Hello Bed Rest

Well, between being recently furloughed from my job and now this, I guess I'll have plenty of time to catch up on this blog!

I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions since about 17 weeks. They have started getting more and more frequent. 2 contractions an hour was my lowest normal rate and they've been ramping up to over 8 an hour recently. My doctor wants them under 6. If they go over that after I've hydrated and been laying down, I'm supposed to go into labor & delivery at the hospital. I have been barely able to keep them at that rate while on bed rest sometimes, so we've had a couple close calls. When I'm active/up, they generally start getting closer together. Because of that, I'm mostly stuck on the couch. :(

I've gone through a roller coaster of emotions about the whole thing, but the reality is that I'm 33 weeks along and don't have much longer to go until The Boy is full-term and I can welcome the contractions. I'm obviously most worried about Maddie and how having a Mom glued to the couch effects her. Luckily, my friends and family have already been amazing at helping out and entertaining the kiddo and the hubs is picking up all of my household slack while keeping us all fed and taken care of.

Here's hoping The Boy stays put for a few more weeks and that I get some breaks from the contractions to be out of bed and off the couch!

Summer Camping Group Trip

Last weekend, we packed up our little car and left the hot August valley heat in favor of the cold wet mountains West of Gilroy to Mt. Madonna County Park for a couple nights of fun and tents!

It was definitely cold and definitely wet, but we ended up having a blast!! This pregnant lady with the built-in heater sure appreciated the change in temperature, stunning surroundings, and fantastic company.

Mads "helped" set up the tent.

From 2011 - 08 - August

And build the fire.

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Enjoying her breakfast with Daddy and Uncle Alex.

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Did I mention it was wet? It was extremely foggy and the redwoods were collecting and dropping so much of the moisture, that it was essentially raining (sometimes POURING) if you were under one. All of that campsite was, so we decided to move in favor of a drier spot. Tent parade!!!

From 2011 - 08 - August

From 2011 - 08 - August

From 2011 - 08 - August

From 2011 - 08 - August

My Dad hitching a ride to the new site.

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Kyva: The professional driver.

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Now THAT is a camping sandwich!

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All of that running and playing and dirt-digging is hard work! Sahana taking a snooze on Steve.

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The afternoon entertainment.

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Tiny explorers.

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Banana slug. There were TONS!

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On a short hike.

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Kisses for baby brother.

From 2011 - 08 - August

From 2011 - 08 - August

I can't wait to camp again as a family of 4! Good thing we have our monster-sized tent, because we realized we will easily be able to fit: our queen mattress, a twin for Mads, and a Pack N Play. Bring on the woods!

Happy Hollow :: The Thrill Rides

Madison has been dying to go on the "Frog Hopper" ride at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo for a long time. Considering my belly probably couldn't fit in the lap restraint, my awesome friend, Prabha, offered to take the girls on it!



I was a little nervous about how she'd react, but she ended up LOVING it and going on it 4 (I think) times in a row. It's definitely her new favorite ride.

From 2011 - 08 - August

Next up, the 'coaster! M actually went on it with Jase shortly after she turned 2, but it was a little rough for her, so we waited for a while to try it again (even though she said she liked it.) Again, Prabha to the rescue! You can see Alia and Tanner in the car in front of them. I was jealous I couldn't ride, but Sahana seemed perfectly happy to watch rather than ride, so we cheered them on from the sidelines.

From 2011 - 08 - August