Week in Review ~ 1/14

What an eventful week!  I'm a little late because I wanted to get the pictures in the post, and since I'm spending most of my days downstairs away from my desktop, I waited and got brave for a few minutes and sat at the computer.

On Sunday, we got up and went to Sunday School.  Avery was sad for me to leave but must have gotten ok once I did, because she stayed the whole time.  We went to the grocery store once we left church, where I was again reminded not to shop with my husband.  We were a little late getting lunch after that, so it was about 1 p.m. before Avery went down for her nap.  I finally went in her room a little after 4, and she was just starting to wake up.  She had been talking all day about riding her Gator, but when the time came she didn't want to take it outside.  She settled for some time on her bike and watching the big kids ride theirs.

Monday was back to normal for everyone.  I ate well in preparation for my sugar test, and was excited to be starting a 4-day week.  On the way to Jennifer's that morning, I asked Avery what she wanted to do on our vacation, and she said "Stay home, watch Barney, and cuddle."  Sounded great to me.  While I was cooking dinner that afternoon, she ran full speed into a door frame and got a huge goose egg on her forehead.  Ned wasn't home and she was just hysterical.  All she wanted to do was rock, but she wasn't a fan of keeping ice on the bump.  I find that funny, because at least twice a day she has phantom boo-boos that need ice.  Ned checked her out when he got home, and she had perked up a bit.  Every 5-10 minutes until bedtime, she would just fall apart again though.

Our crazy days on Tuesday and Wednesday are recapped here.  Thursday and Friday were my first days of figuring out our new normal.

Avery and I made plans for cuddling, Barney, and Play-Doh on Saturday.  I didn't feel the best in the morning, so it was a nice break when Avery and Ned went to the store.  He doesn't usually shop for a week of groceries, but he did well and only had to call once.  I do think he realized that you have to time those trips just right, because he arrived home after Avery's usual lunchtime and still had to put groceries away and fix lunch.  Avery took a nap, and Ned went to do a few things at his parents.  Avery woke up requesting Cheerios and milk, so after that yummy snack we did Play-Doh.  Everything Avery builds now is a castle, which is a bit tricky with clay.

Mimi fixed dinner for us, and then it was bedtime for Avery and eventually for us.

New Normal

We knew a new baby would bring lots of changes to our lives, we just didn't expect the changes to happen so quickly.  High blood pressure in pregnancy is nothing to play with, though, so we're adapting and I'm following the rules.  You may wonder why such drastic actions were taken for me.  I know I've seen BP readings higher on the Internet, many combined with the first symptoms of pre-eclampsia, and those women didn't stay in the hospital.  I think the doctor was being extra-cautious in monitoring for pre-eclampsia since I had it when I went into labor with Avery, and that resulted in my stay.  She even told me that I didn't need to be in the hospital adjust the medicine for blood pressure.

So, life looks a little different now.  My days of driving Avery to school, teaching, picking Avery up, playing, cooking dinner, bedtime, household task, etc. have changed to days on the couch.  Ned and Avery's days have obviously been altered as well.  Ned gets up at the same time each day, but instead of dressing Avery and seeing us off, he gets ready for the day, gets Avery ready, and takes her to the sitter's 30 minutes away.  He then comes back home to fix my breakfast and get anything together that I may need for the day.  After that he's off to work.  I'm spending my time on the couch, and in addition to TV, I have my Thirty-One utility tote packed with snacks, books and magazines, my Kindle, my planner, and paper for all the lists I need to make.  Our lap top helps me stay connected and do the house and baby shopping that I had yet to finish.

Ned returns home at lunch, fixing my meal, refilling my water, and doing anything else that's needed.  A family business will really make you want to chew your toes off some days, but it's such a blessing that he's minutes down the road and can come and go and still get paid.

Some of you may have noticed that I mentioned steps are limited for me, and you may remember that our one bathroom is upstairs.  The rental that connects to us does have a bathroom, but Ned wasn't thrilled that I would have to climb through the owner's storage and keep Felix out.  So, brace yourselves, we've settled for a potty chair...in the dining room.  I started off upstairs Thursday and just felt closed off.  This was our solution and what we're making work.  And, without going into too much detail, there are circumstances that cause me to slowly climb the stairs.

