Down to the wire...

Praise the Lord, I am able to make one last update before Carter joins us!!! I had my last doctor's appointment this morning and have had no change whatsoever! To say I am prayerful and hopeful that we can make it to Monday, for our scheduled c-section, is an understatement.

This past week, I have been feeling great (very little discomfort), Austin has a count-down going until he meets his brother (the excitement is too much for him right now!), and Jason and I feel about as prepared as you ever are for the arrival of a baby. Mentally, I am still trying to wrap my head around what it may possibly be like with two, how things are going to change, and the concept of getting up again all night long, but I know that nothing lasts forever, and I am going to attempt to enjoy as much of this time as possible with such a little baby.

Other than that, we are just trying to prepare for next week! It has to figure that next week is probably one of our busiest of the past few weeks...the c-section is Monday, Austin starts soccer on Tuesday or Wednesday, and he has preschool orientation on Thursday (the same day I am discharged from the hospital). Oh well! I guess you have to get in to the swing of things some time! :)

My last request of all of you is that you pray for us this upcoming Monday. The c-section is currently scheduled to start at 10:30 AM (as long as there aren't any emergencies), so prayers for the doctors, nurses, and all 4 Hoffmans would be greatly appreciated. Right now, I feel such a wonderful calmness, and know that that comes from the love and prayers of the people around me! Thank you all for your support...it means the world to Jason, Austin, Carter, and I!

Austin's 5th Birthday Party and Baby Update 2

Austin and Karli playing a game

Playing Lego Pirates of the Caribbean

The cupcakes I made

The Heffner Family

Austin opening presents at home with family

I guess the most exciting thing right now is that not only did Austin have an amazing time this past weekend with his birthday, but I was able to enjoy it with him!!!

By around dinner time on Friday night, we had 10 family members in our house who would be staying for the weekend. It sounds overwhelming just writing it, and to be honest, it was, but Austin had a wonderful time having so many sets of grandparents in our house. My parents, sister, grandma, and my Dad's parents came in to stay, as well as Jason's parents, brother and grandma. Friday night was chaotic trying to find a place to accommodate all of us for dinner (Golden Corral won out there) and getting things ready for Saturday, but it was nice to have family around.

Saturday morning we had a big breakfast and finished all prep work for Austin's 5th Birthday Party, which had a Super Mario Brothers theme. My brother and his girlfriend came up from Myrtle Beach to celebrate as well (although they couldn't stay the entire day). From 1-3 PM we were at Strafe Gaming Lounge here in Fuquay Varina for Austin's party, and it was great! The kids were able to entertain themselves with the video games, the parents were able to chat and not stress about where the kids were, and best of all, I didn't have even more people in my already cramped house! :) The highlight of the party, for me, were the t-shirts we gave out as party favors. Austin's godmother, Lauren Fasnacht, created the most adorable shirts to give the kids, and Jason and I had them too...they were loved by all, and it will be a wonderful reminder of the great day every time we wear them! After the party, family came back to the house and Austin opened more presents. After a yummy meal of pizza and salad, Austin played with toys and the Wii with Uncle Andy and Aunt Er.

Sunday morning everyone except my grandparents left (they left the following day), and Jason and I had a quiet day at home since we both ended up getting sick Saturday night! All in all, the weekend went pretty well, and Austin had more fun then he could have imagined!

As for the baby update...things have finally slowed down! Nothing has changed since last week, which makes me VERY hopeful that we will be able to make it to our scheduled c-section date of August 22nd. I know that God's timing will be perfect for Carter's arrival, but I must say that I hope God is favoring the 22nd! ;)

Thank you for all of the love, support, and prayers you have been putting our way, and hopefully next week I can blog about yet another week of pregnancy and fun! Above are some pictures of Austin's party!

Baby Update...

So for those that are far away, I thought I would update you all a bit as to what is going on. Right now, I am 36.5 weeks along and VERY done with being pregnant (at least physically)! We had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday that went well, but because he hadn't been moving much over the weekend, we were sent in for a stress test. All was fine, but as of now, my doctor is not hopeful that I will make it to the 22nd of this month. I am currently 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and having intense Braxton Hicks off and on all day long. Needless to say, I would prefer the 22nd, since it is organized, planned and all set up, but know that God is in control and will bring Carter to our family when He says it is time! :)

Right now, the goal is to stay pregnant through this Saturday the 6th so I don't miss any of Austin's birthday party, and as long as all goes according to my plan (which we all know is just hopeful thinking), I will update again next week with pictures of his party!!! :) Love to you all and God bless!