Thursday, December 31, 2009
Another year drawing to a close
As this year ends and another begins, I look forward to what it holds. This last year was the most interesting I have had so far. I have learned many things about myself, and changed my views on quite a few things. One of the most important things that I learned and plan to keep with me is to not judge others based upon what you can see. They have had many different experiences and their life has taken a different path than my own. I cannot judge their way of parenting because every child is different and until you are in that situation yourself you have no idea what it is like. This was a great concept for me to learn, and has been even harder to accept and practice. This lesson has always been repeated to me, but with the experiences I have had with Bree I got to learn this one the hard way. We have had many suggestions and stories told to us about how we should be raising her and what we should be doing. However, it has made me more thankful and opened my eyes to the fact that the life we are sharing as a family is our own, and it is ours to take our own path with.
We will be ringing in the New Year with my brother and sister here to celebrate with us and I wouldn't have it any other way. Surrounded by those we love, we will be looking forward to what the year of 2010 has in store for us...and for all of you!!!
We will be ringing in the New Year with my brother and sister here to celebrate with us and I wouldn't have it any other way. Surrounded by those we love, we will be looking forward to what the year of 2010 has in store for us...and for all of you!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Isabella Grace Minard
We all have a new member of our family! Isabella Grace Minard was born by emergency C section on December 26 at 8:29 in the morning. She weighed 8 lbs, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. She has already proved herself to have a good set of lungs, and is just as cute as can be. Pictures to follow in a few days.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday (potentially)
Merry Christmas to all our blog followers, family, friends and everyone in the world! We have had a wonderous Christmas day full of surprises, and lots of love. Bree stood up for the first time today without someone holding onto her! She was holding onto her Uncle Ooba, but he was not holding onto her! What a big girl! The girl's got a lot of gifts, and my brother and sister seemed to enjoy their gifts we got them as well. It is hard for me to pick out gifts for them since we live so far away from them we do not know them as well as we would like to. So, we might be making some trips back to the stores to exchange a few things before they go home. As long as they are happy with everything that's all that matters. :)
My aunt and uncle also get a Christmas surprise today. My aunt's water broke this morning so I am typing this from her hospital room right now! Little Izzy will either be here today or tomorrow!! New babies are so precious and exciting.
I hope that all of you are enjoying the time with the people that you love. Eating food, sharing stories or even just playing board games with them. It is the time that is spent that is most precious. Merry Christmas everyone!
My aunt and uncle also get a Christmas surprise today. My aunt's water broke this morning so I am typing this from her hospital room right now! Little Izzy will either be here today or tomorrow!! New babies are so precious and exciting.
I hope that all of you are enjoying the time with the people that you love. Eating food, sharing stories or even just playing board games with them. It is the time that is spent that is most precious. Merry Christmas everyone!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Apple soup
Tonight I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for dinner. Not extravagant, but it gets the job done. While it was cooking Riley had suckered Auntie into holding her while she stood in the kitchen with me. Riley happened to see the tomato soup cooking and said "Yum! Apple Soup!" (It's red like an apple, right??)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
*Fingers crossed*
My fingers are crossed in hopes that this time tomorrow evening my Aunt Shrrene and Uncle Rick will be holding their sweet new little girl in their arms. Tomorrow is Isabella Grace's official due date...and her Mama is sure ready for her to come on out!
Sweet Izzy, we can't wait to meet you!
Sweet Izzy, we can't wait to meet you!
Monday, December 21, 2009
The warm fuzzies
You know what I am talking about...the warm feeling you get when all feels right with world? Well, I have that. Right now.
My brother and sister are in town visiting until January fourth and I always have a good time with them when we get together. Riley absolutely adores both of them. In fact, she told me tonight. First with her actions, and then with her words.
After bath time tonight my sister helped me by dressing Riley in her pj's. After some bedtime blue's clue's it was time to brush Riley's teeth. Auntie volunteered to help Riley brush her teeth so I told her to holler for me when they were done and I would do the bedtime routine of books and bed. However, when I sat down in Riley's rocking chair to read her her two nighttime books I was told "Scoooz eeee....it auntie turn. scooooz eeeee. Move mommy!" She loves her Auntie.
After Auntie had put her to bed, she called for me and I went in to rock her as she requested. She laid her head down on my shoulder and said "wow". I kind of chuckled and said wow back to her. She sighed and said "Oooba very fun". (Ooba is her name for her Uncle Caleb) I asked her "Oh, yeah?" She informed me that "Oooba fun on slide". I asked her if Uncle Ooba was fun on the slide today and she said "Okay, let's go!". I laughed and told her it was bedtime right now but maybe they could play on the slide again tomorrow. She loves her Ooba.
My posts may be few and far between lately because I am going to take the time to enjoy my wonderful family visiting. :) Or I might just have many stories to tell because they are here. Only time will tell.
My brother and sister are in town visiting until January fourth and I always have a good time with them when we get together. Riley absolutely adores both of them. In fact, she told me tonight. First with her actions, and then with her words.
After bath time tonight my sister helped me by dressing Riley in her pj's. After some bedtime blue's clue's it was time to brush Riley's teeth. Auntie volunteered to help Riley brush her teeth so I told her to holler for me when they were done and I would do the bedtime routine of books and bed. However, when I sat down in Riley's rocking chair to read her her two nighttime books I was told "Scoooz eeee....it auntie turn. scooooz eeeee. Move mommy!" She loves her Auntie.
After Auntie had put her to bed, she called for me and I went in to rock her as she requested. She laid her head down on my shoulder and said "wow". I kind of chuckled and said wow back to her. She sighed and said "Oooba very fun". (Ooba is her name for her Uncle Caleb) I asked her "Oh, yeah?" She informed me that "Oooba fun on slide". I asked her if Uncle Ooba was fun on the slide today and she said "Okay, let's go!". I laughed and told her it was bedtime right now but maybe they could play on the slide again tomorrow. She loves her Ooba.
My posts may be few and far between lately because I am going to take the time to enjoy my wonderful family visiting. :) Or I might just have many stories to tell because they are here. Only time will tell.
Friday, December 18, 2009
GO BREE!!!
This week is getting better and better! Yesterday and today she has been on full strength formula at feeds of 150 cc's 3 times a day and we've had no vomiting. Tonight is the first night we are doing half strength formula instead of pedialyte so wish us luck! I should start blogging about sleep deprivation more often because last night Bree slept from 7 to 530!!! Much improvement from previous nights!
We had a check up with Bree's eye doctor on Thursday and he said she is the fastest healing kid he's ever seen. :) In other news, she has started crawling!!!!! She surprised both us and the physical therapist. She is taking off and is pulling herself up on stuff and standing on her knees. She is such an amazing little girl! GO BREE!
We had a check up with Bree's eye doctor on Thursday and he said she is the fastest healing kid he's ever seen. :) In other news, she has started crawling!!!!! She surprised both us and the physical therapist. She is taking off and is pulling herself up on stuff and standing on her knees. She is such an amazing little girl! GO BREE!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sleep deprivation
When we decided to have kids, I knew that when they were babies they would rob me of my sleep. However, I thought that it would only be 'the worst' when they were first born and woke up every two hours. Ahhh..those were the days! At least there was a schedule of sleeping. Wake up, feed baby for 30 minutes, lay down....try to go to sleep for 1/2 an hour...wake up in an hour to feed baby again. Now, since they are bigger...we have good days and bad days. (okay, so they are really nights...that's what I meant to say)
Lately, we have had more bad days/nights. Bree caught a bug after her surgery and has been throwing up 24/7. It doesn't seem to be contagious because no one else has it so I wonder if it is a reaction to anesthesia. She is a sensitive little girl ya know! Today was the best day we have had in a week. She took 3 feeds of full strength formula at 150 cc's each. We are going to do a night drip of pedialyte tonight again just to make sure she is back on track (night drips of formula make her vomit pronto right now). So, wish us luck that she sleeps better than the 3 hours of sleep we all got last night. Sigh. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams.
Lately, we have had more bad days/nights. Bree caught a bug after her surgery and has been throwing up 24/7. It doesn't seem to be contagious because no one else has it so I wonder if it is a reaction to anesthesia. She is a sensitive little girl ya know! Today was the best day we have had in a week. She took 3 feeds of full strength formula at 150 cc's each. We are going to do a night drip of pedialyte tonight again just to make sure she is back on track (night drips of formula make her vomit pronto right now). So, wish us luck that she sleeps better than the 3 hours of sleep we all got last night. Sigh. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Smiles
Smiles can melt my heart. So can hugs, but today it was smiles. The sweetest smile I got today was from our friend's daughter Ella. (You can read her story here) She has a critical immune system and was unable to make our Christmas craft playdate so Riley, Bree and I brought the crafts to her, her sister and her mom.
When we first arrived Ella was relaxing and resting on the couch. Celine, Ella's mom, informed me that Ella had been like that for most of the week. She just didn't have the energy to get up and do much. However, after some coaxing, Ella built some towers with Bree, then took a rest again. She played a little...then would rest again. However, when Ella found the bag of construction paper, stick glue, and cotton balls she perked right up. She was very patient when asked to wait until I was done feeding Bree.
While we were doing the crafts, her little face light up and you could tell she was really enjoying herself. It was when I brought out the red paint to fingerpaint the nose on the reindeer that she smiled. She was so proud of herself for making the nose AND the eyes out of the red paint. My heart seriously melted into a puddle of happy goo tonight. Ella is such a sweet little girl and I love every little bit of her!
