15 years and counting.....

Greg and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary today. It has been a wild ride! We are so blessed and sometimes feel we've lived a lot more life than 15 years could possibly contain together.

I had my 38 week appointment today and discovered I have not progressed since last Thursday despite all the laboring I have done in the last week. Apparently this is classic for a posterior lying baby. I am going to be working with a chiropractor in hopes of moving him before my scheduled induction on Wednesday, July 15. We are praying to avoid medication and a c-section.

On a really fun note, Greg's office threw him a surprise baby shower last night. They had a beautiful cake and lots of Greg's favorite foods. Ty got some cute clothes, a homemade blanket with Tonka trucks on it, a cute little truck, a large box of diapers (YEAH!) and some bath items. Greg loved the camouflaged pants....they are so cute. It was such a fun surprise.....you don't expect people to celebrate the fifth baby! Greg says they like excuses to eat in his office....either way, we are grateful.

Tummy O' Ty

37 weeks 3 days....Ty is filling his current residence to capacity.

Life as we know it

Last night the dog chased a skunk and lost the fight.....wow, that is a powerful odor! Lauren and her friends bathed him outside in tomato juice and he had to spend the night in the garage with the door slightly vented to air it out too. What an adventure. I pray he has learned a valuable lesson and won't be chasing any more black and white "kitties"!

This morning our van broke down on the way home from Erin's last day of summer school PE class. Greg gave up his morning of sleep to work on it only to discover the issue is bigger than anticipated. We have a friend coming over tomorrow to determine if the $1200 estimate on repairs is needed. We are seriously praying it isn't.....lots of unexpected bills lately. We tend to be the "Murphys" of "Murphy's Law".

I had my 37 week appointment today and found that I am 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. Things are slowly moving along. If he doesn't arrive on his own, I will be induced on/around the 14th as a result of the amniotic fluid levels. I pray he cooperates before then. I spoke to Greg's mother tonight to wish her a happy birthday and discovered that Ty was her father's nickname and his birthday was July 8.....this year that date would be 07-08-09....I think that would be a really cool birthday! I am feeling really good these days. All the contractions I was dealing with from 19 weeks on have subsided and my energy is back. I am sleeping better (most nights) and enjoying the reprieve in temperatures/humidity. I honestly cannot complain. I have felt far worse earlier on in this pregnancy so I will happily hang in there until Ty is ready to announce his birthday. Kate asks several times a day when that will be. She is so anxious to be a big sister and cannot believe we don't know what day he's coming.

My parents and sister took her family to Gulf Shores Alabama this week for a vacation. My beautiful nephew, Mason is two years old and refused to get out on the sand all week because it was messy. They enjoyed the pool and some time on the beach but Mason was clearly not happy on the sand. Last night they told the boys they'd be going home today and Mason said he missed his toys. When they asked him what toy he missed, he said his "sandbox"! There is a reason that child is so beautiful!

36 weeks and counting.....

I woke up this morning to discover our A/C quit working in the night....not too pleasant since the heat index is over 100 today! We have a repair man coming late today, but at least he can come today. It appears we've burned up the motor. Our house is only 5 years old! Honestly, nothing is built to last anymore.

Kate was playing in our room this morning and giggling uncontrollably so Greg called out to her, "Are you jumping on my bed?". She replied, "no, I'm falling on it". She is so much like him it is scary! This afternoon she went to help her sisters take out the neighbor's puppy and came back quite animated about a "creature" she saw in the garage that she thought was a snake until she saw legs and then knew it was a lizard so she "freaked out"! Where does she come up with this stuff?

I saw Dr. Allen this morning and have an ultra sound scheduled for Thursday to check my amniotic fluid levels. It appears they've decreased more so we need to know if Ty's birthday will be moved up..... He is laying "sunny side up" and causing me quite a bit of discomfort so I pray he turns back to prevent a much longer labor than necessary. This little boy is going to start life in trouble with his mommy if this nonsense doesn't stop soon!

Happy Father's Day!

Greg, I cannot imagine life without you. You are my best friend, a wonderful father and the source of countless smiles and laughter. I love you more than I can say. I am proud of your strength. You not only work hard to provide for us but you are impassioned about helping others in all that you do. Happy Father's Day to you......we all love you.

Makenna made this cupcake with a lawn mower made from candy at Jamy's house to tell her Daddy how much she loves him. All the girls left little love notes around the house for him this morning. They adore their Daddy. We are so blessed.

Greg and Kate get to have a "sleep over" at Grandma's house!

