Bump's Getting Bigger as Time's Getting Shorter

I really can not express how fast time is flying by. I remember thinking my pregnancy with Zachary took forever! I literally thought our first baby appointment took months to arrive! I am dumbfounded that we have less than three weeks to go.... less than 20 days!! How is that possible!?

Bringing you up to speed, here's the stats and bump pics from the last three doctor's appointments:

Week 32: Measured 4 weeks ahead (36), my blood pressure was 124/70, and baby's heart rate was 144.

Week 34: Measured 6 weeks ahead (40 - full term), my blood pressure was 120/70, and baby's heart rate was 144.

(Almost) Week 37: Dr. Jensen had to reschedule our appointment due to an emergency C-Section, so instead of 36 weeks, we were just 2 days shy of week 37! My tummy measured 42 weeks (5 weeks ahead), my blood pressure was 132/82 (higher, but still in normal range), and baby's heart rate was 146. Dr tested me for Strep B (didn't have it with Z, so we should be good on baby #2), and he also checked my cervix. So far, no change!

Overall, this pregnancy has been so easy. It's only been the last few weeks that I've started to become really uncomfortable. Probably because I've been measuring FULL TERM for the last THREE WEEKS; that might have something to do with it! I've also been waking up every hour on the hour to run to the bathroom at night. I remember doing the same thing with Zachary... and thinking, "Once the baby gets here, I'll finally get some rest!" HA! As you mothers out there know - that didn't happen. ;)

Braxton Hicks are almost a daily thing now, multiple times a day. I even thought I had some real contractions a few weeks ago, but they stopped before the hour, and they obviously weren't productive as Dr. J said I've made no changes.

Really, for the first time this pregnancy I've gotten really hungry! I get the munchies a lot, and have been craving more sweets. I made my second pan of brownies the other night.... Oh my, they were good, and are half gone! I've been doing great on weight gain this pregnancy (unlike Zachary's!), so I figured I'd treat myself a few times before I need to worry about the scale! 

For McKeever updates, we've had a pretty eventful September. We celebrated my 30th birthday with my family. It was low-key, and a lot of fun. Plus, it never gets old hearing Zachary sing, "Happy Birthday Mommy!" Then, we headed out of town to Josh & Vickie's wedding. Zachary came with us, and he was absolutely obsessed with the bride. Mama's not going to lie - I was a little jealous on how much attention Vickie was getting from my little boy! ;) We shelled out lots of dollars so he could keep dancing with her during the dollar dance. He kept saying, "Look at her pretty white dress; Vickie looks like a princess!". I think our son might have had his very first crush - too bad for him, she's a married woman now! :) 

While we were at the wedding, Zachary's got to go to his very first campfire. He also tried his first S'more, but he didn't like it because it was too sticky. He opted for raw, "smarshmellows" instead. I was happy to oblige, no sticky fingers to clean up! Once we got back home, Gabe promised him he would make Zachary his own campsite in our backyard by the creek. Uncle Burns came to visit the following weekend, and the guys went to work. Photo below is Zachary enjoying his very own campfire at his house. He ate his chocolate bar first, and followed it up with a smarshmellow. He was a very happy little boy. :)

Gabe and I have gone to the Kansas State Fair at least once a year (multiple times before we had kid(s)), every year since we've been together. We got a snapshot of the last time we'd be a family of three before we hit the road this year (Thanks Nicholas!). Zachary didn't remember much about going last year, so it was fun to see his face light up when he got to feed the animals at the petting zoo, and see all the BIG animals. We also had our fare share of Fair food. Zachary loved the fried vegetables, corn-on-the-cob, and he ate almost all of Daddy's apple dumpling & ice cream. Mommy wouldn't share hers.... he he.

We also rode the train again this year (the purple one of course, KSU)! Zach loved waving at everyone we went by, and enjoyed the sack of popcorn they throw at you towards the end of the ride. After that excitement, he requested more ice cream (chocolate this time), and we got to watch the pig races. Our pig won in the end!

This is the third year in a row... we took home a very sleepy boy. He slept all the way home! 

