Wow, did we have a great time in California for my cousin Brendan's wedding! It was amazing. My brothers Michael and Tim put up with me, which is even more amazing, ESPECIALLY on the flights both there and back. Wow, I am a nut case!
We have some pretty memorable photos and videos to sort through, some I am NOT ALLOWED to post....so I will just keep it pretty tame.
Congratulations to Brendan and Jessica! We had such a great time. I really do love my family. Although, we sometimes have our differences, we have a great time when we are together!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
95
Can you even imagine getting to 95 years old?
My grandmother is 95 in a few hours. I love her so much and am so blessed to still have her and my grandfather alive.
I am so glad that my children have had the opportunity to meet these amazing people.
Loveyou, Nana!
Happy birthday! May we celebrate many more!
My grandmother is 95 in a few hours. I love her so much and am so blessed to still have her and my grandfather alive.
I am so glad that my children have had the opportunity to meet these amazing people.
Loveyou, Nana!
Happy birthday! May we celebrate many more!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
My life in sweatpants...
The past week has been tough on me...
I have been a little more of an emotional train wreck than normal:) First, last Saturday I was down and out with strep throat. That was HORRIBLE! I couldn't swallow, breathe, could barely sit up. I hate being sick, because I really don't get a chance to lie in bed and recover. Daniel wasn't much help either. He kept bringing me a screaming baby to feed, let the kids make the BIGGEST mess EVER! He kept the older two outside, but there was so much that I needed to be done inside, that it just made me even more pissed that I was sick, but still had to empty the dishwasher, and do laundry.
My husband makes me so happy in a million different ways....BUT, helping out around the house is not one of them. Sometimes I wish I could just let the toys and crap pile up, so he would trip over something in the middle of the night or he would see what would happen if I just let it all go. I am so not designed to just let things go...I can't stand it when the kids take out more than one toy at a time. I sometimes feel like I am the meanest mommy in the world because I want them to clean up, so I hide toys and put things away just so I don't have to do all the cleaning up. Jake drives me INSANE!!! Seriously, INSANE. All he does is DUMP toys. And, it drives me nuts! Daniel doesn't care, he can be surrounded by toys and trash and it doesn't bother him...is it because he knows I can't stand it and I will not let it sit and fester. I think I clean up toys about 50% of my day with the kids. It is these days that I cannot wait to get back to work.
Another thing that is hard is that Daniel didn't even ask if I was okay last weekend. He didn't come in to check on me to see if I needed anything. Is my husband the only one who does this? Is there some sensitivity training that he can attend or a normal husband that can talk some sense into him? He finished the toilet paper in our bathroom, and I asked him to get some more and he made me feel like I was asking him to move a mountain. I mean, seriously....and then he only brings ONE freaking roll, when our dispenser holds 5. I mean, I just look at that as lazy! Maybe he should have gone to military school. Ugh...So, needless to say, I was pretty much in tears all of Sunday and the majority of Monday. And, then he doesn't want to talk about anything, and he definitely doesn't want to talk about anything in front of the kids...well, sorry, he isn't really helping me in that department either. Lately, all he does is come home from work, eat dinner and then pass out on the recliner. I can't remember the last time he went to bed in our bed. This is NOT normal and I hate it. So, he basically knows that I will make dinner, clean up dinner, bathe the kids and put them to bed all while trying to breastfeed a new baby...I mean, I know that I can handle a lot, but I thought this was a partnership. Needless to say I had a meltdown on him on Sunday and Monday. And, I am up half the night with Emma - either feeding her, changing her, making sure she is warm.
So, now I am trying to simplify my life by getting rid of the toys and crap that I don't need. This is so hard for me...but hopefully my girlfriend Ellen or my friend Jen (who cleans my house) will be able to help me in the near future.
Anyway, that was my week this past week. I actually put on jeans on Wednesday for Emma's newborn photo shoot and on Thursday to visit my coworkers. But, the rest of the time I am running late and barely hanging on - dressed in sweatpants. I should rename my blog - My Life in Sweats...because that is what I am usually dressed in.
Superbowl is this weekend. I am rooting for the Giants. I am starting Weight Watchers on Monday. I have to find our scale so I can start weighing myself. I would like to be back down to my lifetime weight by the time I go back to work. I think I have 12 pounds to go...
I think my parents and I are going to help be each other's motivators. It is easier to do it with someone, and Daniel will just lose weight by eating the dinners I cook. Should be interesting!
