Home Sweet Home!

Here are a few pictures from our arrival home. We are getting a little sleep here and there and feeding around the clock. But, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Welcome Anna Jadon Patel

We are so excited to announce Anna Jadon Patel's arrival into the world! She joined us on August 7th, 2007 at 6:17 pm (after 17 long hours of labor!!). She weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and was 21 inches long. We think she is beautiful!

Here are a few pictures from the day! It has taken a while to get this posted because we are all sleep deprived around here.

40 Week Doctor's visit

My due date is just two days away! Not much has changed since my visit last week but here is the quick run down. I am about 50-75% effaced (I was around 50% last week but I also saw the other Doctor in my practice so I'm pretty sure these are not scientific numbers but estimates!), no dialation and the baby is still very low. The doctor was encouraged that the baby is so low and he seems to think that will make things go smoother and quicker (I am hoping for this but will try very hard not expect it!!).

My next appointment is Wednesday the 8th so I'll be sending out an update then if nothing has happened by that point. We did talk about induction and they said they would let me go to 41 1/2 weeks or so. Please pray that I will go into labor on my own anytime now! Thanks!

39 week visit

As of yesterday, I am 39 weeks. It is amazing to me that I'm already here! I am very thankful to have had an uneventful pregnancy. Things have gone smoothly and I've only had minor and very typcial pregnancy issues.

At my doctor's appointment on Thursday everything seemed to be fine. I was 50% effaced and had not dialated at that point. And the baby (who dropped almost 5 weeks ago!!) is in position 0.

My doula leaves to go out of town tomorrow so it looks like we may be laboring without her unless of course I am still pregnant when she returns (on the 5th of August). I am sure we will do fine, it would just be nice to have her here. We'll see!

We are still working on the bottom of the "to list" but feel great about what we've been able to accomplish. In fact, I honestly can't remember the last time I've gotten so much done. I have even done everything that I can do in the baby's baby book up to this point.

I'll keep you posted! Also, please leave a comment when you can - it is fun to know who has been to my blog. All you have to do is click on the comments section and write your comment then if you do not have a google mail account you just check the anonymous box. I'd love to hear from you!

Surprise Shower!

My sweet neighbors threw a surprise shower for me the other night and it was a very sweet gift! Here are a couple of pictures!

Big Girl Room!

Rachel has been in her Big Girl Room and bed for a month and a half now and she is doing great! We were amazed that she made the transition so smoothly (much better than the potty training has been going)! I thought it would be fun to see some of the pictures. The first picture is a little dark but hopefully you'll get the idea. We need to find a few more items to decorate but for the most part her room is settled!

Almost 16 years later!

Almost 16 years ago Chell and I took a very similar picture to this one. Only she was the one pregant and it was in front her kitchen sink in Jacksonville, FL. I'm so glad she thought to take this picture!

Hair cut!

Chell trimmed Rachel's hair while she was visiting! It was great to mark off another item on our "to list" - thanks, Chell. They actually helped with a lot while they were here!

Fun in the Sun!

Last week we had some family visit - my aunt Sally, my cousin Michelle and her daughter Kelsey! We had lots of fun and so did Kelsey and Rachel. Here they are playing in the pool and sliding down the slide into the pool. There is nothing like Summer fun!

Friends!

Recently, our friends who just moved to Tennessee from Durham came back to visit. We had them over along with two other friends and their children (a total of 7 kiddos!) and here are a few pictures. The one on the left is the older kids eating lunch and the one on the right is Ethan, Rachel and Megan pretending to take a nap. Rachel and Megan are taking naps on her doll house beds! Too funny!

Weetabix

I made a new discovery this spring - it's called Weetabix! It is British cereal that has been around for a while but is just now becoming more popular in the US. The funny thing is that I haven't even had it in milk like typical cereal! The cereal is actually a flaky wheat biscut that can be crumbled or chunked in yogurt (this is actually the way that Rachel and I eat it) or eaten with warm milk as a hot cereal and really anyway you'd like to eat it. You should check it out sometime.

Picking Tomatoes!