Towards the end of the month, we had a not-so-good surprise. Zachary and I walked into a disheveled house... I immediately snatched him up, and went to my mom's house. After Gabe arrived home, and had a chance to look around, he confirmed - we had been robbed. Someone(s) had broken into the house that morning and stole all our small electronics, smashed TV's, put holes in the walls, and even broke our glass wedding clock. We spent most of that evening talking to our neighbors, and the Derby Police Department. Our officers were great, and were so kind. We had two neighbors bring us cookies and cupcakes that evening, and my mom and dad watched Zachary while we pieced things together. So thankful to have so much support and love around us! 

Although it wasn't exactly the best timing - just a few weeks before baby arrives - the robbery turned out to be a blessing. Our insurance company has been nothing but wonderful. Because we had glass broken in our home, they replaced carpet in the house that we've been wanting to replace, but just don't have the extra funds with baby on the way. All of the electronics that were stolen or broken have been replaced with newer, better versions than we had before. We also had a security system installed in our home, so that way we won't ever have to come home again to any 'surprises'. 

We tried to keep Zachary as oblivious as possible to the break-in. We did not want him to be scared of his own home. At the same time, we didn't want to lie to him. When he asked, "Who broke the TV?", and we answered, "We don't know?".... he would look at Gabe, and ask, "Did you do it Daddy?" He wanted answers, and could tell we weren't telling him the whole truth. Boy, is he smart! Everyone is doing much better now, and Zachary has a new 'job' in the morning before we leave for work/daycare - setting the alarm! Like any boy... he likes pushing buttons! 

The only thing we lost that could not be replaced is the photos/videos of Zachary that were on our laptop. I try not to think about it - because that is the only part that makes me really upset. That we lost them, but also - whoever stole them had no idea or cared what they actually meant to us. We've been praying for the person(s) that broke in. That people would be placed in their path to love on them, and that they may know God's love. Although they meant harm to us, Romans 8:28 kept popping into my head, "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." And, He has. We're stronger as a family because of it, a closer neighborhood, and everything has been replaced. We even have some new cushy carpet for our sweet new baby to roll around on. God is good!

...Which brings me to the last day of September this year. I've seen my husband cry, maybe three times since we've known each other. One time being this Tuesday night after a roller-coaster Royals baseball game. His team is finally going to the play-offs. Gabe was born on the day the Royals won the World Series in 1985. Almost thirty years later, they're finally back in-it, to win-it. I was trying to get Zachary back to sleep in his bed when I heard, "Yes, Yes, Yes, YES!!!" being yelled from the great-room. I cried (give me a break - I'm hormonal) just knowing what the win meant to him. He also woke Zachary back up... so we all got to celebrate a Royals Victory... after 12 innings, at almost one in the morning. Good things come to those who wait, right? Well, Gabe's been waiting! He'll be going to his first play-off game this Sunday evening in Kansas City. 

Interestingly enough, we have a McKeever baby due October 22nd, right smack dab in the middle of when the World Series is supposed to be being played. All I know is we deserve season tickets for life if we have another KC Royals Baby!!

My boys playing games as Daddy watched the Royals Vs. A's Game Tuesday Evening

SUMMER: Baseball, Fireworks, Airplanes, Ninja Warrior, Pool Time, Work, & A Baby Bump!

Where did summer go!?

Wasn't it just Memorial Day? Now the Fourth of July has come and went, and back to school season is in full swing. Here's just a few things we've been up to this summer...

One of Gabe's clients gave us box tickets to the Wingnuts game. The weather was absolutely beautiful that June night! The Dickson family joined us, and Zachary had a blast running around the suite with Zoey & Tiberius. I set the TV in our suite to the Disney Channel, so they decided to have an impromptu dance party. (Hence, blurry photo!)

We stayed way past Zachary's bedtime, but it was so worth it. He had a blast. It was the epitome of the perfect summer evening.