Have a great weekend....sorry about the Debbie Downer post...but I needed to get somethings off my chest.
I have been a little more of an emotional train wreck than normal:) First, last Saturday I was down and out with strep throat. That was HORRIBLE! I couldn't swallow, breathe, could barely sit up. I hate being sick, because I really don't get a chance to lie in bed and recover. Daniel wasn't much help either. He kept bringing me a screaming baby to feed, let the kids make the BIGGEST mess EVER! He kept the older two outside, but there was so much that I needed to be done inside, that it just made me even more pissed that I was sick, but still had to empty the dishwasher, and do laundry.
My husband makes me so happy in a million different ways....BUT, helping out around the house is not one of them. Sometimes I wish I could just let the toys and crap pile up, so he would trip over something in the middle of the night or he would see what would happen if I just let it all go. I am so not designed to just let things go...I can't stand it when the kids take out more than one toy at a time. I sometimes feel like I am the meanest mommy in the world because I want them to clean up, so I hide toys and put things away just so I don't have to do all the cleaning up. Jake drives me INSANE!!! Seriously, INSANE. All he does is DUMP toys. And, it drives me nuts! Daniel doesn't care, he can be surrounded by toys and trash and it doesn't bother him...is it because he knows I can't stand it and I will not let it sit and fester. I think I clean up toys about 50% of my day with the kids. It is these days that I cannot wait to get back to work.
Another thing that is hard is that Daniel didn't even ask if I was okay last weekend. He didn't come in to check on me to see if I needed anything. Is my husband the only one who does this? Is there some sensitivity training that he can attend or a normal husband that can talk some sense into him? He finished the toilet paper in our bathroom, and I asked him to get some more and he made me feel like I was asking him to move a mountain. I mean, seriously....and then he only brings ONE freaking roll, when our dispenser holds 5. I mean, I just look at that as lazy! Maybe he should have gone to military school. Ugh...So, needless to say, I was pretty much in tears all of Sunday and the majority of Monday. And, then he doesn't want to talk about anything, and he definitely doesn't want to talk about anything in front of the kids...well, sorry, he isn't really helping me in that department either. Lately, all he does is come home from work, eat dinner and then pass out on the recliner. I can't remember the last time he went to bed in our bed. This is NOT normal and I hate it. So, he basically knows that I will make dinner, clean up dinner, bathe the kids and put them to bed all while trying to breastfeed a new baby...I mean, I know that I can handle a lot, but I thought this was a partnership. Needless to say I had a meltdown on him on Sunday and Monday. And, I am up half the night with Emma - either feeding her, changing her, making sure she is warm.
So, now I am trying to simplify my life by getting rid of the toys and crap that I don't need. This is so hard for me...but hopefully my girlfriend Ellen or my friend Jen (who cleans my house) will be able to help me in the near future.
Anyway, that was my week this past week. I actually put on jeans on Wednesday for Emma's newborn photo shoot and on Thursday to visit my coworkers. But, the rest of the time I am running late and barely hanging on - dressed in sweatpants. I should rename my blog - My Life in Sweats...because that is what I am usually dressed in.
Superbowl is this weekend. I am rooting for the Giants. I am starting Weight Watchers on Monday. I have to find our scale so I can start weighing myself. I would like to be back down to my lifetime weight by the time I go back to work. I think I have 12 pounds to go...
I think my parents and I are going to help be each other's motivators. It is easier to do it with someone, and Daniel will just lose weight by eating the dinners I cook. Should be interesting!
Have a great weekend....sorry about the Debbie Downer post...but I needed to get somethings off my chest.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Emma's Birth Story
It was Saturday Jan 14th and I had a pretty ambitious day laid out for us. There was so much that I wanted to get done before the 18th (scheduled induction day). First was a trip to Ikea in College Park to pick up some dressers for the boys' room. Then to pay my grandparents a visit (since they live right down the street from Ikea) and who knows when I would be able to get my act together after Emma was here to go visit them. And, I hadn't seen them since Christmas Eve and I just wish I could see them more...
Anyway, Daniel thought I was crazy for wanting to go to Ikea on a Saturday, and he was right, it was a little overwhelming especially since I walked through every showroom and wanted to look at everything. Did i mention that Daniel stayed in the car since all three kids fell asleep??? So, it was me and 1000+ of my closest friends roaming Ikea. I knew what I was in search of but of course would get side tracked in the picture frame and organizing sections.
