Looks like Cohen wants to make an appearance! Early Saturday morning (4am) I went from discomfort to "oh my!" My contractions were 3-6 minutes apart and lasting 30-60 seconds, off to the hospital we went. After evaluation, I had dilated 1 cm and seemed to be moving along, so I went in the jacuzzi to see if I'd continue to progress. While the jacuzzi was so nice, it slowed down my labor and I was released to go home. We have been home all day trying to sleep and rest for the next big push. Pray for us...maybe we'll have a little one by tomorrow!

Cohen still appears to be quite comfy! We are off to our non-stress test to make sure all is well I think Parker and Rowan said it best on my voicemail this afternoon.."Tell Cohen it's time to come out now!!! OR as Grandpa Butler would say it time for "little Beijing" to meet the world!

Our test went well! Cohen is happy and healthy. He has plenty of fluid and a strong heart beat Now we continue to wait...if nothing happens over the week-end we'll go in on Monday at 11:30pm to be induced.

For those of you who haven't heard this story, at the beginning of our pregnancy, we were told our due date would be 8/8/08 but after one of our ultrasounds our doctor moved us up to 8/5. But now, since 8/5 has come and gone, maybe 8/8 was more accurate...At any rate, we are over due and patiently waiting for Cohen's arrival. During the last week or so, I've had some tightening or at least I thought it was tightening? But after many trips to the doctor in the last week, he has assured me "nothing" was going on. Maybe it was just gas...ha!ha! So, if we don't go into labor by Friday, we'll have a non-stress test where they monitor the baby for a half hour by ultrasound. Basically, they will check to see if he is still thriving, ie. maintaining his weight, heart rate is good, enough fluid, etc. Then if he still hasn't arrived by Monday, we go to the hospital at 11:30pm to start the "induction" process. Pray for us that we'll go into labor before then...
Luckily, I feel good and have been able to sleep well
Check our website for updates!! And remember to create a login and password so you'll be able to see pictures of Cohen (once he arrives)
Love to all!!

After our doctor's appointment on the 24th, we found out that Cohen was nowhere near ready to join us...so we decided to go camping. Although most places we checked were booked for the week-end, we did find a really great "first come, first serve" campground on the way to Oceanside called Gale's Creek. We didn't do much but take long naps, eat smore's, did I say...take long naps, took a little hike, and sat by the campfire talking about what we thought life would be like with Cohen. Then on Sunday we joined Chris' parents in Oceanside to enjoy the beach and the annual Hoedown. We had a great time, as always!!

July 22, 2005 is an important date for Chris and I...as it was the first time we met Now, 3 years later we're married and expecting our first baby. It's amazing how fast one's life can change!

To celebrate I surprised Chris with an overnight get away to Bonneville Hot Springs and Resort. If you ever have the chance, I'd highly suggest going there. The surroundings and staff were superb and the mineral baths were to die for...my skin has never felt better! Plus we had a hot tub on our deck that was also filled with mineral water! AMAZING

I wish I could stay there until Cohen is born! Looks like were about 14 days away from the big day...Time is a tickin'

We'll keep you posted...

On our way home we also stopped by the Cascade Locks for a tour. It was pretty interesting as well as "Jane" our Cascade Lock expert!! Check out the funky carpet...too funny!