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Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Lucky
I'm putting this here, not only in honor of Father's Day, but also in case my kids ever need a little reminder of just how lucky they are to have a dad like Kyle (or, in case I ever need a little reminder of just how lucky I am).
Each and every day, he comes home from work, cuddles with the kids, changes into his own version of play clothes, and takes the kids outside or in the play room. Every.single.day. He is ready for just about anything they are. He gives baths (almost every night now that I am pregnant and miserable), helps with dinner, wakes up in the middle of the night, gets up with them on the weekends and makes them pancakes, etc, etc. All he wants is to make sure his family is happy and he does a mighty fine job. It makes me feel good to know that, not only does he tell them he loves them everyday, but he shows them.
Happy Father's Day, Kyle! We love you!!!!
**I will leave you with a great article about just what it means to be a great dad.**
A Father's Day Wish: Dads, Wake the Hell Up
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kason's Last Day of School + 32 wk appt
Today was my little guy's last day of school for the year. It really made me sad, even on the verge of tears a few times. I know he is going to miss his friends and his teachers sooo much! Hopefully, we will see his friends at church and other activities throughout the summer. Mostly, I'm sad because he adores his teachers and talks about them all the time. He doesn't quite get that school is out for summer and I am sure I will be asked about it several times over the coming weeks.
Today was also my 32 week appointment and growth ultrasound. We had the ultrasound first and our newest addition is estimated at over 5 lbs (89%), a full pound more than Emily at 33 weeks. This estimate puts him somewhere around 9.5 lbs on my due date. Dr. L thinks he will be more around 8.5, though. He has measured big at every ultrasound since my NT scan, but usually around a week ahead. Today, though, he measured 2 weeks ahead, so we think today's might have been a little inaccurate. We will have another check in a month, though, to make sure he is not humongous. If he is still measuring big, we have the option of talking about induction, but I think regardless of the outcome at 36 weeks, I will skip the induction. So, really, what's the point of the ultrasound? A chance to see my little guy on the inside one more time before he makes his appearance. :P
Today was also my 32 week appointment and growth ultrasound. We had the ultrasound first and our newest addition is estimated at over 5 lbs (89%), a full pound more than Emily at 33 weeks. This estimate puts him somewhere around 9.5 lbs on my due date. Dr. L thinks he will be more around 8.5, though. He has measured big at every ultrasound since my NT scan, but usually around a week ahead. Today, though, he measured 2 weeks ahead, so we think today's might have been a little inaccurate. We will have another check in a month, though, to make sure he is not humongous. If he is still measuring big, we have the option of talking about induction, but I think regardless of the outcome at 36 weeks, I will skip the induction. So, really, what's the point of the ultrasound? A chance to see my little guy on the inside one more time before he makes his appearance. :P
Monday, May 9, 2011
Here we go again...
I had my 30 week appointment with Dr. L last week and everything was great. I don't think I've mentioned how happy I am with her. The rumors were true, she is just like a midwife, only she has an MD. For mamas that intend to go natural, she encourages small snacks and drink during labor, no IV, intermittent monitoring, can't remember the last time she had to cut an episiotomy, waits for the cord to stop pulsing before clamping/cutting, etc, etc. She never makes me feel rushed and even after just two appointments, makes me feel as if she knows me and I am not just a number. While I realize this is probably because she reviews each chart carefully before entering the room, it still makes me feel good.
At my last appointment (Thursday), we discussed all of the typical things, belly measuring appropriately, heartrate is great, contractions few and far between, etc, etc. We thought everything was great and were thrilled that I had been having only a few contractions a day.
That is, until Friday morning came around. I was feeling crampy and having an off/on backache when I realized that these were contractions. Feeling my tummy, there was no doubt. I was a little concerned because these were not my typical, painfree BH contractions and they were coming every 3-5 minutes. Since the office closed at noon, I told Kyle I would give it until 10:15 before calling. They went away around 10am, after a couple of hours of contracting.
A couple of hours later, though, they began again. Some crampy, some not. Again, after about 2 hours, they went away. At 5:30, though, I got in the car and they started yet again. This time 2-3 minutes apart, but not crampy. They did last, though, for a solid 16 hours straight before giving me a bit of a break. Saturday morning, Kyle was really trying to convince me to go to the hospital, but given that the contractions were relatively painless and not increasing in intensity, I chose to stay home, rest, and drink a lot of water.
Today, at 31 weeks exactly, I am still contracting frequently, but they have slowed down a lot from the weekend. I called Dr. L's office this morning and will be seen tomorrow. I told the nurse that I am not particularly worried about them, but that I am going out of town over the weekend, so I want to get checked to make sure all is well. She agreed that as long as they have slowed down, I am probably ok, but that I should take it easy and be checked before leaving town. She also said if they pick back up today, to call and she would try to fit me in or send me to the hospital.
So, here we go again. 9 weeks to go, give or take.
At my last appointment (Thursday), we discussed all of the typical things, belly measuring appropriately, heartrate is great, contractions few and far between, etc, etc. We thought everything was great and were thrilled that I had been having only a few contractions a day.
