41 Weeks: Induction Day!

The end is FINALLY here! Though, if we were delivering in Philly, I'd be waiting at least a few more days to another week because they don't induce until closer to 42 weeks! I'll be heading over shortly to have one last NST done and my OB has also requested that they do an u/s weight estimation. I have always thought those to be pretty inaccurate but it will be fun to compare the two and see just how close the u/s came.

Then tonight around 6:30 we will head over to L&D to start the induction process. We were supposed to go in last night but they are completely booked solid until TUESDAY! Thankfully my OB made them squeeze me in for tonight. This induction is going to be much different than my last two. At Penn they had us come in the morning and start right off with the pitocin. At BMC we go in the night before because they begin the process with cervidil. Then in the morning they will start the pitocin.

So that is where the story ends for now. The next post will be Evan's birth story and pictures! Hopefully sooner rather than later!

AI: Shania Twain

This week was music from the songbook of Shania Twain. I have always been a big fan of hers. She is one of my favorite artists to sing along to in the shower! I thought everyone did a really solid job and especially did well with song choices.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - It Only Hearts When I'm Breathing
Nice vocal, that isn't the issue I have with him. For me, I am just not sure I would ever stop and listen to him on the radio. He's too Michael Bolton for my taste.

2. Casey James: song - Don't!
What a nice change! So glad he got away from the electric guitar and just sang a song. This is the first time I actually really enjoyed him and his performance. His best ever and he gets BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT, though I am still not quite ready to jump on the Casey bandwagon.

3. Sibohan Magnus: song - Any Man of Mine
I thought the arrangement was too slow. Her voice is amazing but it was hard for me to get past how slow she sang it. The end was great though!

4. Lee DeWyze: song - Your Still The One
I love this guys voice! He's an amazing singer and I loved this performance and arrangement. He's for sure my favorite contestant. The Doc told me that he could sing "My Ding-a-Ling" and I would love it...and yes, I admit, that is probably true!

5. Aaron Kelly: song - You've Got a Way
I'm sorry, I cannot get past his facial expressions. He's by far the weakest link left in this competition, if you ask me. I am pretty sure there is nothing he could do at this point to get me to like him. Oh and I couldn't disagree with the judges more...but I'll chalk that up to my bias.

6. Crystal Bowersox: song - No One Needs to Know
I liked her vocal, especially when she hit those high notes. It wasn't my favorite of hers but I enjoyed the little band up there and it was solid.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Siobhan
3. Big Mike

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
It HAS to be Aaron. I know the judges fell over themselves to compliment him this week but his last three weeks were train wrecks and even though the same can be said for Siobhan, she's a much better performer than Aaron is.

40 Weeks and the BIG Tease:

Today is due date day and we are still in limbo. My chance to have an "on-time" baby (for once) is slowing coming to an end and it is looking more and more like another scheduled induction. If he's not here by my appointment next Thursday afternoon we'll be heading to the hospital that evening to start the process. It's pretty much what I had thought all along (as you can see from my baby pool guess).

There is, of course, still a chance he could come on his own terms and he's already shown us that maybe he could do just that. Labor started on Sunday afternoon only to stall out after being sent home early Monday morning. Below is the story of Evan's big tease:

Sunday April 18, 2010:
Sunday morning began with a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes and bacon at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants. About 10:30 I got a call from my friend asking if we wanted to join them at the movies to see "How to Train Your Dragon". Since it was cold and rainy it seemed like the perfect thing to do to get out of the house for a bit. After we settled on the show I started to feel what I assumed to be Braxton Hicks contractions. I blew it off until they continued. They started to fall into some type of rhythm that we contemplated cancelling our plans to go to the movies.

We decided to go anyway since we had already told David and he was really excited to be going to the movies again. Besides, nothing about these contractions told me I should be really worried. I did continue to time them while at the movies and found that they were coming (on average) every 15 to 20 minutes. It wasn't until 5:30pm that they started to feel different and become closer together. The Doc and I continued to track and time each one and found that it was becoming more consistent and slightly stronger at every 10 minutes. This continued for the next hour and we decided it would be best to have MIL come down and spend the night, you know, just in case!

