Inspired by a Picture

Joining in for writer's workshop again this week. I love that it is giving me a reason to write and most importantly, something to write about! Onto the writing!

Prompt 1: Throwback Thursday: Choose a photo from a previous June and write a blog post

June 28, 2020

This is Natalie at the urgent care. She had passed out at home. Scared the crap out of me when I hear McKayla screaming from the kitchen, "Natalie just had a seizure!" 

By the time I got in there, she was coming to and saying "no I didn't." 

So, I tell her I think she passed out, asked her "why else would you be leaning over your cereal? You have it in your hair!" She reluctantly agreed. Said she wasn't feeling well, light-headed and dizzy. We got her to the couch (better then the counter height table.) 

Anyway, after talking to the doctor, twice. We were told to take her to the urgent care, just to be checked out. They checked her blood pressure, blood sugar, and an ekg. All were normal and we have no idea (to this day) what happened. It also happened to be the first day of her first menstrual cycle, so I wonder if that might be part of it.

Thankful Thursday

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be GLAD in it!" Psalm 118:24 

 Do you sometimes feel yourself being dragged down by all the "bad" things that keep happening in your life. I know I do. I am usually a happy person (or at least I like to think so) but when I am just having a bad week, it changes that perspective and makes things darker, harder to get through somehow. 

 That is why I started this weekly post, to remind me that I do have SO much to be thankful for, and I have someone to thank for them. 

This is my weekly thank you to Him for all He has provided for me and my family. 

 This week, as some of you may not know, I fell while shopping in Walmart. To be more accurate, a rug slipped right from under me (come to find out the rug was resting on what I believe was a puddle from a leaking cooler!) Anyway, I am thankful that it was me who fell. I can just see some of you scratching your heads at that one, so let me explain. Lets just imagine for a moment that it had been an older lady or man who slipped and conked their body and head on the hard concrete floor. The damage could have been far worse! I am thankful that my body is cushioned and I didn't suffer broken bones or even external bruising. I just keep thanking Him that it was me who fell, someone who could handle it. I am also thankful for the associate I found, Michelle. She sought me out, after I had told her I didn't want to fill out an incident report, and urged me to just fill one out. I am so glad I did. I am so thankful that she was able to find me and get me taken care of. 

 I am thankful that the ER doctor took a closer look at me and stopped me from getting an unnecessary CAT scan. I am thankful for his wisdom in making the decision and expressing his opinion to me in a way that I understood. He literally told me that if it was a family member, he would tell them this. That really assured me more than I think he knows. 

I am thankful that He put the right doctor in the right place for me. I am thankful the CAT scan machine was down, so that I was able to get that second opinion first. I just keep looking over the details of those 12-hours and there is so much to be thankful for! 

 On top of all, I thank my God for keeping me safe. Even though I am young and relatively healthy, so much could have gone wrong. I am glad You held me through this. 

That you put a few friends around who reassured me when I was so scared! (You can't believe the "what ifs" that run through a mind like mine when I am left alone in a room for 30+ minutes!) 

I am thankful you sent Tabi to sit with me, Leah and Cassie who texted me all through it and Sam who helped me pay for my pain medicine. 

 I am SO BLESSED! What are you thankful for this week?

Six Weeks ALREADY!?

Where has the time gone?? I only have two weeks left of leave. I plan to go back on June 9th. It will only be a three day a week workweek, so not bad. I will work Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Anyway, onto my baby. I can't believe it! She is getting so big. We had her six week check up on Thursday. She weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds and 13 ounces! WAY TO GROW! That's some good milk I have!! She was also 20 and 3/4 inches long with a 15 inch head. All well on her growth curve. She had her first round of vaccinations. As much as I hate to see her in the pain when she's getting them, I would much prefer minutes of pain from shots, and mild discomfort to the horrible diseases these shots prevent. Not trying to start any debates, just my personal opinion. 

Alivia is sleeping through the night almost every night (knock on wood, she won't tonight for me saying that!) She will go from seven or eight pm until three or four am and then eat again at six or seven. :) I love sleep! I think God knows this too, and that is why I have been sooo blessed with children who sleep. :) 

She is really starting to get some personality. She smiles and coos at me. I just LOVE IT! I don't have an uber recent picture to share, but here is a recent favorite, it was taken Sunday May 10 on her dedication day. She was four and a half weeks then.

and one more as promised from her dedication day blog, from the ceremony, excuse the lighting, its horrible in there!

Specialist update

I told you all about the pain I have been having, and all the appointments I have been having trying to figure out what it is. Well the CAT scan that I had Monday revealed the reason very well, I have kidney stones. Apparently in both kidneys. And there is an 8mm one that isn't in the kidney. So, the doctor set me up with an appointment with a specialist.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait long for my appointment. I saw a specialist on Thursday morning. He told me that there is a 10% chance that the stone will pass on its own. Apparently it is really low, almost already in my bladder. So, please pray that it will pass and without too much pain.