That is, until Friday morning came around. I was feeling crampy and having an off/on backache when I realized that these were contractions. Feeling my tummy, there was no doubt. I was a little concerned because these were not my typical, painfree BH contractions and they were coming every 3-5 minutes. Since the office closed at noon, I told Kyle I would give it until 10:15 before calling. They went away around 10am, after a couple of hours of contracting.
A couple of hours later, though, they began again. Some crampy, some not. Again, after about 2 hours, they went away. At 5:30, though, I got in the car and they started yet again. This time 2-3 minutes apart, but not crampy. They did last, though, for a solid 16 hours straight before giving me a bit of a break. Saturday morning, Kyle was really trying to convince me to go to the hospital, but given that the contractions were relatively painless and not increasing in intensity, I chose to stay home, rest, and drink a lot of water.
Today, at 31 weeks exactly, I am still contracting frequently, but they have slowed down a lot from the weekend. I called Dr. L's office this morning and will be seen tomorrow. I told the nurse that I am not particularly worried about them, but that I am going out of town over the weekend, so I want to get checked to make sure all is well. She agreed that as long as they have slowed down, I am probably ok, but that I should take it easy and be checked before leaving town. She also said if they pick back up today, to call and she would try to fit me in or send me to the hospital.
So, here we go again. 9 weeks to go, give or take.
Emily's 15 mo. Appt
I took Emily a couple of weeks ago for her 15 month appointment. She is doing great. Still petite, at 21 lb 0.5 oz and 30.25 in. We are still battling the never-ending diaper rash, though. At that appointment, Dr. T gave me a prescription for a concoction of nystatin, cholestyramine, and aquaphor. She said it should be clear in a week. A week and half later, she still has the rash. I did start adding some corn starch on top of all of that, though, and it is finally clearing up! Hallelujah!
Just like Kason, she has a love for Barney and will run right to her chair in the playroom if the big purple dinosaur is mentioned. She is also trying to say more and more things, including singing her ABC's. She has ABCD and a few other letters here and there. So cute!
She loooves to play outside and as soon as you mention outside, she will go get her shoes and bring them to you to put on. She and Kason have even got to play in the sprinklers a couple of times and had a blast, even though they were freezing!
Her and Kason are all settled into their new sleeping arrangements and after a few trial nights, are doing very well! I have a few more things to get finished and put up on the walls in their room and in the nursery before pictures are posted, though. I will say, though, that both rooms are coming along nicely.
Just like Kason, she has a love for Barney and will run right to her chair in the playroom if the big purple dinosaur is mentioned. She is also trying to say more and more things, including singing her ABC's. She has ABCD and a few other letters here and there. So cute!
She loooves to play outside and as soon as you mention outside, she will go get her shoes and bring them to you to put on. She and Kason have even got to play in the sprinklers a couple of times and had a blast, even though they were freezing!
Her and Kason are all settled into their new sleeping arrangements and after a few trial nights, are doing very well! I have a few more things to get finished and put up on the walls in their room and in the nursery before pictures are posted, though. I will say, though, that both rooms are coming along nicely.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Osama bin Laden is Dead
The attacks of 9/11 happened years before my children were born, but that day, will still be a big part of their history, just as yesterday will be. I remember very clearly walking across campus the morning of September 11, 2001 and hearing the hushed voices of my fellow Aggies talking about the plane(s) that flew into the World Trade Center. The actual reality of this, though, didn't hit home until I walked into my duplex, sat down on the couch, and turned on the news.
Devastation. The trade centers were collapsing, another plane had crashed in Pennsylvania, and yet another into the Pentagon. What was happening to our country? The man behind these terroristic plots/attacks? Osama bin Laden.
In the years since the attack, it has faded to the back of my mind. Still there, but not really thought of unless brought up on the news or in a political conversation. I knew no one at the WTC or in the Pentagon or in the four planes that crashed that day.
Yesterday, though, the memories from that day all came flooding back as the announcement that U.S. Navy Seals had brought Osama bin Laden to his demise. On May 1, 2011, Osama bin Laden was shot and killed in Pakistan. That day will undoubtedly be an important piece of history for the U.S.
This morning, there are, of course, interviews on every major news station with the family members who lost their loved ones in the attacks of 9/11. As I was watching the Today Show, one interview hit me really hard. The interview was with the mom, dad, and brother of a woman who died in the World Trade Center that day. At the end of the interview, the mom spoke of the last phone call she received from her daughter. Her daughter told her she was on the 104th floor, she was hot, she was scared, and she asked her mom for help. "Mom, help me. Get me out of here."
A few months ago, we were at Chick-fil-A and Kason was playing in the play land. There were a lot of older kids who were paying no attention to the toddlers in their way. At one point, Kason got stuck in the corner of a tunnel where we couldn't see him, but could hear his cries, "Mommy, Daddy, help me. Mommy, Daddy, help me." My heart was breaking that day as I couldn't get to my son as he was crying for help.
This was all I could think about as she was recounting that phone call. How must your heart break when you can't save your child? How do you recover from that? I pray that I never have to find out.