This is the first Fourth of July I've had to think about the boom of the fireworks. This was the year that Zachary wasn't so sure of all the loud noises! "What was that!?" was asked about two hundred times (give or take) for the next couple of weeks. To make matters worse, the night the fireworks began, we also had a thunderstorm come through. Poor guy just got settled in bed, and then was right back up when thunder was shaking the house. 

All of it turned out to be a good lesson on choosing to be brave. One night we had my folks over for a pre-fourth celebration, and he refused to come outside. After a little pep-talk, and a few tears later, he was outside playing ladder golf with Grandma, Mommy, Jason, & Alex! 

Zachary was a little apprehensive about his first Fourth of July parade too - asking if there would be fireworks there. He warmed up to the idea after awhile, especially when he saw candy being thrown out to the crowd. 

Jason was stuck at work during the parade, so Alex joined us! Zachary loves him some Aunt Alex, and he cuddled up pretty quick!

The Dicksons made it out too - Zoey, Z, and Tiberius looked so cute waving their flags!!

Nannie & Papa were able to be in town - our first 4th celebrating with them. They made it down the night before, so they were able to go to the parade with us that morning as well!

Zachary getting some love from Alex :)

Zachary had to be held a lot of the parade since he wasn't so sure. I did end up getting a smile out of him when he was in Daddy's arms! 

I can't remember a more beautiful Fourth... the weather was just perfect! We spent literally the entire day outside. We shot off some small fireworks (worms, poppers, and some parachuters), played ladder golf, made homemade ice cream (YUM), grilled, and even made another trip to the firework stand. 

Zachary would still get upset from time to time, but by the end of the night he was laughing hysterically at Gabe being chased by bees (the fireworks, not the insect). "That's funny!" In the end, poppers were still his firework-of-choice, although I bet the sparklers were a closed second.

Zachary's babysitter was closed the Monday after the Fourth, so Gabe was able to take the day with him. I got off early that afternoon, and we took him on an adventure to Exploration Place. I wasn't sure if there would be much he could do, but we found lots! I think one of his favorite things was 'flying' the airplanes. Maybe we have a pilot on our hands?

I've tried to start couponing here lately, which is not anything new to my mom. I still remember her coupon box that she would bring to the store with her every week when she'd grocery shop.  So, it didn't surprise me that when at Toys 'R Us one day, Zachary and Grandma found the clearance end cap right away. They didn't end up buying anything - but we sure checked them all out! 

Like his mother... Zachary has expensive taste. ;) He may or may not have been telling Grandma what he wanted for his birthday! He spent at least half an hour getting in/out of about every Power Wheels he could find. He wasn't sure why we wouldn't let him climb into the ones that were displayed up above... although, Grandma did let him open/close the doors. 

And... like most trips with Grandma, the boy was tuckered out. He didn't make it but a mile or two down the road and he was out. We both got a great nap that day - thanks Grandma! :)

Thanks to our DVR, American Ninja Warrior has been playing almost nonstop all summer. Which has turned my little monkey man into a ninja. What used to be my cautious little boy, is now a full-fledged adrenaline junkie. Our couch in the great room is the, "wall" in which he has to climb up, across, and routinely falls off of into the, "water." (If you've seen it, you'll understand) 

It seems like just yesterday we would have to coax him down a big slide... now he has to see how high up he is. It's a boy thing - for which I'm told, so I'm trying to cool it on the, "Be careful baby!!" Zachary assures me, it's ok - he's a ninja warrior. They must have some sort of super power - - - giving Mom a daily anxiety attack.

It's sad to say, but it was end of July before we had our first pool day. Grandma K and Papa Dale were so nice to invite us over... or I may have invited ourselves (details, right?). Zachary didn't even want to step in the pool at first... but as you can see... in no time he and his Father were up to their shenanigans. If the baby in my tummy is a boy... I'm in trouble. I'm going to have to practice praying, and keeping my eyes closed - cause this Mama's heart can't take it!

Resting from, "3.... 2....1... BLAST OFF!"

Hanging out with Grandma K! 

Zachary and I had a date day a week or two ago when Miss Hannah had another day off with her kiddos. We brought Daddy to lunch at Cinnamon's Deli, watched Planes at the theater, and stopped by Daddy's work again for good measure. After all, someone has to be checking Daddy's numbers!

