Dec 28th - Family Christmas

We celebrated Christmas as a family on Tuesday...and the gang came over.

Damon and Dylan were anxious to say hi to the baby and hold him. Mom was a bit worried about Reece getting kid germs, but I think he survived just fine.
Grandma did a good job of helping them hold him.


The new Dad got a sweet statue of father and son, and Reece got his first little bible with his name in it.

And...Dylan found Darren's jr high football team. What Christmas would be complete without a little football, eh?

Dec 27th - Walk

The neighbors brought us the most delicious lasagna...homemade! We decided to get out to return the dish and enjoy the beautiful, unusually warm, holiday weather. This was our first walk at home, and as you can see, it was a bit windy. Reece slept the entire time, but I think he enjoyed the fresh air...I definitely did. Mom is still moving really slowly at this point, but feeling better each day. You can see our house in the background with a little blue ribbon around the tree. There is also an 'It's a Boy' sign on the door, which you can't see.

Dec 25th - Home for Christmas

One of the nurses in the hospital made Santa hats for all the newborns in the nursery. Although Reece wasn't overly fond of his hat, he was adorable in it.


The staff at Presby was really awesome and we loved their Christmas decorations with Naughty and Nice signs up. Thank goodness Reece was on the 'Nice' side. I took this shot on one of my first (and few) walks in the hospital after the C. Needless to say I moved very slowly. Reece passed his hearing test and was headed back to the room with us before it was time for a bit more poking and prodding before he was done for the day. It was a event-filled day!


We got a delicious turkey and dressing lunch before we left the hospital. Hey, we were so thankful to have food..and yes, the hospital food was actually really good!

On our way home, I rode in the back with the little one and let him suck on my little finger for comfort. Once we got home, Grandmama Becky brought us Christmas dinner to enjoy together as a new family. A blessing indeed.

Dec 22nd - Welcome, Reece!

Went to the hospital at 3am, and after much labor, back labor, epidural, and no further progression after 4-5 hours and a few other details, we had little Reece at 6:01pm. It was a very long day for everyone including baby, but it was well worth it! A happy new family...


Here's his first glamour shot! Welcome Reece Foster McDonald...we thank God for you.


Darren and Becky worked crossword puzzles while they anxiously awaited Reece's arrival...toooo funny! I bought those for me, but was way too distracted to do them. Glad they were helpful!

Look at the proud papa...

All the family was there to welcome Reece into the world and helped wheel me into the room. Thanks, everyone!


Grandmas were there to welcome him to their world of love and pampering!

Dec 20th - 39 week dr appt

Only 3 days left...according to science, but we'll see what He and he have to say!

We're getting to that point where some of this could be a little TMI for some of you...so beware. I'll try to be as subtle as I can be, which isn't saying much.
Heartrate 142 bpm, measuring 39 weeks, fingertip, 25% effaced, and unplugged. All good signs towards things starting soon...only He knows for sure. Thank goodness I'm not in charge of this!

Mom came into town yesterday and we're all ready for the most amazing Christmas gift ever. Can't wait to share it with you all...Merry Christmas!

Dec 17th - Christmas party

Christmas party in Colleyville at the Childresses. What a beautiful and warm house they have. We haven't seen Matt and Kerri in months, as they were unable to make our couples shower. We wanted to get a picture all together with Henry and Kelly as well. Kerri (in pink) is due in March and just looks beautiful. Kelly looks so skinny and great with a 10 month old. Of me, I tried to give you all a side-view so you can see my roundness! I call this shirt my Mrs. Claus...it has black faux fur on the sleeves...too cute! It was one of the many hand-me-downs...love it! Dr appt on Tuesday, and will give another update then.

Dec 16th - 38 week appt

Just one week away from my due date...
Heartrate was 143 beats per minute. Measuring 38 weeks. Weight good. Effaced 25%, -1/-2 station, and still just a fingertip.

So...what does all that mean? It means it could be another week - 10 days, or it things could change at any time. The dr doesn't want me to go more than a week past my due date, so we'll talk more about that at next appt...on Tuesday. It means we probably won't have him on my birthday even if he is a little late. I hope he musters up some energy to make an appearance before we'd have to do any inducing...but regardless, we are just happy to be at this stage. The pregnancy has been very smooth!

