40 Weeks!

Yes, I'm 40 weeks and 1 day I might add. Trust me you're not the only one who can't believe it. I thought for sure with this being my second child that I'd go early if only by a day or two. No such luck. To add insult to injury I'm not even feeling labor lift it's weary head. I had contractions consistently for 2 hours a week ago Monday, but now I'm convinced that they were sympathy contractions for my sister-in-law. So now everyone I know who was due around me has already had their babies, but little ole Denise gets to play the waiting game. I've tried pressure points, juice, and walking. Yes, I know that sex is also suppose to help kick start labor, however I'd like to know how one participates in such an activity when they can't sit, stand, or lay down without being utterly uncomfortable.?

I'm carrying this baby out in front instead of all the way around like I did Oakley so of course the weight of my stomach pulls whenever I lay down on my side and if I lay down on my back I'm gasping for air. Sitting is OK until I try to stand up and then I have to hold my stomach when I do so I don't double over in pain. It's a good thing no one tells you how much harder the second pregnancy is from the first or else women would not have more children. As you can tell my maternity shirts are no longer long enough to cover the panels in my pants so finding something to wear is fun. I think when you get to the point that maternity clothes no longer fit GOD should oblige and make you go into labor.

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Daddy,

I wanted to tell you how much I love you and appreciate everything you do for me and our family. I know you work really really hard and you don't get to spend as much time with me as you would like. Which I'm sure is all day everyday. But the time we do spend together means a lot to me. I love playtime with you and I love it when you take me for walks in my car. No offense to Mom but you play ball better than she does. You're my bestfriend and I love you soooooooooooo much Daddy. Happy Father's Day!

Love, Oakley

Grace Brooklyn Helfer

I think she kind of looks like Oakley in this picture.

I'm happy to announce that my sister-in-law Makenzie (Josh's little sister) gave birth to a beautiful little girl last night. Her name is Grace Brooklyn Helfer she weighs 6lbs 7ozs is 20in. long and was born at 10:54pm California time. Yes, Kenzie was due the day before me. I should be so lucky to go into labor this week. My mom and Josh continue to tell me that I'm going to go late again and I just think they're evil for saying such a thing. Congratulations Kenzie and Christian!

Oakley Allen Hegstrom

I love belly laughs!

Technology gurus...let me try dad.

What do you mean they don't fit?

Check out the shoes!

Oakley loves Play-Doh time with Aunt Winnie.

He thinks he's so cute...he's right.

Oakley can always make me laugh.

One of the biggest joys in my life is being a mom. On that note, one of the most trying jobs I've ever had in my life is being a mom. As I wait the arrival of another son I reflect on the past 21 months. Oakley has brought such joy and laughter to our lives and as I write/type he's playing with Play-Doh and being a good boy.

I have such a wonderful bond with my little boy it's hard to believe that I could have that with another child, but I hope and pray that I do. It's hard to believe that I'll have two little rugrats to run and chase after, but I welcome it with open arms and heart.

Oakley has taught me a few things in his little life. 1) Patience. 2) Compromise. Everything doesn't have to be done my way or the way I think it should be done. 3) Spontaneity. I've learned to roll with the times. If I'm late deal with it. Odds are I had to change poopy diapers or change my outfit because of poopy diapers as I was walking out the door. I've also learned that it's OK to leave a cart full of groceries in the aisle and walk out of a store because your child is throwing a temper tantrum and come back 4 hours later to finish your marketing. 4) Lighten Up. It's almost like Oakley knows when I'm at my wits end because he'll do something that totally cracks me up or he'll come over and give me the sweetest kiss that I'll forget what I was getting so worked up about. 5) Priorities. Some things in life just aren't that important while the little things usually are. I've learned to let the dishes in the sink sit when my sweet boy wants to sit in my lap and watch a movie with me. Although I can sit and think of 10,000 things that need to get done around the house the bottom line is they can wait, but my angel can't. I try and soak up these little moments because I know they don't last forever. Oakley changes everyday and although I welcome the change I also realize that my baby is growing up and that makes me sad.

I'm so thankful and grateful for everything my husband does for our family, because it means I get to stay home another day and be a mom. And although it is the most challenging job I've ever had it's also the BEST job I've ever had.