ANY DAY NOW??? HMM, WE'LL SEE!

Yesterday I went to my routine doctor's appointment. And as most of you know, I have been having the worlds longest labor. I am now up to almost 4 weeks of contractions at least 10 minutes apart if not closer. Up until now, they have done nothing to change my cervix or make me closer to labor. Very frustrating and exhausting. Needless to say, yesterday I told the doctor that if he told me I was still dilated to 1 1/2 I would scream. Luckily for him and the office he triumphantly told me I was dilated to a 3 1/2! Yeah! Finally! All these crazy contractions weren't for nothing! He then told me it could be a matter of days before I had Mandy. Hmmm, I have heard that before. I mean wasn't it my doctor that told me, "oh Jen, don't worry about the size of the baby, you won't go past 37 weeks anyway," or "don't bother making an appointment more than to the end of September because you'll have to cancel it anyway," or even, "yep, you're at 1 1/2 and have been to the hospital twice pre-term, should be any day, we got you to 37 weeks!" Well, I am not too convinced when a doctor tells me, "any day now!" Once again, God has shown me how it is in His time not anyone elses! I am glad she is full term but, boy, I sure am welcoming labor now. Looks like all of you that guessed 38 or 39 weeks are in the running, but let's not rule out those funny people who claim I will go 40 weeks! Only time will tell. Week 38 people, you have today and Friday. 39 weeks starts Saturday. Sorry all of you nice people that lovingly thought I would go at 37 weeks!

Ahhh, Life is Good!

Katie loves to get her picture taken. Whenever she sees a camera out, she has to jump in front of it. Yesterday, my mom bought me a new digital camera. It was the exact one I wanted and she told me..."you realize this is Mandy's camera," because Mandy has everything so my mom got us a camera instead. Of course Katie overheard this and when I was explaining to Mark where the camera came from, Katie piped in the middle of conversation and said, "no mommy, you silly, it's Amanda's camera!" Boy nothing gets past her!

She's Not a Baby Anymore!

With labor fast approaching, I have remembered all of my labors and the anticipation of meeting your child for the first time. I have been especially been looking back at my pregnancy with Molly and all of the thoughts and worries I had with her. I expected her to be so different, but yet, the same as she is. It's funny how your initial ideas of their personality are changed and forgotten so quickly and acceptance of who they are overtakes any preconceived notions. Molly is not my baby by any means. She is concerned for me and my health. Every groan of every contraction I do not hide from her there is a show of concern on her little 7 1/2 year old face, which follows with, "Mommy is that baby pushing on your privates???" At that moment, I realize she is not as naive as I think she is. Then of course I wonder, where in the world did she hear that and what is her idea of pregnancy and birth? It is such a guessing game of just how much information you should give her. You don't want to give her too much because she may get worried, but not too little because she may get the wrong idea and worry about that. Hmmm, parenting isn't all that easy once they grow and get their own ideas and mind. It is very neat to watch your baby girl start growing into an empathetic little girl that is getting closer to joining the women's club.

Jen's Conversation with God

God and I have had a certain conversation for many, many years now. It is only now that I am beginning to hear Him. Now mind you, I said, hear him, not necessarily listen. (Although, I am forever trying to change that.) Our conversation has been a small whisper from Him for example, He says, "No, not now...", or "Jen...you are not in control...I am." Sometimes the whisper turns into a firm statement and at times in my life it has been a desperate (as desperate as God could ever be) call to me to remember who is in control. Always has His whisper and calls been loving and steadfast, never out of anger or out of irritation. He has been forever loving, just, comforting and true. So during this pregnancy He has whispered ever so gently all nine months to me to stay quiet and listen. Our conversations go like this...

"Oh my gosh, I am pregnant, God, I can't take another miscarriage! Please spare me!" Jen pleaded
"My dear child...don't you know by now I will get you through anything?" God replied.
"But God, I have to try to remain calm because I am going to keep this baby, you wouldn't let me loose again, it must be part of Your plan."
"Wait...you'll see. I am in control." God said
"Lord Jesus, please help me not to worry, I am on my knees and my heart is beating faster as I wait to get a glimpse of your creation on this ultrasound screen. Please, please Lord I will not be able to loose again. I am not strong enough. Please let there be a hearbeat."
"It's okay....I am in control. I can and will get you through anything. Don't you know that by now."
"Oh Jesus please help me to trust your promises of strength to endure all things through You." I begged. "Why do I have to have placenta previa....I always have to have something. Can't I just have a normal pregnancy?"
"Shhhh, it's okay. I am here and always will be."
"God today my perfect pregnancy is over. I have gestational diabetes and now I may not deliver in the natural birthing center. This is not the way I planned it Lord."
"Jennifer, don't you know what I have planned for you? Trust me."
"Oh God, please don't let me have this baby early. I can't handle another thing. I shouldn't be contracting at 33 weeks. I didn't plan it this way. I can't have this baby until at least 34!"
"Jen, just wait."
"Praise God, I have made it to 36 weeks! Now I can have this baby as I have planned in the natural birthing center and I am ready to go now Lord. Any day now!"
"Shhh...listen...it is my plan."
"Oh Lord I am not ready for this pain. I have been having 5 days of contractions and I am off to the hospital. This is it! Lord help me get through this, and thank you for helping get what I wanted...to get to 36 weeks!"
"Oh my gosh! What do they mean, Lord that I haven't progressed. After all those contractions, I just want to have this baby safe in my arms Lord. We have waited so long!"
"Jen...wait. In my time she will be here. She is safe."
"Okay God, I get it. It has been 4 days since I was in the hospital and apparently all of these contractions aren't doing a hoot to get things going. I am almost 37 weeks and I am not progressing since Sunday. Wouldn't you know it, we are so prepared for her arrival. I've left work on maternity, her room is ready, my bags are packed...Lord what's the hold up?"
"Shhh, Jen, I have created her, I have created you. I know your life and how it will go and hers too. Enjoy your pregnancy you have so desired. I am giving this child to you. She will arrive when I say she will. Do you understand now that I am in control? You don't have anything to do with it. It is a blessing for all women to carry My creation close to their hearts. So please enjoy it."

Fooled Ya!

On Sunday the 23rd. , after 3 days of contractions, 5 minutes apart, we headed to the hospital and were sent home. Apparently, Mandy is playing games. They did an ultrasound and she looks great but she is not ready to make her grand entrance into the world yet. That is fine with mommy and daddy, she's not quite term yet. We'll keep you posted. By the way, make sure you take our latest poll to the right.

Update on Mandy

The latest news on Mandy. I went to the doctor yesterday and she checked me and I am progressing. I am only dilated to 1 1/2 but she said I am pretty soft. Basically she said to prepare for next week. The contractions have subsided a little but last night they were pretty intense, but were not in a pattern. My doctor keeps saying I am going to go early, but ya know, I wonder. This will be the time that I go 4o weeks. Please just hope and pray that Mandy doesn't make an appearance until after Sunday night of this week. Monday would be good. I will be into my 36 week. Otherwise anytime after that is fine too. We are very excited that it is getting close. It is amazing that it has gone so fast. Soon there will be a little baby in the Thibault household.

Katie and Mommy

My mom took this picture of me and Katie. It was taken at the spree fireworks.