Libby Grace Oliver

Libby arrived Saturday, April 21. After a quick 3 hour labor, she was born with her hand up by her face and crying. Thanks to Martha for arriving quickly to take care of Emma and to Chucky for driving quickly. Quickly was the word of the day. She is almost a week old now and here's what the pregnancy site has to say:
"Your baby is operating primarily by instinct right now, with a strong urge to suck and the ability to recognize your scent and your voice. He or she will turn toward your finger if you stroke the corner of his or her mouth - this is the rooting instinct that helps your baby find and latch onto your nipple for feeding. He or she even knows the smell of your milk if you are breastfeeding. Be sure to fold back the front of your baby's diaper and stick with sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off." Baby Weekly

Thanks also to Ghee and PopPop for taking care of Emma (and Kate) and to everyone who has visited and sent cards and flowers and meals. We are truly blessed to have such caring people in our lives.

Here she is at the hospital and when her big sister held her for the first time:

39 weeks

Here I am in all my misery with one week to go. Can't seem to get comfortable anywhere! I went to the doctor Thursday and am making progress. To those ladies that have had babies, this will mean something to you: 3 centimeters dialated, 80% effaced, baby "very low." We live an hour from the hospital and my labor with Emma was 3 hours, so basically this baby is well on her way out and I am nervous!

8.5 Months

Still 2 centimeters dialated . . .
"Your baby has really fattened up. She likely weighs between 6 and 7 1/2 pounds now, and is between 19 and 20 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon feel when she wraps her little hand around your pinky. Her organs are fully developed and in place, but her lungs and brain will continue to mature right through childhood. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old." babycenter.com

Cabinets-done!

Here's the last update on the cabinets - he's finished! He is happy with them and I am so proud. He wants to add shelves connecting the two hanging cabinets at some point but for now he has managed to cover the surfaces with junk already that probably will stay there for a year!

Easter

Most of the snow melted from the day before, but it was still a chilly Easter. We went to church in Urbanna, then had lunch at Ghee and PopPop's house, followed by an easter egg hunt for Chas and Emma. By the time I got myself and Emma in dresses and ready for church, I was tired already. We made it through church with only a few disruptions and lunch was ready quickly and was very yummy. I just wanted to go home and take a nap - I did manage to waddle around the yard and get some good pictures, though!

Chas and Sue-sue

Uncle Joseph and Phoebe

Chucky, grouchy Emma, pregnant Kate (thanks to Joe for taking our picture)

When we woke up from our naps later in the afternoon, we found an easter basket outside on the steps. Nannie brought it for Emma while we were sleeping! Here's what she found in the basket that she had to open right away:

Snow in April

Emma's first snow! It was windy and cold and she didn't have waterproof gloves, but she hung in there long enough to help Chucky build a snowman and for me to get some cute pictures. After lunch, Chucky drove her down the road to find some hills for sleigh-riding, but it was just too cold and windy and she didn't want to get on the sled. They went down the hill one time and came home. I'm just glad she fit into the snowsuit and boots I got for her last year that she never got to wear.

Toys of the Moment

After Emma went to bed and I started to straighten the den, I found this collection on the coffee table. Two cars, one numbered game piece, a small yellow cup (often filled with colored hair bands) and a little rubber black doggie that she manages to sleep with sometimes and not lose it in her bed, and she can carry it around for hours and use her hands for so many things I forget she has it.

Cabinets 3

The bottom cabinets are finished and painted. Now he's working on the top cabinets to be hung above the floor cabinets. I am already amazed at what he has done, curious to see how the next set goes!

36.5 Weeks

Pregnancy Update:
36.5 weeks, still 2 centimeters dialated - go back to doctor April 12 for 38 week checkup, discuss inducement since my first delivery was only 2 hours and I live an hour from the hospital. The inducement discussion is my idea, the doctors don't seem too concerned over it. I think Chucky should read the page in my pregnancy book about home and car births. No, seriously, I'm so worried about having such a quick labor again and I'll probably be past due and in labor for two days. Ugh.
3.5 weeks to go!

Sprinkler

Today we had another lovely day of unseasonably warm weather. Chucky got off work early and washed his truck. I sat on the front porch and almost fell asleep in the chair. Emma ran wild. I can't imagine having the amount of energy that she does:

Hey everyone - you'd never believe that at the doctor's office this morning at my 3 year check up I screamed and kicked and went crazy. I've read books about going to the doctor and I wanted to be a good girl so I could get my prize. I just do not like strange people touching me, especially when they prick my finger and make it bleed! That really made me mad and I didn't want a bandaid on me, either - that made me more upset than actually getting my finger pricked. Don't worry, I got my prize anyway.

3

Emma turned 3 on Saturday and we celebrated with a party that was just plain crazy. I guess there were just too many people in our house. Thank goodness the weather was nice and the kids could play outside. Emma was quite overwhelmed by it all and cried about 3 times. I was busy trying to keep the party together, so Nannie was taking care of Emma. Chucky was helping with the party and Ghee and Poppop were working in the kitchen. I have no idea why it took so many people to get anything done at this party! I think Emma had fun and I am glad it is all over! It was all very rushed and busy but I did take a moment to marvel at the fact that our little preemie jaundiced baby girl is 3. Unbelievable!