Matt fell asleep on the bed with me this evening while I was watching TV. When Jason went to move him to his bed instead of lifting him up and putting him in his bed, he instead said...Get up Matt time for school.
Matt wearily walked out into the living room and sat on the couch and attempted to wake up. Jason told him to hurry up and get ready for school. After a couple seconds I told him that it was late and to had back to bed.
He did...like a Zombie! Jason thought it was HILARIOUS!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Long Wait
I have nothing much new to post. Fall has set in at our house and until it stops going from 70 to 30 every day, the boy's lungs will keep fighting it. We had to pull out the nebulizer tonight! Gotta love allergies.
As far the neurologist front, nothing. I called the other day and they couldn't change things. I expressed that I was concerned that we were waiting 5 weeks and the nurse really couldn't explain much more than...well that is when they could get him in. I also voiced concern about waiting for his labs that long and that response was...You could bring him down and we could draw them. She then went on to explain that they were trying to prevent a poke, which I appreciate, but his thyroid level and other levels could be COMPLETELY out of wack by then. I doubt they will be, but you never know!
The Early Development Network won't touch him...or i should say...would prefer not to touch him until the MRI is done so they know what the diagnosis is. All of this leads to delay. Delay, delay, delay.
Today he has started to stand...granted it is for seconds, and is only with locking his knees, but he was upright and thought he was pretty big stuff! I tried some resistance exercises and he didn't resist. He does try to pull himself up though and that excites me. He made it up twice, but his legs have to be just so and something has to be in front of him so he can't slide.
So now...we wait. After some advice from Jess (sister-in-law), I will call omaha again tomorrow and ask to speak to Dr. Wright and voice my concerns again!
Patience...patience, I know...but I do not have patience! :)
I again keep reminding myself that he isn't fighting for his life, although it may be altered, he isn't fighting to stay alive. It is all in perspective these days as my co-worker's little man fights for his life and waits for a heart transplant. He's 1 month older than Chris.
As far the neurologist front, nothing. I called the other day and they couldn't change things. I expressed that I was concerned that we were waiting 5 weeks and the nurse really couldn't explain much more than...well that is when they could get him in. I also voiced concern about waiting for his labs that long and that response was...You could bring him down and we could draw them. She then went on to explain that they were trying to prevent a poke, which I appreciate, but his thyroid level and other levels could be COMPLETELY out of wack by then. I doubt they will be, but you never know!
The Early Development Network won't touch him...or i should say...would prefer not to touch him until the MRI is done so they know what the diagnosis is. All of this leads to delay. Delay, delay, delay.
Today he has started to stand...granted it is for seconds, and is only with locking his knees, but he was upright and thought he was pretty big stuff! I tried some resistance exercises and he didn't resist. He does try to pull himself up though and that excites me. He made it up twice, but his legs have to be just so and something has to be in front of him so he can't slide.
So now...we wait. After some advice from Jess (sister-in-law), I will call omaha again tomorrow and ask to speak to Dr. Wright and voice my concerns again!
Patience...patience, I know...but I do not have patience! :)
I again keep reminding myself that he isn't fighting for his life, although it may be altered, he isn't fighting to stay alive. It is all in perspective these days as my co-worker's little man fights for his life and waits for a heart transplant. He's 1 month older than Chris.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Darn Google
Thanks to my amazing best friend...AKA Google...I have had a few scares the last few days on top of worrying about the Chris stuff that is going on.
We had a patient that came in with a disorder that some of us nurses were unaware of, so to better our knowledge...we googled it! :)
In reading through the disorder, I learned about cafe au lait spots and after seek a picture...this was on Chris' abdomen. So again with the tears. This could be a marker for neurological defect, according to google. So I cried some more and worried. Then when in the ED at Children's on Sunday night...that story to come later...the doc said...why are you going to the neurolgist, because of the spot on his belly? The little voice in my head went....He just confirmed it, google was right, the neurologist appointment is going to be HORRIBLE in the morning.
WRONG!!! Dr. Wright stated that children need up to 5 of those spots for it to be a "deficit" related spot...otherwise...birthmark! :)
My other scare started with the same patient at work and having difficulty breathing. Chris is congested which is another thing he has always been....and he got to coughing and turned bright red, then blue. After a 1/2 dozen times of this, we ended up in the Children's Hospital ED. This over reacting mother was calmed down and probably looked like a moron. I just kept thinking, what if he does this while I'm sleeping? The Dr. in the ED...Dr. Tolo, was very nice and stated that he probably had a mucus plug and all the coughing up to getting seen, knocked it loose and he was now fine. So to bed we went!
Oy, not sure how many of those I can take! And that's just with one child!
We had a patient that came in with a disorder that some of us nurses were unaware of, so to better our knowledge...we googled it! :)
In reading through the disorder, I learned about cafe au lait spots and after seek a picture...this was on Chris' abdomen. So again with the tears. This could be a marker for neurological defect, according to google. So I cried some more and worried. Then when in the ED at Children's on Sunday night...that story to come later...the doc said...why are you going to the neurolgist, because of the spot on his belly? The little voice in my head went....He just confirmed it, google was right, the neurologist appointment is going to be HORRIBLE in the morning.
