Thankful!

Harry and I have so much to be thankful for this year. We are thankful for little Claire. Also, we are thankful for our family and friends who have supported us throughout this pregnancy. We have made it past 35 weeks now and I thank God for that as well!

We had a wonderful time in Gatlinburg with Harry's side of the family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We played games, went shopping, and ate tons of delicious food. I was very happy that my brother was able to spend Thanksgiving day with us.

Tonight, Harry and I put up our Christmas tree. Although it is small, it is very special to both of us because our childhood ornaments are hanging on it. I love Christmas and really hope Claire will be here to celebrate with us.

I have had several contractions yesterday and today, but none that have lasted 1 minute and been consistent. Harry has asked both days, "is it time?". I know as time gets closer we are both getting anxious about the birthing process, but know God is in control.

Keep Praying!!

Thursday's Appointment

Today when Dr. Peeden walked into our room, we were greeted with a big smile and a "CONGRATULATIONS". She told us that she was so excited that we have made it this far. I measured 35 weeks (I will be 34 weeks Saturday). She checked my cervix and said it was a good bit softer than at our last appointment. She was very happy with my weight gain. (although I am beginning to wonder if I will ever stop gaining weight)
After our appointment, we stopped by my work to re-enroll for health insurance. It was so nice to see everyone!
Harry and I will be traveling to Gatlinburg on Tuesday to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the Durbin's. I am SO excited!
Several people have mentioned that they do not have a Babies R Us near by, so I registered on Target's website today and chose several things that should be in the store.
Keep Praying ad Happy early Thanksgiving!

The Poll has begun

Since we are getting closer to the day that Claire will make her grand entrance, Harry and I decided to start a poll for fun. You can email us at harryandshannondurbin@gmail.com if you would like to be added to our official poll.
Nov. 27- Jeff Durbin, Bill, Julie
Nov. 28- Heather
Nov.30- Catherine
Dec. 2- Ferris, Erica
Dec. 3- Grandma Shirlee
Dec. 5- Jason, Justin
Dec. 7- Connie, Dave, Tia
Dec. 8- My Mom
Dec. 9- Darrell, Beth, Megan
Dec. 10- Harry Jr., Ellisa, Aunt Carol
Dec.11- Alicia
Dec. 12- Me, Aunt Jan, Katie C, Connor
Dec.13- Nita
Dec. 14- Harry Sr., Steve, James, Zach
Dec. 15- Mamaw, Emily, Katina
Dec. 16- Becky
Dec.17- Jamie, Matt
Dec. 18- Jen Jenn, Chip, Dr. Peeden
Dec. 19- Brad
Dec.20- Aunt Shirley
Dec. 21- Amanda, Katie M.
Dec. 22- My Dad, Sabrina
Dec. 23- Leah, Chris
Dec. 24- Uncle Larry, Linda, Drew , Shane
Dec. 25- Jeff K., Russell, Alex, Chris, Jon
Dec. 26- Sharon
Dec. 27- Leslie, Sue, Danny, Mayra
Dec. 28- Jim, Lindsey
Dec. 29-Asa, Tyler, Brooke, Jake
Dec.30- Jimmy
Dec. 31- Jay Winnie, Erica, Brandy, Ben, Lacy, Timmy

Update for Mamaw

Harry and I went to the doctor on Wednesday. I was measuring at 33 weeks and Claire's heartbeat was going strong. We go back on Thursday and she will check my cervix before her office closes a week for the Thanksgiving holiday. She did say that we are still allowed to go to Gatlinburg to celebrate Thanksgiving with The Durbins. I can not wait!!

I am going to have Harry get out all of our Christmas decorations, so that we can put them up as soon as we get back from Gatlinburg. I have also downloaded many Christmas songs, several of my childhood favorites like "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear" and Harry's favorite "Darcy the Dragon". We will be adding them to the Ipod and making cds to listen to starting the day after Thanksgiving. I love the holiday season!!

Harry starts his seasonal job at UPS on Monday. We are thankful that he found a job for the holiday season!

Keep Praying!!

Happy Birthday Sophie!

Today is Sophie's, my puppy, 3rd birthday. Harry is cooking her an egg this morning for her "special" breakfast.
Yesterday, we had another doctors appointment. Dr. Peeden did the Fetal Fibronectin test once more. She called this morning and the test came back negative. This is excellent news! (that means there is a less than 1% chance Claire will be born within the next 7 to 14 days) We had discussed that if she came before 34 weeks there was a good chance she would be on a feeding tube, so I am so happy we will make it past that now!! My cervix was softer than when we saw her on Monday, so she wants me to stop working and limit my daily activities.
My dad is coming in town this weekend. Harry and I are excited that he will get to see our apartment. I am not sure how adventurous our weekend will be, but we will definitely enjoy his company.
Keep Praying!!

**Happy early Birthday Amanda! I wish we were home so we could celebrate with you!!

Update

I woke up not feeling well on Monday, so I decided to stay home from work. I rested for a good bit of the day, but then decided to run a few errands with Harry. While we were out, I started having contractions, so we called Dr. Peeden and headed to her office. They hooked me up to the NST monitor. Claire starts kicking like crazy when she hears her heartbeat on the monitor. I had a few contractions while on the monitor, but nothing as strong as I had before. Dr. Peeden did check my cervix and said it felt the same besides that she could feel more pressure from Claire. We talked about medicine for contractions, but because of recent research we are trying to hold off.
I have been taking it easy since then and have still had a few contractions; however, it seems that as long as I am lying down they aren't as bad. I will be 32 weeks on Saturday and am hoping this little girl will wait about 4 more weeks!
Please keep praying for us!