Holidays and Overdue...

40 Weeks, on my last Due Date

I had three (ish) Due Dates for this pregnancy. The first was December 23rd which was supported by the ultrasounds, December 26th a random date that popped up at an appointment, and the last December 29th based on the LMP. The 29th is the date that is in my chart and that my Doctor is using for my care. I know not to put too much stock into Due Dates, especially since I had three this time around. However, I think that having a few made it a little confusing and challenging to figure out what my expectations could be. But at this point, all my Due Dates have passed and I am now in the two week countdown. Henry and I know we can handle another two weeks, we've done it before, but we admit we are excited and eager to have this part all wrapped up and finally start life as a family of four. At the same time, there is a strong possibility this will be our last pregnancy (as much as you can know these things at this stage) and I'm wanting to savour these last moments. I adore feeling the kicks and squirming, I love how at this stage you can watch your belly dance as baby wiggles and jockeys around in there. I'm also trying to take in the moments with Zoey as an 'only' child and spend some quality time with her since I know that my attention and energy will be spread a little thinner once Roo does arrive. It's a mix of emotions. So I'm trying to savour it all and be patient as we wait for potentially a few weeks longer, and at the same time be mentally prepared for the possibility that Roo could absolutely come anytime now. As Henry left for work this morning, I asked him, "In the unlikely event I go into labour today which phone do you want me to call?". Then we laughed since it's not really unlikely anymore. We just don't know what it's like to go into labour 'naturally' since it was kick started last time by breaking my water at the hospital. I would love to experience it a little more gradually this time, but as long as we all end up healthy in the end, I'm game.


As for holidays, Henry had a week off for Christmas again this year and has another week saved up for after Roo arrives. It's the first time off he's had in at least a year that we've been able to relax and spend together as a family. We were so grateful and blessed that our basement was complete and it allowed us to host our family and friends for meals and hockey games, as well we spent a lot of time with Zoey playing with toys and snuggling on the couch. The time was also used to run errands together and go on coffee dates as a couple and with Zoey. Zoey absolutely adored having Daddy around and completely smothered him with attention. She insisted on Daddy putting her to bed every night. I don't think she would have let him go the entire week if she had the chance. I decided to give Henry a bit of a break and took Zoey to Walmart myself to grab a couple things and as we pulled away from the house and she realized Daddy wasn't coming, she whimpered until she fell asleep. It means so much to all of us that Henry had that time with her and that their bond is so strong. When Henry left for work this morning, he asked for a hug and she was too upset with him to oblige. Having your child love you is a pretty okay problem to have.

Helping us with the instructions for Racko

Just terrible

Daddy helping with her boots before church

Making Daddy's hair smell like Green Apples

Just doing some light reading

Out for lunch and colouring with Daddy

So for now we wait and pray that all goes well, and if at all possible, things happen on their own. And until then, we'll savour the time in between together and even sleeping through the night! :)

A Merry Christmas, But No Christmas Baby...

39 Weeks

Zoey snuggled up on Christmas Evening

A change in expectations can really take the pressure off. I had my last check on Christmas Eve and for about a week we have all been waiting, thinking with the symptoms and constant Pre Labour I was having, that Roo could come any minute. I don't think there was anything wrong with that, but it sets you up for some pressure. I was wanting Roo to come while my Sister in Law was here for Christmas and early in Henry's Christmas holidays. After chatting with Henry early Christmas morning, we realized that we had put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and honestly, the one birth we've experience was 2 weeks after the Due Date. It's not to say that Roo couldn't surprise us and come this week, but the likely hood seems low at this stage. I reminded myself that I know how to go 2 weeks overdue and I'm really okay with that. Other than sore hips and rotating 3 outfits as my belly outgrows all my clothes, I can't complain too much. With this new perspective, we have a plan in place that ensures Henry has enough time off after Roo is born and until then we can relax and enjoy the family time that we have. I think the stress of the end of work and the unknown factor in planning for the Christmas Holidays was more than I had anticipated or expected. But we have some pretty incredible family and friends who are more than accommodating as we wait.

