Reality??

I just got caught up on the Hickman Family web page. Everything seems to have gone very smoothly. Sharen's sister kept up the web page and did a great job (hm-hm, Becky & Jammie). But, looking at all of the pictures has put me into a reality shock! According to the countdown (and all the other factors), my due date is 7 days away, and I am asking myself, am I ready for this? Daddy and both Grandma's have told me that they are ready for me to share... but here are my thoughts: Ok Emmy, you can stay in...I promise it is warmer and cuddlier inside!!!!! Ha-ha, I am excited and she can come when ever she wants.

Sharen Leigh and Ryder. All reports are that Mommy is doing well. I don't know that I will be that good of a sport - especially in front of the video camera!!


Here is baby Ryder! I can't wait for him and Emmy to meet!!!

Skyler, the BIG Brother! I remember spending time with Sky the night Ty was born. I know he is excited about brother #2!

Here is who we used to call "Baby" Ty! Ty was born on December 18th, the day I defended my dissertation. I can't believe 4 years ago, I was at the College Station Medical Center holding Baby Ty...how time flies!

And we can't forget Daddy. What would Ben have done if #3 was a little girl?

Congrats, Hickman Family. I can't wait for our "newest" addition to meet all FIVE of you!!!!!

Welcome William Ryder Hickman

Sharen Leigh and Ben Hickman welcomed their newest son to the world yesterday.

Welcome William Ryder!

January 30, 2008
7 lbs. 6 oz.
19 inches

Proud Brothers: Skyler and Tyler

Sharen and I were on the phone with each other about 7 months ago, and we both told each other our exciting news about being pregnant. We could only laugh when we figured out how close our due dates were to each other (Sharen and my birthdays are a week apart, too). Originally, Sharen started out due mid February. By her 20 week ultrasound, our due dates matched! Well, obviously she "beat" me. She was induced yesterday morning and Ryder was born around 3 pm.

39 Weeks

I CAN'T believe that my official due date is only one week away. I never thought how exciting it would be to say I am due "next week." One friend pointed out that it is weird when dairy products expire AFTER your due date. Well, the milk I bought expires 2-9-08 and my yogurt expires 2-20! So, even if I am induced, the yogurt may still be in the fridge when I get home and I will be able to eat it!

Dr update from today. She will plan on inducing on the 14th. I may be bumped if there is someone ill who checks in before me. I am still 1 cm dilated. Emmy is still moving around a lot. So we are

Regardless, I am convinced, Cupid will visit us by Valentine's Day!

Interesting February Dates (add more interesting ones to the comments section!):
February 1st-Tammy Cosper's Birthday
February 4th - Ricky Mendoza's Birthday
February 5th - Gram and Pa's Anniversary
February 6th - Danielle Buczkowski's Birthday
February 7th - Alan Baker's Birthday
February 8th - Kelli and John's "First Date-a-versary"
February 10th - Vicky Walker's Birthday
February 11th - Cosper Wedding Anniversary

I know there are several other birthday's close to the 7th. Put them under the comments section and let me know if you are willing to share your day!

It's a Ball

OK, this time I am not stealing a picture of Millie, but a picture of the "Taggies" ball. Mary got a "Taggies" book for Emmy Lu. I had no idea that there was a Taggies line of so many goodies. Mary said there were more books...then this weekend one of my friends was talking about the little blanket squares with Taggies around them. Now, look at this ball!

Visit the Taggies website for more information: http://www.taggies.com/home_us.html

Calendar Thoughts

I thought I would provide the "Bush Lovers" with a little entertainment. Becky and Matt got us a Page-A-Day calendar with Bush-isms. Since we were so busy last week I cleared a few off this morning. In just 5 days, there were two I had to share.

"He was a state sponsor of terror. In other words, the government had declared, 'you are a state sponsor of terror'." --George W. Bush, on Saddam Hussein, Manhattan Kansas, January 23, 2006

President Bush's first attorney general, John Ashcroft, had the exposed breast of a statue The Spirit of Justice covered by a cloth. The statue has resided in the Great Hall of Justice since the 1930's, but the devoutly Christian Ashcroft was offended that the exposed breast was visible behind him when he held press conference in the Hall...The cost to taxpayers: $8,000.

