Way to Go, Emmett!

Emmett has completed his 2nd grade math workbook and is moving on to 3rd grade math. He has worked very hard over the last several months (as you can see by the well-worn and tattered book) and has made vast improvements. We are very proud of the work he has done.

Simeon's First Days

Prayer Request -- Update

Thank you for your prayers. The latest blood test came back looking good. They are no longer worried about post-partum pre-eclampsia.

Simeon Lael Van Eaton

Simeon Lael Van Eaton

Born September 26, 2009 at 7:58 PM

Weight: 6 pounds, 11 ounces

Length: 19.7 inches

The meaning of Simeon is "to hear and obey, to hear with acceptance" and the meaning of Lael is "devoted to God". These names were chosen because of our personal testimony, which I hope to post soon.

Simeon was born a few weeks early. I (Marsha) was at Maternal-Fetal Medicine having a non-stress test on Friday, the 25th. My blood pressure, which has been been fairly stable due to medication throughout this pregnancy, was rising and there were other signs of pre-eclampsia starting. It was decided that it was safer to deliver baby than to continue to carry him.

After a night of very little sleep in the hospital, labor was induced at 5:40 AM. At 5 PM, I was making no progress, although I had endured a full day of contractions and constant monitoring. The membranes were then striped, which upped the pain considerably, but did nothing to progress labor. At 7:08, the bag of waters was artificially ruptured. 50 minutes later, Simeon was born.

After introducing Simeon to his big brother and grandparents, Jason and I spent the long sleepless night in awe and amazement at this incredible blessing God placed in our care at the end of such a long journey.

More photos coming soon.

Moving Quickly!

Today's doctor appointment for baby was informative. It is being recommended that we not be allowed to go past 39 weeks (October 9) due to the deterioration taking place on the placenta from the blood pressure medication. In fact, if anything happens at this point, such as a blood pressure spike or other pre-eclampsia indicators, they are ready to deliver the baby immediately -- no extra stay in the hospital waiting for the right time. Of course, they would like to see this baby come naturally, without having to be induced, before we hit that date. I am in total agreement.

The ultrasound today didn't provide any photos because baby is head-down (yippee) and he is facing towards my back. But, they estimate his current weight to be 6 lbs and 4 oz.!

My next ultrasound is next Monday to check on the placenta / blood flow status. I would appreciate prayer that the placenta stays healthy and doesn't put baby at risk, as well as for labor to begin without doctor intervention.

Today's Ultrasound News

What a successful appointment we had today! Baby looks great. He weighs in at 4.5 lbs and is looking very healthy. Unfortunately, after being head-down for the last two months, he has decided to rotate and go breech! I believe this happened just this morning before the appointment because he was still kicking near my ribs just last night.

We must be getting close, because September already has 11 doctor appointments scheduled. So I guess if you need to get ahold of me next month, just call the hospital. :)

A [Relaxing?] Saturday Baking Cookies

Jason was in the mood for a sweet treat. Little did he know what he was getting himself into. Cooking is homeschooling too!

So, this first picture says it all. Jason thought he was going to get away with whipping out a quick batch of cookies without any help. Juggling this foreign task (baking) WHILE including Emmett was just about more than he could handle. LOL.

So far, so good.

Sneaking a taste of brown sugar.

Learning some important skills.

Almost there!

Great teamwork!

The homestretch of this nearly 1-hour project!

Ta-Da! They did it! So proud!

Yum!

It was all worth it!