When we first arrived Ella was relaxing and resting on the couch. Celine, Ella's mom, informed me that Ella had been like that for most of the week. She just didn't have the energy to get up and do much. However, after some coaxing, Ella built some towers with Bree, then took a rest again. She played a little...then would rest again. However, when Ella found the bag of construction paper, stick glue, and cotton balls she perked right up. She was very patient when asked to wait until I was done feeding Bree.
While we were doing the crafts, her little face light up and you could tell she was really enjoying herself. It was when I brought out the red paint to fingerpaint the nose on the reindeer that she smiled. She was so proud of herself for making the nose AND the eyes out of the red paint. My heart seriously melted into a puddle of happy goo tonight. Ella is such a sweet little girl and I love every little bit of her!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's a Dora song!
Sunday night we had a family boogie down party complete with Christmas music! Riley played her guitar, danced, sang and spun in circles! Bree played drums, sang and danced by rocking back and forth and shaking her cutie booty! Adam and I supervised, danced along with, clapped and made fools of ourselves...and we loved every minute of it!
At one point in our festivities, Adam and I were playing with Bree while Riley was spinning circles in the living room to the music. All of sudden Riley stopped, put her finger in the air and declared "It's a DORA SONG!". I reassured her that no, the tv wasn't on, so it isn't a Dora song. Thirty seconds later, I started really listening to which song it was because Riley was again declaring it was a Dora song. Lo and behold....it was Feliz Navidad! My smart little cookie realized that it was Spanish!
Sometimes Riley amazes me. She's a unique, silly, smart, special little girl. And she's mine. She makes me proud.
At one point in our festivities, Adam and I were playing with Bree while Riley was spinning circles in the living room to the music. All of sudden Riley stopped, put her finger in the air and declared "It's a DORA SONG!". I reassured her that no, the tv wasn't on, so it isn't a Dora song. Thirty seconds later, I started really listening to which song it was because Riley was again declaring it was a Dora song. Lo and behold....it was Feliz Navidad! My smart little cookie realized that it was Spanish!
Sometimes Riley amazes me. She's a unique, silly, smart, special little girl. And she's mine. She makes me proud.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Baby steps
No, Bree's not walking yet...but she is on the move! Adam reported to me that while I was at school observing this morning, Bree took her first "crawling steps" today! That's right she crawled!
Now, I don't think she understands the entire concept that she can go all over, but she understands that she can torment Riley. I saw her crawl a little bit today (like 5 inches) to get to Riley so she could pull on her shirt. And...she also broke one of Riley's toys today.
This is going to sound weird but seeing Bree pick on Riley and break her toys just makes me a happy little camper! Now, ask me that in a year and I am sure I will have a different answer, but for today, I am happy.
Now, I don't think she understands the entire concept that she can go all over, but she understands that she can torment Riley. I saw her crawl a little bit today (like 5 inches) to get to Riley so she could pull on her shirt. And...she also broke one of Riley's toys today.
This is going to sound weird but seeing Bree pick on Riley and break her toys just makes me a happy little camper! Now, ask me that in a year and I am sure I will have a different answer, but for today, I am happy.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Picture post!
It's been quite a while since I posted some pictures on here...(too long if you ask me). So, here are the family pictures that our wonderful friend (and marvelous photographer!!) Carrie Fay took for us recently. Here is her website if you happen to live in the state of Arizona (or feel like flying her to your location): http://amarobabyphoto.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 11, 2009
In the news today
As a fan of the Duggar family and their show "18 kids and counting", I couldn't help but gasp and feel my heart sink as I read that their newest daughter (who makes 19!!) was born early due to pre ecclampsia. Little Josie Brooklyn Duggar weighed in at 1 lb 6 ounces and arrived last night via emergency c section. My heart goes out their family.
On the other hand, I do not ever want to wish prematurity upon ANYONE, but I am anticipating how the prospect of their tv show will show the struggles of prematurity that not only Josie faces, but how it affects the family as well. There are already news articles saying that the baby will be 'fine'. Really? Have they ever seen the inside of a NICU? Have they seen the babies around your child die? At two days of age, they cannot predict that she will be fine. Of course, that is everyone's wish and hope, but it is a bit premature to be saying that. (No pun intended)
Many many people do not understand that a premature baby is not just a small baby. It is a small baby that is not developed and not ready to be in this world. Since it has been forced into this world too early, surrounded by lights, needles, tape, and people among other things, the normal process of development that should be taking place in the womb is delayed, and some parts of development are halted or altered.
I pray and I hope that little Josie has an uneventful stay in the NICU and maybe in 3 or 4 months will get to join her family at home. However, her medical journey will not likely end there. It will, however, be publicized on TV for the whole world to see and to understand prematurity just a little bit more than they did before.
On the other hand, I do not ever want to wish prematurity upon ANYONE, but I am anticipating how the prospect of their tv show will show the struggles of prematurity that not only Josie faces, but how it affects the family as well. There are already news articles saying that the baby will be 'fine'. Really? Have they ever seen the inside of a NICU? Have they seen the babies around your child die? At two days of age, they cannot predict that she will be fine. Of course, that is everyone's wish and hope, but it is a bit premature to be saying that. (No pun intended)
(This was Bree at 4 days old when I saw her for the first time. Josie Duggar probably looks similar.)
Many many people do not understand that a premature baby is not just a small baby. It is a small baby that is not developed and not ready to be in this world. Since it has been forced into this world too early, surrounded by lights, needles, tape, and people among other things, the normal process of development that should be taking place in the womb is delayed, and some parts of development are halted or altered.
I pray and I hope that little Josie has an uneventful stay in the NICU and maybe in 3 or 4 months will get to join her family at home. However, her medical journey will not likely end there. It will, however, be publicized on TV for the whole world to see and to understand prematurity just a little bit more than they did before.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Mommy Song!
Riley has taken a liking to guitars. They can be real, or just play ones, but she likes them. Yesterday she grabbed her friend Ethan's guitar and started strumming and singing "Numanumanuma!!!! EEETTtttthhhhEEEE!!! Ethee's song!"
Today she has graduated from that to whoever is listening to her she substitutes in their name and ends with "Yeahhh..." (input jazz hands here). So she had a giant lime green guitar around her neck (Wonder who picked out the color??? Hmmmm) strumming and singing "NUMA numa numa numa Mooooommmmmmyyyy! Numa numa numa Mommy's songgggg! YEAH!" I swear, I am going to die from the amount of cuteness in this house one day.
To top it all off, she insisted on taking her guitar with her to bed (which I allowed since it doesn't make any noise or have buttons or batteries) and she is now spooning with it while sleeping. Sigh. She cracks me up.
Today she has graduated from that to whoever is listening to her she substitutes in their name and ends with "Yeahhh..." (input jazz hands here). So she had a giant lime green guitar around her neck (Wonder who picked out the color??? Hmmmm) strumming and singing "NUMA numa numa numa Mooooommmmmmyyyy! Numa numa numa Mommy's songgggg! YEAH!" I swear, I am going to die from the amount of cuteness in this house one day.
To top it all off, she insisted on taking her guitar with her to bed (which I allowed since it doesn't make any noise or have buttons or batteries) and she is now spooning with it while sleeping. Sigh. She cracks me up.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Surgery update
Bree's surgery went well. We have some eye drops we need to put in three times a day for the next week. Her eyes are bloodshot and look horrible, and she is quite cranky. This is the worst we have seen her act with any surgery. She is sleeping a ton, but when she is awake she is crying, flailing and fussing. So, today will be an interesting day since Adam has to go to work at 3. Riley is very spirited and doesn't understand to be quiet since Bree doesn't feel well. Right now, Riley is down for a nap (she woke up at 430) and Bree is napping on Adam.
Wish me luck on the rest of the day!
Wish me luck on the rest of the day!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
'Twas the night before surgery...
..and all through the house, no children were stirring, and Bree was sleeping with a stuffed mouse!
The diaper bag was packed, with careful care, knowing that in 10 hours, we would be there.
For now Bree is snuggled all warm in her bed, with visions of crinkle toys dancing in her head.
With I doing schoolwork, and Adam drinkin' a night cap, soon we'd be having a brief nighttime nap.
For in a few hours, the alarm will clatter...and we will spring from our beds...to realize what was the matter!
To pack up the car, and drive away in a flash...we'd be off for her surgery...in a mad dash!
We'll use the GPS because we don't know which way to go...this time her surgery is at St. Joe's!
When we arrive we'll sigh and say "We're here!"...for then we will know we are in the clear.
The prep will start, it will go so quick! It will be time for surgery, and she'll be taken back by a guy named Nick.
The waiting will begin, and we will hope to see...success on the face of the person who comes to inform me.
"Her surgery is over, it went as well as it could...now come on back and snuggle with her, as you should!"
This is a best case scenario and true it will be.......just you wait your pretty little self and you will see! :)
The diaper bag was packed, with careful care, knowing that in 10 hours, we would be there.
For now Bree is snuggled all warm in her bed, with visions of crinkle toys dancing in her head.
With I doing schoolwork, and Adam drinkin' a night cap, soon we'd be having a brief nighttime nap.
For in a few hours, the alarm will clatter...and we will spring from our beds...to realize what was the matter!
