This weeks 'Perfect Picture' really isn't so much about the picture, but more about the event. Our church, YG (see link on side column), hold an annual social called Shindig. It's a Texas style party which includes 2-steppin', line dancing, country music (performed by our Praise Band...go Miguel!), barbecue food, praise music, snd fellowship. Last year was my first year to attend, and it was a success. So much so that we ran out of food in about 5 minutes! Praise God! I didn't think I was going to get to go this year b/c I didn't want to take Brennan b/c he's still so new, but it worked out in the end and I was able to go. It was an even bigger success this year...and there was plenty of food! Praise God again! It was an absolute blessing to be there and even if we show just one person Christ, it was all worth it!

Newborn Comparison

Colin - TOP Brennan - BOTTOM

Gratituesday

This week I want to share how grateful I am for my mother. We are both nurses, and on one of her days off each week, she watches Colin (and now Brennan after maternity leave) so I can work 1 day. She's such a giving person, and I'm so lucky to have her as a mother! She loves her grandchildren, and is always asking to babysit while DH and I go out.

To see what others are grateful for, visit: Heavenly Homemakers

Brennan's 2 Week Check-Up

Brennan had his 2 week check-up this morning (bright and early at 8:30...geez!). I am happy to say that he has finally started gaining weight! At his newborn appointment when he was 5 days old, he weighed 5 lbs. 14 oz. Today he was 6 lbs. 10 oz. Yay! He's now 19 1/2 inches long! He's finally out of his preemie diapers (Thank you so much Casey!), and soon he'll be out of preemie clothes. He's outgrown some already, but for the most part he still wears them. Brennan is quite the opposite of how Colin was. Colin was always in the 75-90% in height and weight. I don't remember exactly what Brennan is (I'll update that later) but it's somewhere in the 5-10%! I still can't believe how tiny he is!

Shindig '08

I didn't think that I was going to be able to go to Shindig (our churchs annual Texas style social) on Saturday night b/c I didn't feel comfortable bringing Brennan since he is still so 'new'. At the last minute my mom offered to watch the boys for me so I could go and spend some time with friends and Miguel. This year Miguel played the electric guitar, and he had been practicing for a couple of weeks, so I was excited to get to see the entire band playing all of the country songs! I'll have pictures a little later...I'm waiting on my MIL to upload her so I can grab them!

Rachael's 2nd Birthday party

Rachael definitely was a little Princess at her princess themed party on Saturday afternoon. She looked incredibly adorable, and her party was so much fun! The rest of the pictures are on my smugmug!

Picture Perfect Thursday

My perfect picture this week is of Colin. He went through a phase where he didn't want his picture taken, and now he loves it again...which I am happy about! Whenever he sees the camera, he lowers his head and scrunches up his face to say 'cheese'. He is such a goofball...if you look closely, you can see that he is wearing his Titi Bianca's shoes!

Gratituesday

This week I am grateful for the mothers group that I belong to. They are a really nice group of women, and the children are great too! When I found out that I had to be on bedrest near the end of my pregnancy, they organized to bring my family meals so I didn't have to worry about it. Now that I've had Brennan, they've organized to bring us meals again for a couple of weeks. They are so generous and kind, and I'm so blessed to be apart of such an awesome group!

To see what others are thankful for, visit: Heavenly Homemakers

1 Week Old

My little Brennan is 1 week old today. He is such a good baby. He barely cries...only when he's hungry. He's becoming a good sleeper to! Last night we fed and out him to bed at 10:00, and he woke up at 3:00 to eat and again at 7:30. Not too bad! I just can't get over how tiny he is!

Picture Perfect Thursday

This week my perfect picture is of my older son, Colin loving and kissing his new baby brother, Brennan. This was the first time that he saw him, and he was just so gentle and loving. I was really worried that he would be jealous but he was the exact opposite!

Gratituesday

This week I am grateful for my new bundle of joy, Brennan. He arrived Friday evening, and my husband and I are so happy he's here. We had a rough pregnancy which included pre-term labor and bedrest. We tried everything to keep him inside until it was safe to be born. 1 week and 5 days after releasing me from bedrest, he was born! He's so beautiful!

To see what others are grateful for, visit: Heavenly Home Makers

Welcome Baby Alyson!

Baby Alyson Kathleen Kolb was born today! Not only am I excited that my best friend finally got to meet her new bundle, but Brennan and Alyson are only 1 day apart.
We got them together for their 1st 'friends' photo shoot!
Congratulations to parents Casey & Chris and siblings Emma, Madison & Kaetlyn!

