Update!

Okay, so, FINALLY got my post to correct itself from last week! So there's that.

Now, today was a great day at the doctor's office. I even got an ultrasound to put any fears to rest that I was having previously about the baby's movement and position. Baby is doing GREAT! I did not get an estimated size BUT. and I say BUT with a large amount of stress, he's got the HUGEST cheeks I've ever seen! Seriously, I think he's a porker! If we thought Immy was chunky..... He looks so much like her though. He has full lips and he's definitely a boy. We didn't see much hair though. So yes, things were very good today and very reassuring. I got the offer to induce next week on Tuesday or Thursday but since things look good, I'm going to try to resist. I will say those cheeks make me nervous though. And although I've been having irregular contractions, I will say, it seems like progress is being made. So, I'll keep you updated and try to post one more picture before he makes an appearance!

38 Weeks

Okay, so I really deserve a pat on the back for posting this one! I mean, no makeup and basically in my pajamas.... But here we are, regardless, because I don't have the strength to muster much else for all of you viewers. So sorry.Well, there have been moments of concern on my behalf recently, but it seems everytime I get to an appointment to voice my concerns, this little one makes me look like a fool. He's been switchin' places on me, going somewhere between transverse and oblique (I've noticed by way of strong hiccups in my ribs and whatnot) fairly frequently and with it being this late in the game, it gets me worried. Nonetheless, EVERY time I get to an appointment, the little guy is head down in the pelvis. Such a silly boy or silly momma, take your pick! At today's appointment, things were totally great. Everything is good. His heart rate was between 120-140bpm and I opted to skip the exam. For awhile the last couple of weeks I thought he might come early with various symptoms, but now, I'm feeling quite the opposite. I actually think we're gonna drag this one out. At last weeks appointment (37 weeks) I was somewhere between 1-2 cm dialated but his head was high up and not much to report, but it was accompanied by other symptoms, and that's why I thought we might get an early arrival. Now, I'm thinking we might get to the due date, or with me, after the due date would not be surprising. So there you have it. There's less movement today, he's settled down a bit more, and now we wait. I may post again, but no promises here. I mean, I didn't even manage to get dressed for this picture.....

Gram-Grams

As many of you know, our Gram Grams passed away on the fourth of this month. It was not expected and she will be so very missed by all. The girls had a bond with their Great Grandma that was unimaginable and she was always there to give them so very much love, affection, and attention. Hanging out in Gram Grams lap was a favorite activity on many days, along with her being the main audience for all their crazy antics. The girls were truly privileged to have this special person in their lives, who loved them so very much and it will be hard to imagine life without her in it. We can continue to share stories and pull out the pictures, but as we know, it's just not the same. We miss you Gram Grams and thank you for all the unconditional love you gave to those around you. We cannot thank you enough for all your wonderful gifts, but the gifts you gave to my girls, cannot be reduplicated. We love you, Gram Grams.

Hadley Turns 6

Yes, Hadley turned six! Wow! This little girl has just gotten so BIG! Truly, I find it hard to believe she's this old already! We celebrated with family at Buffalo Wild Wings for this special occassion. What could be better than chicken wings and cake, eh? Maybe someone's cravings had something to do with this?

Guests

Uncle Eric and Grandma

Cousin Dana

Birthday boy, Chad & Hadley

Paka

I never take as many pictures as I would like and I realize poor Aunt Cynthia is not in a single picture. I think she was hiding....

Guests

Little Pirate Morgan

Little sister, Immykins

The preggos-guess which two?

Pirates Eric & Elizabeth

The Birthday Girl

Hadley's 1st Pets

Because we don't do animals in this house (strict policy of Eric and I, not to mention our two younger girls have become pretty darn allergic to the larger furry types), Hadley has been dying to get a fish, a hamster, a chinchilla, ANYTHING that is living and has a bone structure, other than a human, in this house. So, several months ago, while at the local toystore, I saw a possible candidate to fulfill this criteria. When the clerk told me they required twice-a-year maintenance, I was sold! African frogs and a snail are our newest family members. There names are Sophie, Violet, and the snail is Matthew. Yes, for her birthday, Hadley FINALLY acquired her first pets. As you can see, she and Imogen are overjoyed. Let's see if they can survive the month.....

Our Pirate Adventure for Hadley's 6th Birthday

In addition to a wonderful birthday party with family, we topped the day off with a cruise with a bunch of pirates! Hadley was so very excited about this adventure, while Imogen was a bit apprehensive. Every time they mentioned walking the plank or shark-infested waters, Imogen kinda lost it. Go figure. She quickly recovered every time though.

Anyway, it was a blast! The girls were pretty darn tired by the time we boarded the ship for our sunset pirate cruise, and was it ever a beautiful sunset, but it was too much fun to ignore or resist. They had watergun fights, looked for treasure, got their faces painted, danced, listened to stories, and there was much more entertainment than this! There was never a dull moment, that's for sure!

By the time we were off the ship, the girls were talking about all the fun they had and couldn't stop, until, of course, they slipped into a VERY deep sleep for the ride home. It was a long, fun-filled, eventful day. We'll definitely have to do it again!

Pirate Adventures

The McCain Family's Visit

Proud Family

Daddy & Baby Emeryk

Enjoying Daddy

Utterly adorable and SO very happy!

For the 4th of July weekend we were so very lucky to have my best friend Shannon visit with her significant other, Patrick, and the newest addition, Emeryk! It was such a pleasure to have them and to be able to spend time with them for a few days. Emeryk is just a doll and a very happy baby who LOVES to cuddle with his mom and pops. They truly love this baby to pieces and you can see why! He's so beautiful! They really are role model parents and I am inspired by the love they shower upon their little one. It's a amazing to watch them with him.

The weekend with them was a great one and we spent time around town and on the beach and at home in the pool. For the holiday, we went to Siesta Key Beach for the first time to see their fireworks and they were fabulous! Emeryk was VERY brave throughout the whole display, despite the fact that the finale scared the crap outta him! You could not blame him, as it was an insane ending, and by all accounts, I was impressed he was as brave as he was. We will definitely be returning there for next year's celebration but this year was EXTRA special with our guests! Maybe we could make it a tradition? Again, the holiday weekend was wonderful and we really enjoyed having them here and we hope to see them more often! Thank you SO much for visiting us down here guys! We miss you already and can't wait to see you again in August for the BIG day!

Lots of love,
Eric, Danielle, & the girls

Fourth of July Fun