Heaven gained a beautiful soul

My beautiful Aunt Kathy went to heaven today, December 30.  She reached her goal to see her son marry his new bride.  She was a true inspiration to many and shared her journey of pancreatic cancer with friends, family, and many that she had not met.  She fought a tough battle and keep an upbeat attitude and strong faith over the past year.

I had many conversations with her over the last year.  From when she called to share the news to silly texts about her squirrel friend.  She always asked how I was doing and my mom.  When I shared the news we were expecting again she was so excited and would always ask how I felt when we talked.  She even joked once that she was glad she was not pregnant and throwing up.

She also was always sending us little gifts in the mail.  Brendan received a book, Lila got some official Ohio buckeyes, and  Jason and I an OSU/UM flag.  Sometimes it was a card just letting us know she was thinking of us.

She touched so many lives in the last year and now she can rejoice in Heaven cancer and pain free.

You will be missed Aunt Kathy. We all love you so much.

From the comfort of my couch...

I stayed warm while Jason played in the snow with the kids. I even asked them to play in the front yard so I could take pictures from the couch. What would playing in the snow and cold be if you didn't have hot chocolate after. Though Lila just took a sip and then ate the marshmallows.

A winter wonderland

The snow has given me something new to look at from my windows. Today it has been a softly falling snow. A nice change from the storm we had on Wednesday.

A little easier

We finally entered the technology age. My husband surprised me with an IPad for Christmas. I can now check email from my couch which is good for my bed rest. I was most surprised since he does not like to spend money:). I am still trying to figure it out. So far I got onto Facebook and downloaded some apps. Plus this blog post.

The kids had tons of fun opening presents. Each toy was Lila's favorite and Brendan kept hoping Santa was bringing him a nerf gun...except he never asked Santa for one! Luckily his uncles came through and he got two different kinds.

Lila got to the dentist today and we were referred to a pediatric dentist. She did amazing for her first visit. We will find out more in two weeks.

Brendan is being a nice big brother. Not knocking her down anymore.

Next doctor visit in the morning. 31 weeks which means I made it a week further than Brendan.

Look I even posted a few pictures I took with the IPad. The top two are from Christmas day and the last is from the snowstorm we had Wednesday. Glad I just had to watch it from the couch.

Just a little sibling love

So we thought we would have a low-key Christmas.  We don't travel anymore around the holidays because our out of town parties happen earlier in the month and this year I wasn't allowed to travel anyway.  Well our fun low-key party turned into a trip to the ER...

Brendan lovingly knocked his sister down while she was bothering him and her front tooth was knocked back.  Lots of blood, tears, several phone calls, and an ER trip later she is allowed to eat soft food until we get her into the dentist later this week.  It is good to have a good friend who is a dental hygienist and a best friend whose mother is a dental hygienist.  Apparently nothing can be done until the trauma to the tooth calms down and she'll have an x-ray to determine the extent of the damage done.  They may be able to save her tooth by pushing it forward or a baby root canal to not lose the tooth.  Hopefully she won't have a toothless smile for the next 4-5 years when that adult tooth would finally come in.

She's getting lots of attention and ice cream.  So basically milking this for all it is worth.

Oh sibling love...I can't wait until we throw a third one in the mix!

Merry Christmas Eve!  Hopefully no trips to the ER are in your future (unless you get called for transplant Mom...we'll make that trip for sure!)

Life

Life is not very exciting and busy when you spend the days resting on your couch.  Lila and I have to come up with ideas on how to stay busy while I'm moving around as little as possible.  We've played games, had tea parties, watched shows, colored, and played doctor's office.  This is her personal favorite.

I'm really only allowed to leave my house to go to my doctor appointments each week.  I did get special clearance to attend a family Christmas party over the weekend.  Plus I got two surprise outings in the last couple days.  First my mom was having some pain issues and was in the hospital for a few hours Sunday night so we had an impromptu girls night.  Oh how we can have fun anywhere, right mom:)  We even had a fun wheelchair parade to end the evening.  Then yesterday I had to pick Brendan up at school because he wasn't feeling well.  He's better now and back at school.

I've spent a lot of time over the last couple weeks thinking and praying for my aunt and family.  She's nearing the end of her journey with cancer.  Such a horrible disease.  I'm so thankful she is spending her days with my uncle and cousins.  She is so blessed to have such a wonderful support system.  They are taking the best care of her right now.

