We Moved!

You can find out more about the adventures of our family by going to our new blog.

hanks-for-the-memories.blogspot.com

We need your help!

As the arrival of #2 approaches it is necessary for us to come up with a new name for our blog. We are looking for something catchy, and of course open to anything a little on the funny side (ie. The Hanks Herd). This pregnancy has just caused my brain to not be as witty as usual, or for that matter functioning on all cylinders, hence backing into the garage door before it was up! (Don't worry no damage to the van or door was done, just my pride when I had to call Tom and tell him what I did!) If you have your wits about you and come up with anything please share your ideas with us. You can post them in the comment section (at the bottom of each post, or email them to me at hanksc_28@yahoo.com) Thanks in advance for your ideas!

What a roller coaster!

I know that I have been really bad about updating our blog for the last two months, but I am ready to get back on track now! Two weeks from last Thursday we had our ultrasound and were able to see our little one. The following morning I received a call at home from Dr. Kessen, with some not so great news. The ultrasound indicated that there was a cyst on the baby's cerebellum, and that my placenta was very low. I just went numb when I heard these things. Then a TON of questions started to flood my mind. After a few attempts to sputter out my questions, Dr. Kessen said that she couldn't give me a lot of answers right then, but would be able to after we had an appointment with a Perinatologist in two weeks. I hung up with Dr. Kessen, and then sat down to find the courage to call Tom and tell him the news.

Needless to say we decided it would be best for us to focus on giving baby positive thoughts and prayers. It was EXTREMELY hard to stay positive with all of the unanswered questions, but the two weeks is FINALLY behind us!!!!


(This is how I felt this morning before the ultrasound!)

Today we met with the Perinatologist, only to hear GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!! Everything looks to be in order with the baby, and they were 100% positive that there wasn't a cyst. Our little one's brain, and all of the other organs, limbs, etc. look to be right on track with our November 23rd due date. The doctor even called a second person in for another opinion. The moment I heard her say, "looks good to me" I lost it! The tears just started following. Both Tom and I gave a HUGE sigh of relief, and then sat back to enjoy watching our little one on the ultrasound screen.

The placenta is still low, but they aren't overly concerned about it, especially since I have been feeling fine, and that we have opted for another c-section. It could cause problems if we were going to attempt a vaginal delivery, but there is no way that is going to happen after the experience we had bringing Jack into the world! We will return for another ultrasound in four weeks to see where the placenta is, and if I need to have any restrictions.


Here is a picture of the newest member in the Hanks' house....healthy as can be right now!!!!!!!!!!

A special thanks to all of our family and friends who have kept us in their positive thoughts and prayers the last two weeks!!!

To answer a few questions that I am sure many of you have:

Do we know the sex of the baby?
Yes-we are willing to share this news with whoever would like to know, but please be aware that some of our family members are choosing to wait until the arrival to find out, so please use caution when talking to others. Feel free to email hanksc_28@yahoo.com if you just can't wait until November.

When is the due date?
The official due date is November 23, 2008 (yes only 2 days before Jack's birthday, I guess you could say it is a little boring around our house towards the end of February/beginning of March!) Chances are that we will schedule the c-section a week and a half prior to the due date.

Will I be returning to work?
It is planned that I will return to work in the fall, and then take the remainder of the school year off, just as I did with Jack. After that we will make our official decision about my return for the 2009-2010 school year in April of '09.

What does Jack think of the baby?
Right now he is pretty clueless. If you ask him where Mommy's baby is he will point to my stomach, and even give it a kiss if he is feeling generous, but he certainly doesn't understand what is going to happen in a few short months.

How time flies!

So where were you three years ago at 4:00? I know exactly where I was...I was standing inside the Eau Claire Country Club, with each of my parents at my side, waiting for the doors to open to walk down the isle to marry my best friend.

I have tears in my eyes right now, as I just finished looking at all of our wedding photos, and remembering what an AMAZING day we shared with all of our friends and family. It is so hard to believe all of the changes that have occurred over the past three years, but I can honestly say that I have never been happier!

Instead of planning a big event to celebrate our special day we have decided that we will have a romantic dinner at home, after we put Jack to bed. With the track history of hurricanes, and food poisoning, we thought it would be best to keep it low key today.

I LOVE you Tom!!!!! Thanks for being the BEST husband and dad!!!!

XOXOXO,
Pregnant Wife

Jack's BIG Announcement

Jack is VERY excited to let you in on the "secret" we've been holding onto in the Hanks' house for the past 14 weeks....

1st Haircut

When we returned home from our little weekend away, we decided it was time to get rid of Jack's "old man" hair. Although he didn't have a ton of hair to cut, he was in desperate need of a "clean up." Jack was very well behaved, especially since he got to have a sucker.

Spring Break

Tom and I attempted to find an inexpensive beach vacation, but didn't have any luck. Instead we went to Kohler, WI to the American Club, and then headed down to Chicago, for a little time alone together. We had a great time, while Jack was left at home in the care of Grandma Jane and Grandpa Tim.


I'm not so sure about this Grandpa...do you really think that we should take the wagon into the butcher shop? We might get mud all over the floor! (That's exactly what happened!)


A little morning snuggle time with Grandma, and one of Jack's favorite books.


Oh how I LOVE my new popper!

Dear Ma-maa & Papa,
Thanks for my new toys, taking such good care of me, and most of all for all the fun we had together! I can't wait to see you again!
Love,
Jack-a-Roo