After about 90 minutes, I was loaded upend in the check-out line when Daniel calls and says that Hank needs to use the potty. So i leave my cart praying that no one takes it, I walk outside and as you can imagine Daniel is parked in the furthest spot away from the door where no other cars will come close to scratching our car (this is one thing I love and dislike at the same time about my honey). So, I grab Hank and take him inside to use the facilities (of course, I have to go as well - and did I mention that I lost my mucous plug that morning??? Is that not the grossest word ever???) Hank then helps me check-out and by this time, it has been 2 hours that Daniel has been in the car, so he is eager to leave Ikea and get to my grandparents house to eat and then go home, watch some football and fall asleep.
So, we get to my grandparents house and sit down and eat, then I start to not feel so good. I feel a little nauseous. Then I feel like I have to go to the bathroom. I come back to the table and I just feel like something is off. I then feel the need to run to the bathroom and I get sick...I feel like the baby is coming out. So, we quickly gather the kids (luckily my parents are also at my grandparents house as well and they help get everyone in our car.) Mom takes dad home, switches cars, and meets us at the hospital. Michael and Katie get a phone call and they also meet us at the hospital to take our car and kids home, Katie then brings our little car back to us, so Daniel has a way to get home later on that night (after we have Emma).
I call the doctor on the way to the hospital and I'm not having regular contractions, but my water might have broken or I might have peed myself (which is not an uncommon thing in pregnancy). I have the on-call schedule for my doctor's office and I know that Dr. Penn is on call on the 14th, and he is one of my favorite doctor's at my practice. He delivered Jake. So, we get to the labor and delivery floor and I get checked into the Triage. Dr. Penn checks me and I am only 3.5cm, water not broken and I am not contracting regularly. They are going to let me walk around for about an hour to see if there is any cervical change to indicate that I am in labor. I have never been into labor without pitocin before, so this is all new to me. So, instead of walk...I am doing squats, I am skipping, I am doing jumping jacks, anything to make my cervix CHANGE!!! The deep squats seem to be the most effective. I was literally sweating...I hadn't worked out this hard in 9 months. So, around 9pm, Dr. Penn checks me again, and I am only at 4cm, but still not contracting AT ALL! So, I ask him to strip my membranes. This is the worst pain ever. It feels like he is jamming his hand up there so far and then trying to stretch everything out. It was horrible...but it WORKED! I started having all kinds of contractions...and they were strong and regular. Oh, also, during my walking around, Daniel went down to the lobby to find a TV and watch the end of the 49ers/Saints game and the Patriots/Broncos game. So, my mom got to the hospital and she kept me company until the football games were over. There was no TV in the triage room...so Daniel wanted to be admitted so he could watch the games...nice, right??? Anyway, when the contractions started, they were painful so I would make some noises and my mom would tell me to breathe...I know she was trying to help, but I just wanted them to go away...all I kept thinking was, can I be admitted so I can get my epidural, please??? So, around 10pm, Dr. Penn came in and said I was at 5cm, we were getting admitted and we were gonna have a baby! Woo hoo!
At 10:30, I was wheeled into a L&D room, I had the nicest nurse, she was awesome. She called for the anesthesiologist who was amazing. I have both of their names written down somewhere, I just need to find it. The anesthesiologist sort of messed up my epidural. He said that my back didn't have very much fat on it (which he kept saying was a good thing) but that it did make it a little tougher for him to get the catheter in to my back. He had to do the epidural twice and said I may get a spinal headache a day or two after giving birth. My good friend Dana had one of these before so I knew it would be awful if I did get a headache. Anyway, he hooked me up. The nurse told me that by getting the epidural, it might slow my contractions down (which it did.)
At around 2:30am, the nurse checked my cervix and said I was still at 4cm. The next time I saw Dr. Penn he came in and broke my water (at 3am). My nurse came back in around 3:45 and I told her that I didn't think the epidural was working, because I kept pressing the button and nothing was happening. I was feeling ALL the contractions. She checked me, said I was at 9cm and she quickly started getting things together. She called Dr. Penn. I had to wake Daniel up...I had to yell at him 3 times to get him out of bed. Then he wanted to brush his teeth and I almost kicked him out of the room. I said (probably screamed at him) "There is no time to brush your teeth!!!" Dr. Penn and the nurse got everything together VERY quickly and at 4am, I was crying due to the pain, and I said to Dr. Penn - this baby is coming out NOW! They got my legs in the stirrups or whatever they are called. Daniel and the nurse pulled my legs back toward me and I pushed once to get her head out, and then one more time for her body. At 4:10am, Emma was here!!! They gave her right to me and Dr. Penn had to run to deliver another baby, but he came back shortly thereafter! It was quite the experience.
