We’re at the hospital 9:32pm

| September 21, 2009

Well, our plans have changed a bit. The original plan was that Pam would be induced Wednesday morning. She had a non-stress today (Monday) which went fine for the most part but there were a couple of blips in which the baby’s heart rate dropped lower than they like so they decided to admit her. They will start to prepare her tonight and then induce her tomorrow. So, it looks like Sam will come a day early which is fine for us since we can’t wait to see her.

Our 10th Anniversary

| September 18, 2009

Today is Mark and my 10th wedding anniversary.  The time went so fast.  I can remember our wedding so well, and yet, here we are 10 years later.  It is hard to believe that we have spent the majority of that time waiting for Sam…or well…we didn’t know we were waiting for Sam specifically, obviously, but you know what I mean.  Our marriage certainly wasn’t what either of us expected, I don’t think, in the sense that I think Mark and I both pictured having our family a long time ago, and yet, every day of waiting, every disappointment related to having (or not having) our family seems so far away now that we have Sam to look forward to.

We have such a great marriage — I am the luckiest woman in the world.  Not a day goes by that I don’t remember how lucky I am, even though sometimes I am sure I don’t show it.  It took me a long time to realize that Mark and I were perfect for each other, but I am glad I came to my senses before I lost the chance to be with Mark forever.  I can’t imagine a more wonderful husband and more wonderful father for our child.  He already is a great dad and Sam isn’t even here yet.  Just last night at the mall he picked out the cutest outfit for Sam : )  How many men would bother to notice their baby girl’s clothes?  But Mark does.  He cares about every single thing that will affect her.  I know he will be an involved, caring, loving dad who Sam will have a special bond with for the rest of her life. I don’t know how I can ask for more than that.

Happy Anniversary, Mark.  And thank you for being the person you are, the husband you are, and the father you are.  I couldn’t possibly be luckier, or happier.  I love you.

Ok, now that I am done being sappy, I thought I’d share some photos.  The first is our engagement picture from September 4, 1998.  Mark proposed at one of our favorite spots, a certain lone tree, in the middle of a field at Valley Forge National Park. We used to go there quite a bit when we lived in Paoli.  The second is a photo of us that we just took on August 15, 2009 at that same tree.  The last picture was just given to me by my mom’s cousin, Helen, at my baby shower.  It is my grandparents’ engagement photo.  I had never seen this photo before, and I was astounded by the similarities to my own engagement photo.  My grandparents had the most amazing marriage and they loved each other so deeply until the end of their lives.  Their marriage was always the gold standard to me — something to aspire to.  And I really think that so far, Mark and I have done a good job in having the kind of marriage they had, which is saying something.  I couldn’t be happier, and I know that my grandparents are happy for both of us.  They loved both me and Mark so much, and I wish they were here so they could meet Sam.  But I will tell her all about them, that’s for sure.

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My birthday

| September 15, 2009

Well, today was my 40th birthday. It’s hard for me to believe sometimes….I really don’t feel like a 40 year old.  Although, what does being 40 feel like, exactly?  I can tell you what I always thought it would feel like — horrible.  But it’s really not.  And I do think a huge part of that is because of Sam.  How can I not like where my life is now when I have her?  Mark and I have such a great life, and it’s only about to get even better.  I think being 40 can make you feel really old if you let it, but I won’t.  I can’t.  I will have a little munchkin to run around with and that takes some energy!  And I think that seeing everything through her eyes, experiencing life with her, playing, coloring, having tea parties, enjoying her imagination, all of that will only help to keep us young.  I just hope that Sam doesn’t mind having an “older” mom.  Mark thinks I am crazy for thinking so when these days, so many first time moms are my age.  He’s right, of course.  What I do know is that I am determined that my 40s are going to be the best decade of my life, because I have so much to look forward to.

Speaking of which….I had my appointment with Dr. Bailey today.  Everything is going well, but not much has changed.  I am still not dilated any more than I was last week, but he still thinks I could go into labor on my own.  But just in case, we have a date!  If Sam doesn’t make her appearance before then, I am scheduled to be induced on Wednesday, September 23!  Whoo hoo!  There is a light at the end of the never ending tunnel!

Happy Birthday Pam!

| September 15, 2009

Let me be the first to officially say happy birthday to my lovely bride Pam! I know 40 is a special one but we sure are doing something special to commemorate it! I can’t imagine a better present than a new baby! I just hope she comes soon so we can start having fun with her. You have been so strong through this whole pregnancy, I can’t picture a more perfect mother for my child. You are more beautiful now than you have ever been and I can’t wait to start this next part of our life together.

I love you,

Mark

My latest non-stress test…

| September 14, 2009

As you may recall, the non-stress tests I have monitor Sam’s heartrate in conjunction with her movements, but also any contractions I may be having.  Well, today I had my latest non-stress test and for the first time the nurse told me she could read some contractions!  I was pretty surprised, because (a) I never feel anything, and (b) I always ask if I am having any and the nurses always tell me no.  Friday when I was there I wasn’t having any, but today I was!  I know they are just “practice” contractions, but still, it is a good feeling to know it is one more sign that my body is getting ready for me to give birth to my girl!  And as always, Sam passed her test with flying colors : )