rides together. It will probably be a long time before we get to do it again.

On our way home from evening service I started to get major cramping. It was like my body was finally saying 'we made it past Sunday and Nya's birthday, now it's time to get things in gear to have this baby'. Lol

It blows my mind and many others as well, how I could be 4cms on Thursday and STILL be pregnant come Sunday!!! I had Drs telling me all last week that I was 'hours away' from labour.

I can't equate it to anything more than God's abounding grace and favor in our lives to take a prayer as simple as mine and honour it for us.

It's now 11:35pm; Nya's in bed, a load of laundry is on, my floors swept, and I'm showered and relaxing for the night. I feel fantastic still; aside from some sharp head jabs to my lower region. Lol

Dennard and I were dying with laughter today because he was adamant I was having the baby last week. He told all his coworkers and boss that last week was probably 'the week'. He had been telling them that since my hosptial visit on Monday.

He said he's almost embarrassed to go into work tomorrow as he worked it up to such a big deal last week that he probably wouldn't see them for a while with the baby coming. Lol
Now tomorrow he's got to go back into work and face everyone knowing that the baby still hasn't come. Ha ha ha

My next OB appt is Tuesday. Again I have a strong feeling I will make it to that appointment. If anything,  I can see myself going into labour on either Canada Day or July 2nd. That's just my assumption.

With all the 'it's almost time!!!!' scares to family and friends last week, I think I'm just going to keep my mouth shut this week until we are actually on route to the hospital in labour. Lol

I think I've put people through enough anticipation thinking that it was anytime last week; I don't want the same thing to happen this week. Lol

So, my plan is to try and keep Sweet Pea in until Wednesday. Once Wednesday hits, if there is no Sweet Pea by then, Dennard and I plan to do a lot of walking!! Ha ha

Symptoms this past week/weekend:

- MAJOR heart burn. Mostly at night. I've been digesting Tums like candy

- I just can't sleep! I don't know if it's because I've been in bed for two days or rest or what, but the last several days I just haven't been tired at bedtime to sleep. I lay there tossing and turning for hours before actually falling asleep. Not fun :/

- Major lack of appetite since Mondays food poisoning. Thank goodness for my Similac Mom drinks. My thoughtful mom dropped off two cases for me this past week so I wouldn't run low.

The Pampered Life- for a night! lol

Well, today went off without a hitch :)

No contractions, no cramping and no signs of labour.

I spent most of today laying down and sitting. I'm not taking any chances in bringing this labour on any earlier than its progressing on its own.

I tried to make the day fun and exciting for Nya, doing things that required little to no movement on my part; filling her pool with water and watching her swim, having a water gun fight from my patio chair, painting together, colouring and doing puzzles on the floor.

Fortunately, two very sweet neighborhood girls came to the park behind my home this evening just as Nya was starting to get a little board of being home all day. She couldn't get to the park fast enough to play with her little friends. I was able to bring my patio chair out and remain seated as I watched her run around and have fun. I brought out her chalk, bubble blower, etc. She was in her element.

It brought me much delight to see her having fun when I couldn't be 'all that fun' for her.

After dinner it was like my husband got an epiphany of the weekend and what could possibly transpire. What triggered it, I have no idea to be honest!!! Lol

Sitting in the living room chatting about the day, Dennard all of a sudden popped off the couch, insisted I lay down,  ran upstairs and grabbed my pillows from the bed to support my back, grabbed my cell phone charger and even offered to get Nya ready and put her to bed for me.

I was left lying there in shock!! Lol 'Where in the world did that whirlwind of pampering come from?' I thought.

'Is there anything I can do? Anything you need?' he asked.

A little concerned as to why the special treatment all of a sudden, I hesitantly and shockingly replied 'no, but thank you!?'. Looool

'I am going to do everything in my power to make sure that this baby stays in past Sunday!!! I don't want you doing a thing. I don't even want you to stress about anything that could cause her to come sooner than later' he said.

Ahhhhhh, so that's the reasoning behind the spontaneous pampering!! I get it now!! Lol It's because Sunday is fast approaching. Smh
Lol

In any case,  I'm not complaining. I'm going to lay back and enjoy every little second of this while I can because it will be over before I know it and this pampering will all be nothing but a vague, distant memory! Ha ha ha ha ha

Still Pregnant!!!! lol

Woo hoo!!! I'm still pregnant :)

Sweet Pea is definitley one patient little girl; that or she's trying to hold out to Sunday to overshadow her older sister. Ha ha ha

Since Monday I've been told I was 'hours away' from having the baby; it's not Friday and we are still holding our own :) Goes to show you, you can't always rely on what Drs tell you.