I'll be 30 weeks tomorrow.  My doctor was very excited at my appointment last week that I have not had any changes.  She said she'll be happy in a couple weeks and then by 34 weeks we'll be laughing about this.  I hope so! 

 Countdown to Christmas craft

 Pretty Pretty Princess

 Matching game

 Dr. Lila giving the baby band-aids.  He/she had a boo-boo.

 28 weeks in the hospital.  I was lucky and had bathroom privileges!

 My cuddle partner.

 Annual Gingerbread house decorating with family.

Brendan's finished house!

The icing on the cake...

So after my post on Tuesday about crazy little Lila, I had my doctor's appointment on Thursday.  This resulted in my doctor finding out I'm 1 cm dilated and I got to spend a fun-filled and all-inclusive stay at my hospital.

The good news...

• I'm not contracting.
• Baby is fabulous.
• My 2nd fetal fibronectin test came back negative which means I have less than a 20% chance of going into labor in the next two weeks.
• I received two doses of steroids for the baby's lungs in case I go into labor in the next several weeks.  This way they do not have to worry about rushing/stopping labor to get me these shots.
• I'm also on a medication that is supposed to calm your uterus from contracting.  This is also precautionary since I am not contracting and will likely just be taking this until Thursday.
• My doctors are on top of this and I trust them completely.  I'm glad they are so cautious.
• We've had lots of help and are so thankful for our family.

The not so fun news...

• I'm not really allowed to leave my house unless it is to go to the doctor.
• My poor husband has so much more to do now with everything around the house and working.
• He's also terrified I will go into labor.  I'm trying to reassure him:)
• I'm worried about being put back into the hospital if they notice more changes.  I'm only 28 weeks and there is a long time to go still.
• We were blessed with a miracle preemie before and now we know the reality of having a preemie and I cannot imagine going through it again. 

My mom did put things into perspective while I was in the hospital.  At least I didn't have to share my food with Lila:)

I believe Lila will be the reason...

if I go into labor early.  This kid has a personality that is 2 going on 15.  She's bossy, demanding, naughty, dramatic, and just plain crazy sometimes.

She has even begun to "boss" Brendan around if he is disobeying us.  Just the other day she said this to him,

"Brendan if you grumpy just go to your room."

Hilarious.  Yes.  Acceptable behavior.  No.

Friday evening she was "supposed" to be sitting on her bed in time out for jumping on the couches and not stopping when asked.  Brendan and I were in the living room wrapping our pictures in decorative Christmas paper to spruce up our walls.  The next thing we hear is a big thud and Lila crying.  I called to her what happened and she responds with,

"I don't know." (her favorite phrase)

So Brendan and I go investigate and find naughty Ms.Lila with her baby stroller pushed up to her dresser and her snow globe shattered on the floor.  A big puddle of water, glitter, and glass.  Awesome.

Today I was talking to my mom on the phone and Lila threw my rice heating pad across the living room and knocked our lamp right off the end table.  The lamp broke but it still works.

One day I will laugh about her antics.  Just not right now.  You can laugh mom...I know you always do and you'll remind me later how I acted the same way.

Her "Don't I look innocent posing with Connor and a "candy corn" (what she calls candy canes)"

**edited to add**
Not 30 minutes after I wrote this while we were in the car at the bus stop, Lila unhooked her car seat belt and the seat belt that holds her car seat into the car.  Luckily we were not driving.

And I've reached that point...

I was so hopeful this pregnancy when my doctor told me he'd be more lenient since my pregnancy with Lila went so beautifully.

I was so hopeful when he seemed so relaxed and calm this time around.

I was so hopeful to make it to 28 weeks before we even started discussing bed rest.

Well Baby Thrice has its own plans.  This started about 22 weeks when I had contractions one evening for about 45 minutes.  This lead to a couple of painful cervical checks (note: do not see that doctor again!), an observation at the hospital, and my first taste of bed rest this time around.

Things started looking up again when everything was fine, my cervix is fine, my ultrasound was fine, my doctor was again was like, "You can do some housework if you want." (ummm....what an incentive), and I got to be as "normal" as they will let me.

Then my 26 week appointment came and my other doctor was so proud of how great things were looking, my cervix was beautiful, I was following directions of resting, and let's do this fetal fibroncectin test just to have the icing on the cake with a negative.

Well it turned out positive which basically means absolutely nothing expect it isn't the 99.9% negative you won't go into labor in the next two weeks.

This resulted in my doctor telling me to take it easy until my 27 week appointment to get my shot and see my doctor.