Brennan Miguel is Here!

Brennan Miguel made his entrance into the world at 6:25 pm. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz., and was 19 inches long.

Mom, baby and papi are doing great! We can't wait for everyone to meet him!

I'm in the process of uploading more pictures to my smugmug, so check back!

Birth Comparison

Colin - TOP Brennan- BOTTOM

I'm Officially in Labor

Well, the 'rough night' that I had last night was the beginnings of labor. I called the doctor at 8:00 and went into L&D at 10:00. I am currently 5-6cm dilated. My OB came down here and broke my water. Contractions are now 5 minutes apart, but I'm not in any pain yet! Yay!

Rough Night

I had a rough night last night. I woke up at 1:30 with contractions, and barely slept. It's now almost 10:00 and I'm still having contractions. They are getting stronger and Brennan isn't really moving as much as he normally does. I've called my doctor, and am waiting for a return call. Maybe this is it?

Colin's New Haircut

Just like his papi!

Picture Perfect Thursday

The picture that I am sharing this week is a photo of the cake from my baby shower. It's perfect to me because not only is it a beautiful cake that is celebrating the arrival of Brennan, but it also reminds me of all of the thoughtfulness, and hard work that my mom and sister put into the shower. It reminds me of everyone who came to celebrate with me, and it reminds me of how much I am loved.

Gratituesday

Today I am thankful for my loving husband. He's the best man that a woman could ask for. He is the most awesome father. He takes care of our needs and goes above and beyond to do so. He is honorable, dedicated, trustworthy, loving, caring, handsome, and the best friend I could ask for. He never gives up on me, even when I feel like giving up. He's a wonderful Christian, and I strive to be like him someday. He serves God in the music ministry at our church, and is very dedicated to it. I love him with all of my heart!

For more Gratituesday visit: Heavenly Homemakers

OB Appointment

I just got back from my weekly OB appointment. I am now 3cm dilated, & still 50% effaced. My OB was concerned b/c my fundal height is still measuring small, and she estimated that the baby only weighs between 5 1/2 - 6 pounds. She sent me for a sonogram, and the sono tech. measured the baby at 6lbs., 3oz. I went back and talked to my OB, and she seemed not to be concerned any longer. My next appointment is next Monday, but I am really really hoping to have Brennan before then. I am 37 weeks today!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window... a rainy miserable day

I am thinking... that I hope I'm dilated further than last week

I am thankful for...my beautiful home to raise my children in

From the kitchen... dishes in the sink...but I'll get to them!

I am wearing... a blue NURSES t-shirt

I am creating... a baby in my belly?

I am going... to the OB's office this morning

I am reading... Nothing currently

I am hoping... To have a baby before Wednesday or after Friday

I am hearing... My washing machine

Around the house... Colin is still sleeping, Miguel is at work, and Dali is lazy by the back door

One of my favorite things... Cheesecake! I want some now!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Have a baby?

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is our home. The first home that Miguel and I purchased together. The home that we brought Colin home to. The home that we will bring Brennan home to. The home where many special memories took place. The home that I will never forget.

Another Night of Contractions...

Yesterday I felt great! Almost like I wasn't pregnant anymore. I went to bed last night...and woke up at 4:30 this morning with contractions. I timed them until 6:00, when I had to get up to go to work. They were every 4-6 minutes. It's now 8:30, I'm at work, and they haven't stopped. They are now 4-10 minutes apart, but I've been getting them for 4 hours. They don't really 'hurt', just more uncomfortable than anything.

Church

I went to church today for the first time in over a month. It was such a blessing, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got there! We have such an awesome church family, and it was great to get to visit with them during lunch after service. Miguel was back to playing guitar after a short hiatus, and he felt blessed to be back as well!

Here's a link to YG Church

Wordle: Description of Me

Ugh...

Ok, so Brennan either needs to come already, or the contractions need to stop until he's ready to come. I had contractions on and of all day yesterday. Then in the evening they picked up a bit, and by midnight they were regular. I honestly thought it was 'time'. Miguel and I went to bed hoping to get a little sleep before heading to the hospital. I woke up at 2:00 and they were pretty strong...2-5 minutes apart. I decided to wait a bit longer before waking Miguel up. At 4:00, I got out of bed because I couldn't sleep any longer and was sick of just laying there. here it is 5:20, and they've stopped again!

I just wish that my uterus would make up it's mind already...

