For those of you who have been following my blog for a few months, you may remember a prayer request that was posted a while back. You can click here to read the original post.
Tomorrow (Monday) is the day that Amy will undergo a c-section to deliver her baby, and then she will continue to be in surgery for an additional 3-5 hours due to the complications she has experienced. She is 34 weeks along, and it is hospital policy that babies aren't discharged until 35 weeks, so her baby boy will automatically be admitted into the NICU. Please say a quick little prayer that she will deliver a healthy baby, and that her surgery will be successful.
Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers and support.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Delivery Prediction
Calling all predictors - cast your prediction today!
When is "baby hershey" going to arrive?
Here are some facts to consider when predicting:
I am not officially due until June 19th, 2007
I will be 33 weeks pregnant on Tuesday, May 1st
My cerclage will most likely come out in week 36 (week of May 21)
Holland was born at 38 weeks after 7 weeks of bedrest
Holland weighed 5 lbs and was 18 inches long
Post your prediction in the comment section. Feel free to predict the day, time, weight, and length if you are up for all that!
Prizes yet to be determined!
When is "baby hershey" going to arrive?
Here are some facts to consider when predicting:
I am not officially due until June 19th, 2007
I will be 33 weeks pregnant on Tuesday, May 1st
My cerclage will most likely come out in week 36 (week of May 21)
Holland was born at 38 weeks after 7 weeks of bedrest
Holland weighed 5 lbs and was 18 inches long
Post your prediction in the comment section. Feel free to predict the day, time, weight, and length if you are up for all that!
Prizes yet to be determined!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
These Little Piggies
These little piggies got a pedicureand went "whee, whee, whee" all the way back to bed!
(okay, it doesn't really work, but you get the idea!)
I sweet talked my hubby into letting me get a pedicure yesterday. I figured it wasn't that big of a deal. I rode in the car in a reclined position the whole 10 minutes it took us to get to the place, and then I was only sitting up for about 40 minutes during the pedicure, and then back to a reclined position for the drive home. I'm sure my doctor would have approved had I asked him! I am a pedicure kind of girl. I think that pedicures are one of the ultimate pampering experiences. I've never understood women who don't get them or who are simply grossed out by them. I just can not relate to that!
the soothing hot water,the foot rub,the leg massage,the cheesy vibrating chair,even the out dated pop culture magazines -I love, love, love it all!
I informed Jonathan that this is just the first pampering experience of many, many more to come! The only problem is that I can't decide what to sweet talk him into letting me do next - eyebrows? hair cut & color? massage? facial? manicure?Actually, the bigger decision I need to make is: do I continue to spread them all out one-at-a-time? Or do I save the rest of them up for a full day of spa treatment? I have always wanted to have the full spa "day of beauty" package so I am leaning towards that option. Hmmmm..... So many pampering choices and I'm running out of time to ponder!
Bubbles
Doesn't it look like she is blowing bubbles?!
This week's ultrasound picture.
Look at those sweet, little lips and those squeezable cheeks!
I had an ultrasound yesterday, but no follow up with my doctor. I was thinking that I would see him immediately after my ultrasound, but then I remembered that Wednesdays are one of his surgery days. Anyway, the sonographer was able to give us some encouraging news. She measured the amniotic fluid which was 7 cm (last week), and up to 15 cm yesterday. My doctor had told us that he wanted it to be about 10 cm at least, so that was very encouraging. I had read online to drink lots of water and even Gatorade to replenish the fluid so I did just that! I'm not sure of the validity of the Gatorade recommendation, but my fluid was definitely replenished so I'm not gonna question it. The sonographer also reported that the blood pressure in the umbilical cord looked good, and that she was still measuring within normal limits for growth. She had gained about 4-5 ounces in those few days so we were pleased to hear she is still growing. I'm not sure how many ounces they are suppose to gain daily, but nonetheless it is hard to get accurate measurements on growth when they are taken that close together. So next week's ultrasound will be more telling and should give us a better idea on her growth status. I am just thankful for the stability that we saw, and for the fact that I wasn't rushed in for an emergency induction! After twelve weeks and a few days of resting, I am asking for a couple more weeks. I just haven't had quite enough!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Frumpy Bedrest Fatigue Syndrome
I have FBFS (Frumpy Bedrest Fatigue Syndrome). I suspect I have had it all along, but it is really raring it's ugly head these last couple of weeks. The nature of this disorder is that as time passes, it advances into more progressive stages. Mine has advanced rather quickly. Unfortunately, there really aren't any cures for this syndrome. Occasionally, a dose of sunshine, a visit from a friend, a really, good meal, or a long, hot bath will treat the symptoms, but these things only provide temporary relief. The worst part of it is that once the FBFS goes into remission, you are often hit with FNMSDS (Frumpy New Mom Sleep Deprivation Syndrome). Similar symptoms, similar course of action - only time will heal.