WRONG!!! Dr. Wright stated that children need up to 5 of those spots for it to be a "deficit" related spot...otherwise...birthmark! :)
My other scare started with the same patient at work and having difficulty breathing. Chris is congested which is another thing he has always been....and he got to coughing and turned bright red, then blue. After a 1/2 dozen times of this, we ended up in the Children's Hospital ED. This over reacting mother was calmed down and probably looked like a moron. I just kept thinking, what if he does this while I'm sleeping? The Dr. in the ED...Dr. Tolo, was very nice and stated that he probably had a mucus plug and all the coughing up to getting seen, knocked it loose and he was now fine. So to bed we went!
Oy, not sure how many of those I can take! And that's just with one child!
Neurologist
I must apologize that I haven't gotten back to many about this. The last few days seem like a blur. So, I will start at the beginning.
In Chris' well baby check ups, he head has always measured large. What can I say, all my children have large heads. Andrew's was 14 inches when he was born, if I remember correctly. For awhile, it was following the growth curve, so it wasn't as much of a concern, but then at his 9 month check up, it made a jump.
To add to it, he doesn't use his legs much. Yes, the little man rolls like a maniac around the room and gets into everything. I'm always amazed at what he can do from his belly, reaching 6 inches or so off the floor! Anyway, he doesn't like to use his legs. He doesn't stand much and when you try to get him to stand he just holds his legs up. Even when he is in his exersaucer/jumper he uses his hands to go in the circle.
Then he also was sweating perfusely at the oddest times. Often in the middle of the night and especially when he eats.
So, at his 9 month check up, with all of these concerns voiced, Doc. decided that it would be in his best interest to see a neurologist. I agreed.
At this point, I handled it well...until I showed up at Carhart's to talk to my mom...10 min later, and I lost it! In the middle of the store, I bawled and bawled and bawled and in between sobs I told my mom what was happening. This was the routine until about 3 days ago. That's when I was finally able to talk about it without crying.
At first our appointment was Nov. 8, but Doc was able to get that moved up to today, Oct. 11. So off we went to Omaha and met Dr. Wright, a very cheery and thorough doc who asked all sorts of questions, and brought my attention to things, that I never knew were related.
She said that she wasn't that concerned with his head, because after measuring our heads, his head circumfrence plotted out close to mine and Jason's. He's just gonna have big brains like his momma...or a lot of empty space, according to his father.
Then we spoke at length about use of his legs. I said it's been like that since day 1 and hadn't thought much of it until recently. I mean, I knew he wasn't like the older 2, but in a way chalked it up to being kiddo #3. What got me concerned was him not sitting up. He can sit up, but he can't go from a lying to sitting position, you have to put him in the sitting position. He will also not get on his hands and knees and if he does, it is briefly, for seconds. She also made notice that his legs flop, almost like he lacks muscle tone.
She then asked about his stooling habits and if his stools were hard, which they are and always have been...and then it clicked for me...was she questioning a form or something similar to spina bifida. I couldn't bare to ask...so I didn't. She also pointed out that in comparison to his hands, his feet are small. I had always thought his feet were HUGE!
So she concluded that she isn't concerned about the head...did I say that already, but the legs do have her concerned and we now have to MRI the spine to see if there is any tethering of the lower spine or a tumor that is present. We also need to contact early development to get him on a PT/OT regimen. She did state however that with the leg issue, it could just be inability to hold his weight, which is still below Drew, so maybe he needs to buck up! :)
I'm not sure that this has sank in yet. I just keep telling myself...what's the worst case scenario? He has to use a walker?...and a friend of mine has proven that this is manageable.
The good news is that he is on track cognitively, if not a little ahead said the neurologist. The bad news is the next MRI isn't until Nov. 18, which I am trying to see if we can change because I'm not sure my mental health can wonder about those things for the next 5 weeks. He will also have quite a bit of lab drawn at that time as well.
I need to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts of encouragement and shoulders to cry on. It's not life threatening and we are very blessed to have a healthy boy, but it doesn't mean I don't worry.
In Chris' well baby check ups, he head has always measured large. What can I say, all my children have large heads. Andrew's was 14 inches when he was born, if I remember correctly. For awhile, it was following the growth curve, so it wasn't as much of a concern, but then at his 9 month check up, it made a jump.
To add to it, he doesn't use his legs much. Yes, the little man rolls like a maniac around the room and gets into everything. I'm always amazed at what he can do from his belly, reaching 6 inches or so off the floor! Anyway, he doesn't like to use his legs. He doesn't stand much and when you try to get him to stand he just holds his legs up. Even when he is in his exersaucer/jumper he uses his hands to go in the circle.
Then he also was sweating perfusely at the oddest times. Often in the middle of the night and especially when he eats.
So, at his 9 month check up, with all of these concerns voiced, Doc. decided that it would be in his best interest to see a neurologist. I agreed.
At this point, I handled it well...until I showed up at Carhart's to talk to my mom...10 min later, and I lost it! In the middle of the store, I bawled and bawled and bawled and in between sobs I told my mom what was happening. This was the routine until about 3 days ago. That's when I was finally able to talk about it without crying.
At first our appointment was Nov. 8, but Doc was able to get that moved up to today, Oct. 11. So off we went to Omaha and met Dr. Wright, a very cheery and thorough doc who asked all sorts of questions, and brought my attention to things, that I never knew were related.
She said that she wasn't that concerned with his head, because after measuring our heads, his head circumfrence plotted out close to mine and Jason's. He's just gonna have big brains like his momma...or a lot of empty space, according to his father.
