Here I Sit...at 4pm

Many of you know that I was hopeful for a little baby about right now. But, instead, here I sit at home blogging about the lack of baby news. I'm really okay with it though. Really.....I am. :)

This morning, I had my checkup with the doctor who cheerfully informed me that I am "more than a 3" (those of you who are women or have had kids know what that means...) and that everything is looking good for labor to be soon. She then "encouraged labor" with a trick or two and sent me on my way. She said she hoped to see me again tomorrow or this weekend if her tricks worked. Of course, I was thinking "Oh, I hope you see me TODAY!", especially since this same procedure worked like a charm within hours for little Miss Carlie.

So, Mark and I headed out of her office, went home and loaded the car with our bags "just in case" (which we now need to go unload!), and then headed to run some errands to get my contractions to keep going. I made the very-important stop for a bow for this baby girl's head in the hospital (yes, I'm psycho in the area of hairbows!), then went and ate at one of our very favorite burger & fries restaurants. Next stop was the mall to walk and walk and walk, trying to encourage whatever we could. We had a great time just being together and window shopping, stopping for ice cream, and then later for coffee....all the while having contractions that were scattered but strong. I think today might have been the longest I've ever had Mark walk in the mall with me without whining! I even got to have an awesome pedicure, complete with sea scrub, hot wraps, paraffin treatment, and massage! (Thanks, Mark for that splurge!)

But, about an hour ago, we decided that the walking was getting old, the mall was getting hot, and my legs were getting tired. So, now we're home. Mark is already asleep on the couch, and I'm heading that direction now. We are still hopeful that these "scattered" contractions will become regular at some point soon, and we will have new updates for everyone! If they don't, I blame Mark, who said yesterday that he already knew that this girl would wait until the 22nd to come see us. (His birthday is July 22nd, and two of my three sisters are also "22nders".)

Today, when we were leaving the mall, he said "You know I told you that it wouldn't be until the 22nd. Her name means "joy of her father" and she wants to make me happy." So, it's his fault that nothing worked today. :) Plus, he thinks that "2/22" is a cool birthday to have. He said her sports number could always be "2". I told him that "2/21" was a REALLY cool birthday in my book. But, it looks like this girl is already looking to please her daddy.

So until we see any more progress, we will continue to enjoy our time to hang out with each other, and our girls. We are heading to pick them up from Grandma's in a little bit. The really bad news is that Kendyll has a fever today, and Carlie is still puny and sick as well. So, please say a little prayer, not only for Abby Kate, but also for our two big girls to get well so they can meet this baby!!