Here is a list of warning signs and symptoms:
bedrest for longer than 6 weeks
overgrown eyebrows
loss of energy
calloused feet
lack of motivation
shortness of breath
in need of a haircut
bouts of extreme boredom
severe fatigue
excessive wearing of lounge pants and t-shirts
loss of muscle tone
weight gain
anxiety and depression
fresh air withdrawals
overall unkemptness
obsessive compulsive tendencies
stiff muscles
dry lips
mental turmoil and exhaustion
loss of conversational skills
If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you search the Internet immediately for online blogs, email bedrest buddies, or cyberspace support groups to assist you with this physically and emotionally draining disorder!
Here is a list of warning signs and symptoms:
bedrest for longer than 6 weeks
overgrown eyebrows
loss of energy
calloused feet
lack of motivation
shortness of breath
in need of a haircut
bouts of extreme boredom
severe fatigue
excessive wearing of lounge pants and t-shirts
loss of muscle tone
weight gain
anxiety and depression
fresh air withdrawals
overall unkemptness
obsessive compulsive tendencies
stiff muscles
dry lips
mental turmoil and exhaustion
loss of conversational skills
If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you search the Internet immediately for online blogs, email bedrest buddies, or cyberspace support groups to assist you with this physically and emotionally draining disorder!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ultrasound Update
I had an ultrasound and follow up appointment with my doctor today, and there has been a slight change in my status. There were a couple of findings on the ultrasound which mean "baby hershey" needs to be very closely monitored from here on out.
When I delivered Holland, there were a few things that the doctor found disconscerning. He said that my umblicial cord was very thin and there were lots of micro blood clots on the outside of the placenta. I guess it is somewhat normal for there to be some blood clots, but I had an excessive amount. Lastly, Holland only weighed 5 lbs and she was a full term baby. My doctor had predicted she would be less than 7 lbs, but he was a little freaked out that she ended up being that small. He said it appeared that she had stopped growing towards the end or at least that her growth rate had decreased significantly.
In the weeks following Holland's birth, I had a ton of bloodwork done and a whole battery of different tests to try and get answers. Everything came back okay so we were just sent on our merry way. I have always been curious and wanted to know more about what caused the problems (even though we didn't know they were problems). It has been a bit unsettling to know something was wrong but answers were not provided. There is a history of all the babies born by my mom and my sisters - they have all been less than 6 lbs, most born 3-8 weeks early, super fast deliveries, and a couple of bedrest sentences. Maybe this is something hereditary that needs to be addressed so that our daughters can be more prepared and informed.
So today, my doctor asked me about Holland's birth again and followed it up with , "it looks like it is happening again". He said that the amniotic fluid had decreased, the blood pressure in the umbilical cord had decreased, and so had her rate of growth. He said everything was still within normal limits at this time and he wasn't "too concerned" right now, but that this sort of thing ususally progresses and then there is a definite need for concern.
His plan is to bring me in twice a week for monitoring and non-stress tests as well as weekly ultrasounds. He did say that if she continued at this rate then we would have a baby in 2-3 weeks. He would more than likely induce labor rather than let her continue this way.
I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. I was just starting to feel relieved and like we were well on our way to having a healthy baby. This throws a little wrench in my peace of mind status. It is very likely that this was happening with Holland too, but I wasn't being monitored this closely. There is no way to know how early it started with her either. She is still very petite and she always will be. I was always the smallest one in my class all the way to high school and beyond!
We are very blessed with a doctor that is so "on top" of things. He sent me to the lab yesterday for more bloodwork and another battery of tests. He is hoping he can get some answers. Maybe my last doctor missed some things or maybe there is something that is more advanced this time around. We will be eager to get the results, but until then we are feeling a little unsettled and uncertain about the risks involved with this situation.
Please keep us in your prayers as we go through these next couple of weeks.
Thank you, friends!
When I delivered Holland, there were a few things that the doctor found disconscerning. He said that my umblicial cord was very thin and there were lots of micro blood clots on the outside of the placenta. I guess it is somewhat normal for there to be some blood clots, but I had an excessive amount. Lastly, Holland only weighed 5 lbs and she was a full term baby. My doctor had predicted she would be less than 7 lbs, but he was a little freaked out that she ended up being that small. He said it appeared that she had stopped growing towards the end or at least that her growth rate had decreased significantly.
In the weeks following Holland's birth, I had a ton of bloodwork done and a whole battery of different tests to try and get answers. Everything came back okay so we were just sent on our merry way. I have always been curious and wanted to know more about what caused the problems (even though we didn't know they were problems). It has been a bit unsettling to know something was wrong but answers were not provided. There is a history of all the babies born by my mom and my sisters - they have all been less than 6 lbs, most born 3-8 weeks early, super fast deliveries, and a couple of bedrest sentences. Maybe this is something hereditary that needs to be addressed so that our daughters can be more prepared and informed.