Then we spoke at length about use of his legs. I said it's been like that since day 1 and hadn't thought much of it until recently. I mean, I knew he wasn't like the older 2, but in a way chalked it up to being kiddo #3. What got me concerned was him not sitting up. He can sit up, but he can't go from a lying to sitting position, you have to put him in the sitting position. He will also not get on his hands and knees and if he does, it is briefly, for seconds. She also made notice that his legs flop, almost like he lacks muscle tone.
She then asked about his stooling habits and if his stools were hard, which they are and always have been...and then it clicked for me...was she questioning a form or something similar to spina bifida. I couldn't bare to ask...so I didn't. She also pointed out that in comparison to his hands, his feet are small. I had always thought his feet were HUGE!
So she concluded that she isn't concerned about the head...did I say that already, but the legs do have her concerned and we now have to MRI the spine to see if there is any tethering of the lower spine or a tumor that is present. We also need to contact early development to get him on a PT/OT regimen. She did state however that with the leg issue, it could just be inability to hold his weight, which is still below Drew, so maybe he needs to buck up! :)
I'm not sure that this has sank in yet. I just keep telling myself...what's the worst case scenario? He has to use a walker?...and a friend of mine has proven that this is manageable.
The good news is that he is on track cognitively, if not a little ahead said the neurologist. The bad news is the next MRI isn't until Nov. 18, which I am trying to see if we can change because I'm not sure my mental health can wonder about those things for the next 5 weeks. He will also have quite a bit of lab drawn at that time as well.
I need to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts of encouragement and shoulders to cry on. It's not life threatening and we are very blessed to have a healthy boy, but it doesn't mean I don't worry.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Great Day!
I got to thinking that I need to sit down every day and write what the boys have done, are up to or what they pulled off and got away with. However, I need to get it done before midnight! :)
Andrew amazes me every day. He wants to read and does his homework and school work well...when he's not in a hurry! He was so helpful today. He emptied the dishwasher and vacuumed the living room...granted I had to do half of both tasks, I didn't mind! And before you turn me in for child labor...he was compensated for his chores. He also helped me mow which made my day. It goes by WAY faster when there are 2 of us working on it. He was fantastic until the storm came through. He HATES storms. Needless to say...he's in my bed.
Matthew...what a silly boy! He's been my snuggler the last couple days. I'm not sure what's going on, unles Lily's arrival has affected his world as well. He wants to bad to be independent and to have the same things and responsibilities that Andrew does, but when asked to follow through on them he is very happy to regress! He ate hot lunch with Andrew today and believe it or not he ate it well. He is loving Mommy being home more.
Mr. Christopher. Talk about a kid with personality. He is so laid back and happy I'm not sure what to do with him. He was fine until Miss Lily came along and realized that Mommy is holding another baby! :) Now he has to keep me in his sight at all time. He doesn't say much, but when he can't see me I hear him say "Mom" and then when I come around the corner to praise him, I just get a grin from ear to ear and this look like..."What are you talking about?" He is so close to crawling. Right now he just kind of rolls back and forth on his stomach until he gets to where he wants to go...Needless to say, he can cover ground in no time flat!
I will try to keep this up. The boys love to read their Mom's thoughts about them! Until tomorrow, Sleep well my boys!
Andrew amazes me every day. He wants to read and does his homework and school work well...when he's not in a hurry! He was so helpful today. He emptied the dishwasher and vacuumed the living room...granted I had to do half of both tasks, I didn't mind! And before you turn me in for child labor...he was compensated for his chores. He also helped me mow which made my day. It goes by WAY faster when there are 2 of us working on it. He was fantastic until the storm came through. He HATES storms. Needless to say...he's in my bed.
Matthew...what a silly boy! He's been my snuggler the last couple days. I'm not sure what's going on, unles Lily's arrival has affected his world as well. He wants to bad to be independent and to have the same things and responsibilities that Andrew does, but when asked to follow through on them he is very happy to regress! He ate hot lunch with Andrew today and believe it or not he ate it well. He is loving Mommy being home more.
Mr. Christopher. Talk about a kid with personality. He is so laid back and happy I'm not sure what to do with him. He was fine until Miss Lily came along and realized that Mommy is holding another baby! :) Now he has to keep me in his sight at all time. He doesn't say much, but when he can't see me I hear him say "Mom" and then when I come around the corner to praise him, I just get a grin from ear to ear and this look like..."What are you talking about?" He is so close to crawling. Right now he just kind of rolls back and forth on his stomach until he gets to where he wants to go...Needless to say, he can cover ground in no time flat!
I will try to keep this up. The boys love to read their Mom's thoughts about them! Until tomorrow, Sleep well my boys!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
New Backpacks
School starts tomorrow and I got the boys new backpacks this year. Andrew didn't need one, but I got him a good one with the threat that he doesn't get another one til junior high.
As we were getting ready tonight for school in the a.m. I notice that Matt is franctically digging through his bag and so I asked him what he was looking for and he says..."My new phone."
He carries a toy phone with him most places so I thought I would clarify..."what phone."
His reply..."The phone that came with my bag. It's not in here. We have to take it back!"
There was a tag pointing out the media aspects of the bag with a picture of a phone on it!
As we were getting ready tonight for school in the a.m. I notice that Matt is franctically digging through his bag and so I asked him what he was looking for and he says..."My new phone."
