Christmas pictures 2009

Aren't they beautiful? We're so blessed!!

Little stinker acting up already

Well, this post is a few days late because the computer has been down. But we had a little excitement/scare on Wednesday. Tuesday night I wasn't feeling well, but I chalked it up to GI issues (with my newly rerouted system, things seem to not set well with me often). I tossed and turned all night and Wednesday morning got up and realized that what I was feeling really reminded me of contractions. The pains would stop me in my tracks and take away my breath. I was scared to death (only 19 weeks pregnant), but called the doc, the sitter, the husband and headed to the office.

By the time we arrived the frequently of the pains had really slowed down. The doc examined me and said there were no changes with the cervix, but that it felt short. An ultrasound showed that all was perfect and little man's head was pushing down in a not nice way. They took me off work for 2 days (darn it, needed that holiday pay) and will see me back next week. I've never been so nervous and prayed so hard that my little guy would stay put for at least several more months. All is good now, and he's active as ever. Woke me up at 4:30am today kicking. Crazy!!

It's a BOY!!

Ultrasound was yesterday and so Gary, Joshua, and I headed to the office. When we got back in the ultrasound room, the questions began rolling out of Joshua. "Just how does that thing create the picture of the baby anyway?" The ultrasound tech was very sweet and explained to Joshua about the sound waves bouncing off the baby and creating a picture. He was fine with that. He quickly made sure that he couldn't wait to know the sex of the baby. She put the ultrasound probe on my belly and Joshua's little brother didn't make him wait any longer for the answer. There, in all his glory, were his little boy parts. Joshua was thrilled, Gary and I just a little shocked. We both really thought that this one was a girl. Not to say that we are not completly thrilled.

We were especially thrilled that all his pieces and parts are in the right places and appear to be formed correctly (remember the nightmares?). He appears healthy and is right on target for his growth. He measured out at 18 weeks 2 days, which is exactly what I was.

Gary, Joshua, and I followed up the appointment with a shopping/registering trip to Babies R Us. We've asked our parents not to buy us gifts, but to buy us the things we still need for the baby. So we registered so that they'd know what those things are. We had a lot of fun looking at all the things that have changed in the past few years. A dinner out to spend more time talking about names (had I mentioned we'd only discussed girl names up to this time?). Still working on the name issue, but will keep you all posted. For now, we are so very thankful for a healthy baby boy.

So ready for my ultrasound

Well, next Tuesday is my "big" ultrasound. The ultrasound where we hopefully find out the sex of the baby and make sure all his/her pieces and parts are in the right place. I am so ready for this ultrasound, I can't even explain it. I have been having dreams, no make those nightmares! I've been having nightmares that there is something seriously wrong with this baby. My nightmares have been so detailed that I can name the multitude of medical issues that I've dreamt afflict this precious peanut. These nightmares are irrational and are making me insane.

I truly believe that it's a combination of the fact that this baby wasn't ever supposed to be able to be created along with the fact that I'm only a year post op weight loss surgery that is founding the fears. I have not gained a single ounce during the first 17 weeks of my pregnancy, infact, I've lost 11 pounds. I think I fear most that this baby will be born too small or that my surgery will negatively impact the health of this baby.

Please pray that my fears are calmed and that we have having a healthy baby, no matter what the sex! Please pray that all is right in my womb, and if for some reason, God has decided to bless us with a baby that does have medical issues, that our hearts will be calmed in the fact that we were chosen for this special baby.

Lovin life again

Well, everyone is healthy for the moment and life is going good again! Joshua is just finishing his first trimester today and I look forward to his first report card of 4th grade. It's been a rough first few months and seems like we are all finally adjusting to the changes that come along with the older grades. I am taking the boys (along with Joshua's friend Winston and his brother) to Monkey Joe's tomorrow since they have the day off of school. Winston's mom, Abby, has been a lifesaver for us since I started my new job. Joshua goes there after school on the days I work and Abby picks up Sammy (our dog) and takes her to her house during the day so that Sammy doesn't spend all day in the cage. So, I'm taking her boys with me so she can have a free day to do as she pleases.