Setting up her own mini Christmas Tree

We had a great visit with Henry's sister and her husband, Henry's parents, and my Mom and sister. It was a fantastic Christmas and Zoey loved it all, and was completely exhausted by the excitement! She was, as usual, totally spoiled with thoughtful and generous gifts from family. She LOVED opening them this year, her little hands frantically searching for edges to tear. She was sweet enough to help open everyone's gifts this year. Henry and I decided this year to do a smaller Christmas (in regards to gifts) with me going on mat leave right away, etc we thought we would like to keep it more low key, which really has always been our goal. So we were excited to pick out a World Vision gift as a family and a few smaller things for each other. It was really nice doing things that way this year and I think regardless of our circumstances, that's how we want Christmas to look in our house with our children. Focuses on the reason for the season, Jesus.

So with a change in perspective in regards to Roo's arrival, I am far more relaxed and honestly expecting baby will come sometime in January and I am completely okay with that. My Christmas Eve appointment told me there was very little change despite the continuous Pre Labour contractions. But as I said before, I'm feeling pretty good, exhausted, but good. I know that once Roo is here, I'll feel exhausted in a whole different way.

We are so very appreciative of all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. Keep them coming and I'll be sure keep you posted!

38 Weeks....or 39...

37 Weeks

It depends on who you ask how far a long we are. My chart at the Dr's is going by the LMP, which apparently they almost always stick with regardless of Ultrasounds (I suppose for consistency). However, Henry and I, along with both Ultrasounds put the Due Date closer to the 23rd, which is right around the corner....um hello? Where did the last 9 months go?

I've been feeling pretty good lately, not much to complain about besides the typical aches and pains that come with the last days of pregnancy. I had another check up on Thursday and I was surprised when my Dr told me that all the cramping I've been having was actually doing something! My cervix is thinning which for me is something. I remember in the last month with Zoey, I was stuck at the same place for weeks. Since that appointment I've been having more contractions and a lot of pre labor symptoms. We're very curious what I'll find out at my Monday afternoon appointment. Who knows things could actually be happening. I suspect things could gear up a little after getting checked, but we are staying pretty relaxed either way. I did tell Henry yesterday though, that if Roo wants to stay put then the contractions can calm down anytime. It's a little exhausting after a few days.

Basement

I disappeared for a couple days as well last week after being hit with a ridiculous Cold/Flu. I hadn't felt that rough in a long time. My sweet husband stayed home from work on Friday to take care of Zoey for me since I could barely lift my head off the pillow. It took me nearly a solid week to fully recover. At it's worst point, I was so terrified that Roo was going to make his or her appearance while I was sick. You do whatever you have to, but the idea of going through labor and having a newborn in that state was intimidating. Thankfully, God heard my prayers and I was able to recoup and get the rest I needed. Just in time for Zoey to get a slightly lighter version of the Cold/Flu. It was an interesting week in the Duiker household.

While I was curled up in bed, Henry and his folks worked hard on our basement to finish it up, and I am thrilled to say that I am currently in our new basement with Henry and Zoey and loving it. Yesterday was the first day we were able to spend some family time in the new space together. It's taken up so much time and dedication and we are so incredibly thankful for those who made it possible.

I am unsure as to how life will be after Baby Roo arrives but isn't that always the way it goes. Sweet Zoey seems to senses something big is changing and her behaviour has reflected that unease. We know however, that with a great deal of patience from and towards each of us we will work through any challenges that will inevitably come our way. Henry and I are so excited for what is to come and can not wait to meet this new little person and learn about his or her personality. We look at Zoey and are amazed at who she is and are continuously falling more and more in love with her. Who wouldn't want to do that again! So we wait patiently and continue to pray that God will give us all we need to raise our 2 children.

36 Weeks and Prepping...

The end is in sight for this pregnancy and I'm faced with some mixed emotions. With the pain and discomfort that comes with this stage I'm excited to be winding down, and obviously, I am getting more and more butterflies about finally holding our precious Roo in our arms and kissing his or her sweet head. I get full blown weepy every time I see some sappy newborn moment on TV or really anywhere, but I remember feeling that way before Zoey was born too. At the same time, I'm fully aware that having Roo means a lot less sleep and the discomfort does not disappear immediately after baby is born. Between sore muscles, a bruised hoo ha, and nursing, there is more than enough discomfort to keep me hobbling for another week or two. At least I'm aware of it this time and I feel more mentally prepared. Regardless, it's going to be amazing.

