not to us

4th of July = 20 Weeks!

Happy Independence Day, everyone! 

We've got a busy day planned at our household.  The Burkes, The Goodwins, and The Cherrys are all coming over for a lunch picnic.  After the picnic, they are heading off to see "Hancock", and I think some of them might go see the fireworks at Slater Hill tonight.  It should be fun.  :)

Of course, you know where I'll be spending my 4th of July!  :)  So there was no reason to skip a blog update today.  :)

Here we are, on July 4th 2008, at 20 Weeks.  We are halfway through a normal, full-term pregnancy.  We have four weeks to go until the steroid shots, and six weeks to go until we have a pretty good shot at viability.  Eight weeks to go until the brain is properly developed.  Sixteen weeks to go until the lungs are properly developed.  Let the countdown begin!

We took a couple of pictures this morning to commemorate the milestone.  :)  This is what a belly looks like with a healthy baby boy and a full amniotic sac at 20 Weeks:

This is what a thankful mommy looks like at 20 Weeks
(when she doesn't want to waste upright time doing her hair):

This is what a big sister looks like at 20 Weeks:

Burke gets a hug:

Burke gets a kiss:

Thank you, God, for this time with Burke!!

Bedrest is Rough for Ruby

Please read the sarcasm in that title.  I thought I'd give you a little photo essay of what bedrest is like for Ruby, lest you all feel too sorry for her.  :)

Bedrest = Extra Cuddles from Mommy

Bedrest = Extra Cuddles from Daddy

Bedrest = Extra Playtime with Daddy

Bedrest = Extra Pampering Sessions

 Bedrest = Lots of Pizza (her favorite)

Bedrest = Extra Visits from Friends

and Extra Cheez-Its:

Lastly, Bedrest = Special Treats
(like making cupcakes with Annie!!)

As you can tell, the life of bedrest is HARD for a baby...really hard.  :)

In Closing

LOL!  I felt like this last portion needed a heading, since the other sections had their own heading.

I just wanted to thank you all so much.  Bedrest Life really would be hard, actually impossible, for Ruby without all of your help.  You have spoiled her rotten, and I can't thank you enough.  My prayer is that, when she's older, I can look at these pictures with her and explain to her how loved and cared for she was by our family and church family.  I want her to know that she is loved, not only by her Heavenly Father, but by her earthly family, as well.

By taking care of my little girl, you have done my heart a WORLD of good.  I love you all.  I hope you enjoy your day immensely!!