He took a break long enough to give Mom a little grin! Being a banker is hard work, and he was working on, "Giving people money!" After all... that's all Daddy does all day! ;)

July 23, 2014 marked my 27 week growing McKeever Baby #2. Got Gabe to take a photo really fast before we were out the door to a friend's wedding. I'm officially in my third trimester... and swelling and heartburn have decided to rear their ugly heads. Still, this pregnancy has been a breeze, and I have nothing to complain about. Other than the fact it's flying by in a hurry. Baby's heart rate was 140, and wanted nothing to do with the nurse trying to find it. He or she kicked the nurse when she was trying to push it into a location to where she could get a better listen. Although we were 27 weeks, Dr J measured me at 32/33 - so almost 6 weeks bigger than normal. Again, no shocker there. This baby just won't quit - he/she moves constantly. It's been kicking Zachary A LOT when I'm holding him. Hey - I wouldn't want a forty pound person sitting on my head either! :)

Since the wedding was out-of-town, Jason & Alex watched our little man while we were away. They brought bags of fun projects. When Zachary woke up the next morning, the very first thing he wanted to show me was his ocean bags! He was so proud of them! :) He got to take a trip to their house and see their puppies, and kitties... and even talked them into his favorite restaurant, Braums. Good thing he's cute, huh? 

That's been our summer in a nutshell - so far, I know we have a little ways to go yet. Our next baby appointment is August 13th, and after that we will be going every two weeks.

Someone PLEASE take us off of Fast Forward!!

We're Halfway There!

Our first doctor's appointment with Dr. Jensen was on March 3, 2014 - exactly a month after we found out we were expecting! We were just shy of 7 weeks. The first appointments are never that exciting - they took my blood, and we got to chat with the doc. We told Jensen that this was somewhat a surprise, and was not planned, so Dr. asked us if we needed a lesson on how babies were made.... that they did not blow in with the North wind. He's always got jokes!

Almost 11 weeks along was our second appointment on March 31st. We went over blood work, and Jensen confirmed: we were pregnant - officially! :) We weren't sure if we'd be able to hear because it was still soon, but we were able to hear the baby's heart beat! It was 168! We were so excited, because we weren't able to hear Zachary's at our 14 week appointment! Since this was baby #2, Jensen told us that Z 'stretched things out', so he/she was probably sitting higher than Zach did at this point.

We had been talking to Zachary a lot about being a big brother at this point. Sometimes he seemed excited, sometimes unsure, but he was always interested. We wanted him to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat, so we took him to our third appointment on April 28th. We were almost 15 weeks, and Zachary sat on Gabe's lap as the nurse tried to find baby. She found it right away, and Zachary's eyes lit up when he heard the, "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh." The heart rate dropped from 168 to 148 (boy!?). The doctor measured me for the first time, and I measured 17 weeks, although we weren't technically 15 at the time. No shocker there - McKeever babies are massive! ;)

2 Days Shy of 15 Weeks

Our fourth appointment,  and it was already SONO TIME! How could this be!? It was May 28th, 2014, and now exactly 19 weeks. To Gabe's dismay, we are keeping this baby's sex a surprise as well, and did not find out what we were having. The sono tech wasn't as thrilled as Zachary's was, and was kind of annoyed of Gabe & I going back and forth about finding out. At one point during the sono, she told Gabe & I, "not to look," in case we saw something we'd recognize.... with Zachary, Gabe looked away. This time Gabe looked straight ahead, so I had to cover his eyes. He wasn't happy (a few hours later he was over it). ;) Baby's heart rate was down to 145, further adding to Gabe's curiosity of the sex. Although, all clues are pointing to boy. Here's some photos of our (little) peanut, who is measuring in 3 weeks ahead of schedule, and almost twice the size of what he or she is supposed to weigh at 15 ounces!