I have another appointment in a month, or I can call sooner if I can't handle the pain anymore. He also talked about a pill that I can start taking on a daily basis to make it easier for the existing stones in my kidneys to pass on their own... they are all smaller, problem is, I can't take it while nursing, so that is out.

Anyway. If the big stone doesn't pass on its own then they will go up with a laser and break it up so it will pass. I really DON'T want to do that, so just keep praying it will pass (and that I notice it!) Well, that's it, the update as it is. Sucks big time.

Oh, and the specialist is going to talk to my Dr some more about what we are (or aren't) doing

Thoughts needed....

Today, I go in for my first CT scan and I am worried. I guess I better tell you all the story....

It all started Saturday night, the 11th. I stared experiencing some really bad pain in my back, on the right side kind of in the middle. While Alivia was still upstairs, I went down to the ER to be checked. It was that bad. They took my blood pressure which was elevated, and then a urine sample (just a note, being cathed NOT FUN!) They told me that there wasn't a sign of infection, and gave me vicodin for pain. Told me it was back spasms.

Since then I have been having random times where the pain is almost unbearable. I take two vicodin and that usually helps it ease, but I don't want to be popping pills without knowing what is going on and what is causing this pain.

So, Thursday morning (the 16th) I called the dr's office. They were able to squeeze me in at 11. I was there till almost 12:30. They ended up taking blood, urine and ordered a CT scan. The doctor thinks it may be either kidney stones (that is what the CT scan is looking for), a kidney or bladder infection (that is what the urine is for), or possibly something with my liver (because my blood pressure is still elevated, she is concerned about pre-eclampesia issues). It is just so frustrating to have this pain and no answers...

I have another appointment with the doctor at 2:15pm, hopefully by then I will have some answers. I will try and keep everyone posted. I am just really nervous. Any thoughts and prayers would be appericiated! :)

Ultrasound and Update!

So, I had my second ultrasound Monday. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend from school called my name to come back. 

This is the same friend who gave me a free 3-d ultrasound with Natalie. 

So, yeah, she normally doesn't work at our hospital, only like once a month. 

My lucky day huh?? Anyway. 

You are probably wondering what the update was. 

Technically I shouldn't know anything. 

You know, because she is a technician and not supposed to tell me stuff like that. 

The placenta has moved! You know how the doctor was so pessimistic?? ALL FOR NOTHING!

The placenta needed to be 3 cm away from the cervix for them to be able to let me labor normally. 

So, the placenta is now 7 cm away!! Praise God for a Christmas miracle. :) 

Thanks so much Courtney for the GREAT time!! I love them all!! 

Oh, yeah, baby now weighs 1lb7oz. Growing beautifully.

Pregnancy update

So, most of you know, because well I talk to people more than just on my blog. But I am going to update anyway, for memory sake. 

I had a doctor's appointment Wednesday. It was my first appointment since they told me at the ultrasound that I had the placenta previa. 

So, the first time I have really had the chance to talk to MY doctor about it. 

Anyway. She said looking at the pictures there is a very slim chance that the placenta will move. She demonstrated it to me by putting up her closed fist, telling me "this is your cervix" then taking her other hand and covering the entire top of it and telling me, "this is the placenta." 

Basically, like I said before, the placenta is completely covering the cervix. She said they would do another ultrasound to figure out if it is moving, and probably more ultrasounds to continue to monitor progress. If it does move, it needs to move ALOT! It has to be completely off the cervix and at least 3 centimeters away before they will even chance me laboring naturally. Its just too risky otherwise. 

So, if this placenta decides it likes it just fine where its at we are looking at a definite c-section, and the date would be at 36 weeks. 

The reason the doctor said they do it that early is so there is no chance of me going into labor on my own. If that were to happen I could bleed to death. SO NOT THE PLAN! :) Anyway, that would put Miss Alivia's arrival in early March. Not quite the plan. 

So, I get to have more meetings with people at school to see if there is any way to rush through my classes and try and get them done early. That way I won't even have to worry about school. But if I can't do that, I'm not quite sure what I am going to do.... just keep me in your thoughts. 

I am most worried about school I think. 

I have my next ultrasound on the 15th, and then another appointment on the 19th. 

They are going to keep an extra close eye on me, which I really appreciate. :)

Anyway. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Thankful Thursday

I am so very thankful this week that our ultrasound on Friday went well. And even though I have a problem I didn't see coming (can we say hit with a Mac truck?) I am handling it rather well. 

For those who haven't heard, I have complete placenta previa. That means that my entire cervix is covered by the placenta. One really good website I found about it was here so if you wanted to know more. 

