39.6 Week Update

Here we go!!! This is the latest after my doctor's appointment this morning for my 39/40 week check up. I am now just about 3 cm dilated and 30% effaced! (well, she said a healthy 2 cm-but just about 3 cm!) For my 5 male readers out there, sorry if this is a lil too much for you! I also had a membrane sweep done as well so hopefully that speeds things along. That quick procedure rates pretty low on the comfort scale, if ya know what I mean, but I was a trooper. We do have a 41 week stress test scheduled, but only because that is normal procedure just in case I do make it to next Thursday without having the baby yet. Our nurse is feeling pretty good that she will see Curt and I back in the hospital sometime in the next few days, if not by the weekend. I took that as a great sign but also reminded myself that NO ONE can predict your actual due date so I decided that I will just sit back and patiently wait. Curt is going to be flying a lot this week but I have permission to call the front desk at any time and tell him to turn his lil plane around and come home if I think anything is about to happen!

Our house has officially been taken over by baby things. It's out of control. We were super spoiled with gifts and I'm still writing "thank you" cards. Totally worth it though, this little girl has more stuff than we do! I just had an awesome Baby Shower at school and after a quick count learned that I have 57 people to thank...can you believe that? My co-workers are great, I miss working already!

Well, I could write for days but it's time to get back to business as I realize that I don't think this house will ever be 100% ready for the Baby, but we'll do our best. We are just so excited to love on her, stare at her, and just MEET her! Our daydreaming is distracting us from doing anything productive.

Finally, congratulations to Chris and Jen Wee who welcomed a Baby Boy into this world this morning!

September 25th, 2004

Four years ago today was by far the best day of our entire lives. It was the day that we stood in front of God and 225 of our family and closest friends and made a promise to love each other, forever. (225? yes, my family is HUGE!) Although 4 years may seem like a while ago, we remember that day like it was yesterday.

Curt and I have been through so much in the last 11+ years. He was my first love when I was just 15 years old and even then deep down inside I knew that I needed to make him a part of my life for as long as I possibly could. I thank God each and every day that he is here with me and can't even imagine life without him. As we prepare to start our life as a family of three, I always find myself thinking how lucky I am to have such an amazing companion to share this with.

This is a few clips from our wedding that my Mom graciously cut and pasted to fit on a YouTube video. The first part is just Curt and I as we dated through High School and College, and then the rest is all dedicated to the big day! It's so great to watch this and be able to relive such an important time in our lives. I often find myself watching our whole wedding video at random times throughout the year...just because.

One Down Nine To Go!

At the risk of giving out too much information, I will keep this quick. I had my 38 week appointment this morning and learned that I am ONE WHOLE CENTIMETER dilated! Yes, that's right, just one little centimeter. Hey, one's better than none! My next appointment isn't until next Tuesday so we'll see what happens over the next 9 days. Baby is in the downward position and getting herself ready for life in the real world. We're ecstatic, as you can tell, to meet her soon! I asked the nurse to guess when she thinks we might finally meet her and although she was hesitant to give us even a ballpark idea, she said I will probably be pretty close to my due date, which isn't until next Thursday.

Oh, and here's an update on the Maternity Ward renovation! I learned that they are going to be "open for business" this Thursday morning so hopefully BGD stays put until at least then.

FINALLY, Curt and I will be hearing about his assignment in a few weeks so that's got us all excited as well. There is so much going on these days...it's very crazy in a good way!!! (You probably assumed as much seeing that I feel the need to over use the exclamation point on every other sentence.)

We'll keep you posted!

"This Kind of Love"

Something is going on in this house. We can't sleep! Our whole lives are about to change, I can't even put into words how big this is, trust me..I've tried. There is so much love we have to share, it's overwhelming.

Check out the last song on this playlist I posted, "This Kind of Love". Curt and I love Sister Hazel. They were big when we were in High School and we follow their music still.

"Her's Havin' A Baby!"

Yes, that is what a 5 year old screamed and pointed in my direction as I walked past her in the hallway today at work. It was great! Curt and I squeezed in a 38 week shot this morning before I headed off to school and I know you just LOVE my "Lakenheath Elementary School" Spirit Day shirt! Stylin'...
Thankfully it fits great so I was happy to sport that blue polo all day long. It's all about the comfort these days.



I have a doctors appointment this coming Monday to check and see if there is any progress goin' on...and to be honest, I'm praying there ISN'T! Not yet at least. The maternity ward on base isn't accepting labor and delivery patients starting this Monday through Friday of next week due to the moving of equipment to the new floor. Yes, that's right. BGD (Baby Girl Dougherty...still no name) is hopefully going to sit tight until this big move takes place! Here's to hoping!

It seems as though my 4 week stint at work is just about up! The new teacher is inbound, literally. She catches her flight tonight and hopes to be in processing on Monday with a start date of Tuesday. I'm so happy that I worked these past 4 weeks because it may have been the fastest 4 weeks of my entire pregnancy. Perfect timing I might say. I was told that the last month always seems to last a lifetime but in my case I think it was the exact opposite. I'm looking forward to veggin' out the next two weeks and just waiting for BGD to make her grand entrance.

Curt took his 8 hour "Dad's Class" today and I can't wait to hear how it went! I do know that they take the time to put diapers on baby dolls and swaddle them...so I think we all know I wish I were there to see that! Honestly, I'm sure he did great. He is in permanent "Dad Mode" and there's no turning back!

We'll be sure to keep you updated over the next few weeks....only a matter of time now!

"The Girl"

I'm totally loving this song. Short and Sweet. Oh, it's another one of Curt's favorites...I have no idea where he finds these random tunes. The group is called City and Colour. Enjoy!

From Grandma...

Well, I think it's safe to say that Grandma will always make sure the baby's are dressed to impress. Baby Girl Dougherty and Baby Boy Santillo have both received a new outfit. I'm thinking big photo opportunity in this get up. So CUTE! Strasburg Children dressed my sisters and I when we were little and obviously my Mom is making sure that tradition is passed on. Only a Grandma can justify putting infants in cashmere. I LOVE THEM!

Thanks Grandma!!!