The Waiting Game

We have made it through 9 months of labor. Each month being a different milestone; it has been quite a journey growing right along with our baby in terms of being ready to be parents.

Two weeks ago Sara & I went to our weekly OB appointment. Our OB told us that she was a centimeter dilated & 80% effaced already. We were shocked as Sara still had 4 weeks to go. Our baby was also head down & extremely low in Sara's pelvis.

This week at our appointment we found out Sara is 3 centimeters dilated & 100% effaced. The Doctor is actually amazed Sara hasn't had the baby yet & is walking around the way she is. We have been walking at least a mile everyday if not 2 miles.

We are extremely anxious to have this baby. A Doctor only has their best "guess" as to when a child will arrive. They can go off of your babies signs but if that child isn't ready yet it won't happen.

There are many ways to have a baby & many methods that certain women swear by. When it comes down to it, you have to do what you think is right for you & your baby. No method is technically "wrong," but more a difference of personality & personal choice. Sara & I have decided to try a delivery with no medication. We feel pretty confident about this choice & believe it is the right choice for us & the baby. We also feel pretty strongly that we don't want to be enduced. We want our little bundle of joy to come when she wants. If enducing or medication during labor becomes necessary we are totally ok with it, however we want it as a last option.

Because of our choice for no enducement our OB is patiently waiting. She is extremely excited for us & wants us to have our child soon, but has been extremely supportive as well. Sara & I are extremely anxious for this child to arrive. After the 9 months of waiting & seeing the baby grow, we are extremely anxious to see her gorgeous face, hold her, & be able to interact with her on the outside opposed to through the uterine walls.

It has been a trying & challenging two weeks for Sara & I. She has been contracting pretty good, but nothing to go to the hospital about. She has been "sitting" on our baby for 3 weeks now. It is an anxious & exciting time as well as a frustrating & challenging time. We are hopeful we are close & are prepared for her to come any day. The bags are packed, the nursury is ready, & Mom & Dad have been ready for 4 weeks now! One thing is for sure, I don't think there is any question who the parents of this baby are. The way she is holding out & choosing when to make her grand entrance.....she is just as obstinate & independent as her Mom & Dad!

Hopefully the next post will be pictures of our little one!

Busy Summer

It has been a whirlwind to the end of this school year & beginning of summer. We ended a crazy end of the year with a series of trips with some students that led to some fun adventures for us. We travelled everywhere from the beach to the beautiful Columbia Rier Gorge (pictured above).

We made it through the end of the year & succesfully sent all of our kids home for the summer. Graduation also went great! Sara & I played "mom & dad" to 4 students. Above is one of our students, Jae Sung, right after graduation. He is a great kid and we will miss him next year. Luckily he will be attending college in Portland next year so we will see him some.

Here is a final picture of my dorm staff for this 2008-2009 school year. They were an amzing staff that took our dorm from a style that we have used for a long time to a new style that I created when I took the job. They did an amazing job all year & they will be missed going into next year. "Trailblazers" or "forerunners" are always given a daunting & seemingly impossible task, but seem to always trudge through until they find breakthrough. I am very grateful for their work over the past 9 months & I have gained great friendships as they worked for me.

Sara & I have been busy with international paper work, cleaning, doctors appointments, basketball, & a wedding. It has been a crazy few weeks which has led me to many nights crashing on he couch once the work day is over. Promise has become my snuggle dog when I come home. She has been spending a lot of time with Sara when I'm at work so when I get home she usually wants my attention. Sara snapped this picture one night after a 9am to 9pm day of basketball coaching/reffing. I was beat & got in my favorite position with my cuddle buddy. Promise actually finally came into her heat & is being bred this weekend. Her puppies will be here around the start of September. We are looking forward to our little girl coming into the world as well as Promise becommig a mom. It should be an eventful end to our summer.

Sara & I are in Bend for our 2 year anniversary. We are staying at a wonderful resort right off the Deschutes River called the Riverhouse. It is a beautiful resort & we are enjoying our get-away. Sometimes it is so refreshing to simply get away from the craziness of life & to just spend some time with your best friend. I am dropping Sara off at her Aunt & Uncles this weekend to help them with the litter the four of us delivered last night. If you want to hear about our delivery, check out our blog from last night here. I, however, will be heading to the secluded town of La Grande, Oregon. We are taking 4 teams to NBC Team Camps. It should be a fun week of basketball with the guys. After next week it is pure relaxation at home with Sara while we wait for out little one to arrive. She has been so active lately & feeling her move has been a thirll. I'll hopefully get some video of it soon.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!