So today, my doctor asked me about Holland's birth again and followed it up with , "it looks like it is happening again". He said that the amniotic fluid had decreased, the blood pressure in the umbilical cord had decreased, and so had her rate of growth. He said everything was still within normal limits at this time and he wasn't "too concerned" right now, but that this sort of thing ususally progresses and then there is a definite need for concern.
His plan is to bring me in twice a week for monitoring and non-stress tests as well as weekly ultrasounds. He did say that if she continued at this rate then we would have a baby in 2-3 weeks. He would more than likely induce labor rather than let her continue this way.
I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. I was just starting to feel relieved and like we were well on our way to having a healthy baby. This throws a little wrench in my peace of mind status. It is very likely that this was happening with Holland too, but I wasn't being monitored this closely. There is no way to know how early it started with her either. She is still very petite and she always will be. I was always the smallest one in my class all the way to high school and beyond!
We are very blessed with a doctor that is so "on top" of things. He sent me to the lab yesterday for more bloodwork and another battery of tests. He is hoping he can get some answers. Maybe my last doctor missed some things or maybe there is something that is more advanced this time around. We will be eager to get the results, but until then we are feeling a little unsettled and uncertain about the risks involved with this situation.
Please keep us in your prayers as we go through these next couple of weeks.
Thank you, friends!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
"Busted" (again) by My Three-Year-Old
The other day, Jonathan left me alone with Holland while he went to mass. I got up to get something to drink out of the kitchen, and I got a little distracted by the dirty sink, the crumbs on the counter, and the unswept floor (it really wasn't a big deal at all, but I got a little frustrated). I let out a BIG sigh and said, "Holland, you're Daddy doesn't know how to clean!". What I really meant by that was, "Holland, you're Daddy doesn't know how to clean like I clean".
I didn't think she was even listening to me as she was just passing through the kitchen when I made the comment. Well, about an hour 1/2 later, Jonathan returned from mass, and Holland was super eager that he was home. She started jumping up and down (more so than she usually does), as soon as she saw is his car pull up in the drive way. The second he walked in the room, she could hardly contain her excitement. A huge smirky smile spread across her face, her eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Mommy, I need to tell Daddy something."
I said, "Okay, what do you need to tell him?" (I had no idea what was coming)
She then shouted, "Daddy, Mommy said you didn't know how to clean!" and started laughing hysterically dropping to the floor.
What a little tattle-tale! I couldn't help but crack up, but then felt the need to explain myself! Jonathan was very understanding as he always is. My comment didn't phase him a bit probably because he and I both know he has been working his *@%* off!
In his defense, I do need to publically declare that he has been totally amazing through out this whole ordeal. He is constantly cleaning things, vacuuming, washing clothes, straightening H's room, sweeping, mopping, etc. I am sure he is doing it so that I remain sane since I have turned into a bit of a clean freak these last few years. I appreciate ALL that he is doing even if it doesn't have quite as much "attention to detail" as my cleaning has!
Thanks, Babe! You Rock!
I didn't think she was even listening to me as she was just passing through the kitchen when I made the comment. Well, about an hour 1/2 later, Jonathan returned from mass, and Holland was super eager that he was home. She started jumping up and down (more so than she usually does), as soon as she saw is his car pull up in the drive way. The second he walked in the room, she could hardly contain her excitement. A huge smirky smile spread across her face, her eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Mommy, I need to tell Daddy something."
I said, "Okay, what do you need to tell him?" (I had no idea what was coming)
She then shouted, "Daddy, Mommy said you didn't know how to clean!" and started laughing hysterically dropping to the floor.
What a little tattle-tale! I couldn't help but crack up, but then felt the need to explain myself! Jonathan was very understanding as he always is. My comment didn't phase him a bit probably because he and I both know he has been working his *@%* off!
In his defense, I do need to publically declare that he has been totally amazing through out this whole ordeal. He is constantly cleaning things, vacuuming, washing clothes, straightening H's room, sweeping, mopping, etc. I am sure he is doing it so that I remain sane since I have turned into a bit of a clean freak these last few years. I appreciate ALL that he is doing even if it doesn't have quite as much "attention to detail" as my cleaning has!
Thanks, Babe! You Rock!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Crafty Ashley Continues Being Crafty
These are the projects that I completed, yesterday. The first little onesie has a pea pod on it (I hope you could tell that's what it was!). I love baby stuff with pea pods on it, it's so sweet!
The second one was made from a scrapbooking embellishment that I just sewed on - it's a little felt flower with a pearl in the middle. So, so sweet!
I think I am going to make some for Holland too. She asked me, "Mommy, can you make me one with three flowers because I'm three?"
"Of course I can, sweet pea!"
