Here is the latest update on baby #4.

Unexpected glucose testing today-yuck! But, happy to do anything to maintain the health of this baby. Holden felt this was a incredible inconvenience to him though. This will probably be the last time he gets to hear the heartbeat as school starts and he won't be able to come with. The heartbeat was at 138 this week. I asked my Dr. about the baby being little and what she thought of it. She said I was measuring at 25 weeks (ahead of schedule and way ahead of the original due date). Basically told me not to worry about that. Everything seems to be growing. We asked her to give a guess as to the sex of the baby but she would not...does that means she knows?:) Everything checked out good. The next appt is on the 2nd of September with the specialist and we get another ultrasound.

My grandmother, who has had 12 children of her own, has predicted that we are having a boy. Due to my back expanding?!!??! Thanks g'ma! Her actual percentage of accuracy has not been computed but she tends to be right more than wrong. At this point...I am leaning towards a girl and so is Cory but I am not sure why that is. I can tell you we have girls names picked out but zero for boys. We better get cracking. If I get to deliver at 36 weeks then we are looking at 11 weeks to go.

The kids and I got to spend Wednesday until Sunday with my mom and dad. One last hurrah before school starts and we see them less and less. We had planned on camping and fishing but the weather was not cooperating. Instead, the girls did a shopping day and the boys went to the farm to mess around. Holden brought back a box of "treasures or antiques" as he likes to call them. I call them hideous, stinky and clutter! To each their own. We got some weird birds on a wire, a horrendous seashell and flamingo night light that would not fit in a shoe box, a ceramic squirrel that holds on to two nuts which serve as salt and pepper shakers, a few straw hats...ahh the list goes on and on. And to compound that I let my dad take Grace and Holden to the farm-without me a second time-and they collected even more "treasures". Lots of laughter for those who know me and how much I hate clutter and things that take up space (much less these "beautiful" treasures). Mom and dad may get some paybacks! Holden even buckled them in on the ride home to keep them safe.

On Saturday, there was a Schneider reunion at the farm my mom grew up on. The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the freedom of the country. They let cows lick them, Grace tried to ride the dog, and they had a few hayrides. The kids loved it! We had a fun time. My sister suggested that I let the kids stay with her until camping next weekend. We have an annual camping weekend next weekend with all of my siblings and their kids-such a good time (also my dad's 70th b-day)! Holden could not do it because he has a few activities this week he really should not miss and Grace-well she is simply too young and too attached!! Well she had other plans. She was determined about going to Sherri's for the week. I, on the other hand, did not think it too wise as she would miss me way to much and she would miss her daddy. She told me she was going to stay at Sherri's. She suggested I keep a diary of how much I miss her and leave a note about when her bedtime was. She also said I could text her whenever I wanted, or e-mail. After much deliberation and a call to ask Cory if he'd mind, I gave the dreaded okay. I trust Sherri 110% but I know how painful it would be for me.

I packed my little darling up on Saturday night and reluctantly sent her off. She gave me a sloppy kiss on my arm and away she went. That is 6 nights without my little girl...9 nights away from Cory-the longest period of time ever for both of us. She is our little sunshine. She has a huge smile for us to start each day. Lots of kisses and hugs. Many funny stories. A giggle that is contagious. She is really missed, but she is having such a good time. I don't know that she will ever want to come home! She has been to the spa, swimming, movie, out for slushies, out for ice cream...who else knows! You can bet the 3 hour drive to the campsite will seem like forever and there will be fighting over who gets the first hug and snuggle.

In the meantime, Holden is soaking up being the "only" child this week. He has grandiose plans of what this all could mean this week. So far though, we golfed...went to TCBY...went out for lunch...he accompanied me to my appointment...he got to help mow lawn...certainly not what he was envisioning I am sure! We are pretty lucky to have this opportunity to have him all to ourselves. Who know when this will ever happen again. As for Grace, I know she is in good hands and enjoying her time as well. I am sure this will be a good thing for her. She does everything with me and the baby will no doubt infringe on that time together. This is good for both of us (at least that is what I am telling myself)!