10 Days to Go!

Well, we have officially made it to the 10 day countdown. I didn't want to start a countdown in my head until after Christmas, then I realized that I still had to make it through the TSHA (Texas School Health Association) conference. A lot of people I told thought I was crazy for going to San Antonio for a meeting so close to my due date. I definitely gave it thought! In the end, I realized the Central Texas Medical Center (Hospital where I will be delivering, San Marcos) is only 20 more minutes away from the area of San Antonio where we were located (airport), then our house. Our house is about 25 minutes from the hospital, one of those things we "learned" from our birthing class. We always said that it was 15-20 minutes, but never made it to class on time. For those of you that know the area, the 25 minutes includes enough "flex time" for a train to come through Kyle and back up traffic!

Anyways, we were very busy with the conference (James has been working part time for the organization). I did get very tired, but we came home Sunday afternoon and we were either napping or relaxing on the couch until we went to bed.

Back to the countdown, I have started a list of things to do before Emmy gets here. One of the biggest things is to get her room back in order. Last Sunday, we tried to assemble the crib, but we were still missing parts...once we get that done, the room should clean up easily. Then, I want a really good cleaning in our room, where she will sleep in her pack and play for the first few weeks...until we adjust to feedings! Other than that (which are two major tasks), we will just have to "keep up with things." Luckily, my instincts tell me we will have this weekend and next weekend to "be prepared."

So, I know there is much discussion and guessing going on...so here are my thoughts. I think I will make it past my due date, and will probably be induced (however, I would prefer not to be induced, I am scared of the pitocin). So, we may have a Valentine's baby (hence the Valentine's countdown) on our hands. I think she is going to weigh between 7 and 7 lbs 5 oz. Also, I don't think she is too crowded in my big belly. It is amazing to me how much she is still moving around. Auntie Becky, Gina and Adam will be proud...one of the TV shows we watched yesterday was the Simpson's. She was moving around the whole time, so she was entertained..."with every leap, we get closer to God." :)

Nothing Exciting...

I don't have much to report from the Dr's visit. I am 1 cm dilated, but that doesn't mean much! Dr. thinks that I will be like most 1st time mothers and will deliver late.

She was moving around a lot during the Dr's visit, but has been especially rambunctious tonight. Maybe it is because I am telling everyone not to expect her early. After my visit, I am convinced I will make it through the TSHA meeting. Then...we will just take it one day at a time!

38 Weeks

I go in this morning for my 38 week appointment. I have a big meeting on Friday and Saturday...if Emmy could just stay inside until then, that would be great.

I think I have probably dilated more, but I really don't think she is ready to come out yet. Everyone says that I will be completely miserable and want her out. I am not quite that way. I am becoming a little more uncomfortable, I am waddling more, and sleeping hasn't been as peaceful. But, Momma's intuition tells me it isn't time yet.

Plus, we have a mess at the house. Because we have been preparing for the meeting, we have let some of the house work go. I looked at my bedroom this morning...the clothes are folded, but not put away and I have several shoes (including my new boots from James!) beside my bed. We tried to put the crib together on Sunday but there were still missing parts. It is only a few screws and washers, so we are going to go to home depot. So...it isn't time yet, you hear that little baby, not yet!!!!!!

Pretty Soon

Pretty soon I won't have to steal pictures of other peoples kiddos. Ha ha, but I did steal this picture of Miss Millie from one of Tara's sites. Millie will be nine months older then Emmy. It is hard to imagine that 9 months and 3 weeks from now I will have one of the above! She will probably have big, pretty, blue eyes, too!

"There will be days...

which are great and everything goes as planned. There will be other days when we aren't sure why we got out of bed..."

What kind of day are you having? Yesterday, I did not want to get out of bed, I was so sleepy! I had to catch up from my grad class. I am teaching a Tuesday night class, so on Tuesday I start with an 8 am course and technically finish the grad course at 9:15! Luckily, all students are available to meet a little earlier, so we are going to finish at 8:45. This is going to work well when I come back from maternity leave since James will be able to be at home.

How will you know that the baby is here?! I will probably use text messaging to let everyone know once the baby is here. I will also use the blog, but I am not sure how much access we will have at the hospital. PLUS, not sure what we will be in for with Emmy! So watch for a text message.

37 weeks

I don't have a lot to report on from my Dr's visit today. It was a "quickie." I am officially at full term, so I got a "congratulations" for that (OK?), but everything else is fine. She didn't check my dilation today, which I was thankful for - I just wasn't in the mood. She said she would check next week. Everything is still good with Emmy's heart rate and she is still moving around a lot. The Dr. also confirmed that what I have thought to be hiccups are indeed hiccups. She gets them about once a day now...hopefully she doesn't hate them as much as I hate to get hiccups (I always say they hurt my heart!).

