Hurry Up and Wait...

Thanks to some snow, we got the day off school today. It was so beautiful! (especially beautiful watching from the window inside the warmth of our house by the cozy fire). That's how I prefer to enjoy cold weather!

I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment tomorrrow (Tuesday), but decided since I had the day off work I would call and check to see if perhaps she had an opening today so that I wouldn't have to leave work early tomorrow. Sure enough she had an opening this afternoon and they fit me right in!

Well, the news was pretty much the same ole song and dance...."You could have the baby anytime. It could be tomorrow or 10 days from now or anywhere in between..." As of my appointment today, I am "almost" 2 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and my bag of water is apparently hovering right at my cervix. So close, in fact, that she was afraid she might break it if she wasn't careful....nevertheless, I could stay like this for days or go very soon. Grrrrr! This suspense is killing me!

So, it's hurry up and wait once again. I'm glad I've got work to keep my mind occupied! Billy and I both are so anxious to meet this girl! Until then, I'm just reminding myself to trust in HIS perfect timing! I'm headed to bed soon...have a great week!

36 Weeks!

Who would've thought when I was in the hospital four weeks ago having contractions that I would've made it to 36 weeks!? Thank you LORD!

Of course they warn you and warn you to prepare because "she could come anytime," so we've been mentally prepared for her to come for weeks now! But now that I'm 36 weeks she's still not here! Every day I wonder, "Will this be the day?" but then it doesn't happen. We will just wait and see when she decides to make her debut. I'm so thankful she's had extra time to "cook." But I'm also getting really anxious to finally meet her!

Pregnancy Highlights from WEEK 36:

How Far Along: 36 Weeks
Size of baby: According to "the book," Baby is supposed to be almost 6 lbs this week and 18 1/2 inches long. We'll see.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear is maternity.

Gender: It's still a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She was apparently holding a womb aerobics class last night. She moved and danced and kicked and did all sorts of things. And she continues to stick her butt or something into the "air" (my uterus wall) on the right side of my tummy.
Sleep: Sleep is getting harder and less comfortable. And Billy says I've been doing more snoring! : (
What I miss: Being more comfortable in my sleep, having more mobility, but I'm not complaining!
Cravings:Spicy things, chips, and chocolate!
Symptoms: Still sporadic contractions, dilated a little
Best Moment this week: Feeling her move SO much last night after a date night with Billy, and just being so excited for her to get here! Especially knowing she's had another week to develop!

Our Deepest Fear

Here's an awesome quote that I recently shared with several of my guidance classes at Azleway. "Our Deepest Fear" was featured in the movie "Coach Carter" which stars Samuel L. Jackson. When I heard it I thought it was so true, and I really wanted the boys to see the clip of the boy quoting it in the movie....Something to think about!



Our Deepest Fear 

by Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

35 Weeks (aka "The End of Bedrest!")

I found out at the doctor Tuesday that I'm dilated to 1 cm and am 70% effaced. (I also found out I still have a sensitive cervix and it still BLEEDS when it's messed with! If only the doctor can get that through her head).

No, in reality she's really great and she told me she's not checking it again until she has to. Very much appreciated.

So as I was saying, I'm 1cm dilated and 70% effaced. Of course there are women who've been at this same stage and lasted for several more weeks, and then there are those who have gone into labor within days. I tried to get my doctor to give me a "shot in the dark" as to when she thought I'd go into labor. She said she didn't think I'd make it to my due date (Feb 4th) but other than that she really couldn't say.

It's not that I'm worried persay about when I might go into labor, I'm just so dern curious!

And EXCITED!

And ok, maybe a tad bit nervous!

But REALLY EXCITED!!!!

Because our lives are really about to change! There's going to be a LIVE, little human being baby IN OUR HOUSE!!!! 

We are literally on the brink of a life altering event right in front of us, but I have no idea what moment it will happen. Tomorrow? In a week? 3 weeks?

Surely I won't have to be induced after 3 hospital trips and 2 stints of bedrest?! Right, Lord?!!!

Will my water break while in my office counseling a student? Will I wake up with strong contractions in the middle of the night? Will my water break in the middle of the night?

(I would like to insert here that should my water break in the middle of the night it will not be a problem, thanks to Kath, aka "Captain Prepared," giving me the waterproof mattress protector).

In one way I'd like to know how and when it would happen, but I can't lie, the mystery of it is rather thrilling! I know this comes as a shocker to some of you, but I've never been one to shy away from a little drama and suspense! (grin). 

And I'm liking that Moriah seems to feel the same way.

MY KIND OF GIRL!

Here are the highlights from Week 35....ahhh "Week 35.." I think I'll type it one more time..."Week 35." That really has a ring to it, don't you think?!!!