27 weeks comes and my doctor tells me I'm one contraction away from going to the hospital to be on bed rest.  He tells me to cut my activity level to about zero during the day (fun with a 2 year old at home) and basically just stay at home unless I'm coming to the doctor.  He says he knows it is hard but it is better than him putting me in the hospital for the next few weeks.  He then conversationally asked how many kids Jason and I wanted to have.  Like this is really enticing to want to have another...

Baby Thrice is doing wonderful.  He/she bounces around all the time and is my nightly entertainment.  My husband is taking the best care of me and yells if I stand up for too long.  I told him I am allowed to go to the bathroom and get something to eat.  Luckily Lila is an easy child during the day.  She likes to do a lot of sit down activities and likes to play doctor so mommy feels better.  It is also great having an almost 7 year old because he can do a lot of things for me as well.

Please just say a quick prayer for us that this baby does NOT decide to arrive early in big brother Brendan fashion and that I stay out of the hospital because at least when I'm at home I can still take care of Lila and getting Brendan from the school bus each day.

(Oh and Heidi this is for you...I gained 3lbs at my last appointment from the week before!!!  They told me I'd start packing the pounds on now.  Fun!)

Favorite Christmas Ornament

Our Christmas tree wouldn't be the same without this "naked angel baby" ornament, front and center.  I don't know how old this ornament even is (mom any idea?)...

It just reminds me every year, decorating the tree, and we would laugh about this naked angel baby.  I always had to put it in the front of the tree as well.  Since my mom gifted it to me once we all moved out and she made her tree "pretty only" ornaments, I've kept the tradition on my own tree.

Just the other night as I sat on the couch unwrapping each ornament and the kids were "ohhh-ing and ahhh-ing" over each one,

"Wow Dora!!!"  or "Awesome Tigers!" and "I want to put that one on the tree!"

all the same emotions I get each and every year, remembering how long we've had an ornament, the one we got on our honeymoon to Mackinaw, or the kids "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornaments.  They all have so many memories and stories.  I got to watch all the magical Christmas moments through their eyes.  How a sparkly ornament truly seems to glow in the Christmas lights or how even the old and falling apart Snow White made Lila's eyes widen in excitement.

When we got to my ornament though, it was my job to put it on the tree.  I laughed how the kids thought this little naked angel baby was so amazing.  They both wanted to put it on the tree.  Brendan even commented,

"Mommy you've been putting it on the tree forever.  I want a turn to put the naked baby on the tree."

Maybe next year Brendan.  This is still my most special ornament.

What is your favorite Christmas decoration or ornament?

26 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

How big is baby: He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

Weight gain/loss: 0 lb from last week (weighed at doctor for total of 14lbs)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep:  Falling asleep on the couch again.  I just feel too tired in the evening to walk down the hallway to go to bed.

Diet/cravings/aversions: Not really any this week

Symptoms: Heartburn, nausea, hot flashes, migraine, throwing up

Exercise: Put back on rest for the next week and still wouldn't be allowed to exercise anyways

Gender: Still a surprise!  I still feel it is a boy and Lila has called the baby her brother.

Movement:  Kicks, rolls, swimming...not sure what this baby is up to in there!

The belly: Last week I tried on a pair of non-maternity pants so this week I tried my jeggings...Should have stopped while I was ahead. I'll just stick with the maternity pants!

Worries:  I had another great appointment and my doctor was really pleased except my fetal fibronectin test turned out positive and you really want a negative.  She did tell me a positive is not as strong as getting a negative.

They give you this test to check for a protein that is evident when you go into labor.  A negative means you will not deliver or go into labor in the next two weeks.  A positive means you could but they don't put a lot of faith into a positive reading.

She told me to rest this week and we'd check things out again on Thursday when I go in for my shot.

What I'm loving: Baby kicks, a helpful husband, lots of family time, snuggling on the couch with Lila

Being Thankful...Days 19-25

I should have been keeping a running list of each day!  My pregnancy brain is working overdrive trying to remember what happened earlier this week:)

Day 19:  Thankful for a lazy day at home relaxing!

Day 20:  Thankful Jason took Brendan to religious education class and did the grocery shopping so Lila and I could stay home and snuggle on the couch.

Day 21:  Thankful for a neighborhood friend being able to watch my kids in a pinch so I could go to my doctor's appointment alone!  Two kids at the ob-gyn while I'm getting a cervical check and a fetal fibronectin test sounds like torture.