My poor hubby is starting to stress now about Sunday. Of all the days for her to come, Sunday would be the worst because of church. We have all the equipment and everything in our car, so if I go on Sunday, even though he will have a back up preacher, they will need all our equipment :/

Another major downfall to not having our own building yet :( Just added stress.

Please pray for us in that Sweet Pea comes Monday or later.

A special breakfast with my big girl this AM :)

My 39 Week OB Appt- I'm now 4cms!!!!!!!! :D

Today I had my 39 week OB appointment. I'm now 39 weeks, 5 days pregnant :) Everyday still pregnant is an accomplishment for me and Little Sweets; my little trooper. Lol

I'm not ready to say goodbye to pregancny just yet; I'm holding on for dear life and cherishing every day I have being pregnant.

I have absolutely loved being pregnant! No complaints here!

My mom came with Nya and myself to our appointment today. When we got there, the waiting room was surprisingly empty. There was however a long line up of ladies waiting to check in.

Fortunately, the line moved quickly and we were signed in and seen within 10 mins.

Dr Leone was on staff today. Very nice, female doctor. Everything looked good with my measurements and blood pressure; however, I have lost 1lbs since last week. I think it's due to the food poisoning and all the throwing up I did :/

In any case,  I told her about my hosptial visit Monday, my 2cm dilation and mucus plug. She said 'ok, let see what you're at now!'.

Once my mom and Nya left the room she checked me and said 'Yup! She is very very low!! I can see tell your water hasn't broken yet as I can still feel the water membrane. Your now 4cms dialated.'.

Wow, 4cm dialated; not bad I thought. I figured that that was slow progression from monday; only two more centimeters in 3 days. I honestly thought that that was a sign I might be able to hold out to July after all :)

That was until she said 'For your body to get from 2cms to 4cms this quickly without being in labour is remarkable.  You're already half way there and your not even in labour. I would say that once labour hits, she is going to be coming very fast! My guess is, it's only a matter of hours for you now. We wont be seeing you for your next appt next week'.

I was so proud of myself and my body.  I really feel my body was made to have children. Lol

To not have to labour hours and hours to get to where I am right now is really exciting! Hopefully it will be a quick labour and delivery. But not TOO quick where I can't get an epidural! Lol That's my only fear.

Long story short, I called Dennard and work and let him know. He was really excited and said 'tonight's the night!  I just know it!!'. Lol

My family and dear friends have all cast their votes in thinking it will happen tonight as well.

I personally don't think so. We've had people and Drs telling us that we are 'hours away' since Monday. Lol

Tonight Dennard and I had plans to go on a dinner date after he finished work. Because I'm not in labour and still feel fantastic, we kept our plans. Something I was really happy about as we were suppose to go on our date Monday; before the whole hosptial visit and contraction scare.

My dad came at 5pm to watch Nya for us and off we went. We were like a courting couple all over again; giggling and laughing in the car, taking picutres, etc. It was really sweet.

Still not feeling well since Monday and only really stomaching the idea of spinach and artichoke dip, we decided on East Side Mario ' s for dinner.

It was a lovely night just the two of us; phones off and attention only on each other :)

We headed home rather early from our date as my back was really really hurting me. I couldn't sit in a booth any longer.

The whole ride home my sweet husband uncomfortably had his arm and fist pushed into my lower back as he drove to try and help with the discomfort. The sacrifices you make for your loved one. He he

Once Nya goes down to bed, we planned to spend some more one on one time together :) This could very well be our last night for a while we can do this; or maybe not, depending on when Sweet Pea decides to come.

At least we can say we had one final, enchanted night, just the two of us before the baby came.

How I've been feeling this week:

- Off and on back and hip pain (nothing like the back labour on Monday though; that was brutal!!!!!!)

- I'm not a person who sweats; never has been, but recently I've been waking in the night soaked in sweat. We have the A/C on and a fan blowing directly on me, yet I'm sweating!?!? Go figure!  The other night I was so wet from sweat I had to strip my nightie off and sleep in the 'au natural'..lol

- I have absolutely no desire to eat; none!!!!!!! Ever since Sunday, I have been having to really force myself to eat. I need to pick up more of my Similac Mom drinks to keep my vitamin levels up as I haven't been getting very much this week.