MIL got here about 8:30 and I decided I should finish packing all the things I would want to bring with me in case we ended up going into the hospital. I also took a nice long hot shower which was really nice. As they kept going, I was trying really hard not to get my hopes up. It was challenging though, since David and Shaun were both scheduled inductions, and this was the first time I had every experienced anything like this.

At 10:30 I thought it would be a good idea to try and go to lay down, but who was I kidding? I couldn't really sleep, so I continued to time the contractions and realized they were starting to feel slightly more uncomfortable and they were getting closer together at about every 6 minutes. This continued for the next hour while the Doc and I went back and forth on deciding whether we should go into the hospital. Since this is baby number 3, I was advised by the NP that I should probably go in once they were like 5 to 8 minutes apart. So around midnight we decided that we would go.

Monday April 19, 2010 (Midnightish):
We pack up the car and head over to L&D and get checked in. We were set up in a triage room where I was hooked up to the monitors. The nurse told me she was seeing contractions every 4 minutes! I was pretty excited to hear that. It wasn't much long after she said that that the intensity of those contractions picked up significantly. They were intense enough that I needed to focus and breath through them. The resident came in to do an exam and found that I was only a centimeter dilated. I was a little disappointed and was hoping for better news. She told us she would re-examine me in a couple hours and said that I was free to walk around. So we did. The Doc had some emails to send for work to get coverage for his shift in the morning.

When we returned we waited for the resident to come back to recheck me and unfortunately nothing changed much. With that in mind and the fact that even though I was having strong contractions (just not strong enough or long enough) her recommendation was for us to go home. I was crushed. I really didn't want to go home. She left to talk with the Attending but ultimately they asked us to leave. The concern was that since things were moving slowly that it would be very easy for the morning team to push some pitocin, which they didn't want to have happen.

I was so upset because, in my opinion, my contractions were pretty intense and I was confused by how much more intense they would have to be before I was to return. I was advised to take a hot shower and get some rest. So a little after 4am Monday morning we packed up all our stuff and headed back home. Needless to say I was devastated. Here I was thinking this is it and I, of course, got my hopes up that this was the real deal. My contractions continued with the same intensity but I noticed them getting farther apart. I took that hot shower, mostly because I was wired and needed to clear my head. After the shower I decided to lay down. Apparently I was much more tired than I thought and ended up falling asleep and that was pretty much the end of my labor. When I woke up the contractions were back to what I was feeling earlier in the day Sunday and eventually they stalled out.

And that brings us to Friday April 23, 2010, due date day. We are still hoping that he will be joining us really soon (like tomorrow would be nice!!) but at least we know for sure he'll be here by the end of next week!

AI: Songs of Insperation

This week is Idol Gives Back so the theme was songs of inspiration. I think at this point it's very obvious who the standouts are.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Hero by Seal
I enjoyed this, like I said I like seeing him with the guitar. Didn't really stand out and it certainly wasn't one of my favorites but I thought it was solid.

2. Casey James: song - Don't Stop by Fleetwood Mac
This performance was reminiscent of when he sang Hewey Lewis. He's a good musician but his performances still fall flat. It's like the same thing week to week. I agree with the judges, that he's not standing out.

3. Tim Urban: song - Better Days by Goo Goo Dolls
I actually disagree the judges a little, I thought that was pretty darn good, and his best in my opinion. I was impressed for the first time.

4. Sibohan Magnus: song - When You Believe by Mariah Carey
Very nice vocal I mean there is no question that she can sing, but I am still missing the old Sibohan, the one who sang Paint it Black.

5. Lee DeWyze: song - The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel
It's no secret he is my favorite contestant this year but that was just amazing! He's so awesome! I would stop if I heard that on the radio. Every week he just keeps getting better.