Picture Perfect Thursday

It's Picture Perfect Thursday again...and I'm late getting it up!

This picture is perfect to me because it's my family. My loving husband and my precious son. It's a special memory to me b/c we were on vacation in Puerto Rico, where my husband if from, and we had such a good time together!

Monday's OB Visit

Well, I forgot to post about how my OB appointment went on Monday. Nothing spectacular to report. I was officially cleared from bedrest. Yay! I'm super excited about that. I stopped taking the medication that was keeping the contractions gone, so I've been having irregular contractions since then. My OB checked my cervix and I am almost 3cm dilated, still 50% effaced, and baby is still at a -3 station. My fundal height did grow, so now it's measuring 34cm. It's still 2cm behind, but since there was growth, the OB was happy. At this point, my back is killing me, so I am ready for Mr. Brennan to make his grand appearance at any moment.

It's ironic...we did so much to keep him in when he wanted to come out early, and now that it's safe for him to come out, he doesn't want to. I think I know which of my children is going to be the stubborn one!

Gratituesday

Today I am grateful that my baby decided to stay put until 36 weeks. God is so good, and now the baby will be healthy when he's born!

To see what others are grateful for today, or to participate visit: Heavenly Homemakers

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window... Total darkness. It's 3:47 am.

I am thinking... That there is still so much stuff for me to get ready before Brennan comes.

I am thankful for... Friends & family. They have made my 3 weeks on bedrest manageable.

From the kitchen... Dishes in the sink...I finally get to do them myself! Yay!

I am wearing... A t-shirt and comfy maternity capris.

I am creating... Photobooks of Colin

I am going... Everywhere today! Stores, bank, post office, doctor's office...you name it, I'm going...and I'm excited!

I am reading... High Noon by Nora Roberts

I am hoping... That I get everything done that needs to be done before brennan makes his arrival.

I am hearing... The soft hum of the refrigerator.

Around the house... Peace & quiet...I only get that if I'm up in the middle of the night!

One of my favorite things... Diet Coke

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Doctor's visit, playdates, work, maybe get a pedicure (my toes are looking pretty funky!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...It's a picture of me and my best friends Casey. Casey is one of the most generous, loving, giving & kind people that I know. She's a great friend, and I am so blessed to have her in my life!

Whoo-hoo...36 Weeks!

Yay! I made it to 36 weeks with this little boy! It's now a 'safe' time to deliver whenever he decides to come! I have an OB appointment today, and I'll let everyone know how it goes later today!

Thanks again for all of your prayers, meals, concern, care, comfort, e-mails, phone calls, texts, messages, comments, cleaning, etc., during my time on bedrest. You all helped me get through it, and it is appreciated more than you know!

My Baby Shower

Today my mom and sister threw me a baby shower. It was originally supposed to be September 13, but since I had the whole pre-term labor thing going on, it was postponed until today! They did an awesome job with the theme and decorating. I had soooo much fun! I have some awesome friends and family, and I am (and Brennan!) definitely spoiled! The rest of the pictures are on my smugmug!

Happy Birthday Casey!

I just want to wish my best friend a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I know you are stuck on bedrest and won't get to do much, but I hope that you have a blessed day anyway!

OB Visit

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned about having had contractions on and off for a few days. Well, they continued yesterday, so I decided that I should probably call my doctor again and insist on being checked.

I had another NST (the baby looked great!). My OB told me that she did see a bunch of 'uterine irritability'...not full out contractions (but I knew that b/c I wasn't feeling any by the time I went to the appointment).

I'm still 2-3cm dilated and 50% effaced. OB told me that she thinks that I'll make it to at least 36 1/2 -37 weeks.

My baby shower is tomorrow and then Sunday is my last day of bedrest. I'm super excited!

Picture Perfect Thursday

I'm starting a weekly thread. Hopefully some people will catch on and participate! It's called Picture Perfect Thursday. Basically, I just want you to link (at the bottom of the page) to your blog entry where you post a picture and why it's 'perfect'...to you! Feel free to leave comments as well.

Here is my very first one!

This is my son Colin showing love to his unborn brother Brennan. He was just about to kiss my belly, and it just shows his sweet innocence!

Fun Filled Day of Contractions

Yesterday was a trying day for me. I started feeling some contractions here and there Tuesday night before going to bed. I woke up Wednesday morning at 3:00 am with contractions that lasted for about 1 1/2 hours that were about 4 minutes apart. After that, they tapered off a bit, and I didn't have anymore after about 9:00 am.
The doctor wasn't too concerned b/c they went away.