Day 22:  Spending a fun day at my mom's with lots of laughter!  Our sense of humor is twisted but it is us and I love it.

Day 23:  Thankful that Jason had most of the day off and a fun night with our friends for game night.

Day 24:  Thankful for an Ohio State win!

Day 25:  Thankful to spend the day with my in-laws.  My mother in law cooked a Thanksgiving feast, we ate chocolate chip cookies for lunch, and the kids were entertained for 5 straight hours. 

25 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

Lila wanted to read to the baby.

How big is baby: According to my Baby Center email this week, Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes.

Weight gain/loss: +1.5 lb from last week (weighed at doctor for total of 14lbs)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: I really need to invest in a body pillow but do not want to spend $20+ on one.  Thankfully once I fall asleep I stay asleep.  I need to remember to not nap on the couch at 10pm!

Diet/cravings/aversions: Not really any this week

Symptoms: Heartburn/acid...yuck.  Tums were my new best friend

Exercise: Nope but we did walk a bit at the nature center this weekend and I could tell I overdid once we got home.  I need to remember when the doctor gives me the green light to be a little more active not to take that to mean I can do anything I want.

Gender: Still a surprise!  I still feel it is a boy and Lila has called the baby her brother.

Movement:  Lots of kicks and hiccups

The belly:  My sister took one look at me and goes "Wow you look really pregnant today!"  For fun I put on a pair of my non-maternity jeans and was happy to see that I could wear them you know if I didn't zip or try to button them.

Worries: Feeling better and better each week.  I have my doctors checking me all the time and my weekly bum shots so little Thrice can stay put.

What I'm loving: Feeling baby kicks, being halfway done with my shots, getting some good news about my maternity coverage

24 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

How big is baby: According to my Baby Center email this week, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. 

Weight gain/loss: +1 lb from last week (weighed at doctor for total of 12.5lbs)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: No sleeping complaints again

Diet/cravings/aversions: Pierogies...I've already eaten 1 of the 2 boxes we bought

Symptoms: Hot flashes again

Exercise: Nope

Gender: Still a surprise!  Lila goes back and forth now between the baby being a brother or a sister

Movement:  Lots of kicks and hiccups

The belly:  Moving higher and out

Worries:  After my appointment last week my worries have lessened! He told me I can be a little more active during the day and wants me to rest with my feet up at least 1-2 hours each afternoon.  Still no exercise allowed but I am allowed to go to the store and not buy more than one bag per arm.  Exciting stuff I tell you!

What I'm loving: Lifted restrictions for a few weeks:)  Baby Thrice has now reached viability! 

A young birder's dream come true (Lots of pictures!)

It is no secret that my little 6 year old LOVES birds.  He keeps a running list (up to 76) and is often looking towards the sky for a feathered friend to fly over.  He's so active and at full speed all the time and birding always him a chance to slow down and be patient.

We had been told about the birds eating out of your hands before while on a nature walk, crouched down on the gravel path, peering into the brush, by a nice couple.  They told us to go out to Kensington and they will eat right out of your hands.

Then this article/blog (scroll to November 9th) was in the paper 2 Sundays ago and I knew we had to make a trip out to this park.

We made plans to go on a Saturday so the four of us could go together (plus a few friends) and we talked all week about the chickadees that would sit in our hands.  We were blessed with a beautiful and sunny crisp November day and made our way to the park about 30 minutes from our home.

From the minute we stepped foot into the nature center the kids were high energy excited!  I stopped in the library to ask what the best trail was to feed the birds and he told me any path around the nature center and when you start to see the birds in the trees to stop and put your hand out.

We told our active children (who went screaming down the trail) that we had to be quiet, look, and listen for the chickadees.  Sure enough after about 2 minutes we heard one off in the distance and stopped to wait.  We told them to stand like a statue.

Then within another minute the boys had a tufted titmouse snacking out of their hands.  Which I missed because I had to adjust my camera settings.  Those birds are quick!

I had fun taking pictures of everyone else and watching the excitement on their faces.  They urged me to try because I was a little leery.  Call me chicken.  I'm terrified of my brother's nasty bird that likes to fly at you and bite.  How I could ever compare a cute little chickadee to my brother's bird is beyond me.  I wanted to scoop it up and bring this little guy home with me.  They are such sweet little birds and weigh next to nothing.

We spent a few minutes in this spot and then moved along the trail to follow the birds.  We came across a few other families trying to attract the birds as well.  I gave my sunflower seeds to a little boy who was standing next to me because the little chickadee kept landing in my hand to snack and even think about what seed to pick.

