I am going to go ahead and do days 20-30. I know if I stop at 26 today, 27-30 will never ever get posted. I just know myself and it for sure won't get done since I will be at home with my family! :)
20- My grandparents...3 of the 4 are deceased and the remaining Grandmother is 93 and has Alzheimer disease (so she does not know me). They were all great role models as I grew up though, and I miss them all a lot. Grandmommy is still with us on this earth, but she is not the same Grandmommy, if that makes sense? I was kind of her favorite growing up (being the baby girl in the family) and now she doesn't know me. But, the times we had together are memorable! :)
21- Medicine. I am glad that when we do not feel well we have medicine to help. Some don't believe in medicating and that is fine (and I sure am paranoid about taking too much), but I am glad we have that option!
22-Cold weather. I am thankful for it for about 3 days and then that is enough, but I am glad we have changing seasons (usually) and get to experience new life in the spring!
23- Mason's friends. I am glad Mason has made so many friends and MDO this year. He is really coming out of his shell. The first 2 years he would watch his friends play while he sat with the teachers. This year he slowly started playing with the girls (who are much calmer) and now is playing with the boys.
24- Urgent Care on Sundays. I think that sums up this day. Glad we were able to see a doctor and get medication for strep on the weekend without the cost of an ER visit.
25- My 5 year old! I might have mentioned him before...but today he is 5 instead of 4. Where did the time go?? He is such a joy. Sweet boy!
26- Naps. If only I could take one RIGHT NOW. I took Tylenol PM cold last night to fight off this icky-ness that I have and now I am so tired I can barely do anything (so I am blogging instead of working!)
27- Family Days. Looking forward to getting off work early tomorrow and spending the entire long weekend with my little family.
28- Turkey and Dressing. One of my favorite meals of all time. But only my moms!
29- Tradition. Day after Thanksgiving is a HUGE tradition day in my family. The house will be full of Christmas music, cookies baking, and décor going up. It was always one of my favorite days growing up and now I love it even more with my own kids.
30-That this list is done. :) For that I am thankful. And I hope that the rest of the 11 months I remember to be just as thankful as I was in November!
THE END!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Behind in the Game
November...the fastest moving month in history. Pretty sure that is the definition in the dictionary. Do they even make dictionary's anymore?
So, yep I did not do what I set out to do...30 days of Thanks. Oh, I am thankful alright...just so much going that I don't have time to blog. Annnnnnnnnd, for that I am thankful! :)
Here is a short version of days 5-19.
5- My family...the extended version. I hope it is apparent that I LOVE my kids and husband so much. I am so thankful for my family beyond that on both sides though. Amazingly blessed!
6- My job...most are not so fortunate to have a job like me. I try not to take it for granted. I am not tied down 8-5 with a clock that I have to click on time or else I get written up. No, I come in after I take mason to school around 9:15 and get off at 4:30. I have half days and can take vacation days as needed. I can bring my kids to work and never have to miss a school even or doctors appointment. I AM SO BLESSED.
7- Mom and Mom-In-Law- I name these two specifically because when I can't be with my kids, they are. I am so fortunate that they keep my babies and we do not have to do childcare.
8- Mothers Day Out Program- Mason goes 3 days a week and oh my goodness, he has learned SOOOOO much. The boy can read anything put in front of him and just realized this weekend he can count to 1000! He is learning to get along with friends and teachers too. Amazing program! And the best part...he goes to chapel daily and learns about Jesus!
9- House/Cars/Food...the obvious things beyond that too, like beds and TV's, toys and clothes. Mason and I are trying to focus on doing for others (I realized lately that he is all about "ME"...which I think is normal for a 4/5 year old, but I think its time we talk about giving) this holiday season. It's all too apparent how much stuff we have when others have basically nothing. :(
10-The sunsets. Rarely, a day goes by that I don't get out my camera to take a photo of the sunset. I can not get enough of them. Living in the country makes them that more beautiful.
11- My marriage. I mentioned my husband on day 2, but I am so thankful for a strong marriage. I am so glad I have my best friend with me every evening and wake up together every morning. So many of my friends are struggling in marriages and I am just so glad that I don't have that issue. He loves me so and I love him so!