He carries a toy phone with him most places so I thought I would clarify..."what phone."
His reply..."The phone that came with my bag. It's not in here. We have to take it back!"
There was a tag pointing out the media aspects of the bag with a picture of a phone on it!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Oh BOYS!
There are always a thousand things that I want to write down or blog real quick everyday, but since Chris has arrived, that doesn't happen so well! Today, just reminded me how fast the boys are growing up.
Andrew got his hair cut today and sat in the chair to get it cut and usually I just tell them to cut it short, but this time he wanted it cut this way, but not that way and this short on the side and medium short on the side. Then reminds me it's shot night (allergy shots) and then helps Grandma Shoe out at the paper. He then returns home to play outside for a bit to then help clean the living room and by this time...it is time for bed! I look at him and wonder where time has gone! He is getting so big!
Matthew...let me just sum him up by this...he comes up to me tonight and says...Mom, I want to go to China tomorrow! You can come too! I'm not sure where he comes up with this stuff. While Andrew was helping clean up the living room Matt bursts into a full out bawling session. I asked what the matter was and he informed me that he was baling and that Andrew has ruined his hayfield. Oy vey!
I know I'm gonna blink and then be celebrating Chris' first birthday! He's more and more smiley every day. He's just so content and laid back...for now! We are still dealing with the RSV and although the breathing treatments are getting fewer and further between, the nasty cough is still around and harsh. He coughs up nasty stuff and then chokes on it. He doesn't like when I go in with the little sucker to help him out! He's learning that things are going on when he's sleeping because he's starting to fight his sleep! All of thise before he hits 3 months!
Andrew got his hair cut today and sat in the chair to get it cut and usually I just tell them to cut it short, but this time he wanted it cut this way, but not that way and this short on the side and medium short on the side. Then reminds me it's shot night (allergy shots) and then helps Grandma Shoe out at the paper. He then returns home to play outside for a bit to then help clean the living room and by this time...it is time for bed! I look at him and wonder where time has gone! He is getting so big!
Matthew...let me just sum him up by this...he comes up to me tonight and says...Mom, I want to go to China tomorrow! You can come too! I'm not sure where he comes up with this stuff. While Andrew was helping clean up the living room Matt bursts into a full out bawling session. I asked what the matter was and he informed me that he was baling and that Andrew has ruined his hayfield. Oy vey!
I know I'm gonna blink and then be celebrating Chris' first birthday! He's more and more smiley every day. He's just so content and laid back...for now! We are still dealing with the RSV and although the breathing treatments are getting fewer and further between, the nasty cough is still around and harsh. He coughs up nasty stuff and then chokes on it. He doesn't like when I go in with the little sucker to help him out! He's learning that things are going on when he's sleeping because he's starting to fight his sleep! All of thise before he hits 3 months!
Monday, February 15, 2010
8 weeks
Wow...8 weeks...that seems crazy!!! I can't believe it!
Mr. Christopher went in for his check up today and weighs 11 pounds 10 oz and is 23 3/4 inches long! Although that seems like he is doing awesome...which he is...in comparison, Drew was 10 lbs at 2 weeks and I can't seem to find Matthew's!
Christopher woke up this morning smiling and giggling in reaction to those around him!!! He's such a laid back kiddo, but when he has his mind made up...WATCH OUT!
Mr. Christopher went in for his check up today and weighs 11 pounds 10 oz and is 23 3/4 inches long! Although that seems like he is doing awesome...which he is...in comparison, Drew was 10 lbs at 2 weeks and I can't seem to find Matthew's!
Christopher woke up this morning smiling and giggling in reaction to those around him!!! He's such a laid back kiddo, but when he has his mind made up...WATCH OUT!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
All worked up!
I put Chris in his swing tonight so I could get a couple things done before I needed to feed him one last time!
I looked over and his arms were flailing and he was huffing and puffing, looking off to the right! The minute his hand hit the toy giraffe that is on his swing...he calmed down...until he moved his hand that is! :)
Then the cycle began again!
I looked over and his arms were flailing and he was huffing and puffing, looking off to the right! The minute his hand hit the toy giraffe that is on his swing...he calmed down...until he moved his hand that is! :)
Then the cycle began again!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Plan B
Well...we lasted on formula until about 10:30 last night as Jason and I could take any more of hearing Chris scream after each bottle! This wasn't our baby! So we gave him a big bottle of breastmilk and 30 seconds later he was content and asleep on my lap. He woke up 90 min later and had another bottle of breastmilk, but then he slept for 6.5 hours!! That was awesome compared to the previous night of him screaming for hours at a time!
I called Dr. K's office today to report that we gave it 31 hours, but he was screaming after each bottle so we went back to breastmilk and if he had any more to say! I was able to report that his jaundice had lessened, but wasn't gone!
He called back and said that although it was good that it was lessening he wanted to try to do 1 4oz bottle a day, with optimal being 2! This was a little better, knowing I could have him calmed down by bedtime. However, he barely drinks 2 oz of formula at a time...how is my little man gonna eat 4? I mean, it's already bothering his tummy!
So, in tweaking his orders/suggestions, I figured we will do formula in the morning and I will still give him the 2 oz at a time because I don't need to make things worse for his tummy!
I just have to get to Friday! My goal is 8 oz of formula for him! That's what Dr. K wants...his delivery may just be slightly different!
