2 cm

Well it turns out that I'm 2 cm dilated. This is not a huge concern, but it shows that the contractions are actually doing something. The doctor suggested taking it even MORE easy, so my mom was able to come up yesterday and stayed today, so that I can pretty much just sit all day. I think it made a big difference, because I did not wake up with contractions or cramps at all last night, so doing nothing seems to have paid off:)

They still plan to take me off of the meds at 36 weeks, which will be this Sunday. Doc is convinced that this will lead to early labor because of the contractions AND the dilation combined...but...our friend who had almost the exact same situation was also taken off of meds at 36 weeks, while already dilated 2 cm, and still had the baby 10 days late!!! So, you never know.

We're also still tracking the size of the baby, since this is a concern with gestational diabetes. We will get another update on size with our next ultrasound the first week of November. Non-stress tests have been perfect lately, so the baby is not stressed:)

Thanks again for checking in and continuing prayers. Much love!

Ode to my husband

I have the best husband. Out of his love and concern for both me and our coming baby, he has been making me breakfast every morning, cleaning the kitchen every night, changing Miles' diapers and clothes whenever he's available, taking Miles on walks so that Miles can burn some energy, putting the laundry in the washer and dryer, bringing me water and other needs, and reminding me that I'm not being lazy but that I'm working hard at giving all my energy to keeping our baby safe. All of this on top of a busy month of discipline cases, the four or five committees that he's on voluntarily, and his full time job. THANK YOU Matt! I love you. Through the hard times and challenges, our love only deepens and strengthens. You are a constant in my life that exemplifies Christ's tangible and unconditional love.

Friends and family, please pray for Matt - that he does not burn himself out, or lose all steam before the baby is born. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Fractions of Contractions?

First, some acrobatic cuddles from Miles:

Today has been a good day. Contractions are staying about 20 minutes apart, and I have not been having the "bad" ones today (ones that feel like bad cramps, and go up my back and down my legs). It seems that taking it easy really is making a difference, which is great!

There is someone in the Education Department who had done my exact job a few years ago, and is thankfully willing to take over a lot of the work for the next few weeks as we wrap up the grant. Plus, the Prelude course that Matt and I are teaching together ends this week, so things really are winding down.

We were blessed to have some of our R.A.s come clean our house on Friday afternoon, which has made me so much happier and more peaceful:) Clean toilets, scrubbed stove/oven/kitchen, and vaccuumed floors are one of the best gifts I've ever received:) On top of that, we're also very thankful for our friend Mary who is watching Miles for our Friday appointments, Krissy who is watching Miles for our Tuesday appointments, and Becki and Krissy who will clean for us whenever they are over. We're going to continue to eat Calvin's dining hall food as long as the doctor lets me go to the dining hall (Miles and I sit right down, and Matt makes about 6 trips to get all of our food/drinks/silverware, etc.). Thank you also, to others of you who have offered to clean or come over with food or company. We will keep you updated with any additional needs.

A week from tomorrow I will be taken off of the meds and we will see what happens. For some reason my gut tells me that I'll continue contractions but that the baby will hang out until the scheduled c-section (Nov. 15). We'll see........:)

"Am I just further along than we've thought all pregnancy long?" This is the question that I will start our next doc appt. with. I mean, a baby that's too big (from the diabetes), a fully engaged head, and contractions? It makes you wonder...

In all seriousness though, things are going well, and we're still continuing to plan on things going as "planned".

I still get contractions with most action that I take, but we've been encouraged by many that this is not necessarily a major concern unless/until major dilation is occurring. I now wait until the contractions are between 5 and 10 minutes apart, and then take a pill. Once the pill kicks in, they are about 20 minutes apart. The doctor will be checking for dilation changes at each appointment.

We've also heard many encouraging words about how positive the outcomes would probably be if the baby were in fact born at 34 weeks or a little thereafter. We of course hope the baby gets to cook as long as possible, but this is still good to hear.

Thank you again for all of your prayers. God has continually reminded us of his love for our family, his desire for good things for us and for this baby, and his plans that are already in place for this new life. We are waiting with our hearts and lives wide open in anticipation for whatever happens, knowing that God will provide all that we need and more.

We will post any changes here on our blog. And we'll be sure to call/email once the baby is born:)

On a different note, it has been three years since we experienced our ectopic pregnancy. What we think was a baby girl was not able to survive since she was growing inside my fallopian tube. We went to the "collective" grave site tonight with Miles, and told him about his sister, and the miracle of her being in heaven and his being here with us. Here are some pictures from the night:

We hope to be able to visit regularly as a family. It is wonderful and happy to celebrate Marah's birthday into heaven, and to talk about the day that we will get to meet her!