Dec 15th - Lunch and Dinner

Today, I ate lunch with the ladies at work at La Duni...The sandwich was delicious and the desserts even more so. It seemed like it took forever, but hey, I didn't have to rush back to work, which was wonderful. I am thankful for that right now.

In the evening, Darren and I had dinner at our Pastor's house. It was a delightful steak dinner, in which we gorged ourselves. I can't resist big meals, but there is just less room for them to go! : ) We had a great time fellowshipping with some friends and meeting new ones. It was a really nice evening. Darren drove home while I moaned at how much I ate! Todd, our pastor, made hot fudge sauce that reminded me so much of my grandmother's...yum yum!

Dec 13th - Jury Duty

This week was my first week off work on leave. I went to Jury Duty. They let a large number of us go by 11am, since they didn't have many cases that day. So, I had lunch with my tennis friend, Amanda, and then did a little Christmas shopping. Sounds like a pretty relaxing day, which it was, but boy was I exhausted!

Dec 9th - KPMG Group Shower

Due to the crazy weather in Dallas, the shower scheduled for Wed, was moved to Friday. (Was that invitation a prediction or what!)
It was our KPMG holiday party that evening and my last day in the office before going officially on leave...what a busy and momentus day!


We played a fun game with nursery rhymes. I did pretty well, but Darren definitely has some catching up to do! The men in the office stayed and participated...way to go, guys! Everyone was very generous.

One week until our next appointment, and two until the due date! It's getting close!

Aren't we cute!

One of the most fun gifts was this Daddy Tools-of-the-Trade belt. It had tongs, goggles, Mr Mom dvd, and some other great stuff for ready-ing daddy for the world of babies and diaper changing.

So, my favorite gift and moment was when Darren opened the pillow that will be used for breastfeeding. There are a couple of different ones, but I registered for this one below, not just because of the hilarious name, but it sure was funny at the shower.

The guys hung around for the games and gift opening. Good job, guys!

Dec 6th - 37 week appt

37 week dr appt today. His heartrate was 149-151 bpm, and I'm measuring right at 37 weeks. Negative for Strep b...excellent!

Upon further pelvic examination, he's dropped a bit, which is good! His head is down with his body up and around my left side with legs and feet pointed on the right. Yep, I could have told her where his feet were...my little monkey man likes to kick! ; )

Last week closed, this week I measured a finger tip...so we're making progress. Dr still says he's got a couple of weeks...she thinks he'll be right around Christmas time...but it's not very scientific right now...it's all about His and his timing. ; )

Our bag is packed and the baby clothes washed. The crib is ready with just one shower to go tomorrow at work. My last work day before going on leave is Friday...it's wild!

Feeling more discomfort low...and in the pelvic area, but hanging in there great! Darren is being very helpful too!

Nov 29th - 36 week appt

Appointments are every week now...we're getting close!
Heartrate averaged 145 bpm. Measuring 37 weeks, on track! Tested me for strep B...results next week. I'm examining closed, so still a few weeks out.

Got picked for jury duty on Dec 13th...hmmmm...Surely they wouldn't want me on the jury!

Worked on a scrapbook page showing my growth, see pic!

Nov 21st - Baby Care / CPR class

We took baby care and CPR classes. Had fun learning to swaddle baby...I had possibly too much fun with the dolls according to Darren. I redeemed myself in CPR class and both parents-to-be did a great job!

We interviewed 1 pediatrician this week, who was very qualified. We are interviewing one more in the next few weeks and should decide soon.

A good friend Tina brought over a like-new mattress and we made up the crib. It looks great! Thank you, Tina and John. I washed the little bitty baby clothes over Thanksgiving weekend...sooo much to be thankful for!

Nov 17th - 34 week appt

34 week appointment. Heartrate 155 bpm. Measuring 34 1/2 weeks.
Those are the stats, but here's a photo of the real progress...I think you'll see we are growing!

Nov 13th - Tennis Ladies Shower

Baby shower given by tennis ladies. It was a lovely shower with great food, games, and a truly honoring shower. Thank you!

The lovely hostesses and some pretty kick-booty tennis players too: Kristen, Amanda and Melissa.

