Counting at 23 Weeks

I remember the feeling of incredible relief that I felt when Kimberly was born, full-term (38 weeks) and despite having elevated white blood count, was healthy and not headed for a NICU visit. Amazing how quickly the sharpness of those memories fade into the canvas of life...until you begin the journey again.

Once again, I'm back to counting. Counting the days that we make it further, counting the days that we really need to have left, counting the days without contractions, counting the days until I can deliver in Kalispell... this morning I woke to 23 weeks 4 days. That means 6 weeks 3 days until I can deliver in Kalispell. Ideally at least 12 weeks 3 days until baby arrives.

Basically, we are on the same course that we had with our previous pregnancy... I am effacing way too quickly and that increases the risk of pre-term labor. Thankfully, since we are very aware of this, the doctors, both at home & on the road, are keeping a close eye on the progression. 

Medication, rest, lavender oil, relaxation, positive thinking, please *please* don't say bedrest, lots & lots of water, oh the list goes on. And guess what? The very active little girl who keeps our lives in constant disarray, reminds me everyday that this time of counting is so worth it. 

I'm also reminded of how often life's experiences don't play out exactly the way we would want or expect, but through it all, God is teaching us and leading us on a journey that while unknown to us, is completely planned by Him.

Some pictures of our week:

An Overdue Update

What happened since my last post? 17 weeks of pregnancy! Right around the last post, the usual first trimester yuckies hit me full force and I cleared any unnecessary tasks from my schedule...including but not limited to dishes, cleaning, writing, etc.
Now that I am over half-way to our November 22nd due date, I'm ready to dive back into the blogging world. I have missed writing! I have missed sharing some of our funny adventures! I have missed sharing the cuteness of Miss Kimberly as she is rapidly growing.
A quick summary of the past 4 months... the 6 month project Jason worked on in Las Vegas completed the beginning of May and we were able to go home for a wonderful month of enjoying home & catching up on trailer repairs, house repairs, vehicle repairs, lawn mowing, doctor appointments, taxes, etc. Yes, a month goes by pretty quickly without the "vacation" feeling when your schedule is packed with "catch up" details! However, the weather was lovely, cool, RAINY, and it felt good to be back in small town.
June brought us back to work and we are now in & out depending on doctor appointments for precious baby on the way.

Some photo highlights:

Snuggles with Daddy when he gets home from work. 

Walking baby doll on Easter Sunday while wearing a new hat.

Loving mom's heels.

Transition to a toddler bed in May.

Chocolate pudding... what else is there to say? :)

While attempting to weed the overgrown front flower bed, I looked over & guess what I found!

She reminded me of all of the "houses" we made in my dad's hayfields & wheat fields. I'm sure he was THRILLED having everything knocked down prior to harvest! 

To come? I would like to do a series on "Life in a Travel Trailer" as well as resume sharing our daily adventures of life on the road & at home. Be sure to email me any questions you have about life in a trailer so I can include them in the series!
Have a joyful week!