12- Fall...everything about it. Smells, sights, sounds, cool air (sometimes) holidays and celebrations.
13- To go along with the one above...changing leaves. Can't get much better than that. I could sit outside for hours and just stare at the trees!
14- Friends!!!! Oh my goodness...this one should have been wayyy up there on the list! DUH! So thankful for my friends old and new. I am so fortunate to have such great women in my life!
15- NICU nurses and doctors. Just everything about them...they kept my two miracles alive and I just CAN NOT THANK THEM ENOUGH!!!!! I will never be able to repay!
16- Another year. Turned 34 this year.
17- Social media. As much as I don't want to be thankful for it and many of the things I do NOT like about it, BUT I do enjoy catching up with some people and reading the blogs of Christian women and Pinterest...oh Pinterest. I have gotten some good recipes and cheap decorating ideas from there!!
18- Entertainment. We take it for granted, but we have options to eat out and attend pretty much any kind of entertainment activity we want. Some countries only have dirt and sticks. Wow, we take that for granted! :(
19- Clean water. As above...we take it for granted that our water is safe to drink. Sort of random, but I LOVE water so I am thankful.
So, yep I did not do what I set out to do...30 days of Thanks. Oh, I am thankful alright...just so much going that I don't have time to blog. Annnnnnnnnd, for that I am thankful! :)
Here is a short version of days 5-19.
5- My family...the extended version. I hope it is apparent that I LOVE my kids and husband so much. I am so thankful for my family beyond that on both sides though. Amazingly blessed!
6- My job...most are not so fortunate to have a job like me. I try not to take it for granted. I am not tied down 8-5 with a clock that I have to click on time or else I get written up. No, I come in after I take mason to school around 9:15 and get off at 4:30. I have half days and can take vacation days as needed. I can bring my kids to work and never have to miss a school even or doctors appointment. I AM SO BLESSED.
7- Mom and Mom-In-Law- I name these two specifically because when I can't be with my kids, they are. I am so fortunate that they keep my babies and we do not have to do childcare.
8- Mothers Day Out Program- Mason goes 3 days a week and oh my goodness, he has learned SOOOOO much. The boy can read anything put in front of him and just realized this weekend he can count to 1000! He is learning to get along with friends and teachers too. Amazing program! And the best part...he goes to chapel daily and learns about Jesus!
9- House/Cars/Food...the obvious things beyond that too, like beds and TV's, toys and clothes. Mason and I are trying to focus on doing for others (I realized lately that he is all about "ME"...which I think is normal for a 4/5 year old, but I think its time we talk about giving) this holiday season. It's all too apparent how much stuff we have when others have basically nothing. :(
10-The sunsets. Rarely, a day goes by that I don't get out my camera to take a photo of the sunset. I can not get enough of them. Living in the country makes them that more beautiful.
11- My marriage. I mentioned my husband on day 2, but I am so thankful for a strong marriage. I am so glad I have my best friend with me every evening and wake up together every morning. So many of my friends are struggling in marriages and I am just so glad that I don't have that issue. He loves me so and I love him so!
12- Fall...everything about it. Smells, sights, sounds, cool air (sometimes) holidays and celebrations.
13- To go along with the one above...changing leaves. Can't get much better than that. I could sit outside for hours and just stare at the trees!
14- Friends!!!! Oh my goodness...this one should have been wayyy up there on the list! DUH! So thankful for my friends old and new. I am so fortunate to have such great women in my life!
15- NICU nurses and doctors. Just everything about them...they kept my two miracles alive and I just CAN NOT THANK THEM ENOUGH!!!!! I will never be able to repay!
16- Another year. Turned 34 this year.
17- Social media. As much as I don't want to be thankful for it and many of the things I do NOT like about it, BUT I do enjoy catching up with some people and reading the blogs of Christian women and Pinterest...oh Pinterest. I have gotten some good recipes and cheap decorating ideas from there!!