I had some more last night. Started at about 8:30, about 4 minutes apart, and lasted for about 1 hour.

This morning, they started again at about 6:15ish, again 4 minutes apart. Miguel got me some water to drink, and I laid down for a bit. This time they lasted only about 30 minutes or so.

When is this gonna end? Oh, yeah, when the baby is actually born...I only have to keep him in 4 more days. We can do this!

**Updated @ 10:35** - They've started up again here and there, but nothing steady. I'll see the doctor this afternoon to determine whether or not I've had anymore cervical changes.

Today's OB Appointment

I was supposed to be scheduled for a BPP & NST, and then a doctor's visit. Well, somehow, they forgot to schedule the BPP, so the tech. asked the doctor, and she said not to worry about it. I was bummed b/c I like seeing him!

I went into the exam room and had the NST done. Everything turned out great for that.

The doctor came in after the NST and I told her about me being sick yesterday and she immediately became concerned that I might have been in labor. She said that diarrhea is associated with labor, and since no one else in the house was sick, she wanted to check my cervix just to make sure that I'm not progressing anymore. She then measured my fundal height, and once again, I am measuring small. I measured 33cm when I should be measuring 35cm. So, she decided to go ahead and have me have the sono today anyway to check his growth rate.

The OB checked my cervix and said that I still feel like a 2 (but she didn't seem so convinced. I think I am a little more than that). She also said that my cervix is thin. It was measuring 15mm when I was in the hospital, and she said that it still feel like that, but she can stretch it thinner if she wanted too...which means that I have a "favorable" cervix for delivery.

After all of that I went and had the sono done. Baby is measuring 34 weeks, and I am 35 weeks. He weighs approximately 4lbs. 15oz. The doctor isn't concerned about the 1 weeks growth discrepancy. She said that you can go 3 weeks up or down.

I can stop taking the contraction medication on Sunday, and I have another appointment with her on Monday. At that time she will release me from bedrest! Yay! I plan on returning to work on Tuesday! I'm so excited!

Not Much To Report...

Not a whole lot going on over here. I'm currently 34 weeks 5 days. I'll turn 35 weeks on Monday. Yay! That means only 1 more week of bedrest.

I must say that our family and friends have been GREAT. You really see who cares about you when you are in a time of need...and everyone in our family has gone above and beyond for us. I belong to a couple of great moms groups, and women I haven't even had the chance to meet before have brought us dinners. Friends have been great also! It's just amazing to see everyone pull together and go out of their way to help. I honestly don't know how I'll ever be able to re-pay everyone for everything they've done for us over the past 2 weeks (so far, 1 week to go). Literally, we have had someone bring us dinner every night for 2 weeks, and will have dinners brought for 1 more week. It just blows my mind.

So, a HUGE public THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us. Miguel and I appreciate it more than you know, and I hope that someday I can re-pay you in a time of need.

A Day In the Life of Kristen...on Bedrest

8:00 - 8:30 am - wake up, have breakfast (cereal...has to be something quick to prepare)
8:30 - 9:00 am - brush teeth & hair, get dressed (for what? IDK), check e-mail, surf a little
9:00 - 10:00 am - head to moms house (so I'm not completely alone), say hi to Colin, watch tv
10:00 - 11:00 am - watch tv, listen as Colin tells me about his mid-morning snack
11:00 am - 12:00 pm - watch tv, convince myself that daytime tv does not suck the big one (oh, but it does!)
12:00 - 1:00 pm - watch tv, listen to Colin tell his nanny about his lunch, eat lunch, wait for the Colin to take a nap (I'm drained by him even when I'm not taking care of him!)
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Whew - Colin is napping! Watch tv, and hopefully take a nap (b/c I'm so tired...of what? watching tv?)
2:00 - 3:00 pm - wake up from my nap sometime in here b/c Colin will be awake soon, watch tv
3:00 - 4:00 pm - watch tv (you think it's getting old yet?)
4:00 - 5:00 pm - watch Judge Judy (at least something half way decent is on now)
5:00 - 6:00 pm - head home (while Colin is still at nanny's), watch tv at home, wait for dinner to be delivered by either awesome family, or awesome friends.
6:00 - 7:00 pm - watch tv, surf, check e-mail, count down the minutes until Miguel gets out of work
7:00 - 8:00 pm - eat dinner, spend time with Miguel and Colin
8:00 - 9:00 pm - watch tv, wish that I had a hobby (or a good book!)
9:00 - 10:00 pm - surf, check e-mail, wish that I was tired
10:00 - 11:00 pm - pray that I start getting tired soon (stupid mid-afternoon naps!), surf, check e-mail
11:00 - 11:45 pm - go to bed even though I'm not tired and just lay there thinking about how I get to do it all over again tomorrow.

