It's a GIRL!!!

I know... MIA for 2 weeks almost. Sorry! It's been 2 weeks worth of recovery and adjustment. :) I'm excited to announce that we have our girl!!! She was born on 13 February, and she is perfect! Just look at her~

Isn't that the sweetest little smile you have ever seen! I am so completely in love with her!!! Well, not just me... Her dad and brothers love her too!

Welcome to our family, little lady!!! I have no idea how one can fall so completely in love so quickly!!!

Amniocentesis and Friendship

No Friday Frags this week friends. I am sure I can dig up many since this week was one of THOSE weeks, but I thought I'd blog about this because well, it's something I am thankful for.

Yesterday start off completely on the wrong foot. I was scheduled for an amniocentesis to check for fetal lung maturity. (Basically, Baby A is very large:7 pounds at 35 weeks and 5 more weeks to add about a pound more a week, and I am suffering from polyhydramnios : too much amniotic fluid). Nothing was too serious, but coupled with my age and my fear of still birth, my perinatologist recommended an amnio. No big deal... Worse case scenario at 37 weeks is that you have to give the baby surfactant, and we may spend a few days in the NICU if the procedure pops the amniotic bag and labor begins.

Yesterday, I woke up to a husband with a "man cold" and my youngest with pinkeye; oh and that my amnio was not on the schedule for the day. Huh??? Not on the books? I'm not really sure what happened there, but the Labor and Delivery Charge Nurse assured me she would have it under control and get back to me.

I guess it was a blessing of sorts since I was able to get my youngest to a doctor for his pinkeye, and my DH treated for his man cold. I have to admit, I was kinda worried about the husband since this "cold" seemed VERY nasty!!! Anyway, in the midst of going from doctor to doctor, the Labor and Delivery nurse calls and tells me that she needs me in L&D now. Oh yes!!! I am going to have a procedure that could lead to labor without my husband.... Ummm, I was scared! Not to panic though because I COULD do this if need be... Not that I wanted to, but I could!

I had started to map out a plan the night before when M came home from work and looked horrible. I would sleep in the baby's room for the night and I called my dear friend, Ginger and put her on baby alert for the next day. She was ready, so I knew I could call her. Could I call her NOW and have her meet me at the hospital? Everything had been stop and go to this point, so I figured she would be busy with her day... I couldn't just call and say, " Help!" I did though! I called and asked if she could be there to keep M informed and to keep me sane ( I was pretty nervous!) Believe it or not, she was there before me! LOL

We trekked up to L&D together and I checked in and was directed to a "birthing suite."  Of all the birthing suites I have been too between myself and visiting friends... Umm, this one was quite tiny. Ginger had to climb between the bed and the baby warmer just to get to the chair in the far back corner of the room. And I geared up for this test.

The first part of an amnio is making sure your baby and yourself are in good condition, so they hook you up to a contraction monitor and a fetal heart rate monitor. The NST part is boring, and it gives you lots of time to think about everything that is going to happen "in a minute." I have a grand imagination, so you can only imagine WHAT is going through my mind. I'm glad Ginger was there because I must have asked a zillion questions about different things like what was the NST monitor reading? What in the heck were the disco lights/mirrors in the ceiling at the foot of the bed going to be used for? Why did my IV site burn (being a nursing student, trust me they aren't supposed to burn)? All kinds of things. The nurse even thought she was my sister. I could see that, we both have dark hair and look like we could pass as sisters... If I could have picked a sister, I would have picked her because besides my friends Amber and Renee, she is probably the most calm cool and collected woman I know. I need that side to help me out sometimes. :)

And then it was time... Thank goodness they didn't do a BP on my at that moment because this was it... This was the moment that scared me to death. Why??? DO you like needled going into your stomach??? Nerve wracking!!!. Ginger stood up and stood by my bed and we watched as Dr. H scanned my belly. I have to tell you, the highlight here was when the doctor asked me if I knew what I was having, and Ginger lit up. When I told Dr. H yes, but just make sure one more time, I could really see Ginger light up and get excited. I wish I had taken her to all of my ultrasound appointments, but then it might not have been so novel. I think ultrasounds (for babies) are fun! They move and wiggle and have their own little personalities in the womb, and it was awesome to share my experience with me one who seemed as excited as I was.

It gets better though... Ginger got to watch the entire procedure of the Amnio. Now, let me tell you... I DID NOT! I watched the ceiling and babbled about how we picked baby A's name until it was 100% completely done. Ginger loved it!!! I swear she would make a good PA because she just has the knack for that kind of thing. She is REALLY good at it, and I'm pretty confident that she could have done one on her own after seeing the one performed... She's just good like that. I really picked a good partner when it comes to medical stuff. After it was all over, and I was back on the monitors for baby checks. She was still excited and we spent the rest of the time talking about what we thought the results could be, and that we were really only moments away from seeing Baby A, and how did time fly. I thought about how I couldn't wait until one of her girls was pregnant and having a baby. How exciting that is going to be! They are young for now, but in not too many years they should be ready though. I can't wait to see her excitement with them (minus the amnio of course).

