Update

Helaina has been an awesome helper around the house and practicing for the baby to come with her own babies. She recently realized that the stool can be used in the kitchen, as well as the bathroom, and this has given her a whole new view of what mommy and daddy are doing. I'm confident that she'll be a great helper with her new brother/sister as well!

Helping me cook dinner today

Wearing her Dora backpack and ready to ride the school bus, just like her friends in the neighborhood

Had another doctor visit today. Just starting my 39th week of this pregnancy adventure. I've progressed from 2 cm to almost 3 cm and am approximately 70% effaced. I had forgotten how uncomfortable it was when the doctor "strips your membranes," and I was pleasantly reminded again today. I popped some Tylenol as soon as I got home to hopefully take the edge off of the bad cramping that is soon to follow.

Physically, I haven't felt any changes in the last 2-3 weeks, only the sight of my ever growing belly. I worked at Randy's office 4 days this week, am still exercising, and swimming with Helaina in hopes that it helps keep moving things along. The doctor said she wouldn't be surprised if my labor began sometime this weekend or early next week, but I heard those same words when I was pregnant with Helaina and 2 weeks later I was scheduled for an induction. Basically, things are progressing normally which we are very thankful for and only time will tell when this baby is ready to enter the world.

Sorry that I couldn't get this to turn, but her beautiful voice is worth the post!

What do you think?

Today I had another routine doctor visit. I'm just starting my 38th week and here are the stats: 2cm dilated but only about 50% effaced. The baby is still head down, but a little posterior, meaning it has more room to drop. After the appointment, I was curious as to how this pregnancy at this point is comparing to when I was pregnant with Helaina, so I did some research.

Randy and I thought it was very interesting to note that on the 38th week of Helaina's pregnancy I weighed exactly what I weight right now. At 38 weeks, Helaina's heartbeat was 150 beats/minute, and Baby Freij #2's heartbeat was 150 beats/minutes when checked today. Helaina used to have hiccups 3-4 times a day while in my tummy, and this baby has developed the same pattern. So, is this all just a coincidence, or is there a slight chance that the 99% of our friends and family that have guessed boy, just may be wrong?!? And, does this mean that I'm going to be 10 days overdue with this baby as well?!? Only time will tell!

Ponytail

For being born with a full head of hair, it seems to be taking forever for Helaina's hair to grow. She's had several trims (most at the salon and 1 memorable one from Daddy). Her hair is mostly straight in the front, but curly in the back, which makes for some interesting hair days. But today, we managed to keep a ponytail in her hair for the whole day!!! It's the little things that make us excited.

9 1/2 months and counting

I have another doctor appointment on Thursday so we'll be sure to keep you updated

2 year stats

Helaina had her 2 year well check-up at her pediatrician last Friday. Overall, she received a clean bill of health. We were not the least bit surprised to learn that she is still in the 100th percentile for weight, 34 lbs, and the 90th percentile for height, 35 1/2 inches. The doctor recommended 2% milk exclusively and cutting out the whole milk. There's a good chance she'll slim out the older she gets, but Randy and I continue to be conscious of her food choices, eating habits, and portion sizes.

The pediatrician was very pleased with Helaina's verbal and communication skills. She speaks full sentences and tends to articulate very well. She's living proof that toddlers/kids soak up language like a sponge. I am amazed at how well she speaks and understands the Arabic language. At one point, we were learning the language together, but she's surpassing me with leaps and bounds!

We are beginning to talk to her more about Baby Freij #2 and trying to help her understand that the day is quickly approaching that her little brother/sister will be arriving. Randy and I are becoming increasingly curious about the sex of the baby and what he/she will look like. It's going to be an exciting couple weeks in our home :)!

More Pictures

Just a couple more pictures we wanted to share from all our fun last week!

Aiden and Helaina giving goodnight kisses...so adorable! The next day, Helaina kept following him around, saying "Helaina want more kisses!"

Nolan and Helaina having dinner together

Nolan loved pushing the baby in the stroller

Our family maternity photo

And in closing, Baby Freij #2 and I had a great check-up at the doctor today! Baby is head DOWN and no longer breech!!! Thank the Lord! Since all is going well, instead of going weekly, I don't need to see them again for 2 weeks.

The war wound on my thumb is healing well. Randy removed the stitches on Wednesday night, and he says that my risk for infection at this point is really low because it's healing so quickly. Randy's really taken over a lot of the responsibility around the house, and I'm so grateful for ALL the roles he's playing for our family!

Helaina's 2nd Birthday Part 1

Helaina turned 2 years old this past Wednesday. It has been a week full of celebrations! We've had many visitors to the house, all of them bringing special gifts and spending quality time with Helaina.

On Saturday, we had a Ladybug Themed birthday party for her special day. Many people traveled to spend the weekend with us and attend her party. We are so grateful for all of our family and friends, both near and far, who continue to make these events so special for Helaina and our family.

The birthday girl






Her party was held at the Recreation Center where Helaina takes swimming and music classes. After dinner, cake, and presents, the kids all enjoyed a swim and some playtime together.

Mommies friends and Helaina's friends
More pictures to come from all of our weekend fun!!! Just too many to post at one sitting!

Maternity Pictures

A couple of our favorite maternity pictures taken last Friday.