It's been funny this time trying to figure out when Roo may arrive, with the visits the hospital and my Doctor asking me to finish work early, there is the sense of a potential early arrival. At the same time, Zoey was two weeks late and I fully expect that is a strong possibility this time as well. These pregnancy's have been quite different so it's hard to get a sense of what to expect. I feel like we are watching a Sand Timer and we can only see one half. We know that time is winding down as Full Term is already next week, but how much time is left? So our goal is to do our best to make sure we are ready to go as soon as possible and enjoy the end of this stage in our life with as much peace and enthusiasm as we can. Henry's incredible parents have been working non stop to help us finish the basement and there is so much amazing progress I cannot wait to share the finished product. The entertainment center is gorgeous, the flooring is perfect, and the paint colours and trim all all up. We hope to have some things moved down there this week so we can get Zoey's room set up and have the crib up and ready to go. All this necessary work and with the Christmas season in full swing we are trying our best to find the time to be together as a family. We counted weekends before our Due Date and were in shock! There are so many things we want to do together but really as long as we get moments where we can sit and talk, go for coffee a couple more times, and have days focused on Zoey it will all be fine. New baby or not, it always seems we are scrambling to fit everything into the day, week, or month and it's typically impossible. As long as you have the priorities straight, the less important things will fall to the side and Faith, Family, and Friends will win out.

Lots of Dr appointments so we have fun while we're there!

Finally, an update Zoey's sleeping progress. After a couple incredibly challenging nights and naps, I had a revelation. I was getting a little frustrated and assumed that my toddler was choosing not to go to sleep in order to be defiant and difficult. While in some cases it absolutely is a power struggle I looked at my daughter and realized in this situation, that was not what was happening. She was stressed and anxious. We had taken away the security blanket per say of falling asleep with us holding her hand away and said, "Now go to sleep or else". I thought about how to be a bit softer and understanding about that transition and since then things have gone really well. She needed to be reminded and assured that she was not alone and that Mommy or Daddy are right there, for the first while we standing by the door where she can see us and slowly we start to move a little farther, still popping in to watch her depending on how she's handling it. We read to her, tuck her in, pray with her, and kiss her head and as we get up she asks, "Door? Right here?" and we remind her that yes, we are right here. Isn't that really what we are always looking for? I know that in moments of fear and anxiety, my prayers are asking God to remind me that He's right here, and Henry and I are praying fervently that Zoey and Roo learn to lean on and feel that comfort always from our God who loves them even more than we ever could (which always seems surreal).

Sometimes there are even suckers!

I love that Zoey finds so much comfort with us, it assures me that we are doing something right for her. Yesterday she was having a rare moment with her nap time. She was completely catatonic about having to go to sleep and had worked herself up into a high level of anxiety. After nearly an hour of working with her Henry texted from work. I asked if he would mind Facetiming so he could talk to her (technology is pretty cool). So he called and she saw her Daddy and he talked to her for a few minutes. He asked her if she was okay and through hiccuped breathing she said, "Ya". He told her when he got home they would play and spend time time together and she seemed to be happy about that. Meanwhile, behind the phone, I was trying to keep myself together. Pregnancy hormones and really the shear preciousness of the moment was almost too much for me. After their chat Zoey asked for lunch and the chance for nap time was over so I called it and we had some peanut butter toast. She had a great rest of her day and went to sleep like a champ at bed time.

So that's really what's been going on in our house lately. We did get some amazing Family Pictures done by a wonderful friend and crazy talented photographer in Lethbridge. I would HIGHLY recommend Richelle Tucker at Limetree Photography (CLICK HERE) for any event or family photos you may be looking to have done. We only wish we had known her when we were married! I will share some more of the photos from our recent session once I have them all. Thanks again Richelle!