Tomorrow if the L&D department isn't swamped and Baby A doesn't decide to come on her own tonight... I should be induced. M (if he's better) will be on one side and then Ginger will be on the other. Both will be my strength and I go through labor one more time. I couldn't ask for better support especially from a friend, my battle buddy. :)

Thanks Ginger for being a big part of my life here in TX. Military friends float like dandelion seeds... We hang on to each other for dear life sometimes then separate and have to drift alone, but we all land in the great big field. Thanks for being my battle buddy through deployments, TDY's and crazy field exercises. I have no idea what we will do when you guys head to your new assignment. I think I might have to become a flight attendant so I can visit you all at least two times a year. :) Maybe a flight doctor? Do they have those on commercial airlines? :)

Hodge Podge Wednesday

I'm joining Joyce again with my Wednesday Hodge Podge! Stop by her blog On This Side of the Pond and see what is going on. :)

1. What is more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?

Oh... I think these are the same thing just phrased differently. I TOTALLY believe that you should love what you do!!! Someone once told me that if you chase riches, it will run from you. If you chase knowledge riches will always follow. Basically, if you don't have passions to pursue something to the next level and are complacent than riches, whether it is money or happiness or growing, will not happen. If you open your mind to grow and do what "feels right" happiness, riches, knowledge will follow. If at the end of the day, you can smile even though life threw you lemons than you will be happy.

2. Do you like bleu cheese?

Oh good heavens YES! And so does my husband and youngest son!!! Yum!! Yum! Yum!!

3. What is the most difficult emotion for you to handle?

Sadness. I cannot hide that very well at all, and it isn't just pregnancy. I'm a passionate person to begin with. I believe in myself and hold high standards, but it seems that there are more people out there that would rather dash my dreams or try to hold me back and while I'm a fighter (not physical) I tend to be sad about my loss and theirs.

4. Fresh flowers or a box of chocolate?

Neither... Well, maybe some REAL Lindt Chocolate or Belgian Truffles (I'm sorry folks, the stuff in the US... Not so yummy compared to what is served overseas. I think we are in mass production mode and the Europeans are more relaxed and enjoy their delicacies).

5. What's a song you love that has the word 'love' in its title? It doesn't have to be a 'love song'.

Love in Any Language by Sandi Patty What a fantastic song!!! I remember singing it in the 7th grade choir and it has always stuck with me. I love this song for so many reasons!!!

6. Are you the person you wanted to be when you grew up?

I'm not sure what expectations I really had for the adult me. I knew I wanted to be successful, but I don't think I clearly knew what that was at the time at the time. Today, I am really impressed with who I am. My Mom must have done a good job raising me. :) I can say this... I may not be a millionaire, but I can take care of my family on my own. I'm strong and smart and work hard for what I have.

7. Any special Valentines Day plans?

Nope nothing anymore special than every other day. I don't believe we should just share one day of how we care about others. I think we should celebrate our friendships and our love randomly throughout the year. Yes, we have anniversaries and birthdays, but how nice is it to open the mailbox on any given day and find a card or trinket? Now that is and awesome thing.... On Valentine's Day, it just becomes a money making holiday that everyone tries to outdo the other.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have been studying the Human Genome Project as part of a class I am taking this semester. I have to admit, I am pretty aware of the basic science perspective of the project, but was really unaware of the money and fights over the various parts of who can patent genetic code for profit and how it impacts so many other parts of the medical science.

Now, don't get me wrong... I am not talking about human cloning or anything that is way over the top like that, but did you know that companies and the government are patenting our genetic code? (Yes, 99% of us is made of the same genetic code. It's the 1% that makes up the individual that we are). Anyway, when genetic codes are patented then drug companies who are in search of developing drugs to help overcome certain diseases (i.e. certain specific cancers) they must buy the code from who owns the patent. Crazy right? So now, the drug company has to pay for the patent, pay for the research (research can take many many years and then it has to be approved by the FDA. This is costly to drug companies and they have to recoup their money so they pass it on to the users of the drug therapy), and wait to see what comes of their product. All of this is crazy and driven so much by money... Anyway... If you want to learn more please check out Cracking the Code of Life. You don't have to watch the entire 2 hours... Skim it. I think you'll be surprised!

There is plenty of good information in here too besides the money issues... How the Genome Project touches on cures and other genetic issues. It's a very fascinating topic to learn about.

Oh Yes, I have Become that Parent

I remember when I was growing up I had total freedom. If there were really any rules, I wasn't clearly aware of them. I remember staying up as late as I wanted, ate what I wanted (although we didn't have nearly as many convenient "comfort foods" as we do today), drank sodas, and pretty much had free roam of the neighborhood and waterways. I had two really close friends and several neighborhood friends that I played with when I was little, and we ruled the world. As time when on and we grew a little older (10 ish), I always felt bad for one of my closer friends. He was nerdy, had ADHD, asthma, and couldn't eat or do some of the "stuff" we used to do. I remember he ALWAYS had to call his Mom and ask if it was okay to eat at our house and of course my parents would have to provide the menu. He wasn't allowed sugar... So no Jello, no soda, no Popsicles, no cookies... The sandwich would have to be approved. Ugh... It was mess! I always felt sorry for him. Everyone always picked on him, and that is what eventually pushed us apart. Well, that and puberty... Ha Ha Ha.