Baby is doing well as far as we know. My belly is growing, so I guess that's a good sign. We used our (very small) ultrasound machine at work yesterday to get a sneak peak of my upcoming ultrasound and he/she waved at us and ran a foot over the screen for us. Can't wait to get a more detailed look at the little peanut! And to finally find out what we're having. The suspense is killing us all. My friends from obesityhelp.com bought us some baby gifts and that has gotten me even more in the mood to do some serious baby shopping! Hoping it's a girl, cause I sure don't need boy clothes! I won't have anything to shop for if it's a boy.

Ooh, the wows of flu!

So, Friday night into Saturday morning was absolutely awful. I had a headache like I have never had before. I truly was beginning to think that I had a brain tumor or an aneuryism or something horrible. I felt just awful. I almost went to the ER in the middle of the night, but didn't want to be "that patient" that the ER nurses talked about. So I held out. Went to my family doc's office in the morning (thank goodness for Sat am hours). Saw my docs partner and it must have been the look on my face, the tears coming from my eyes, or the fact that I hadn't peed in 12 hours that concerned him. Never mind the fact that my BP was 90/40. He promptly sent me to the ER and said that I was "THE" patient that the flu worried them most about (pregnant).

The ER looked at me and said, "So what exactly did your family doc want us to do?" I explained that he was concerned about the dehydration and thought it was contributing to the headaches. They agreed (reluctantly I believe) to give me a liter of saline. In the mean time, because of my Chiari malformation (brain deformity) they decided they ought to scan my head to make sure my headache was flu related and not something else they were missing. While awaiting my CT, they checked another set of vitals and found my bp to be 83/37. That got their attention. I quickly received a second liter of saline and I think they realized that I felt just as bad as I told them I did.

Head CT was normal (shocker) and the ER doc was prompt to tell me that this headache could hold on for up to 10 days. This is a real bummer since being pregnant and a gastric bypass patient really limits my drug choices. Tylenol only for me. Came home, still feeling like I was dying. Slept off and on yesterday and today and am FINALLY beginning to feel like maybe I'm on the mend. It did take 12 hours after 2L of saline before I peed. I think I was pretty dry!

Gettin' there

At least the boys are. Joshua is fine (except for a little lingering cough here and there), can't tell he's been sick. Zachary has his moments when he acts fine and other times you can see in his eyes that he still feels lousy. He's coughing tons at night, which in turn makes him sleep in later in the morning cause he doesn't rest well at night.

I, on the other hand, seem to be having a rougher time with it. My head is pounding so hard I think it's likely to explode. I've also started in with the nasal congestion now too. Just want to lay down and sleep. Looking forward to Gary being home for the weekend so I can rest and he can watch the boys. He, luckily, has not gotten sick. Hoping and praying that streak of luck continues.

This is getting expensive

Cost of 3 copays: $60
Cost for 4 rounds of Tamiflu: $151
Cost for 3 rounds of Zithromax: $42
Cancelling a nonrefundable hotel room for our anniversary: $68
Cancelling a nonrefundable comedy club for our anniversary: $40
Grand total: $361 and counting. . .

Wondering if my kids will wake up oinking: Priceless

Actually, I'm beginning to think we all ought to dress up as pigs for Halloween this year. I took Zach and myself to the dr today. Zach was up all night coughing and had a temp of 102 this morning. He also complained of his ears being "ouchy". Turns out, his ears are fine. Probably just a headache. I also made myself an appointment as my chest hurts pretty bad when I breathe and I haven't been coughing that long. My doc isn't messing around (especially since he just experienced it for himself this weekend.) Tamiflu for everyone (Josh and I were already on it) including Daddy who isn't showing symptoms yet. And Zithromax the antibiotic for the 3 of us who are coughing. Dr. Z says that they are seeing a lot of secondary pneumonia/bronchitis. He doesn't want to mess around, especially since I'm carrying a baby.

So lots of money later, and hopefully we will all be on the mend soon.

It's spreading

So, I was finally able to get my H1N1 vaccine this morning but I think it's a little too late. Zachary and I both woke up coughing this morning and he has since started running a fever. I do not have a fever yet, but am feeling pretty lousy. My OB decided this morning at my routine appt that she would treat me again with Tamiflu, but I just don't know how well it will work now that I'm having symptoms. Please pray that we all get well fast and that this little baby is well protected within me.