Monday, April 16, 2007
DAY 75: Miscellaneous Monday
1. Today is DAY 75 that I have been on bedrest. Can you believe it? That sounds like such a long time!
2. Jonathan is enjoying a new obsession of creating "face food". Holland and I receive at least one plate of face food each day. Click here to see a picture and blog entry about one of his latest creations. Remember my "sweet, goofy husband" posts?
3. I think I forgot to give an update about gestational diabetes. I DON'T have it this time around. I can't even convey how very relieved I am. Yippee! "Pass the Jellie Bellies, please!"
4. I am feeling like I am on the "homestretch", and I still have a long list of bedrest projects to complete. I may have made my list a bit too long, but I'm going to try and be super productive this week. I love crossing things off lists.
5. I am officially up to date on Grey's Anatomy. I started watching all of the episodes from the very beginning when I was first admitted into the hosptial. It makes a huge difference to have all of the story, the subtle dynamics of each relationship, and the history and baggage of each character! We rented season 1 and season 2, but the beginning of season 3 wasn't available to rent, however luckily, I was able to download them onto my ipod. I have watched 56 episodes total! Crazy, huh? I am not an avid TV watcher at all so this was fun to take on and it was a great way to pass the hours!
6. We ordered another load of groceries online again today! Very convenient. I think Jonathan is hooked. I personally like to go the grocery store, but for now this is fun and efficient!
7. I watched the first ever "Food Network Awards" last night. Pretty pathetic. I don't know what I was expecting, but it didn't quite cut it.
8. It is suppose to be a gorgeous day here today followed by a week of rain and clouds. I am hoping to get the lounge chair back out!
9. My hospital bag is officially packed. Well, actually I have everything in a pile in a corner of my room to put into a suitcase. I keep forgetting to ask Jonathan to bring a bag up from the basement. (If you are reading this babe, can you bring the small, black bag up?)
10. Holland is "into" dresses these days. I am so excited. It was almost impossible to get her to put a dress on last spring and summer. Thankfully, I didn't let that sway me in my end of the year shopping sales! She is totally set.
Happy Monday! (I'm 31 weeks, tomorrow)
2. Jonathan is enjoying a new obsession of creating "face food". Holland and I receive at least one plate of face food each day. Click here to see a picture and blog entry about one of his latest creations. Remember my "sweet, goofy husband" posts?
3. I think I forgot to give an update about gestational diabetes. I DON'T have it this time around. I can't even convey how very relieved I am. Yippee! "Pass the Jellie Bellies, please!"
4. I am feeling like I am on the "homestretch", and I still have a long list of bedrest projects to complete. I may have made my list a bit too long, but I'm going to try and be super productive this week. I love crossing things off lists.
5. I am officially up to date on Grey's Anatomy. I started watching all of the episodes from the very beginning when I was first admitted into the hosptial. It makes a huge difference to have all of the story, the subtle dynamics of each relationship, and the history and baggage of each character! We rented season 1 and season 2, but the beginning of season 3 wasn't available to rent, however luckily, I was able to download them onto my ipod. I have watched 56 episodes total! Crazy, huh? I am not an avid TV watcher at all so this was fun to take on and it was a great way to pass the hours!
6. We ordered another load of groceries online again today! Very convenient. I think Jonathan is hooked. I personally like to go the grocery store, but for now this is fun and efficient!
7. I watched the first ever "Food Network Awards" last night. Pretty pathetic. I don't know what I was expecting, but it didn't quite cut it.
8. It is suppose to be a gorgeous day here today followed by a week of rain and clouds. I am hoping to get the lounge chair back out!
9. My hospital bag is officially packed. Well, actually I have everything in a pile in a corner of my room to put into a suitcase. I keep forgetting to ask Jonathan to bring a bag up from the basement. (If you are reading this babe, can you bring the small, black bag up?)
10. Holland is "into" dresses these days. I am so excited. It was almost impossible to get her to put a dress on last spring and summer. Thankfully, I didn't let that sway me in my end of the year shopping sales! She is totally set.
Happy Monday! (I'm 31 weeks, tomorrow)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Autism Awareness Month
******************* This is not a bedrest related post! ***************
Most of you know that when I am not on bedrest, I am a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in working with children with autism. I have been working with this population for about 10 years now and I absolutely love it. This month is Autism Awareness Month so I thought I would take a quick minute to post some information on Autism.
* Autism now impacts 1 in 150 children
* 1 to 1.5 million Americans
* Fastest-growing developmental disability
* 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
*67 children are diagnosed per day
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
*Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
*There is no medical detection or cure for autism (at this time)
Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World", which features images of autistic children and their families. It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea. The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed - the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.
To view the video, click here.
Most of you know that when I am not on bedrest, I am a pediatric Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in working with children with autism. I have been working with this population for about 10 years now and I absolutely love it. This month is Autism Awareness Month so I thought I would take a quick minute to post some information on Autism.