Pregnancy Highlights from WEEK 35:

How Far Along: 35 Weeks..oh, did I mention that already?

Size of baby: If she's going by the book (which clearly she hasn't so far), Baby is supposed to be about 5 1/4 lbs this week and 18 inches long. We'll see.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear is maternity.

Gender: It's still a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She seems to be doing a lot of stretching these days (like in my rib cage). And it feels like she's sticking her butt into the "air" (my uterus wall) on the right side of my tummy. Perhaps I'm cooking up a future Yogie. 

Sleep: I've slept pretty good this week.

(And according to Billy even snored a little and talked in my sleep one night. I apparently raised my voice and said "What are you doing?!" And when he asked who I was talking to I said "My class!"). 

What I miss: Oh you know...little things like being able to SEE the legs I'm shaving, walking without waddling, getting up and down from the couch without first rolling over to my side, feeling for the floor with my feet, and then hanging onto the armrest for support to stand...

Cravings: This week I've really craved spicy things. Lots of hot cheetos! And red pepper on my pizza! I've even carried around a little bottle of Tabasco sauce in my pocket! (ok maybe that parts a lie). 

Symptoms: As of Wednesday, my cervix was 70% effaced and I was dilated to 1 cm. Still having contractions (not severe just tightening). And we've added a little heartburn to the mix this week, thanks to the spicy.

Best Moment this week: TODAY I'M OFFICIALLY DONE WITH BEDREST!!!! I MADE IT TO THE 35 WEEK MILESTONE! IT'S DATE TIME! THANK YOU LORD!

Happy Anniversary Tootsie and Pop!

Today is my parents' 35th Anniversary. I'm so thankful for the legacy they are leaving us and the great example they've provided over the years. They truly love each other and like each other! Imagine that in today's world! I'm sure they've had their difficult times and ups and downs, but they've kept their commitments to God and each other and it seems as though their love has multiplied through the years. Their relationship seems to have grown sweeter with time and it has been a privilege to see firsthand.

What a security I had as a child to know that my parents loved each other and that our family was strong and would stay intact! I had no idea what a blessing that was at the time, but after being out in the world and especially given the situations of the children we work with, it has become more than evident! I cannot express how thankful and humbled I feel to have been born to these two wonderful people. It is my hope and prayer that I will be a good steward of the special gift I was given in having such wonderful parents. "To whom much is given, much is required." This is quite daunting to me given the fact that I feel I've been blessed undeservingly with such a heaping portion of "wealth" in the gift of my family.

These are just some of the things I've learned about MARRIAGE from Phil and Kathy Pate. I hope through the years I can learn to apply these things like they have:

M - Make God the center of your personal life and home. Not empty religion and rules, but a growing, thriving relationship with Him that is real. As a result, find a great family of other believers and get  

involved and committed. This will be a great support to your marriage and children.

A - Ask for forgiveness of your spouse and of your children when you mess up. They will respect you all the more.

R - Romance....Keep the romance alive by holding hands, kissing (just pecks in front of the children please), and going on dates. When you can't afford dates or don't have time, have couch dates!

R - Revolve your time around each other and the family. Get interested in each other's passions and activities and support each other. (My mom is an excellent example of this in how she invested herself in my dad's

coaching career and our activities and was our biggest supporter).

I -  Involve each other and the kids in family decisions. Communicate openly and make each member of the

family feel like they have a voice. Generate a team atmosphere.

A - Ask God for His blessings and grace over the marriage and family. While my parents weren't perfect, they bathed our family in prayer and it's amazing how God's grace can cover a multitude of imperfections.

G- Give your marriage priority, even over the children.

E-  Enjoy each other. Have fun. Laugh at and with each other. Set a mood of love and laughter in the home that overflows from your relationship with God and each other. It's contagious!

This is Dad, me, and Mom at my masters graduation at UT Tyler...Spring 2009. What a fun day!

This is Mom and Dad with my brother's kids - Easter 09.

This is Mom (aka "Tootsie") with Kyleigh (Ryan's firstborn) at my cousin Elizabeth's wedding. Spring 2010.

Here is Kyleigh running to Dad ("Pop") after a football game a few years ago.



I can't wait for Moriah to meet her Pop and Tootsie!

Parental Care Ministries

I want to encourage you all to visit the blog of an awesome organization that was started by a family here in Tyler, TX. They are called "Parental Care Ministries" and they run an orphanage and school in Africa. Here is the link: http://www.parentalcareministries.org/wordpress/  The guy who started it (Dr. Mark "Bub" Barrett) is actually going to be Moriah's pediatrician! Through a strange (yet I believe Providential) turn of events, I met his wonderful family while doing a research project during my masters studies at UT Tyler about 1 1/2 years ago.

