BOWMAN O'NEIL RUMMEL

Born October 28th at 1:54 pm

8 lbs, 4 oz

21 1/2 inches long

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

LITTLE MAN!!!!

39 weeks

Well, here it is...my last picture before Bowman's birth. While I was at work today, I started having some bad lower back pain that continued to worsen rather than ease off even when I put my feet up. So, I called my doctor and she had me walk over (such a convenience to work at the same hospital!) They checked everything out, and determined I was having mild contractions. With my history -- I was in labor with Porter for all of 5 hours -- we decided it would be best for me to come in the morning and Dr. Morton would break my water. So, Craig and I have to report to LMC at 5am -- yikes! -- hopefully we'll have news of Bowman's birth before lunch!

Wish me luck!!

Porter Sings

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38 weeks (and 3 days!)

Today meant another trip to my OB...and I got some good news! I'm currently 3 centimeters dilated, so Dr. Morton went ahead and stripped my membranes. She did the same thing with Porter and I ended up going into labor that night. Hopefully, things will progress much the same way with Bowman. She's actually on call tonight too; I'm keeping my fingers crossed she gets to deliver him as well. Here are the rest of my stats:

Weight gain: 1 pound
Blood pressure: 100/68
Baby's heart rate: 150s

I met Craig for lunch afterwards, and reminded him I was exactly this far along with Porter when he was born AND I ate Mexican food for lunch...so we'll see if my quesadilla from Salsarita's does the trick...

I'll keep everyone updated!!

2 Year Well Visit

Today was Porter's 2 year well visit with Dr. Cabiness. Thankfully, he's been healthy, so we haven't been to see the doctor since his 18 month appointment. Dr. Cabiness was pleased with Porter's verbal and motor skills, and there didn't seem to be any issues. As usual, Porter was eager to give high-fives, point out firetrucks and animals, and he even demonstrated a few jumps for the doctor. Here's how Porter measured:

Height: 36 inches (80th percentile)

Weight: 29.8 pounds (75th percentile)

No shots were needed today (fweh!) but Porter did have to have his finger pricked for a hemoglobin test. Again, everything was fine. Wonder if we'll make it to his 3 year well visit without a sick trip in between? Yeah right...

Boo At the Zoo

Last night, we put Porter in his Halloween costume and headed out to the fall celebration at the Riverbanks Zoo, "Boo at the Zoo." We had never been before, so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. But, Porter was definitely excited; he loves the idea of dressing as a monkey (or as he calls it, an "ah-ah.") Momma's Little Monkey
The zoo was decorated with pumpkins of all sizes, hay stacks, smoke machines, orange lights, witches, etc. The weather was perfect for the occasion -- just chilly enough to be a fabulous fall evening!
Throughout the zoo, they set up "Trick or Treat" stations. Craig and I taught Porter to say those magic words, but he was more willing to just walk up to the employees and hold out his ghost treat bag. Of course, by evening's end, he was simply reaching in their buckets for his own candy!
Checkin' out the snakes
We had a lot of fun, and will definitely plan on making this evening a tradition.

Messin' Around

Saturday afternoon I sat down and went through Porter's winter items from last year to see if anything still fit. Much to his pleasure, his airplane toboggan fit perfectly...so of course, he wanted to wear it most of the afternoon. I must admit, he does look cute! Now let's just hope all this cool weather continues...

37 weeks (and 3 days)

Today I had my 37 week appointment. My doctor was out of town for the week, so I met with one of her partners who I happen to be rather fond of. Baby Bowman appears to be perfectly content in his current home, and unlike his brother, has not made much progress to join us out here. I guess he won't be 10 days early!! Here are my stats:

Weight gain: -5 pounds (oops! actually I think this was due to the many cupcakes I ate at my baby shower at work last week)

Blood Pressure: 110/58

Dilation: "almost a fingertip"

Effacement: 50%

I continue to measure right on track, and the baby is still moving around constantly. My only complaint is my inability to get a good night's sleep, so my doctor encouraged me to take something to help. As she said, I'm already looking at many sleepless nights when the baby comes...I might as well sleep while I can.

So, it looks like we are still just waiting...I go back to the doctor next Thursday. I'll keep you posted!

Happy Birthday Grampa Bud!!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Grampa Bud, Happy Birthday to you!!!!! Can't wait to see you next weekend!

Pick a Pumpkin

My mom (aka Mimi) came to Columbia for the weekend to keep me company while Craig joined his friends in Kentucky for the football game. We woke up Saturday morning and decided to take Porter out to Harmon's Pumpkin Patch. Porter has developed a fascination with pumpkins and scarecrows...my decorations just might have something to do with that...and I knew he would get a kick out of seeing everything. He was quite taken with all of the "dressed up" pumpkins, as well as the tractors and fire engine. Of course, he much prefers seeing things from a distance...once they revved up the tractors for the hay rides, he was done. Glad I didn't plan on taking him for a ride!!
Porter and Mimi greet a scarecrow

Picking the perfect pint-size pumpkin!
It was actually a very fun morning, and I can't wait to take both boys out there next year. Perhaps Porter will be more excited about the possibility of a hayride...

SC STATE FAIR

Every year the SC State Fair arrives in Columbia, and to me, it always seems to mark the beginning of Fall. Craig took the morning off, and we headed down to the fairgrounds for some good fun and fried food...yum! The weather was a little overcast, but that didn't seem to bother Porter. He loved the petting zoo; we spent most of our time looking at all the animals. Unfortunately, he was still too little to ride most rides, but we did manage a spin on the carousel and a trip through the fun house. We also managed to squeeze in some yummy fair food...corn dogs for all!!

Some days it would be tempting...HA!
Craig and Porter check out all the gamecocks!

36 weeks

Today was my 36-week appointment, and I'm again happy to report that everything is going well. I'm measuring right on track, and Bowman's heart rate is in the 150s. My doctor says I'm exactly where she would expect me to be at 36 weeks. She's headed to a conference next week, and told me that I'm not to have this baby until she gets back. She's determined to deliver him; Porter came a little quicker than anticipated, so she didn't get to be with me during his birth. Of course, I go back to the doctor next week...we'll just have to see if Bowman continues to hold out!

Sound the alarm...

Today we celebrated Porter's 2nd birthday with many of our close friends. The theme for the day was FIRETRUCKS, and Porter was especially excited about his cake. In fact, when each of his friends arrived, he immediately had to show them his "firetruck take." It was a fun afternoon; the weather was perfect and the kids all had a great time running around. Craig and I are thankful Porter has so many kids to grow up with...we hope they all stay friends for a very long time!! The Birthday Boy waits on his guests!!
"Firetruck take"


Mmmmm....
Amanda seems to enjoy the cake as well.
Mac digs in!
Porter and Edward
Sarah takes a breather
Mark and Bill