* Autism now impacts 1 in 150 children
* 1 to 1.5 million Americans
* Fastest-growing developmental disability
* 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
*67 children are diagnosed per day
* A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
*Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
*There is no medical detection or cure for autism (at this time)
Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World", which features images of autistic children and their families. It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea. The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed - the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.
To view the video, click here.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Crafty Ashley
Look at what I made! I have been wanting to learn to embroider for a long time and now I am teaching myself! I was given an embroider kit while I was in the hospital from Jonathan's co-workers and I just pulled it out yesterday. Thank you again EWU for all of the goodies!
This is my first attempt at anything - it is a tea towel that I am handing off to Holland for her play kitchen area. It's a little messy, but I think I will get better as I practice. I will get better, right?
My next project will be something babyish - maybe a onesie, a t-shirt, a pillow case, or something to frame for the wall. Gosh! There are so many choices! Stay tuned for postings of future projects!
Happy Weekend Everyone!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Chef's Apprentice
I was going to post something about Jonathan's shopping expeditions and the weird and random things I have sent him all over town for, but when I mentioned it to him, he said, "What's really impressive is the meals I have prepared for you!" And within a few seconds, he supplied me with this excerpt from an email he had sent to a friend:
I've been impressing myself with my increasing culinary skills -- under A's tutelage. Dishes I've prepared of late: Grilled Mozzarella Tomato Basil Paninis, Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage, Pesto Goat Cheese Pita Pizza, Prosciutto y Melon, Caprese Salad (fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic and herb dressing), Rigatoni and Italian Sausage, White Cheddar and Dried Cranberry Garden Green Salad with a Light Balsamic Vinaigrette, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches ... and, of course, Banana Pancakes.He has definitely done an amazing job serving as my apprentice and substitute. I hope he realizes that now that I know his capabilities and once our baby girl arrives, he may just get assigned to dinner duty a little more regularly!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
DAY 71: Another Daughter Ensemble
I thought that since I was home I would have a little more "say so" in the attire in which my daughter leaves the house in. Well, that was not the case this afternoon! I heard them talking about going to the park so I suggested that Holland put on some tights since it was still a little chilly today. I told her which ones would match her dress, but she had her own idea of what she wanted to wear. She eagerly pulled out the tights she had in mind and while searching for them, she ran across the cute, pink hat and turtle scarf - she insisted on wearing ALL of them!
I started to fret but wouldn't allow myself to go any further. Really and truly - what harm was it going to do? She was absolutely tickled that a.) she had chosen her own outfit, b.) she had dressed herself, c.) she had found the turtle scarf that I had secretly hidden and had been "missing" for months, and d.) she was going on an outing with her daddy to run, and jump, and scream, and play.
Isn't that the epitome of a three- year-old exerting her independence, free spirit, and creative license?
How could I squelch that? and besides, I was staying at home!
Monday, April 9, 2007
One of my Easter Highlights
Holland has a trapeze bar in our basement on which she has spent countless hours. She is quite the little trapeze artist with some very creative choreography and fancy maneuvers. Since I have been in the hospital, she has taught herself a ton of new tricks that I haven't been able to see. Now that I am home, I still haven't been able to see her in action as I am not permitted to go to the basement. I am only allotted one trip up and down the stairs each day, and that is used up when I go upstairs to bed each evening.Grandpa was here this weekend for Easter and he put up a trapeze bar in our backyard so Holland could continue to perfect her talent. I sat outside on a lounge chair for hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and enjoyed our dear friends, our wonderful family, the amazing weather, the children's infectious laughter, and the never ending choreographed trapeze tricks! Once again, I was reminded of how much joy life's simplicities bring to me when I take them all in.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter as well!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Eight
Eight years ago today, Jonathan and I were married in Pino, Italy. What a glorious day it was. In honor of this special day, I would like to devote this blog post to my husband. In what follows will be random lists of "eight". It was hard to narrow everything down to only eight, but I forced myself to do it! Happy Anniversary, my dear, wonderful, amazing, incredible husband!
8 Favorite Places:
Tulip Fields - Mount Vernon, Washington
Cinque Terre, Italy
Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California
Kauai, Hawaii
New Orleans, Louisiana
Arches National Park - Moab, Utah
Front porches of Appalachia
Sacred Heart Medical Center - 9th floor (place where Holland was born)
8 Best All-time Memories:
Drinking tequila with the nuns in Mexico
Our 12,000 mile, four month long road trip in 2000
Our canoe mishap at our wedding reception
Going to the race track with my Great Uncle Bud
Visiting your Great Aunts in Bunde, Germany
The telephone marriage proposal
The burning of my lecture notes, drinking rum, and blowing the conch shell at the beach
The spiral on the Mandrin Gate napkin
8 Favorite "firsts":
Your first diaper change
My first Bob Dylan concert
Our first trip to Crater Lake (!!)