Today's Update on Baby/Kristen

I saw my OB today. I had a NST (non stress test) done. Basically, they hook me up to the monitors and watch for fetal heart rate acceleration and also watch to see if I had any contractions. The baby did great! I also had a BPP (biophysical profile), which is a sonogram to measure the baby's breathing reflex, amount of amniotic fluid, heart rate, and movements. He scored an 8/8, so that's good news too!

The bad news is that my OB wants me to stay on strict bedrest for the next 2 weeks until I am 36 weeks. I'm not happy about that...and for those of you who know me well, know that I am always on the go. This sitting/laying down stuff is killing me...but, if it will keep baby in, that's what I'll have to do. I think that the not cooking, cleaning, and taking care of Colin are the hardest on me. I never realized how much I enjoyed doing those things until I can't do them anymore.

Miguel is doing so wonderful! He's totally picking up all of my slack on top of working. I know it's draining him, though.

I'll see my OB again next Tuesday (I'll see her weekly now) for another NST & BPP, and will update again if anything changes.

We would definitely still appreciate your prayers. Baby needs to stay in for 2 more weeks!

Whoo-hoo...Made it to 34 Weeks!

Yay! Today I am 34 weeks! We made it to a 'safer' time to deliver! I'm am hoping to keep baby boy in for at least 2 more weeks, b/c 36 weeks is much much safer than 34, but I am so happy that we made it to 34 weeks!

I have an appointment in the early afternoon, and I'll update as soon as I get back. I'm going to be having an NST & BPP done, and possibly a sonogram.

I Have the Best Family Ever!

I just wanted to put up a quick post on how awesome my family is!

Everyone has been so helpful with me being on bedrest! Frances & Felix made a yummy dinner for us on Thursday. My mom has had me and Colin at her house now for 2 days waiting on us hand and foot while Miguel took care of some things. Today Richie painted Colin's new room, so it'll be ready soon for him to move into. Whitney came over and helped prepare a few freezable meals for when we run out of food! Danny & Rossilyn brought us a really yummy dinner. We love all of you so much and we are so grateful to all of you!

Awesome Husband, Great Family

I just had to put up a quick post bragging on my hubby and family!

First and foremost, Miguel has been so wonderfully amazing these past few days! He has really stepped up and picked up all of my "slack". He's doing everything...taking care of Colin, working, cleaning. He's so awesome! I know he's under so much stress right now, and he has just been so amazing!

Also, our family has been great too! Everyone has been so helpful starting from bringing me basic toiletries and entertainment to the hospital, to making food for us, for watching Colin and planning to finish getting Colin's new room ready by this weekend. Everyone has been so helpful, loving, and both Miguel and I are so grateful to everyone!

Praise God that we have so many people that care about us!

Another Update on Baby Boy/Kristen

Good news! I got to come home from the hospital tonight! I just got home little while ago, and I already feel so much better! There is no place like home!

So, I am on strict bedrest until Monday. I have to call the office tomorrow to make an appointment to be seen on Monday. If all goes well at the appointment, they may switch me to a modified bedrest for 2 weeks.

I still need to take Procardia...the medicine to keep the contractions gone, which kind of stinks b/c I don't like the way it makes my body feel. I get all flushed and hot. I feel palpitations in my chest. I have a hard time breathing, and I feel like I'm about to go into a panic attack. I also get a severe migraine from it. These side effects last for several hours after I take the medication. She wrote me for a pain medicine for the migraines, which seems to be helping some. Miguel is actually at the pharmacy right now picking up the prescriptions for me.

So, that's the news for right now!

New Blog Layout...Because I'm Bored

So sitting in the hospital on bedrest really isn't any fun.

I woke up this morning at 4:30, and that was after going to sleep sometime after 11:30 last night.

I felt inspired to create a new blog template. I like the look, but I always have trouble getting my title bar to match the width of the columns...help! Usually Miguel helps me fix the problem, but he's got his hands full right now. So, for now, I'll just have an ugly title bar until I can figure it out...which I probably won't considering I have this problem every time!