18- Entertainment. We take it for granted, but we have options to eat out and attend pretty much any kind of entertainment activity we want. Some countries only have dirt and sticks. Wow, we take that for granted! :(
19- Clean water. As above...we take it for granted that our water is safe to drink. Sort of random, but I LOVE water so I am thankful.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Thirty Days Of Thanks!
I did this last year and had every intention of starting again on November 1st. I really love this month for SOOOOO many reasons. It's my favorite by far. My anniversary, my birthday, Mason's birthday and Thanksgiving are this month. Trees change colors...to MY colors (if you don't believe me you should see the colors I decorate with!), the weather gets cooler, but not too cold yet, leave start falling. I love fall smells...spice, pumpkin, cinnamon, etc. Christmas shopping begins and Halloween (not my favorite, although my kids sure looked cute-HA!) is over. More than anything it is a time to reflect on all that I am thankful for...and that is A LOT!
Day 1-
I am thankful for my faith. Thank you God for loving me always. Thank you for providing for me and my family. Thank you for giving me peace, comfort and strength when I need it most. Thank you most of all for Jesus, so that I could be free from my sin. AND SO MUCH MORE...
Day 4- Miracle #2, Lucy Morgan. She is the sweetest and happiest baby on the block. After such a rough start, she is just doing great. Praise God for my babies...He is SO good. I was so nervous to have a little girl and I would not trade it for ANYTHING. She completes our little family and we are just so so blessed!
Day 1-
I am thankful for my faith. Thank you God for loving me always. Thank you for providing for me and my family. Thank you for giving me peace, comfort and strength when I need it most. Thank you most of all for Jesus, so that I could be free from my sin. AND SO MUCH MORE...
Day 2-
I am thankful for my husband. He respects me, loves me, encourages me, laughs with me (and at me!), supports me. He is my best friend and a great father. He would do anything for me and our family. I am so blessed.
Day 3-
I am thankful for my Mason Layne. Such a sweet and caring boy (most of the time! He is 4 afterall ;) ). He will always be my baby boy! I call him my "miracle #1". I am so blessed to be his mommy!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Happy 1/2 Birthday! And a house update
Can't believe she's 6 months already...1/2 of a year. Geez! Time flies when you are having fun! :)
In other news...our house is finally starting to show a little progress...at least to us. It sat there for 3 weeks after closing as nothing. At least it is getting ready to be something now! :) Mason LOVES going out there every night to see what progress has been made while he is away during the day!
I think I could sit outside and watch our sunsets every evening! I find myself anxious to see what it's going to look like each night. Feeling blessed that I'll get to look out my back patio out in the country and enjoy them daily! It never gets old!
In other news...our house is finally starting to show a little progress...at least to us. It sat there for 3 weeks after closing as nothing. At least it is getting ready to be something now! :) Mason LOVES going out there every night to see what progress has been made while he is away during the day!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Playing Catch Up
I am way behind on updates! Lots of people have stopped me to ask about Lucy and say "I sure miss your blog updates." So sorry. After Lucy came home, I kind of put the blogging on the back burner. Someone requires a little more attention from me at home than she did in NICU! ;)
Lucy is doing great! However, she is still a light eater and I am worried about her weight gain. I am trying to not worry so much, but she should be eating about 5-8 ounces more a day than she is right now. I know she is gaining weight, but not sure it's enough to please the doctor. We will find out in a couple of weeks. On the plus side, she is SO happy and meeting milestones...some way ahead of what she is expected to do. So maybe I shouldn't worry so much! ;) I think that is what NICU mom's do though...or any mom for that matter.
As far as milestones go, she is being monitored by ECI (early childhood intervention). They came out and assessed her in 5 different areas. In order to receive services from them she has to be behind in 1 or more of the areas. Because she was 11 weeks early, she is looked at based on a baby that is 11 weeks younger than her. Well in a couple of the areas (communication being one) she was ahead. A couple of areas right on target...and one area a little behind. So, she qualified. Basically, she could not lay on her tummy and hold her head up. Well at the second visit she still could not do it...at least that is what I told her therapist. She put her on her tummy and the stinker held that head up high and she passed her test! Then I asked about rolling over and she said probably another month or two...well 3 days later and sister rolls over with ease! :) She babbles and smiles and laughs. Just a happy happy girl!