Our first ultrasound
Our first fight on our honeymoon
Holland's first laugh
Our first walk across Golden Gate Bridge
My first "Ash Wednesday" message
8 Favorite Dining Experiences:
Azteca in Seattle - the day after you proposed on the phone
PF Changs - Highlands Ranch, CO
Sidewalk Cafes - Rome, Italy
Cracker Barrel - Las Cruces, New Mexico
Taco Stands - Tecate, Mexico
Khu Larb Thai Restaurant - Port Townsend, Washington
Mr. Bill's Donut Shop - with my Uncle Bud in Deland, Florida
The Aunts House - Bunde, Germany
8 Gut-Wrenching Laughs:
You sneaking out the window at Carmen and Rick's when we were dating
You saying "Si" at the German Airport
The Italian administrator ferociously typing with one finger to complete our wedding forms (during their most prized "siesta", the day before our wedding)
The taxi driver in New Orleans who put his money in the trunk so he wouldn't spend it
The infamous elevator story, our first night in Rome
The jewelry salesman in Ballard who asked for a $5 deposit to hold a diamond engagement ring
The fan I talked you into buying in 90 degree weather after our air conditioner went out
Cluelessly, waiting on the train deck in Italy with 3 tons of luggage and the trains were on strike
That was really, really hard to do especially considering I made Jonathan a scrapbook for his 40th birthday along the same line. I came up with lists of 40 instead of lists of 8, and that was much easier than trying to narrow them down to only 8!
Anyway, Happy Anniversary Darling! I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being the best thing that has ever happened to me!
Grow Old With Me, The Best is Yet to Be!
8 Favorite Places:
Tulip Fields - Mount Vernon, Washington
Cinque Terre, Italy
Napa and Sonoma Valleys, California
Kauai, Hawaii
New Orleans, Louisiana
Arches National Park - Moab, Utah
Front porches of Appalachia
Sacred Heart Medical Center - 9th floor (place where Holland was born)
8 Best All-time Memories:
Drinking tequila with the nuns in Mexico
Our 12,000 mile, four month long road trip in 2000
Our canoe mishap at our wedding reception
Going to the race track with my Great Uncle Bud
Visiting your Great Aunts in Bunde, Germany
The telephone marriage proposal
The burning of my lecture notes, drinking rum, and blowing the conch shell at the beach
The spiral on the Mandrin Gate napkin
8 Favorite "firsts":
Your first diaper change
My first Bob Dylan concert
Our first trip to Crater Lake (!!)
Our first ultrasound
Our first fight on our honeymoon
Holland's first laugh
Our first walk across Golden Gate Bridge
My first "Ash Wednesday" message
8 Favorite Dining Experiences:
Azteca in Seattle - the day after you proposed on the phone
PF Changs - Highlands Ranch, CO
Sidewalk Cafes - Rome, Italy
Cracker Barrel - Las Cruces, New Mexico
Taco Stands - Tecate, Mexico
Khu Larb Thai Restaurant - Port Townsend, Washington
Mr. Bill's Donut Shop - with my Uncle Bud in Deland, Florida
The Aunts House - Bunde, Germany
8 Gut-Wrenching Laughs:
You sneaking out the window at Carmen and Rick's when we were dating
You saying "Si" at the German Airport
The Italian administrator ferociously typing with one finger to complete our wedding forms (during their most prized "siesta", the day before our wedding)
The taxi driver in New Orleans who put his money in the trunk so he wouldn't spend it
The infamous elevator story, our first night in Rome
The jewelry salesman in Ballard who asked for a $5 deposit to hold a diamond engagement ring
The fan I talked you into buying in 90 degree weather after our air conditioner went out
Cluelessly, waiting on the train deck in Italy with 3 tons of luggage and the trains were on strike
That was really, really hard to do especially considering I made Jonathan a scrapbook for his 40th birthday along the same line. I came up with lists of 40 instead of lists of 8, and that was much easier than trying to narrow them down to only 8!
Anyway, Happy Anniversary Darling! I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being the best thing that has ever happened to me!
Grow Old With Me, The Best is Yet to Be!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Trendsetter
My Daughter, The Trendsetter One pink croc
+
One yellow croc
+
One Easter sticker
_____________________
This Year's Spring Fashion
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
29 Weeks
(Quick Post)
29 weeks
Ultrasound and follow up appt. today
Good results
No change with cervix
Baby weighs 2 lb 10 oz.
Good heartbeat, great movement
Ultrasound and follow up appt. today
Good results
No change with cervix
Baby weighs 2 lb 10 oz.