Praise the Lord, baby #2 is large (typical), but completely healthy according to the sono! Although we are only 19 weeks, Dr. Jensen measured me at 23, so about a month ahead of schedule. Since we were sure we did not get pregnant in January, he's not moving our due date. No shocker here, Zachary always measured big, and at times I measured as if I was having twins! This time around I was a little nervous because both Gabe, and Zachary actually dreamed that we were pregnant with twins. I was relieved that in fact, there was just one new McKeever in my tummy! Here's another belly pic to show how much I grew from 15 to 19 weeks!

Our 23 week appointment was just this week on Wednesday, June 25th. Nannie (Gabe's mother) is in town this week, and I was able to go to the zoo with her and Zachary on Tuesday morning.While we were there, I had a little scare with cramping and spotting. I don't remember having any of that with Zachary, so Wednesday at our fifth appointment, I was sure to tell the nurse, and Dr. Jensen about what happened. They assured me that everything I described was normal. At this appointment baby's heart rate was 140 (the lowest it's been!), and I measured at 28 weeks.... now 5 weeks further along!! Here's a photo:

A day after my 23 week appointment (June 26th), my spotting changed again, so I called the doctor. Jensen sent me to have another sono, just to make sure everything was ok. I reminded Gabe this wasn't another chance to find to look for any 'parts.' ;) The sono was done just a few hours later, and the tech assured us everything looked ok to her. However, since it was late in the day, we didn't get the full report from Dr's nurse until today (June 27th). The sex of baby is still a mystery, but it was confirmed that baby and mommy were perfectly healthy! Thank you Jesus!

Phew.... I feel like I just ran a marathon! I can't believe it's 23 weeks and I'm just 'updating'.... We're (more than) HALFWAY THERE!! This pregnancy overall has been almost identical to Zachary's. I was super tired at the beginning, but unlike last pregnancy... there has been no time to rest! Zachary has us on the go all the time. No naps after work until bedtime like I did with the Z man. ;) Naps in general are almost unheard of! Ha! I was a little nauseous with this baby, just like Zachary, but probably even less so. This has overall been so easy, and I'm so blessed. I craved jalapeno everything with Zachary, but with this baby it has been more cereals and sweets. 

Our next appointment is scheduled for July 23rd, and we'll be right at 27 weeks. It will be our LAST 4 week appointment!! ....I'm still in awe at how fast this is all going. ;) We are due October 22nd, so stay tuned for more updates on how this massive little McKeever is growing!

Hope you were blessed, thanks for reading!

The McKeevers

Ready or Not

REWIND: Fall of 2013

Gabe was officially ready for baby #2. We had moved into our new home, and had gotten somewhat settled. I, on the other hand, was reluctant. As many of you probably know, I want to be stay-at-home mom. And, as you probably all know, I'm stubborn. I wasn't about to let anything happen outside of, "my plan." 

Gabe continued to bring it up, and I kept wanting to delay. After lots of praying and soul-searching, my heart was changed. I prayed that God would bless us when He saw fit. Not sooner, not later, just in His time. That was in January, and on February 4th, 2014, we found out we were pregnant! Interestingly enough, I wasn't all that surprised. I think God was waiting for me to get out of my own way. :) 

What a blessing! We were all thrilled, and could not keep the good news to ourselves. Zachary announced our new addition over Mickey Mouse waffles.

After we found out, we have been pulling out Zachary's old baby items. Of course, he's had to try them all out again. We had to put our foot down when he wanted to climb into his old baby-swing! We need everything in one-piece, after all! 

I wanted to share, and remember this important little tug-a-war about McKeever Baby #2.... only because I didn't want to forget what an answer to prayer this little child is. Every baby is a gift from God, but it's a reminder to me of what He can do when we give up our plans, and give into His.

Hope you were blessed, and thank you for reading!

The McKeevers

Time flies when you're having fun...

I'm embarrassed that it has been almost TWO YEARS since I've written on this blog! (Truth be told, I'm pretty upset with myself for waiting this long!) I almost don't recognize the boxy little chunk of a baby that I see in the previous posts! Now we have a tall, 2-1/2 year old who can talk your ear off!

Here's a quick run down of (what I can remember) happened in the last two years or so...

