Family Photos and an Update

We had our family photos taken a few weeks ago, and I thought I'd share them with you since I'm not entirely sure I'll get around to doing Christmas cards this year.  Like a typical toddler, Samuel picked THAT morning to be extremely grouchy and uncooperative.  But our photographer persevered through his mood and managed to get some really great photos!  Love her.  There are also a few maternity shots of my tiny baby bump (I was only 20 weeks at the time.)  I'm so glad Kim humored me anyway!

Go to:
-www.kimlowery.com
--click 'life'
---click 'proofing' at the bottom
----password is pope2012
-----let me know which photos you like the best!

Pretty much adore these two:

I'm all settled in at CAMP and, as expected, these first few days have been more challenging than we would have liked.  Traveling seems to have stirred up the contractions, and it's taking things a while to calm back down.  We saw my doctor on Monday and he confirmed that my cervical length hasn't changed from it's original measurement.  He was pleased with that, but not so pleased with the multiple contractions he felt during the appointment.

Unless you've been in this situation, it's difficult to explain what a mind game it is.  I hear, "Don't focus on the contractions, but let us know if they change."  "Stay in bed, but don't go crazy or dwell on the pregnancy."  "Drink a lot of water but never have a full bladder."  "Come in immediately if you feel different, but we may not do anything for you since you're still so early in your pregnancy."

It's enough to drive anyone batty.

Again, please forgive me if I haven't replied to your messages/texts/emails.  If I replied to everyone, I would be talking about the pregnancy all day...precisely what I need to avoid.  I realize this will likely be the last time in the next 20 years that I have the opportunity to do nothing...so I'm trying to enjoy it.  I can read all day.  I can stay in my pjs.  I can use the bathroom without little hands knocking at the door.  Sounds pretty great right?

I am 23 weeks and 3 days.  Our goals (short and long term):

23 weeks and 6 days:  The day I went into labor with Samuel.
24 weeks and 2 days:  The day I delivered Samuel.  Mentally, I'll do better when we get past this.
28 weeks:  The baby has a MUCH greater chance of survival and fewer long-term complications.
30 weeks:  The week that we can discuss delivering closer to home.
33 weeks:  Another milestone for baby...again, much greater chance of survival and fewer complications.
Anything after that is just gravy!

Stay put Annalee!