{Three Brothers}

Chat went and picked up the boys from school on Wednesday and brought them to the hospital to meet their new baby brother! I was so excited to see them -- even a few days away is hard for me at times. They got matching "Big Brother" t-shirts and were so excited to wear them to school that day! Once at the hospital, the boys were initially very sweet and a bit timid upon arriving to the hospital. They were interested and loved meeting him...

 

 

 

After about five minutes, they were over the initial fun and started getting a bit wild and bored. So they got the ultimate bribe --- ice cream sandwiches from the hospital cafeteria if they would be good and not go too crazy in my room. It didn't quite happen, but they still got their treats!

 

They couldn't stop pushing the baby bassinet around the room, screaming "Baby Express coming through!!!". Don't worry, no babies were harmed. They are true boys at heart and that doesn't change just because there is a one-day-old around...

At the hospital, Ben kept his distance from Drew which really surprised me. When asked why, he kept saying, "He is a stinker". Well thanks Ben :). We didn't force it and by the time we got home the next day, he was all about baby Drew!

They have been smitten with Drew since we all got under one roof on Thursday. We were all so happy to be back together and it was such a wonderful first night home. Everywhere that Drew went, the boys were quick to follow. It was so very sweet.

Ben has taken an interest in Drew's eyes. I have caught him numerous times trying to 'open' his eyes for him. We have had to have a few talks about being careful when touching him.

Overall, the introduction of another little brother into the family has gone well. They are into him, but not overly, so they will keep their distance if I need it. It has been a good balance so far. And the boys are loving all the visitors we have been getting as people come to meet Drew. My heart has multiplied over and over since Drew's arrival!

{Andrew Banks}

Meet Andrew Banks...otherwise know as Drew!

Born Tuesday, April 21st at 3:07 pm

9 lbs 7 oz

21 inches

 

{37 Weeks & Baby Update}

Well here we are at 37 weeks and 4 days! I can't believe this little one will be here so soon. We actually have an induction date -- next Tuesday, April 21st. So this time next week, I will probably be a mom of three. Due to high fluid and the baby being big (and a previous shoulder dystocia with Ben), my OB thinks we should go ahead and induce around 38 1/2 weeks. And I am ready! Luckily I have two previous experiences with being induced and all went well. I pray that we get that this time too!

 

{Baby bump at 37 weeks}

I can't even begin to tell you the comments I get this time around. My stomach is definitely on the bigger side (lets blame that on the high fluid) and people will literally stop and stare. The comments are hysterical! It is time to get this baby out!

Below is an ultrasound picture from last week. I can't believe we will get to meet this one so soon! I am so ready to not be pregnant anymore, but a little nervous about heading back into the newborn stage. But I know everything will fall into place once I meet this little one!

Luckily, baby has slowed down immensely in growth. I had another ultrasound yesterday and baby was only measuring a week ahead versus 3+ weeks ahead at my 34 week ultrasound. Hallelujah! I was starting to get a little worried.

I still think this little one is a boy, but guess we could be surprised in a week. I honestly can't say we are hoping one way or the other. I truly just want it in my arms -- boy or girl. I have had several differences this time than my other pregnancies but nothing to really indicate it would be another gender -- insomnia (seriously do not sleep at all this third trimester -- miserable!), heartburn, anemic, my belly button actually popped out for the first time ever, lots of pelvic pain and tons of hair on this baby. But look at that face! It is all worth it.

We are working on a list of names for both a boy and a girl. Nothing like waiting to the last minute! We finally have a list of about 5 boy names. Girls are up next but not too worried if we don't find one we like. I am feeling overwhelmed to think our life of four is going to change so much soon. It is a bit bittersweet to be honest. But I know we will love this baby more than life itself and seeing my two boys become big brothers to this one will be so incredibly special.

I hope to post before the big day, but if not, see you on the other side!

{This One}

Oh Benny Boy! You drive me absolutely crazy most days with all your strong opinions and crazy shenanigans, but oh how you make me laugh!!!