As many of you know, Billy and I have a big passion for the "orphans" of our society  as well as children who have come from underprivileged circumstances. Jesus said that true religion is caring for the orphans and widows and we believe that as Christians we are called to do what we can to help these groups of people that are so precious to the heart of Christ.

So click on the link and check out what they are doing! It's pretty neat....we may not all be called to "go" or to "give" a certain amount, but at the least we can pray for these dear brothers and sisters who are across the globe doing such a sacrificial, important work. And you just can't help but smile when you see the beautiful children and the way their faces just project a true joy from deep inside that transcends earthly possessions and comfortable circumstances. What an inspiration! They are truly rich!

P.S. I'm adding the PCM blog to my bloglist (on the right) so you can click on it anytime you want to see what's going on with them! They post updates quite regularly.

34 Weeks!

We've now made it to 34 weeks, but not without a little "mo" drama!

Get it?! "Mo drama?!" Ok I'll stop now.

During my appointment Wednesday in which I had an NST (non stress test- where they hook you up to a couple monitors for about 25 mins), we realized I was having a LOT of contractions. Apparently I was having them every 3 minutes or so during the NST. ugh. Then we had an ultrasound and good ole Mr. Cervix has shrunken a little more. Not great news. The doctor told me she would be "very happy" if I made it to 35 weeks...hmmm. Not sure how to read that comment. Does she mean that given my specific circumstances she would be very surprised/ happy or she would just be happy in general if I make it to 35 weeks, as she would anyone?

(scratching head).

She gave me a prescription for some new medicine that was supposed to help stop the contractions and then told me if they continued at a rate of more than 6 in an hour to call her. Well after taking my pill at 7pm Wednesday evening and giving it an hour to settle in and start working, I started timing my contractions at 8. (Keep in mind these aren't the kind of contractions you see in the movies that seem to really hurt, it's just an annoying tightening of my uterus. Not much pain). Anyways, from 8-9 I had 13 contractions and from 9-10 I had slowed down to "just" 9 contractions. So I reluctantly called the doctor and heard the words I dreaded hearing...

"I know you're not going to like this, but I need to send you up to the hospital for a little while to see if we can get these contractions stopped."  


"NOOOOOO"!!!!!!!! I said in my head but not outloud. 


So off we went on our 3rd trip to our dear friends at ETMC. They gave me an injection of the "contraction stopping medicine" and another IV...Is it just me or do those IV's not hurt like the dickens?! Anyway, wouldn't you know it, the meds and IV did the trick and I don't think I had one contraction up there. So two hours later we were sent home and got in bed about 1am. So glad they didn't make me stay, don't get me wrong!

But the next time I go to the hospital, can we please come home with something (some"one") to show for it? I'm just sayin. Hopefully our next trip to ETMC will be after 35 weeks and will be the real deal!

I finally found the cord to my camera, so I'll post a few pics if I can figure it out.

Here I am at my "home away from home"....ETMC 4th floor Labor and Delivery. (covering up the gaping holes in the aforementioned Nursing Gown for the Elderly).

Here I am 3 weeks ago (at 31 weeks) ringing the Salvation Army Bell at the mall. This is so fun! I just love ringing the bell, watching all the people, and saying "Merry Christmas!" Props to Nursey Billy Nightingale for bringing the lawn chair for me!

Here's a standing pic of me at 31 weeks. (Three weeks ago).

Frontal view of "us" today at 34 weeks.

Side view at 34 weeks. (Notice my bump in the front is bigger than my bump in the back for probably the only time in my life! ha!)

Recent face pic...oh the glorious Pregnant face heehee



Here are the highlights from Week 34:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby is supposed to be about 4 3/4 lbs this week and almost 18 inches.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear is maternity. I particularly love a pair of black yoga maternity pants I've worn almost daily on my bedrest stint!

Gender: It's still a girl!!! Moriah Grace Allen

Movement: She's still very active and she's also head down.

Sleep: Sleep is on and off these days...especially since I'm trying to hydrate so much the bathroom trips have increased. I also have to set my alarm to take my meds in the night.

What I miss: going out of the house, driving, seeing my toes, putting on my own shoes, being able to walk/exercise, sleeping on my back, getting out of the house...but i wouldn't trade this for the world!!!!

Cravings: this week I've really craved oatmeal and hot chips (not together).

Symptoms: Cervix is continuing to shorten, and had more contractions this week. Thanks to the meds and hydration, we are slowing them down!

Best Moment this week: Leaving the hospital Wednesday night!