Greg took Kate with him to see his family since I am no longer in a safe position to drive him to Ohio for appointments. They are spending the night to prevent him from having to make the 9 hour day without elevating his leg. I hope splitting up the drive will be more comfortable. Jessica sent me these photos to show me how much fun Kate had playing with her little cousin, Lizzie. So sweet.

Greg will be getting his cast off tomorrow and will hopefully get to wait several weeks before returning to Ohio for any further follow up appointments.

I am 35 weeks along and contracting all the time. I spent 24 hours dealing with non-progressive contractions every 2-5 minutes Sunday night and Monday. It has been exhausting. Ty is estimated to be around 6 lbs and has been given the "all clear". He can come whenever he is ready now. Too many more days like yesterday and I will be ready also! So far, I have gained 13 lbs and feel really great (when I am not contracting!). As of yesterday, I am just starting to dilate, am 50% effaced and the cervix is really soft. With each of the girls, I was at 4cm for weeks and had no contractions before labor started so this little boy is already changing the rules and making me wonder what he's up to!

Avry Christopher Sanderson

My best friend, Kristin delivered her second son just an hour after I had to leave Dayton today....the little stinker waited just long enough for me to miss seeing him! Avry Christopher weighed 6lbs 15oz and 20 inches long. Avry is photographed here with his proud big brother, Ethan Lee. Days like this make it hard to live away from "home". He is the first of my best friend's kids that I have not been able to see within hours of their birth.....Cherie and Jill will have to spend a little more time loving on him for me! I miss you all more than you know!

Saturday, June 6.....surgery day isn't tough on everyone!

While Greg and I were at the hospital all day awaiting his outpatient surgery, the girls had a blast! Grandpa took them out for donuts and then they all went shopping. After Build a Bear, Delia's, Aeropostale, and Justice, they went home to swim and play in the hot tub! It's a rough life but someone has to live it!

Greg's surgery went really well once he finally got into the OR. He was three hours late getting back there and had a tough time waking up but was in really good shape once we got back to my parent's house and had a really good dinner of steak and flounder....yum! He says his ankle feels better now than it has felt in three months. Praise God for that additional blessing.








As Kate contemplated jumping off the side of the pool, she kept calling Lauren closer! She wasn't quite that brave yet!

Friday Night Fun!

Chris spoiled us again! He made us a delicious seafood dish with crab, scallops, shrimp and fish....it was amazing! After dinner, the kids played Rock Band with Greg and Chris while Kristin and I walked in hopes of triggering labor for her....I really wanted Avry to be born while I was in town so I could meet him right away.

Chris was blowing air on Kate's belly while she yelled "nasty, do it again"! As we left that evening, Kate asked if we could take Chris home with us!

Lunch with Great Grandma Hughes and Aunt Laurie

We were supposed to have lunch at Greg and Jill's new house but they had to cancel when their son woke with a nasty virus that morning...as of today (Sunday) he is still quite ill....feel better soon Aaron!

As a consolation prize, we were able to meet my Grandma and Aunt Laurie for lunch at a tea shop. It was great to see both ladies. Grandma looks fantastic after spending the winter in Arizona.

Thursday, June 4 at the Baughman's

We had dinner at the Baughman's and gave Lizzie her first birthday present a week early....she is a very active little girl now! So cute too.

One Fun Day!

My friend, Jennifer picked up Kate for a fun filled play date. They went to the zoo, played at the water park, played on the playground, had snacks and then played at her house. Kate had a blast! The night before their special day, Shelby called Kate to find out what bathing suit and shoes she'd be wearing so they could match! They are 4!

Makenna got to spend the day at Incredible Dave's with her friend Sydney. Her favorite activity was bungee jumping on a trampoline.

While they were out, Greg and I had another one of our special dates.....grocery shopping together! We are a sight in the store! His cane and cage with my big belly attract more attention than we are used to, but Greg is starting to feel like a celebrity at Meijer! Clerks will stop him ask for updates on his progress. He tells them I beat him up! Such a stinker!

We finished the evening with smores and a fire in the fire pit.

A day at the zoo

We spent the day at the zoo with Candy and her kids today. We saw a three month old giraffe, a big gorgeous swan, several tiny duckings, a baby elephant, lions and lots of other favorites. Andrew and Kate held hands clear through the day. They are so cute together!

A belated Birthday Celebration/Greg's Appointment

We took Greg to Ohio to see Dr. Binski one last time before his surgery now scheduled for Saturday, June 6. He will be in a cast until June 17 and then in a walking boot for awhile. He will be on two feet at that point! YEAH!

Since we were in Dayton, we met Greg's parents for a belated birthday celebration for Kate. We were originally supposed to meet on her birthday but I spent that day in the hospital. Anyway, Kate loved the puppy in a carrier from Uncle Brad, Aunt Jessica and Lizzie. Her new pajamas and summer clothes from Grandma and Grandpa are a lot of fun too.....very colorful!