You may be glad to know that I was able to sleep in this morning. My appointment was at 9:45 - normally I shoot for an earlier time, but didn't get one for this week. I slept in and woke up to shower & eat before my appointment. I then came home and napped on the couch until noon. I then had to head down to the office because I had a meeting. Unfortunately, I am working on a few things tonight...

Happy Birthday, Grandpa

Today would have been a day that I would normally pick up the phone and say "Happy Birthday, Grandpa!" He probably would have said something about being young or something about a "hot date" he has for his birthday. But, unfortunately I can't do that this year. So instead, I will celebrate with happy memories of him.

Future Men for Emma Lu??

Here is a more recent picture of Baby Andrew. He is about 1 1/2 months old now. His is my friend Kristi's baby boy. Look at all his hair! Kristi has always had good hair, but in our younger days she was blond :)


Here is Baby Austin. I can't believe he is already 1 month old!! Time flies. He is my friend Kelli's baby.


Kristi, Kelli and I all went to high school together. Even though Kristi has 2 older "babies" we think it is funny that we were all pregnant at the same time. Pretty soon we will all three have little babies to care for. At some point (I think it was at a College Night) we were labeled the "KKK" (because of our names). Apparently, I didn't get the memo that I was supposed to name my baby with an "A" so they could become "AAA." Sorry girls!

Here is a picture of Kristi's family. I need to learn not to give the babies all the attention!

My Christening Gown and Shoes

We plan on having Emmy Lu's Christening sometime early this summer (while I am not working!). We plan on doing it at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Howard (same church, same priest as our wedding). Beyond that, James wants her to get here before I start to "plan" any other aspects of the Christening. It is OK to talk about the gown though, because at Christmas my mom gave my sister's and I our gowns. We all had our own and they were given to us by our Godparents. My Godparents are my Uncle Art and Auntie Linda (Auntie Linda is my Dad's sister). Well, the dress is going to take a little work for Emmy to be able to wear it. Through the years, it has acquired quite a few stains and yellowing. I am up for the challenge though...but I am up to listening to stain removing advice!

UPDATED: Wanted to try something new...

In the original post, I wasn't sure what song or words Madi was singing. Jammie's comments says,

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend..."Hey hey, you you I don't like your girlfriend No way, no way I think you need a new one." Yep, play it again and listen and you can hear it. Enjoy

I wanted to try uploading a video to the site. This is one from Christmas. It is 17 seconds of Madison playing with her keyboard and singing a song. I have no idea what song it is or the words, but it is so funny to watch her dance. Let me know if you are able to access the video OK.

36 Weeks (and counting?)

I went in for my 36 week appointment yesterday. From now on, we will visit the Dr. every week! So what was the report...

1) My weight is where it is supposed to be. Yeah!, I actually had a period early on where she said to watch out, but I really leveled out. I have really just tried to listen to my body (and my belly!). I am a little worried about the next 4 weeks, because I have started to get growling hunger pains! She said that physiologically, this is the time when the fetus needs the most calories, so it makes sense.
2) I think Emmy Lu is going weigh in the 7 pound range. As of yesterday, she probably wasn't 5 pounds, yet. On average, they will put on 1/2 pound per week. So if she hangs on until her due date...and I feed the hunger, I am betting in the 7's.
3) Am I dilated? I talked to several of you and even bet Tara that I was. From what I told Tara, she thought I wasn't. Well, I have started dilatation, but I am not complete yet, so we were both right (such smart girls ;)). My cervix is thinning (from a normal 4 to a 2) and coning (in the right direction).
4) She is head down, but not completely dropped. Dr. said that she has more to drop, but has entered into the pelvic cavity. So, she will continue to drop more. Books say this will provide some relief. Dr. says that is somewhat a myth, because the extra space provided by her "drop" will be filled up as she puts weight on her body. Dr. said to expect to really feel relief, and like I can breathe again, once Emmy is born.

"Are we ready?" seems to be the question everyone wants to ask us. I think emotionally, yes, we are very excited for her to be here. Although I have grown very attached to her being inside me, and me knowing her kicks, I know it is going to be exciting to be able to hug and kiss on her. James asked me if anyone (when we have visitors) was going to let him hold her...I told him that Momma and Daddy have first dibs ;) This morning, with Sharen Leigh's advice, I moved towels into the car. I will sit on one and keep one in the trunk. I am also going to put one in my office. So, for now, our pool towels are "water breaking" towels. James keeps mentioning putting the car seat into the car, but we haven't yet. We still need to pack our hospital bags. So really, we probably aren't ready. But, we are pre-registered at the hospital; I have attended the epidural class and met with the anesthesiologist; my maternity leave paperwork is filled out; they are prepared for James not to show up to work the next morning; and we have a prenatal appointment with a pediatrician next Wednesday.