Update on Baby Boy Pacheco & Kristen

This is going to be a long post, so bear with me...

Well, in my last post, I talk about out eventful weekend at labor & delivery.

So, I went to my doctors appointment on Monday. I had a sonogram, and the baby looks great! They are estimating that he weighs 4lbs. 6 oz. We were feeling good!

Then I woke up at 1:30 am Tuesday morning with nausea, abdominal cramping and just a yucky feeling. I finally fell back to sleep around 3:30. I then awoke again at 5:45 with contractions that were not severe, but definitely uncomfortable. I waited for a while to wake Miguel thinking that they were just Braxton-Hicks. I finally told him at 6:15 that I had been having them every 4 minutes consistently for over 30 minutes. I called into work, told them that I wouldn't make it in, and laid in bed until 7:30 when I called my OB's office. They told me that there weren't going to be any doctors in the office until after lunch, so I should head over to L&D.

Miguel and my mom insisted that I head straight to L&D, but hard-headed me decided to try and wait it out. The contractions lessened, but never stopped. I finally gave in (mostly to appease my mom and Miguel), and went to L&D. As soon as they hooked me up to the monitor, they saw the contractions.

A little while later one of the doctors in my OB's practice came in to see me. She checked my cervix and told me that I was 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. Not good :(

The ordered a sonogram from a high risk OB doctor (the one who did my sonogram when I was 12 weeks) and he told me that my cervix is very thin and the baby is very low. He estimated that the baby weighs 4lbs. 3oz.

Next thing I knew, the OB was back in the room telling me that technically I am in preterm labor since I've had cervical changes. She told me that I had to spend the night (which has now turned into at least 2 nights) at the hospital so they can monitor the baby and my contractions.

They started me on PCN, an antibiotic every 4 hours to prevent baby from getting a strep infection in case he's born early. The also gave me 2 shots of steroid to to help mature "rev up" his lungs since they are still immature in case he comes early. The are also giving me a dose or Procardia (a blood pressure medication, but apparently works to stop contractions as well) daily. I got my first dose of that yesterday afternoon, and the contractions dwindled. The last one that I felt was around 10:00 pm last night. Yay! The medicine is working.

I waited all day for my OB to come in and see me today and send me home...but that didn't happen. She finally saw me at 7:30 this evening and told me that she definitely wants to keep me until late tomorrow afternoon, but that she may decide to keep me until I turn 34 weeks (Monday). I am pushing her to let me go home tomorrow, but she is concerned about me being on STRICT bedrest. Strict bedrest meaning: no cooking, no cleaning, no taking care of Colin. Basically all I can do is lay in bed and take 1 shower per day and bathroom breaks. That's it.

I guess that I am doing okay. I am a stressed that I won't get to work for as long as i had originally planned, that I can't clean my house, cook for my husband or take care of my child. I am trying to mentally prepare for that for when I go home. It's going to be so hard.

Miguel has been great through all of this so far. He is the best husband/father that anyone could ask for. He has totally stepped up to the plate and taken over all of my duties on top of his. He's so wonderful!

It's going to be a long road...but if we can keep baby boy in for another 2 2/1 weeks, he'll most likely be healthy enough to come home with us after birth and avoid the NICU.

I want to thank everyone for all of your prayers, thoughts, concerns, visit, e-mails, texts, & phone calls. They mean the world to me to know that so many people care for me...and us. I can't thank you all enough. I'd like to ask for your continued prayers. I know that prayer works, and that God is good and can do anything!

Eventful Weekend

Well, it all star6ted on Thursday at my 32 week OB appointment. Baby's HR was 122, normal, but on the low end. Also, I was measuring 2 1/2 cm small then I should have, so basically, I didn't have any growth from my last appointment 2 1/2 weeks earlier. I also hadn't gained any weight from my last appointment. They scheduled a sonogram for tomorrow to check the size of the baby.

On Saturday I wasn't feeling quite right all day long. I was also very very tired. in the mid afternoon, I started having fairly regular, frequent contractions while we were at our Pastor's house in Arlington. I called and spoke to my OB who told me is sounded like contractions and that I should head to L&D to get checked out. We packed up and made the hour car ride to Frisco, and by the time that we got to the hospital, the contractions had lessened. They hooked me up to a monitor and they did see some contractions, so they gave me a shot of terbutaline to stop them...which it did, thank God. They also did a test...fetal fibrinogin...to determine if they thought I would deliver within the next 2 weeks. That test came back negative, so there is a 99% chance that I will NOT deliver within the next 14 days. They sent me home and told me to rest. Hehehe, rest with a 2 year old and a shift at the local ER? I don't think so.