Makenna and Hannah playing with Hannah's new kitten

Candy stopped by last week with a cooler full of fresh produce and a crock pot full of chili....yum! The kids brought their new kitten and everyone enjoyed playing with her. Even Brutus liked her! He kissed her and she tolerated him quite well. Such a cutie!

32 Weeks

I saw Dr. Allen again today and had another ultrasound. At this point, the amniotic fluid level is acceptable and not considered a threat to Ty. They think I can carry full term at the current level. He is still high and I am not any further dilated than I was a week ago. I've had contractions all week while on bed rest so they have lifted the restriction with the belief that it is uncomfortable for me but causing no harm. I am free to take Greg to the surgeon tomorrow and plan on being in Ohio for his surgery next week (we hope). I am thrilled to be off the couch! I lost two pounds this week pushing water to the extreme so I have been instructed to eat! I have been craving cheesecake for several weeks now....this is an order I am thrilled to follow!

On a funny note, at dinner last night Kate informed us that she has two "other elbows". According to her interpretation, Ty will be "elbow fed"! I don't have it in me to correct her so we should be having some unusual conversations when he is here! She used to say she had three belly buttons.

The other morning, Lauren was snuggled into her Joe Jonas fleece blanket and Kate walked up to her, rubbed the edge of the blanket on her face and said "I love you Joe". Lauren laughed and said that she loves Joe and that Joe's too old for her. Kate very firmly said "Joe don't love you!" Lauren responded with a dropped jaw so Kate imitated Joe's voice and said "I don't love you Lauren, I love Kate"! I was doubled over laughing! Lauren was dumbfounded!

We finished school last Friday! It feels good to close the books for a few months. Each of the girls learned quite a bit. Makenna wrapped up her third grade year reading and spelling on a fifth grade level and working at a fourth grade level in math. Erin is pumped and ready for public school this fall. She will be taking summer school to get her physical education and Career Information courses out of the way before the school year so she'll have room for a study hall during the year. She knows she'll need the time with the heavy course load she's carrying. Lauren continues to work hard and is looking into the technology school programs offered in high school as a supplement to our home school curriculum for her high school years. Culinary Arts are her main interest but she has plenty of time to formulate a plan. Assistant Veterinary programs are not offered locally, but would be her first choice.

Miss Hollywood

The girls took advantage of a warm, sunny day to model their new bathing suits and have a pick nick in the yard. This is the suit, sunglasses and flip-flops Lauren gave Kate for her birthday this weekend. She says she looks like a superstar!

Baby Ty's updates

I had an ultrasound this afternoon and Ty weighed in at an impressive 4 lbs. He is quite chubby with a "Budda Belly" (according to the tech). He has fat feet, chubby cheeks and a head full of hair. He had so much that we were able to see it on the screen! There may be something to that old wives tale about heart burn and hair! My amniotic fluid levels are borderline. I have to go to bed and drink as much water as I can for a week to see if it helps increase the fluid levels. Dr. Allen didn't seem to think it was really going to make much difference but wants to try everything we can to keep him cooking as long as possible. I will have another ultrasound and a non stress test next Tuesday to see how he's doing after a week. I am contracting a little today but they aren't regular or progressive. After such a long weekend, it was reassuring to see him so big and strong and have the doctors optimistic that I will be hanging in there a little longer. I hope this testing of all limits is something Ty leaves in the womb!

Happy 4th Birthday Kate!

Kate turned 4 today. She is so big! We celebrated her special day as a family yesterday afternoon with Dora cake and presents from each of her sisters. Erin insisted upon Ruby Red slippers like she always wore at Kate's age. Lauren got her a really cute bathing suit with matching sunglasses and flip flops. Makenna found the new preschool monkey webkinz that allows her to play preschool games online. Kate had a great day. We had intended to meet Greg's parents for lunch in Cinci today to further celebrate but Ty trumped our plans when I ended up in the hospital last evening with contractions every 2-3 minutes and each lasting 1 minute 20 seconds. He gave us quite a scare but everything is under control just 24 hours later. We had an ultrasound today with another one taking place this week to confirm that all is still well for him. Hang on little guy.....we want you to enter the world as big and healthy as possible.

Updated Photos of the girls

We took the opportunity while we had the camera out to update photos of the girls. My editing program was not working so the ones we ordered from Shutterfly for family will not have red eye.....anyway, Erin is 14, Lauren is 12, Makenna is 8 and Kate will be 4 next Sunday. They are growing up so quickly. Oh, Brutus, who was convinced all of this commotion was all about him is also 4 years old!