I ask that you pray for all those who lost that day and as Mother's Day approaches, I hope that you will say a special prayer for all the Moms who lost a child on 9/11 and for all the Moms who perished that day.
Please also continue to pray for the leaders of our country, that they have the wisdom to lead and guide us through whatever lies ahead, and for our military men and women, as they continue to serve and protect, and for their families, who sacrifice every day. The coming days/weeks/months will almost assuredly bring backlash from al Qaeda and bin Laden followers and it is important that we not forget those who lay their life on the line to protect our country.
Devastation. The trade centers were collapsing, another plane had crashed in Pennsylvania, and yet another into the Pentagon. What was happening to our country? The man behind these terroristic plots/attacks? Osama bin Laden.
In the years since the attack, it has faded to the back of my mind. Still there, but not really thought of unless brought up on the news or in a political conversation. I knew no one at the WTC or in the Pentagon or in the four planes that crashed that day.
Yesterday, though, the memories from that day all came flooding back as the announcement that U.S. Navy Seals had brought Osama bin Laden to his demise. On May 1, 2011, Osama bin Laden was shot and killed in Pakistan. That day will undoubtedly be an important piece of history for the U.S.
This morning, there are, of course, interviews on every major news station with the family members who lost their loved ones in the attacks of 9/11. As I was watching the Today Show, one interview hit me really hard. The interview was with the mom, dad, and brother of a woman who died in the World Trade Center that day. At the end of the interview, the mom spoke of the last phone call she received from her daughter. Her daughter told her she was on the 104th floor, she was hot, she was scared, and she asked her mom for help. "Mom, help me. Get me out of here."
A few months ago, we were at Chick-fil-A and Kason was playing in the play land. There were a lot of older kids who were paying no attention to the toddlers in their way. At one point, Kason got stuck in the corner of a tunnel where we couldn't see him, but could hear his cries, "Mommy, Daddy, help me. Mommy, Daddy, help me." My heart was breaking that day as I couldn't get to my son as he was crying for help.
This was all I could think about as she was recounting that phone call. How must your heart break when you can't save your child? How do you recover from that? I pray that I never have to find out.
I ask that you pray for all those who lost that day and as Mother's Day approaches, I hope that you will say a special prayer for all the Moms who lost a child on 9/11 and for all the Moms who perished that day.
Please also continue to pray for the leaders of our country, that they have the wisdom to lead and guide us through whatever lies ahead, and for our military men and women, as they continue to serve and protect, and for their families, who sacrifice every day. The coming days/weeks/months will almost assuredly bring backlash from al Qaeda and bin Laden followers and it is important that we not forget those who lay their life on the line to protect our country.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Daydreaming about the Kids' New Rooms
I have, for months, now been thinking about how to decorate a combined space that both Kason and Emily would love. You see, even though we have 4 bedrooms, one is downstairs. I am not yet willing to put Kason down there alone, so he will be moving into Emily's room very soon.
So far, we have a new bed for him. The IKEA Kura bed. It is a low loft bed. For now, we will have the bed on the bottom, but later on, when Emily is ready to move out of her crib, we will flip it and build a small frame on the bottom making it low bunk beds.
The Kura bed (we got the tunnel to go with)
Now, the hard part was coming up with a theme, or even colors, that would work for both. Then, I became inspired. The walls are a beautiful olive green, but I was having a hard time coming up with boy bedding that would fit the room. That is, until I found my inspiration.
My Inspiration - this bouquet of flowers + the navy dress in the background = the perfect mix of colors for a boy and a girl and the olive walls
Emily's bedding, for now, will be just a pink sheet with a frilly bed skirt. Later on, she will move into a twin bed with a raspberry comforter (already purchased). Kason will have a navy comforter (also, already purchased). Sheets are still up in the air, but I am leaning towards letting them pick their own, as they won't really be seen and doing a solid color sham with a navy/white throw pillow for each.
I plan to make curtains in the same, or a coordinating navy/white fabric as well as a small curtain to cover their hanging clothes in the closet. Since the doors of the closet open up into the room and I want them to have as much space as possible, we will be taking the doors off. So, hanging clothes will be covered at the top, with their dresser and large toys at the bottom.
After coming up with the color theme, I finally decided on a 'theme theme' for the room...Dr. Seuss. More specifically, Oh, the Places You'll Go and I Can Ready with My Eyes Shut. Kason loves Dr. Seuss and these two books will go together nicely. So, now, I am in extreme planning/buying mode to make this room come together. This weekend, we will put Kason's bed together and make a quick trip to IKEA to return some items and pick up a couple more things.
*****
Now, for the new nursery...Kyle really doesn't want to change Kason's bedding out, but I really want our newest addition to have his *own* space. So, I purchased some Route 66 fabric that will go nicely with the blue walls and will be making a quilt. The fabric is my inspiration for the room. I would like to find some old road signs to put up, along with a few framed pics of vintage cars and places along Route 66. I'm still in the very early planning stages, so we will see how it comes together. Since Kyle really doesn't want to change it (mostly doesn't want to spend the extra $$ when we already have nursery stuff), I am going to have to be very thrifty here.
