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.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
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.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
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.
Friday, December 28, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, December 24, 2012
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!)
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!)
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
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...
The not so fun news...
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:)
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:)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
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.
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.
**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.
Monday, December 3, 2012
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!)
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!)
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