Emma was so pink and had the darkest hair and A LOT of it! She was 7 pounds, 6.8oz. She was 19.25" long. She was gorgeous! They gave her to me right away and she started eating! Then she went to sleep for a while.
Teresa took her kids down to NC on Friday for the long weekend. We called them Saturday and told them we were on our way to the hospital. We weren't sure if we were going to be admitted, so we called them when she was born and my in-laws came to the hospital the next day.
It was Sunday, and I had the spinal headache already...I was so exhausted because I didn't get any sleep the night before. Michael was GREAT! When Daniel got home in the morning, Michael took the three kids to his house, so Daniel could get some sleep. Then, Michael and Daniel came to the hospital with the kids so they could meet their new baby sister. This was the best part...the kids (Elli and Hank) were OVER THE MOON! They wanted to hold her and pass her back and forth to each other, it was so sweet. Elli ended up spending the day in the hospital room with me. She took a shower with me and everything...I can never get a shower by myself. I felt a little better in the afternoon and my friend Siobhan came to visit - she brought the yummiest brownies - so good! My in-laws came, my grandparents, my dad. It was great to see everyone.
On Monday, I was ready to go home. I just wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed without being poked or prodded. So, after they did all Emma's checks, I lied about not having a headache (so I could get out of there) and we were discharged! Thank goodness my mom stayed over to help me the next few days. I really did not feel great. And, Teresa helped out with Elli, Hank and Jake taking them overnight on Tuesday night. It was weird just having the baby to watch on Tuesday night.
ANyway, this is really long and I think I am going to stop writing. The delivery was great, the nurses were awesome and I absolutely love Chesapeake Women's care and Dr. Penn!
Anyway, Daniel thought I was crazy for wanting to go to Ikea on a Saturday, and he was right, it was a little overwhelming especially since I walked through every showroom and wanted to look at everything. Did i mention that Daniel stayed in the car since all three kids fell asleep??? So, it was me and 1000+ of my closest friends roaming Ikea. I knew what I was in search of but of course would get side tracked in the picture frame and organizing sections.
After about 90 minutes, I was loaded upend in the check-out line when Daniel calls and says that Hank needs to use the potty. So i leave my cart praying that no one takes it, I walk outside and as you can imagine Daniel is parked in the furthest spot away from the door where no other cars will come close to scratching our car (this is one thing I love and dislike at the same time about my honey). So, I grab Hank and take him inside to use the facilities (of course, I have to go as well - and did I mention that I lost my mucous plug that morning??? Is that not the grossest word ever???) Hank then helps me check-out and by this time, it has been 2 hours that Daniel has been in the car, so he is eager to leave Ikea and get to my grandparents house to eat and then go home, watch some football and fall asleep.
So, we get to my grandparents house and sit down and eat, then I start to not feel so good. I feel a little nauseous. Then I feel like I have to go to the bathroom. I come back to the table and I just feel like something is off. I then feel the need to run to the bathroom and I get sick...I feel like the baby is coming out. So, we quickly gather the kids (luckily my parents are also at my grandparents house as well and they help get everyone in our car.) Mom takes dad home, switches cars, and meets us at the hospital. Michael and Katie get a phone call and they also meet us at the hospital to take our car and kids home, Katie then brings our little car back to us, so Daniel has a way to get home later on that night (after we have Emma).