The Route 66 fabric
Stay tuned in the coming weeks to see what comes of all this....
So far, we have a new bed for him. The IKEA Kura bed. It is a low loft bed. For now, we will have the bed on the bottom, but later on, when Emily is ready to move out of her crib, we will flip it and build a small frame on the bottom making it low bunk beds.
The Kura bed (we got the tunnel to go with)
Now, the hard part was coming up with a theme, or even colors, that would work for both. Then, I became inspired. The walls are a beautiful olive green, but I was having a hard time coming up with boy bedding that would fit the room. That is, until I found my inspiration.
My Inspiration - this bouquet of flowers + the navy dress in the background = the perfect mix of colors for a boy and a girl and the olive walls
Emily's bedding, for now, will be just a pink sheet with a frilly bed skirt. Later on, she will move into a twin bed with a raspberry comforter (already purchased). Kason will have a navy comforter (also, already purchased). Sheets are still up in the air, but I am leaning towards letting them pick their own, as they won't really be seen and doing a solid color sham with a navy/white throw pillow for each.
I plan to make curtains in the same, or a coordinating navy/white fabric as well as a small curtain to cover their hanging clothes in the closet. Since the doors of the closet open up into the room and I want them to have as much space as possible, we will be taking the doors off. So, hanging clothes will be covered at the top, with their dresser and large toys at the bottom.
After coming up with the color theme, I finally decided on a 'theme theme' for the room...Dr. Seuss. More specifically, Oh, the Places You'll Go and I Can Ready with My Eyes Shut. Kason loves Dr. Seuss and these two books will go together nicely. So, now, I am in extreme planning/buying mode to make this room come together. This weekend, we will put Kason's bed together and make a quick trip to IKEA to return some items and pick up a couple more things.
*****
Now, for the new nursery...Kyle really doesn't want to change Kason's bedding out, but I really want our newest addition to have his *own* space. So, I purchased some Route 66 fabric that will go nicely with the blue walls and will be making a quilt. The fabric is my inspiration for the room. I would like to find some old road signs to put up, along with a few framed pics of vintage cars and places along Route 66. I'm still in the very early planning stages, so we will see how it comes together. Since Kyle really doesn't want to change it (mostly doesn't want to spend the extra $$ when we already have nursery stuff), I am going to have to be very thrifty here.
The Route 66 fabric
Stay tuned in the coming weeks to see what comes of all this....
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Go back to March 14...
...to see Emily's walking post. I started it a while ago, but just brought the camera up today to load the videos. So, you have to go back to March 14 to check the videos out. Be sure to check out today's other post, too, for pics from our recent trip to PA and MD.
Our trip to PA & MD
We just got home from a nice trip to Pennsylvania and Maryland for Kyle's cousin, Erich's, wedding. It was a bit crazy getting through airport security and dealing with the kiddos during our 3+ hr delay out of Houston on Wednesday, but we managed and made it there and back safely and with a little of our sanity still in tact. They both did great on the plane. We were a little worried that the loud noises and take-off would scare Kason, but after some prep work, he was fully prepared for the noise and loved every minute of flying. On the way there, we were lucky enough to get an open seat for Emily and her carseat. On the way back, though, we weren't quite as lucky. It was hard keeping her contained, but we did have Sean and Tina there to help us out.
Carseats attached to luggage - the kids LOVED riding in these through the airport
Kason jamming out with his headphones on the airplane
While visiting, we had a great time, even if we were a little short on sleep. The first few days, we stayed at Kyle's sister's house in Allentown, PA. The kids loved playing with her animals, especially her cat, Mimi. We spent some time with Kyle's grandma and dad, too. Kason got a big kick out of feeding the fish at the trout nursery with Grandpa.
Kason and Gpa feeding the fish
On Saturday, we made the trip to Maryland for the wedding festivities. Unfortunately, we got stuck in traffic and ended up having to change clothes in the car so we weren't too terribly late for the rehearsal dinner. The actual wedding was on Sunday and the kids had a blast dancing and running around with their cousins. Then, on Monday, we took a little trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Kason absolutely loves the aquarium, so this was very exciting for him. We followed that up with some more family time at Kyle's aunt and uncle's house. For the three days we were in MD, we stayed with Kyle's cousin Brad and his wife, Patricia. Kason and Emily adored them and their Golden Retriever, Addie. Addie was pregnant and had her puppies the day after we left. While we would have loved to have seen the puppies, it was probably best for everyone involved that the kids were far away when these new little guys came around.
Maryland Pics:
Ottinger Siblings (Sean, Kyle, & Samantha)
Emily, with crazy hair, post-nap at the wedding
Emmy & Mommy at the Aquarium
Daddy & the kids at the Aquarium
Checking out the fishies
Kason was (and, still is) dying to go for a ride on these boats in the harbor
In front of submarine outside the aquarium
Baltimore - Barnes & Noble, Power Plant, & Hard Rock Cafe all rolled into 1
The cousins playing soccer
Just being cute
Ottinger Family Pic
Ottinger sibs
April is also a big birthday month in both our families, so after arriving back in Houston, we stopped for a birthday dinner at Red Robin for Allison. Happy Birthday to Jacob, Allison, Sean, Jim, Uncle Kim, and Kolby!!
