Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanksgiving Pictures

Eli's Haircut Trauma

Eli desperately needed a haircut. We like it long, but it was just getting ridiculous. And since I can't don't trust myself to cut hair, I had Dan take the clippers and buzz it. Worry-free hair. Here are some pictures of Eli during the ordeal.

Eli's BEFORE picture. He had no idea what was coming.

I gave him a mirror to watch what was going on since he was getting freaked out by the buzzer and his hair falling to the floor. He just watched and cried. He kept saying as he felt his head, "Hair. Hair. Aaaaa!!"

Here's his AFTER picture. As you can see, he got over it pretty quickly. He looks a lot older.

Pics

Gabe's first bath at home...

Brotherly love...

David Gabriel Simrak

Our 2nd son, David Gabriel (Gabe), was born on Saturday at 8:53am weighing in at 7lbs 0ozand 20" long.

Eli Playing

Dan took some pictures of Eli when they went out to play a few days ago. I thought I'd share some of them. I've been increasingly more thankful lately as Eli's imagination and attention span are developing. It's given me some much-needed breaks during the day to allow me to rest or get some things done before the baby arrives.

Apple Picking

We decided to invite our good friends, Steve and Christie Bowles to go to the apple orchard with us this year. Last Fall, Dan, Eli and I went to Solebury Orchard to go apple picking. We had such a good time, that we've been waiting all year for the right season to go again. It was a beautiful day for it.

Recent Pix

31 Weeks and Back From Vacation

Today was my 31-week doctor's appt and everything looks good. Even after vacation to Ocean City last week, I am still in good shape - meaning I'm healthy and right where I need to be. They are keeping me on bed-rest until the results of my fibronectin test come in which should be within the week. If it comes back negative, all is well and good until I reach 34 wks. That's what we're hoping for.

It was so nice to spend a week at the beach. Although we went over Labor Day weekend, by Tuesday the beaches were much less crowded and quite relaxing. We met some nice Christians with a three-year-old son who live not very far from us. They also are Calvary Chapel goers.

Our apartment was incredibly small for five adults and a toddler. But we managed. The second half of the week went much better after we'd all adjusted to the confined space. We missed the spacious house we would have enjoyed in the Outer Banks had we been able to go, but Dan and I agreed that the boardwalk was nice in the evenings to keep us entertained with a small tyke. We went to the Wonderland Pier where we took Eli on his first-ever amusement park rides. It was good entertainment for us as well as Eli.

Shriver's is a must-go while in Ocean City. Their main attraction is their salt water taffy. But that wasn't the draw for Dan or myself. Their gelato is the best as far as I've tasted. Dan and I indulged our gelato weakness three times. We ought to be ashamed, but we're not. It was well worth it.

Here are some pictures of the week.

My Little Punkin Head

How adorable is that?! Eli finds our shoes and just loves trying to walk around in them. Sometimes, he'll try putting my shoes back on my feet. I remember walking around in my mom's shoes when I was little. To little kids, it's fun to pretend that they're adults. But at the end of the day, they are protected by the shelter of their childlike minds. Oh to be a child again...

This first week on bed rest has had its "up" moments. Thanks to the confinement of my bed and couch, I've been able to rest up since I came down with this nasty cold virus that is infiltrating my chest and head. I read a good book. Watched a few good movies. And I've enjoyed the company of friends and family who have come to help with Elias.

On the less fun end of the stick, Eli has been less disciplined and whiny. The poor kid doesn't know what's going on. Why can't mommy pick him up and hold him? Doesn't she want to? Why can't she get up and play with him or go outside? Why are other people having to feed him and put him to bed? There's no way to explain it to an 18-month old baby. He got a molar this week too which only contributed to his being out of sorts. I think he's getting another one. His gums are really swollen.

I know that Elias will learn to be flexible and that he'll never remember it. And it's a comfort knowing that. But it's still difficult for me to see him unhappy and not be able to do a whole lot about it. It's hard to remain on the couch when you hear him fall or when he wants mommy to put him to bed. It's also hard to enforce rules from the couch. But we have had excellent help and I know we will get through this. It just seems like a long way off.

Here are some pictures of Eli playing with Daddy's same shoes a year ago.

It's Deja Vu All Over Again

Most of you may recall my prior experience with pre-term labor. With Elias, I went into early labor, was in the hospital for a few days, endured bedrest until it was safe to give birth, and then, little bugger didn't come until four days after his due date. But, my, what a beautiful and healthy baby he was!

On Saturday, I went into the hospital with some concerns (which I will refrain from posting on the internet). I was just released today. It turns out that instead of the 32 wks of early dialation that I had with Elias, my body started dialating at 26 wks. So I am confined to bedrest for quite some time now.

It's not easy to be confined to bed no matter how much a mother may wish for it. Especially when you have a toddler with needs. We are so thankful for our family and church community for being so willing and quick to help with Eli, meals, and cleaning. These next few months will be difficult, no doubt. But with the strong support and love from those around us, I know we will be fine and well taken care of.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.