- I've been sleeping like a DREAM this week!! It's been amazing!!!! Some nights I don't even wake to use the ladies room. When I wake in the AM I finally feel refreshed for a change. Lol

- The swelling in my fingers and hands have gone down now. I can happily wear my wedding bands again :) Personally, it bothered me walking around pregnant without my wedding bands on. So happy to be able to wear them again.

- The first thing my husband has been saying to me every morning this week when I wake up has been 'how are you feeling??'. Lol Each morning my answer,  by the grace of God has been 'great!!'.
I seem to get all the aches and pains and contractions along with scares at night. Maybe my gut is still right; I'll be heading to the hosptial in the PM when D-day hits.

- My skin has been glowing. Yes, believe it or not, glowing!!! Lol At the end of my pregnancy I finally have the 'pregnancy glow'. Lol Sure beats the pregnancy ache I had with Nya or the rash I've been battling on and off this pregnancy. Lol
I think the golden tan I have now has helped to enhance this 'glow' a little more.

- I've been trying to get as much wear as possible out of all my cute maternity clothes this week. I know that soon enough I won't be wearing them anymore :( When we went to the hospital on Monday a nurse walked past us and said to me 'You look so cute!!!'. A nurse at my OB appt a few weeks back mentioned how cute she thought my maternity style was.
I've tried to keep things light and comfortable to wear, yet trendy, feminine and classy at the same time. Sometimes the key to a great outfit is the accessories. Bold, chunky necklaces paired with simple earrings, or ornate earrings that are bold in either colour, size or style.
I have to say a special shout out to Kadine who always seems to have the most gorgeous accessories!!! I lust after some of your pieces sometimes!! Lol

- I can't seem to get enough water. I drink through my water carrier in no time!! I now have to carry my water carrier and an extra bottle with me where ever I go just to get enough water

- Been experiancing major heart burn throughout the day; thank goodness for Tums!

A Special Note:
Thank you so much to family and friends who have been calling and messaging me all week to see how Sweet Pea and I have been making out; some of you three to four times a day. Your calls and messages mean the world to me :) It's such a precious gift to have people like you in my life. I love you all so much!! Xo

OB Appointment at 39 Weeks

 My Handsome Husband and I on our Date Night 

I

Still Hanging In :D

Today I am 39 weeks, 4 days pregnant!!!

I am SO proud to have come this far!

Sweet Pea is still hanging in there believe it or not :) A part of me feels like my princess knows how much i'd like her to be born in July (at least then I can say my two girls were born in June and July! Lol) and is doing everything she can to fight against nature and stay in until then.

With all these symptoms and signs, it's actually shocking she's still hanging in tight.

I'm actually really enjoying the anticipation and excitement everyday brings now of 'is this my last lunch pregnant' 'is this my last night pregnant' 'is this my last trip to the park pregnant'....etc.

This AM I lost more of my mucus plug. Just another reality of how close we are getting to meet our little one. The cramping had subsided last night and I was feeling excellent this AM.

Not wanting to go or be very far from home this close to labour, I asked Nya what park she wanted to spend the day at and picnic at with me today. We are so fortunate to live in an area surrounded by gorgeous parks and forestry.

She anxiously said 'The water park!!!'.
Well, then the water park it is, I said :)

As we ate our breakfast I packed our picnic  lunch. We were going to head to Chingcousy Park for the day; a fantastic rubber park with a splash pad attached and petting zoo a few feet away. The same place we 'chased Canadian geese' a few months back. Ha ha ha ha ha

In any case, feeling great and packing our lunches, I recieved a call from one of the mom's I use to daycare for. We run into each other all the time now and our girls spend many an afternoon playing together like old times :)

She wanted to see how I was feeling today and what our plans were. When I told her the details, she asked if she and her daughter could come along with us. She was even sweet enough to offer to drive Nya and I in fear I might go into labour at the park.  Ha ha

I kindly let her know I'd be ok and that we'd meet them both there.

Long story short, we met at Chingcousy Park for 11:30am. By the time Nya and I pulled up, I started feeling a little nauseous.

Unloading our few things from the car and walking to the park, I started to feel even worse. I was feeling pressure down below and my tummy was a little topsy turby.

