Update

Well, a lot has happened in the Birtch home (to say the least) so I will try and fill you in.....quickly!

*We found out we were pregnant on Christmas Eve.....I still cannot believe that I kept the secret from my BFF's for so long. I am very impressed with myself..tee hee!

*Our due date is September 1st but if all goes well (and it will) I will have a scheduled C-section the first week of August. They want to deliver me at 36 weeks because when John was born my uterus was so small they had to cut both horizontally and vertically. I run the risk of my uterus rupturing should I go into early labor . I will however have an amino at 36 weeks to make sure the babies lungs are developed......if this baby is anything like his/her brother (John's lungs were miraculously developed at only 24 weeks gestation....amazing), we'll be good to go.

*Last Thursday we headed down to Good Sam for an outpatient surgery (cervical cerclage) and ended up needing a more involved surgery (abdominal cerclage) which landed me in the hospital for 5 longs days!

Here's what happened...

A cervical cerclage is performed in the OR using an epidural to numb you from the waist down.....once numb, the Dr. literally stitches your cervix closed. Well, as you all know, we apparently like to do things the hard way around here (it sure does make us appreciate what we have though) So, once my epidural was completed (not fun by the way) the Dr. went in to stitch me up only to notice that I didn't have much cervix to be stitched.....the left side was completely gone and there wasn't even enough cervix on the right side to be stitched. So, my Perinatologist called his colleague (who fortunately was in the hospital and free) and within minutes he arrived in the OR for a second opinion. Both agreed that the cervical cerclage could not be done....there was just too little cervix to sew up. So, they then put me under and performed an abdominal cerclage. Once under the Dr. opened up my abdomen , removed my uterus with baby, bundled it in blankets (the nurse said you could see the baby moving all around), stitched underneath my uterus, and then put me back together!

It is so amazing what doctors are able to do. We feel very confident in this procedure and look forward to bringing a full termer into our family.

Now, what's a post without a picture of the main man? Who by the way is now able to say...Mom, Dad, ball, and done. Nope, we couldn't be any prouder of our perfect little boy.

Happy Valentine's Day...

...from the 4 of us!

Feeling Yucky!

Well, we're sick again:( John came down with a horrendous cough and low grade fever on Sunday and he's still sick.....and Mommy woke up with it today. Daddy is on the mend but he's had it pretty bad too.

Today was John's Valentine's Party at school and I was so sad he had to miss it (he's been out of school and therapy all week.) We did however manage to get all of his Valentine's completed and wrap all of his gifts for his teachers.....thanks to Grams for all the help and to Daddy for dropping them off at school!!!!

Below are pictures of John this morning helping wrap his teachers gifts:)

Now.....here is some exciting news:

Yesterday, at the age of 3, John Craig said his first word...."Mom." And, he said it about 10 times! He even said it to Daddy on the phone.

Another prayer answered!!!

For The Love Of Chocolate!

You can't beat finger painting...especially when it's done with chocolate pudding!!!!!!

John and I had a great day at Grams and Grandpa's house yesterday....poor Daddy stayed at home to work on his newest house project. We played non stop and even dug out a HUGE tub of Mommy and Uncle Craig's old toys...oldies but goodies.

Wordless Wednesday!

OK, well maybe not completely wordless...

John giving me a thumbs up!

My handsome lil man!

We are still loving pre-school...all of us. I am sure that it helps that his teacher is absolutely amazing and John loves her to death.

I am excited for next Thursday....John's class is having their Valentine party at school and I am going to take the day off so I can be a part of it.

Ohhhhh...he's growing up so quickly!!!!

We're Back!

We are back in business!!!!!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately but the Birtch Home has been filled with sickies....I guess that's what to be expected when you send your micro-preemie off to school for the first time in the middle of RSV season!

At any rate, we are all doing well and feeling much better.......and now we're gearing up for the big Super Bowl this afternoon.

And, OMG could this picture be any cuter? I love this happy little boy (he is doing the sign for smile) and continue to praise God for choosing us to be his parents. I know I've said it a million times before but I am so proud of John and his determination and strength......I couldn't of ask for a more PERFECT child.