6. Aaron Kelly: song - I Believe I Can Fly by R. Kelly
I think Alicia Keys called it when she said if he wasn't careful it could be overkill, because that was overkill. Not a fan at all, never have been, so I know my bias comes through but really that was not good.

7. Crystal Bowersox: song - People Get Ready by The Impressions
Nice touch with the a capella start. Amazing performance, but did she have to cry at the last note?! I know I'll be alone on this but that kinda turned me off a little. I understand that it was inspiration night but...

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Tim
3. Siobhan (though I would rather see Casey here)

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
I think Aaron finally needs to go but this could also finally be Tim's week.

39 Weeks: Insert Jeopardy Theme Music Here

One week, 7 days, 168 hours, 10080 minutes (you get the picture) until Evan's official due date, and here we are, still waiting. I don't know why I thought this would go down any differently, but for some reason I was feeling really good about the chances of an early arrival. I suppose if he decides to grace us with his presence in the next 168 hours, he'd still be early but I won't be holding my breath!

Having never gone into labor on my own (the last two times I was induced), I still don't know what to expect when, and if, labor begins. I have been trying not to get my hopes up every time I feel something going on, but it's hard! From what I have heard and read, I'll know when it's the real thing so until then we wait. If Evan decides to be late to his own party, we'll be scheduling the induction for around 41 weeks.

I had my weekly NST on Wednesday and everything was perfect as it has been the previous two tests. He's very responsive and all fluid levels are in check. After the test I headed over to have one last ultrasound, and while I enjoy the ultrasounds, I am ready to see him in person! The ultrasound tech has estimated his weight at 8lbs 5oz. When I asked her how accurate the estimates are, she said very! Oy vey!! I am hoping she is wrong because he he waits another two weeks I very well may be correct in my "pushing out a toddler" statement in my last post.

Thanks to modern technology (my android smart phone and the hospital wi-fi) I will be able to keep everyone updated on the status of Evans arrival. You will all be the first to know!

Here is our last 3D shot of Evan, he was playing peek-a-boo and covering his face:

AI: Elvis (Top 9 Again)

So the judges used the "save" last week on Big Mike. I have to say that I personally would have liked to have seen Didi saved the week before, but oh well. So we have 9 contestants again singing from the songbook of Elvis Presley. Overall it wasn't a bad night but I thought last weeks show as better.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - In the Ghetto
Vocally I thought it was good, he definitely has a nice voice but but I have to say it was a little boring. He's one of those contestants that I could take or leave. I don't think he'll leave tonight as I am sure people were shocked he almost left last week.

2. Casey James: song - Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Another one I could take or leave. He's pretty consistent week to week, I'll give him that, but I am still not on the Casey Bandwagon and at this point, don't think I'll ever be. I agreed with Simon that it feel a little flat.

3. Andrew Garcia: song - Hound Dog
I really think the judges have it out for him, it's like they want to hate his performances. While it certainly wasn't his best, I enjoyed the arrangement and I love the tone of his voice and how he phrases the lyrics. But I am smart enough to realize that I am alone and wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see him singing the swan song this week.

4. Katie Stevens: song - Baby, What You Want Me To Do
She can sing, no question, but her song choices leave her looking and sounding very old fashioned. She also needs to work on her stage presence. Someone should nicely tell her that her finger snap and foot stomp at the end note is uber lame.

5. Tim Urban: song - Can’t Help Falling In Love
Vocally it was good, probably one of his better vocals, but he's still very weak. Having said that this is probably the first week that I feel like he deserves to stay. But if we are basing this on overall performances, his time is up.

6. Sibohan Magnus: song - Suspicious Minds
She has some mad vocals, but I hated the song choice. It wasn't until the end that I really got pumped about the song. I think she could be in trouble. She really needs to go back to the first week when she sang Paint it Black.

