Where has the time gone?

Wow!  I knew I was behind on posting but didn't realize that it has been 5 weeks since my last update.  I must have been super busy being a mom :)
Today makes 6 weeks since Josslyn was born.  When we went to bed last evening, Adam and I reminisced about the way we felt 6 weeks ago at that time.  We were both so anxious and ready to meet our little girl.  6 weeks ago at this time I was wide awake with anticpation and now I'm wide awake, feeding this precious little girl!  The anticipation was great, but holding this precious little life is so incredible...even if it means being wide awake at 3am!
Josslyn sure has changed in the past 6 weeks.  She of course has grown and looks very "well nourished."  She sleeps for longer periods at one time.  She loves tummy time.  She is getting better with bath time.  She coos and coos which is more than enough to melt my heart.  She smiles randomly and recognizes my voice and Adam's...wow, now that makes a person feel important.   She is so much more alert...it's  so fun to watch her develep! 
Josslyn had her baptism in January which was a nice celebration with our immediate families.  Kim, Dan and Marek were here for that.  We had SO MUCH FUN with them and can't wait to see them again hopefully very soon ;) 
Well, since 6 weeks has passed, that means my maternity leave is officially 1/2 way over.  This saddens me greatly!  I'm going to miss cuddling with my baby throughout the day and running our errands together whenever we want.  We won't be able to take random naps.  However, I do miss my friends from work and it will be good to catch up with them.  It will also be good to check on my patients...hopefully they have done really well while I've been gone!  It eases my mind to know that we have a fantastic baby-sitter lined up for Josslyn...I can't imagine having that worry along with the emotional transition it will already be!  Until that time comes though, I am going to enjoy each moment I have with her and try not to think about how quickly the next 6 weeks will go!
Well, that's about all going on here at the Glendening's.  Honestly, there isn't time for much more!

One week ago today....

It's incredibly hard to believe that one week ago today, we were blessed with a successful birth of our precious baby girl, Josslyn Joan.  She weighed a healthy 7lbs, 8 oz and was 21" long.  She came into this world via C-Section at 7:33am.  Dr. Hopf was assisted by Dr. Checci and they both did an amazing job taking care of us.  It wasn't long after, Josslyn was seen by Dr. Bies who also made sure everything was okay with Baby J.  Josslyn's great aunt Mary was her baby nurse.  Mary was my baby nurse when I was born, which was before she married my uncle and became my aunt.  It was a very special day and one we will remember in great detail forever!
The past week has been mostly amazing.  We have definitely had our challenges just like all new parents do.  However, most of the moments have been unforgettable.  We have had lots of visits from family and friends and have once again been reminded how lucky we are to have all of you in our lives.  And, we are extremely grateful that Josslyn has such great people caring about her!
Yesterday we made our first roadtrip with Baby J.  We had to go to St. Mary's for an outpatient ultrasound of her hip.  Dr. Bies was just a bit concerned that one of her hips may not have developed completely.  It's not a huge deal and isn't painful for her.  If left untreated she could have hip problems and early arthritis but if treated she should be just fine.  He wanted the ultrasound done to confirm whether or not it truly is underdeveloped.  If it is, we will just need to put her little hip in a soft support brace so it is held in place until it is done developing.  Mommy and Daddy are just happy that Dr. Bies caught this and that it isn't painful for her.  She did excellent in Daddy's truck and he's convinced that it's because she likes the shaking/rattling of the diesel and reminds Mommy that it's another reason he had to get a new truck before she arrived :)  Mommy thinks that Josslyn is just a good baby, but we'll let Daddy think whatever he wants!
Daddy went back to work today so Josslyn and I will start to figure out our own routine and I will work on getting things done/caring for Josslyn without Daddy's constant assistance.  I'm sure we'll manage but we sure miss Daddy already.  He has been a huge help and I love to see him cuddle with Josslyn.  I guess we'll just be thankful that he was able to be here with us for the first 6 days. 
Well, I think that sums up everything that's going on here at the Glendening house.  There's not a lot of time for anything else these days but we are totally okay with that.  We wouldn't have it any other way!  Thanks to all of you who have sent cards, visited at the hospital, brought gifts and food, or prayed for us or thought of us during this very special time.  You all mean so much to us!

38 WEEKS and waiting...

 I had my 38 week check up with Dr. Hopf today and realized that this little girl is already taking after her daddy....she is being stubborn!  She must want to stay warm inside my belly rather than face this bitter cold weather we are having.  There are no signs of progress at this time.  We have been watching closely for further signs of toxemia, but luckily, despite some strong signs, it has not developed.  Dr. Hopf and I were both relieved today to know this was still not a problem especially since he had been so concerned about it at previous appointments. 
However, he does feel a bit concerned about Josslyn getting too big before she decides she is ready for delivery.  So, we have scheduled a CT scan of my pelvis for Monday and I will see him on Tuesday.  Depending on the results of the CT scan and what may or may not happen in the next several days, we may be looking at a C-Section sometime next week.  This is something I want to avoid at all costs, but also do not want to labor for hours only to end up in a C-Section procedure in the end.  So, I continue to pray for natural progression and labor in the next few days.  If nothing, then we will just continue to wait for the results of the scan on Monday. 
Everything is so up in the air, which of course, is just kind of the way it goes when relying on a process that we don't have complete control of.  Being a control freak/planner, it's honestly driving me a bit crazy.  I've had to refocus and remind myself that I am NOT in control of this and God will take care of things as it is HIS plan that I need to operate by :)  He sent us this blessing when He felt it was time, and He will decide when she is ready to enter the world!
Hopefully you all are doing well and looking forward to the Christmas Holiday! 