Not wanting to dissapoint my big girl, I just pushed through it and walked VERY slowly to the park to meet my friend. 'I just need to make it to a bench and I'll be ok!' I said to myself.

We reached the park and I found a seat on the side of the park where I could watch Nya play; my friend met us there shortly after and the afternoon began.

Sitting in the hot sun, trying to soak up as many rays as possible (I've been getting so golden brown this summer from all the park trips with Nya :D ) I started to feel a bit more queasy and nauseous.

My sweet friend was kind enough to leave me in the shade to cool off and hopefully feel better as she took our two girls around the park and push Nya in the swing. She was such a blessing to me today. I didn't want to rain on Nya's parade with how I was feeling, so she graciously took my spot and made sure Nya was having the best of fun with her daughter when I couldn't.

After some time at the park, we headed home around 1pm for a quick lunch and a nap. Naptime is something I take part in every afternoon with Nya now to try and get as much rest as possible for D-day.

When we got home, my chest was tingling like crazy and almost doubled in size!!! I was like 'Woah....where did these girls just come from!!!'. Lol They were very tingly at the park, but I didn't realize they had grown in size :O  lol

Nya and I ended up having a fantastic sleep this afternoon; 2.5hours to be exact.

Right now we are both up, awaiting daddy to come home from work and preparinf dinner for tonight; steak, ribs, spaghetti squash, corn on the cob and diced tomatoes. My appetite is back a little right now, so I want to take advantage of this high and eat well.

The last three days I haven't been feeling all that well to eat; my appetite hasn't recovered since Sunday PM.

I can't help but ask myself again 'could this be my last dinner pregnant??!!'. Lol

These types of questions will be on going I think until Sweet Pea finally decides to come. Lol

Here is Sweet Pea and I watching big sister Nya at the park today :)

So long mucus plug!!!

Tonight we had dinner at my dads with my sisters and their kids in celebration of this past Father's Day weekend.

Upon getting home and getting Nya ready for bed I felt a little 'wet'. I checked and low and behold, I had lost my mucus plug!!!!!!

I immeidalty used the ladies room and noticed more of the plug again.

I went online researching everything I could find on mucus plugs. Lol Not something you look up everyday, that's for sure! Lol

Articles I read said that once a plug has been discharged, labour can begin within hours to weeks depending on how far along in the pregnancy a woman is.

I messaged my sisters and they both told me that within hours of loosing their mucus plug, they went into labour. Jenn said that within 12 hours she was holding her eldest Ava.

Since loosing my plug around 9pm, I have since been feeling cramping and pressure on and off since. I had one very strong contraction at around 11pm that had me immobile from pain.

Seeing that this could very well be the night, Im going to prepare as if it is. Im going to take my clean-freak self, lol , do some dishes, laundry and clean up before bed.

I want to make sure that if tonight is the night, every thing is clean, in order and where it should be. Lol

Who really wants to come home from the hospital with a new baby and dishes and laundry to do; NOT ME! Lol No thanks.

The car is already loaded with our hosptial bags and Sweet Pea's car seat. I am forever showering and preparing for the race to the hosptial when that time comes. Lol I'll be showering before bed again tonight just in case we have to leave in the middle of the night or early AM to the hosptial.

I better jet off as I have a lot to do! My husband is urging me to get to bed now, but I'm not resting until I get a few things done around here.

The laundry can probably wait until tomorrow; if I make it that long. We'll see.

So, stayyyy tuned :D

Sweet Pea is getting ready to meet the world very soon. I honestly can't believe it!!!!!

Sweet Pea and I sitting by the pool at my dads tonight watching Nya swim with her cousins :)
Could this be my last bump picture?! Gosh, time will soon tell won't it :)

Drum roll please......And the update is.......

I'm still pregnant, sweet pea is still comfortably resting inside, we are still at home (never had to make another trip back to the hosptial) and my contractions have died down to one every hour or two now!!! Lol

You all thought I was going to say I had the baby didn't you! Ha ha :)

After showering, shaving and painting my nails last night, lol, I went to bed around 11pm a little uneasy as to what the night was going to hold. Would I be awaken in an hour with a need to rush to the hospital or would I make it through the night?

I was fast asleep until the huge storm that it. We has torrential rains, thunder, hail....you name it.  It was actually really really bad!!

Once it died down, I was back to sleep.

I think I woke up maybe a total of 4 times the whole night. Twice to use the ladies room and twice because of contractions.