We played a few baby games, one where we had to guess baby items by feeling them through a paper bag. I missed a few, but overall did pretty well considering I'm new to this baby thing. We also played the toilet paper game, see below, where they try to guess how many squares will fit around me. The baby and I got hugs each time someone tried to fit their strand around me...we loved it!

Here's me and my two most favorite moms!

This cake was not only beautiful, but THE MOST delicious cake I have ever eaten. Mom and I took a few pieces home and enjoyed every bite!

Nov 12th - Arlington Couples Shower

Couples baby shower given by Fields, Dellers, Minors, Marusaks, and Sponslers in Arlington.
The women stayed in the house and sat in the sunroom sharing and laughing. The men retreated to the garage. Later, when Mom and I joined everyone out there, the guys spent their time sharing stories of their youth...reliving and laughing about how crazy they were. Some of them may still be! ; )
See the lovely hosts and hostesses below...what a fine looking bunch!

Everyone was extremely generous and we got some wonderful things for the baby's room and the baby.

We are some very happy parents to be!

Nov 3rd - KPMG Ladies Shower

KPMG Ladies held a beautiful shower for me at Seventeen Seventeen.

Below is an e-mail that I sent to them afterward, which describes how much I enjoyed and appreciated it:

Subject: Baby Shower Today

I just want to thank you all so much for the beautiful shower today. It was a gorgeous day and the outside view from our private room was really nice.

The salad and the butterfinger crème brulee were outstanding!

More importantly, I was overwhelmed by your gifts and generosity, and want you all to know how much I truly appreciate it.

Today felt more about life and what is important than so often days at the office do…thank you for that.

I wish I could express how excited and thankful I am for this little gift from God growing inside of me. I know babies are born everyday, but new life never seems to be anything short of a miracle to me.

You truly showered me with your joy and your generosity throughout this pregnancy and today. It means so much to me…

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sundee

Oct 31st - 32 week appt

32 week appt and we are on the home stretch. Heartrate is good at 152 bpm. Measuring 34 weeks which is within 2 centimeters.

Been feeling Braxton-Hicks contractions, which is normal. Felt first hiccups this week!

Enjoy my humpty dumpty photo...boy do I feel big!

Oct 30th - Ice Cream

Ice cream! The only thing I've consistently craved the entire pregnancy. Yummy!
While this photo was a bit posed, believe me, it is quite a true representation of many feedings on that couch! Early on, it was Mint Chocolate Chip, now it's pretty much anything chocolate!

Oct 22nd - First Shower

This was our first shower, a couples shower at our house given by the Millers, Kyles and Worrells. This cake was absolutely delicious and completely adorable. It mirrored the invitation perfectly.

Here's a good picture of the generosity everyone showed us. It was a lot of fun and started to feel more real that this baby is coming! We are excited!

Matt and Kerri Kyle were unable to make the shower, but read us a special and funny poem over the phone, designed especially for us...as you can see below.
Darren and Sundee, it's about damn time.
We've been waitn' for years to spin you this rhyme.
Passies and Poopy diapers were only a dream .
Now baby McDonald will be your eyes' gleam.

We're all way too old to meet and just party,
But for your new baby, we'll all party hardy.
Presents and gift cards and blessings you'll get
To celebrate the greatest thing ya'll have done yet.

Sundee is glowing, Darren's so proud.
He's verile, she's fertile - for cryin' out loud!
Will it be male or is it a girl?
Dash? Darren Jr.? Millie, or Pearl?

Well, that mystery's solved.
We've all seen the sono.
He's hung like a donkey.
Will he sing like Bono?

Now that's a fine name,
But I guess I digress.
Rock stars and strippers
Who needs all that mess?

It really doesn't matter
Names aren't the point.
There's only one reason
We're here at your joint.

It's because we all love you.
That's the one simple fact.
May God Bless your child!
He will! Name him Matt!

Oct 19th - 30 week appt

30 week doctor appointment...no more sonograms planned. Heartrate at 147 beats per minute. Looking good!

Oct 10th - 28 week growth

My growth at 28 weeks. The belly is protruding a little more for sure and face is filling in a bit. Overall, the pregnancy has gone really smoothly though and I am on track with my weight to gain about 25 lbs total.