One thing that we are concerned about is RSV season. Generally premature babies get RSV shots to protect them from the virus. It doesn't prevent them from getting it, but definitely reduces the chance for hospital stays. Well we were told she'd qualify no problem. Guess what, insurance now has different guidelines and she missed the qualifications by 6 days. If she would have been 28 weeks there would be no question. Also if she was under 6 months on October 15 she'd get it no questions. She will be 6 months 12 days. Soooooo...we have to wait on insurance and beg for an exception. Please pray they will pay. The shots are SO expensive that paying out of pocket really is not an option. The doctor said if she doesn't qualify we should pull Mason out of Pre-K. That isn't an option for us either...that is not fair to him!! :(
Anyway, other than that, Lucy is just a super cute, content baby. Can't believe she will be 6 months old soon!
Prayer Requests:
- That Lucy is eating enough and gaining weight along her curve
- That insurance will approve her RSV shots. I think RSV season is a preemie moms worst nightmare! :(
Here are some photos!
Lucy is doing great! However, she is still a light eater and I am worried about her weight gain. I am trying to not worry so much, but she should be eating about 5-8 ounces more a day than she is right now. I know she is gaining weight, but not sure it's enough to please the doctor. We will find out in a couple of weeks. On the plus side, she is SO happy and meeting milestones...some way ahead of what she is expected to do. So maybe I shouldn't worry so much! ;) I think that is what NICU mom's do though...or any mom for that matter.
As far as milestones go, she is being monitored by ECI (early childhood intervention). They came out and assessed her in 5 different areas. In order to receive services from them she has to be behind in 1 or more of the areas. Because she was 11 weeks early, she is looked at based on a baby that is 11 weeks younger than her. Well in a couple of the areas (communication being one) she was ahead. A couple of areas right on target...and one area a little behind. So, she qualified. Basically, she could not lay on her tummy and hold her head up. Well at the second visit she still could not do it...at least that is what I told her therapist. She put her on her tummy and the stinker held that head up high and she passed her test! Then I asked about rolling over and she said probably another month or two...well 3 days later and sister rolls over with ease! :) She babbles and smiles and laughs. Just a happy happy girl!
One thing that we are concerned about is RSV season. Generally premature babies get RSV shots to protect them from the virus. It doesn't prevent them from getting it, but definitely reduces the chance for hospital stays. Well we were told she'd qualify no problem. Guess what, insurance now has different guidelines and she missed the qualifications by 6 days. If she would have been 28 weeks there would be no question. Also if she was under 6 months on October 15 she'd get it no questions. She will be 6 months 12 days. Soooooo...we have to wait on insurance and beg for an exception. Please pray they will pay. The shots are SO expensive that paying out of pocket really is not an option. The doctor said if she doesn't qualify we should pull Mason out of Pre-K. That isn't an option for us either...that is not fair to him!! :(
Anyway, other than that, Lucy is just a super cute, content baby. Can't believe she will be 6 months old soon!
Prayer Requests:
- That Lucy is eating enough and gaining weight along her curve
- That insurance will approve her RSV shots. I think RSV season is a preemie moms worst nightmare! :(
Here are some photos!
Most recent taken last night on our walk
This is shortly after we came home, so it is a couple of months old. All dressed up with nowhere to go! ha
Brother went camping with Gramdma and Grandpa and we stopped by for a visit.
Four months old and looking at a toy
These two...always looking and smiling.
Mason reading Brown Bear to Lucy
First time to notice all the toys hanging from her mat...big eyes!
5 months old
Mason's first day of pre-school
Picture of the kiddos at Nanny-Rene's house. It will probably be torn down soon so I needed one last photo with the kids
Family photo at our dirt piles...they started on our house this week and we come check on it everyday.
Super Lucy
What a bond they have!
Mason playing in our dirt again...almost ready for the foundation to be poured!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
I am back!