This afternoon/ tonight my son was invited to go the Bounce House with a friend of his. I knew he wanted to so my husband gave him $12 and he was on his way. While out with his friend's family, my oldest child decided to eat a TON of candy, no dinner, a LARGE Mc Donald's Coke, a Sprite from the Bounce House and candy from a goody bag. Now, unlike my upbringing, I lay down rules. (Yeah! Yeah! Beat my up about not following my up bringing, but I had bad teeth and extensive dental work as a result of the above bad habits, AND I ate vegetables, fruits and chicken. And yes, today I border on having diabetes. Trust me... You pay what you put in!) I don't allow candy unless you eat dinner first. I don't allow my kids to have a soda unless it is a special occasion and I ONLY allow a 6 oz cup of Sprite at most.

So what is the result? My son comes home with an upset tummy and "freaks out" because he is afraid he might throw up. Tonight I told him this is what happens when you over indulge in good things.There is always a price to pay, and how many times does he have to do this (he's done it at school holiday parties) before he realizes that more than a piece of candy without eating something healthy will make your stomach hurt? Is it bad that I almost wanted him to throw up because maybe that would sign the deal and he would FINALLY get the point that overindulging in the "good stuff" is not a good thing! Ugh!!!

So sitting there hugging C, I looked at my husband and told him the story about my friend mentioned above. Do I really need to send a note with C every time he leaves the house to remind other parents that my child doesn't have self restraint yet, and that he can't have soda or candy. Oh and that he MUST eat decent food before even a piece or a little bit of sweets can be considered? How embarrassing it was to my friend, but maybe that was the only way his Mom could keep things in check and maybe teach her child a lesson???

So what do I do? If my son ate more than the 3 things I can count on my one hand I wouldn't be so restrictive. I am turning into THAT parent... The controlling one. :( I really don't like it either!!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday!!! Yippy! :)

Oh yes!!! We have made it to Wednesday!!! Yippee!!! So I am joining Joyce From This Side of The Pond again this week to share my Hodge Podge Wednesday answers.... I hope she has some toasty questions because I need a little warmth down here in Texas!!!!

 

 

 

 

1. Would you rather be seen as a person who did their duty or forged their own path?

Oh, I don't know??? I guess I'd like to be known for both. Does anyone really forge their own path? Not really without the help of others and that is doing your duty. I guess I'd be a mash....  

2. This week's Wednesday Hodgepodge happens to fall on Groundhog's Day. In keeping with that theme, if you could have a do-over of any one day out of the last seven, which day would it be and why. If you haven't seen the movie Groundhog Day this question will make absolutely no sense but that's okay....you can answer anyway.

You've caught me on a good week... I really wouldn't want to do any of them over again.

You thought my question was going to be weather related didn't you?

3. Hot cocoa...yay or nay on the marshmallows?

Oh YAY!!! I love Hot Cocoa and I LOVE marshmallows! I knew she had to havea warm and toasty question in there tonight!!!

4. Do you wear makeup every day? What are the top two must haves in your daily makeup routine?

I most certainly do. I know it's vain, but I think it makes me look complete rather than a mom that runs around like a chicken with her head cut off. It's bad enough I put my hair up most days. :) Must haves include concealer and blush... Maybe mascara too. :)

5. Is it more important to you in a relationship to be loved or understood?

Both. Can I have both? It's hard to love someone you don't understand, don't you think? I mean you can love someone for their generous actions, but without understanding where that comes from you don't truly know that person well enough to love them as a person. Of course no one completely understands everyone at every given moment. That is what keeps things interesting. We would be boring if our spouses knew every intimate detail about us, right? I think you can't have one without the other or the love isn't really love.

6. Parsley sage rosemary or thyme... your favorite?

I cook with all of them, but cannot say that I have a favorite herb. :(

7. What do you do when you feel angry?

Oh I am a hornet! Be prepared for a fight if you cross my path... I'm kinda a female version of the Incredible Hulk. I'm working on that though... I'm trying NOT to raise my voice or yell, but walk away regroup and then go forward. I can have a sharp tongue though, so it tends to get away from me sometimes, but I have been trying to hold it in and let it out in a more constructive way. I just told a dear friend tonight; when you are a raving lunatic yelling and firing off and the other person is too, nothing gets accomplished. No one hears what the other says and it's wasted energy and time. I have really be working on that. :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'd really like for the sun to come back out and stay awhile, the winds to diminish and the temperatures to warm. It is entirely too cold here in Texas this week!!! And I have witnessed entire too much tumbleweed blowing across the road. BTW, that tumbleweed has to end up somewhere, but where does it end up??? Hmm... I think I'll ponder that while sipping my cocoa with marshmallows.

 

Have a great week my friends!!!