You're FINALLY Here!!!!!!!

Hi Baby Cameron!! It's so nice to finally meet you in person. Your Mommy and I are so thankful that you decided not to stall this time. Once you made up your mind to enter the world you made quick work of it. Mommy is doing great. You should see her smile when she holds you in her arms. Everyone is so excited to meet you. I have to put your pictures on the net for all of your family and friends to see. I can't wait to get to know you better. I love you!

Love,
Daddy

Heading to the Hospital!

Well, apparently you have decided to follow doctor's orders and have no intention of arriving without a little help. We are all packed and ready to walk out the door and just wanted to capture this moment. We are nervous and excited and nervous... My first time to have to stay overnight in the hospital. At least when I come back home, I will have something to show for all these months of hard work! You know, after having such a curvy figure for all these years, I always assumed that I would be blessed with an easy labor... Guess we will see if I have just gotten the short end of the stick for nothing.

So tonight we will just be hanging out, hoping the drugs will do their part to make tomorrow easier. Not sure what time we will officially be inducing labor, but we are praying that it goes quickly and is safe for both you and me. There are certainly lots of prayers over us, little girl!

So here are your mommy and daddy for the last time as just a twosome! We are so ready to meet you and are very blessed on this day... The day before you.

The Waiting Game

Miss Behaving,
The doctor put two big sensors on my tummy yesterday to check out what all was happening with us. One picked up your heartbeat and the other was supposed to monitor contractions. Let's just say that one didn't get much of a workout. But your heartrate went up and down and I felt you move alot. After seeing the readout, she said you are a "perfectly reactive" baby. Still healthy and comfy to stay put. Sorry sweet girl, but you are about to be served your eviction notice!

I have an official time to go to the hospital - Wednesday afternoon - and they will start me on some medicine that will hopefully make inducing labor easier. I have been waiting so long to write a blog post that worked in the phrase "cervix softening!" The next morning is when we will kick off the big shibang, and you will most likely have a birthday of October 30th! Should be easy to remember!

So now is just a matter of passing the time. I can't really be up and running for more than a few hours before I get worn out, but I am trying to stay busy. Today is grocery shopping and maybe cleaning a bit. Last night your daddy let me boss him around and we reorganized the storage building. It needed a new set of shelves and we cleaned and swept it all out. Looks nice and big and organized now. He even bought me Tetris to play on the Wii (since I stink at all the hard games) and bought the Internet channel so I can check emails without having to climb up the stairs. It is super cool and should be very handy when you are keeping my hands full. I can see us looking up recipes or answers to funny questions.

Just so you know, your daddy and I are really anxious about your arrival. I have never had to stay in the hospital before, so we hope that everything goes smoothly and that you are here before we know it. He is really ready to take a week off from work too! He can't wait to spend time with you since I have been hogging you for all these months. He says that he is so excited, but really nervous about officially becoming a dad and feeling so responsible for you and me. He loves you so much and hasn't even laid eyes on you yet!

You know, if you decide to change our plans and come a bit before Thursday morning, I am totally okay with that. Everyone in our family is just waiting for the call. Your Grammy even mixed up her planning period with a class coming to her science lab and the poor kids missed out on doing their science activity for the day. She says she is more calm today but in her words, she was "a basketcase!" Do us all a favor, and quit making us play the waiting game!

Young lady, do you know what day it is?

Well, still nothing. We have spent the weekend doing everything that people have said brings on labor. Walking, eating spicy foods, uh... don't ask about that other thing. It doesn't work either. But we did have some excitement on Friday. One of the perks of your daddy's job is that he occasionally gets to meet famous people. And he says this was the best one ever:

That's right - King George. He came in for a knee brace and your daddy had quite a conversation with him. Said he is very kind but shorter in person than you think. :)

Since we have run out of things to do other than sit around and wonder why you are taking so long, your Grammy decided to come keep me company for a few days. Maybe she just wanted to have a head start on all your other grandparents if you decided to make your arrival... Well, you showed her. We spent Saturday morning hanging out at home with Emerson and Ryan and your Aunt Rachael. It was funny to see how interested Emerson is in Joe Dog and how nervous he is around her. He did lots of sniffing but would bolt anytime she made a grab for him. We had a fabulous lunch and did a bit of shopping, which was the true highlight of the weekend thanks to Crazy 8. I had no idea that we had a store in San Antonio, so I will be making many more trips there in the future. Check out the cute new things you got, little girl!

Who doesn't need a dress with milk and cookies on it? We even picked up a few Christmas presents while we were at it. We had a great time. Then your daddy took all of us out for a fancy dinner at our favorite place, Scenic Loop Cafe. We might not be eating there again for a while, so it was a wonderful evening with cool weather on the patio. Next time, I am having a margarita for sure!

