Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

Yes, I'm aware of writing in the blog... or the lack there of. I have pics from the last few weeks but they haven't made it on here, or even onto the computer. And at this time, it kind of seems like a moot point to show them. Or maybe not. I'm sure we'll take a pic before we go to the hospital. Yes, to the hospital.

I'M GETTING INDUCED TOMORROW!

It's really coming! I've been diagnosed with gestational hypertension, or pregnancy induced high blood pressure. I've had it for the last few weeks and it's really starting to get high so they've decided it's best I deliver sooner than later. We are so excited, terrified, nervous, apprehensive, etc., etc., etc...

Plus, I've been contracting for the last 24 hours, though the contractions have finally calmed down a bit this afternoon. They were never painful, but definitely there and uncomfortable. Plus, they had pretty much been every 2-4 minutes apart since they started at 4 pm yesterday. I think they're finally about 5-10 minutes apart. Stupid braxton-hicks contractions. Sleep was almost non-existent last night for me, and Jordan slept like a baby.

That is the update! We will try and keep you informed of everything.

Please send lots of thoughts and prayers our way. I have a feeling it's going to be a very long haul!

Yes, I Need to Update!

I realize that it's been about 2 weeks since I have updated. Well, you're out of luck because I can't do it right now. Hopefully, I will get to it tomorrow. Don't fret! I'll get it done very soon!

Maternity Pictures

Here are a few maternity pictures that Amy, of Legacy Photo and Design, put on her blog. She does excellent work and though I've mentioned her website before, here it is again! The session was fun and slightly frightening at the same time. It's like saying "Here, take a picture of my ginormous gut!" We will get the proofs in a week or two.

www.legacyphotoanddesign.com

It's Overinflated!

So my abdomen feels quite...expanded (or large, stretched, gigantic, augmented, etc). I've lost sight of my feet weeks ago and I only see my knees when I'm sitting down. Someday, my belly will pop. I'm starting to get convinced this little guy will be a toddler before he ever comes out. I ache all over, sometimes to the point where I can't get up or walk. All my joints hurt like I have arthritis, especially in my hands and wrists. It's probably from the swelling. It's not a lot of fun, but I don't mind even though I gripe about it to Jordan. Jordan has been a champ and never says anything back to me. He just listens and tries to comfort me when he can, even if that means he has to put on my socks or my shoes. And we're about as prepared as we can be, whatever that may be. Yesterday, we put in a nice closet organizer. Wow, we have so much storage, I may want to do that in every closet!

The OB appointment went well last week, I think. I had to see the nurse practitioner since my OB was not able to see me. The NP was very concerned that this baby is getting quite big. She guestimated him to be 5+ pounds at 34 weeks along, yikes! Plus, he was in a diagonal position. At my next appointment, which is next week, she told me that the doctor will probably do an ultrasound to see just how big this baby is. And if he's as big as she thinks he is, then there is a chance I will be induced early. No complaints here as long as Mr. Marshall is happy and healthy! Plus, I have symptoms that indicates I have a large baby in there.

Larry's funeral was on Sat. Oct 3. It was beautiful and so neat to see so many people there. The whole family continues to hear other peoples' reactions and they all have been very positive. It's amazing to see that Larry continues to touch peoples' lives even today! One of his relatives has committed to doing some missions work. And there are so many others, including myself, that look at what they want to do in the future and how they can accomplish it. Larry and Cindy's impact on others has truly been a gift from God.

Oh, and just a snippet of info...Thursday, October 15th, there is a benefit for Thore and Justine Jenshus. Dinner Theatre sneak preview of Dracula at the Firehouse at 7:30 but be there by 7 pm. Suggested minimum donation $35/person which includes appetizers and cash bar. 100% of all the proceeds goes towards the Jenshus Family!

Life is returning back to normal around here...at least for the time being...until our little bundy of joy arrives!


(34 weeks)





(35 weeks)

Good Times Despite Tough Times

Today is the day of the wake for Larry, followed by the funeral tomorrow. We continue to ask so many questions of: Why. Nobody really knows. Our plan is so much different that what God has/had planned. The one thing we can be sure of is that Larry continues to have a huge celebration where he's at. He is jubilant, as are so many of the people he is surrounded by. And I know that he wants us to celebrate his life here on earth as well as his eternal life, and not mourn is death. He is finally Home. It is a tough time for the whole Marshall family...tears of laughter and tears of sadness. But, we will make it through the days ahead.