38 week visit

I'm just checking in to give you an update. Yesterday I had my 38 week visit and there isn't much new to report. The Doctor said the baby's head is really low in the pelvic cavity which is good (or not so good at times because I am very aware of her head being really low - especially when she wants to move around!). He did not do a cervical check so we'll just wait until next week to see if my body is making any moves towards labor. But, as for now, I have some more time to work on my to do list.

Family Photo

Recently, our friend Tripp Flythe took some family pictures of us (and a few maternity pictures of me) along with his lovely wife and assistant, Heather. This was only the second time we've had family pictures done and it was a lot of fun and this one turned out great - thanks, Tripp and Heather!!

Materity Portraits

Here are a couple of the maternity pictures. I am about 35 weeks in these pictures.

36 Week visit and Doula

Today I had a Doctor's appointment. I am 36 weeks and 5 days. It is so hard to believe that I am actually at this point! They did do a cervical check and I haven't dilated yet but my cervix is soft. My body is definately moving in the direction of labor (but of course, what other direction would it move in?) but no news on when. I did have a round of very regular braxton hicks contractions last Friday night and that was just what we needed to move us into action. Vimal made me priortize my "to list" and we have been working hard at completing our tasks.

Also, last week we met with our friend Nicole who is a doula and she is hopefully going to be a doula for us! I say hopefully, because she will be out of town for some of the time over the next couple of weeks. We are praying that she will be able to join us for the labor and delivery of this baby - I think she would be an encouragement to us throughout the process! But, if not, I'm sure my husband will be a great labor coach (that is if he doesn't pass out - I really think if he doesn't have to see a needle he'll be okay!) And my Mom will most likely join us in the delivery room, too if she is able to get here in time.

I'll keep you posted.

Tutus!

We had a play date with some friends recently and here is a cute picture of Rachel and her friend, Ryann. I thought it was cute how they are both standing alike. Little girls are so much fun! There were actually 5 little girls at our playdate and unfortunately we don't have a picture of everyone together.

Family!

These pictures were taken on Father's Day after church. I thought they were sweet pics of us - too bad we didn't have someone around to take a picture of the whole family together. Maybe next time.

Nesting Progress

I just wanted to post a quick update on how things are going in the "getting ready for baby category". Actually, I feel really good about where we are at this point. Here is the status on some of my projects!

*Rachel's baby book (just received the pics to put in and I have a few more to do as soon as I have some time during a nap or at night, that should be complete!)
*I have purchased a baby book and calendar for this little one.
*Rachel's room was painted, furniture up including bedding and she has been sleeping in her "big girl" bed for 2 1/2 weeks - the transition has been smooth thus far - keep praying! We actually have some things hanging on her walls, too.
*Potty training...well, we have good days and bad days but we're hanging in there. We've discovered that muffins and chocolate chips might be good incentive. I'll keep you posted.
*The house is purged and the storage shed is clean and organized.
*I have some new photos framed and placed.
*I sold several items on Craigslist - this is a great way to sell unwanted/unneeded items, go to http://www.craigslist.com/ to see if your city has one.
*I have all of my appts. scheduled that need to be taken care of before the baby comes - i.e. dentist, orthodontist, dream dinners (I just had this appt. and I'm excited that my freezer is stocked with some yummy dinners), hair appt., etc.
Okay, that is just a few things I've been able to accomplish. It may not sound like much, but when you have an active toddler around, there isn't much time for work (other than the necessary stuff like cooking dinner, washing the dishes, cleaning the house, running errands - you get the picture).
*Newborn and 0-3 month clothes and necessary baby items are washed and put away in the nursery.
So, from here on out what ever I get done will be a bonus! I do have some pictures to post so maybe I'll get to that in the next few days - we'll see.

34 Week Doctor Visit

This past Thursday (June 28th), I had my 34 week (I was actually 34 weeks and 6 days) visit at my Doctor's office. Everything went well and is on track at this point. Nothing too exciting to report except that the Baby has dropped so we are one step closer to meeting this little girl. My next appointment is on July 11th so I'll update you on anything new then.