Oct 9th - Birthing Classes

Two Sundays in a row for our Lamaze birthing classes. Darren was a good sport even though they were during part of the Cowboy game...Oops! He did well in the first class, even with the videos!

Oct 8th - Dylan's B day

Mom and Dad-to-be at Dylan's b day party at the Putt Putt place. We had a great time watching the boys spin in the tea cups and running from game to game. We all played putt putt and enjoyed spending time together as family...soon to be just a little bit bigger!

Oct 7th - Retest Diabetes

Re-tested for diabetes with a 3 hr test. I like sweets, but that liquid is like a quadruple orange gatorade. Thank goodness for my good veins; those nurses love them. I got stuck 4 times as part of the test. And...it came out negative, excellent!

Oct 3rd - 28 week appts

28 weeks and 2 dr appts. There were tons of measurements and the doctor actually used the work 'perfect' to describe his textbook measurements! Now, if he only comes out that way! Much relief that the placenta previa was saw earlier has corrected itself as they predicted and looks great. He's 2 1/2 lbs!

Mom (me) needs to take some iron supplements. Mom also failed the first test for diabetes (1 hr), so I'll be taking the 3 hour test next week. Dr appts are every two weeks now.

He's looking right at us again...but looks like a little man now!

Beautiful Baby Mc profile

Still a boy!

Sept 25th - Glider

Drove to Houston while Darren was fishing with the guys in Colorado. Mom rode with me to Schulenberg to pick up a glider from my very good friend, Gigi. She is also lending us the baby crib which we will pick up in a few more weeks, so generous! Morgan, her daughter, gave up her book reading chair just for Baby Mc. Thank you Gigi and Morgan!
Check out the pic of me in a rocking chair...it was hot!

Sundee and Gigi

Sweet Morgan

Sept 9th - 25 week appt

Dr appt, heartbeat 155bpm, measuring 25 weeks, right on track!

Aug 30th - Weight Check

Gained 10 lbs so far...on track!

Aug 22nd - Saw belly move

I saw my belly move for the first time.

Aug 11th - 20 week appt

20 week appointment. Heartbeat strong at 156-160 bpm. Everything good!

Aug 9th - Dad felt baby

Darren felt baby move for the first time…Hi dad!

July 27th - Bought bedding

Bought baby bedding, called Safari Baby!

July 25th - Announce It's A ___!

We've got the news and it's a healthy baby .....(see pic for your clue...warning it has a little skin...) We just found out today and wanted to share the wonderful news. At 18 weeks, it currently weighs 10oz., heartbeat at 144 bpm and very healthy! Due date is still around Dec 23rd...what an amazing gift! More pictures will be posted in the Baby Mc album tonight, so check back!

July 25th - 18 week sonograms!

He knows we're looking at him and he's looking right back! (I say he looks like a little alien, but Darren won't hear it!)

Here's his whole body...it's blurry because he's wiggling around for us.

It's a boy...Thank goodness those doctors know how to read these things!

July 14th - 16 week appt

I'm going out of town for a few days next week for work, so we bumped up our appointment to today. Baby Mc is doing great and had a good heartbeat today of 154 bpm. Becky, bad news.... Although the dr doesn't believe in this method for determining gender, the heartbeat indicates it just may be a girl. (My girlfriend at work who is having a boy has had heartbearts in the 140's, never as high as 166 and 154 like Baby Mc.) Aunt Treva will be excited who thinks we need to break up these boys with some girlish charm. Hmmm...potential dates for Hank Miller or Cannen Kyle...Yikes! Regardless, just something to wet your curiosity until the 25th where we should get the news (on the gender)...and a photo!

We'll let Becky be the first to know when she comes out of her knee surgery...then everyone else...We can't wait. By the way, this week I began sporting my first maternity pants...SOOO much more comfortable! Haven't gained much weight just yet (3-4 pounds), but starting to show for sure.We start 17 weeks on Sunday, which is also considered the start of the 5th month....weird, but that's how they do it! Can you guys believe that there is a little person growing inside of me? How amazing is that? God is sooo good!

June 27th - Felt Baby

Mom bought me this cute tank top 'Due in December' at Pickles and Ice Cream!
And...I felt the baby move for first time during this week. Soft, subtle flutters... ; )