On a lighter note, I'm 33 weeks along. Things have been quite crazy to say the least but our little man is quite the trooper in there. He only complains some with an occasional swift kick or good elbow jab. Otherwise, he seems content despite his mom's crazy emotions and hormones.

After some nudging (or insisting) from Jordan, I finally packed my hospital bag. Just a few last minute things and we'll be ready to head out the door in a hurry if need be! And the "nesting" has finally started to kick in a little bit. The nursery is starting to get organized. I still don't know exactly how it's going to be arranged, yet. We need something on the walls and curtains on the window. After this week is over, we'll be able to focus on the baby room some more.

Oh, and my shower! The baby shower was great last Saturday! Many of my co-workers came as did my sister in-laws, and we had fun just hanging out and talking. Mr. Marshall and mommy got a lot of great gifts! We are so excited to use them...well I'm excited. I think Mr. Marshall is perfectly content on spitting up or drueling on much of it. If you are one of my co-workers reading this, thanks so much! I know some of you couldn't get here because you were working, but no worries!

Here are the pictures so many of you have patiently waited to see. May you all have a blessed weekend!

Though We Mourn The Loss, We Celebrate Life

It has been a week of difficult times. Jordan's father, Larry, passed away yesterday in Denver. He has been fighting to stay alive since June 8th, the day of his accident. It has been miraculous to see him fight for the last 4 months. Though it isn't the outcome we want here, it is ultimately the outcome that God had planned. He has touched so many lives and continued to do so with his battle this summer. We appreciate the time we got to spend with him. Jordan and I went to Denver to visit him last weekend and I'm so happy we went. There was such pulling feeling on my heart that we needed to go. And now I know why. Larry is celebrating with family and friends and now can walk with the Lord. His body is healed...he can walk, talk, and move about as he pleases. He will always be missed and loved. And we know he will be watching over us. For those of you who never met him, I wish you could have. He was an amazing man and I feel so privileged to have known him and to have married his son.

To change the subject, I had an OB appointment today. Mr. Marshall continues to grow at a rampant pace and is still one week ahead of schedule. This is good, but I'm getting a little more nervous as each week passes. We are at 32 (and a half) weeks! The baby room is slowly getting put together.

Speaking of baby...I should pack my hospital bag. And, I don't know how to put the car seat in the car...does Jordan?

No Time to Slow Down!

Sorry that I didn't post last week. We have been SOOOO busy! In fact, I think I've done too much and really have to watch myself. So after this week, I'm going to relax.

We have reached 31 weeks and time is flying by. I just had a doctor's appointment today and all is still right on track! I can't believe that we only have 2 months left...pretty darn exciting! I am sure that it will get harder to move around within the next few weeks. And I think my driving status is nearing the end since I can barely reach the pedals. Hopefully, I can continue driving until the end of September. Even though I'm getting more uncomfortable as each day passes, I take it all in and cherish every moment of it.

So what is taking up all my time? We have a rental property and we have been busy doing finishing touches on it and showing it to potential renters. The most frustrating thing is when people make appointments and then don't show up. But, we've finally got it rented, yay!!! Plus, they want to move in this week. So we're happy to not have to worry about that anymore.

My dad visited last week for a few days and that was really nice. I don't see my side of the family very often so it's always exciting to see them.

Oh, and we have added an addition to the nursery. We got the crib bedding! I needed to get something to match colors for curtains and just to start decorating. Nope, not nesting yet...just forcing myself to do get things ready. And I finally picked a mattress so we'll get that this week.

I can't believe I'm adding this bit to the blog. Yesterday, someone rang the doorbell and I went to the door. It was a teenager selling something, which I'm assuming was a fundraiser. She looked at me and said, "Hi, is your mom or dad here?" I just looked at her and said, "No" and she left. Do I look 15 years old and pregnant? If you ask me that, you won't be getting any of my business because I guarantee my parents do not live here.

Here are the pictures from both 30 weeks and 31 weeks. I'm starting to feel VERY pregnant!


(30 Weeks)





(31 Weeks)