And soon baby will make 4.

We had our 36 week prenatal appt. two Fridays ago. My tummy measured big, so my ob/gyn recommended that we have an ultrasound done to see what's going on (possibilities: baby is big, lots of amniotic fluid, or how I'm carrying the baby).

The ultrasound was done last Tuesday. It wasn't too long after the technician began that we learned Samantha's a big baby. Her head measured big enough for a 42 week baby, her tummy measured 41 weeks, and her femur (in her leg) measured 38 weeks. The average size of Samantha was about 39 weeks. The measurements also gave us a ballpark idea of her weight, 8 pounds 11 ounces. That's a pound bigger than Courtney when she was born at 39 weeks. And I was only 36 weeks!!! There is still room for error, but it's a pretty good guesstimate.

Now what?

My ob/gyn contacted me quickly and we discussed a few options. We opted with a scheduled c-section! Save the date for October 30, 2011. Now, the baby may decide to come on her own before that, but we'll have a c-section either way. With the size she was a week ago, Samantha could get shoulder distotia if she's born naturally. I'd rather take on the extra stress to my body than worry about her getting stuck and/or having to recover from something like that.

After much discussion with the doctor and with Drew, it's the best decision for Samantha and I.

I also began Maternity Leave today. I did a few things around the house (the dishes and made two loaves of pumpkin bread), but Drew did A LOT this weekend (cleaned the carpets (not just vacuuming), the bathrooms, lots of laundry, lots of grocery shopping, etc.). I don't know what I'd do without a husband and father to our little girls like him.

So, in less than 2 weeks (if not beforehand), we'll have our little pumpkin in our arms.

Davis Ranch and Apple Hill, 10/9/11

We had another fun-filled day planned with Grandma and Daddy, but Auntie Jen and her boyfriend (CJ) joined us too.

We went to Davis Ranch, which wasn't exactly all it was cracked up to be. Courtney went on her first pony ride and we bought some yummy produce.

These are just a few pics--more to come!
After Davis, we went back to Apple Hill for some more fresh produce. It was another long day for this Momma. We ended it with a yummy lunch at Z-Pies in Placerville. Then we went home where Courtney and I had a good nap.

Apple Hill 9/25/11

A few weeks back we took Courtney on her second trip to Apple Hill. She was about 5 months old when we went the first time, so we knew this time would be a bit different. More interactive.

Grandma, Daddy, Courtney, and I set our morning off right with warm and delicious donuts from Rainbow Orchards. But, first, Courtney had to pick out the right little pumpkin that we could display at home.

Aw, and there's Momma's preggo profile. Samantha was there too!

Then we were off to another orchard--which for the life of me I cannot remember--where the 4 of us took a train ride around the pond. Courtney was very excited about the train ride. I believe she said, "oooo..." a few times.

Then, finally, we headed to Boa Vista. We picked out apples, asian pears, nectarines, pears, a pie, etc.

We had a great (and tiring) day!

Oh baby!

Today was a special day for the Paul, Langstaff, and Ellison families. We celebrated the soon-to-make-an-appearance Samantha Paige and the soon-to-be big sister Courtney Jane.

We had a small BBQ at the park by our house and were joined by: Grandma, Larry, Papa, Laura, Max, Mason, Auntie Jen, CJ (Auntie's boyfriend), Aunt Nikki, Uncle Ken, Aunt Patty, Angela & Enzo (Mommy's friends), and Joanne.

Daddy BBQ'd hamburgers and hotdogs and everyone else brought yummy sides and desserts.

Courtney ran around and played for HOURS! We got there around noon and packed up after two. She really didn't stop much. And she napped fabulously afterwards. By the sight of her sleepy eyes, I don't think she'll be up too late tonight (typically bed time is about 8/8:30).
We were very blessed to receive wonderful gifts for Samantha--and Courtney got a few too.
Baby Samantha made her presence known a few times by giving me a quick kick to the belly. Most of the group is guesstimating that she'll make her appearance shortly (AKA we're not making it another 5 weeks).

We're ready--so come on baby!

Let's try blogging again.

It's been a while since I last blogged. I guess you can blame it on having an almost year-and-a-half-year-old and being pregnant with baby #2.

Life continues to boggle my mind. How did I get here? Well, it certainly wouldn't all be possible without the love of my life, Drew. I don't think I take as much time as I used to to tell him how appreciated he is for what he's provided to me. And now what he provides to Courtney and soon-to-be Samantha. I love you Drew.

We're in the final weeks of countdown for Samantha Paige's arrival (week 34). We're doing our best to tell Courtney what's going on (i.e., she's going to be a big sister). We ask her where "Sissy" or "Sammy" is and often she'll touch my belly. It's a sweet moment. A moment that makes me stop and say to myself, or to Drew, we are some of the luckiest people on Earth.

And then Courtney proceeds to give us a high-pitch scream or climb on the furniture. That moment makes me stop and say, good lord help us. :)

All in all, we're very excited to be a family of four. We're going to have two precious and beautiful little girls. I sorta can't wait. Which is good, considering we're almost there. Thanksgiving and Christmas (maybe even Halloween) are going to be fantastic. Courtney will be celebrating her seconds and Samantha her firsts. In January, we'll look back as I head back to the office, and think, how did it happen so fast?

Treasure each moment and remember it forever!