To pack up the car, and drive away in a flash...we'd be off for her surgery...in a mad dash!
We'll use the GPS because we don't know which way to go...this time her surgery is at St. Joe's!
When we arrive we'll sigh and say "We're here!"...for then we will know we are in the clear.
The prep will start, it will go so quick! It will be time for surgery, and she'll be taken back by a guy named Nick.
The waiting will begin, and we will hope to see...success on the face of the person who comes to inform me.
"Her surgery is over, it went as well as it could...now come on back and snuggle with her, as you should!"
This is a best case scenario and true it will be.......just you wait your pretty little self and you will see! :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Skip a dee doo dah...skipped last Friday!!
Oops! I skipped Friday! My best friend Ashley, her son (my godson) William, and their "Mah Maw Ego" (grandma who lives in san diego) came through town and stayed with us on Friday and Saturday. They are driving from California (where Mah Maw lives) to Florida (Ashley and William's new duty station). Ashley's husband Fred has been in the desert for the past 6 months on deployment and will be coming back into the States tomorrow. I got so wrapped up in the fun of their visit I forgot to post! So, needless to say, I had a great time with their visit and one of these days I will get around to posting pictures of all the fun we had!
I have been in a weird rut as of lately. More down days than up days, and no particular reason why. If it continues I am going to need to go to the doctor to get this all sorted out. I seem to always be saying I need to go the doctor when I am having a streak of bad days, but then things brighten up and I forget all about it. Ah, the joys of life!
Speaking of life, little miss Bree will be having her eye surgery on Wednesday at 730 in the morning! Yup...we are the first surgery of the day! Which is great, but makes it difficult for us to find someone to watch Riley. Dropping a wide awake two year old off at someone's house at 5 in the morning is not something I have people beating down my door volunteering for. So, Adam's *lovely* (dripping with sarcasm) work has scheduled him for a class on Tuesday night (which he was suppose to have off) and he will be at work from 3 - 11. He will be getting home about midnight and there will be no point in having him go with me to a surgery that he is going to sleep through. So, instead of trying to find a babysitter for Riley, Adam will be staying home with her while I go with Bree to her surgery. Needless to say, I am a tad bit nervous about venturing out alone with this, but I am sure I can do it. It's more the drive home I am worried about. However, life will go on no matter if I am nervous or not so I will make the best of it.
I have been in a weird rut as of lately. More down days than up days, and no particular reason why. If it continues I am going to need to go to the doctor to get this all sorted out. I seem to always be saying I need to go the doctor when I am having a streak of bad days, but then things brighten up and I forget all about it. Ah, the joys of life!
Speaking of life, little miss Bree will be having her eye surgery on Wednesday at 730 in the morning! Yup...we are the first surgery of the day! Which is great, but makes it difficult for us to find someone to watch Riley. Dropping a wide awake two year old off at someone's house at 5 in the morning is not something I have people beating down my door volunteering for. So, Adam's *lovely* (dripping with sarcasm) work has scheduled him for a class on Tuesday night (which he was suppose to have off) and he will be at work from 3 - 11. He will be getting home about midnight and there will be no point in having him go with me to a surgery that he is going to sleep through. So, instead of trying to find a babysitter for Riley, Adam will be staying home with her while I go with Bree to her surgery. Needless to say, I am a tad bit nervous about venturing out alone with this, but I am sure I can do it. It's more the drive home I am worried about. However, life will go on no matter if I am nervous or not so I will make the best of it.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Typing and tape
Tonight as I was (and am) typing, Adam is taking his turn at taping. Taping Christmas presents that is! Being a military family has made us to where we need to get presents out pronto! That post office gets busy fast around the holiday season and the earlier we can get our presents out to the family the better! We are about 3/4 of the way finished so hopefully we can have them sent off to family by the end of next week.
Another type of tape we are dealing with right now is red tape. All the documents and papers necessary for Adam to be prepared to go to Korea for a year need to be filled out. He got his orders yesterday for Korea. He will be leaving in early September 2010. So, he will just miss the girl's bdays, and we will miss his. However, we have a few friends that have been through the Korea deployment already who are offering some wonderful advice and help.
We as a family knew this would be coming soon so it does not catch us off guard at all. However, as I am sure you can all imagine...the idea of being without a member of your family for a year is not ideal. Necessary for the safety and service of our country...but not ideal for the family.
Yes, he is not going to a "declared" war zone, but he is going to to South Korea...which is really close to North Korea. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is not the most sane man on this planet and he likes to launch missiles and create nuclear weapons. So, tell me, would you feel safe if your loved one was sent there? (I have already had many comments of "at least he's not going to a war zone" and I am already tired of them)
Another type of tape we are dealing with right now is red tape. All the documents and papers necessary for Adam to be prepared to go to Korea for a year need to be filled out. He got his orders yesterday for Korea. He will be leaving in early September 2010. So, he will just miss the girl's bdays, and we will miss his. However, we have a few friends that have been through the Korea deployment already who are offering some wonderful advice and help.
We as a family knew this would be coming soon so it does not catch us off guard at all. However, as I am sure you can all imagine...the idea of being without a member of your family for a year is not ideal. Necessary for the safety and service of our country...but not ideal for the family.
Yes, he is not going to a "declared" war zone, but he is going to to South Korea...which is really close to North Korea. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, is not the most sane man on this planet and he likes to launch missiles and create nuclear weapons. So, tell me, would you feel safe if your loved one was sent there? (I have already had many comments of "at least he's not going to a war zone" and I am already tired of them)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
On top of my game
Today, I felt on top of my game. It was a busy crazy filled day, but it was a day that I felt was productive. I went grocery shopping twice (because I forgot to buy baby food the first time), Bree had speech where she ate half a thing of yoplait yogurt for Stacy, I wrapped presents (which I need to go do again after this), deep cleaned Bree's crib, put away laundry, made dinner, fed Bree, played with kids, made Riley help me pick up the living room, got them both into bed (Bree was 15 minutes early), and now I am here.
I still have a few hours left that I can do things in, so off I go!
BUT...not without a fun story from today! You didn't think I would leave it at that...did you? Bree has been a sitting up machine lately, and Riley is not without her own little advances as well. Riley decided to put her crayons to bed today. She put them in her little people christmas stable, shut the gate (or gape as Riley would say), and got down on all fours, leaned her head on the ground to say "G'night!!". She then informed me that they are tired and are going to sleep. In order for them to be put back where they belonged we had to take each of them out, name them by color and put them to bed (in the red bucket we have). "Good night orange. Good night blue. Good night red. Good night black. Good night gray. Good night brown."
I still have a few hours left that I can do things in, so off I go!
BUT...not without a fun story from today! You didn't think I would leave it at that...did you? Bree has been a sitting up machine lately, and Riley is not without her own little advances as well. Riley decided to put her crayons to bed today. She put them in her little people christmas stable, shut the gate (or gape as Riley would say), and got down on all fours, leaned her head on the ground to say "G'night!!". She then informed me that they are tired and are going to sleep. In order for them to be put back where they belonged we had to take each of them out, name them by color and put them to bed (in the red bucket we have). "Good night orange. Good night blue. Good night red. Good night black. Good night gray. Good night brown."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
And...we're off!
School has started yet again for me so on Tuesday and Thursday nights the posts may be a little skimpy. That's okay though because I will make up for it!
Today Bree had the measurements taken on her eyes for her surgery next Wednesday. He said there was a slight deviation from last month but nothing horrible. So, the plan is for on Wednesday the 9th to have her surgery. We'll know more details next Monday when they set the time for surgery.
No news yet today on Grandma. I tried to call a few moments ago and got a busy signal on their phone. So, that means at least someone is home. I will try again before I go to bed.
Riley also came up with a cute new thing today. She was trying to get a ball that was stuck just out of her reach, and all of sudden she stops, puts her pointer finger in the air and says "Have an IDEA!!!!!". She went and got a stool to stand on, and then could reach it. I have NO clue where she learned that from, but now everything is an "IDEA!" from her. :)
Today Bree had the measurements taken on her eyes for her surgery next Wednesday. He said there was a slight deviation from last month but nothing horrible. So, the plan is for on Wednesday the 9th to have her surgery. We'll know more details next Monday when they set the time for surgery.
No news yet today on Grandma. I tried to call a few moments ago and got a busy signal on their phone. So, that means at least someone is home. I will try again before I go to bed.
Riley also came up with a cute new thing today. She was trying to get a ball that was stuck just out of her reach, and all of sudden she stops, puts her pointer finger in the air and says "Have an IDEA!!!!!". She went and got a stool to stand on, and then could reach it. I have NO clue where she learned that from, but now everything is an "IDEA!" from her. :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Prayers for Grandma
I would really appreciate it if you all could keep my Grandma in your prayers. She lost the eyesight in her right eye on Wednesday and after visiting the eye doctor found out today that she will be having surgery to repair a detached retina tomorrow morning. She was told that only 1 in 5000 ever have this condition and there is no known cause. Somehow her retina detached and folded itself in half...the surgery is tomorrow at 10:00 am pacific time.
My Grandma, (or Nana as Riley calls her), is the best grandma that there is. No really...she is. She can make ya anything you want or need, whether it be a blanket, some homemade mac and cheese or a new Christmas bow to hang out on the lights in the front of the house. (Can you tell I just hung the bows she made me last year?) She has the biggest heart you can imagine and would give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it. I have learned so much from her and I proud to say that in many ways I am like her. It is not just the color of our eyes that we share, but we both delight in helping others, making crafty 'stuff', and we both cherish and love our family.