I woke up this AM feeling fantastic and refreshed!!!!

I think my family and I were right when we said that yesterday's contraction and labour scare was a result to the violent vomiting and diarrhea from food poisoning. It must have sent Sweet Pea into a frenzy thinking it was her time to come when it wasn't.

Sunday night when I was first starting to get the cramping and pains, Sweet Pea was VERY active and upset. When I mentioned this to Dr Korby she said 'Yup, she would definitley be affected by it all. Babies are very resilient, but she wouldn't have been happy'.

My poor baby was probably like 'what in the world is happening in here?!?'. Lol

I've got my appetite back this AM; praise the Lord :)
I'm actually starving this AM from only having a bowl of soup and an apple all day yesterday.

So my dear readers, Miss Sweet Pea is stilling hanging in :D

I may still make it to July after all!!!!!!! Here's hoping :) he he

Lordy Lordy, I am Almost 40!!! (weeks) he he

I am 39 weeks, 1 day today. I made it through the weekend; but not without a hiccup or two.

I have spent the last 12 hours in bed with a horrible bout of food poisoning believe it or not.

Sunday between services we decided to have some people over to fellowship and use up the remaining sausages and hamburgers from Nya's party the day prior.

Around 8:30pm last night after evening service I started feeling really strange. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I was getting really strange pains between my breast bone (which is where my stomach currently is with the baby taking up so much space)

The pains then became couple with tightening of my abdomen and nauseousness.

By the time I reached home I was so much worse. I couldn't get off the couch to get Nya ready for bed; Dennard had to get her ready and tuck her in for me when he got home.

Come 1am I was brutally sick. I was literally up the entire night sick.

Nya came into my room at 7am once she woke up to see why I wasn't up yet. I couldn't even lift my head off my pillow. She crawled into bed with me while Dennard got ready for work.

He wanted to stay home with me, but said that with the upcoming arrival of our Sweet Pea, he couldn't take any time off right now.

I decided to put a show on for Nya on my phone and close my eyes for a little bit. That 'little bit' turned into 2hours. I woke up and Nya was quietly still laying beside me watching her Sid the Science kid shows.

I am so grateful for such a good girl who will let me rest and sleep without any interruptions or complaints.

I didn't feel any better after my sleep, so I called my dad to see if he could drop off some ginger ale and take Nya for a few hours. She hadn't had breakfast yet and I was in no state to be more than a few feet from the washroom.

My good ol' dad came to the rescue again. He had a business meeting lined up for today, but without hesitation cancelled it so he could watch Nya for me.

After about two hours my older sister called me and said that she read online that food poisoning could be very detramental to the baby.

Upon hearing that, I called the labour and delivery unit at Credit Valley who urged me to come in.

I called Dennard right away and he said he'd be home by 1pm to take me.

On the way there I started getting contractions. They became more and more intense too.

Good thing I was on my way to the hosptial!!

Walking up to the hosptial doors, hand in hand with my sweetheart, I began to cry. A wave of emotion flooded me. 'Am I ready for this? Could today be the day? I never got to say a proper good bye to Nya! I was hoping to hold out to July!!! I thought I'd go into labour in the night, not the day!'. Lol

I had a few bouts of tears as we walked the halls go the L&D unit; my husband encouraging me the whole way.

By the time we got there, the labour and delivery unit was debating whether or not to take me or send me to ER. Mumbling amongst themselves I heard 'do you think it's labour or just the flu?'...'we don't have a lot of beds here avaliable, maybe she should go to ER'.

Standing there in disbelief as to what I was hearing I thought to myself 'you better take me!!! I've been violently ill for over 12 hours now, probably very dehydrated, my baby has been very quiet all AM and now I'm contracting!!!'.

No sooner did these thoughts run through my mind did they welcome me into a room. Fewfh!!!

I undressed and slipped on the hosptial smock and was immediately strapped up to the baby monitor.

I could hear the wonderful 'wosh wosh' of our Sweet Pea's heartbeat and watched the contraction sheet as it printed; lots of high peeks showing contractions every 8 mins.

Dr Korby came in shortly and checked to see if I was dialating. Yup, 2cms to be exact! She said the lining of my cervix was still pretty thick and that the baby seemed to be doing great. She said the baby was fine and that the symptoms of  vomiting and diarrhea were either a result of something I ate or my body's hormones in shock preparing for delivery.