Kason at Red Robin for Allison's bday dinner
Now, that we are back at home, we are looking forward to a quiet Easter weekend followed by more travels in the coming weeks.
Carseats attached to luggage - the kids LOVED riding in these through the airport
Kason jamming out with his headphones on the airplane
While visiting, we had a great time, even if we were a little short on sleep. The first few days, we stayed at Kyle's sister's house in Allentown, PA. The kids loved playing with her animals, especially her cat, Mimi. We spent some time with Kyle's grandma and dad, too. Kason got a big kick out of feeding the fish at the trout nursery with Grandpa.
Kason and Gpa feeding the fish
On Saturday, we made the trip to Maryland for the wedding festivities. Unfortunately, we got stuck in traffic and ended up having to change clothes in the car so we weren't too terribly late for the rehearsal dinner. The actual wedding was on Sunday and the kids had a blast dancing and running around with their cousins. Then, on Monday, we took a little trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Kason absolutely loves the aquarium, so this was very exciting for him. We followed that up with some more family time at Kyle's aunt and uncle's house. For the three days we were in MD, we stayed with Kyle's cousin Brad and his wife, Patricia. Kason and Emily adored them and their Golden Retriever, Addie. Addie was pregnant and had her puppies the day after we left. While we would have loved to have seen the puppies, it was probably best for everyone involved that the kids were far away when these new little guys came around.
Maryland Pics:
Ottinger Siblings (Sean, Kyle, & Samantha)
Emily, with crazy hair, post-nap at the wedding
Emmy & Mommy at the Aquarium
Daddy & the kids at the Aquarium
Checking out the fishies
Kason was (and, still is) dying to go for a ride on these boats in the harbor
In front of submarine outside the aquarium
Baltimore - Barnes & Noble, Power Plant, & Hard Rock Cafe all rolled into 1
The cousins playing soccer
Just being cute
Ottinger Family Pic
Ottinger sibs
April is also a big birthday month in both our families, so after arriving back in Houston, we stopped for a birthday dinner at Red Robin for Allison. Happy Birthday to Jacob, Allison, Sean, Jim, Uncle Kim, and Kolby!!
Kason at Red Robin for Allison's bday dinner
Now, that we are back at home, we are looking forward to a quiet Easter weekend followed by more travels in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
First Appt at New Office...
...was excellent! Everyone is very nice and super helpful! Since Dr. L is so busy, I met with the NP today for my first appointment. She was wonderful and had lots of good info about what I can expect with Dr. L. She says everyone jokes with her that she is like a midwife with an MD. I feel very at ease with delivering with this practice and am looking forward to meeting Dr. L in 3 weeks at my 28 week appointment and glucose tolerance test.
I did ask about early discharge from the hospital and unfortunately, while Dr. L is all for it as long as labor and delivery went well, the hospital has a 48 hr hold on babies. So, 48 hrs it is. Blah!
I did ask about early discharge from the hospital and unfortunately, while Dr. L is all for it as long as labor and delivery went well, the hospital has a 48 hr hold on babies. So, 48 hrs it is. Blah!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Disappointed...
One day last weekend, I opened up the browser on my phone. Oddly, a google search for 'Pearland Birth Center' (the birth center I was using) popped up. Since I hadn't searched for this in quite some time, I was a little confused, but noticed that there were a couple of new reviews for the birth center. These reviews were from the aunt and the mother of a little boy that died. Needless to say, they were not good reviews.
The night before this, I had a strange dream that I had gotten in an argument with two of the midwives over my diet and left the practice. So, these two things together left me wondering if someone was trying to tell me something. I spent some time stressing over it and decided my best bet was to pray over it and see what God led me to do.
I spent some extra time in church that Sunday praying about what we were being led to do. Later in the week, I found the birth story on a blog that is very biased against birth outside of the hospital. (I have no desire to advertise this blog, but I do want to link the birth story, so here it is http://hurtbyhomebirth.blogspot.com/2011/03/thomas-story.html ). Nevertheless, this story made it clear what we had to do...leave the birth center. Every step along the way were poor decisions made by the midwife at this center and we could not, with good conscience, trust them with our care. I should add here that I have know idea to the truth behind this...but, I do know that it would take a very sick individual to make up a story about the death of their child. Regardless of the truth behind it, we can't unread the story, so we will always have that doubt.
So, back to the hospital it is. I am extremely saddened and disappointed that we will not get the birth experience that I so desperately wanted for this baby. I have been sick over it for the past few days. On a positive note, though, we did find a very natural childbirth friendly OB in town, who was kind enough to take me as a patient even though she is not accepting new patients at this point. We have heard wonderful things about all the doctors in the practice and are excited for our first appointment tomorrow.