7. Lee DeWyze: song - A Little Less Conversation
Another winner from Lee and in my opinion again the BEST OF THE NIGHT! He is just awesome and continues to get better each week. He is no question my favorite to win, but he'll have a tough go at it against Crystal.

8. Aaron Kelly: song - Blue Suede Shoes
Really?! Are you kidding me with these song choice. Are you kidding me with the dance moves?! You do realize that you're NOT Elvis, right?! GAH! This was BY FAR the WORST performance of the night. I seriously will throw something at my TV (well my computer, when I read about it, since I don't actually watch the results show) if this kid isn't one of the ones to go home tonight. And that is all I have to say about that.

9. Crystal Bowersox: song - Saved
What else is there to say about her, she is great. It was another solid performance from Crystal.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Katie
3. Andrew (though it pains me to write that)

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
I would like to see the young'ins Aaron and Katie go, but I will most likely be one of the young'ins (hopefully Aaron) and Andrew.

38 Weeks: Nesting?!

So here I am at 38 weeks with the BIGGEST belly ever. It's seriously impressive. I would love to have this baby right now. I fear that if I go too much longer I'll be pushing out a TODDLER!

I have started to think about all the things that should get done before Evan's debut. Like having a clean and organized house for once. This what is referred to in the pregnancy world as "nesting". So on Wednesday my Mom came down to watch the boys while I went to my weekly NST. While I was gone she swept my floors, did all the dishes, cleaned the counter tops and the stove and had the boys pick up their toys. The place looked so nice when I got back!

On Friday, MIL came down to organize and fold all of the laundry I washed, because while I have no issues with the washing and drying part, I HATE to fold and put away. She also cleaned up the boys room and washed out the sink and took the trash down to the garage. It was so nice to have everything neat and organized after she left!

Today's to-do list was to clean out the van, wash and clean all car seat covers, move David's car seat to the back row and set up the infant carrier. Charlie spent a good hour and half outside this afternoon taking care of that entire list. My van looks awesome and it's ready to go for whenever Evan decides to join us!

So here is the million dollar question; Can I still call it nesting if I wasn't the one who did any of the work?

Really Shaun?!

This kid is a piece of work! Here is Shaun at Splat after painting his star. Not only did he make a HUGE mess all over himself but then he took the paint brush and stuck it in his mouth!

It's the reason I hadn't let him paint before but he wanted to sit with his friend Alexis and so against my better judgement I let him. I thought for sure he wouldn't try to eat it this time because he had his binky! As you can see, not so much.

AI: Lennon/McCartney

Last night was songs from the Lennon/McCartney songbook. It was yet another solid night from the Idol contestants...though it probably helps that I love all the songs they were able to choose from! I am still getting over my shock of Didi leaving last week and tried really hard not to take it out on the contestants I thought should have gone in her place.

Below is my review in no particular order:

1. Michael Lynche: song - Eleanor Rigby
Another solid performance. It was a good vocal but I am not sure how I felt about the arrangement. It was (as Randy would say) a little weird for me. I like him better with a guitar because he doesn't distract me with his ridiculous hand gestures! David Cook's version two season ago was WAY better!

2. Casey James: song - Jealous Guy
I liked that he changed things up a bit by choosing this song. It was a very good vocal I like the original version of the song better but this was by far his best performance. I don't think it was the best of the night, but that has more to do with my bias than anything else.

3. Andrew Garcia: song - Can't Buy Me Love
I really love the tone in his voice and it makes me happy that he's been given the chance to stay and prove why he belongs here. There was definitely the cheese factor with his song selection, but it was still fun and I absolutely love the tone of his voice and the way he ends his phrases. I do however, agree with Simon, that it would have been better without the band in the background.

4. Katie Stevens: song - Let it Be
Vocally this was her best performance. I don't think I loved it as much as the judges did but it was solid. I still think she has a lot of room to grow.