Good heartbeat, great movement
No results on glucose test, yet
Pass granted for Easter Mass outing
Pass granted for Easter dinner out
Pass granted for Easter Mass outing
Pass granted for Easter dinner out
All in all - a good appointment
Next appt. in two weeks
Next appt. in two weeks
Monday, April 2, 2007
March Madness Bracket Winner
Yay for me! Hip Hip Hooray! Yipee! I Rock! Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah!
Click here to see the Bedrest Boutique March Madness Bracket standings. Did I make it clear that I was the winner?
Thanks to everyone that played along and Congratulations to Mr. Neal Gibson for coming in second place and Mrs. Melissa Engles for coming in third!
Click here to see the Bedrest Boutique March Madness Bracket standings. Did I make it clear that I was the winner?
Thanks to everyone that played along and Congratulations to Mr. Neal Gibson for coming in second place and Mrs. Melissa Engles for coming in third!
Miscellaneous Monday
1. I love the food network. I watched 6-7 shows back to back this morning and afternoon (Barefoot Contessa, Sandra Lee, Paula, Giada, Rachel, Michael). Great line up! I can't wait to get back in the kitchen to do some cooking. I hope I'm not too exhausted from atrophied muscles and sleep deprivation once "hershey" gets here!
2. I am in first place in the March Madness Bracket competition that I put together! Hooray for me! I will post the winners after tonight's game!
3. Potato chips and onion dip have been my craving of choice (Doritos in particular). This is one of my old high school snacks that my dear friend, Angie, introduced to me! Yum-o (as Rachel Ray would say).
4. Holland and Jonathan have temporarily taken over the baby's room. I had to walk through there yesterday to get to the bathroom, and I almost had a panic attack! Jonathan brought up one of the rugs from the basement and gave Holland free reign with all of her art supplies. There was paper, markers, crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, paint, paint brushes, coloring books, scissors, glue, etc. Jonathan also found the sweet Moses basket and decided to use it as a tool box. It is full of tools that he will be using for baby room projects for which I am grateful, but did he have to use the Moses basket?! As I looked around the rest of the room, I spotted a vacuum cleaner, a broom, one of Jonathan's paintings, a bag of garbage, and a collection of Holland's stuffed animals all wrapped up in the baby's blankies with the baby's bibs tied around their necks. ARRRRGGGGGG! I must announce that after my initial reaction, I decided to just keep walking. I didn't scream. I didn't bitch. I didn't nag. I didn't complain. I didn't even comment. I just kept walking.....
5. I have my first doctor's appointment since I have been home tomorrow morning. I will have an ultrasound, a screening for gestational diabetes, followed by an appt. with my doc. I really, really, really hope that nothing has changed with my cervix because I am afraid that I will be sent back to the hospital. I also really hope that I don't fail the glucose testing. Be forewarned: I may go into a bit of a funk if diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I had it with Holland which meant that I had to change my diet and prick my finger 4-5 times a day to get my blood sugar readings. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. (I will keep you posted once I receive the results)
6. I have been doing a ton of online shopping these last couple of months. You name the store or the site and I bet I have placed an order there! We even went as far as ordering groceries to be delivered the other day - kinda cool! (that one was Jonathan's idea). Other on-line shopping includes: the Gap, Motherhood Maternity, L.L Bean, Old Navy, Amazon.com, Disney movie club, papa John's pizza, Kodak Gallery, Pottery Barn for Kids, Babystyle, Target, Eddie Bauer, itunes, Avon, Ebay, Blockbuster, and even QVC home shopping! Those are the only ones that come to mind immediately. I know I am leaving some out!
7. I have been having fun watching the baby's room come together. All that is lacking is a rug and some wall decor. I picked out a rug for the baby's room and you can click here to see the one I ordered. I am also working on picking out a piece of wall art for her room. There is an amazing artist in Seattle that does printmaking from her original etchings. You can click here to see her collections. She is going to custom make one for me. I can choose the images, and I can send her my fabric so she can match the colors. I am so excited about this! It will definitely be a big splurge, but I am justifying it by thinking about all the money I have saved from not buying bedding, maternity clothes, baby equipment, baby furniture, etc. I will definitely post pictures once it arrives!
8. Holland went to a birthday party yesterday and discovered silly string! She came home asking us if we could please buy some more! I think I will tell the Easter bunny to bring her some!
9. We are gearing up for a big crowd for Easter. I am very excited about having the company around. I haven't had a ton of interaction through out this whole process - a few visitors here and there, but never long enough to fulfill my social butterfly tendencies! I am wishing I could cook a big Easter dinner, but will have to settle for dinner reservations. I am going to ask for a dinner pass tomorrow at my appointment. I hope the warden is in a good mood!
10. I am "miscellaneous-ed out". That is all that I can think of right now. I hope you learned some things that you weren't aware of!
Stay tuned for the ultrasound/doc appointment update coming soon to a blog near you!