I called Dr. K's office today to report that we gave it 31 hours, but he was screaming after each bottle so we went back to breastmilk and if he had any more to say! I was able to report that his jaundice had lessened, but wasn't gone!
He called back and said that although it was good that it was lessening he wanted to try to do 1 4oz bottle a day, with optimal being 2! This was a little better, knowing I could have him calmed down by bedtime. However, he barely drinks 2 oz of formula at a time...how is my little man gonna eat 4? I mean, it's already bothering his tummy!
So, in tweaking his orders/suggestions, I figured we will do formula in the morning and I will still give him the 2 oz at a time because I don't need to make things worse for his tummy!
I just have to get to Friday! My goal is 8 oz of formula for him! That's what Dr. K wants...his delivery may just be slightly different!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Breastmilk vs Formula
I have busted my nuts these last 6 weeks...yes 6 weeks! Can you believe it?! :) Anyway, been working my tail off trying to get this breastfeeding thing to work and to have enough milk for Christopher. He's remained jaundiced and when at 5 weeks we took him to meet Dr. K...he was very alarmed by his color. He checked his bili and it was 12.2 and that's where it's been hanging out!
Dr. K was worried that his liver wasn't functioning right, but his direct bili was 0, so that was a good result and showed his liver was fine. He also did a CBC and although everything was fine, he was slightly anemic. So in true Dr. K fashion, he was worried that something else could be going on.
When he talked to me on Friday, he suggested putting him on formula for a couple days to see if the jaundice would go away and then he would know it was breastmilk jaundice! Although, I knew this worked, I wasn't too set on it! I pondered it Friday and thought...ya know...I'm just gonna keep nursing him because I've worked so hard to get it to work and I am doing this to help protect him against allergies or lessen them maybe!
When Dr. K called Saturday morning to check on him and discuss things again and expressed how worried he was and that he would probably do more testing if we didn't do the formula test just to make sure that he didn't have another hemolytic disease or something!
After crying to Jason about how frustrated I was that I had worked so hard and that I was scared to give it up because I was afraid he wouldn't go back to breast milk again, we decided that if he saved him pokes it was in Chris' best interest!
We started formula at 4 p.m. yesterday and let me just say, last night was hell! He doesn't like the formula, which yay for me in a way...boo for my sleeping pattern! He just screams at times. For 6 weeks, he has done not much more than whine or fuss for a couple minutes, but this is screaming! He's not content what so ever!
I feel horrible, but will be glad when this trial is done in the next few hours.
Dr. K was worried that his liver wasn't functioning right, but his direct bili was 0, so that was a good result and showed his liver was fine. He also did a CBC and although everything was fine, he was slightly anemic. So in true Dr. K fashion, he was worried that something else could be going on.
When he talked to me on Friday, he suggested putting him on formula for a couple days to see if the jaundice would go away and then he would know it was breastmilk jaundice! Although, I knew this worked, I wasn't too set on it! I pondered it Friday and thought...ya know...I'm just gonna keep nursing him because I've worked so hard to get it to work and I am doing this to help protect him against allergies or lessen them maybe!
When Dr. K called Saturday morning to check on him and discuss things again and expressed how worried he was and that he would probably do more testing if we didn't do the formula test just to make sure that he didn't have another hemolytic disease or something!
After crying to Jason about how frustrated I was that I had worked so hard and that I was scared to give it up because I was afraid he wouldn't go back to breast milk again, we decided that if he saved him pokes it was in Chris' best interest!
We started formula at 4 p.m. yesterday and let me just say, last night was hell! He doesn't like the formula, which yay for me in a way...boo for my sleeping pattern! He just screams at times. For 6 weeks, he has done not much more than whine or fuss for a couple minutes, but this is screaming! He's not content what so ever!
I feel horrible, but will be glad when this trial is done in the next few hours.
I don't think so!
For those who are around Andrew a lot, they know that he is quick to respond and always HAS to respond!
The other day we were on our way to Grandma Shoe's house and Matt was trying to ask me something as I was trying to back out of the driveway. I told him to hold on a minute and in the meantime Andrew attempted to answer and this was Matthew's response:
"Andrew, I'm talking to Mom! Is your name Mom? I don't think so!"
Where he got this, I'm not sure, but 4 days later I am still getting many chuckles out of it!
The other day we were on our way to Grandma Shoe's house and Matt was trying to ask me something as I was trying to back out of the driveway. I told him to hold on a minute and in the meantime Andrew attempted to answer and this was Matthew's response:
"Andrew, I'm talking to Mom! Is your name Mom? I don't think so!"
Where he got this, I'm not sure, but 4 days later I am still getting many chuckles out of it!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Rock-a-bye
Big Matt bought Christopher a new swing! Not only because he is an awesome best friend, but he's also Chris' godfather!
I was proud of myself when I was able to put it together. The downside is Andrew wanted to attempt the same thing and was way more help than I needed! We got it put together though with only one extra piece! Have no fear though, I did eventually figure out where that other piece went!
We did this all while Matt was with Aunt Claire! :) Needless to say...because of the new swing fascination, Matthew was in time out within 10 min of being home!
I still think Matt needs hearing aides, because the only time he hears me is when I talk loud! :)
I would also like to say...God bless the inventor of the baby swing! :)
I was proud of myself when I was able to put it together. The downside is Andrew wanted to attempt the same thing and was way more help than I needed! We got it put together though with only one extra piece! Have no fear though, I did eventually figure out where that other piece went!