The good news is that 90% of women who have this condition diagnosed in the second trimester its gone by the delivery. I am going to talk more to my doctor about this at my next appointment on December 3. I just have to take it easy, try not to stress, and RELAX. I know the more I am reading about it, the more at ease I am feeling with the situation. 

If what God wants is for me to have a C-section, then that is what's gonna happen, and if its his will for this placenta to move, that will happen. I am just trying to keep prepared for the worst. Know what I mean? 

Oh, and one shining light I have found in all of this is that babies born to ladies with this condition seem to be smaller. YAY!!! lol.

Little Bean!

Is a bean no longer. Weighed in at a whopping 10 ounces! (The tech almost said pounds, I told her I would cry!) Lol. I have pictures!

My favorite, a profile shot:

Hubby's favorite, the alien baby face front look:

A little hand (all five fingers were there, just tucked the pinkie in last minute!) Maybe waving "hello Mommy??"

Two perfect feet with ten little tiny toes:

And the girl parts, so we all know:

Three girls! 

Can you believe it?? I am still adjusting. 

Everyone, myself included, thought this was the boy. Its just so drastically different from my other two. 

The tech was even amazed at the movement the kid had! I know now that what I was feeling was the baby, definitely a mover. I am glad. Gives me a daily reassurance she is still there. 

Anyway, just wanted to share with everyone. 

Please keep us in your prayers though. The tech couldn't tell me, but it looked like the placenta was either VERY close to or on top of my cervix. Meaning if it doesn't move, which it certainly could, I would be getting a c-section. Just never something you really expect... anyway. Thanks in advance. :)

Baby Bean #3!

So, at my first appointment they did an ultrasound (SURPRISE!) and I got some pictures to share!! YAY!

 

This one shows a good view of the yolk sac (that turns into the placenta, its the bubble under the baby in the dark spot)

 

This one shows the arm and leg buds really good! 

And this one reminds me of a snowman, lol. 

My little snowbaby?? :) 

  Everything looks good. Got to see the little heart just a beating away. Really reassuring to a worry wart like me! Doctor says that they are going to peek again next appointment on October 6. Maybe we might know a gender? :)

Natalie's well child

So, my baby is now 10 MONTHS OLD!!! 

So, she had her well baby check on Tuesday. The appointment went really well. She didn't have to get shots, which is always good. She won't have to have anymore of those until she is a year old! 

At the office they did the whole questions and answers to gage the development level, and everything is excellent. She can hold two blocks and bang them together. She couldn't put them in the cup, but they said that is pretty normal. She can grasp things with her finger and thumb, says a few sounds, and can clap and mimic. They also asked if she could wave bye bye, to which I had to answer no. That was weird. I didn't even notice till they asked... 

They also did the weighing and measuring bit and she is pretty much on target. Natalie weights 17lb 10oz (which in in the 25th percentile) and is 26.5" long (10th percentile) and can't for the life of me remember the head measurement, but its in the 20th percentile... anyway. 

For those who don't know what the percentiles mean, its out of 100 kids 24 would weigh less then her, and then 75 would weigh more. She might seem big compared to McKayla at this age, but she is right on target! She is almost weighing too much now for her baby carrier! Which means mommy and daddy get to buy two new car seats (one for each car!) Fun stuff! 

The only other thing they talked about was her eczema, and its getting better, they gave us a few more tips for treatment and prevention. But that's about it... Thanks for reading the long probably boring ramble about my baby. I just like to keep everyone updated!

Miss Natalie's six month appointment

Well, we had Natalie's six months appointmen today and she is doing WONDERFULLY! Hitting all the milestones and everything. Even the ears look good! Amazing since she has had five ear infections in her short six months of life.

As for her stats

Length: 24 1/2 in 10th percentile

Weight: 14lb 14oz in 25th percentile

Head: 16 1/4 in in 15th percentile

So, she is looking good. Had two shots and an oral vaccine.

Compared to McKayla at six months with a length: 23 1/2 in and a weight of 14 lbs even. It doesn't seem like they are so alike in sizes, feels like M was lots smaller at this age, but its all in my head... lol.

Nattie's 4 Month Well Child

Stats: Weight 13lbs 2oz (up from 8lbs2oz at birth) 

length 22 1/2 inches (up from 19" at birth) 

Some of the things we discussed:

#1 ear infection is gone, just have to finish the antibiotics 

#2 dr set me up to get a call from the lactation lady see what is going on with the nursing thing 

#3 also set us up with a weight check to make sure she is maintaining her curve, it has slowed a little, she just wants to be on the safe side.