30 Weeks And Some New Hardware....

I was finally able to update my iPhone with my free upgrade! I loved the old one but it wasn't working as a, you know, phone lately. So I'm currently enjoying trying some new features and far superior pictures. I'm also testing out the Blogger app, which so far seems to be doing okay.

As far as Roo goes, I'm feeling bigger and bigger which is fine, but the beach all in my middle is making me a little slower lately. But the bigger the belly the better Roo is...for now! This little one is so active and I'm enjoying every jolt and kick....even the ones that are some how simultaneously in my ribs and hips.

Zoeys doing great and settling better once again into a sleep schedule. Our crazy week threw the poor girls sleep schedule way off. But some diligence on our part over the weekend helped greatly. Unfortunately after the long weekend, Zoey has been upset with Daddy for going back to work. It seems that three days into our week sees starting to forgive him, just in time for the weekend!

Life is so busy lately but we are making every effort to soak it all up.rhis pregnancy is flying by and Roo will be here before we know it. The basement is getting finished piece by piece, and Zoey is more amazing every day. Life is pretty amazing.

Final Days of Summer...

Some playtime with Mickey Mouse and Friends

Well Summer is officially over and Fall is here. I have to be honest, I love Fall, the colors and the mild weather suits me just fine. I do love Summer, but Fall has a special place in my heart. We enjoyed the last few hot days outside the last couple weekends the best we could. We've felt September has flown by with it's crazy schedule and projects. Last week we literally had something on the go every night minus Tuesday, normally we have a lot of the go, but it seemed far more intense than normal. However, everything we did have on our plate were things we were very excited about. We decided it was time to take a refresher on our First Aid with Baby Roo on the way we knew it needed to happen before his/her arrival. It was also spurred by Zoey's accidental burn this Summer. We knew how to handle that situation but it reminded us that serious injuries happen and we need to know what to do in order to stay calm. I have to say it was completely worth the two late evenings. As a bestie put it, "You never regret getting your First Aid".

We spent some time at Oma and Opa's as well and Zoey was able to help dig potatoes and run around the acreage.Their property is beautiful and any time we are there Zoey loves to run around and take in all the space and fresh air. I think she'll always treasure the moments where her Daddy runs in their yard with her kicking the soccer ball, and even more she'll love that we did that as a family.

Digging for Potatoes

Getting some help from Oma

Running at the Acreage

We were able to spend some time with friends as well which we always enjoy. One of the toughest parts of feeling so busy is making sure we manage a balance of time with our friends along with that quality family time. We adore our friends and feel so blessed to count them as part of our family, so it's tough when we feel like we haven't be able to manage time with each of them in a while. Honestly, a pretty okay problem to have....too many amazing friends! One of the get together's we were at recently, I was so lucky to hold their new baby and even give him a bottle! For a split second I thought, 'Jeepers will I remember what this feels like?' and boom it was like Zoey was a newborn still. I told Henry on the way home, it was so nice to have that reminder that the comfort level comes right back.

A hat for the Fall

I've been getting a little more uncomfortable at night time and I am thinking about getting a wedge for sleeping at night. I think my back and hips are taking a lot of the stress while I try and sleep and I find the pillow or body pillows are way too big and bulky. Last night after I got Zoey back into her bed (she had toddled out of bed at 2am) Roo was kicking up a storm. Typically, kicks don't keep me up, but last night baby was very awake and very squirmy. I decided not to suffer alone and pressed my belly against Henry's back. After a few minutes I heard a quiet chuckle, "Baby isn't interested in sleeping are they.". After an hour or so I was finally able to relax and drift back to sleep. While not sleeping is unpleasant, I'm still saying the kicks and squirms are my favorite part of pregnancy. Eventually, Baby Roo will kick and squirm and cry and will require more of me than lying in bed with my eyes closed. So I will soak it in, because I know I will miss it later on.

Winded...