Well, after being away for a long while I decided maybe it was time to come back to The Graham Family blog. I mean, Lucy's NICU journey has ended, so I don't really need to update that blog anymore...
So, until I get things in order and start posting family updates, here are a few pictures of my current life.
Be back soon.................. :)
So, until I get things in order and start posting family updates, here are a few pictures of my current life.
Be back soon.................. :)
Friday, April 12, 2013
New blog...
Because of our current situation I am temporarily blogging at another location that is more public. If you have not heard, Lucy Morgan is here...11weeks early and only 2lbs3oz. For updates visit http://lucynicu.blogspot.com/?m=1
Friday, March 29, 2013
Update 03/28: Lucy Morgan
First, baby girl has a name...Lucy Morgan! :)
Well, I have not posted an update in a while, so here it is. :)
I am 28.5(ish) weeks...I still INSIST they have my due date wrong by a week and I would actually be closer to 27.5 weeks, but at this point it really does not matter I suppose (other than her size would not be such a big deal to the high risk doctors). She has consistently measured 7-10 days small. Many times measuring at a June 25th due date which is what I calculated before I ever went to the doctor for the first time. Hmmmmm...
Anyway, at this point she is considered "small" or "limited growth"---problem #1. And my pre-eclampsia is creeping back---problem #2.
I was admitted to the hospital on March 14th with a blood pressure of 172/110. They quickly gave me steriod shots to help Lucy's lungs develop a little more quickly and were set up to transfer me to a better NICU/higher risk doctors and start me on Magnesium sulfate...basically deliver her at 26 (25 to me) weeks and a whopping 1lb 9oz. Scary!!!
That is when I started praying...no, BEGGING and pleading with God. Within 12 hours my blood pressure was lower than it has been in YEARS. YEARS!! At one point it was 103/56 during the night and stayed completely normal for the next week I was in the hospital. Hospital bed rest was doing wonders for me...so much so, that insurance would not pay for me to stay any longer. I guess that is a good problem to have, but at the same time, when they sent me home with Mason I had a major panic attack and went right back to the hospital and had him 3 days later.
This time I have remained calm at home. I am on full time strict bed/couch rest. I get up to shower, eat and potty. That is it. Well, besides the 3-4 doctor appointments each week. I go back every 3 days or so to check my progress and Lucy's progress. So far, she is doing great...small, but all of her parts are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. It is amazing what all they check on the dopplers, but I get to see the blood flowing in her 4 heart chambers, blood flow to the brain, placenta blood flow (and hear each one too). Every body part is checked each visit and usually she has her hand in her mouth...sometimes even her foot! :)
Each time we go she has a growth, but minimum. Last week, I was freaking out about it. Again I sat there and BEGGED God for another miracle. In walked a doctor I have never seen before and he was the most reassuring man I have ever met. She barely gained, but he wasn't worried about it since she showed no signs of distress. He recommended I take a baby aspirin every morning to open up the flow from the placenta (who knew??). We went back yesterday and again, I begged God that her growth would be good...she had gained 7 oz in 7 days. This may be normal for most babies, but was HUGE for my little girl. We are over 2 pounds now. Praise!! My bp was up a little yesterday so they think my pre-eclampsia may be stepping it up a notch. Hoping to buy another 3-4 weeks at least. Oh how I wish to make it past the 30 week mark!!
Anyway, big update, but please pray for these things:
-Continued big growth spurts for Lucy. We know she will need a NICU and I will deliver early. We really hope to buy several more weeks, but pray that no matter when it happens she is big and strong and ready to conquer all those milestones in NICU life.
-My blood pressure/preeclampsia. So far, besides that one day my symptoms are considered "mild". Blood work, protein in urine, etc have not elevated to a level that is of too much concern, however I still have preeclampsia and at some point it will get worse. Just pray that is later rather than sooner.
-That I can make it past 30 weeks. I know to most moms this is CRAZY talk, but to a NICU mamma this is huge. At this point, every day I can stay pregnant buys us about 3-4 days not in NICU. Based on this math, we have accomplished "buying" 6-8 weeks in the past 2 since my bp spiked. Plus the obvious developmental things baby needs inside mommy helps a ton.
