Ultrasound

So we had Danica's ultrasound done yesterday morning. I must say that the staff and Children's Hospital is pretty darn good. We got in early and Emily was kept busy with all the toys that they had there. The doctor and ultrasound technician were also really good - fast and explained everything to us.

Danica's hips seem to be fine with one small exception - one side has a hip joint that is slightly too shallow. I'm not sure what we will have to do to correct it (if anything) but hopefully we will find out more at her first doctor's appointment on Tuesday afternoon.

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for her hips to be okay.

6 Days Old

6 days have passed and already I am seeing changes in my little girl - I am always amazed at how quickly they change in the early stages. I'm trying to enjoy each minute but two kids is so much busier than one that it is much harder to do than it was the first time around. We have been extremely fortunate to have a lot of help from our parents - Emily has spent special time with both sets of grandparents (including a sleepover at her Grandma and Grandpa van Leeuwen's) and my mom and dad have been helping during the day (my mom is off for the next two weeks to help with everything while I recover). I'm still adjusting to having Danica at home - I'm such a routine oriented person that her lack of a schedule throws me for a bit of a loop. I'm sure that the coming weeks will see that change a bit and I will be able to have a bit more of a routine established.

Here are some more pictures:

Coming home from the hospital.

Hanging out with Daddy.
Our little "Buddha".

And Three Become Four

On Tuesday morning at 1:36 am our family expanded - Danica Julie van Leeuwen arrived safely after what was a very short labour for me. I had some mild labour pains that had been going on all day but were nothing significant. Around 9 on Monday night, the pains became a bit more intense and by 11:30 we decided to head to the hospital. When we got there, I was already 7 almost 8 cm dilated. We arrived at the hospital just before midnight and Danica was born at 1:36 in the morning. The doctor was in an emergency c-section so there was no epidural this time around for me either.

Danica weighed in at 9 pounds, 10 ounces and 19 and 1/2 inches. She was an ounce heavier than Emily but two inches shorter - she looks like a little sumo wrestler! She's doing well and is healthy. She does have to go for an ultrasound next week to have her hips checked out - there is some clicking going on and the pediatrician wants to make sure there is no joint issues there. If there is, then she will have to wear a brace for anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months so please pray that that is not the case.

We arrived home yesterday around lunchtime and have spent the past day trying to get used to a new member of the family being at home. I'm doing well, sore of course, but happy to be at home now with everyone.

Here's a few pictures and I will post more once I have a chance to download them off of the camera.

A very proud big sister.

Not even a day old yet.

39 Weeks

I saw the doctor again this morning. She did an exam and not much is happening. The head is still down but there is no indication of labour starting anytime soon. I'm still a week away from my due date so there is hope that I will be on time but she said that most likely, I will be seeing her in her office next week for my regularly scheduled appointment.

She did promise me that I would have a baby by Thanksgiving though so worst case scenario is being pregnant for another 16 or 17 days. I can handle that (I think...).

One of Those Days...

Ever have one of those days when you're at the end of your pregnancy - uncomfortable, tired and just generally ticked off at the world? I'm having one of those today...

38 Weeks

I went to the doctor yesterday morning (yet again). Dr. Taylor and I wind up not even talking about the baby anymore because I see her so often. We discuss people that we know in common, the weather, our vacation plans, baby names - you name it, we've discussed it. Yesterday I found out that one of the retired partner's at work here sails with her husband.

Anywho, baby is doing fine. Heartbeat was at 150 and he/she started kicking when Dr. Taylor went to check his/her position. I gained a pound so that's 26 pounds gained in total. Still less than the 31 that I gained with Emily though so I'm happy about that! The baby pool at work has begun and people have started making guesses about gender, weight, date of birth and length. We'll see who wins this time around.

That's all the news that we have for now. Its a waiting game to see when this one decides to make an appearance. I still think that it will be pretty close to my due date or a bit later but you just never know - the bags are packed for the hospital already (just in case).

End of Summer Fun

I can't even believe that summer is almost over - the kids are back in school, vacations are over and my due date is drawing nearer. Emily has been in her new room and big girl bed for a few weeks now and she is doing fantastic! She hasn't gotten out of bed once and just goes to sleep when we put her down for her nap and at bedtime. Our home renovations are coming to a close as well for the year. A few more finishing touches are needed but for the most part, they are all done and I must say that Greg did a fantastic job. I'm very proud of the work that he does on our home.

Dale, Bennett, Janelle, Emily and Greg at the zoo.

Emily and Bennett at Tinkertown.

Greg, Emily, Grandpa Jake and Bennett at Tinkertown.Emily's room - before...

Emily's room - after...