I've reached a stage where I feel metaphorically and physically winded lately. As is typical with this stage of pregnancy, Baby Roo is getting tighter and tighter on space which means a lot of pressing up into my lungs. It honestly for me, feels equivalent to the winded feeling you have when you sprint for 30 seconds to a minute. Not completely out of breath, but a need to stop and suck in some extra air. However, it's only three (ish) months left and I'm not feeling in a crazy rush for everything to be over yet. I'm trying to savour the moments in this pregnancy and enjoy my time with Zoey as an 'only' child. So for now, I'll shove a pillow behind my back and push baby down and take as much in as I can.

25 Weeks

Metaphorically, getting back to work after this Summer has been far more challenging than I anticipated. Changes in schedules have increased the workload in these first weeks back. We're managing but it's been mentally draining. I also forgot how at times you just want to put your computer away and play with Zoey. Regardless, we are thankful for a job where I can be with her all day and each week that passes, I am getting more and more prepped for my classes.

Playing with Great Aunt's Yarn

 

Zoey has been, as always, just a ball of energy and joy. Henry and I adore how we see more and more of her personality everyday. She is a girl who needs a little time to warm up to new people but once she feels settled and safe she will bring toys and books to play. She loves stickers lately and last night I went to bed and realized I had a whole line of them covering my legs. Her latest obsession is any kind of Doctor kit. She has one simple one and we recently got her a Doc McStuffins playset which she plays with at least once everyday. She sings the "Check Up" song as she puts on a stethoscope to examine Mommy and Daddy or any of her Stuffed animals. It's pretty awesome. She's becoming quite the singer lately as well, along with the Check Up song she surprised us one day by singing Twinkle Twinkle. As well, she is a huuuge fan of 'How Bad Can I Be?' from The Lorax. We love seeing her show a musical side and fully intend to foster that if she continues to show an interest.

We really couldn't ask for much more and feel so incredibly blessed. Honestly the only thing we wish we had more of was simply Time. We do our best to manage some family time every weekend/week but lately we're not sure why, it just seems harder and harder. However, as always we figure it out and put our priorities in order. We know that God wants us to be strong as a family even more than we do. So we continue to be thankful for all the amazing blessing we have and enjoy the ride as we eagerly await Baby Roo's arrival. Can you believe we're 27 weeks along already!

Up Coming Ultrasound and PUPPS....

For those who have followed along with me or heard my prayer requests, you know that I have become sadly familiar with intense itching. It has been diagnosed at Eczema but we can't really dig deep into the cause until after this pregnancy. I've been blessed with the ability to manage most flares through cream from my Dermatologist. However, on Friday last week I had what I call a flare up, but this one looked and felt different. My belly was incredibly itchy this time and it has never been before. I know better that to truly scratch as I told Henry, 'Think I have just enough marks on my belly, thank you very much". At night when I had a chance to examine my belly I noticed it looked like I was covered with Chicken Pox. 'What on earth is this!" I sighed and showed Henry. We had no idea and decided to do the best job managing it we could. I thought perhaps I reacted to Vitamin E oil I had tried that afternoon. Tuesday has come along and the rash and itch is still there. I went to see my doctor this morning to get his thoughts and his diagnosis was one I was hoping to avoid. He said it looks just like PUPPS. What is PUPPS you ask? It's a pregnancy symptom that happens to a lucky few. The belly, and sometimes legs/arms are covered in an itchy rash. There is very little they can do, and not much in the way of testing to find out for sure. The part I knew about and was disappointed about is that it disappears on it's own......after the baby is born. Baby will be unaffected, but I've got a ways to go yet and I was hoping I was sneak through the rest of my pregnancy without crazy itching and having my poor belly covered in hives. It's so superficial, but a pregnant lady, not much of your body is familiar or even yours, and we tend to love on our belly's as the proof of the amazing and huge work we're doing. So having that part of me marred is a little disappointing. However, I had my poor me moment with my sister, mom, and husband, and I am focusing on the health of my family, which I am so grateful to God! Besides, I'm used to being itchy now right!

