There is an end in sight! 39 week appt

Today was my 39 week appointment (sigh!). I was feeling great until late last week when my sciatic nerve started acting up again. For those that have been pregnant and had this pain, you know what I am feeling. I have a very tough time walking and just taking care of life in general. Jason has had to cook all the meals and the girls have helped out where they can but I just feel so icky.

His heartbeat was still 150-155 (he is very consistent with that).

I was a whopping 2 cm dilated (blah, blah, blah) so she stripped my membranes to hopefully get labor going. I did not want to be induced and still don't want to be, but due to my lack of being able to walk, the doctor and I agreed an induction is probably needed. So, Matthew will be evicted from this body on Monday, June 22nd IF not before. I really hope he comes on his own but I also know that for my pain level I need him out of me as soon as we can.

I think my eyes show the pain I am in.
Please come out, my little tenant!

Shhh...we should be sleeping!

We have an alarm clock in the girls' room that turns green at 7:15AM, telling them they can get up and come to our room. Well on Tuesday morning, Jason could hear the girls talking and since he was already up, he figured he would go get them.

He went into their room and both girls pretended to be sleeping. He then caught a glimpse of what looked like a granola bar. He asked the girls about it and Ella said they were hungry.

Jason went downstairs to check out the "damage" in the kitchen. I guess the girls snuck out of their room (who knows when?), each got a granola bar, Ella poured some water for them and then they hurried back upstairs, hoping we would never be the wiser.

Smart (and hungry) girls, eh? But hey, at least they didn't wake us up!

What's a hot day without a strawberry festival?

Where I grew up in Cincinnati, it seemed like there were church festivals all the time. In fact, when we were in high school we spent many Saturday nights going to festivals at the Catholic Churches. On Friday night Jason and I were saying we wanted to do something different with the girls on Saturday as they have been extra good lately.

Jason found the First Presbyterian Church at 81st and Hague was having a strawberry festival. Sounded like food to me so I was in! The girls heard there was a bouncy house and they were in! Jason heard there was a dunk tank where he could dunk people and he was in!

The ducky game

Which one gives me a prize? Does this have the X on it Mom?

Bouncin' away

This was the whole reason we came. The big bouncy house!!

The slide at the end of the bouncy house



Ella got a heart painted on her hand and Laney got a flower.
When they came off later that day, Ella begged me to paint
not only both of her hands, but her feet and her face with designs.
I am not artistic so the designs sure were of the impressionistic area.

Laney going in the maze. Laney was so proud she made it through

Here was the church version of Plinko.
Although there was "no chance for $50,000" like the Price is Right,
the girls enjoyed the prizes they got.

Getting a picture of everybody looking is impossible
so I just thought I would post one pic
where each of the girls looks good.
Jason, you are rockin' it in all of them :)

Who is 31?

Last night we went out to dinner with two of our favorite couples: the Worthingtons and the Powells. We went to Stir Crazy for dinner and then to Fionn MacCools for drinks (my water was delicious).

Jen and Kristy got me the most beautiful necklace from the local store, Tangerine but the real present was a night away with my hubby and great friends! Thank you all for a fun and relaxing night!!! And I guess it's official...I am in my "30's."

The ladies: Jen, me and Kristy

Guess who is fueled by Advocare?
Don't mess with JP!

Thanks J for making my birthday so relaxing.
I think every day should be my 24th birthday.....hahaha

What a great birthday song!

Nana and Grandpa Mike come to visit

On Sunday, my parents came for a visit.

Although it was a quick visit, the girls had so much fun just hanging out.

They road bikes, went on walks, ate another birthday cake,

enjoyed rock candy and enjoyed just lovin' on their grandparents.

Ella playing with her buddy, Grandpa Mike

Since you tickle me, I will lick you.

Did you get a boo-boo Grandpa Mike?
Ella gave her Grandpa nothing but the best--a coveted Hello Kitty band aid.
I need to buy stock in that company!

Time for a close up

Nana enjoyed our new chairs.
Did you steal that Capri Sun from you grandchildren? :)

While Mom and Dad were playing with the kids,

the adults enjoyed some relaxation time.

The girls sure kept the grandparents hoppin',

but I don't think my parents minded :)

Bye Nana and Grandpa.
Thanks for the visit and "see you next time."

Laney has learned to say the letters in her name.

Although it sounds like I was just saying them all

(she was speaking so quietly) she does say them :)

I guess repetition does work.

Riding her big girl bike

Nana and Pappy Come to Visit

On Saturday, Jason's parents came for a day visit. The girls always get so excited to see their grandparents and today was no exception. I had a 2 year old wake me up at 7:15 am saying "Nana and Pappy come today."
The excitement lasted all day and continued with
these super cute dresses the Willetts bought the girls

Laney snuggling with Pappy



Jason's parents then sent us out to enjoy some lunch
and run a few errands. Little did I know they were
planning a party for my birthday.
The girls were so excited to sing Happy Birthday.
After the singing, Ella asked the funniest question.
Ella: Mom, When is your birthday?
Me: It's Friday
Ella: Doesn't Nana Dean know it's Friday and not today?



Jason and Laney went shopping and got a yummy birthday cake.

As much as I liked the cake, I think Laney liked it more



The Willetts gave me a beautiful vase and a gift certificate to the Loft.
I told Ella that some flowers will look great in the vase, especially
the flowers in our front yard (once they bloom).
There was one daisy that had popped out already so
Ella starting thinking and said: Wait a minute mom. I need to do something.



This is what I saw.
After she picked the one daisy that had bloomed,
she then picked daisies that weren't quite ready.
It was adorable to see!

After Ella arranged the flowers and leaves in the vase,
Laney wanted a turn. So she dumped them all
out and started her own flower arrangement.

I couldn't resist playing with the soft focus on my computer software.
Although it looks like Ella is strangling Laney,
I still think it's a cute shot.

Ella playing with Nana Dean

Are you girls ganging up on her?

Now that the party was over, Jason decided to relax in our new chairs.
Neither one of us wanted to move after we pulled these out.

J and his daddy's girl

It's been a fun day, Nana and Pappy.
Thanks for visiting and thanks for the wonderful birthday gifts and party!