-For Mason. Not gonna lie, that is the hardest thing about the whole bedrest thing. I have a 4 year old that is a mommy's boy. He has been AWESOME and we have figured out ways to play in bed with puzzles, and games, and movies, etc. But I can tell it is not super easy for him to transition. He is such a good kid and I just want him to feel safe and secure even with the shuffling we have to do between grandparents and us. WE are SOOOOO fortunate that my parents live next door and my in-laws are 30 minutes away and both will take him at the drop of a hat. And he loves spending time with them. Really, we couldnt have a better support system, but still....it has to affect him.
-For me. I need peace. God is providing that for me when I let him. It's hard when I can't be in control and I need prayers that I can let God just do his thing and not try to intervene. So far, he has worked so many miracles in the past couple of weeks. He has put the right people in my room at the right time and helped me get through the rough patches. :)
-And Brady...juggling work, taking me to all my appointments (thank you God that he has such a great job that will let him), taking care of Mason, cleaning house, fixing meals, etc. He has a lot on his plate and he never complains at all.
Whew...that was long. Will try to update more as we go on another "not normal" journey with baby #2. :)
Well, I have not posted an update in a while, so here it is. :)
I am 28.5(ish) weeks...I still INSIST they have my due date wrong by a week and I would actually be closer to 27.5 weeks, but at this point it really does not matter I suppose (other than her size would not be such a big deal to the high risk doctors). She has consistently measured 7-10 days small. Many times measuring at a June 25th due date which is what I calculated before I ever went to the doctor for the first time. Hmmmmm...
Anyway, at this point she is considered "small" or "limited growth"---problem #1. And my pre-eclampsia is creeping back---problem #2.
I was admitted to the hospital on March 14th with a blood pressure of 172/110. They quickly gave me steriod shots to help Lucy's lungs develop a little more quickly and were set up to transfer me to a better NICU/higher risk doctors and start me on Magnesium sulfate...basically deliver her at 26 (25 to me) weeks and a whopping 1lb 9oz. Scary!!!
That is when I started praying...no, BEGGING and pleading with God. Within 12 hours my blood pressure was lower than it has been in YEARS. YEARS!! At one point it was 103/56 during the night and stayed completely normal for the next week I was in the hospital. Hospital bed rest was doing wonders for me...so much so, that insurance would not pay for me to stay any longer. I guess that is a good problem to have, but at the same time, when they sent me home with Mason I had a major panic attack and went right back to the hospital and had him 3 days later.
This time I have remained calm at home. I am on full time strict bed/couch rest. I get up to shower, eat and potty. That is it. Well, besides the 3-4 doctor appointments each week. I go back every 3 days or so to check my progress and Lucy's progress. So far, she is doing great...small, but all of her parts are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. It is amazing what all they check on the dopplers, but I get to see the blood flowing in her 4 heart chambers, blood flow to the brain, placenta blood flow (and hear each one too). Every body part is checked each visit and usually she has her hand in her mouth...sometimes even her foot! :)
Each time we go she has a growth, but minimum. Last week, I was freaking out about it. Again I sat there and BEGGED God for another miracle. In walked a doctor I have never seen before and he was the most reassuring man I have ever met. She barely gained, but he wasn't worried about it since she showed no signs of distress. He recommended I take a baby aspirin every morning to open up the flow from the placenta (who knew??). We went back yesterday and again, I begged God that her growth would be good...she had gained 7 oz in 7 days. This may be normal for most babies, but was HUGE for my little girl. We are over 2 pounds now. Praise!! My bp was up a little yesterday so they think my pre-eclampsia may be stepping it up a notch. Hoping to buy another 3-4 weeks at least. Oh how I wish to make it past the 30 week mark!!
Anyway, big update, but please pray for these things:
-Continued big growth spurts for Lucy. We know she will need a NICU and I will deliver early. We really hope to buy several more weeks, but pray that no matter when it happens she is big and strong and ready to conquer all those milestones in NICU life.