Week 37 and 17 days until Christmas

Tuesday made the start of week #37!  I was hoping as Josslyn became full-term she would start making some things happen that would lead me to believe that she was getting ready to come into the world.  However, I feel no different than I did at 36 weeks...other than feeling even bigger than before!  I feel as ready as I can be for her to get here and so we will just continue to wait...and wait....and wait! 
It's hard to believe that Christmas is so close.  I'm not sure why, but despite all the decorations in the house and all the presents ready to go, it just doesn't seem like Christmas yet.  I guess my mind is just too occupied with everything else.  I am hopeful to be able to spend the Christmas holiday with my new little family!  Hopefully we will be at home and not in the hospital, but either way, we'll make the best of it.

Quickly Approaching Week 36!

Tuesday will be the 36 week marker!  I have been feeling pretty good these days and have been getting a lot done around the house.  The tree is up and decorated.  Presents are wrapped and under the tree.  All inside Christmas decorations are in place.  And all of Josslyn's clothes, blankets, etc are washed, folded and organized in her drawers.  Grandma Joyce almost has her bedding done as well!  I am pleased at the way things have come together.  I feel ready for the big day to come, although, when it actually gets here, I'm sure I'll be extremely anxious!  For now, we will just wait for her to be ready to come into this crazy world!
Last week we sent my Uncle/Godfather Mark to heaven.  He had his final time at home with his family and then was ready to go to Heaven.  I am at peace knowing he is no longer suffering from the awful cancer he had been fighting.  I pray for Aunt Elaine, and Cousins Mike, Julie, Dennis and Matt daily that they are able to find the peace and comfort needed to endure the loss of their husband and father.  I can't imagine losing one of my own parents. 
Adam has been busy getting in every last minute of deer hunting he possibly can before regular gun season ends today.  He has been gone a lot but it has allowed me time to get a lot done around here.  However, I am ready for him to be home a little more this week than he has recently. 
Grandpa Durcholz, unfortunately is spending some time in the hospital.  He has had some heart issues recently that have once again acted up.  They are working on stabilizing his heart with medications.  He's doing well but any complications at his age are just really hard on the body.  We hope he is able to return home soon!
Well, that's about all that is going on here at the Glendening house.  We hope to see many of you over the holiday season.  I'm sure we'll be home a lot in the next several months, so if you'd like to visit, give us a call!

WEEK 34 AND A TOUGH WEEK FOR OUR FAMILY

Yesterday was the start of week #34.  Today I saw Dr. Hopf and he feels good about Josslyn's progress at this time.  Things are changing, that's for sure.  I am tired all of the time and have definitely been feeling the growing pains.  Hey, that's all part of the game and I continue to feel blessed with the way this pregnancy has gone so far!  Now, we'll just keep trying to be patient for her arrival!
This week has been a tough week for our family.  My uncle/Godfather, who has been battling cancer since this summer, discovered that cancer has taken over his liver and lungs.  He was sent home yesterday with hospice care.  We know his time with us is minimal and that makes us feel very sad for him and his family.  It also reminds us of how close we were to making similar arrangments for my mom.  I thank the Lord everyday for her and her health.  I also thank Him for my dad's health.  Although we never talked hospice care for him, we weren't sure he was going to survive the major brain surgery he had to have in 2004.  My heart aches for Mark's family, especially Aunt Elaine, and Cousins Mike, Dennis, Julie and Matt.  I pray that each moment they have with their dad is more special than the one before.  May God send them peace and comfort during this time!  I know wherever Uncle Mark is, he will watch over our family and send us lots of laughter!

33 WEEKS

Well, yesterday marked the beginning of 33 weeks of my pregnancy.  As the time passes, Adam and I get more and more excited about her arrival.  I am getting pretty nervous as well, but that's all part of it.  Waiting for a baby to come is extremely difficult for someone who plans out every last detail of every life event :)  Adam is trying to keep me grounded....poor boy has a tough task!  He continues to tell me to slow down and take advantage of this time.  I appreciate his love and support, but the men just really don't know how hard it if for us women to "slow down" do they? 
It's very heart warming to know how many of our friends and family are excited about Josslyn's arrival.  Everyone has been so supportive and we feel extrememly blessed to have amazing friends and family in our lives!
Josslyn's room is almost completely ready.  A few more decorating details and a hamper (yes of all things, I don't have a hamper yet).  I hope she finds her new room very cozy!