Monday, June 14, 2010

Summer is finally here, we think. It has rained more than the sun has been shining but the kids have been out of school for two weeks. All this wet weather has caused some serious damage in the areas around us but fortunately we are on high ground. Tad loves his new job and is enjoying working from home. It's a little strange having him around as much as he is but I can't complain -- he missed so much with the long hours he had to put in when the older girls were little. Chloe knows him in a way differently than the first three or four girls ever did when they were her age and this newest one, well, we will just have to see.

According to due dates I only have 22 weeks left and Tad and I joke about a "birth plan." Don't you think at my age (yes I had another birthday yesterday and I am now almost into my mid-40s) I should be able to have a plan? I still think delivering by C-section (too old to push after doing it 6 times), and then while I am already open just take everything non-essential out and give me a little tummy tuck as a baby gift would be great. Then I could just sit back and enjoy the baby and the holidays together. I know it sounds a little flippant but this kid has really knocked me down. People who begin their families at my age are CRAZY! I would much rather have them all bundled together and be running around barefoot and pregnant like I did with the first four and still have energy at the end of the day than feeling a need, no I believe it has almost become mandatory, to take a daily nap that lasts for no less than 45 minutes. I feel very lazy and unproductive when I do this but I am trying to listen to my body and if the baby says nap then I nap. We believe all is well although this little one doesn't like to be heard (I have had to have an ultrasound at each appt. just to make sure that everything is going okay as the doctor cannot detect a heartbeat with the handheld Doppler). I don't like the challenges this one gives us but at least I get a sneak peek with each visit. I have two more weeks until my next appointment and then I will go to Salt Lake for my official mid-pregnancy ultrasound. The doctor is being on the cautious side and wants me to see a specialist for some genetic counseling and more a less reassurance of all we have going on (older in pregnancy and history of spina bifida). I am excited for the appointment as I have asked my mom to come with us to the appointment. This will be grandbaby #26 if I haven't missed anyone and I think it is time she gets an opportunity to experience something like this, and fortunately she has agreed. Maybe this one has been so difficult because we might get a boy? If not, remember the movie 7 Brides for 7 Brothers? I may have the brides, now all I need to do is find the brothers!