I call the doctor on the way to the hospital and I'm not having regular contractions, but my water might have broken or I might have peed myself (which is not an uncommon thing in pregnancy). I have the on-call schedule for my doctor's office and I know that Dr. Penn is on call on the 14th, and he is one of my favorite doctor's at my practice. He delivered Jake. So, we get to the labor and delivery floor and I get checked into the Triage. Dr. Penn checks me and I am only 3.5cm, water not broken and I am not contracting regularly. They are going to let me walk around for about an hour to see if there is any cervical change to indicate that I am in labor. I have never been into labor without pitocin before, so this is all new to me. So, instead of walk...I am doing squats, I am skipping, I am doing jumping jacks, anything to make my cervix CHANGE!!! The deep squats seem to be the most effective. I was literally sweating...I hadn't worked out this hard in 9 months. So, around 9pm, Dr. Penn checks me again, and I am only at 4cm, but still not contracting AT ALL! So, I ask him to strip my membranes. This is the worst pain ever. It feels like he is jamming his hand up there so far and then trying to stretch everything out. It was horrible...but it WORKED! I started having all kinds of contractions...and they were strong and regular. Oh, also, during my walking around, Daniel went down to the lobby to find a TV and watch the end of the 49ers/Saints game and the Patriots/Broncos game. So, my mom got to the hospital and she kept me company until the football games were over. There was no TV in the triage room...so Daniel wanted to be admitted so he could watch the games...nice, right??? Anyway, when the contractions started, they were painful so I would make some noises and my mom would tell me to breathe...I know she was trying to help, but I just wanted them to go away...all I kept thinking was, can I be admitted so I can get my epidural, please??? So, around 10pm, Dr. Penn came in and said I was at 5cm, we were getting admitted and we were gonna have a baby! Woo hoo!
At 10:30, I was wheeled into a L&D room, I had the nicest nurse, she was awesome. She called for the anesthesiologist who was amazing. I have both of their names written down somewhere, I just need to find it. The anesthesiologist sort of messed up my epidural. He said that my back didn't have very much fat on it (which he kept saying was a good thing) but that it did make it a little tougher for him to get the catheter in to my back. He had to do the epidural twice and said I may get a spinal headache a day or two after giving birth. My good friend Dana had one of these before so I knew it would be awful if I did get a headache. Anyway, he hooked me up. The nurse told me that by getting the epidural, it might slow my contractions down (which it did.)
At around 2:30am, the nurse checked my cervix and said I was still at 4cm. The next time I saw Dr. Penn he came in and broke my water (at 3am). My nurse came back in around 3:45 and I told her that I didn't think the epidural was working, because I kept pressing the button and nothing was happening. I was feeling ALL the contractions. She checked me, said I was at 9cm and she quickly started getting things together. She called Dr. Penn. I had to wake Daniel up...I had to yell at him 3 times to get him out of bed. Then he wanted to brush his teeth and I almost kicked him out of the room. I said (probably screamed at him) "There is no time to brush your teeth!!!" Dr. Penn and the nurse got everything together VERY quickly and at 4am, I was crying due to the pain, and I said to Dr. Penn - this baby is coming out NOW! They got my legs in the stirrups or whatever they are called. Daniel and the nurse pulled my legs back toward me and I pushed once to get her head out, and then one more time for her body. At 4:10am, Emma was here!!! They gave her right to me and Dr. Penn had to run to deliver another baby, but he came back shortly thereafter! It was quite the experience.
Emma was so pink and had the darkest hair and A LOT of it! She was 7 pounds, 6.8oz. She was 19.25" long. She was gorgeous! They gave her to me right away and she started eating! Then she went to sleep for a while.
Teresa took her kids down to NC on Friday for the long weekend. We called them Saturday and told them we were on our way to the hospital. We weren't sure if we were going to be admitted, so we called them when she was born and my in-laws came to the hospital the next day.
It was Sunday, and I had the spinal headache already...I was so exhausted because I didn't get any sleep the night before. Michael was GREAT! When Daniel got home in the morning, Michael took the three kids to his house, so Daniel could get some sleep. Then, Michael and Daniel came to the hospital with the kids so they could meet their new baby sister. This was the best part...the kids (Elli and Hank) were OVER THE MOON! They wanted to hold her and pass her back and forth to each other, it was so sweet. Elli ended up spending the day in the hospital room with me. She took a shower with me and everything...I can never get a shower by myself. I felt a little better in the afternoon and my friend Siobhan came to visit - she brought the yummiest brownies - so good! My in-laws came, my grandparents, my dad. It was great to see everyone.
On Monday, I was ready to go home. I just wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed without being poked or prodded. So, after they did all Emma's checks, I lied about not having a headache (so I could get out of there) and we were discharged! Thank goodness my mom stayed over to help me the next few days. I really did not feel great. And, Teresa helped out with Elli, Hank and Jake taking them overnight on Tuesday night. It was weird just having the baby to watch on Tuesday night.
My 91 and 94 year old grandparents
4 generations
Proud siblings
Taking Emma Home
All the Oxendine Cousins
Saturday, January 14, 2012
4 days out - my worst fear
Induction Day is scheduled for 18 January.
Last appointment I was +23 pounds...I don't know how I keep going up and down in weight - it must be what I am wearing that day.