**In other news, we had our appt with the high risk OB last week. Baby boy is growing right on track and weighing in at 1lb 7oz. Cervix looks great...loooong and closed! Contractions are here, but very, very infrequent. Nothing of concern.**
(P.S. That Emily walking post is in the editing process, along with some very cute picture posts)
The night before this, I had a strange dream that I had gotten in an argument with two of the midwives over my diet and left the practice. So, these two things together left me wondering if someone was trying to tell me something. I spent some time stressing over it and decided my best bet was to pray over it and see what God led me to do.
I spent some extra time in church that Sunday praying about what we were being led to do. Later in the week, I found the birth story on a blog that is very biased against birth outside of the hospital. (I have no desire to advertise this blog, but I do want to link the birth story, so here it is http://hurtbyhomebirth.blogspot.com/2011/03/thomas-story.html ). Nevertheless, this story made it clear what we had to do...leave the birth center. Every step along the way were poor decisions made by the midwife at this center and we could not, with good conscience, trust them with our care. I should add here that I have know idea to the truth behind this...but, I do know that it would take a very sick individual to make up a story about the death of their child. Regardless of the truth behind it, we can't unread the story, so we will always have that doubt.
So, back to the hospital it is. I am extremely saddened and disappointed that we will not get the birth experience that I so desperately wanted for this baby. I have been sick over it for the past few days. On a positive note, though, we did find a very natural childbirth friendly OB in town, who was kind enough to take me as a patient even though she is not accepting new patients at this point. We have heard wonderful things about all the doctors in the practice and are excited for our first appointment tomorrow.
**In other news, we had our appt with the high risk OB last week. Baby boy is growing right on track and weighing in at 1lb 7oz. Cervix looks great...loooong and closed! Contractions are here, but very, very infrequent. Nothing of concern.**
(P.S. That Emily walking post is in the editing process, along with some very cute picture posts)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband! Can't wait to see what the next 50+ years have in store for us. I love you!
*this is the only wedding picture I have access to at the moment, so I guess it will have to do*
*this is the only wedding picture I have access to at the moment, so I guess it will have to do*
Monday, March 14, 2011
On the Move!
Emily has been taking steps for quite a while. At almost 13 months on the dot (2/21), she walked all the way across the living room. It still took a little encouragement after that, but within a week and a half, she was walking everywhere. Look out, world, here she comes! So, she is now, officially a toddler.
She absolutely loves to get to walk around outside with all the other kids and they (Bella, especially) love it, too! We just have to keep a very close eye on what she gets her hands on. She is teething like crazy (10 and 2 more on the way), so everything goes straight to the mouth.
Kason is also loving her newfound freedom and can't wait for her to be able to play a real game of chase around the kitchen.
Enjoy the videos -
Emily walking across the room for the first time - 13 months
Emily now + Kason tumbling in his underwear and flip flops :P
She absolutely loves to get to walk around outside with all the other kids and they (Bella, especially) love it, too! We just have to keep a very close eye on what she gets her hands on. She is teething like crazy (10 and 2 more on the way), so everything goes straight to the mouth.
Kason is also loving her newfound freedom and can't wait for her to be able to play a real game of chase around the kitchen.
Enjoy the videos -
Emily walking across the room for the first time - 13 months
Emily now + Kason tumbling in his underwear and flip flops :P
Work
I really want to update the blog tonight with videos of Emily walking. Have I mentioned she is walking everywhere now??? Well, she is...but, I unfortunately, am ridiculously tired and have just begun working again. It is that time of year, you know. State testing time. So, I will be spending most of my free hours for the next few months scoring state tests (at home). I'm sure I will find a few minutes in between, though, to update the blog.
That Emily walking post is first and foremost on my list...coming soon (maybe tomorrow).
That Emily walking post is first and foremost on my list...coming soon (maybe tomorrow).
Monday, February 28, 2011
Made the Switch
Since my last failed epidural with Emily, I have been thinking about what I would do for any subsequent births. I knew I wanted to go the natural route and just assumed I would continue with my doctor (or, another doctor in the area). The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that natural childbirth in a hospital setting is not what I want. I don't want to have to fight to be comfortable (i.e., not having an IV, being able to use the shower/tub, not having continuous monitoring, etc). Even if my doctor is totally supportive of my choices, there is no guarantee I will have my doctor at delivery and I would be dealing mostly with the nurses, which can be hit or miss. I would also like to skip the 48 hr hospital stay my doctor requires after delivery, as long as baby and I are both healthy.
So, after a lot of research and discussion between Kyle and I, we decided to make the switch to a birth center run by three CNMs (certified nurse midwives). I met several of the office staff and one of the midwives last week and am very excited about continuing my care with them. Some friends of ours that we met through Kyle's work delivered their first son 2+ years ago at the birth center and had a great experience. They are now planning a home birth for their baby due in April with the same midwives. Their positive experiences really help to alleviate any fears we might have.
The birth center has 3 exam rooms and 2 delivery rooms, each equipped with a tub to labor/deliver in. The delivery rooms have full/queen size beds, instead of the standard hospital bed. They also have the ability to perform NSTs, ultrasounds, and routine testing (such as the glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks). They even have a movie room to sit in for the hour between drinking the sugar drink and having the blood work done. There is also a kitchen to be used for delivery, as they allow and encourage you to eat/drink during labor.