We love you Grandma/Nana and we wish we were closer so we could come take care of you after your surgery tomorrow! We will be praying and sending eye healing vibes your way! XOXOXO!
We love you Grandma/Nana and we wish we were closer so we could come take care of you after your surgery tomorrow! We will be praying and sending eye healing vibes your way! XOXOXO!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Weekend post?!
Since I missed yesterday's post...(I was exhausted last night!!!) I would like to ask a small question to all of you who have kids. When you go out, do you get stopped and commented on your kiddos? We always get comments on how sweet and smiley our girls are. It warms my heart to hear others compliment their behavior when out in public (which we sometimes get the opposite when Riley is in time out in the store....screaming on the ground). I am grateful for the kindness of strangers, and for the ability of my children to put a smile on the face of someone. I guess the Christmas spirit is starting to stir inside of me as we drag out our Christmas decorations this weekend.
So, at least once a day, compliment a complete stranger, or hold open a door, or help an elderly lady pick up a dropped package...pass on the love and encourage others to do the same. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make in someone's day.
So, at least once a day, compliment a complete stranger, or hold open a door, or help an elderly lady pick up a dropped package...pass on the love and encourage others to do the same. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it can make in someone's day.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Silly, snuggly, happy
Quick post this evening as I have to get to bed so I can get up SUPER EARLY to go shopping....
We spent Thanksgiving as just the four of us this year. It was kind of nice, and we spent the day running a few errands, cooking, and beginning to pull out the Christmas stuff. When we sat down to eat dinner we all decided (okay, Adam and I decided) that we would each have a small glass of egg nog to go with our dinner. Riley had never had it so when she took a drink, her little eyes lit up and she said "ICE CREAM!!!!!!" She absolutely loved it! Adam and I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't ice cream. Come on, she thought we were the best parents in the world for letting her drink ice cream with her Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, with that being said..for SOME reason she didn't eat too much of her dinner. Adam had already finished his plate and when Riley looked over and saw his plate empty she decided she was done too. Adam told her to go ahead and make her plate empty. She picked up her plate and put it on top of Adam's empty plate and said "Ta - duh!". Ha ha...smart little girl!
I am thankful for my silly, snuggly, happy little family.
We spent Thanksgiving as just the four of us this year. It was kind of nice, and we spent the day running a few errands, cooking, and beginning to pull out the Christmas stuff. When we sat down to eat dinner we all decided (okay, Adam and I decided) that we would each have a small glass of egg nog to go with our dinner. Riley had never had it so when she took a drink, her little eyes lit up and she said "ICE CREAM!!!!!!" She absolutely loved it! Adam and I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't ice cream. Come on, she thought we were the best parents in the world for letting her drink ice cream with her Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, with that being said..for SOME reason she didn't eat too much of her dinner. Adam had already finished his plate and when Riley looked over and saw his plate empty she decided she was done too. Adam told her to go ahead and make her plate empty. She picked up her plate and put it on top of Adam's empty plate and said "Ta - duh!". Ha ha...smart little girl!
I am thankful for my silly, snuggly, happy little family.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I know what I am thankful for....do you?
I am thankful for the people who have helped Bree become who she is today. I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, friends, family, and even the random strangers who have offered words of encouragement and stories I can relate to. This past year has been the roughest one I have had so far... but that only means next year can be better.
I am thankful for my husband who understands that it is also his job to help with the girls and with the house. Not many wives have that. I am thankful for my two girls who love each other dearly, and I cannot wait to see their bond strengthen as they grow up.
I am thankful for the friends who support us and help us out so much. I wish there was more I could do besides offer my thanks and extend an offer of a "trade off" of watching kids, but it is what it is. I am thankful to have understanding friends.
I am thankful to be me and to have the life that I have.
I am thankful for my husband who understands that it is also his job to help with the girls and with the house. Not many wives have that. I am thankful for my two girls who love each other dearly, and I cannot wait to see their bond strengthen as they grow up.
I am thankful for the friends who support us and help us out so much. I wish there was more I could do besides offer my thanks and extend an offer of a "trade off" of watching kids, but it is what it is. I am thankful to have understanding friends.
I am thankful to be me and to have the life that I have.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A day of firsts
1. While in bed suppose to be napping, I heard Bree fussing so I went in to check on her. I found her sitting up in her bed! I had laid her down so she managed to get herself up into a sitting position...this is the first time that has happened!
2. We went on a walk to the park earlier today. Bree likes to lean over the side of the stroller to see the sidewalk passing beneath her, which apparently freaked Riley out. She proceeded to try and push Bree's head back, and when that didn't succeed she told her "Be careful! Gonna hurt yourself!!" (melt my heart) This was the first time Riley expressed true concern over what Bree was doing.
3. With both girls seated at the table ready to start eating (or in Bree's case, looking at) their dinner, I walked down the hall to get bibs for them. I heard Bree sneeze, followed by Riley's sweet voice: "Bless you Bree!" (double melt) Riley's first time "blessing" Bree.
4. Riley was playing in her toddle tunes car, and was waving and saying "Goodbye!!! I am going bye bye! See ya later!" She got in her car, shut the door, then stood up and stuck her head as far out of the front as she could. She looked and Bree and said "Bye Bree! I love you!" This was the first time Riley has said I love you to anyone without prompting. (Just so you know, I am a giant puddle of melting goo tonight...too much cuteness and heartmelting moments. Heeelllp mmeeeee...I'm melllltttinnnggg! Insert out streched arm here.)
2. We went on a walk to the park earlier today. Bree likes to lean over the side of the stroller to see the sidewalk passing beneath her, which apparently freaked Riley out. She proceeded to try and push Bree's head back, and when that didn't succeed she told her "Be careful! Gonna hurt yourself!!" (melt my heart) This was the first time Riley expressed true concern over what Bree was doing.
3. With both girls seated at the table ready to start eating (or in Bree's case, looking at) their dinner, I walked down the hall to get bibs for them. I heard Bree sneeze, followed by Riley's sweet voice: "Bless you Bree!" (double melt) Riley's first time "blessing" Bree.
4. Riley was playing in her toddle tunes car, and was waving and saying "Goodbye!!! I am going bye bye! See ya later!" She got in her car, shut the door, then stood up and stuck her head as far out of the front as she could. She looked and Bree and said "Bye Bree! I love you!" This was the first time Riley has said I love you to anyone without prompting. (Just so you know, I am a giant puddle of melting goo tonight...too much cuteness and heartmelting moments. Heeelllp mmeeeee...I'm melllltttinnnggg! Insert out streched arm here.)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Our family is expanding!
Whew! You can stop panicking...I am NOT pregnant. Had you going there for a moment didn't I? :)
We have added 13 new members to our family.
Meet Tails.
We have added 13 new members to our family.
Meet Tails.
Can you guess why that is his name?
Meet Heads.
He's got googly bulging eyes. And he wiggles while he swims.
Meet the rest of the crew.
They don't have names yet. (There's 11 of them). I don't think I am going to name them individually, but maybe just by group. We have 3 long finned tetra's, 3 cherry barbs, 3 somethingruther gournami? fish, one upside down catfish (he really swims upside down!), and one sucker fish.
I really REALLY wanted two kitties but with the pet deposit on this house being $450!!!!!!!!!!! and non refundable, I decided fish would be a better choice.
Friday, November 20, 2009
You drop a one!
Riley has been coming up with many new things to say lately. She cracks me up on a daily basis. Some of the recent ones have been "Shake your body!" (complete with dance of shaking your body), "Dun dun dun" (she's trying to say dun dun dun dun...like a super hero appearing), and she like to tell us "Stop it." (which is followed up with a warning from Mommy or Daddy).
Tonight, Adam went to clip Riley's fingernails, which is something that he has claimed since her birth. I have never cut a fingernail yet in my Mommy career. So, while Adam is clipping her nails the clipped portions kept flying off onto the floor. Every time Riley would go "OH NO!!!! You drop a one!!" and try to dive out of his arms to pick it up. It cracked me up...but Adam didn't find it so funny. Cute, but not funny.
Tonight, Adam went to clip Riley's fingernails, which is something that he has claimed since her birth. I have never cut a fingernail yet in my Mommy career. So, while Adam is clipping her nails the clipped portions kept flying off onto the floor. Every time Riley would go "OH NO!!!! You drop a one!!" and try to dive out of his arms to pick it up. It cracked me up...but Adam didn't find it so funny. Cute, but not funny.
Drained
Today, I am drained. I went last night to see the midnight showing of New Moon with a great group of lady friends. One of the actors from the movie, Kiowa Gordon, who plays Embry Call in the movie made an appearance at the theater we were at. He is a cute guy, but is a bit young for me... he looks like he is 15, but he is actually 19. I guess I am gettin old...ha ha.
The movie was great and it was so wonderful to be a part of the fun! We got ready together, Anneke did my hair and makeup, and we were off! I will have pictures to post here in the next few days, we have had a down day today since I am feeling a bit off. It's not everyday I stay out until 3 am. I had a much needed ladies night out, and I plan on returning the favor and letting Adam have a night out here soon. It is a great stress relief to have some fun every once in while.