2. I am in first place in the March Madness Bracket competition that I put together! Hooray for me! I will post the winners after tonight's game!
3. Potato chips and onion dip have been my craving of choice (Doritos in particular). This is one of my old high school snacks that my dear friend, Angie, introduced to me! Yum-o (as Rachel Ray would say).
4. Holland and Jonathan have temporarily taken over the baby's room. I had to walk through there yesterday to get to the bathroom, and I almost had a panic attack! Jonathan brought up one of the rugs from the basement and gave Holland free reign with all of her art supplies. There was paper, markers, crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, paint, paint brushes, coloring books, scissors, glue, etc. Jonathan also found the sweet Moses basket and decided to use it as a tool box. It is full of tools that he will be using for baby room projects for which I am grateful, but did he have to use the Moses basket?! As I looked around the rest of the room, I spotted a vacuum cleaner, a broom, one of Jonathan's paintings, a bag of garbage, and a collection of Holland's stuffed animals all wrapped up in the baby's blankies with the baby's bibs tied around their necks. ARRRRGGGGGG! I must announce that after my initial reaction, I decided to just keep walking. I didn't scream. I didn't bitch. I didn't nag. I didn't complain. I didn't even comment. I just kept walking.....
5. I have my first doctor's appointment since I have been home tomorrow morning. I will have an ultrasound, a screening for gestational diabetes, followed by an appt. with my doc. I really, really, really hope that nothing has changed with my cervix because I am afraid that I will be sent back to the hospital. I also really hope that I don't fail the glucose testing. Be forewarned: I may go into a bit of a funk if diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I had it with Holland which meant that I had to change my diet and prick my finger 4-5 times a day to get my blood sugar readings. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. (I will keep you posted once I receive the results)
6. I have been doing a ton of online shopping these last couple of months. You name the store or the site and I bet I have placed an order there! We even went as far as ordering groceries to be delivered the other day - kinda cool! (that one was Jonathan's idea). Other on-line shopping includes: the Gap, Motherhood Maternity, L.L Bean, Old Navy, Amazon.com, Disney movie club, papa John's pizza, Kodak Gallery, Pottery Barn for Kids, Babystyle, Target, Eddie Bauer, itunes, Avon, Ebay, Blockbuster, and even QVC home shopping! Those are the only ones that come to mind immediately. I know I am leaving some out!
7. I have been having fun watching the baby's room come together. All that is lacking is a rug and some wall decor. I picked out a rug for the baby's room and you can click here to see the one I ordered. I am also working on picking out a piece of wall art for her room. There is an amazing artist in Seattle that does printmaking from her original etchings. You can click here to see her collections. She is going to custom make one for me. I can choose the images, and I can send her my fabric so she can match the colors. I am so excited about this! It will definitely be a big splurge, but I am justifying it by thinking about all the money I have saved from not buying bedding, maternity clothes, baby equipment, baby furniture, etc. I will definitely post pictures once it arrives!
8. Holland went to a birthday party yesterday and discovered silly string! She came home asking us if we could please buy some more! I think I will tell the Easter bunny to bring her some!
9. We are gearing up for a big crowd for Easter. I am very excited about having the company around. I haven't had a ton of interaction through out this whole process - a few visitors here and there, but never long enough to fulfill my social butterfly tendencies! I am wishing I could cook a big Easter dinner, but will have to settle for dinner reservations. I am going to ask for a dinner pass tomorrow at my appointment. I hope the warden is in a good mood!
10. I am "miscellaneous-ed out". That is all that I can think of right now. I hope you learned some things that you weren't aware of!
Stay tuned for the ultrasound/doc appointment update coming soon to a blog near you!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
DAY 61: Feeling Good
I have been feeling so good the last couple of days. I think it must be sunshine related. I had a couple of hours to myself today when Jonathan and Holland were gone and I just couldn't restrain myself. I did a little vacuuming, a couple loads of laundry, washed some dishes, mopped the floor, and then went out for a little (very little) jog. Don't freak out though - I didn't do them all back to back. I did have some sense to space them out. The sun was shining so bright and I just loved to be energized by it. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it felt to complete each of those tasks even if I had to do them over the course of a few hours. I considered doing a little more, but decided I shouldn't push it. After the tiny, little jog, I started to feel some contractions so that scared me enough to stop.
Jonathan has been walking around with a timer when I get up and threatening to "turn me in". He has even put my in "time out" a couple of times much to Holland's great pleasure! He will not be happy when he reads this - I kinda dread the lecture.
However, I only have one response for him: "April Fool's"!
Jonathan has been walking around with a timer when I get up and threatening to "turn me in". He has even put my in "time out" a couple of times much to Holland's great pleasure! He will not be happy when he reads this - I kinda dread the lecture.
However, I only have one response for him: "April Fool's"!
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