We did this all while Matt was with Aunt Claire! :) Needless to say...because of the new swing fascination, Matthew was in time out within 10 min of being home!
I still think Matt needs hearing aides, because the only time he hears me is when I talk loud! :)
I would also like to say...God bless the inventor of the baby swing! :)
When I grow up!
Matthew has informed me today that he is going to be Batman when he grows up!
He did reassure me however, not to worry because he would still live with me!
He informed me that I would have to get a new bed for him because he would be bigger, but if I didn't want to he could just share a bed with me!!
I can't wait to share this story when he is 18! :)
He did reassure me however, not to worry because he would still live with me!
He informed me that I would have to get a new bed for him because he would be bigger, but if I didn't want to he could just share a bed with me!!
I can't wait to share this story when he is 18! :)
Monday, January 04, 2010
Chocolate vs Cocoa
This evening the boys were out sledding in our yard! When they hit the door Matt yells...
"Mom, we want hot cocoa!"
Andrew then informs him that it is not only called hot cocoa, but it is also called hot chocolate! They then proceeded to have a 10 min conversation on whether or not it should be called Hot cocoa or hot chocolate!
They ended up sticking with Matt calling it hot cocoa and Andrew calling it hot chocolate!
"Mom, we want hot cocoa!"
Andrew then informs him that it is not only called hot cocoa, but it is also called hot chocolate! They then proceeded to have a 10 min conversation on whether or not it should be called Hot cocoa or hot chocolate!
They ended up sticking with Matt calling it hot cocoa and Andrew calling it hot chocolate!
Astronauts
Andrew asked me tonight as we were getting home from school....
"Mom, how come when astronauts are walking toward the spaceship they are always walking in slow motion?"
I unfortunately didn't have an answer for him!
"Mom, how come when astronauts are walking toward the spaceship they are always walking in slow motion?"
I unfortunately didn't have an answer for him!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
God vs. Dog
We are sitting here eating lunch today and Andrew strikes up a conversation!
"Mom, you know how dog and God are the same?"
I gave him a sideways look and questioned where he was going with this!
"Yeah, if you turn God around it's dog and if you turn dog around it's God!"
Oh, the complex minds of a 6 year old! Love it!
"Mom, you know how dog and God are the same?"
I gave him a sideways look and questioned where he was going with this!
"Yeah, if you turn God around it's dog and if you turn dog around it's God!"
Oh, the complex minds of a 6 year old! Love it!
Church
Last night I made the decision that we are going to church as a family! We were getting ready and the boys were kind of whining that they didn't want to go and Matthew asked if Christopher was going to go and I said yes...
Matt's response...but Mom, he don't know how to pray!
Matt's response...but Mom, he don't know how to pray!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Double Take
Please forgive me as I am sure that over the next few weeks as my hormones regulate, that you will get a lot of sappy, hormone balancing blogs, beginning with this one tonight!
I've known for the last 13 years that I've wanted to name a child Chris after...Chris obviously...but I would have to convince my other half of it! When we decided to give Christopher his name, Jason wanted to use Chris Eugene, which is exactly what my cousin's name was! I didn't care for the "Eugene" (Sorry aunt Cathy!) and I wanted my child to have it be partly his own as well...hence...Christopher!
Now, the weird part for me is when I hear Andrew call him Chris or even myself saying Chris, it's weird! Even typing it and watching as it comes out, I don't feel like "Chris" is his yet. He is very much a Christopher I know this and I don't doubt the name decision what-so-ever...especially when his dimples showed up the other day.
The hard part for me right now...keep in mind that I'm regulating hormones...is that even though it's been 13 years, "Chris" still belongs very much so with some still vivid memories! This including the last night I saw him at my confirmation...3 weeks before he died...goofing around and picking on my boyfriend at the time!! It also includes a very vivid memory of one heck of a croquet game which was the last time we were all together as a family with Chris and Beth.
And I know that in good time, the name will transition for me, but for right now, there are days it's hard to swallow! I was sitting in church tonight staring at my Christopher, with part of my heart wanting to keep this little family I have exactly like I have it, but not wanting the option of using the name Chris for the reason we did...does that make sense? I wish I had both of them!
I just remind myself that I still have the big Chris! He's very much alive in my thoughts and I'm sure some day in my Chris' actions! It's crazy how some of the things that transpired in my pregnancy and how his personality is so far that mimic his namesake!
I've known for the last 13 years that I've wanted to name a child Chris after...Chris obviously...but I would have to convince my other half of it! When we decided to give Christopher his name, Jason wanted to use Chris Eugene, which is exactly what my cousin's name was! I didn't care for the "Eugene" (Sorry aunt Cathy!) and I wanted my child to have it be partly his own as well...hence...Christopher!
Now, the weird part for me is when I hear Andrew call him Chris or even myself saying Chris, it's weird! Even typing it and watching as it comes out, I don't feel like "Chris" is his yet. He is very much a Christopher I know this and I don't doubt the name decision what-so-ever...especially when his dimples showed up the other day.