The movie was great and it was so wonderful to be a part of the fun! We got ready together, Anneke did my hair and makeup, and we were off! I will have pictures to post here in the next few days, we have had a down day today since I am feeling a bit off. It's not everyday I stay out until 3 am. I had a much needed ladies night out, and I plan on returning the favor and letting Adam have a night out here soon. It is a great stress relief to have some fun every once in while.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The great mix up
I do not know if this is normal for two year olds, but Riley has been having a hard time keeping people's names straight. At first, I thought it was just her being silly...she would call her friend Ella by Ella's sister's name, Maya. So...Ella was Maya and Maya was Ella. Then we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house out in Queen Creek.
There is no way that you could think Aunt Shrrene is Uncle Rick. She is 35 weeks pregnant. Yet, Riley called her "Icky Ricky" (Uncle Ricky) and would call Uncle Rick "She She". Is that normal? No amount of convincing would work...she would tell you "Nooooo...that Icky Ricky.". Silly girl!
There is no way that you could think Aunt Shrrene is Uncle Rick. She is 35 weeks pregnant. Yet, Riley called her "Icky Ricky" (Uncle Ricky) and would call Uncle Rick "She She". Is that normal? No amount of convincing would work...she would tell you "Nooooo...that Icky Ricky.". Silly girl!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fight for Preemies Day
Today, November 17th, is fight for preemies day. March of Dimes has asked that every blogging, preemie having parent, friend, grandparent, anyone affected by prematurity write about how it has affected them. It is truly something that affects everyone involved with the preemie. Not just the immediate family, but the extended family, the friends, and anyone else.
Bree was born 15 weeks, 2 days early at 25 weeks and 5 days gestation. Her weight was estimated at 1 pound but was unable to be weighed until after fluids had been given to her via IV and after that she weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. When she was pulled from my stomach she did not have a heartbeat and needed to have CPR right at birth. Her initial APGAR score was 0 on a scale of 0-10. All of her APGAR scores were 0, 1, and then 3. She was life flighted to Phoenix Childrens Hospital were she would spend the next 3 months and 5 days of her life. Within those days, she would have 2 surgeries, hundreds of x rays and ultrasounds, more needle pricks than I would like to think about, and she would have CPR again...for 28 minutes. She overcame much more than many adults that are in this world today. She truly is a miracle child.
Now, she is home, but not without struggles. We have numerous dr appts and therapies. We have had 3 hospital visits and 1 surgery since her discharge from the NICU. We will be having another surgery coming up here on the 9th of December to correct her lazy eyes. She is a very determined child who amazes me on a daily basis. She is always so happy and full of life.
Prematurity has affected us all. It has taken from me many things. I never got to nurse Bree and have that type of close bond with her. Instead...I got to hook myself up to a breast pump every two hours and sit there being like a cow on a mechanical milker. I never got to experience that normal birth, or to bring home a bundled sweet baby sister that Riley could hold. I never got to see the pride and excitement in my husband's eyes when I made him a father for the second time. All I got to see was fear and desperation in his eyes as he was being pushed out of the triage room with Riley screaming in his arms because (as the nurses said) "this is not a place for that little one...there is too much blood in here". And when I did come around and wake up from the c section, his first words were "She's so small.". He showed me a picture on his phone that he took before they took her in the helicopter, but even with that I had no concept of how tiny she was until I saw her for myself. She was so early that her eyelids were still fused together, and we would not see her beautiful eyes for another two weeks.
As a preemie parent, you get cheated out of being the first ones to bond with your baby because the reality of it is, is that you can't be there all the time. The wonderful nurses and doctors know your baby better than you do...and that hurts. You know in your heart it is for the best, but when your child is this fragile thing in a plastic box that you aren't allowed to touch for fear of hurting them, or causing them to desat it is just like a knife in your heart. Even when bringing her home from the NICU, I was worried that my own baby wouldn't know me, or would prefer to have one of the many nurses who loved her and snuggled with her at night.
Today, Bree's prematurity has affected me by making me more anxious. I worry about what is going to go wrong next, and how am I going to balance her needs with the needs of keeping our house up (which rarely happens lately), taking care of Riley, and me finishing my college. It has affected Adam because he no longer has the wife he used to know. I am worried that I will never get back to my old self...but I desperately want to for him. I cannot speak for him on any other aspect of the prematurity affecting him since I did not talk with him about this before writing it.
Bree's prematurity has affected Riley because she does not have a normal little sister that should be crawling by now, and even possible cruising furniture. Riley has to wait a lot for many things throughout the day because it takes 45 minutes to an hour to feed Bree...and that's three times a day (7, 12, 4). And last, but not least, it has affected our friends. We call upon them during late night ER runs, for doctor appointments so we don't have to take Riley, and for support. This experience has truly shown the true colors of our friends, and it has made us eternally grateful for the wonderful friends that we do have. Without them, I would be even more crazy than I am now.
So, thank you to all that have been a part of our journey of prematurity up to this point. It for certain does not end here because the effects of prematurity will follow Bree for the rest of her life. But, I know for sure that she will keep on smiling.
If you can spare a dollar, or even two...make a donation to March of Dimes.
Make a donation in honor of Bumble Bree. She went from this....
to this...
...in one year. All because of the medical advances made by money raised from donors like you who supported the March of Dimes...and their fight for preemies.
Bree was born 15 weeks, 2 days early at 25 weeks and 5 days gestation. Her weight was estimated at 1 pound but was unable to be weighed until after fluids had been given to her via IV and after that she weighed 1 pound 5 ounces. When she was pulled from my stomach she did not have a heartbeat and needed to have CPR right at birth. Her initial APGAR score was 0 on a scale of 0-10. All of her APGAR scores were 0, 1, and then 3. She was life flighted to Phoenix Childrens Hospital were she would spend the next 3 months and 5 days of her life. Within those days, she would have 2 surgeries, hundreds of x rays and ultrasounds, more needle pricks than I would like to think about, and she would have CPR again...for 28 minutes. She overcame much more than many adults that are in this world today. She truly is a miracle child.
Now, she is home, but not without struggles. We have numerous dr appts and therapies. We have had 3 hospital visits and 1 surgery since her discharge from the NICU. We will be having another surgery coming up here on the 9th of December to correct her lazy eyes. She is a very determined child who amazes me on a daily basis. She is always so happy and full of life.
Prematurity has affected us all. It has taken from me many things. I never got to nurse Bree and have that type of close bond with her. Instead...I got to hook myself up to a breast pump every two hours and sit there being like a cow on a mechanical milker. I never got to experience that normal birth, or to bring home a bundled sweet baby sister that Riley could hold. I never got to see the pride and excitement in my husband's eyes when I made him a father for the second time. All I got to see was fear and desperation in his eyes as he was being pushed out of the triage room with Riley screaming in his arms because (as the nurses said) "this is not a place for that little one...there is too much blood in here". And when I did come around and wake up from the c section, his first words were "She's so small.". He showed me a picture on his phone that he took before they took her in the helicopter, but even with that I had no concept of how tiny she was until I saw her for myself. She was so early that her eyelids were still fused together, and we would not see her beautiful eyes for another two weeks.
As a preemie parent, you get cheated out of being the first ones to bond with your baby because the reality of it is, is that you can't be there all the time. The wonderful nurses and doctors know your baby better than you do...and that hurts. You know in your heart it is for the best, but when your child is this fragile thing in a plastic box that you aren't allowed to touch for fear of hurting them, or causing them to desat it is just like a knife in your heart. Even when bringing her home from the NICU, I was worried that my own baby wouldn't know me, or would prefer to have one of the many nurses who loved her and snuggled with her at night.
Today, Bree's prematurity has affected me by making me more anxious. I worry about what is going to go wrong next, and how am I going to balance her needs with the needs of keeping our house up (which rarely happens lately), taking care of Riley, and me finishing my college. It has affected Adam because he no longer has the wife he used to know. I am worried that I will never get back to my old self...but I desperately want to for him. I cannot speak for him on any other aspect of the prematurity affecting him since I did not talk with him about this before writing it.
Bree's prematurity has affected Riley because she does not have a normal little sister that should be crawling by now, and even possible cruising furniture. Riley has to wait a lot for many things throughout the day because it takes 45 minutes to an hour to feed Bree...and that's three times a day (7, 12, 4). And last, but not least, it has affected our friends. We call upon them during late night ER runs, for doctor appointments so we don't have to take Riley, and for support. This experience has truly shown the true colors of our friends, and it has made us eternally grateful for the wonderful friends that we do have. Without them, I would be even more crazy than I am now.
So, thank you to all that have been a part of our journey of prematurity up to this point. It for certain does not end here because the effects of prematurity will follow Bree for the rest of her life. But, I know for sure that she will keep on smiling.
Make a donation in honor of Bumble Bree. She went from this....
to this...
...in one year. All because of the medical advances made by money raised from donors like you who supported the March of Dimes...and their fight for preemies.
Riley Spews....and a few updates.
Now, while not as exciting as the story last night, this one was still eventful. While my stepmom was out, she had wanted my cousin (her nephew) to come out and visit while she was here. So, on Thursday we decided to drive out to Queen Creek to go get him. For those of you who don't know, that is about a 2 hour drive. So, it is a really long drive for a 1 year old and a 2 year old. Riley had been cranky that day, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Just as we were reaching the exit we needed to take off of the 60, Riley started crying and screaming for me like I had never heard it before. I thought it was just about being in the car for so long. So, I reached my hand back and tried to rub her leg while I was driving, hoping to soothe her.