TX State starts school next week. For work's sake, I really hope she hangs on until the due date. Really, my maternity leave works out best with an early to mid February arrival my Miss Emmy Lu.

In the mean time, I have been playing with my new camera. Right now, the dogs have to be my models, and Disney is not really thrilled with pictures. All she wants to do is play "roll over" for the camera. Here are a few shots that I have taken of them over the last couple of days.

Disney making a funny facing & saying leave me alone!


Daisy sticking her tongue out at the camera & saying leave me alone!Daisy and Disney posing together. These are actually hard shots to come by, as they hate to sit peacefully by each other. Daisy will tell Disney to go away, or Disney will either lick Daisy's ears or cower down to her. Regardless, they are cute!


OK, enough rambling...

Calendar Thought and Reflection

Sorry, this is not a "Bush-ism," that calendar is at home. It is more reflective and thoughtful (at least I think).

When you are lonely

I wish you love;

When you are down

I wish you joy;

When you are troubled

I wish you peace;

When things are complicated

I wish you simple beauty;

When things are chaotic

I wish you inner silence;

When things are empty

I wish you hope.

OK, so how I feel right now. Things are definitely not empty. With our work schedules and preparing for Emmy's birth we probably wish our glasses were a little more on the empty side. Things are pretty chaotic. We (yes, both James and I) need to make it through the TSHA conference. I am also trying to make sure my classes are ready for maternity leave. Luckily, things are not too chaotic with the pregnancy :). On that same thought, things seem complicated, but everyone says that it is about to become more complicated. I guess the sleepless nights, breastfeeding, diaper changing will all add up to complicated! But, I know Emmy will be beautiful and worth the complication! Troubled, when aren't I troubled about SOMETHING! I am not down, I could take another week without school, and I would be much happier sitting on a white sand beach, but I can't complain. I am definitely not lonely...I have this little fetus hanging out with me everywhere I go! She already has a personality with her kicks and when she chooses to kick (her favorite kicks are to music). She keeps me company and helps me to ignore annoying things!

Have a good night/day...depending on when you read this!

Happy New Year, With Pictures!

Here are pictures from the baby's room.

This is obviously the changing table. The little box to the right will eventually convert to a nightstand!

And the tall dresser...


And here is a little more detail on the border. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, we chose 4 patterns to coordinate with the bedding. The border goes all the way around the room.


The sad crib, not put together and not "dressed." That is when everything is going to come together. I talked to the furniture company yesterday and they are supposed to be sending the hardware parts for assembly.


The following pictures pretty much describe our New Year's celebration:






This is my stuffed cabbage without the sauce. I thought they were cute and needed a picture. In polish we call it something like "Goumpky." Inside are meatballs and then they are baked with a tomato sauce. Yummy, I am glad James likes it...it was his request. We also had black eyed peas, but they looked pretty yucky after sitting in the crock pot all day!

Happy New Year!

We are very happy to welcome 2008. We are preparing for a year of excitement and many changes. It is so hard to imagine everything we are going to experience throughout 2008.

The weekend was consumed with painting the baby's room. Grandma and Grandpa Wilson came down to help. They knocked out painting the walls since I couldn't be around the fumes and since James is not a "painter." The walls are pink on top and green on bottom. My mom, dad and I then worked on the border. The border is hand painted. We chose 4 patterns from the quilt and painted them in the border. We also painted the curtain rod and the decorative letters to hang on the wall. (We are going to put together a video once everything is finished in the room).

We did hit one problem. We misplaced the hardware kit for the crib (or we never received it). We have all of the other hardware pieces for the dressers, but nothing for the crib :( We tried to call the 800 number, but they were not open (it is a M-F operation). I will have to call this week...as a fall back, the instruction sheet does have all of the sizes for the screws and bolts to put the crib together.

After my parents left, we started James' Film Festival. We watched movies Monday afternoon until we fell asleep before midnight. Tuesday was full of movie watching as well. So far we have seen: Charlie Wilson's War, (part of) A Mighty Heart, I am Legend, Elizabeth, Stardust, and Bucket List.

Today after we got home from work, we continued Film Festival by watching the Great Debaters and Sicko.

Another accomplishment for today - Christmas cards are finally out in the mailbox!