The hard part for me right now...keep in mind that I'm regulating hormones...is that even though it's been 13 years, "Chris" still belongs very much so with some still vivid memories! This including the last night I saw him at my confirmation...3 weeks before he died...goofing around and picking on my boyfriend at the time!! It also includes a very vivid memory of one heck of a croquet game which was the last time we were all together as a family with Chris and Beth.
And I know that in good time, the name will transition for me, but for right now, there are days it's hard to swallow! I was sitting in church tonight staring at my Christopher, with part of my heart wanting to keep this little family I have exactly like I have it, but not wanting the option of using the name Chris for the reason we did...does that make sense? I wish I had both of them!
I just remind myself that I still have the big Chris! He's very much alive in my thoughts and I'm sure some day in my Chris' actions! It's crazy how some of the things that transpired in my pregnancy and how his personality is so far that mimic his namesake!
Long Labor
Two weeks later, I am finally getting this memorialized, as if I need to because I'm pretty sure the whole experience in imbedded in my brain for the rest of eternity!
We went in on Dec. 18, for a cytotec induction with Mr. Christopher! He inserted one cytotec and contractions got going a little bit before 11 a.m.! They didn't start slow either, they started right off every 2-3 min apart! We used that and tried to get up with them and on the ball to ger me dilating! They stayed that close all day! Nicki Dougherty, the nurse that delivered me and helped deliver Matthew did everything in her power to help get this baby out, but he was stubborn and my dilation was slow!
Friday evening, we were still contracting, but a long way from baby...so much for each delivery gets quicker!
Around midnight - 1 a.m. the contractions began to slow down and spread and I was able to get some rest in preparation for the pitocin on Saturday morning! Amanda was good with keeping my pain meds in check so I could get good rest!
Saturday morning we were greeted by Jolene who had every intention of getting Chris to show up as soon as possible...again, this child had a mind of his own. Pit got started around 7:35 a.m. and shortly after contractions were in full swing again. It wasn't until around 9:30 that they were starting to really bother me though!
At 10 a.m. or around there, Wendell showed up to get my epidural in and after many attempts to put it in, because my back was so swollen and my husband almost passing out, I was able to rest for awhile.
The afternoon moved slowly and i was getting frustrated because I couldn't do anything because I had no use of my legs and I wasn't dilating at all it seemed. Around 5 p.m. Doc showed up and broke my water. I had so much fluid...it was all over the bed and the floor and still kept flowing out like a flippin river!!!
Dilation took off shortly after and around 7 p.m. Jolene started setting up for a delivery that we were sure that we were going to have by 8:30 p.m.! We shut my epidural off so I could feel the contractions...my request.
At 9 p.m. I was STILL a 9 and wasn't making any progress. I was starting to have this piercing pain in my right groin area after each contraction that hurt worse than the contraction so Wendell came back in to help me get comfortable, which he did a great job with. I was exhausted though. I was crying and tired and didn't know why I was crying and the only thing I could do was apologize for crying! Jason remained surprised that I was still able to cry so much.
Dr. Pete showed up around 10 and had me push a couple times to then have the truth be known as to why I was progressing so slow...Chris was positioned wrong! So now, with each contraction, I pushed and Dr. Pete tried to turn Chris. He was able to get him turned slightly after 45 min. of pushing and had hopes that he would just come now.
After another 45 min of pushing and Chris not budging what-so-ever...the decision was made to take him out via c-section. By this time it was 11:30, I was exhausted and could barely hold my own legs up any more and the piercing pain in my groin was still there, although the rest of my pain was under control.
Jason, my sister, Jolene and Dr. Pete had helped me through the longest 90 min. Dr. Pete even stayed at my bedside the entire time, holding my leg and watching Chris on the monitor! Jolene had a knee in her chest the entire time and I felt bad for it, but am pretty sure she may have been a little sore the next day! Red later told me that I was pulling on her bad wrist and Jason got what he deserved as he had got me in this predicament...HAHA!
After Dr. Pete left the room to get ready for the C-section, I lost it! I was terrified! I could feel Chris' head where I didn't think it was good! We were able to get it through my cervix, but he wouldn't budge any further! I was terrified...there were so many things going through my head that could go wrong or were already wrong!
Mariclaire was there instantly to dry my tears as well as Jason, Red and Red was calling dad to let him know the plan!
The c-section started and they got him out...but he didn't cry right away...I did! His 1 min apgar was 7 (3 points off) and I cried harder! That meant that there was something wrong...maybe not bad wrong, but something was off and I didn't know if it was for color, tone or breathing!!! He then started to whimper and finally cry...and I cried more...he was fine...then they called out his 5 min apgar...9!!! He was close to perfect (10!)!!!
Amanda and Jolene held him up and he was so long and handsome! He had some awesome markings on his head thanks to my pelvic bone and ischial spine, but he was fine! Red called it his Harry Potter scar because it looked like a lightening bolt, but was gone shortly after!!!
After everything had settled down I asked Dr. Pete if there was any chance he was coming out...I meant vaginally...Dr. Pete just laughed and Dr. Ptacek said...yeah...c-section!!
He was positioned, face up coming out towards my right thigh, rather than straight on! To top it off, the cord was wrapped around his neck, then underneath his arm and then wrapped around his body!
Once I got my hands on him, he was perfect! He looked just like his brothers and Dad was proud and so were his aunt, great-aunt and Papa Shoe...who all greeted him outside the operating room!
