7 WEEKS TO GO!

Hello again,

7 weeks to go and now with Isaac's arrival I can't wait! He is so cute and has a head of hair. I just hope we don't have a blizzard June 11. It has been snowing all day and is supposed to continue through tomorrow. Hopefully Ed will make it home tomorrow night. Sept. 24 we had a blizzard and now, 6 months later on April 24 we are having another blizzard! Crazy! Where's Spring???

ONE BABY DOWN! ONE TO GO!

It's a snowy morning in the mountains but the sun shines through with good news - my brother's wife had their son Isaac Wendell (after our dad) Schaal this morning. She had a fast and drug free delivery which is awesome for a first child. He weighed 6.14 pds. and is 20 inches long. I heard him whimper on the phone and almost started bawling. I want one! There's nothing that melts your heart like a newborn baby cooing. Just 7 more weeks to go for Emma to make her appearance!

I have spent the past 2 days washing baby clothes, socks, blankets etc. There are clothes everywhere drying - the table, counter, railings. It's like a pink Pepto Bismol bomb went off in here. The onesies are so little! To have them out of the package and flat on the table is weird. A little baby will wear those soon.

We are supposed to get a ton of snow today - 12 - 18 inches! Maybe I can get my neighbor out on his 4 wheeler. Well, I would pull him on the sled behind it like last time which was a riot.

Happy b-day Isaac!

AND EMMA'S B-DAY IS...

Hi everyone,
I just got back from the Dr. We scheduled the c-section for Monday, June 11 in the afternoon based on when she operates and when Emma's due date is (June 14) which will put her at 40 weeks. June 11 is also my friend Nancy's b-day so she is happy about sharing that special day with her. She's still breach. I gained 2 more pounds in the past 4 weeks, 14 total. Hopefully I will stay on this course making it easier to lose afterwards. I am not swollen and feel fine except for increased shortness of breath. Emma is in the normal percentile on the small side so I think she will be around 6 pounds. I have another appointment in 2 weeks. Isn't this outfit adorable?! Maybe it will fit her in Nov. when she makes her first appearance in Panama City. On another happy note, Ed was made Chief for his division which gives us 3 more years here. We are thrilled and I am very proud of him and his achievement.
Until next time!

EMMA DOES SPRING BREAK IN PCB!

Hi gang,

Last Tuesday I surprised my parents, sister, her hubby and their daughter for Spring Break in PCB. My sister's family was down from MI for the week and things just weren't the same w/o Ed and I living there so I popped on in to town and came home Sunday night. Plus, Emma insisted we not miss out on Spring Break. The weather was great the first couple days but turned cooler and windy after that so I didn't get the tan I had hoped for but that also prevented me from burning Emma again. It was nice to relax with my family and let them see my growing belly. We got some "must have" dresses and outfits for Emma and pajama's for me so I am ready for the hospital and being home after. Ed leaves Tuesday to work the Ironman Arizona race for the week and will enjoy warm weather there. My sister-in-law has a couple weeks to go before giving birth to Isaac. We are excited to meet the latest Schaal and see what he looks like. Have a great week everyone!

HERE TO AMUSE MY FRIENDS...

Hello everyone,
I have been bantering back and forth with my friend Robin who is on her sailboat (with hubby Roy) in the islands. Their friends Jan & Randy are visiting them. Jan is on the left and Robin on the right.
She loves hearing of my adventures as an "older" pregnant mom to be and gets the jabs in every chance she can. I bought diapers last week and was shocked to see how small they were! A little itty bitty baby is going to fit in those in just 10 weeks! Hard to grasp despite her late night parties in my belly. I will have her 2 months shy of my 40th b-day which is a special gift and know everyone will enjoy hearing of our adventures after she is born, especially Ed on diaper duty detail.
I used to tell people that I couldn't imagine having a 10 year old when I was 50 and I am actually doing it! Robin is finally enjoying her retirement and ours will be delayed a tad but that won't stop our travel and sense of adventure. Robin, Emma loves the islands and Spring break - she told me in morris code last night.
Happy Easter!

SHE'S STILL A GIRL!

Hello everyone,
I had an ultrasound today and Ed and my friend Shenna came with for the fun. Emma weighs 2 pds. 7 oz and is breach (head up) facing my right side, with her legs straight up in front of her and her feet above her head like a taco shell. It was funny to see her that way. Emma partied at 3 am this morning and at least now I know which parts of her were kicking me. I swear I heard a blender going and felt the "Cha cha". My friend said "Like mother like daughter" and I must say, she is learning Jimmy Buffett at an early age. I have gained 12 pounds total and am happy that I am on target for normal weight gain. The c-section will be scheduled after week 38 and I am shooting for June 12. It was a fun ultrasound this time and I am glad Ed and Shenna were there to see her crazy position.
That's all for now!

IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME...

Ed and I speculated as to how long it would take Frasier to get in the crib and find out it's a cozy place to sleep. We want him to investigate and get used to the baby items we are bringing into the house.

Dressing in denial...Ed and I were getting ready to meet friends for breakfast. I put a pullover sweatshirt on and my maternity jeans and was ready to head out the door. I went in the bathroom to brush my teeth, looked in the mirror and found out that what might look good looking down doesn't work from the front or side. My sweatshirt came down to my belly button, exposing the band on my maternity jeans and part of my stomach. I would have been mortified if I went out looking like that! I told Ed he needs to warn me so I don't walk around like a dork and he said he was wondering about that. OK, so I now know I must look in the mirror and make sure little Emma is properly covered. I also found out that my sweats and other favorite bang around clothes are shrinking. Ed laughed and said I was merely expanding. At 6 months/ 28 weeks I guess I can't get away with wearing much of my normal clothes anymore. Have a great week and stay tuned for Thursday's ultrasound post.

Julie