Special Treat!

Around our house, we always seem to talk about "special treats". We tell Rachel she is getting a special treat if we are doing something fun and exciting or if she gets to eat something special so hopefully she'll learn a special treat is special.
Well, earlier this week, I got a special treat! Three of my sweet friends (Kristin, Stephani and Pam) gave me a gift certficate for a prenatal massage! I love massages anyway but this was especially needed right about now - from all of the strains on my growing body to chasing a toddler around! So, thank you sweet friends - I thoroughly enjoyed my "special treat"!

32 Week visit

On Wednesday I had my 32 week visit and everything looks good at this point. Because I've been having so many contractions he actually checked my cervix (and it is tightly closed - which is good news!) and did a test to see if I am at risk for going into labor in the next two weeks. I can't remember what it is called but it was negative so that was also very good news! He said that most likely my uterus is just very sensitive and that is why I'm having so many contractions. I'll update you after my next visit!

Potty Progress!

Over Memorial Day weekend, we started the process of potty training. There is a reason they call it training :) So, on that Saturday we had a "potty party" designed to make the whole process exciting and to teach Rachel how to go to the potty.

First we taught bear how to go to the potty which was exciting and Rachel enjoyed telling bear that she had to go potty and not to pee pee in her big girl panties. And then a little later it was Rachel's turn. She definately enjoyed putting the stickers on her chart, as you can see she is admiring her sticker chart in this picture. And the treats were a big hit, well, most of them. I think I offered marshmellows, pretzels, yogurt covered raisins, fruit snacks, and hershey's candy coated kisses (like m&ms, but semi-sweet). Her favorite options were the pretzels and yogurt raisins - that's our girl! and the really funny thing is that as soon as she started eating the Hershey's candy she spit it out??? I'm not exactly sure what that was about.

She is actually doing pretty well. In fact, I don't think she had an accident all day today and only one each day for the past couple of days. But, she still needs quite a bit of encouragement from me to actually get to the bathroom. Playing is still way more interesting than going potty which I guess she does have to switch gears...for past two+ years she could continue doing whatever she was doing and go to the potty at the same time. We'll keep you posted on the progress.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

I think I mentioned in a recent post that I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions. They have increased in frequency in the past few weeks. This morning Rachel and I went for a walk and in a 1/2 hour period I had at least 4 or 5 of them. So, as recommended I came home and drank several glasses of water and layed down for 30-40 minutes (with Rachel crawling all over me, of course :) ). I don't think I even had one while I was lying down but as soon as I got up I had two of them right together. I called the nurse and spoke with her and she immediately felt I needed to be monitored to make sure it is only Braxton Hicks. The good news is that the contractions are only Braxton Hicks but I just seem to be having more than normal and the only way to stop them is to lay down. If only I could lay on the couch all day! I still have 8 weeks to go and I hear that they increase. I'll keep you posted.

Hiccups

Just two days ago, I felt the baby hiccup for the first time. It took me a few minutes to realize that was what it was. What a fun experience!

Sand, Surf and Sun!

We spent the week before Memorial day as a family at the beach. Our time was very sweet as a family before we add our new addition. Mainly, we played in the sand, ran from the water (Rachel) and read some fiction books (Tab and Vimal). Here are a some pics of our time together. And I included a preggo pic for those of you who are wanting to see my belly grow!

Daddy's Girl

Nesting

The Nesting instinct is officially in full swing around here. I have a list of projects a mile long to get done before this little one arrives and I'm not sure if we are going to finish them all.

I've been motivated recently because I agreed to host a yard sale for our Sunday school class on June 2nd. We are trying to earn money for our care fund so we can "care" for those in our class. So, Vimal and I usually have a small "project" every night or so to take care of - like cleaning and reorganizing our storage shed, going through a closet and so on. I'm excited to have a deadline to work towards and hopefully by June 2nd or before my entire house will be purged of "stuff" that we don't really need or use.