5. Tim Urban: song - All My Lovin'
OK well to be fair, anything was going to be better than Queen and Sweet Love. He's so nice and sweet but I am starting to feel a little bad for him since it's obvious to even him, that he's the weakest link. I do give the him credit, like Simon said, he's taking it all in stride and just doing his thing. It was a nice version of the original song but nothing to write home about.

6. Sibohan Magnus: song - Across the Universe
After last weeks disaster I thought it was great to see her come out and just sing. While the song is one of my least favorite songs in the songbook, it was sung beautifully and in tune and you could really get the sense that she believed what she was singing. I do agree it was a little sleepy and I laughed when the Doc said it would be the perfect song to play for the boys to get them to fall asleep at night!

7. Lee DeWyze: song - Treat Her Like A Lady
I realize my bias is coming through but this was, in my opinion, the BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT! I even dug the bagpipes! It was weird and I am still not sure what he was thinking but hey, it was interesting! I think it was the best because he's the one contestant who has gotten better, and better each week. This week we saw more smiles, more confidence and he even got the audience involved. It thought it was awesome!

8. Aaron Kelly: song - The Long and Winding Road
UGH! This was the worst performance of the night. It was boring and slow and he continues to do the same thing every week and it was nice to finally have the judges say so. I really want this kid voted off, if you couldn't tell!

9. Crystal Bowersox: song - Midnight Train to Georgia
Another solid performance from Crystal. She is definitely a front runner. It was a great arrangement and a great vocal.

My predictions for tonights bottom three:
1. Aaron
2. Katie
3. Tim

Contestant most likely to sing their Swan Song and be sent packing:
Aaron...even though it should be Tim based on previous weeks, he's got his VFTW fans and Aaron is just so boring.

Easter 2010

We hope that everyone had a great Easter and that the Bunny was good to you. This year the Doc had to take call over the weekend so he sadly missed all our festivities, but we made the best of it and had a great weekend. First on Saturday we had our big annual Easter Party at the Rec center. The Easter Bunny made an appearance which David loved and Shaun, not so much!

David smiling nice for the camera!


Shaun playing


Shaun saying "cheese" for the camera!


David with the Easter Bunny (Shaun wouldn't eve go near him...oh well!)


That night after we colored eggs. Shaun was old enough to participate this year and had a blast dropping eggs into the colored water.







Sunday the boys were up bright and early and found the goodies that the Easter Bunny had left them. We didn't have a lot of time because we needed to head out to NH so that we could have an Egg Hunt at Omi's house before heading over to church.

The Goodies!


Finding eggs at Omi's house!




Outside after Easter Service at the Atkinson Congregational Church


After church we then headed over to Grammy's & Papa's for a ham dinner and another Egg Hunt with all the cousins! It was such a beautiful day and the kids had a lot of fun playing outside!

Our attempt at getting all the kids to sit still for a picture!


Getting ready for the egg hunt!


On your mark, get set...GO!






It was my last trip to NH until after Evan's arrival so it was great to be able to spend it with all the family!

37 Weeks: Ready When You Are Evan!

We are officially in the home stretch! Today I am 37 weeks and 1 day along in what has felt like an eternity of a pregnancy. At this point Evan is officially considered full term and so we are ready whenever he is!

On Wednesday I had a routine NST that goes along with all the ultrasounds I have been having every six weeks. This hospitals policy is to err on the side of caution when your as old and BIG as I am! Evan passed with flying colors. His heartrate was perfect, my fluid levels were in check and I was told I even had a few contractions, which was nothing to write home about since I didn't even notice them!

I have been told by random people that my belly has dropped, though I haven't noticed. I have also been told by random people (ahem...the Doc) that I look REALLY pregnant! Could it be because I AM really pregnant!?! He is lucky that I have a really good sense of humor!

Now it is hurry up and wait for Evan to decide when he's ready to join us all on the outside. I hope he's less stubborn than his brothers because I am SO ready to have this baby! Don't forget to place your bets in the baby pool before the game is locked! You wouldn't want to miss out on a chance for a shiny nickle and bragging rights!