Last weekend, I had my maternity photo shoot and I it was COLD, but so fun! I got a few jumps on the trampoline - finally! And the kids definitely told the photographer that I was going to pee my pants. They were, unfortunately, right. I had to do an outfit change after the jumping. Well worth it for the pics!
My doctor, Dr. Luecke, told me at my appointment about a woman who came into labor & delivery with her 4th pregnancy and she wanted her epidural, but she was already 7cm and the doctor told her too bad, it was too late. THIS IS MY BIGGEST FEAR!
I was 3cm dilated at my last appointment and I have never really felt a contraction. SERIOUSLY! I haven't really even had braxton-hicks. I am not sure if that is lucky or what...but right now I'm fearful! It keeps me up at night. Every weird pain or feeling, I'm not sure if it's a contraction. What if I'm the woman who comes into the hospital 7cm and no epidural. That would be TERRIBLE!!! HORRIBLE!!!
I know that women do it all the time and I respect those women...but I just want my normal medicated, easy labor and delivery...why try and do it the natural way NOW!?!? I have very fond memories of my 3 other deliveries - with Elli I was nervous, but it was great, Hank's I specifically remember it being the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy and I remember asking the anesthesiologist if we could turn the TV up so I wouldn't miss anything. With Jake, the Redskins were on and they were actually beating up on Dallas. So, you see, I just want my normal labor and delivery that I have had with the past 3 pregnancies.
So, yesterday, I was annoyed with the boys' bedroom set up, so I felt that I HAD to move the furniture (2 beds and a small dresser) while Jake was napping. Hank sort of helped, but I am definitely in the mode where I am not waiting for Daniel because a) he usually falls asleep when he gets home, after he eats and b) I have ZERO patience right now, ZERO!
We are going to attempt to go to Ikea today and get some dressers for the boys' room and for Emma's room. Her crib isn't even set up yet...but the pack and play in our room is - is this a bad sign already??? I also noticed yesterday that I have no baby clothes for her. But, thank goodness, my cousin Lauren saved her stuff...this is my saving grace right now. I went through all the stuff I saved for Elli, but since she was born in June, everything is short sleeved. Like, I said, thank goodness for Lauren! She is a life saver - Lauren, if you are reading this - THANK YOU!!! (consider that your thank you note as I haven't written one since before June - sorry).
We are also going to try and stop and see Nana and Pop-Pop. We haven't seen them since Christmas Eve. So, this will probably be the last visit for a couple of weeks...because everyone knows that I hibernate in my house during this time of year and it will probably be freezing and unless I have to take a kid to school or activity, I am content at home.
Oh, I lost my mucous plug this morning - I know this doesn't mean much, bc you regrow one every 24 hours or something like that, but it was still exciting!!!
Alright, very random post today...sorry, my brain is in a million different places - nesting, organizing, TRYING to get a grip on all the toys in my house....ugh!
Also, I found a new blog obsession and this woman has been all over Facebook, but her blogs are hysterical and I find that I can totally relate to her. And, she has an interesting name - Glennon. If you haven't read her or heard about her, please do. I especially like the Target blog with the sports bra and gym and also the one where she takes her kids to the doctor for various things and one time they tell her that her son's eyes look crossed because he is part-Asian. It is really funny!!!
Last appointment I was +23 pounds...I don't know how I keep going up and down in weight - it must be what I am wearing that day.
Last weekend, I had my maternity photo shoot and I it was COLD, but so fun! I got a few jumps on the trampoline - finally! And the kids definitely told the photographer that I was going to pee my pants. They were, unfortunately, right. I had to do an outfit change after the jumping. Well worth it for the pics!
My doctor, Dr. Luecke, told me at my appointment about a woman who came into labor & delivery with her 4th pregnancy and she wanted her epidural, but she was already 7cm and the doctor told her too bad, it was too late. THIS IS MY BIGGEST FEAR!
I was 3cm dilated at my last appointment and I have never really felt a contraction. SERIOUSLY! I haven't really even had braxton-hicks. I am not sure if that is lucky or what...but right now I'm fearful! It keeps me up at night. Every weird pain or feeling, I'm not sure if it's a contraction. What if I'm the woman who comes into the hospital 7cm and no epidural. That would be TERRIBLE!!! HORRIBLE!!!