I'm fine now, and I have a follow up OB appointment with a sonogram tomorrow, so I'll update after that.

Pregnancy Portraits

Frances took some awesome pregnancy portraits of me last Thursday. The rest are on my smugmug.

This Describes Me Perfectly...

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have low agreeableness. Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all. In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted. And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently. Neuroticism: You have high neuroticism. It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed. You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully. You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Colin's Second Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Colin's 2nd birthday with a Little Einsteins themed party. The Little Einsteins are currently his favorite show and he was amazed and excited to have so many Einsteins things around him. Some of his very best friends attended as well as most of his family. He got tons of gifts and is so grateful for each one! Everyone was so generous! Here are a few pictures of the day:

Colin's awesome Rocket cake!

Colins sitting on his "Rocket" chair. Thanks Nanny!
Colin & Mommy
Colin blowing out the candles!

Happy 29th Birthday Miguel!

The sexiest husband in the world turns 29 today...

Yup, that'd be my Miguel! Happy birthday sweetie!

Colin's 2 Year Check-Up

Today was Colin's 2 year check-up...

I'll start with the positives...He weighs 29 pounds and is 35 1/2 inches tall. His pediatrician expects him to be between 5'11" and 6'0" tall. He's gonna be a big boy! Colin's social and verbal skills are right where they need to be...actually, his verbal skills are a little advanced for his age.

The pediatrician suggested waiting to potty train for a while longer since baby #2 is on the way. He said that most boys aren't ready until at least 2 1/2 anyway. I mentioned that he was showing interest for a while and then completely stopped, and he just said not to push the issue.

Now the negative...in the car on the way to the office Colin started crying for no apparent reason, and nothing I said or did made it any better. It wasn't his "normal" cry, but more of a whiny cry. Next thing I knew, he vomited all over himself, and started crying again. Then he vomited again, and once again. We were about 5 minutes from the pediatrician's office, and when I got to the parking lot, I stripped him down to his onesie and socks. He just laid on me looking all pitiful. We then got into the office and into the exam room, and poor Colin lost his breakfast again. Good thing I brought a blanket for him...I was able to catch all of the puke in the blanket and not make a mess. The pediatrician saw him and we ended up holding off on a vaccine today b/c he' sick. We left the office and I got him back into the car, and poor Colin started dry heaving but nothing came out. The pediatrician gave me a prescription for zofran to help with the nausea, so we were headed to the pharmacy and then home. Colin vomited 4 more times in the car on the way home...all over himself and the car. I have some major duty disinfecting to get started on right now while Colin is napping!

My Sweet Sweet 2 Year Old

I can't believe that Colin is 2 today! How time flies...I mean, just yesterday (it was just yesterday, right?) he was a baby blob that I was holding in my arms, that needed me for everything. He needed me to feed him and to change him, and hold him. Now the 2 year old version feed himself, helps change himself, puts his own shoes on and talks to me...telling me what he wants. It's an amazing transformation to watch...and it's bittersweet. I miss the days of baby blob, but I also love the new days of semi-independent Colin.

Here are a couple pictures of Colin:

Colin at birth

1 year old Colin

2 year old Colin

30 Week OB Appt.

I had my 30 week OB appt. yesterday. Everything went well. I've gained a total of 25 pounds so far...which is much better than with Colin by this point! Baby's heart rate was 132, and he is measuring appropriate for his gestation. My glucose tolerance test came back ok, as did my thyroid test. At my next appt. in 2 weeks she'll be checking my thyroid again (it's checked monthly due to family history). At my next appt., I'll also be meeting the new doctor in the practice.

So, everything is going well with baby! We just can't wait to meet him!

Welcome Baby Bryson!

My neighbor/friend Kelly, had her baby boy Bryson today! Both mom and baby are doing well, and we can't wait to meet the little guy!

Congratulations Luke, Kelly & Joey!

30 Weeks

Today I am am 30 weeks along with this little baby boy! Only 10 more weeks to go! I'm hoping that he decides to come a few weeks early just like Colin did!

I have my next appointment on Wednesday, and I've started going every 2 weeks again. I'll update after the appointment.

Another Nanny Update

Well, since my last update, Nanny has improved sooo much!

She's been extubated, has been out of bed and walking around. I talk to her every day and she sounds better and better each time! She's still in a lot of pain b/c of the extensive abdominal surgery, but other than that she seems to be in high spirits.