Boy was I way off target on that one. Up came the lunch of spaghetti she had earlier in the day...all over the "counting" Lily toy, her and her seat. My stepmom Mindy, is not a throw up/diaper/anything nasty type of person so she was looking as far away from Riley as she could. We get pulled into a gas station, and I realize that I don't have a change of clothes for Riley. Crap. Well, good thing Riley and Bree pretty much wear the same size clothes! We squeezed Riley into the change of clothes I had for Bree and I proceed to clean out the seat and toy as much as I can. Ugh...so gross! Needless to say, counting Lily met the garbage can because she was so soaked in vomit there was no way I could follow her cleaning directions to "surface clean only with a damp rag". However, Riley felt much better after her little episode, and I got to practice the art of dismantling a car seat in order to wash it all.
In other news...yesterday with therapy Bree was on all fours and did lift up a hand and put it back down! She also was scooting her little butt forward a tiny tiny bit...there may be a slight peek on the horizon when it comes to Bree getting moving! Woo hoo!
Boy was I way off target on that one. Up came the lunch of spaghetti she had earlier in the day...all over the "counting" Lily toy, her and her seat. My stepmom Mindy, is not a throw up/diaper/anything nasty type of person so she was looking as far away from Riley as she could. We get pulled into a gas station, and I realize that I don't have a change of clothes for Riley. Crap. Well, good thing Riley and Bree pretty much wear the same size clothes! We squeezed Riley into the change of clothes I had for Bree and I proceed to clean out the seat and toy as much as I can. Ugh...so gross! Needless to say, counting Lily met the garbage can because she was so soaked in vomit there was no way I could follow her cleaning directions to "surface clean only with a damp rag". However, Riley felt much better after her little episode, and I got to practice the art of dismantling a car seat in order to wash it all.
In other news...yesterday with therapy Bree was on all fours and did lift up a hand and put it back down! She also was scooting her little butt forward a tiny tiny bit...there may be a slight peek on the horizon when it comes to Bree getting moving! Woo hoo!
Monday, November 16, 2009
A promised story
Bree christens Ya-ya
So, you are all aware that Bree has a g tube. Her g tube is right smack dab in the middle of her belly, which I have been told (and have seen) is a little on the odd side. We've had her g tube since July. That's (count em) July, August, September, October, and November...5 months. Not once in that 5 months have we had her g tube pop open and spew the inside stomach contents onto another person....that is until this last Friday. I asked Mindy to get Bree ready for bed and since Bree is such a wiggle worm on the ground she decided to sit Bree in her lap to change her. As soon as she got Bree stripped down and half into her jammies she lifted Bree into the sitting position, and her little tube popped right open and started spraying all over herself and Mindy! All I hear is "HEEELLLPPP! TASH! HEEELLLPPP!". I went rushing into the living room to see Mindy holding Bree as far away as possible and formula still coming out of her g tube! We got Bree cleaned up, and I went and got Bree some new pj's while Mindy changed clothes.
Round two! Mindy lays Bree onto the new jammies to change her. I do not know how it happened the second time, but it popped open again and ran all over Bree and her second pair of pj's for the night. Finally, on the third attempt we got her into clean jammies without any type of mess or accident! However, it was hilarious to see Mindy's face that first time I ran in to help her. Mindy does not do well with throw up, dirty diapers or anything in that form. So, the look of horror and shock on her face was true and real. I just wish I would have had my camera.
So, you are all aware that Bree has a g tube. Her g tube is right smack dab in the middle of her belly, which I have been told (and have seen) is a little on the odd side. We've had her g tube since July. That's (count em) July, August, September, October, and November...5 months. Not once in that 5 months have we had her g tube pop open and spew the inside stomach contents onto another person....that is until this last Friday. I asked Mindy to get Bree ready for bed and since Bree is such a wiggle worm on the ground she decided to sit Bree in her lap to change her. As soon as she got Bree stripped down and half into her jammies she lifted Bree into the sitting position, and her little tube popped right open and started spraying all over herself and Mindy! All I hear is "HEEELLLPPP! TASH! HEEELLLPPP!". I went rushing into the living room to see Mindy holding Bree as far away as possible and formula still coming out of her g tube! We got Bree cleaned up, and I went and got Bree some new pj's while Mindy changed clothes.
Round two! Mindy lays Bree onto the new jammies to change her. I do not know how it happened the second time, but it popped open again and ran all over Bree and her second pair of pj's for the night. Finally, on the third attempt we got her into clean jammies without any type of mess or accident! However, it was hilarious to see Mindy's face that first time I ran in to help her. Mindy does not do well with throw up, dirty diapers or anything in that form. So, the look of horror and shock on her face was true and real. I just wish I would have had my camera.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Family Memories
We are making many family memories this week...and I plan to share them all with you...later. For now, I will leave myself some reminders here so I will be able to know which stories to tell. The titles will leave you guessing...or maybe not. :)
- Bree christens Ya-ya
- Riley spews
- The great mix up (She she and icky ricky)
...and to think my step mom has only been here two days so far. We've got two and half more days to go!!!! Wooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Bree christens Ya-ya
- Riley spews
- The great mix up (She she and icky ricky)
...and to think my step mom has only been here two days so far. We've got two and half more days to go!!!! Wooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
How has Bree's situation changed me?
Having Bree changed a lot about me. At least I feel that it did. It has made me more anxious, I feel like I am always waiting for the next "thing" to go wrong with her. The next surgery, the next developmental delay, the next set of bad news. I am a pretty optimistic person so it is a little weird to always feel that way. However, it is the truth. Just like we got news that her MRI came back fine, I just can't believe it. I am happy, but I wonder if they missed something.
I do look at life differently, more in a religious sense however. Before Bree I was a pretty solid believer in God, and once she was born I began to waver. Many people argue with me about "How could you not think there is a God? Look at how great she is doing!" and I argue right back that "Why would God allow a baby to be born this early and struggle so much and go through so much?" She is one tough cookie of a kid, and that's why she is here today. I do not know anyone else that has had CPR for 28 minutes and is still alive today. It has also made me kind of bitter towards pregnant women who complain that they wish they could have their baby early "Just to be done with it". Yes, I have had people say that to my face and all I can do is turn around and walk away.
My relationship with Adam has gotten stronger, and I have seem him emerge as a better and more helpful Dad and husband because of all this. He sees what it takes to take care of the girls and he has really stepped it up. I feel like with Riley that I value our one on one time more because I spend so much time on Bree between feedings her, therapy stuff, etc. Sometimes I feel bad that she doesn't get as much attention if Bree would have been a 'normal' baby, but then I remind myself that it is what it is, and all we can do is our best. No need to mope and worry about something you can't change. With family, a few things have changed. I have learned that not everyone is going to approve of what we do with Bree, and it is not their life to live. We are the ones living day to day with her, and we will make the best decisions that we think are right. We are her parents, not anyone else.
I do look at life differently, more in a religious sense however. Before Bree I was a pretty solid believer in God, and once she was born I began to waver. Many people argue with me about "How could you not think there is a God? Look at how great she is doing!" and I argue right back that "Why would God allow a baby to be born this early and struggle so much and go through so much?" She is one tough cookie of a kid, and that's why she is here today. I do not know anyone else that has had CPR for 28 minutes and is still alive today. It has also made me kind of bitter towards pregnant women who complain that they wish they could have their baby early "Just to be done with it". Yes, I have had people say that to my face and all I can do is turn around and walk away.
My relationship with Adam has gotten stronger, and I have seem him emerge as a better and more helpful Dad and husband because of all this. He sees what it takes to take care of the girls and he has really stepped it up. I feel like with Riley that I value our one on one time more because I spend so much time on Bree between feedings her, therapy stuff, etc. Sometimes I feel bad that she doesn't get as much attention if Bree would have been a 'normal' baby, but then I remind myself that it is what it is, and all we can do is our best. No need to mope and worry about something you can't change. With family, a few things have changed. I have learned that not everyone is going to approve of what we do with Bree, and it is not their life to live. We are the ones living day to day with her, and we will make the best decisions that we think are right. We are her parents, not anyone else.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Speechless
Speechless and amazed I sat in the doctor's office today holding Bree on my lap. The doctor had just told us that her MRI looked perfect! He said there was a little bit of asymmetry with the two sides of the brain, but all within normal parameters and something he would expect to see in a normal human being.
I made sure that I asked in every possible way that it was fine. No evidence of brain bleeds? Nope! No evidence of damage from CPR twice? Nope! No evidence of damage from oxygen deprivation? NOPE! Okay. So....okay.
I am overjoyed (obviously) but slightly confused. That leaves us with no explanation for why she has such low muscle tone, and is a little bit behind physically in developmental standards. We are being sent for Bree to have some blood work done to make sure that there is nothing wrong with her genetic make up that would account for that. They will check her chromosomes to see if there are any abnormalities. I have a feeling that those are going to come back perfectly fine.
The doctor was just as confused as we were and made sure to run through her history with us to make sure he had the right kid. Born 15 weeks early? Yup! Grade III bilateral brain bleeds? Yup! CPR twice...once for 28 minutes? Yup! All he could say is "Well she sure is happy...interesting...it is rare to see a recovery like this."
He did say one thing that made perfect sense to me, and I agree with him in every way. "She is one lucky little girl..." YUP!