After a long wait, they finally discharged me and told me to come back if my contractors were 3min apart. The nurse looked at me and said 'I have a feeling you'll be back tonight or tomorrow AM'. With that my husband let out a cheer and I let out a grunt of 'are you serious?!?!'. Lol

My husband wants her to come now so he can still preach on Sunday; go figure! Lol

I want to hold out past Sunday so I can have her in July.

Well, with no word of a lie, pulling out of the hosptial parking lot I started getting contractions every 3 mins apart!!! This was on going the whole way home.

We called my dad and let him now that it was best he keep Nya for the night since we would probably have to go back to the hosptial again soon at that rate.

Nya was very upset that she hadn't been with me all day and was crying in the background asking for me. He put her on the phone and she was begging me to come get her. She was tired and wanted mommy.

Holding back tears I tried to tell her that her sister would be coming soon and that she would soon get to meet her.

That didn't go over well. Lol All she wanted was me.

Not wanting my last time with her being one of sadness and tears, Dennard and I decided to stop by my dad's, bring her McDonalds, cheer her up and for me to do her hair.

After a few hours there, still counting every contraction (which was now ranging from 3 mins to 12 mins apart) I was able to get Nya ready for bed, pray for her and lay with her for a bit.

She asked me several times if she could come to the hosptial with us. I just told her that the hosptial was full sick people and we didn't want her getting sick. 'Ohhhh!' she said. 'They might cough on me!'. With a laugh I responded 'yes, that is true!'. Lol

What melted my heart the most was laying in the bed, face to face and her saying 'thanks for doing my hair mommy. It looks really pretty. I will look pretty when I meet my sister. I'll show her my hair and she'll like it'. Lol

So sweet!!

With a kiss and a hug, I said goodnight and headed downstairs to meet Dennard at the door.

She cried for me as we left, but at least I got to snuggle with her and pray for her before we went home.

It's now 10pm, I've showered and so has Dennard. He wants to take me back to the hosptial now,.but I want to wait for my contractions to get a little closer.

I really don't want to go all the way back there to only be sent back home.

I'd rather rest here and try and get some sleep if possible. I need as much strength as I can get to push this little one out.

I've been up since 1am, so I am beyond exhausted.

So, we'll see what the next few hours holds. We could very well be making our way back to the hosptial soon and welcoming our precious baby girl!!! Xoxo

This is all very exciting yet VERY surreal!!! It doesn't feel like it's really real for some reason. It kind of feels like a dream?!

Waiting to be seen by Dr Korby. Yes, I have sparkly earrings on..lol. A women should always look her best; or at least try too. Lol With no makeup on, I had to wear the earrings for some class. Loooool

Symptoms right now:

- Major MAJOR back labour!!! Pain and discomfort like I've never felt before!!!!
- still can't eat; still feel nauseous.  Been able to only eat a bowl of soup and an apple all day
- bad charly horses in both of my calves
- the pain in my back is so intense my hips, legs and knees are really hurting

One major milestone down; one more to go :)

I actually did it!! I made it to and through Nya's 3rd birthday party today!!

I had prayed to make it past today, and God granted, I did :)

If you were to have asked me a few months ago if I'd still be pregnant at Nya's 3rd birthday, I would have nervously replied 'ummm...I hope so!'. Lol

My heart so desperately wanted to make it through to her party, but there was something in me that made me feel like my chances were more slim than not. I kept having this feeling that I'd have Sweet Pea the day or two before her party.

I am SO glad that was nothing more than just a feeling.

When I woke this morning I was so thrilled to still be pregnant and to be able to celebrate my big girls special 3rd birthday.

The day started off busy trying to get things in order, tidying the house, prepping the food, etc.

I had decorated earlier in the week so it wouldn't be too much or too overwelmingly on the day of. I made all of the decor a few months ago. Lol

My amazing husband took care of all the vaccuming for me and ran a few last minute errands for the party. So grateful for him as I wouldn't have been able to pull it all off by myself in time.

The party started at 1pm in which the festivities began. Nya and her cousins had a blast blowing bubbles, playing at the park behind our house, colouring with chalk and playing games before the other guests arrived.

I am so grateful to both of my parents who helped me with the party and kept reminding me to take it easy, slow down and sit down. They really helped to make today less stressful for me.

It's such a blessing to have family who really care and look out for you. They knew the amount of planning and work that went into the party and wanted to ensure I wasn't overdoing myself.