But today, we are still waiting. Nothing to pass the time. Tomorrow we go back in to get monitored for a bit and hopefully we will set a time to induce labor. You know, I have always been a bit of a procrastinator (just ask my roommates about my senior thesis) but I can get amazing things done at the last minute. No doubt you have your own plans. Could I possibly entice you with the fancy new cusions that your Grammy brought for the rocking chair? Story is that your Papa brought this rocking chair home to Grammy when she was pregnant with me, and that's why she wanted us to have it. Now we will have two rocking chairs in the house, so I hope it is a magic calming thing for you.

Seriously, can we make some kind of agreement here? I know I am doing a great job as your incubator, and it is probably my own fault for giving you such amazing food and music to listen to. But you have to come out of there at some point! Your mommy really wants to wear pants with zippers again. Any chance for Tuesday? It's Ashley's birthday, and maybe if we make that your birthday too, she might start to like babies just a little bit. Let's talk more over some ice cream.

Please, Not Halloween!

Well, this is my 100th post, but I wish I had more news to share... Went to the doctor again and after another uncomfortable exam, the big story is.... NOTHING. Apparently someone let word slip that your mommy has a habit of being fashionably late, so you have decided to take after me! The doctor said that she would bring me in to be monitored on Monday afternoon and we can decide from there on when to induce labor after that. Absolutely no later than Halloween, but I really don't want that to be your birthday! We will see what we can do to make sure you arrive before then. You deserve to have your own special day and not compete with such a crazy holiday. Halloween has never been my favorite and I hate all the gory decorations and scary costumes. I guess we never really made a big deal out of it when I was little and we always celebrated at the church festivals. It might also have been a factor that we lived out in the country and weren't going to walk 5 miles to knock on people's doors for candy!

Anyway, we are going to have a peaceful next few days. No plans for the weekend other than you! Everyone is so anxious to hear that you have arrived. I am trying not to call too many people because their first thought is that I am in labor. Hate to get them all worked up just to say hello and that I am bored!

At least I got one good chuckle today. Your daddy's stepmom emailed me a funny list of ways to prepare for parenthood. Some were a bit depressing (lack of sleep, being broke), but this one had me laughing - "Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week’s groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children." Nice, huh?

All this Grownup Stuff

Love Bug,
Today I had to laugh at an email that I got at work. I have been trying to inform my contacts that I am going to be leaving through the end of the year so I can be at home with you. This woman (who I am sure would have been embarrassed if I had called her out on it) sent an email to the people under her informing them that I was going to be out on my "Maturity Leave!" I guess it is appropriate, and I will be forced to feel like more of a grownup after you are born!

Every day that passes just makes me wish you were already here. I am worried that this waiting will go on forever, and that labor will be days on end. After talking to your Aunt Rachael, (I am sure she was just trying to not sugar-coat things) she assured me that labor for our Haley women takes forever. Yippee, thanks! I guess we will know more when we go back to the doctor again on Wednesday morning. You are starting to look like that 20% of babies that come past their due date.... Or maybe you are just like your mommy and are a bit of a planner. You might arrive exactly on schedule just because that is when you had your arrival on the calendar!

Your daddy decided to go get a haircut this week to make sure that he looks nice for all the pictures he plans to take with you. All his curls got cut off, but he still looks handsome. He must have been going for the low-maintenance look. We talked the other night about which one of us we think you will look like. He says that you will be much prettier if you look like me, but I just said that I hope you don't take after his facial hair. :) I need to ask your Grammy to bring some of my baby pictures with her when she comes to see you so that we can compare. It is hard to guess your features off of fuzzy ultrasound pictures, but you seem to have big eyes like me.

Well, I am trying to be a trooper and hang in there as long as I can. Half days at work this week was the best idea ever. And this afternoon, I am going back for another prenatal massage. My back has been hurting alot and I am finally to that phase where it is uncomfortable to sit in the car, lay down in bed, bend over, or stand for long periods of time. I guess that pretty much means all the time... You don't seem to mind so much. Maybe I need to stop eating so much good food so you are a little anxious to get outta there! It must be Daddy's fault for making his delicious peach cobbler again.

Come Home, Cameron!

Miss Cameron,
Your mommy has a thing for flowers. Not all the time, but especially when guests are coming. And you are our home's most special new guest EVER, so I figure you should have lots of pretty flowers to come home to. I got all of them for only $16! Your mom has taste and good financial habits. So now the front and back porch look much more festive.

