31 week update!

We are really 31 weeks! Yesterday- i went in for my 31 week check up! The first thing my sweet doctor said when she walked in the doors, "yeah, Shelli- you're still pregnant!" With my track record so far- pregnancy has been a thing I'd had to learn to give everything god, and keep nothing! I have no control- except trying to limit my physical activity around here! As thankful as we all are that i am still pregnant- things are getting much for uncomfortable and if you are around me 2 minutes you will think I've run a 5k or something- I am so out of breath always! This pregnancy has been a humbling experience as I have learned how stubborn I really am, and how much I have learned how to rely on others! I love having our home as a place for others to come and feel welcomed, cozy, entertained, and loved. The last 8 weeks, those qualities have been given to me- it's been flipped! To my mom and mike's mom- thank you for keeping me off my feet, loving and caring for my precious energized 19 month old, and encouraging me through the journey of already taking a role preparing for motherhood with Ellie! I've had my ups and downs, thank you for riding the ride with me! When our heaven sent child gets here- you can look at her and know- you helps her grow stronger, stay warm in my womb longer, and developed as long as god keeps her in me. Thank you- truly!

So- back to my doc appt! As of yesterday- I am 40 % effaced, and 1/2 cm dilated! I kinda didn't know what to do when i heard this b/c never did any of this with graham. I just went to the doc and had a c-section with him! With that being said- my doctor ordered an ultra sound to check her weight and make sure she wasn't in distress in anyway- since i have been contracting for so long. As we got to take a little glimpse at our little girl- getting us even more excited to meet her- she is now weighing 4 lbs, 5 oz at 31 weeks! Ellie is measuring a week ahead, so we'll see when she really comes. Our prayer at this point is that she will be healthy and her lungs will be completely developed and hopefully we'll get to bypass the nicu this go round.

As we all go through harder times in life, I am amazed at those that have given so much. My freezer is packed with meals for two weeks now! Even though the emotions of being in my third trimester are starting show, I couldn't help but stand looking at my freezer the other night and have tears of thanksgiving as I saw all the meals packed tightly ready to eat! This might even be a greater blessing for mike than me! haha! Not to mention there are peppermint ice cream sandwiches made with love by Sarah- there is nothing like these homemade little delights! Even in the midst of having twins, traveling 10 hrs from Orlando, nursing- Sarah still took the time to serve me, love me, and even plan a mini- baby GIRL brunch with some friends here in b-ham while she was here over thanksgiving Thanksgiving! Yes, she always knows how to make anyone feel her love! Sarah- thank you, thank you, thank you!

I had to put this picture up of Grahambo b/c it just makes me laugh and is graham right now to a t!!!!!!!!!!!! He loves anything to do with cell-phones, hats, remote controls, i am amazed at how they know if the gadget really works or has batteries....crazy!

This morning- I cried a bucket of tears as I sent graham to atl for 3 days to stay with grandparents. He couldn't be in better hands but after praying with mike yesterday and being in labor and delivery until 10 pm last night. We knew i need as much rest in the next few weeks as possible to keep Ellie in me. this was my first time to let graham go being away from me more than 24 hrs! I know it's the right thing to do and i know he'll have a blast with his Nana and pappy- his sweetness right now is priceless- as i was saying goodbye with my alligator tears- he was telling me "ho ho ho"- what Santa says! It's amazing how he can always make me laugh in the most needed times! So, yes i am resting resting resting for 3 days and focusing on keeping our little girl within as long as we can! That's it for now!