My dad, being the amazing man and father he is, even came back a few hours after the party to see if he could help me clean up. What dad does that right? Mine :D xoxo He was looking out for me and didn't want to see me left doing all the clean up myself.

I have to say, Sweet Pea was very quiet today. I don't think she wanted to take away from her big sisters day. Lol She was very mellow. I didn't have any contractions all day (until one at the end of the party) and I didn't feel any of her head butts until I sat down for the night to rest. I didn't even feel pressure or back ache, which was a miracle with all my up and down, walking, doing this and doing that.

It wasn't until the last guests left, clean up was done and I was finally able to sit down and put my feet up, did Sweet Pea start to become active.

It was like she was waiting for all the commotion to die down before she made herself known again. Lol

After putting Nya to bed, Dennard and I sat on the couch snuggling as we reflected on the day. We were both so happy Sweet Pea decided to stay tight until after Nya's birthday. One big milestone I wanted to get past!!!!

As we sat on the couch,  Sweet Pea jabbed me so hard with her foot into my left side that it startled me.  I put my hand on my stomach and poking out was her adorable little foot :) Awwww my precious Sweet Pea. How I am going to miss these jabs and kicks once she is born :(

I immediately took Dennard's hand and placed it on the spot where her foot was. A smile immediately swept across his face. He began to rub her tiny foot until she pulled it away.

'Oh my gosh! You felt that this time!!! That was her foot!!' I said. Refusing to admit what he felt, AGAIN, lol, he just smirked and said 'I don't know what your talking about?!'.

He then began to rub my tummy to see if he could find her foot again. Looool
We both laughed knowing very well what he was doing.

I am so proud of my Sweet Pea for not coming before or during Nya's party. God only knows how badly I wanted to give Nya a special party before her sister came.

Now that this big milestone is out of the way, just ONE more to go!!!! Nya's birthday on the 28th!!

For the first time, my sisters actually said to me today 'You know what Deev, I think she's going to come in July! I don't think she'll be a June baby'.

FINALLY, people are starting to agree with me on a July birthdate. Lol Everyone has said I was nuts to think I'd make it past Nya's party and now they are stating to think along the same lines as me.

Our planned month was for July, my original due date was in July and I'm believing in faith she's coming in July.

Dennard on the other hand said to me tonight 'Well, I think we'll be on pins and needles this week as I think our baby will be coming this week. I've already prepared and cleaned my desk at work in preparation for the time off'. Lol

Now truth be told, I think he cleaned his desk at work because he's anxious for some time off; not so much that he thinks she's coming this week. Lol

He has planned to take a week off with me once Sweet Pea is born and to get every Friday off early until the Fall. This will be a great blessing as I know I'll be needing the extra help and hands around the home and with Nya once the baby comes.

My mom has so graciously offered to cook us a few meals after the baby is born so I don't have to worry about dinners. This is such a big help as I know I had little to no energy or desire to cook when Nya was born.

My dad has offered to come over and take Nya out for a few hours once the baby is born so I can rest and sleep while the baby sleeps.

Who could ask for a better support team!

Right now it's 12:48am, my husband is fast asleep beside me and I'm still wide awake.

I've come to dread bedtime as I can't seem to get comfortable any more. My hips and my back ache and I am always hot and cold. My sheets are on, then off; then on again. Lol

Seeing that I have to be up for church in a few hours, I better try and get some sleep.

Here are some picutres from big sister Nya's Blue Bird of Happiness party :) Sweet Pea made it into some of the picutre with my tummy bump. He he

I was so blessed Friday.  One of the girls in my church took me out for some Frozen Yogurt to Menchies. First time I've ever been, and oh what a treat :D

Believe it or not, the frozen yogurt on the left is mine.  We laughed because she loaded hers up so much with goodies, her cup could have passed as the 'pregnant lady's'. Lol

Our Maternity Pictures Have Arrived!!!!

Super excited and just in time; our maternity pictures have come in. Woo hoo!!!!!!!

I will be uploading a post with some of these pictures within the next few days, so stay tuned!

With 167 pictures taken (believe it or not, it's true! Lol) I will select a few so my blog doesn't crash from overload. Ha ha

In the meantime, below is just a glimpse of some of the picutres taken from our photoshoot :)

I am so grateful for my sister Cheryl who took these incredible pictures for us; they turned out better than my wildest dreams.  She really captured the authenticity, love, excitement and beauty of our growing family. Because of her, we have many pictures and memories to look back and reflect on.