...and we are lucky to have her.
I made sure that I asked in every possible way that it was fine. No evidence of brain bleeds? Nope! No evidence of damage from CPR twice? Nope! No evidence of damage from oxygen deprivation? NOPE! Okay. So....okay.
I am overjoyed (obviously) but slightly confused. That leaves us with no explanation for why she has such low muscle tone, and is a little bit behind physically in developmental standards. We are being sent for Bree to have some blood work done to make sure that there is nothing wrong with her genetic make up that would account for that. They will check her chromosomes to see if there are any abnormalities. I have a feeling that those are going to come back perfectly fine.
The doctor was just as confused as we were and made sure to run through her history with us to make sure he had the right kid. Born 15 weeks early? Yup! Grade III bilateral brain bleeds? Yup! CPR twice...once for 28 minutes? Yup! All he could say is "Well she sure is happy...interesting...it is rare to see a recovery like this."
He did say one thing that made perfect sense to me, and I agree with him in every way. "She is one lucky little girl..." YUP!
...and we are lucky to have her.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
An update here, and an update there...
....here an update, there an update everywhere an update! (Can you tell we've been singing the old nursery rhymes?)
So, for a change...Riley first! She is growing so fast it just amazes me. She's developing a sense of humor and a sense of independence for sure! Everything is "I do it!" or "I try!". Her speech development is just flying along...she can now use tasty and delicious in the correct context. However, there are somethings she does not pronounce correctly. Her favorite show to watch is Backyardigans...which she pronounces "Backass". I am unsure how she thinks that is correct, but we are hoping that with gentle repitition she will get it right...one of these days.
Her sense of humor just cracks me right up! Tonight she found it necessary to act like she was eating every pumpkin on the page. "yum yum yum! Tasty!!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! It funny Mommy...laugh! Ah ha ha ha!"
Our little Bree is doing just as good as her older sister! With help and support, she can stay up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. Woo hoo! While we are still a while away from crawling, at least it is a beginning.
Bree had her eye doctor appt today and things didn't go as well as I had hoped, but we are taking it in stride. Bree will be having surgery on December 9th to correct her strabismus (crossed eyes). If anyone that reads the blog has any experience with this surgery, please do share! I like to be as prepared and informed as I can be. I am sure all will be fine, but still...ya know?
Oop! I hear Bree fussing! Better go and take care of the little cutie!
So, for a change...Riley first! She is growing so fast it just amazes me. She's developing a sense of humor and a sense of independence for sure! Everything is "I do it!" or "I try!". Her speech development is just flying along...she can now use tasty and delicious in the correct context. However, there are somethings she does not pronounce correctly. Her favorite show to watch is Backyardigans...which she pronounces "Backass". I am unsure how she thinks that is correct, but we are hoping that with gentle repitition she will get it right...one of these days.
Her sense of humor just cracks me right up! Tonight she found it necessary to act like she was eating every pumpkin on the page. "yum yum yum! Tasty!!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! It funny Mommy...laugh! Ah ha ha ha!"
Our little Bree is doing just as good as her older sister! With help and support, she can stay up on her hands and knees and rock back and forth. Woo hoo! While we are still a while away from crawling, at least it is a beginning.
Bree had her eye doctor appt today and things didn't go as well as I had hoped, but we are taking it in stride. Bree will be having surgery on December 9th to correct her strabismus (crossed eyes). If anyone that reads the blog has any experience with this surgery, please do share! I like to be as prepared and informed as I can be. I am sure all will be fine, but still...ya know?
Oop! I hear Bree fussing! Better go and take care of the little cutie!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Who doesn't love some pictures?
Riley and her friend Ella...they had a great time on those stairs!
I love this picture...typical sisterly rivalry. "Riley...get outta my shot! It's my turn!"
Zoned out on the tv
Where's Riley???
There she is!!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
The sicky ickies!
I swear that someone always has a nasty nose, a cough, a fever, or are throwing up in this house. Today we had all four. Bree threw up at nap time, and Riley had the nasty nose, cough and teeny tiny fever today (99.6). Those kids better start getting better soon cuz their Yaya is coming to see them on Wednesday!!
That's right, my step mom Mindy is coming into town for Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then leaving on Monday. It will be so great to see her and visit with her! I am sure we will get many great pictures as she loves her grandbabies so much! :)
Sorry for the short post, I am SWAMPED with schoolwork...but NEVER FEAR! This class will be over on Monday and I will be on a two week break! Wooooo!
That's right, my step mom Mindy is coming into town for Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then leaving on Monday. It will be so great to see her and visit with her! I am sure we will get many great pictures as she loves her grandbabies so much! :)
Sorry for the short post, I am SWAMPED with schoolwork...but NEVER FEAR! This class will be over on Monday and I will be on a two week break! Wooooo!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Break time!
A short post tonight just for an update on school. I am posting this a little later than usual because of school work that I had to do. This is the last week of the class I am in, and as usual it is crazy! However, there is a break coming up on the horizon...starting after this class I get to have a two week break after each class! Woo hoo!
This is because of how my classes will end. If I did not take a two week break after every class I would finish up at the end of May, which is right when school gets out. I would then risk going into default on my loans by waiting through the summer months to do my student teaching. So, for now I get to have a mini vacation in between my classes in order to avoid that. Yay! I am down with mini vacations, how about you?
This is because of how my classes will end. If I did not take a two week break after every class I would finish up at the end of May, which is right when school gets out. I would then risk going into default on my loans by waiting through the summer months to do my student teaching. So, for now I get to have a mini vacation in between my classes in order to avoid that. Yay! I am down with mini vacations, how about you?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Preemie Experience
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Many people do not understand that prematurity, especially as early as Bree was, is not something most kids can 'outgrow'. It presents problems for them for a long bit of time, and quite possibly for the rest of their life. The following poem is one that a fellow blogger posted, and I am borrowing it from her in order to help raise awareness for the problems that premature infants, and the parents of those precious children face. This poem gives me chills every time I read it. It touches me to my core because this poem speaks raw truth about the journey that prematurity takes you on.
The Preemie Experience
By Sandra D Moore
The preemie experience is the shattering of all your dreams
For a normal, healthy delivery,
Of the ability to carry home a beautiful squirming bundle
After a short stay in the hospital.
It is lying there in your hospital room listening to
The happy sounds of whole families joined
Together by the birth of a grandchild, cousin, niece,
Or nephew, and knowing that your
Child is miles away and may not survive long enough
For you to see or simply touch.
It is that first glimpse of a skinny, scrawny, not much bigger
Than a Barbie doll child
And feeling, fear, awe, and joy for such a fragile soul.
It is sitting by your baby’s “bedside” day after day,
Week after week, month after month,
Alternating between the emotional high of “Look, her eyes are open,” or “She’s crying!”
And the lows of “I’m sorry, Mrs. Moore. Something has
Shown up in Lauren’s ultrasound,”
Or even “There is nothing we can do…”
It is hearing the alarms go off for the twentieth time in less
Than fifteen minutes because your
Child’s heart rate keeps hitting zero.
It is watching children dying around you, wondering if
Your child will be next.It is hearing your child’s cry of distress as the nurses
Insert yet another IV and do another
Round of daily blood tests.It is meeting other parents of children who are doing far better
And wondering, “Why me?”
And meeting parents of children who have just died,
And praising God for His mercy
To your child and feeling guilty because your child is alive
And someone else is grieving for theirs.
It is days of nightmarish testing and coping with less
Than positive results to the tests.
It is days of joy at seeing the first eyelash appear,
The child gain a whole ounce in one day,
And two bright shiny eyes look at you and into your soul,
And knowing that your child now recognizes you as Mama or Dada;
Or perhaps looks at you and does not see you at all…
It is that final hurdle before coming home!
It is the sorrow of waiting for the monitor company
Representative to show you what to do
If the alarm sounds when your child is choking,
Gasping for breath, or simply dying.
It is the joy of just being away from all those nurses
And tubes and wires and beeps, and
Walking into the nursery you hastily prepared because, after all,
The child wasn’t due for another three months!
It is thinking the nightmare is over…only to realize it still
Continues in the form of
Such acronyms as PVL, RSV, BPD, CP and numerous others.
It is the final realization that those developmental delays
Have to be dealt with,
That reflux is a normal and unfortunate occurrence in most preemies,
That the constant fight to gain weight is in direct proportion
To a preemie’s ability to do so.
It is watching a child struggle to pick up his or her head, sit,
Crawl, or walk.
It is witnessing only silence when the child should be babbling,
Because the child cannot hear.
It is the mental images of a child running and playing
And communicating with others in a
Perfectly normal manner that are marred when you face years of therapy
In order to simply get the child to eat by himself or herself,
To talk or walk and then run.
The preemie experience is a journey…
A journey through your soul in order to find the faith and strength to cope,
A journey of the mind when you face the emotional weariness,
A journey of the heart…to accept that, no matter what,
The Preemie Experience
By Sandra D Moore
The preemie experience is the shattering of all your dreams
For a normal, healthy delivery,
Of the ability to carry home a beautiful squirming bundle
After a short stay in the hospital.
It is lying there in your hospital room listening to
The happy sounds of whole families joined
Together by the birth of a grandchild, cousin, niece,
Or nephew, and knowing that your
Child is miles away and may not survive long enough
For you to see or simply touch.