Thanks again for all of your prayers!

Update on Nanny

I just got news that Nanny is out of surgery. It was 4 hours long with no complications. Praise God! She is on a ventilator, like we were told, and she is in the ICU. She ended up having a small bowel resection b/c there were lots of adhesions from scar tissue. The pulmonologist will be in tomorrow to determine when to start weaning her off of the ventilator (the sooner the better b/c the longer you are vented, the harder it is to wean).

So, so far, so good. She still has a long road to recovery...but for now, she is alive and that's what I asked everyone to pray for.

Praise God!

Colin's 2 Year Portraits

Well, we had nothing better to do today, so I took Colin in to have his 2 year portraits done. They turned out really well! I'm so happy with them! The rest can be seen on my smugmug!

Prayers for Nanny

My grandmother (Nanny) is having surgery as we speak. She's been in the hospital for over a month now.

The surgery is to remove a blockage in her intestines. It's a very long, complex surgery, and with her being 81 alongside of all of her other medical conditions, it's very risky for her.

When she comes out of surgery, she will be in the ICU on a ventilator (a breathing tube).

Please pray that she makes it through ok, and that there aren't any complications. I can't lose her right now.

27 Weeks

Whitney came over for a bit and took a few pregnancy pictures of me while the kids were napping. 27 weeks...only 13 more to go! The rest are on my smugmug.

Colin & Kolb Girls

I got to watch Madison and Kaetlyn Kolb today for most of the day. Colin had a great time playing with them!

I'm HOT!

And I don't mean that in a sexy way....I mean it in a I'm sweating my butt off kind of way!

We got home from Arlington this afternoon, and the house was 84 degrees. It's now 8:00, and the house is 86 degrees...I'm so hot! We may end up having to sleep somewhere else tonight.

Scare

So today when I was bringing in groceries, Dali followed me outside, like he usually does. He normally just stays in the yard and follows me back in. Today...he ran away! :(

I called him and kept an eye out for him for over 2 hours. Colin was napping, so I couldn't go searching for him until he woke up. When he finally did wake up and loaded up the van and headed out on a mission to find Dali.

We got to the end of our street, near the house that Miguel's mom used to live in and I saw a brown blob by the front door. I backed up a little and realized that it was Dali!

I called him and he got all excited! He up to me and got into the van. I felt so bad b/c it was sooo hot out, and he was panting like crazy.

Colin had no idea what was going on, but was still very excited to see Dali jump into the van.

I thank God that we found him b/c Colin is so attached to him, I think it would break his heart if he never saw him again.

New 'Toys'

I got a few new toys this weekend!

1. My minivan!!! I'm so excited about it. It's a 2007 Honda Odessey with only 15,000 miles on it. It has leather seats, DVD player, power sliding doors, and so many more features! I'll take some pictures tomorrow and post them.
2. New iPhone! Yay! Miguel got one too, and we are just loving them!

Yay for new toys!

OB Update & More...

It's been a bit since I last updated. Not too much going on these days...

Dali has a yucky bacterial infection in his mouth and is very stinky right now, He also has a double ear infection (he has chronic ear infections, so I wasn't surprised). He's been on antibiotics for 7 days now, and he isn't smelling any better, so we have another vet appointment this afternoon to check on things.

Colin is learning new words every day...it amazes me! He'll hear something, and then just start saying it.

I had my 24 week OB appointment yesterday. Things are looking good for Baby Boy Pacheco. Heart rate was 160. My OB had a hard time finding him yesterday b/c he was hiding under my belly button. Gross! I haven't gained too much weight yet, so that is another plus! I'm also carrying a lot smaller this time around. My next appointment is in early August. It's my last 4 week appointment...I'll then move to 2 week appointment. How exciting! That means the end is near!

I am on the search for a minivan. I've been looking for a bit, but what I want is a tad out of reach right now. I found something yesterday, and am awaiting a call back from the dealer, but I really don't think it's going to work out. The van I found is EXACTLY what I want, but I just don't think that the dealer is going to be willing to come down enough for me. I'll keep you updated on that.

Miguel got a new to him car last week. A really nice one! I'm so excited for him. He got an 2005 Infinity G35 sedan. He probably would have preferred the coupe, but with a 2 year old and a baby on the way, that just didn't seem practical. The mileage s low, and the car is in excellent condition. It drives so smooth! I'll have to post some pictures soon.

There is my update!