A special shout out to my mom as well for the picturesque backdrop for our pictures. Her backyard was gorgeous.

Getting Closer!!

I'm 38 weeks, 5 days pregnant today.  We are getting closer and closer to meeting our Sweet Pea!

I've been trying to take it easy this past week as contractions have increased. I've also been feeling some pressure 'down there' and some cramping after I use the ladies room to go pee pee. (Yes, pee pee. PEE is not the most feminine or classy of words; pee pee at least sounds a little nicer. Lol)

Last night at 10:30pm I was hungry and craving carbs; specifically bread.  We were all out and I was left snaking on fruits and nuts. My dear husband offered to go out and get me some bread; my good hubby :) Refusing to have him head out so late just for bread, we ended up negotiating on a Tim Hortons bagel. Lol He was adamant he get me bread and I was adamant he not go to the store so late just for me.

Let me say, that bagel hit just the right spot as I was able to sleep quite soundly last night after indulging. Ha ha

This morning my dad took Nya to the park for me for an hour so I could get my nails done. I didn't have time to get them done last night and tonight is church, so I wanted to go today before it was too late. By too late I mean, no time tomorrow or the weekend to get them done and I wanted to make sure they were pretty and nice for when I go into labour; whenever that time may be.

My dad laughed at me when I told him why I wanted my nails done. 'Devin, who are you trying to impress at the hospital having a baby!' he said with a chuckle. 'Me!' I replied. It's about looking good and feeling good. Plus, I still want to look pretty for my husband. :) And I have to admit, its for picture sake too. Lol

Someone once showed me a close up picutre of them holding a newborn baby and one of the first things I noticed was horribly chipped nails. Lol It screamed out from the picture. Bright blue, chipped polish!! Yikes!! Lol

The nail salon I go to is wonderful; I've been a regular there for a few years now. I hadn't been in a long time prior to being pregnant with Sweet Pea, but have made a few trips back there the last three months.

They've always treated me very well, but being pregnant, I've been treated even better! He he Pregnancy perk!  Lol

Today, with my mask in hand of course, I was happily greeted at the door by the owner. 'Oh my!! You're ready to go anytime now aren't you!' he said with a smile. I don't know if he just remembered or if it was the extremely slow wobble walk I had as I walked into the salon (I was feeling major pressure walking from my car to the salon.)

They immediately sat me in a massage chair and gave me the colour wheel of polish to choose from.

I was getting quite warm in the salon and began to fan myself; something the owner noticed and kindly tended to right away for me.   'You're hot!!' he said 'Let me turn this fan on you. My job is to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed'. What a sweet gesture :) I made sure to ask the other ladies beside me if they minded as I knew the fan would be blowing on them as well. They all kindly said 'no problem!!!'.

I picked a gorgeous, rich, deep coral for my nails and a cute little detail pattern on my big toes in white, black and silver. My technician, who also happened to be pregnant, blessed me with little diamonds as the centre of my flowers at no extra cost. I thought that was really kind.

She had complimented my diamond sandals earlier and I said 'I love bling'. She must had remembered and wanted to 'bling' out my toes as well :) he he

After picking Nya up from the park with my dad and heading back to my home, I started to get really strong cramping. My plan was to head to Bath and Body works and take advantage of their 75% off sale (oh yes!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Lol) but I didn't think it was a good idea to be on my feet and walking around feeling as I was feeling.

My dad looked at me and said 'She's coming soon!!!! Maybe for Nya's party on Saturday!!'. I quickly chirpped in 'No, no, no!!! Not before Nya's party and  not on Nya's birthday!!'. Lol

I'm adamant and sticking it out by faith that I last until after the 28th.

I'm fortunate to have one of the girls from my church coming over tomorrow (who happens to be in school for baking arts - bonus!!) to help me bake for Nya's party on Saturday. I could use the extra hands and help, and I'm not one to ever turn away fellowship :) I'm excited. She'll be a blessing as I don't want to over due it and push myself too much.

So, stay tuned. If you don't see a post from me in a few days, you can assume I've gone into labour and had the baby! Lol

In the meantime, I will be keeping up to date posts on my progress as I draw near to D-day :D

Here are my pretty D-day nails; blinged out and all :) he he

A close up of the design:

Bible time with my girls this AM :)