Your daddy's family is coming to stay with us this weekend to go to some livestock sales, so it would be convenient for them if you could go ahead and arrive while they are here. I am sure they wouldn't want to get home on Sunday and have to turn around 2 or 3 days later... But everyone at work says that I should wait until the end of next week. That way I won't leave as much work for them! :)

I know you will come on your own time. Your daddy is starting to get nervous about seeing me in pain. The other night while we were watching TV, I sat up quickly and took in a sharp breath because you were making me really uncomfortable, and he was so sweet and concerned. I think it makes both of us nervous to have no idea how long the whole process will take and how unbearable it will be. Thank goodness for drugs! I just keep thinking that hopefully in just over a week, you will be here sleeping in your playpen, wearing all the cute things that we have had waiting for months and months. I will sing the same songs that you have heard from inside my tummy, and Daddy will tell you all about the Cowboys, and Joe Dog... well, he will probably sniff you and run away when you cry. But we promise, we are all excited and ready for you, Sweet Girl.

Emerson Says Hi

Look at your cute cousin, Emerson. She is already in Halloween mode! Hopefully you will make your arrival WAY before then, and you guys can wear cute little outfits together. We already have your tiny onesie waiting. All the costumes were going to swallow you since you will be fresh out of the oven. But cute you will be!

All Packed Up with Nowhere to Go

Cameron,
All the preparations are being taken care of for your arrival, my little sweetheart. Your daddy fought and fought with the base of your car seat (first one went in my car) and had almost gotten it balanced and clipped in when I walked out to check on his progress. The first thing I said was, "Did you forget to put the seat saver underneath?" It is a little cushy pad that is supposed to protect the upholstery and catch messes... So in frustration, he grunted and had to take it all off and start over. Needless to say, he gave up after that one and has yet to put the other bases in his car and pickup truck.

I think I almost have our hospital bags packed too. Yours was easy, just clothes and tiny mittens and burp cloths. Mommy's bag on the other hand, has to have lots of toiletries and pajamas and movies (just in case) and something to wear home. Your daddy says I should go ahead and put them in my car but I feel like that might just backfire and make you take even longer to arrive!

Speaking of your arrival, I went to the doctor again today. Since we are at about 38 1/2 weeks, we thought there might be the possibility that you are starting to show signs of coming...... but no! Nothing! We did get a good report on your heart rate and my blood pressure and I actually didn't gain any weight from last week (must be all that walking your daddy makes me do). So the doctor recommended that I stay busy and try to be patient. I think I am just making you too comfy in there and you have no immediate plans for eviction! At least I can say, contrary to the horrible description on your little weekly ticker up there, I generally feel good. I think as the days go by, I might start to have more swollen feet and back aches, but I am still trying to make it to work and be productive. As much as I wish I could just stay home and lay in bed all day, I have to be up and going so that you won't leave me pregnant forever!

Crossing off the To-Do List

Meant to post this on Saturday....

Because Mrs. Cara has the same diaper bag for her little girl Ainslee, I figured we just HAD to get ours monogrammed so they don't get mixed up. The good news is that they have been doing the research for the past couple of months and Cara says that it is a fabulous bag with just the right amount of space. So here is the finished product!

I also filled out all the preregistration paperwork for the hospital and turned it in this week. Hopefully that will streamline the process when we arrive for Cameron's birth! The only weird thing to me is that you have to choose your pediatrician before you are admitted, so it's basically like picking a name out of a hat. There is a new practice that I kept noticing when I drove past it, so I did a little online research (good reviews from their patients, have been in practice for about 10 years) and called them up to make sure they are accepting my insurance and new patients. So I guess whoever is on call will get to come meet Cameron and us for her first checkup at the hospital.

So now we are at the end of the week. My feet and ankles are suddenly really swollen today, so I decided that I needed a pedicure on my lunch break. I found a nice fall orange-y color and the woman gave me the most fabulous massage of my feet and calves. I wish I could have paid more to get twice as long! But with just 15 days to go, I guess I should have expected to look like this... I don't have time to complain much because next week is going to be so busy at work. I am trying to cram in all kinds of things before I disappear for two months!

Father to Daughter

I forgot to mention that Bo received a very special book as a birthday present from our friends Jason and Cara. It is called "Father to Daughter: Life Lessons on Raising a Girl." It is full of short little quotes on all the phases of girls growing up, how to deal with boys, and having relationships all throughout life. Here are a few of my favorites so far:

Tell her from day one that she can accomplish anything.

Tickle her, play with her, give her piggyback rides. She isn't breakable.

Never forget that supportive fathers produce daughters with healthy self-esteem.

Remember, society is teaching her its values 24/7. You need to be more determined to teach her yours.

Impress upon her that there are direct correlations between studying and good grades, good grades and college, college and success.

Explain to her that the greatest satisfaction of wealth is putting it to work to help others.

Let her see, by the way you treat your wife, the way a man is supposed to treat a woman.

And my absolute favorite: Teach her that if she acts stupid to attract boys, she will attract stupid boys.

No Big Hurry

Well, yesterday was your Grandpa's birthday but we are a little late in saying so! There are already 4 of your family members that have October birthdays, so hopefully we will be able to keep everyone straight when you are added into the mix.