My view at 20 weeks....it's awesome :)

20 weeks

On the horizon we have our Ultrasound next week and I couldn't be happier! Henry is going to come it with me and we can't wait to see Baby Roo and how he/she grown since the first viewing. My doctor told me this morning that Baby Roo is already a little stubborn. Roo does not want to be found when it's time for the dopplar. And when baby was found, there was a massive amount of wiggling to sneak away. It's been amusing seeing the differences between our babies. Zoey was a kicker! Always kicking and stopped at night to sleep and started wiggling right away, very true to her character. Baby Roo has been wiggly but much less so, there are fewer moments in the day and most when I lay down at night for about 20 minutes and then it's quiet for the night. When Roo logged into my Left side I couldn't for the life of me get him/her to move. I have no idea how a baby floating in fluid hangs on like that but I'm so enamored with Roo's personality.

Wore Daddy right out with all the blocks

Not sure why, but it's her new favorite spot!

After a long day of playing and healing

She saw Marshmallows in the The Lorax and she became obsessed!

Cozy coffee table

Zoey's hand is healing beautifully and I think very soon she can start playing in the dirt and on the playground again! She's been a trooper and minus some challenging days overcoming the emotional aspect of her accident, we've all landed on our feet and have been enjoying as much time together possible. Paint is going on the walls this week so we are seeing a slow wrap to this enormous project. We will be so happy to have this finished and not feel the draw of our time and energy. Until then, I will keep you updated once the colors are up!

20 Weeks and a Loooong Weekend...

Hi!

It's unbelievable to me that we are halfway through this pregnancy! On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt my belly was shifted. I looked and Baby Roo had lodged into my left side creating a lump on one side and a tilted belly on the other. It's very common occurrence as baby gets bigger, but I told Henry that it hadn't occurred to me that Baby Roo could possibly be THAT big yet! I assumed it would be another month at least before we would see that happening. It's another symptom of not fully absorbing how fast this pregnancy is flying by! At the same time I am so overly excited, it's my favorite thing about being pregnant. There are a lot of jabs and jolts that make you flinch, but there is always a bubble of joy for me with each one. Last night we just watched Baby Roo roll and flip around. We are so grateful. We are also looking forward to our Ultrasound. The first one was so emotional and fast that we are excited to see baby in a more calm setting (not that we didn't adore seeing baby so early!).

This past weekend was a long weekend and we were so excited to have some time as a family. So much effort has been going into finishing parts of our basement and it eats up a lot of free time for Henry. We know it needs to get done and we are so blessed to be able to work on it and have the help, but it really does take so much time. So even though we had plans to put some time into it over the weekend, we knew we would spend as much time as a family as possible. It was great being able to go for walks in the morning, run errands together, go to the ER....Oh I haven't mentioned that part, right.

Zoey had her first ER visit and first truly rough injury over the weekend. We were all making supper together and Zoey was happily playing with her dolly and feeding her some bread when in a split second a pot was moved and for some reason she reached over and touched the glowing red element. We wonder if she thought it was a button or something you see in every Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode. Henry scooped her up as I tried to figure out what on earth had just happened. We got cold water on it immediately and she screamed....she screamed off and on for about 4 - 5 hours. We ended up having to hold her with a container of cold water at all times. She screamed when we took the water to swap it for fresh water, and randomly cried until she finally passed out around 10pm. We debated going to Emerg that night but at the time we only saw burns on the tips of her fingers and knew it would traumatize her more. We managed to get her to take some Tylenol and after at least an hour of trying to get her to fall asleep, I needed back up. After many many prayers, begging God to help relieve her pain so she can sleep He told me to bring her to Henry. I brought her and on the verge of tears told him, "I'm not sure what to do anymore..." In that moment Zoey stopped crying and seemed distracted by my tears and we all had a family moment to breathe for just a second. She reached out for Henry and buried her face into his neck and we talked quietly about what to do to help her sleep. Since she was calmed with her Daddy we decided to let her snuggle up on the couch and watch The Heffalump Movie (one of her all time favorites). I nearly wept with relief as she started to giggle and smile at her favorite moments in the movie after about an hour Henry and I switched and Zoey was starting to give into the exhaustion of the evening and fell asleep in my arms. We were able to sneak the water bucket away and waited until we felt the deep deep sleep come over her and then laid her down in her bed. Henry and I went up to bed and just sat there together and tried to decompress after everything that had happened. We know that this happens to a lot or even most kids, but I don't think anyone would really dare to say it's an easy thing to go through with your child. Your baby in pain, pain that you can't take away is excruciating. On the positive side, she is doing better everyday. Even though it was more extensive than we originally thought, hence the ER trip the next morning, we feel like we in some crazy way are closer and have learned more about each other. We are also so grateful for God's protection over Zoey, it could have been much much worse and our prayers for relief for Zoey were answered and she slept through the night which felt like a miracle in itself.



