Routines and Success

Before Everett was born, Deona and I had conversations regarding routines and the importance of consistency for children. We agree that children develop a sense of responsibility in that they know exactly what is required of them. We both believe inconsistencies lead to a number of problems because of the messages it sends.

Since moving to our new home, we have been deliberate in making sure Everett tidy's up his room before going to bed; not because we're against having a messy room but because we'd like him to feel a sense of responsibilty for all his stuff. This week I am most proud, as I feel Everett truly understands this routine and his responsibilty to his toys, room and self.

Our evening routine:

9:00-9:30 We announce, "It's time to clean up". Everett turns off his television, then starts putting his toys in the bins. I absolutely LOVE that he has a method. For instance, when he packs up his trains, he is careful that all the train cars are standing up right, side by side, in their basket, before placing them on the appropriate shelf in the closet.

Funny story: This week Everett loaded his basket with trains and carefully carried them towards their shelf. Half way there, the basket tips and all the trains fall out. Patient little Ev, sits down, reloads them one by one; all standing upright in perfect uniformity. Everett stands back up, grabs both basket handles, walks slow-motion, hunched over, as if this technique might help prevent the basket from tipping again. :) Sweet success!

After all his toys are picked up and high-fives are exchanged, we announce, it's time for a diaper change and pajamas. When reminded, "It's time to brush your teeth", Everett runs to his bathroom. He also understands how to "rinse", "dry" and "put up" his toothbrush.

Keeping routines with Everett has not come easy, but am convinced the reason for bedtime successes. Everett understands at bedtime, its time to cover up, hug Pooh Bear, and close his eyes; he does this without struggle or ever getting upset. We are so proud.

37 weeks & FULL TERM!!!

We had our "37 week" check up at 3:30 today. Deona and Emory are SUPER! A recap of our visit:

• Deona's blood pressure was 122/78, excellent!
• Deona gained 1 pound this week
• Emory's heart rate was in the 130's (BPM)
• Deona's cervix is dialated to a 2!

Doc said all looks great and on schedule. We are scheduled to check into the hospital at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, 4/10. Your continued prayers for a healthy pregnancy and delivery are greatly appreciated. Not much longer!!!!

According to babycenter, Emory is now considered "full term," even though our due date is three weeks away. If we go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
Our baby should weigh around 6 1/3 pounds and measure a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Quality Control

Preparing supper, Everett helps Mommy snap green beans.

Good thing he's all about making sure our produce is satisfactory. Such a good little helper.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...

EMORY'S ON HIS WAY!!! We had our 36 week doctor's appointment today.
Again, all is going well. In summary:

• Deona gained 2 pounds
• Blood pressure was 131/72
• We got to hear Emory's heartbeat
• It was confirmed our baby is most definitely a boy :o)
• Emory is in birthing position.

Since this pregnancy is following the exact patterns as with Everett, Doc scheduled inducement (provided Emory doesnt decide to come earlier) for Saturday, April 10th.
We're super excited and look forward to seeing you at the hospital.

p.s. Brownie points to the one who brings Deona a cheese pizza and cherry dr. pepper from Sonic. :o)

36 WEEKS! (300 th post)

AHHHH, It just hit me.....WE'RE 36 WEEKS!! It's time I start cleaning; FOR REAL this time....we're having company soon!!!! Though the ticker shows 4 weeks until due date, I have a sneaky suspicion we're looking more like 2 weeks. I predict April 9th. *counting dates on my fingers...* THAT'S ONLY 17 DAYS LEFT, EEEEEEEK! :o)

Deona's doing great. She's finally feeling a tad better:

-She isn't feeling like Emory's going to pop-out any day now.

-She finalized and submitted the school yearbook (a major pain in her arse)

-She's currently making an "A" in her Masters course. Now if little Emory will hold off long enough to let Mama take her exam this weekend, we're in great shape.

As you already know I'm so proud of Deona, she works so hard. I'm just looking forward to some R&R for her. YES, we're aware how busy we'll be when Emory arrives, but it will be a different busy. I'm hopeful I can be the extra support she needs; even while caring for our beautiful Everett.

We're having fun watching her belly; as soon i turn to grab the video camera the stinker quits moving for us. I think we already have a wise guy on our hands.

Your continued blessings and prayers for a heathly pregnancy and delivery are very much appreciated.

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According to babycenter, baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds ) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement. At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

...and just to note, this entry is our 300th post on our blog. That's alot of blogging, folks.

Stella Grace is here!

Congratulations Cristina and Sean!

beautiful, BEAUTIFUL, sweet baby girl.

Born March 22, at 3:48 a.m.

Emory's Nursery

Finally, pictures. Now a reminder....Emory's nursery is actually our dining room. With a little work, it looks and functions as we had hoped. Theme: Elephant & stars.

This bedding solidified how we decided on our baby's name. After many run-ins with the name "Emory", I (Monica) found this bedding I really liked, by "Cocalo", the line was called "Emory". We both felt the name kept reintroducing itself to us, so we decided to stick with it.

Crib is flush against a mirror wall:

In this picture, you can see the kitchen in the reflection. Also, there are only three lanterns and one mobile above crib.

To remedy kithen/living room lights during nap times, I installed a wire rod and drape panels. similar to what you might see in outpatient/examination rooms in a hospital.

Room with drapes closed (kitchen no longer visible).

Canvas i painted that is nailed above dresser:

Deona's birthday day!

Happy 34th birthday, Deona!

I decided to shoot a couple of pics on our patio while we waited for Deona and Debbie (Grammy)to finalize our plans for the day. He's such a big boy now.

After a fun-filled day eating breakfast at Mimi's cafe and shopping, we met Grampy, aunt Jackie, Courtney, auntie Sharon, Ori (Danielle), aunt Dondi, Roy and the boys at Incredible Pizza. Our busy, fun-filled day left little time for naps so we arrived crabby and mad at the world. Let me clarify... "we" denotes Everett. Loud, crowded places + a child in a bad mood = one really frazzled mommy. Even so, seemed like everyone had a good time.

Aunt Dondi, Debbie & Deona

"Ori" & Ev

35 Weeks!

We're in the final turn and our hearts are racing with excitement and anticipation. Deona's on Spring Break this week, so we've been running around making those final purchases for Emory's nursery. I'm hoping to have nursery pictures posted tomorrow evening.

According to Babycenter, baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

New video footage posted...

Check out:

• "Day out with Thomas"
• "Fancy Footwork"
• "Fort Worth Zoo"

Emory Owen!

We're getting excited; sooooo ready to meet him!

Video taken 03/11/10

Fancy Footwork

I think I've mentioned a time or two, how much Everett LOVES Mary Poppins, especially when it's "Steppin' Time"!

Fort Worth Zoo!

Everett, aunt Schneider and I visited the Fort Worth zoo today. The Zoo opened a new exhibit (on March 6th) called the Museum of Living Art (MOLA). It houses over 5000 animals; mostly reptiles and amphibians. The exhibit is really cool and I'm sure alot of fun. I'm looking forward to going back for a closer look; perhaps a "grown up" date when Ev is enjoying a day at Chuck E. Cheeses or at the park. :) Here are some snapshots from today:



otters!

kangaroo!

The parakeet exhibit was Everett's absolute favorite and definitely worth the entire zoo admission. It was so refreshing to see him so gentle and caring with all the birds.

Waiting for a bird to land on his stick of seeds:

Look at that beautiful butt! :) It was actually irridescent and changed colors in the sunshine. Amazing.

Getting tired and ready for a nap.

An absolute perfect day at the zoo.