-My blood pressure/preeclampsia. So far, besides that one day my symptoms are considered "mild". Blood work, protein in urine, etc have not elevated to a level that is of too much concern, however I still have preeclampsia and at some point it will get worse. Just pray that is later rather than sooner.
-That I can make it past 30 weeks. I know to most moms this is CRAZY talk, but to a NICU mamma this is huge. At this point, every day I can stay pregnant buys us about 3-4 days not in NICU. Based on this math, we have accomplished "buying" 6-8 weeks in the past 2 since my bp spiked. Plus the obvious developmental things baby needs inside mommy helps a ton.
-For Mason. Not gonna lie, that is the hardest thing about the whole bedrest thing. I have a 4 year old that is a mommy's boy. He has been AWESOME and we have figured out ways to play in bed with puzzles, and games, and movies, etc. But I can tell it is not super easy for him to transition. He is such a good kid and I just want him to feel safe and secure even with the shuffling we have to do between grandparents and us. WE are SOOOOO fortunate that my parents live next door and my in-laws are 30 minutes away and both will take him at the drop of a hat. And he loves spending time with them. Really, we couldnt have a better support system, but still....it has to affect him.
-For me. I need peace. God is providing that for me when I let him. It's hard when I can't be in control and I need prayers that I can let God just do his thing and not try to intervene. So far, he has worked so many miracles in the past couple of weeks. He has put the right people in my room at the right time and helped me get through the rough patches. :)
-And Brady...juggling work, taking me to all my appointments (thank you God that he has such a great job that will let him), taking care of Mason, cleaning house, fixing meals, etc. He has a lot on his plate and he never complains at all.
Whew...that was long. Will try to update more as we go on another "not normal" journey with baby #2. :)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Baby Update
Well for those that don't know, we are haivng a baby........................GIRL!
This means pink, bows, dresses, purple, lace, and all that goes along with it. I am in a bit of shock, but so excited too!
As of right now I am 21 weeks along, approximately. I am finally over all of my sickness (oh it was BAD this time around) and still my only craving is Mexican food. I loved it before I was pregnant too, so not sure it's really a craving.
Some prayer requests:
- Baby girl is measuring small by 7-9 days. This could mean several things, but we will have to see a high risk doctor on Monday, the 11th, to see what is going on. I am hoping and praying they just got our original due date wrong. I have thought it was off by a week since day one, but they (the sonographer) seems more confident in their original sonogram than in my reasoning/feeling that they were wrong. They dates just didn't add up to me by a week. It could be she has not hit her growth spurt yet, could be that she is just a small baby, or it could be something else causing it that we will need to figure out. Praying that she is just small or that I was right about the due date.
- My blood pressure. My doctor has hinted around that we may have a repeat of my last pregnancy...preeclampsia, early birth, NICU, all that stuff I have been worried about. So far, my blood pressure has been steady, but we are at 21 weeks. Still have a very long way to go. My orginal goal was to get to 36 weeks...I still want to make that for sure. After talks with my doctor though, I am losing hope in that. At this point I just PLEASE want to make it past 30 weeks. Every. Single. DAY after that point makes a huge difference. It is amazing the difference in a 30 weeker and a 31 or 32 week preemie. So, just pray I can make it further than last time and being optimistic that I can make it to full term or close to it. I know God can work miracles. :)
Anyway, that is what is going on at the moment. Mason is super excited to have a baby sister (after really wanting a brother). Every store we go in he wants to get something for his sister. It's just about the sweetest thing ever!
This means pink, bows, dresses, purple, lace, and all that goes along with it. I am in a bit of shock, but so excited too!
As of right now I am 21 weeks along, approximately. I am finally over all of my sickness (oh it was BAD this time around) and still my only craving is Mexican food. I loved it before I was pregnant too, so not sure it's really a craving.