Jason found a hot spot where the birds were literally flying right at us and fighting for a prime feeding spot.  He had 4 birds on his hand at one point and I of course did not get a picture because I was feeding my own little friend (see above again).

I've never seen Brendan act so quiet or be so still as he was on this nature trail.  He could have stood in one spot all day long and feed these birds.  Lila on the other hand was not so fond of the birds flying around her.  At one point she stood and shouted at a little chickadee at her feet to "Go Away!"  Poor bird.  With a little coaxing and help from me...

It was truly a magical experience for the kids and adults.  It never got old or boring and each time a little bird landed in your hand it was the same excitement as before.  We got an extra special treat this afternoon when two other birds came and found us for a treat. 

 Two sandhill cranes (maybe wanting a snack before they begin their journey south for the winter) pecking along and eating our seeds dropped on the ground.  Jason was the brave one who first approached these two birds and they were eager for a snack.  Soon the boys joined in on the fun.  Lila wanted to pet them because she thought they looked so soft. 

Here is a little size comparison for those who do not know how tall these birds are...

The boys standing next to one (and notice it is down off the trail a bit) and its impressive wing span...

Is this crane showing off for us or what?!?  We found out later while we visited the farm at Kensington that these cranes like to be friendly and snack from the visitors on the trail.  We also found out (when a group of loud 7 year old girls came screaming down the path) that they will send you a warning call and start "clacking" at you.  We stepped away from them at this point.  Clacking birds and screaming girls...not a good mix.

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from this day...

Brendan is already planning our next trip back and wants to train our backyard birds to eat out of our hands:)  That should be fun since sometimes they fly right at your head while putting out the birdseed...

Being Thankful...Days 14-18

In continuing my month long thankfulness...

Day 14:  Getting out for a fun 31 party and having lots of laughs.  I am truly thankful for all the women who host a party for me and especially a hostess who is a repeat customer.

Day 15:  My friend's mom watching Lila so I could go get my progesterone injection.  It is so much easier to go alone and I've had so much help being able to go to the doctor alone:)  It is hard when you have to go weekly.

Day 16:  Having some much needed laughter with my mom.  There are always situations that make you want to pull your hair out.  I'm so thankful that I have my mom to listen to me complain:)

Day 17:  The most fun afternoon at our local metropark.  We went on a nature walk and feed birds right out of our hands.  It was thrilling and amazing.

I will eventually have a whole post dedicated to this activity.  I think it was one of my most favorite things we have done as a family.

Day 18:  Spending the day with my family.

Random...

I have about 10 minutes before I have to get Lila up from her "nap" and get us ready to get Brendan from the bus stop.  Every Thursday they get out early.  It messes up our day.

I say "nap" because the first hour she was in her room I could hear her talking.  She talked to herself for an hour straight which most likely means she fell asleep at 2 and will be in her most lovely mood when I have to get her up in a few.  Awesome.

My pregnancy hormones are all out of whack today.  I keep feeling an overwhelming sense of dread about having a third child and managing life or I just burst into tears thinking about life's "what ifs".  I'm okay mom...I promise:)  No need to call me in a panic!!!

I had a fantastic talk with my sister this morning.  She told me I have to stop worrying about worrying about everyone else (I'm sure that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever...it does to me though).  Sometimes you just need a little sisterly kick in the rear.

I realized today after I got my shot I'm halfway done!  10 down and 10 to go!  Woo-hoo!

Every time I leave the house my husband starts cleaning like a maniac.  He cleaned our overly full storage area out last night.  You can now walk into this part of the basement without tripping over something.  It is awesome.

We also realized last night that we need to purchase a new infant carseat since the one we have expired in December 2011.  This is precisely why people have children close together. 

Ok.  My ten minutes are up.  Now to wake the sleeping one...

Being Thankful...Days 5-13

So I kinda slacked on my being thankful everyday...

Here are some things I've been thankful for recently:

*November 5th:  A fun and successful 31 party at my mom's!  Love getting out and talking to adults since most of my conversations are about Dora, Minnie Mouse, or going potty.

*November 6th: Great ultrasound!!!!

*November 7th: My husband worked late so the kids and I had a picnic dinner and then snuggled watching shows.

*November 8th: Lila was sick again (ear infection) and was thankful we could get in and out of the doctor quickly and get her antibiotic so she could start feeling better.