We also found out that they will be able to monitor me if/when I need it for preterm labor and they have the capability in their office to give me IV fluids and terbutaline, if necessary, to stop any contractions that come my way. The birth center is very close to a hospital if a transfer is needed any point before, during, or after labor. If necessary, they also refer patients to the same high risk group I am already seeing, so I have the option to continue my care with them, as well. Another big plus is that the average stay after delivery at the birth center is 3 hours, assuming all went well with labor/delivery and mom and baby are doing well.
My first appointment with the birth center is tomorrow and I'm excited to get to meet another one of the midwives and for Kyle to see the birth center for the first time. It is fairly small and in a strip center type location, but they are in the process of building a new facility set to be completed in July. So, who knows, I *might* get to be one of the first to deliver in the new facility.
So, after a lot of research and discussion between Kyle and I, we decided to make the switch to a birth center run by three CNMs (certified nurse midwives). I met several of the office staff and one of the midwives last week and am very excited about continuing my care with them. Some friends of ours that we met through Kyle's work delivered their first son 2+ years ago at the birth center and had a great experience. They are now planning a home birth for their baby due in April with the same midwives. Their positive experiences really help to alleviate any fears we might have.
The birth center has 3 exam rooms and 2 delivery rooms, each equipped with a tub to labor/deliver in. The delivery rooms have full/queen size beds, instead of the standard hospital bed. They also have the ability to perform NSTs, ultrasounds, and routine testing (such as the glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks). They even have a movie room to sit in for the hour between drinking the sugar drink and having the blood work done. There is also a kitchen to be used for delivery, as they allow and encourage you to eat/drink during labor.
We also found out that they will be able to monitor me if/when I need it for preterm labor and they have the capability in their office to give me IV fluids and terbutaline, if necessary, to stop any contractions that come my way. The birth center is very close to a hospital if a transfer is needed any point before, during, or after labor. If necessary, they also refer patients to the same high risk group I am already seeing, so I have the option to continue my care with them, as well. Another big plus is that the average stay after delivery at the birth center is 3 hours, assuming all went well with labor/delivery and mom and baby are doing well.
My first appointment with the birth center is tomorrow and I'm excited to get to meet another one of the midwives and for Kyle to see the birth center for the first time. It is fairly small and in a strip center type location, but they are in the process of building a new facility set to be completed in July. So, who knows, I *might* get to be one of the first to deliver in the new facility.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Early Ultrasound was Wrong
As you may or may not recall, our perinatologist made a guess at the sex of this little one during our NT scan a few weeks ago. She guessed girl. We found out today, though, that she was wrong. Our second little boy is on his way in July and we couldn't be more thrilled. Kyle is especially happy, as this means he will not have to paint. :P
Our NT scan and accompanying bloodwork came back great and today, at our anatomy scan, our little guy looked healthy with a heartbeat of 152 bpm. Dr. G decided to check my cervix to make sure it was long and closed (it was) and we found out that I will be considered high-risk for the remainder of this pregnancy due to the preterm labor scare with Emily.
We discussed how difficult it was for me to know when/if I needed to go to the hospital with Emily as I often had mild contractions 5 minutes apart or less. I ignored the advice of my regular OB, Dr. T, because I would have been in the hospital daily for these contractions. So,to avoid that this time, starting at 24 weeks (6 weeks from now), I will see Dr. G for cervical length checks once a month and possibly biweekly fetal fibronectin tests (fFN) until 32 weeks. If my cervix stays strong and the fFN tests come back negative, I can monitor my contractions at home unless they get strong and/or are accompanied by bleeding.
Our NT scan and accompanying bloodwork came back great and today, at our anatomy scan, our little guy looked healthy with a heartbeat of 152 bpm. Dr. G decided to check my cervix to make sure it was long and closed (it was) and we found out that I will be considered high-risk for the remainder of this pregnancy due to the preterm labor scare with Emily.
We discussed how difficult it was for me to know when/if I needed to go to the hospital with Emily as I often had mild contractions 5 minutes apart or less. I ignored the advice of my regular OB, Dr. T, because I would have been in the hospital daily for these contractions. So,to avoid that this time, starting at 24 weeks (6 weeks from now), I will see Dr. G for cervical length checks once a month and possibly biweekly fetal fibronectin tests (fFN) until 32 weeks. If my cervix stays strong and the fFN tests come back negative, I can monitor my contractions at home unless they get strong and/or are accompanied by bleeding.
Assortment of DIY Pro Pics
These are my DIY *pro* pics (obviously, not really pro). Since I got my DSLR, we are determined to make it a good investment and not paying for pro pics anymore unless it is a really, REALLY special occasion. So, here are some I have done recently, including some of Emily's 1 yr pics.