It is that first glimpse of a skinny, scrawny, not much bigger
Than a Barbie doll child
And feeling, fear, awe, and joy for such a fragile soul.
It is sitting by your baby’s “bedside” day after day,
Week after week, month after month,
Alternating between the emotional high of “Look, her eyes are open,” or “She’s crying!”
And the lows of “I’m sorry, Mrs. Moore. Something has
Shown up in Lauren’s ultrasound,”
Or even “There is nothing we can do…”
It is hearing the alarms go off for the twentieth time in less
Than fifteen minutes because your
Child’s heart rate keeps hitting zero.
It is watching children dying around you, wondering if
Your child will be next.It is hearing your child’s cry of distress as the nurses
Insert yet another IV and do another
Round of daily blood tests.It is meeting other parents of children who are doing far better
And wondering, “Why me?”
And meeting parents of children who have just died,
And praising God for His mercy
To your child and feeling guilty because your child is alive
And someone else is grieving for theirs.
It is days of nightmarish testing and coping with less
Than positive results to the tests.
It is days of joy at seeing the first eyelash appear,
The child gain a whole ounce in one day,
And two bright shiny eyes look at you and into your soul,
And knowing that your child now recognizes you as Mama or Dada;
Or perhaps looks at you and does not see you at all…
It is that final hurdle before coming home!
It is the sorrow of waiting for the monitor company
Representative to show you what to do
If the alarm sounds when your child is choking,
Gasping for breath, or simply dying.
It is the joy of just being away from all those nurses
And tubes and wires and beeps, and
Walking into the nursery you hastily prepared because, after all,
The child wasn’t due for another three months!
It is thinking the nightmare is over…only to realize it still
Continues in the form of
Such acronyms as PVL, RSV, BPD, CP and numerous others.
It is the final realization that those developmental delays
Have to be dealt with,
That reflux is a normal and unfortunate occurrence in most preemies,
That the constant fight to gain weight is in direct proportion
To a preemie’s ability to do so.
It is watching a child struggle to pick up his or her head, sit,
Crawl, or walk.
It is witnessing only silence when the child should be babbling,
Because the child cannot hear.
It is the mental images of a child running and playing
And communicating with others in a
Perfectly normal manner that are marred when you face years of therapy
In order to simply get the child to eat by himself or herself,
To talk or walk and then run.
The preemie experience is a journey…
A journey through your soul in order to find the faith and strength to cope,
A journey of the mind when you face the emotional weariness,
A journey of the heart…to accept that, no matter what,
This child is yours,
And you will love this child no matter what.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Kill 'em with kindness
Moving always seems to create many shopping trip opportunities. And, it's not the fun kind of shopping either. It's the "we have nothing to eat so I need to go shopping" or "we packed the hammer and nails at the bottom of some unmarked box so we need to go buy a new one shopping". Today we actually had both of those happen. As luck would have it, the gas people were coming by today so someone had to be at the house allllll day. Adam was gracious enough to keep both girls while I ran to Walmart to get WIC, and pick up some other things.
On my list was WIC (cereal, bread, fresh fruits and veggies, juice, etc etc), curtains for the girls' room, a new shower head since the other one cracked when Adam was trying to put it in, a hammer, some nails, and few other things. It ended up being one of those shopping trips where just as you were on one side of the store, you realize you forgot something on the completely opposite side! So, 45 minutes later I had my basket full, my list checked off (or so I thought!), and I got in a line where there was only one guy in front of me. Score!
The man in front of me had WIC too, and since WIC has changed their new program it is a pain! While the new foods they have added are wonderful, the Walmart computer system has not caught up. That meant that every time a new WIC item was scanned a CSM would have to come over and approve it. Lots of time, and running back and forth on the part of Walmart employees! When my turn came there was one older lady behind me. I had three seperate WIC checks to cash and then my usual Walmart purchases.
The ringing up of WIC began and right off the bat we had to call a CSM. This cycle continued and two more people (an older man and another older lady) joined our line. About the time we got to the second WIC check I heard the second older lady engage in conversation with the other two in line.: "What the hell is going on here? Last week I waited in line for 20 minutes behind a lady with lots of coupons...what is this girl doing? I bet she's one of those who lives off the state and they give her free food. Humph." The three of them chatted, and while I only caught bits and pieces of the other two speaking I could clearly continue to hear the second older lady as she spoke very loudly. At first I was slightly irritated because she does not know our situation, and who is she to judge? However, I came up with a better plan.
After my purchases were complete, I grabbed my bags and loaded them in the cart. The three older people were watching me and seemed to be revving their little cart engines in order to move up in their places in line. I turned around smiled, made eye contact with the second older lady, raised my hand to wave and loudly said "Thanks for your patience and understanding, I REALLY appreciate it!"
I killed 'em with kindness. :)
On my list was WIC (cereal, bread, fresh fruits and veggies, juice, etc etc), curtains for the girls' room, a new shower head since the other one cracked when Adam was trying to put it in, a hammer, some nails, and few other things. It ended up being one of those shopping trips where just as you were on one side of the store, you realize you forgot something on the completely opposite side! So, 45 minutes later I had my basket full, my list checked off (or so I thought!), and I got in a line where there was only one guy in front of me. Score!
The man in front of me had WIC too, and since WIC has changed their new program it is a pain! While the new foods they have added are wonderful, the Walmart computer system has not caught up. That meant that every time a new WIC item was scanned a CSM would have to come over and approve it. Lots of time, and running back and forth on the part of Walmart employees! When my turn came there was one older lady behind me. I had three seperate WIC checks to cash and then my usual Walmart purchases.
The ringing up of WIC began and right off the bat we had to call a CSM. This cycle continued and two more people (an older man and another older lady) joined our line. About the time we got to the second WIC check I heard the second older lady engage in conversation with the other two in line.: "What the hell is going on here? Last week I waited in line for 20 minutes behind a lady with lots of coupons...what is this girl doing? I bet she's one of those who lives off the state and they give her free food. Humph." The three of them chatted, and while I only caught bits and pieces of the other two speaking I could clearly continue to hear the second older lady as she spoke very loudly. At first I was slightly irritated because she does not know our situation, and who is she to judge? However, I came up with a better plan.
After my purchases were complete, I grabbed my bags and loaded them in the cart. The three older people were watching me and seemed to be revving their little cart engines in order to move up in their places in line. I turned around smiled, made eye contact with the second older lady, raised my hand to wave and loudly said "Thanks for your patience and understanding, I REALLY appreciate it!"
I killed 'em with kindness. :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Rough road ahead!
Man, if I knew on Wednesday last week what I know now I would have informed you all that there was rough road ahead. I would have told you to buckle down and hold on for the bumpy ride! However, we have all come out unscathed, tired and a little dirty.
Thursday morning Adam went to meet our new landlord at the house to get the keys. We had asked repeatedly (about three times) if the new house had gas for the water heater. We had been told no about three times. Well, Adam showed up and Jack informed us that it does has gas. Oops! So, after a quick call to the gas company we found out the soonest we could get gas turned on would be Tuesday. So for right now we have bin baths, and cold nights. Bin baths consist of heating water up in our electric kettle (I highly recommend one...they work great for tea, boiling water to sterilize and clean, and apparently for baths) We even have the pictures to prove the bin baths:
Thursday morning Adam went to meet our new landlord at the house to get the keys. We had asked repeatedly (about three times) if the new house had gas for the water heater. We had been told no about three times. Well, Adam showed up and Jack informed us that it does has gas. Oops! So, after a quick call to the gas company we found out the soonest we could get gas turned on would be Tuesday. So for right now we have bin baths, and cold nights. Bin baths consist of heating water up in our electric kettle (I highly recommend one...they work great for tea, boiling water to sterilize and clean, and apparently for baths) We even have the pictures to prove the bin baths:
I was even brave enough to take a bin bath...and let me tell ya! That thing is tiny!!! Adam, however, manned it up and took an ice cold shower. On Saturday we took some time out of our busy moving day to attend our wonderful friends Pat and Danielle's wedding! They all looked great and it was a beautiful and fitting wedding.
We all dressed up for their wedding...I was a flower, Adam was a farmer, Riley was supposed to be a butterfly (but refused to wear her wings...they freaked her out!), and Bree was a messy bumble bee (I say messy because she was SUPPOSE to be being fed on the way to the wedding on her pump. Little did we know but she unhooked it and was waving it EVERYWHERE the whole way there. She was a mess, the car was a mess and her outfit ruined!) We plan on having some Halloween pictures retakes, lame I know, once we get the dryer plug switched out here so I can do some laundry. Here's what I do have:
After their wedding, we rushed back home to finish up the last few big loads of stuff, and to return the rental truck! At that point it was 7 pm and we still had small stuff to move, and to clean the old house. We had to be out by 12 pm. We did eventually make it...but did not finish until 1030 pm. Whew! Sunday was spent shopping for a table, visiting with Pat and Danielle for a bit since we were losers and had to miss their super fun reception and trick or treating, and a bit of unpacking mixed in there.
We are slowly getting settled in, but I can honestly say I feel like this is home. I have not ever felt this comfortable in a house this quickly, but I like it. After this being our fourth move in just under four years, I think we are done with moving. I have certainly had enough and I do not plan on moving until we have orders to move. (which is hopefully no time soon!)
So thank you for bearing with me in my silence. The blog is back up and running...never fear!
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