Today we went back for our 37 week check up and got lots of good news. The doctor says that we still are doing well on weight and blood pressure. I made sure to get a flu shot today, so hopefully that will keep both you and me from getting sick! They listened to your heartbeat (151 bpm) and we got to do an ultrasound to see how big you are getting. You already weigh over 7 lbs! Your daddy and I saw your sweet little face (which was kind of hidden next to the placenta) and you even had some fingers in your mouth! The technician measured your femur, belly and head and said that your measurements are right on track for your age. You will most likely be a healthy 8 lb.+ baby. We were relieved to confirm that you are a little girl, especially since you have so much pink to welcome you to the world!

The coolest part of the ultrasound was getting to see your little heart pumping. Everything looked like it was working perfectly, but it was so strange to see it, like a little sock puppet mouth with the speed accelerated. Your daddy loves all the medical stuff and was asking lots of questions about what parts we were looking at. We also saw your kidneys and your bladder, which looks big enough to make it through lots of road trips in the future.

The doctor said that you are in no big hurry, so we didn't even do an exam today. I will see her back next Wednesday, and then we will have an idea of how much you are planning on sticking to your arrival date. So for now, I will be patient. I am sure I can keep myself busy with more shopping for you. :)

When Daddy's Away, Mommy Can Play

Friday afternoon, my office threw me a fabulous little shower. We had tons of food, some beautiful hot pink roses (which are even more gorgeous today), and even played some silly baby games. They had all pitched in to buy Cameron her special video monitor, which Daddy was very concerned about having. Some friends of ours still use theirs with their four year old girl and say it is awesome to be able to check in on her without going into the room. We were so excited to check that one off of our "to be purchased" list.

Then I decided to cash in the gift cards we had been saving up and take care of a few other necessities that I will need before she arrives, like a Boppy pillow, her diaper bag and the pad to go under her car seat bases. (I might have even bought her a few extra pairs of pants and an adorable turquoise onesie...) At least now I feel a bit more prepared, but then I realized today that we don't have any sheets to go in the Pack N Play where she will be sleeping. Back to Babies R Us!

I was able to do my serious shopping because Daddy was off for his birthday surprise weekend in Dallas. I bought him tickets to the Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday afternoon, so he and his bestest friend Chad went and made it a guys's weekend. They said the seats were great (even in the shade) and the Boys even won against Cinncinati. I actually managed to keep it a secret for about two months, which is shocking for me. At least I got to give it to him a week early so he could make travel arrangements. He said he had a great time and is glad to have that last getaway before his weekends are all about his baby girl!



Happy 28th Birthday Daddy!

In Her Shoes

Baby Girl,
We watched your mommy's favorite movie tonight while Daddy was away at a football game. It is all about two sisters who learn to love each other even though they are total opposites, and the end of the movie has a very special part where a poem is read. And tonight, it is just for you.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

His New Nickname

Since Joe Dog is our original baby, I guess I am allowed to talk all about him on here too... Yesterday I had the pleasure of driving Daddy's big truck into town so that Joe could go to the vet's office for his annual check-up. (See Amy, I am a good pet owner!) He had to get his rabies shot and heartworm test, all the works. Fortunately, Joe LOVES to ride in the back of the truck. I think if you offered him the choice between his owners getting a million dollars (which we would try to convince him would entirely be used for dog treat purchases) or just a quick ride around the block, he would already be in the truck bed waiting. If the tailgate goes down for any reason, like Bo loading up hay bales or bringing home something big from Home Depot, Joe is convinced that he needs a ride and will actually camp out there in hopes that we will think so too. One afternoon, he jumped up in the back and waited until it was dark outside (and Bo had forgotten about him) and was devastated when he had to get out to eat his dinner.

The good news in all that is his short memory didn't make him concerned at all about going to the vet. He almost pulled this prego over when he was on the leash and headed for the door. Our vet will allow you to drop your pet off first thing in the morning and then just come back at 5:00 to take him home, so I went to work while he was getting checked out. They said he looks very healthy at his 99 pounds and is doing great. So that evening, new rabies tag in hand, we loaded back up for a very happy and slobbery ride home. He loves to lean his head over the side and feel the wind in his face, which unfortunately makes him salivate at an unnaturally high rate. There are streaks of slobber all down the sides of the truck bed, and the back window looks like someone pulled a very mean prank on us and smeared a 5-gallon bucket of snot everywhere.

For some reason, I convinced Bo that this year, we really should put the rabies tag onto his collar just in case, and he also has a little silver charm with his name and our home phone number. Putting both tags on, in Bo's opinion, was incredibly stupid because now he would make so much more noise when they clink together. But I won out, and now he has a new nickname when he goes clinking through the house:

Mr. Joe Jangles