I couldn't ask for a better team to bring him into the world!!! Dr. Pete was a little crabby the next morning, but I chalked it up to only a few hours of sleep! I later found out that he didn't sleep much when he went home because it bothered him that he had to section me! I had a healthy baby...I didn't care too much! I just wouldn't have signed up voluntarily for a c-section!
Now, 2 weeks later, I still have the perfect baby and 2 great big boys and an amazing husband who is lacking sleep just as much as his wife! I just don't know that I'm ready to repeat all of this again any time soon!
We went in on Dec. 18, for a cytotec induction with Mr. Christopher! He inserted one cytotec and contractions got going a little bit before 11 a.m.! They didn't start slow either, they started right off every 2-3 min apart! We used that and tried to get up with them and on the ball to ger me dilating! They stayed that close all day! Nicki Dougherty, the nurse that delivered me and helped deliver Matthew did everything in her power to help get this baby out, but he was stubborn and my dilation was slow!
Friday evening, we were still contracting, but a long way from baby...so much for each delivery gets quicker!
Around midnight - 1 a.m. the contractions began to slow down and spread and I was able to get some rest in preparation for the pitocin on Saturday morning! Amanda was good with keeping my pain meds in check so I could get good rest!
Saturday morning we were greeted by Jolene who had every intention of getting Chris to show up as soon as possible...again, this child had a mind of his own. Pit got started around 7:35 a.m. and shortly after contractions were in full swing again. It wasn't until around 9:30 that they were starting to really bother me though!
At 10 a.m. or around there, Wendell showed up to get my epidural in and after many attempts to put it in, because my back was so swollen and my husband almost passing out, I was able to rest for awhile.
The afternoon moved slowly and i was getting frustrated because I couldn't do anything because I had no use of my legs and I wasn't dilating at all it seemed. Around 5 p.m. Doc showed up and broke my water. I had so much fluid...it was all over the bed and the floor and still kept flowing out like a flippin river!!!
Dilation took off shortly after and around 7 p.m. Jolene started setting up for a delivery that we were sure that we were going to have by 8:30 p.m.! We shut my epidural off so I could feel the contractions...my request.
At 9 p.m. I was STILL a 9 and wasn't making any progress. I was starting to have this piercing pain in my right groin area after each contraction that hurt worse than the contraction so Wendell came back in to help me get comfortable, which he did a great job with. I was exhausted though. I was crying and tired and didn't know why I was crying and the only thing I could do was apologize for crying! Jason remained surprised that I was still able to cry so much.
Dr. Pete showed up around 10 and had me push a couple times to then have the truth be known as to why I was progressing so slow...Chris was positioned wrong! So now, with each contraction, I pushed and Dr. Pete tried to turn Chris. He was able to get him turned slightly after 45 min. of pushing and had hopes that he would just come now.
After another 45 min of pushing and Chris not budging what-so-ever...the decision was made to take him out via c-section. By this time it was 11:30, I was exhausted and could barely hold my own legs up any more and the piercing pain in my groin was still there, although the rest of my pain was under control.
Jason, my sister, Jolene and Dr. Pete had helped me through the longest 90 min. Dr. Pete even stayed at my bedside the entire time, holding my leg and watching Chris on the monitor! Jolene had a knee in her chest the entire time and I felt bad for it, but am pretty sure she may have been a little sore the next day! Red later told me that I was pulling on her bad wrist and Jason got what he deserved as he had got me in this predicament...HAHA!
After Dr. Pete left the room to get ready for the C-section, I lost it! I was terrified! I could feel Chris' head where I didn't think it was good! We were able to get it through my cervix, but he wouldn't budge any further! I was terrified...there were so many things going through my head that could go wrong or were already wrong!
Mariclaire was there instantly to dry my tears as well as Jason, Red and Red was calling dad to let him know the plan!
The c-section started and they got him out...but he didn't cry right away...I did! His 1 min apgar was 7 (3 points off) and I cried harder! That meant that there was something wrong...maybe not bad wrong, but something was off and I didn't know if it was for color, tone or breathing!!! He then started to whimper and finally cry...and I cried more...he was fine...then they called out his 5 min apgar...9!!! He was close to perfect (10!)!!!
Amanda and Jolene held him up and he was so long and handsome! He had some awesome markings on his head thanks to my pelvic bone and ischial spine, but he was fine! Red called it his Harry Potter scar because it looked like a lightening bolt, but was gone shortly after!!!
After everything had settled down I asked Dr. Pete if there was any chance he was coming out...I meant vaginally...Dr. Pete just laughed and Dr. Ptacek said...yeah...c-section!!
He was positioned, face up coming out towards my right thigh, rather than straight on! To top it off, the cord was wrapped around his neck, then underneath his arm and then wrapped around his body!
Once I got my hands on him, he was perfect! He looked just like his brothers and Dad was proud and so were his aunt, great-aunt and Papa Shoe...who all greeted him outside the operating room!
I couldn't ask for a better team to bring him into the world!!! Dr. Pete was a little crabby the next morning, but I chalked it up to only a few hours of sleep! I later found out that he didn't sleep much when he went home because it bothered him that he had to section me! I had a healthy baby...I didn't care too much! I just wouldn't have signed up voluntarily for a c-section!
Now, 2 weeks later, I still have the perfect baby and 2 great big boys and an amazing husband who is lacking sleep just as much as his wife! I just don't know that I'm ready to repeat all of this again any time soon!
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