This past Monday I woke up feeling really great. I had more energy than I had in months because, by some miracle, I was able to sleep through the night. I enjoyed a really hearty breakfast and decided to get some shopping done with Heather. At around 3, I was standing in the checkout at Target and realized that my pain had increased to the point where I was having a hard time being friendly to the associate. I remember looking at Heather and saying, "I think this is really happening." I went home, put Emma down for a nap, did some light cleaning around the house and encouraged Trenton to go ahead and do his lawn jobs for the evening with the promise that he would answer his phone and be right home if I needed him. At that point I really wasn't in too much pain. I wasn't in any more pain that I had been the days prior and figured that I wouldn't head back to the birth center until there was no question that I'd leave with a baby. I reached that point quickly, but I was still able to keep it together until I began making phone calls. Trenton didn't answer, my mom didn't answer, and my sister didn't answer. The three people that had been placed on "heightened awareness"...those that were to be available at all times weren't answering their phones and I truly began to panic. Just as I was about to begin boiling water and searching for sterile towels, both my mom and Heather came to the rescue. I was in so much pain and crying hysterically, but I still felt the need to quickly sort the laundry and make the bed. I am so grateful that instead of arguing with me, my sister appreciated my need to do those tasks and helped me finish them. Because I was induced with Emma, I never really experienced that rush of emotion that you see in the movies. The morning I gave birth to her was carefully calculated, right down to which scented lotion I'd enjoy most during labor. I was freshly showered and had my makeup perfectly applied. I didn't have a full stomach...I had my husband with me. This time couldn't have been more different. I was wearing the first pair of Trenton's running shorts that I stumbled on, my make-up had been long washed off by tears, and I couldn't have cared less what I packed in my hospital bag. My only goal was to get to the hospital before the baby was born. As I was sobbing because I couldn't reach Trenton, Heather kept reminding me that this is what good stories are made of. After laboring in the Triage area for about an hour and dilating to 7 cm, Trenton finally called me back. "Hey babe, what's up?" he said in a totally oblivious tone, making it completely obvious that he had not listened to the several hysterical messages I had left him. I still can't believe he took it as lightly and calmly as he did. He even went home and took a shower and grabbed dinner before heading over to the hospital! Thankfully my OB returned from vacation that day and was on call for the evening. She broke my water at 10:00, I had my epidural at 10:41 and Benjamin Paul Schlosser was born at 11:14 p.m. This experience was completely different from my delivery with Emma. I literally screamed her out, and this time the medicine worked so well that I was cracking jokes as I pushed him out...seriously! I couldn't have done it without all the support that I received from Trenton, Heather, my Mom, and Miss Julie. I love you all and am so grateful that you were there in that sacred moment as I brought a life into this world. As for my darling little Benjamin- he was born on Monday, August 17th weighing 7 lbs, 5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. He has sandy blond hair and 10 perfect little fingers and toes. Having fought against odds that included being a month early, and my having Group B Strep, low blood platelets, and gestational diabetes- the baby is completely healthy. Now that I have held him in my arms I am eternally thankful for the wisdom of the nurses and doctors that helped us through this pregnancy. Though it is often said, a healthy baby really is the most important goal and I am still searching for the reasons explaining why we were so blessed. I am more in love with him than I could have imagined. We had to stay a couple extra days in the hospital to make sure everything was okay and I am glad we had that time to just focus on the baby. I couldn't stop staring at him and I am still in awe of how female bodies are capable of creating life. No matter how many babies are born in the world every day, it is still a miracle every single time. Even with as sick as I was during the pregnancy, I am already missing the experience. I will miss hearing his sweet little heartbeat on the monitor, and wondering what he will look like, and feeling him move inside me. It's such a shame that I couldn't enjoy it more during the process. That being said, I am overjoyed that he's here...Happy Birthday little handsome! I am so happy to be home with my Emma and am looking forward to watching our family as we adjust to being a party of four. 
Emma has been sweeter than I had imagined. I'm not sure it's clicked yet that he is here to stay, but she's enjoying this new little "visitor" even more than her dollies. Whenever he makes a sound she says in a loving tone, "Aawwwwww...."
This is Dr. Trudy Skiles. She is the woman who brought both my babies into this world.
Staying in the hospital for four days has it's advantages! Thank you everyone for all the fun gifts and treats.
Benjamin got to wear the same outfit home that his Daddy did 27 years ago.
I thought for sure that Emma would be more jealous, but she is truly content to sit with me and just look at him. I think she's as awe struck as I am. 
Until next time!
Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma, Ben, and Gary
Here I am with Patti a week before she delivered her beautiful baby boy. Wyatt Richard Schlosser was born on July 15, 2009. He is such a precious baby with the prettiest, longest eyelashes I have ever seen! I have to admit, it was fun being pregnant at the same time as Patti...she was always genuinely interested in talking with me about morning sickness and swollen ankles.
Heather and Shannon threw me an adorable baby shower for our little boy. The theme was farm animals...to match the baby's room. The food was delicious and I felt very loved by all of the friends and family that took time out of their busy lives to spoil the baby and me. 
We celebrated Trenton's 27th birthday at the end of July by having a BBQ and playing sack toss at his Mom's house. Emma tripped and had her first real bleed. Her bottom tooth went through her lower lip and my first reaction was to give her a fudgesicle. It both distracted her and numbed the pain which only proves my long standing point that chocolate truly does heal all wounds!
In spite of the restrictions this pregnancy has placed on me, I made my best attempt to be sure Emma got to enjoy a sunny, watermelon filled, sunscreen smelling Summer. She got to have water play with her cousins, picnics in the park, and plenty of quality time with her Daddy. Another new development is that Emma is sleeping in a "big-girl" bed and absolutely loves it. She hasn't wanted to climb in bed with us once...yet...I'm sure.
Just to give you a quick update...Yesterday I began contracting every 2-3 minutes and they didn't go away this time. We went to the birth center and they said that I was dilated to a 4 and 60% effaced. They gave me the option to check in and get this show on the road, but I asked if I could do my laboring in the comfort of my own home. I continued through the night and decided to head back to the hospital to check things out. I am now 4.5 cm dilated and 90% effaced with a good contraction pattern. The nurse said my bag of waters was bulging and she could feel his head! They didn't keep me though because I guess my uterus just isn't moving quickly enough for them and we'd prefer to keep the baby in at least until Thursday when I will be 37 weeks, or what they consider to be full-term. One of the nurses commented that it's rare to see a mom who has just been sent home leave with a smile on her face. I'm just happy we've made it this far, considering all the work it took to keep this little guy safe, and that in all reality, my labor is almost half way over before it's really begun! I guess all we can do now is wait and see, but I have to thank everyone that has been so helpful during this time. You all know who you are and you're the best!
On to the most exciting news! This is Shannon with her new boyfriend Steve. He is a really great guy and Shannon is happier than ever. I could go on for days about my excitement for them and where I think this relationship is headed, but if you really want to know more, ask Shannon!