The summer is zooming by and we are doing our best to stay cool and find something to do each day. Yesterday we went to see Henry at the shop which was lot of fun. Normally she falls asleep on the way and then is grumpy after being woken up mid nap. This time I made her nap a little earlier and she was fed and awake before we left. When we got there we made a trip to the BC Fruit truck and the Dutch bakery and after sat down at the shop for a quick lunch. Here are just a couple other things Zoey's been up too!

Family came through after camping and she taught them her new favorite game....

...It's called, Here! Pick these up!

After all that playtime she got a treat :)

Playing with the new Castle from Grammy

It's pretty awesome

Explaining why the baby needs to be bubble wrapped to Opa. I'm not convinced :)

Enjoying a treat from Auntie Bailey

All in all things have been busy, crazy, and amazing in the Duiker household, but that seems about right for us!

16 Weeks and a Holiday in the Mountains...

 Well it's been a few weeks and lots has been happening here in the Duiker household. I finished up my school year! As much as I enjoy my job I am entirely ready for a break once Summer rolls around. I finished up and we dove head first into a busy weekend with church activities and friends. On Canada Day we drove out to BC for a much anticipated week at a cabin with the rest of the Duiker clan. The small cabin sits right on the lake and has a spectacular view. It's hard to beat getting up in the morning and drinking coffee looking at that view. The first day we spent inside for the majority as it was raining none stop it seemed. The next day was gorgeous and we spent as much time outside with Zoey as we could. She loved the dock, blowing bubbles, and soaking up the attention from Oma, Opa, and Auntie and Uncle. She also reveled in having her Daddy around and was attached to him whenever she could get him.

Everything should have been perfect on our trip but the first night we were there I was feeling crummy. I thought at first it was the Pregnancy Congestion I knew so well with my pregnancy with Zoey. The second day I was getting some pitied looks from my Mother in Law and was snuggled up with the tissues all day. The next night was worse, I got less sleep and once I did manage to fall asleep poor Zoey woke up completely disoriented. So Henry and I let her fall asleep on our mattress, which we already know, does not allow for a peaceful sleep for us. Zoey is a squirmy sleeper and rotated every which way, kicking Henry in the head and chest as I tried to protect Roo from her flailing. At the very least she got some sleep, which parents know is incredibly important!

Henry asked me in the morning if I needed to go home since I was running on fumes, but I was determined to stick it out as long as I could. However, despite my resolve, once Tuesday Night rolled around I was getting sick, coughing a lung out, and Zoey and I both had a fever. Henry called it and I let him, we decided to pack up in the morning and head out much earlier than we planned.

By morning Zoey seemed to feel okay but I was just as bad or worse and in desperate need of a sleep in my own bed. I was so disappointed, but so incredibly grateful for a husband who could see what was best for me and sacrificed to do that. But really, that's the amazing husband and overall man Henry is and I'm so very blessed to call him mine.

Sleeping in my own bed was so comforting, even though I've been sick ever since we got home. I'll be checking in with my Doctor tomorrow morning and hopefully start feeling closer to myself soon.

So I hope to have a new picture of Roo soon, but as I've been feeling so under the weather this week, belly pictures weren't in my frame of thought. Trust me though, this baby is getting biiigger! I'm definitely feeling more movement, and even though it's early I feel like Henry might be able to feel something soon too. Today while I was laying down with Zoey I felt familiar flutters and squirms, my favorite part of pregnancy!

So in conclusion, while it was a holiday filled with illness and cut short, we sure treasure being together as a family!

