A new beginning...

So Friday was my last day at work.  It was unexpected...but I'm excited to start this new beginning.  

Back in December Dan found out that he would have a new job title.  He became PARTNER at Davidson and Lindemann, PA.  Because of his new job title...mine would soon change, too.  We decided that there was nothing standing in our way of what we believed to be the best for our children. I would stay home with them, care for them, provide opportunities and experiences that would help them learn and grow into kind, smart, and loving people.  Of course, I love teaching and I will go back...just when the time is right.  Until then, I am going to love on my babies everyday and I won't have to worry about missing out on anything.  

Like I said, Friday was unexpectedly my last day at HECorley Elementary School.  I have enjoyed all six years I have been there.  I made great friends and I have grown so much as a teacher while being there.  In the past six years I have met my soul mate, got married, had our first born and now patiently waiting our second!  It's been a whirlwind but I wouldn't change a thing!  Originally, I had planned on going back to work for at least a week after Spring Break but my body had a different plan for me.  On Wednesday, March 20th I went for my routine OB appointment.  I just started going every week to get checked because it was the last month of my pregnancy.  They found that I had a spike in my blood pressure.  They had me wait a little while and tried checking my blood pressure again.  It went down some and they said we would monitor it next week.  I came back for another appointment on Wednesday, March 27th and there it was again.  Another spike in my blood pressure.  This time the nurse told me to "relax".  I laughed because who can really relax when someone is telling you to?  Yeah right...of course it went up again.  But honestly, I do not feel stressed.  I don't even feel nervous.  I want labor and delivery to go smoothly but it is what it is...and I can get through it.  Hey, I did it once before!  Well then I was told I was going to get a non-stress test to make sure Delaney's heart rate wasn't affected and that my blood pressure would come down with rest.  Of course it did...I was in a real comfy chair with my feet propped up.  The nurse and doctor came back and said everything looked great but that Friday should be my last day at work with a prescription of take it easy, put up your feet and rest.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I told my principal and she was very understanding as always.  I was told by the doctor to come back and check blood pressure Friday morning.  Then another unexpected surprise happened.  The doctor ordered a biophysical ultrasound.  I didn't know what that meant nor at that time did I care.  I knew what ultrasound meant and I was excited I was about to see Delaney!  Everything was perfect...including her!!!
Here she is...

Can you see that sweet face?  She's really smushed inside my belly.  On Tuesday Dan and I will go in for a fetal weight ultrasound to see if she's going to be a little miss petite or more like her big brother and on the chunky side!  Either way is perfect! I am so excited to meet her :)

Dylan is fitting into the big brother role.  Sometimes at daycare, when I pick him up, I see him in the house center taking care of the babies.  Dan asked him who was in Mommy's belly and he responded "Laney!"  I asked him last night if he would feed the baby.  He said "no".  I asked him if he would give the baby her passy.  He said "no".  Then I asked him if he would hold the baby and the sweetest thing happened...he grabbed my belly and tried to hold her!  Then I said give her a hug and kiss and he did.  I'm not sure if he fully understands what's about to happen but he sure is showing me that he's getting ready for her!

And so am I!!!  Here I am at 37 weeks.  That's full term so if she decided to come early or if the doctors want her out sooner...she would be ready to come!!!

A few facts...

Sleep:  Getting more and more uncomfortable.  I switch sides often through the night and I still have to get up at least once to go to the bathroom.

Cravings:  I am having ice cream with chocolate syrup almost every night.  So sweets it is still :)

Movement:  Even though she has little to no room left in my belly, she still manages to slide, kick, punch and poke me all the time.  

Belly Button:  It still kinda pokes out but for the most part I'm all stretched out now and so is it!

Maternity Clothes:  If you have a friend that you can share maternity clothes with, that's the best!!!  A friend let me borrow her clothes and when it's her turn, I'll share mine!

Weight Gain:  I am still averaging about a pound a week and that's right on track!  Total weight gain so far is 30lbs!  I am really happy about that because, as I have said before, I gained 40+lbs with Dylan and anything less than that is a plus!!!

So a new beginning...for Dan, for me, for Dylan and Delaney!  Our family is growing up and I look forward to everything that comes our way.  God has blessed us so much this year that I can't imagine it getting any better.  But I know in just a few short weeks it will get better...because Delaney will join our family and more memories will be made!

Time Flies...

As I sit here this morning I think of how life is going to change in the next two months.  Dan asked me this morning, "Are you alright?", as I brought him his morning cup of coffee.  (We have a system...he makes the coffee while I'm in the shower, and I bring him a cup when I'm out!  Perfect!)  My guess is that he noticed that I woke up at 4:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep.  I laid in bed, playing my Candy Crush game on my iPhone (level 70 which I can NOT pass!) passing the time away until my alarm clock started going off at 5:00 am.  Playing the game keeps my mind off what I'm really thinking and feeling.  Dan must have known.
 I am scared.  I am nervous.  I feel like everything is changing so fast and I need it to slow down or stop even.  I'm extremely excited about Delaney joining our family.  I just think all moms go through a phase of guilt.  I want more time with Dylan.  He is everything to me and to know that someone else is coming...well, it's a little scary.  On top of all that, I am not looking forward to the birthing process again.  I did not have a pleasant experience with Dylan (not that any experience is actually pleasant...but you know what I mean).  My epidural did not work properly and I ended up giving birth to Dylan, my 9 pounder, naturally!  Let me just say...I still remember!!!  I know that chances are everything will work out just fine.  But I still can't help but to have flashbacks!
I'm 7 weeks away from my due date.  Time has been flying by so fast that I am sure those 7 weeks will be 4 before I know it...then 2...then 1...and who knows, Delaney Grace Plyler may want to grace us with her presence early :)
Sweet girl, I am truly excited to be your mother.  You have an amazing big brother and I am sure you will be wrapped around your daddy's little finger.  We are ready for you to be a part of our family and look forward to seeing your sweet face.  The Lord has blessed us in many ways and you are one of many special blessings He has given us.  Mommy and Daddy and Big Brother love you very much!!!