I know that women do it all the time and I respect those women...but I just want my normal medicated, easy labor and delivery...why try and do it the natural way NOW!?!? I have very fond memories of my 3 other deliveries - with Elli I was nervous, but it was great, Hank's I specifically remember it being the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy and I remember asking the anesthesiologist if we could turn the TV up so I wouldn't miss anything. With Jake, the Redskins were on and they were actually beating up on Dallas. So, you see, I just want my normal labor and delivery that I have had with the past 3 pregnancies.
So, yesterday, I was annoyed with the boys' bedroom set up, so I felt that I HAD to move the furniture (2 beds and a small dresser) while Jake was napping. Hank sort of helped, but I am definitely in the mode where I am not waiting for Daniel because a) he usually falls asleep when he gets home, after he eats and b) I have ZERO patience right now, ZERO!
We are going to attempt to go to Ikea today and get some dressers for the boys' room and for Emma's room. Her crib isn't even set up yet...but the pack and play in our room is - is this a bad sign already??? I also noticed yesterday that I have no baby clothes for her. But, thank goodness, my cousin Lauren saved her stuff...this is my saving grace right now. I went through all the stuff I saved for Elli, but since she was born in June, everything is short sleeved. Like, I said, thank goodness for Lauren! She is a life saver - Lauren, if you are reading this - THANK YOU!!! (consider that your thank you note as I haven't written one since before June - sorry).
We are also going to try and stop and see Nana and Pop-Pop. We haven't seen them since Christmas Eve. So, this will probably be the last visit for a couple of weeks...because everyone knows that I hibernate in my house during this time of year and it will probably be freezing and unless I have to take a kid to school or activity, I am content at home.
Oh, I lost my mucous plug this morning - I know this doesn't mean much, bc you regrow one every 24 hours or something like that, but it was still exciting!!!
Alright, very random post today...sorry, my brain is in a million different places - nesting, organizing, TRYING to get a grip on all the toys in my house....ugh!
Also, I found a new blog obsession and this woman has been all over Facebook, but her blogs are hysterical and I find that I can totally relate to her. And, she has an interesting name - Glennon. If you haven't read her or heard about her, please do. I especially like the Target blog with the sports bra and gym and also the one where she takes her kids to the doctor for various things and one time they tell her that her son's eyes look crossed because he is part-Asian. It is really funny!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Okay, as I type this, I am 37 weeks pregnant with baby #4...I am so over this pregnancy. I go to the doctor once a week now and I was already measuring 1cm dilated last week. I hope there is some progress this week when I go. I need to start getting out and walking...
Here are my stats from last week - 36 weeks:
Weight: +22 lbs
BP: 101/72 (which is a little high for me)
Baby's HR: 138
Everything is on track for me to have another induction the week of January 17th...at least that is what I am planning.
The holidays were CRAZY!!! We didn't leave the state of Maryland, but managed to travel all over or so it felt. I felt terrible the whole time and eventually went to the doctor on Monday, the 26th. Upper respiratory infection - awesome! Elli then came down with something the week after Christmas - just a virus...
I am now in organizing and simplifying mode - getting rid of all my tupperware (especially the ones with mismatched lids - there is nothing more annoying to me). I got new pots and pans for Christmas so I am recycling my old ones...I hope you can recycle them - they are in the yellow bins...we'll see if they take it later this week...
Christmas decorations, tree, etc came down after our last Christmas celebration on the 27th, then I got a bug up my butt to sort and organize the kids toys. We have too much crap. I need to donate 50% of what we have...it is so hard though...maybe this will be a spring cleaning effort.
My goals for this new year start with financial stuff - get my financial house in order and get rid of my one credit card...it is annoying that I carry a balance and I really need to get serious about getting rid of it. I have been following a lot of money saving mom blogs, and hopefully they will give me a jump start and motivation to follow through. It will be tough for the 6 weeks where I am not working...and our maternity leave plan SUCKS...it isn't a maternity leave plan, it is short term disability and it is just crap. I love my company (well, I love the people that I work with) but the benefits are not that awesome when it comes to maternity leave...I will keep harping on the President until he fires me or until he retires...
Packing my bag for the hospital - this has been quite a challenge for me. I think because I am just lazy right now and I keep putting it off because I know that I will probably have to be induced and it will be a night before I am scheduled to have the baby. The problem is that with my last pregnancies it was always hot out, so I didn't need to really bring anything EXTRA. This time it will be freezing out and I just feel a little unprepared. Oh well, my strategy is LESS is MORE. As long as I can take the laptop and get a connection at the hospital, all will be fine. I will only be there for a day or two...