Breakfast with Daddy

Snuggles with Daddy and Boots

Playing with a Lentil Sensory bin

Lots of colours and textures to play with!

Playing with a new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse app before bed

God, Love, and Prayer...

I realized I haven't updated on the Blog how things went with my Dermatologist appointment. It went well. Our Doctor was compassionate and determined to see me healed. As he was assessing my condition he did say he hadn't seen a case this severe in quite sometime. I suppose that was some what validating in a weird way. It meant that I wasn't being a baby about it but that it's truly a challenge. He prescribed some pregnancy safe steroid creams for me to stop the reaction. After a couple days I did notice a big improvement in how I was feeling. I have felt better than I have in months. It's not completely gone and I have the odd minor minor flare up but I'm not complaining as it's such an improvement in my quality of life these last few weeks. The next step is to get to an allergist to find out what the trigger is for me and hopefully for Zoey as well.

This brings me to thank you for your prayers. Henry and I have been amazed and humbled by the love and prayers from so many. We truly believe it's impacted our lives positively. Prayer is one of those areas that we strive to improve and strengthen in our lives and to pass that on to our children. This week we had the pleasure of attending a speaking event at The Gate where Dr Jeyseelan and his amazing wife Lizy (I hope I'm spelling that right!). They talked about their ministry in India and the amazing experiences they have had and what they hope to achieve in the future. I was so captivated by what they had to share and touched by their faith and sincerity. As they finished, they told the congregation that they would be praying for anyone who needed or wanted them too. I'm not sure why, but I've very very rarely taken advantage of these offerings. But as I sat there listening to the music, I was overwhelmed and I felt God tugging at me and telling me to go. In my quiet time of prayer, I have felt a strong sense that God has a plan for restoration and healing for me and I knew in that moment that God was asking me to act in faith and allow Dr Jey and his wife pray for me. Henry came with me, since by this point I knew I wouldn't be able to speak clearly through the tears. I'd like to blame pregnancy on this one, but I know that rather when you feel God moving you, it touches you deeply. As we approached the front, Henry spoke for me until I could squeak a few words out myself. We spoke quickly to them about the trials and deep pain that we've been dealing with and said we were praying for healing, restoration, and peace. As they laid their hands on me and prayed with urgency and faith I felt a quiet calm slowly come over me. I felt God assure me of his presence and his plan for us. I felt a renewed certainty of his love for me and my family.  After they hugged us and we thanked them we gathered our things and Zoey and headed home quickly. I normally would have stayed to visit but I felt I needed to take a moment to process it all. I am so grateful for the kind words and prayers of Dr Jeyseelan and Lizy, they will truly resonate with me for many years to come.

In regards to life in general, we are so excited for Summer to be here! Summer holidays for me means a great deal. It means having my evenings with my family, it means that I am not at my computer for hours during the day and I get to focus entirely on Zoey. It also means we can go visit Henry at the shop and see friends during the week, even have people over on, oh, a Tuesday! There are many amazing aspects of my job but the hours truly take their toll on our family as a whole. Sometimes I get fooled into thinking I'm the only one who feels the effects of the nights, but I realize that Henry and Zoey miss me just as much as I miss them and we revel in the additional time together. We will be kicking off our summer with a trip to a family friends cabin. It will be Zoey's first time there and we are so very excited for that time.

I am at 13 weeks in this pregnancy and I am continually feeling better and more like myself. I am still exhausted by 8:30 at night and the familiar pregnancy congestion has set in, I sound like I have a perpetual cold which is exactly what happened while pregnant with Zoey. While it's unpleasant, it's so unbelievably worth it. Even though I know it's going to be exhausting and challenging, we are already so excited to meet Baby Roo. Zoey is already prancing around talking about Baby! Although, last night Henry was telling Zoey that babies do not go in the microwave or on the stove (in her play kitchen). I think I felt some teeny panicked kicks and squirms during that conversation ;)

Finally, I got a call to set up my first Prenatal appointment with our OBgyn. I'm so excited already, mostly just because we couldn't love our Doctor any more so I'm looking forward to catching up with him.


It's going to be an amazing summer! And I'm hoping to record as much of it as I can!