Baby Update

Well, we went in for our Non-stress-test and ultrasound yesterday. Looks like the baby has no stress right now, which is great. We did, however, find out that despite the fact that diet and exercise are keeping my blood levels low enough, the gestational diabetes is still affecting the baby's growth rate. The baby is currently over 6.5 pounds (about 90th percentile, with an abdomen in the 99th percentile, another effect of gestational diabetes). The doctor was concerned and therefore I had to start regulating my insulin this morning.

If the baby grew at a "normal" rate for the next 6 weeks, it would be close to 10 lbs. when born. Because of gest. diabetes, however, it is likely that the baby would grow at an even more accelerated pace. I am bummed that I have to be on the medication, but I am glad that we found this out now, and I am glad that there is a way to regulate the baby's insulin and growth rate.

This new finding made the decision that we will for sure have to have a scheduled c-section in the 39th week (I've been waffling lately), but if I go into labor before then I hope to have a VBAC delivery.

Here are a few photos from the ultrasound:

Sideways shot of face: mouth is to the left, eyes are to the right.

Fingers of the right hand reaching around it's belly. We also got to see the baby hold it's hands together:)

Another side face shot, same direction. Here you can see how chubby baby's cheeks are!

Thank you for your love and care for our family. We appreciate your prayers for a healthy last few weeks and delivery, and we can't wait to meet our little chubby bunny.

Let's start with a photo shoot from about 2 months ago:)

32 week belly pictures:

I think I'm making sure that my pregnancy underwear isn't showing:)

(FLASHBACK: We think this is about 32 weeks last time around. In comparison, I think I was more side-to-side last time (and Miles was up into my ribs a lot more) and this time I'm more straight out front, but my belly is measuring the exact same! I feel that my belly is so much bigger this time, but it must just be that I'm carrying way out front?!?)

Today we went to Robinette's Apple Orchard (about a five year tradition!). We arrived a little before it opened, so we spent some time playing on their wagon slide before going on the hay ride.

Sometimes Miles doesn't go down the slide:)

Running around after all the "big kids"

Then we loaded up on the hay-ride. Miles was very quiet and very inquisitive for the ride.

(ANOTHER FLASHBACK: On the hayride 2 years ago. I think Matt looks so young!)

When it got windy, Miles wanted Mommy to keep him warm and cover his ears.

My two handsomes:)

Traditional picture by the "big apple".

"This was one of the best days ever!"

Belly pictures

Before jumping right into the belly pictures, I just want to reflect on the funny...but awesome...weather that we've been experiencing here in Michigan:

One night: outside, enjoying ice cream:

Dad, you're so funny!

Next night: building a fire to keep warm and cozy

Personally, I am LOVING the cooler weather, and soaking in the beginnings of my favorite season! Mmmm, Fall.

Now for the belly pics:

24 weeks

28 weeks. (I'm now 30 weeks, so I'll take another pic in 2 weeks...)



So yeah, things have been going well around here. I've been in a major nesting mode and have been rearranging every room in the house, baking things for people whenever possible, and enjoying having people over to our house for meals whenever possible. Matt has survived the busiest 4 weeks of his job, and after healing from a torn muscle in his back (due to jumping in the mudpit at a student event), is settling into what feels more like "normal life".

This baby continues to be active. Very active. So different from Miles. Sometimes it is obvious that all 4 limbs are flailing, and for extended periods of time. It's fun that we can now see movement from the outside, so Matt can watch the activity.

We have a busy few weeks yet before we can focus solely on the baby's arrival. Matt and I are teaching a 6-week class together here at Calvin, I have some events to wrap up with my current position in the Education Department at Calvin, we will host some out of town guests, and continue to stay connected in all of our wonderful communities (care group, moms group, RA/RD staffs, etc.).

So many good things. One word to sum up our feelings lately? GRATITUDE.


Now for a few random fun pictures:

Family outing to a neighborhood fair. Miles loved the "dog show" part the best, where dogs had to jump through hoops, run over bridges, and balance on skinny walkways. Apparently the swings weren't as fun.


This one's for Mom ("Grandma") Cooke. This is an outfit that Matt wore when he was a young lad. Miles is pointing out the bunny on the shirt.

Another outfit that used to be Daddy's.




This one was just too cute not to post:)

Doc would like to do another ultrasound in the next couple of weeks, so I'll be sure to post any good pictures that we get from that appointment.

Ok. That's all for now. Hope you are all doing well. Love from the Cookes!