Pretty good appt overall. I decided to just do the formula, I am still going to keep pumping for the time being, though probably not so often. I gave her the first bottle of formula tonight, just so I could say I CHOOSE to, not that I failed at nursing or quit... it was a choice. Next time I will do even better. I doubled the time I nursed M so I am happy....

Randomness

Okay, I decided I really must update everyone on what is happening around here....

**My mom took my little girl to her two year well child check at the doctors. First ever appointment I wasn't able to go to. Anyway, she was 22lbs 8oz 30.5" long and had a 18.75" head. I am just amazed. Her head is bigger around now then she was when she was born. They grow soooo fast! She was wonderful on all the devolpmental questions and tests. Like they had her stack blocks, pick somthing up using her finger and thumb (the pinching grasp) and asked her questions like what a dog says, where her belly, nose, eyes were... and she knew them all! I am awfully proud of my baby. They only found one problem: an ear infection. So much for well child check! lol. Oh, I do have one semi funny story to share. She was at the church after her appointment. My brother's girlfriend was watching her there so my mom would be nearby in case there were problems after the shots. She was playing with the cart they use in our food bank and it apparently got stuck in the corner. Well, my mom hears her "uh oh" then all of a sudden "DAMN IT!" I can't believe that came out of her mouth. How she still manages to look so cute is beyond me!! I guess I really need to start watching the words that come out of my mouth!

**I had my interview at Lowe's Tuesday. I wasn't really that comfortable there. You have to enter through a gate, let them look in your purse, and walk through a metal detector. Makes me really uncomfortable. Almost as much screening as an airport. Anyway. I was really not sure about the interview, what I was going to do if I were offered a position. It is better wages, but longer hours, more physically demanding labor, ect. And the job I am at now sucks yeah, but the people for the most part are wonderful. I am finally in the position I thought I wanted. And even though right now it sucks it will get better after the holidays. For those who don't know I got the department manager position for the infants and little girls departments. It was a 90 cent raise from what I was making before. So, I pray it will be worth all the crap I am going through.

**Natalie is doing really well. She is starting to smile a lot more, and I am sure that someday hopefully soon I will catch a really good one with the camera to share with you all! She found her hands and loves sticking them in her mouth and drooling all over them, which bugs me, so I stick the Bink back in! lol. She is also sleeping through the night most of the time. Minus the times she is sick (and being that she has had three colds by the time she was nine weeks, it happens frequently) but she is doing good. When she sleeps, she sleeps HARD. Scared the crap outta me this morning. She had the blanket swaddled tightly around her, well somehow she managed to pull the receiving blanket that I had over the side of the bassinet onto her head! She was so still I couldn't see her breaths through the tightly swaddled blanket. I ripped the receiving blanket off, she was breathing so quietly.... then she sighed, and I knew she was okay. It just terrified me! UGH!

**Thankful Thursday Catch-up! Besides that things are going well. We are busy but happy. As part of my randomness for today I am going to list a few things I am thankful for, since I have missed my "Thankful Thursday's"

1. I am thankful for water pressure. We had an issue with the pressure in the city water lines (don't ask me what it was, I have NO idea) Anyway, the whole city had barely any pressure. I could barely wash my hair. I never realized how much I took advantage of that! FYI Automatic toilets and sinks don't work without water pressure. We had port-a-potties outside the store, talk about YUCK!

2. I am thankful for two year old imaginations. Did you know that McKayla makes the best tea in the whole world?? Its always hot from the microwave! (Can you tell we warm up water in there often, she knows that it gets hot in there, but has no idea the stove makes it hot too!!)

3. I am thankful for my girls godmother, without whom my mom wouldn't have been able to work this Christmas. I haven't seen my mom looking this happy in a long time. I think she is really feeling NEEDED. I love how excited she is to have hired people! lol. Anyway, with out the godmother's help she wouldn't have been able to take the job because it would leave me without childcare.

4. I am thankful for a working cell phone. Do you have any idea how hard it is to have a phone you can only receive calls with??

5. I am thankful for all the milk I have stored up, so I don't have to pump unless I feel like I have to cause I am sooo full. I still have two freezer doors full and have been back to work for four weeks now.

That is all for today, as I REALLY have to get my baby fed and to bed, as I am falling asleep typing. lol. I am sure I will post something this weekend, though I have no idea what..... any suggestions?? lol

One more random fact, did you know that when you die your hair still grows for a couple of months?? (Fact from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~bingbin/ )

Natalie's two week check up

It went well. 

They did the second pku test, that she HATED! I felt so bad... 

The only other time she cried was when they checked her hips. It was really weird the Dr was looking over her chest and pushed on her little boobie and milk came out! They said it was still from my hormones in her, and it will go away as will the swelling that makes her look like she has boobies already! 

She weighed 8lb12oz (up 10oz from birth) and was 20in long (up an inch, but I think they measured wrong)