I never realized how freeing it is to get rid of my "stuff". We tend to purchase things thinking that it will make our lives easier and then we just have to find a place to store it. Storing is a problem in our case since our house was built with minimal storage. I'm trying to be better about not purchasing things that I don't really need so it won't end up taking up space and my life will be simpiler. So, we are purging to make room for our new addition.

All we have left to do at this point are the kitchen cabinets, linen closet, master closet, and some shelves in the guest room (which will soon be Rachel's room). I'm so excited.

And unfortunately, that is only the beginning of my list. I still need to finish Rachel's baby books, add shelving to her closet, go through and reorganize all of my pictures since college (I actually did the ones up through college last summer), get some picture frames, frame some pictures, paint Rachel's new room, decorate Rachel's new room...you get the picture. All of this and I have only 11 weeks to go.

So, I think I should go get busy! Feel free to leave me some tips for me in the comments section! I welcome any advice!

28 week visit

Earlier this week, I had my 28 week to the Doctor. Everything seems to be going well, so far. I have gained 16 lbs since my first visit and I'm sure I'll gain quite a bit more before my last.

I've been having contractions for the past couple of months and I just realized what they were this week! It is nice to finally know that is what I was experiencing. Along with all kinds of kicks and punches, too. I'm a little afraid that this little girl is going to be just as active as Rachel! If so, I'm in for trouble.

My visits to the Doctor will now be every 2 weeks so I will try to post an update after each visit to let you know how things are going.

Bulging Belly!

I know this is not hot off of the press, but I'm pregnant! Today I am 27 weeks and offically start my 3rd trimester...I can hardly believe it! (My apologies for taking so long to blog about this, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in my days for everything). I feel doubly blessed that we have the privilege to experience both adoption and pregnancy - not in the order I expected but in God's perfect order.

Rachel joined our family just over two years ago and she has been the biggest blessing in our lives. God has used her in so many ways to show us His love for us and just what it means that He adopted us into His family. Not that I will ever fully grasp God's grace toward me, but my eyes have been opened to see His grace in a whole new way.

Now, I have the opportunity to see God's love in a different light...by watching this miracle child form and grow in my womb. It has been amazing (and scary, I must admit :)) to watch my belly grow and to know that God is knitting this little girl together and making her body and personality just like He wants to please Him. He is making her to be in our family and it is an honor that I am able to be a part of that in a physical way.

We are looking forward to meeting her in a few months but for now, I have lots to do to get ready! When I think that I have 3 months to go part of me thinks...how can that be? Can my belly really get that much bigger? Then there is another part of me that thinks...oh, I need to get busy, I have lots to do before she arrives! My life will soon be very different and it most likely will take me much longer to do a simple blog!

All ears!

Rachel enjoys watching videos while we are traveling and she finally learned to keep her headset on. We are very excited about this because we can now listen to something other than her video on our trips - it's the little things in life that bring such joy!

Fun in the Sun!

What would summer be without time at the beach? Oh, we think it would not be nearly as much fun! We are discovering the Rachel absolutely loves the beach so thankfully we live close enough to make it there a few times a year. We'll be going again in a few weeks so watch for more beach pics.

Holland's Strawberry Farm

Each new season, I get excited about "seasonal" foods that will soon be available. That is why every April and May I make my way over to the nearby strawberry farms...yes, that is plural. I usually visit several during the season and make as many trips as I can. When the strawberries are home we have the challenge of finding new and exciting ways to eat these big red delicious strawberries! I do mean delicious. One of my favorite ways is to just cut them up sprinkle with a little sugar and then pour heavy cream over them...yum, yum! If you have never eaten a strawberry straight from the vine - you should make that one of your summer goals! This year, I decided to take Rachel on the adventure and it was made more enjoyable by Pam and Jordan Matthews' company (you'll see Jordan picutred). It took Rachel no time to catch on (picking and eating, that is) and as you'll see from the pictures...she had so much fun! I think we'll make this an annual family event!
April 26, 2007

This Strawberry pickin' is hard work!

Feeding the Ducks at Apex Lake

April 24, 2007

The Many expressions of Rachel!

April 10th