I installed the car seat this morning, after washing everything so it smells wonderful! It will be weird to have 4 car seats in our suburban. We will no longer be able to take the camry anywhere - for emergency cases, we were able to fit 3 car seats in the camry by slamming the doors shut, but not anymore...no room for 4!
Jake started his new "structured" playgroup this morning. It is a one-on-one intense learning environment. He cried the almost the whole time he was there. The poor guy, in the past month, he has been to a neurologist, he has seen a sensory specialist, Thursday he is having his hearing checked, and we are still waiting on confirmation back from Kennedy Krieger to see if they will schedule us an appointment at their Center for Autism Related Disorders. The structured playgroup is a free program offered by our county infants and toddlers program. I love the county program and have been very satisfied with them so far. Jake is 27 months old and not talking. He babbles, but he doesn't say "Mama" or "Dada" or "Baby" - none of the words he is "supposed" to be able to say around the 12-15 month range. So, he will go 3 days a week for 90 minutes each day to be seen by an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Pathologist and a Sensory Specialist. We have been doing a lot with the sensory "diet" and he seems to be comprehending things more now, but not vocalizing anything...so, I hope this playgroup helps him. They thought he might be on the Autism Spectrum, and they might still think this. But, I had him evaluated by Dr. Marc Disabella from Children's Hospital and he said he thinks he just has a developmental speech delay. More to follow on his progress later. He is such a sweet boy.
Hank is just as lovey as ever. He does this "thing" where he kisses my whole face. He kisses my eyes, both of my cheeks, my chin, my forehead, my nose, and my lips and he is just so freaking adorable. It just melts my heart. I hope he always does this to me. He also tells everyone all the time that he loves them...could there be anything more sweet???
Elli is also doing extremely well. She was very interested in where Santa lives and why we celebrate Christmas and how old is Jesus? She is so cute and in this questioning sort of phase right now. She is also goofy as ever.
Anyway, this is a long overdue update...
Did I say that I am DONE with this pregnancy??? Who knows maybe I will go into labor naturally??? Ha!!!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
32 weeks
It has been a very busy December already!
I had my 32 week appointment last week, here are my stats!
+21 pounds
86/55
baby HR: 155 - she had the hiccups when the doctor did the heartbeat.
We had our first annual Gillespie Girls cookie making party on Sunday. It was such a great idea and so much fun to get together with the relatives before Christmas (even if it was only the girls).
Then my week got off to a pretty rough start. Jake started throwing up everywhere Monday afternoon. I was helping sort the Mickman's fundraiser products and as we were about to leave, he started throwing up all over himself. Poor baby...
Well it is Wednesday and I still had to take him back to the doctor this morning. Ugh, I guess it is that time of year. Luckily, his fever finally went down today and he is acting a little more like himself and not just a walking zombie. I was worried last night when he wouldn't do anything but lie on the floor with his eyes open - very scary.
Army-Navy is this weekend and I really don't know if I feel like going. I have organized a limo bus and have a TON of food to prepare, but I might just send Daniel with the food...I don't know...
Anyway, that is it for right now...I know, short posts as of late.
I have a lot of stuff going on with Jake right now and the first is his neurologist appointment on Friday. Luckily, someone canceled so we don't have to wait until February to see the doctor from Children's hospital.
I had my 32 week appointment last week, here are my stats!
+21 pounds
86/55
baby HR: 155 - she had the hiccups when the doctor did the heartbeat.
We had our first annual Gillespie Girls cookie making party on Sunday. It was such a great idea and so much fun to get together with the relatives before Christmas (even if it was only the girls).
Then my week got off to a pretty rough start. Jake started throwing up everywhere Monday afternoon. I was helping sort the Mickman's fundraiser products and as we were about to leave, he started throwing up all over himself. Poor baby...
Well it is Wednesday and I still had to take him back to the doctor this morning. Ugh, I guess it is that time of year. Luckily, his fever finally went down today and he is acting a little more like himself and not just a walking zombie. I was worried last night when he wouldn't do anything but lie on the floor with his eyes open - very scary.
Army-Navy is this weekend and I really don't know if I feel like going. I have organized a limo bus and have a TON of food to prepare, but I might just send Daniel with the food...I don't know...
Anyway, that is it for right now...I know, short posts as of late.
I have a lot of stuff going on with Jake right now and the first is his neurologist appointment on Friday. Luckily, someone canceled so we don't have to wait until February to see the doctor from Children's hospital.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)