Some prayer requests:
- Baby girl is measuring small by 7-9 days. This could mean several things, but we will have to see a high risk doctor on Monday, the 11th, to see what is going on. I am hoping and praying they just got our original due date wrong. I have thought it was off by a week since day one, but they (the sonographer) seems more confident in their original sonogram than in my reasoning/feeling that they were wrong. They dates just didn't add up to me by a week. It could be she has not hit her growth spurt yet, could be that she is just a small baby, or it could be something else causing it that we will need to figure out. Praying that she is just small or that I was right about the due date.
- My blood pressure. My doctor has hinted around that we may have a repeat of my last pregnancy...preeclampsia, early birth, NICU, all that stuff I have been worried about. So far, my blood pressure has been steady, but we are at 21 weeks. Still have a very long way to go. My orginal goal was to get to 36 weeks...I still want to make that for sure. After talks with my doctor though, I am losing hope in that. At this point I just PLEASE want to make it past 30 weeks. Every. Single. DAY after that point makes a huge difference. It is amazing the difference in a 30 weeker and a 31 or 32 week preemie. So, just pray I can make it further than last time and being optimistic that I can make it to full term or close to it. I know God can work miracles. :)
Anyway, that is what is going on at the moment. Mason is super excited to have a baby sister (after really wanting a brother). Every store we go in he wants to get something for his sister. It's just about the sweetest thing ever!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Twenty thirteen
It's a new year. Usually I have some great plan or set goals or resolutions for myself. It is the 9th of January and I have not thought about those types of things at all. At all. Sad.
So far this year has not started off great, but I know we have a lot of great things to look forward to in the coming months.
Here are a few thing I look forward to:
So far this year has not started off great, but I know we have a lot of great things to look forward to in the coming months.
Here are a few thing I look forward to:
1) San Antonio Trip with Brady
It is just for a weekend and I will spend some of my time in meetings for work, but this year they have really set aside a lot of free time for us. I am assuming because the hotel is right on the Riverwalk and they know if they don't, people will skip the meetings to go have fun! :) Hoping we can go a day early to really get some time to enjoy the city. We won't get to take Mason like in May, but looking forward to some time alone in a fun city.
2) Spending some fun quality time with this little guy!
So far we have a few museum trips (our in-laws gave us a membership to a Ft Worth museum and my parents gave us one to the new Perot museum in Dallas---we are SET!), a day at the rodeo, a dinosaur adventure, some library visits, and a safari visit planned. We have to fit all that in the the next few months before baby brother or sister arrives.
Which brings me to my next point...
3) The arrival of baby Graham #2!
We find out on the 29th of this month if we will be keeping the blue or if we will be starting all over with pink. I am torn. I have always thought I would be a boy only mom. I LOVE the thought of two little boys. Plus we are set on clothes, toys and nursery items for a boy. The ONLY negative to a boy is that we can not think of one name we like. Well, there are names we like but we already are close to a boy with that name. Hmmmm.......... Now a girl, we have about 100 names that I would be fine using. The thoughts of a little girl REALLY freaked me out at first, but now I think it would be pretty fun to have one of each. We shall see. Obviously I will be super excited either way!!
Mason says it is twins---a boy and girl. He'll happily take care of the brother, but I have to take care of the sister he says. He is pretty insistant that there is a brother in there! ha.
4) A New home
Hopefully soon before or after Baby G is here we will start building our new home. We have been in the transistion phase since early October. We are in a temporary home and have been working on plans and ideas. I so wish it was done already or that we could start NOW. My doctor advises we wait to build with my past blood pressure and stress issues. She thinks building a house could add to the stress level...nah! HAHA. Anyway, hoping that by Christmas we will be putting up our tree in a new home and celebrating the holidays there!
So those are a few of the things I am looking forward to this year. My main goal this year is to stay healthy this pregnancy. I am anxious for sure and I pray I can make it past 30 weeks...hoping for 36!!
Also just to be who I am and not try to impress others. I was just talking to a friend about how bad the competition has gotten lately with society. It seems to be about who has the most money, or the biggest house, or the best name brand clothes. I want to just not care who has more than me and be happy with my little ole self and my amazing little family. I may not fix my kids organic food or sew amazing things, or be crafty and trendy, but oh well. That's just me and that's okay! :)
Looking forward to an amazing 2013!!
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