*November 9th: My doctor lifted some of my bed rest restrictions and I'm now allowed to be slightly more active during the day for about 4 more weeks!

*November 10th: My mother in law taking both kids 2.5 hours north to visit her parents for the weekend.  They were so excited for a sleepover at great grandma and grandpa's.

*November 11th:  Jason and I going out for a leisurely breakfast at 10:30am.  He asked why we don't go out for breakfast more often.  I said because we usually have two kids with us and it is not so leisurely.

*November 12th: Brendan's school conference.  We are so thankful he enjoys school and has been blessed with such a wonderful teacher. (Thanks Mom for watching the kids for us!)

*November 13th: Getting out with a friend this morning for a trip to the library.

23 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

How big is baby: According to my Baby Center email this week, Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes.

Weight gain/loss: +1.5 lb from last week (weighed at doctor for total of 11.5lbs)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Sleep was much better this week!  No complaints.

Diet/cravings/aversions: Halloween candy.  Enough said!

Symptoms: The cramping pain has since subsided.  Still feel queasy/throw up.  Yuck.

Exercise: No.  Not allowed.  So I just sit and eat halloween candy...

Gender: Still a surprise!  I even had a chance to find out at my ultrasound and didn't.  Go me!

Movement:  Lots of kicks and hiccups for the first time!

The belly:  Moving higher and out

Worries:  No real worries this week.  My doctor's are on top of things and with all the checks and shots I know this baby has a good chance of making it to full-term.

What I'm loving: Seeing baby #3 again.  He/she put hand up like it was waving to me.  So sweet!

So What! Wednesday

• I am so glad all the politics stuff is over and the commercials are done!  It would be wonderful if these politicians could just learn to work together.
• My pregnancy brain is taking over my life and I cannot remember anything.
• Lila is watching Dora while I type this
• I wore the same cami two days in a row...gross
• I'm excited my husband works late tonight so I don't have to think about making dinner
• I thought I was having hot flashes this morning but I realized someone bumped the thermostat and it was set at 72.  In our small house it felt like a thousand degrees.
• I trained Lila to yell at the squirrel when it jumps into our bird feeder.  We want to feed the birds not my nemesis the big fat squirrel.
• I'm still "technically" on bed rest and I have 3 Thirty-One parties this week.  I'm being safe and have had no contractions in at least 10 days.  Plus after my ultrasound yesterday I know my doctor will lift my restrictions.  I just don't see him until Friday and I'm making my husband carry my stuff for me:)

Things the ultrasound tech shouldn't say...

I went in for an early ultrasound (7:30am) as a precaution by my doctor.  They wanted to get an accurate length of my cervix (how many times can I use that word on my blog???) because I guess the 4 other checks just weren't enough. 

So first the tech takes a peek at baby bouncing and kicking and prints off some new pictures for  me.  We ohh and ahh over him/her and then I'm instructed to empty my bladder for the most fun part of the ultrasound.  The vaginal scan.  She has another tech in with her and she's asking questions.  I'm being to wonder if she's done this before...

It kind of tipped me off as I'm lying there and she tells me,

"Ok are you ready?  Did I get the right spot?  I don't want to hurt you."

Wait what???

Things got a little uncomfortable for a moment until I burst out laughing.  Thankfully they got a look at what they were supposed to and I did not get any unwanted ultrasounds!

Day 4: Being Thankful

I am most thankful today that our kids have always been great sleepers.  Daylight Savings Time has never affected them and we (Lila and I) got up at 8am (9am).  Brendan I have no idea what time he got up.  It was before us but he just played Wii quietly until we got up.

I am thankful for the saline nose spray my mom gave me.  It has helped tremendously since I cannot take any sinus medicine.

I am thankful for the nice conversation I had with my aunt last night.  It was nice to hear her in good spirits.

Day 3: Being Thankful

Since it is November 3rd and yesterday I had so much to be thankful for I thought of those as days 1 and 2:)

Today I am thankful for a good night's rest.  I wasn't feeling to great last night and glad that I slept like a baby and woke up feeling much better this morning.

Today I am thankful that Brendan and my mom got to have a sleepover last night.  He is such a great little helper when he is there and I know she loves the company.  Especially since he got McDonald's and got to stay up late!

Today I am thankful for finally getting my haircut!  It felt nice to get out of the house for a bit and not because I was going to my doctor's office.

22 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

I think my bump has moved up.  I am carrying fairly high like I did with my son and it was literally overnight that this happened.  One day a certain pair of pants was uncomfortable because my belly was so low and then the next day I could wear them.  Strange!