Our little Z turned 1! We celebrated with family, and I'm hoping that I can locate the photos, so I can share some here :) A milestone that came and went quickly. Soon after, he was walking full-time, and talking more and more.

Gabe left Emprise Bank at the end of December of 2012, and began his new career at Sunflower Bank in January of 2013. I have no doubt that God's hand was in this move. Over time it's blessed us again and again. In less than a year he was promoted to his current position, Consumer Business Banker. With this new position he officially worked NO MORE SATURDAYS - ever! We still do not take that extra time with Daddy for granted! :) He's been able to plug into the community, and he's been building great friendships, and business relationships. It's hands-down a great fit for him. Praise the Lord!

Easter 2013 :)

Zach's first 'Vacation' to Oklahoma to see Brandon & Julie

First Wichita River Festival: Touch-A-Truck!

First Time Golfing :)

Just in case he's world-famous some day!

Last summer was lots of fun. Now that Z was mobile, it was always an adventure where ever we went. We spent a lot of the time at the Zoo since we were only about 5-10 minutes away. He loved playing in his water table... and I also found a photo of Z and his Grandpa that I just looooove. (See all below!)

At the doctor.... Mickey in tow :)

Cool Guy

It was a 2-Sucker Kind of Day

First Movie! Gru!

WE LOVE FALL!

Mickey for his 2nd Halloween :)

On our way in to Night of the Living Zoo

Z learned at an early age that Football Season is a Big Deal at the McKeever House!

Checking out a game on the laptop while Daddy had another one playing on the TV :)

Our Sweet Zachary Turned 2 :)

Fall of 2013 began a lot of change for our family! Zachary switched from his daycare he'd been going to early on to Sunrise Christian Academy. Morning drop-offs were heart-wrenching many days, but he learned a lot, and always said, "More School!" when we picked him up. His teachers, Miss Kim, Miss Hida, and Miss Mandy were his favorites.

At around the same time we put a contract on a house in Derby, and in November (a week before Thanksgiving) we closed. It was a wild crazy few weeks, but it was so worth it being in the home that our kids will most-likely grow up in, and where all their memories will begin. The space, and the land had us sold right away. The wooded area and creek remind Gabe of where he grew up, and we're so excited that our kids will be able to share the same experiences!

Thanksgiving in our new home :)

Checking out Black Friday ads with Grandpa

Because of the move, Zachary switched daycares again. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed for God to place the perfect person in our path. After talking to a Facebook friend, she put me in contact with Miss Hannah. She lives less than a mile away from us, and has a little boy Zachary's age, and also a younger little girl. Zach instantly fell in love, and is always excited for, "Hannah Time!" We thank God for Hannah and her family every day! 

 Zachary and Daddy picking out our Christmas Tree for our New Home!

Finishing Touches :)

Zachary loves Christmas Specials as much as Daddy does!

Beginning new Traditions.... Illuminations at Botanica!

 The last 3 years of Santas :)

Santa 2013 was our Favorite!!

First Snow :) Just days before Christmas

Leaving Cookies & Milk for Santa

First of the year brought big change... a BIG BOY BED!

Zachary was ready before Mommy was... it helped that he LOVED it!

First Time Bowling!

In Marysville with Nana & Papa :)

Where we enjoy relaxing after a hard day of work/daycare - when the weather cooperates!

Zachy & Daddy's favorite store.... LOWE'S!

It will be Menards if/when they actually move to Derby :)

Zachy's first trip to the Derby Library.

He loves picking up puzzles, and girls twice his age... that boy!

In February of 2014, we found out that we were expecting McKeever Baby #2 (and the reason for me dusting off this blog). Although it it was not planned, the surprise was so exciting. Hope to tell you more about all this in the next blog post! :)

Zachary's 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Delano :)

Spring 2013/2014

Daddy and Z Planting Flowers for us to Enjoy :)

....This is not at all everything I would like to post, but I hope this at least brings up to speed a bit! New job, new house, new baby on the way, and lots of fun! We are so blessed, and are excited to share more about our growing family!

XOXO
The McKeevers