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Santa 2010

 My oh my how life can happen when you are making plans... Sunday evening after Matt's family left town, Matt and I were talking and I was telling him how much I would love to go home this weekend and be with my family.  He jumped on board and was like "let's go."  (I think we both have a bit of "cavin" (what Hud says) fever).  We just want to get out of town... So I call my fam and tell them we are coming on Friday (today).  Their first question was--"how's your blood pressure?"  Which I quickly respond with "great!"

My blood pressure over the last 8 weeks has been really good- not great, but good.  Every time I leave an apt, my dr says to keep on doing what I am doing because it's working.  I really have found a good balance of 'life' and rest.  I haven't had any bp problems in a long time.  It's been wonderful, and I give full credit from all of the prayers of so many on my & Holton's behalf.  Remember, I was told back at 20 weeks when all of these health issues started that I would very likely be in the hospital by now.  Thankfully we have proven them wrong.

The kids thought Ace was a bit cold... SO FUNNY!  He really is the best dog ever.

How do you play the Wii???  Watching Hudson play is HILARIOUS (especially in his underwear).  He'll start at the couch and end up 2 feet from the TV...the child gets SO into it.

 After we made our last-minute weekend Christmas #2 plans, I decide I had better check my BP because I hadn't in a while.  Sunday night it was higher than normal.  I did not think anything of it because of the weekend we were coming off of.  I just blamed it on our weekend activities and the massive pile of laundry in my chair.  HA!  Monday rolls around and it's even higher.  Again, I think it's just because of the weekend and that I need to rest....I just "knew" it would be back in the "normal" range by mid week.  Tuesday comes--still high, same with Wednesday morning.  So I called my dr on Wed am to fill her in on my last few days bps, and they want to see me immediately.  I figured it would be the same ol' 20 minute BP check as always.  BOY WAS I WRONG!!  I was immediately sent over to the perinatologist next door for lab work and a sono.  She then sent me directly to labor and delivery to be monitored as well as have more tests run.  As soon as I am hooked all up to the machines and in my pretty gown, contractions start and they are coming every 2 minutes for 5 HOURS.  Once I was in bed my blood pressure dropped & was perfect, but now they would not let me go because I was having back to back contractions.  It was a wild day.  I spent the entire day hanging in the hospital.  Thankfully after IV fluids and continued rest, the contractions slowed and they let me go home to "VERY STRICT BED REST!"  All I can do is go to the potty and shower....period.  They threatened to keep me if I would not follow directions.  I was so relieved to get to go home, and I have been following doctors orders.

This is how Harper plays, reads, watches TV...I think it is so cute.

All ready for their Christmas parties this morning.

Yesterday, I had to go back to the hospital to drop of a 24 hour urine collection (2nd time I have had to do this...think TIDE JUG), and go back to see my dr for a BP check.  Yesterday's blood pressure was the highest yet, and guess what??  I was sent BACK to L&D for several hours.  Again, once I was in bed it went back down to normal.  I am only dilated to a 1--hope it stays that way for a while.  They gave me the first round of steroid shots (OUCH!) to help make sure Holton's lungs are good and ready if he does decide to come early.  I go back today for my 2nd, and final, shot.  Thankfully after my last sonogram on Wednesday everything showed to be perfectly healthy with Holton.  He looked great and growing like a weed.  He weighed in at 6lbs and measured in the 95% for both height and weight.  It is always so hilarious to me when they tell me how long my boy's legs and arms are.  HA!  He also had a head full of hair...I could see it just floating around in the water.  I wonder if he'll have as much as Huddy did..??..

So needless to say Christmas #2 has been canceled.  We are home, and I am in bed.  Loving my macbook more and more these days.  I hope to stay out of the hospital and at home until it is time.  My dr really wants me to make it to January--me too.  I want my little man good and ready.  I am thankful for the close eye they are keeping on me.  I have had VERY positive experiences in Labor and Delivery.  Have absolutely LOVED my nurses.  --Total first for me--  They have been so great to me, so compassionate, and very attentive.  Hoping and praying that #3's birth is a POSITIVE experience.  Thoughts of Harper's birth nearly send me into a panic attack when I think about going into labor again.  Positive thoughts, Allison...

My precious loves have been wonderful.  Hudson and Harper know the time is coming soon and just cannot wait.  Harper has been extra lovey dovey with my tummy (that rhymes).  She believes my flattened out belly button is Holton's eye.  :)  She loves his kicks and hiccups.  Hudson, well, he isn't as 'hands on' as his sister, but he'll cuddle with me and put his hand on my tummy.  Such sweet moments.

This also could not have come at a more perfect timing.  Matt is officially off until after the first of the year...what a blessing.  He is such the rock star dad- love of my life.  Today is the kid's Christmas parties that I volunteered to help out with back in Sept.  Of course, I can't be there (tear), and Matt has dropped everything to make sure he is there and that their day is special.  He is taking the pizza, drinks, fruit, utensils...basically everything I was supposed to do he is doing.  AND he has both the camcorder and camera to make sure I won't miss out.  It makes me teary-eyed when I think about how selfless he is, and how devoted he is to our family.  Could not have dreamed of more.


Holton could come at any moment now, but we are doing everything we can to keep him baking a little longer.

Hopefully, I'll have a few more posts before his debut...  I am living in full peace and confidence that Holton's birthday was known long before he was conceived.  My prayer is that I do everything on my part to keep us as healthy as possible until that sweet day arrives, and that His hand of protection is covering us both.  Thank you for your prayers. 

Harper and her baby brother.  This was yesterday after her nap while she was still waking up.  She is my sweet cuddle bug.