*Kason's 2 yr pics*
Emily, 7 months
Emily (7 months), Kason (25 mos)
Kason (26 mos)
*Emily's 1 year pics*
*Kason's 2 yr pics*
Emily, 7 months
Emily (7 months), Kason (25 mos)
Kason (26 mos)
*Emily's 1 year pics*
Emily's Birthday Post
As you know, our little girl turned 1 a few weeks ago. The last year with her has been more wonderful than we could have possibly imagined. It has been so exciting to watch her and Kason interact with each other and to see how much they love each other. Seeing the love that they share makes welcoming #3 a little earlier than expected a little less scary.
Her personality is so much different than Kason's was at this age. It is so fun to watch and see the differences between the two. Emily is not exactly shy, but also not especially outgoing. She loves to smile at everyone, though (then, quickly bury her face into momma's shoulder). It is true what they say: sugar and spice and everything nice. She is such a sweetheart and a cuddler.
While not officially a toddler, she is getting so close. The past few days, she has gotten so much braver with taking steps and can string 3, 4, even 5 together. She is so proud of herself and loves to be cheered for. Kason loves it, too and is enjoying helping his little sister learn to walk.
She is trying to say lots of things now and has quite a few words. A few that I can think of are: mama, dada, Kason (comes out Kay), hi, bye, baby, banana, Kason, all done, more (mo as she signs 'eat')... We haven't worked with her a lot on signing, but she has had the important ones down for months (more, all done, eat).
She loves to be ticked, bouncing on our knees, her baby doll and My Pal Violet, playing peek-a-boo, swinging, singing (Itsy Bitsy Spider is her fav!), and stealing Kason's toys. :P She doesn't have quite the love for books that Kason did at her age, but she is starting to. Her favorites right now are Let's Dance Little Pookie and Look Who's Talking on the Farm.
She has 6 teeth now (4 on top, 2 on bottom) and loves to use them to eat! Now that she is on table food and whole milk, she is beginning to put on some pounds more consistently. Still tiny, though...weighing 19lb 6.5 oz (19%) at her 12 month appointment. She was 29 in (49%), though, so long and lean. We are, unfortunately, still battling her reflux and she is still taking meds twice a day for that. We are hoping to take her off of it by 15 months, but as of this point, even lowering her dose causes her to wake up in pain. So, I don't know if that will be realistic or not.
We are so excited to see what the next few months will bring and looking forward to warmer weather and lots of outings this spring.
Our dear, sweet Emmy--Mommy, Daddy, and Kason love you right up to the moon...and back!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Long Overdue Christmas Post
Christmas celebrations started for us with Kason's program (breakfast and music class) at his school. It was fun to watch him interacting with the other kids. He loves school and tells us all the time about his friends, so it was great to get to be a part of it for a couple of hours. We started with breakfast and then went to their music and exercise class where they had been working on some Christmas songs. Kason got really upset on his way across the hall to the class because he thought we left and weren't going to watch him. He cheered up when he realized we were still there, but still refused to participate in the exercises. The music got him going again, though. They sang and danced to, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Jingle Bells", along with their regular music class songs.
Singing and dancing
Daddy & Emmy at Kason's school
The weekend before Christmas, we took the kids to San Antonio to see Grandma since we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas there. It was not really a Christmas trip, but we did get to take part in some fun activities - church play, Christmas lights, playing in the leaves, and Santa on the firetruck!
Santa
Christmas was lots of fun this year with Kason and Emily both enjoying the festivities (mostly Kason, though). Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent here at home with our little family of 4. We enjoyed church service, baking, and pizza on Christmas Eve, along with late hours in Santa's workshop finishing up the kids' play kitchen. Santa was very good to them this year with a new wagon and play kitchen.
New Years' weekend, we traveled to Fort Worth to celebrate a late Christmas with my family. Unfortunately, I think we forgot our camera this weekend, as I cannot locate any pictures. As usual, though, Kason had a BLAST playing with his cousins and opening presents again! Emily got sick pretty much the moment we got there, so we ended up cutting our visit short by a day so we could get home and get some much needed rest in our own beds.
We celebrated Christmas with Kyle's family the week of Emily's birthday, so that post will be coming tomorrow.
Singing and dancing
Daddy & Emmy at Kason's school
The weekend before Christmas, we took the kids to San Antonio to see Grandma since we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas there. It was not really a Christmas trip, but we did get to take part in some fun activities - church play, Christmas lights, playing in the leaves, and Santa on the firetruck!
Santa
Christmas was lots of fun this year with Kason and Emily both enjoying the festivities (mostly Kason, though). Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent here at home with our little family of 4. We enjoyed church service, baking, and pizza on Christmas Eve, along with late hours in Santa's workshop finishing up the kids' play kitchen. Santa was very good to them this year with a new wagon and play kitchen.
New Years' weekend, we traveled to Fort Worth to celebrate a late Christmas with my family. Unfortunately, I think we forgot our camera this weekend, as I cannot locate any pictures. As usual, though, Kason had a BLAST playing with his cousins and opening presents again! Emily got sick pretty much the moment we got there, so we ended up cutting our visit short by a day so we could get home and get some much needed rest in our own beds.
We celebrated Christmas with Kyle's family the week of Emily's birthday, so that post will be coming tomorrow.
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