So, I thought it was only appropriate that my 34 week belly shot be as realistic as possible. No I haven't worn make up this week or done my hair, and yes, most days I never made it out of my pajamas. And yes, most days my kids either stayed in their pj's as well, or got to dress themselves. ;) See Kate's stylish composition below:
Kate wearing Grandma's apron (backwards) and her favorite rain boots. Somebody must have said the forbidden words--"outside, bye bye, leaving . . ." Any of these words send the kids dashing for their shoes and coats. I guess we need to get out more. ;) oh--fountain of hair on top of her head is because I tried to do her hair in a pig tail, and she just wasn't having it. She pulled it out as fast as she could. Clara, on the other hand, sits and preens in the mirror checking herself out from side to side when I do her hair. I guess we know who's the tom boy and who's the princess. And just so I can say I warned you--when it comes time to pick soccer teams--you want Kate on your kid's side. And if they're not, you might tell them not to get in her way--she doesn't go around, she goes over. Fast. ;)I didn't get a picture of Clara this day, but the outfit she picked out for the day was her brother's pajama top and a diaper, one sock, one shoe (not on the same foot). And I was just fine with it, because let's face it--at this point ANYTHING my kids can do for themselves without my involvement it a step in the right direction.
Baby #4 is growing and getting strong. I had a mild week as far as contractions and pregnancy stuff goes, but little boy Jochim seems to be trying to make up for all that quiet time by doing jumping jacks on my bladder. Since I was 29 weeks, I've had 2 trips to the hospital for preterm labor, and 2 more close calls at home (large doses of meds stopped the contractions after about 4 hours) and now I'm 35 weeks tomorrow and officially off bed rest! I'm only dilated to about a 1, but that's ok now, since the doctors wouldn't stop labor anymore. Which means, I get to ignore the 10 contractions I have every time I stand up! Yippee for me! ;P For those of you who haven't had babies--flex every muscle in your arm and then try to write your name. That's me walking around like a penguin all day trying to walk through the contractions--not a very graceful sight. ***
Babies born past this date do just fine and if he was born in another week or so, he might even come home from the hospital with us--a thought I haven't quite come to grips with after preparing myself for a preemie baby who would spend a few weeks in the NICU before we brought our bundle of joy home. All my kids have worn preemie diapers and clothing, and now I have to entertain the thought that we might just START with newborn diapers & clothing! Gasp.
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I have to thank the battalion of friends and family that have come to my rescue and watched my kids so I could rest these past 6 weeks since I first started preterm labor signs. As many of the sisters in my ward can now attest--it is impossible to watch all 3 of my kids and get any sort of rest. I couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you again!