How big is baby: According to my Baby Center email this week,At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.

Weight gain/loss: -1 lb from last week (weighed at doctor for total of 10lbs)

Stretch marks: None

Sleep: Not so great this week.  Was having some pain and it was hard to get comfortable.

Diet/cravings/aversions: Those pumpkin seeds I talked about a couple weeks ago...yes we carved our big pumpkin and I roasted them up!  Love them.

Symptoms: Well starting on Wednesday evening of this week I started having some cramping/contractions.  I timed 3 of them over a half-hour and drank a big glass of water and stayed on my left side.  (Can you tell I've done this before and know the drill. Hi Brendan...talking to you)  About 45-50 minute mark it started to subside and I went to bed.  I had my appointment/shot the following morning and decided to tell them.  I wrote about what happened here.

Exercise:  Nope.  Put on modified bed rest and that does not include exercise

Gender: Surprise!  I'm thinking more boy now.  Lila is still calling the baby her baby sister:)

Movement:  Lots of movement and can feel some from the outside now too.  Jason has felt the baby kick.

The belly:  Moving higher!

Worries:  Going into pre-term labor and delivering another preemie.  So thankful that my doctors are on top of this!  I had 4 cervical checks in 5 days and everything looks how it is supposed to and I'm getting my weekly miracle shots so I have a great chance of not delivering another preemie.

What I'm loving: Feeling lots of baby kick and hearing the kids talk about the baby.

A month of being thankful

So after my little rant on Wednesday about how grouchy I was, I decided I should list some things that I'm thankful for and November is a perfect month with Thanksgiving coming up.

I am thankful for this healthy little baby bouncing around inside of me. 

I am thankful for my husband who works all day long and then comes home and has to do most of the work around the house.

I am thankful for my two healthy and active children.  No matter how crazy they make me I know how blessed we are to have them.

I am thankful for my wonderful relationship with my mom.  We truly can say anything to one another and mom don't worry.  I never hold anything in:)

I am thankful for my in-laws who are always there to help us out and love spending time with their grandkids.

I am thankful for my friends who have really helped us out this week.

I have so much more but I'll save some for another day:)

A few Halloween observations

I got the fun job of passing candy out last night while my family braved the cold and windy weather for some trick-or-treating.  Here is my take on some of the trick or treaters we had in our neighborhood...

1. If you are going to trick-or-treat when you are a teenager then it is probably wise that you put your cigarette out before someone sees you smoking.  These two girls saw me watching them and did not come to my house.  Busted.
2. Kudos to the dad who was probably getting candy for some little one in a warm car or house.  He even dressed up and apologized for getting candy for the little one that was no where to be seen.  He said I could give him the worst candy in the bowl.  Or maybe I jokingly said that to him.  
3. To all the parents taking their babies out.  Don't apologize for not getting your baby out of the stroller.  We both know who will be eating the candy later anyway.
4. My favorite trick-or-treater was a little Hispanic boy who spoke only Spanish until I dropped a piece of candy and he picked up this extra treat and ran it to his mom exclaiming, "She dropped a piece!  I got two!"
5. To our town, if you are going to change the hours of trick or treating it is probably best to inform your citizens.  We knew because Brendan's school told us but my in-laws had no idea and all of our neighbors turned their lights off right at 7pm.  I guess I could have told them.  Next year.
6.  To my son, who is 6, no you are not old enough to go trick or treating by yourself.  Why would you ask that question?  I told him when he is in the 6th grade he can go around our neighborhood by himself.
7. To my daughter, who is 2, the story daddy told me last night of how you just wanted to come home to mommy was so sweet.  Until he said he pointed out that you could get more candy and you said, "No mommy! Candy!!!"  Thanks Lila.  I see where I stand.

Now onto the pictures...

Brendan's school party

Cake walk

The lovely faces they give you when you say "Smile!"

My little goblins and me

Post trick or treat fun...Minnie Cheese Balls!

Brendan's candy from 1.5 hours of hard work:)

So What! Wednesday

Today I'm say So What to the following...

• Yesterday my 2 year old acted like a crazy person at my ob appointment.  She turned her sweetness on when the doctor walked in and told her she was pretty.  Traitor.  We left and she pushed the elevator button (after I told her not to push it) and then threw her toys in.  
• She also called out "Mommy don't hit me!"  while I put her jacket on. 
• I'm also still on bed rest until I get my ultrasound and of course I lost the slip sometime between my doctor's office and car with crazy toddler on the prowl
• I just have to stay home and pass candy out tonight.  How sad.  Supposed to be 40 and rainy.  I was really really looking forward to walking around our neighborhood too.
• I laugh when I read blogs and the parent says they think their kids are so perfect is because they love them so much and that is why they are so good.  Still funny to me.  I want to comment.  Watch out!!!
•  I also get annoyed at all the normal pregnant people who are complaining about normal pregnant things like being full-term and wishing their baby would just be born.  I wishing I can just get there.
• Oh well if I sound grouchy.  You would too if you could just sit on your couch and watch Caillou for hours with your 2 year old.
• We never went to a pumpkin patch and got pumpkins as a family.  
• The kids and I attempted carving pumpkins but Brendan was not interested and Lila kept waving a knife around.  We ended up with a little pumpkin with an "L" for Lila and a big pumpkin with a "4".
• The "4" pumpkin was supposed to say "24" for our son's favorite Detroit Tiger and then they lost the World Series before we finished it.

21 Weeks (Baby Thrice)

Hello 21 week baby!

Thanks to the fun bed rest/cramps/pressure this past week I've gotten behind.  So for 21 weeks enjoy the picture:)  Since I'm almost 23 weeks now.

Those dreaded words...

Bed rest.

Yup.  Bed rest again.  I was on modified bed rest with our daughter (our second) from 24-36 weeks.  Just as a precaution because our son (our first) was born at 30 weeks.  It went beautifully and we had a healthy baby born exactly on her due date thanks to my doctors and 17 weeks of butt shots.

Now we are expecting our third and following the same regimen.  Butt shots and bed rest.  I was supposed to start bed rest around 28 weeks because it went so smoothly last time and my doctors were being a little more lenient.  That put me at the being of December.  They told me I could take care of myself, the kids, simple household chores (loading/emptying dishwasher and folding laundry) and to lounge a lot.  I took that as I could go grocery shopping, be on my feet all day, and go up and down our stairs. 

Big mistake on my part.  Big.  I ended up last Wednesday evening having timed contractions for about 30 minutes and lots of pain/pressure.  I saw my doctor on Thursday for my bi-weekly cervical check (I know it is even more fun than it sounds) and butt shot and told him what was happening.  He said to call them back if I felt more but he felt my cervix was fine. 

Well that night and into the next morning I felt more so I called back and they instructed me to go to the hospital.  I said, how about I come to the office instead and I had another cervical check and he administered a "fetal fibronectin" (spelling anyone?) test.  This test checks for a certain protein and can tell if you will be going into labor in the next week.  It is basically a long cotton swab that they swipe for samples from your cervix.  Lovely.  Well he still sent me to the hospital where my main doctor happened to be so I could be monitored for contractions.

I get to the hospital to register where the two most hilarious older woman happen to be working.  I think my registration took about 10 minutes longer than necessary because I was hearing all the hospital politics.  They were also sisters.  When I finally made it to triage I was hooked up right away and had the nicest nurse taking care of me.  Baby's heart rate was great and he/she kept bouncing around.  I was on the monitors for about 45 minutes and thankfully it was not picking up regular contractions.  Just a few blips here and there. 

My doctor came in to see me and asked what kind of trouble I was getting in too.  I was terrified he was going to yell at me.  Even though he is definitely not one who would yell.  More scolded maybe.  He checked my cervix again and was confident to send me home on bed rest for weekend and to come in on Tuesday for another cervical check and to schedule an ultrasound for cervical length.

So my 2 year old ended up being sick this weekend and the two of us hung out on the couch and watched Caillou, Mickey Mouse, Poppy Cat, and Chloe's Closet for endless hours.  Thankfully Brendan and Jason had a fun weekend:)

October randoms

Here are a few things we've done this month...

Gave Lila piggy rides

Decorated cookies

Enjoyed some lovely sunny fall days

Sunday soccer.  I should have done a close-up of the three little guys in red.  They had looks of fear on their face.

Celebrated my mom's birthday.  Thanks for taking the picture mom:)

Happy Birthday Mom!  You made it to another one!

Lila threw up for 36 hours

We got "Boo-ed"

Brendan had his 1st elementary school field trip

Lila looked cute for camera

We got a surprise in the mail from my very special aunt

They both looked and smile for a picture

Celebrated this little guy's 1st birthday!!!

Saw a new bird at our feeder...the red-breasted nuthatch