Back to our day...Ned leaves work a little before 4 p.m. to go get Avery, and then they return home.  Ned then hurries to get dinner fixed and we all eat together.  Luckily, we'll have help with main courses so that all Ned usually will need to do is vegetables/sides.  Avery is happy to watch her one Barney of the day, snuggle with me, or entertain herself as she normally does.  Once dinner is over, we have some more time to play, cuddle, or read before Avery's bedtime.  Where Ned used to just do the bath, he's now doing it all.  He straightens up after putting her to bed, then is still able to go walk Dixie.  I don't mind being home with Avery sleeping, since I can get to her if needed.

Avery is doing fairly well.  She still asks me to get down and play then remembers I can't and says "Daddy can."  I'm thankful Ned is willing and able, but it is still hard to hear.  When they get ready to go somewhere, she asks if I'm going but generally accepts that I have to stay home and rest.  The hardest parts have been nap time and bedtime because I always did those.  Some times have been ok, and some have involved tears.  I tell myself that she'll never remember these weeks, and that it is preparing her for life with a baby that needs my attention.

Thankfully, Ned has not run away yet.  Avery is staying with my parents tonight so that he can hunt in the morning, and they'll keep her the next 2 Friday nights until duck season is over.  That was my arranging and not something that he asked for.  He also has tickets for a practice round at the Masters', which is a few weeks after Sam's due anticipated due date.  We'll make that work also.  He's getting it all done, probably learning a bit about my job as Mama, and keeping us going without complaint.

As for me, I'm on the couch!  Luckily, I like being at home, so it's not horrible yet.  A little more freedom would be appreciated, but I am following my directions so that I can stay home.  While others may not be able to completely fill my shoes, I am the only one who can care for Sam at the moment, and that means caring for myself.  I told Ned today that I know God is teaching me many lessons in this time.  I don't mean "Well now I'm going to teach you a lesson," but lessons about letting go, releasing control, accepting help, and stepping back.  Patience is also a biggie.  Things will just have to fall into place, and when they don't, we'll work around them.  That has not always been my motto.

Aside from the obvious things we have to look forward too, I'm really looking forward to Easter.  So on these cold winter days, I'm envisioning Easter tradition and worship, beautiful spring weather, and two Easter baskets.  Happy thoughts, stumbling upon a Richmond worship service singing Great is Thy Faithfulness, and a supportive family are certainly enough to get through a few weeks on the couch.  Your comments, e-mails, and prayers are a tremendous part of that as well, and we are so appreciative.

Blood Sugar Good, Blood Pressure Bad

I woke up Tuesday morning with a great sense of determination.  I was determined to do well on the sugar test.  I got to the office around nine and they did the stick right away...63 and it needed to be under 95.  So that was good, maybe even low.  I went to a restaurant and got an omelet and toast, killed some time at Belk getting a few things for Sam, and went back for the 2nd test.  That was a 90.  I was already envisioning what delicious meal I would eat before returning to school.

Then they took my blood pressure, and it was in the 160s/80s, which is too high.  The doctor came in and didn't mince words...I was going to the hospital in a wheelchair, and if it didn't come down, I was going to Norfolk (a much bigger hospital about an hour away).

As I got settled in my room, my blood pressure was of course sky high.  I was nervous and was also being poked and prodded for blood.  My blood pressure was taken every 5 minutes and an alarm would sound if it was over what they had set.  I wasn't allowed to even get up to use the restroom.  None of that is calming or restful.

Things must have looked better, because the doctor finally let me eat and drink.  Ned arrived around that time and we kept busy writing paint colors down room by room for the house.  They started me on medicine, and Ned went to get a few things for me since I would be spending the night.  The doctor came in and said that my blood work was good and my blood pressure was looking better, so as long as the next blood work was good I could go home the next day.  I would need to take it easy for awhile but could possibly return to work in a week or so.

My mom came by and Ned returned, and my blood pressure starting going back up slightly.  I know it was talking and trying to figure out Avery details, etc.  Everyone left, and they increased my medicine, did more blood work, and started an IV because I was dehydrated.  I tried to eat a good dinner since I hadn't had much during the day, but sitting up still caused my blood pressure to go up.

All along, Sam was doing great on the monitor but was giving the nurses a fit to keep him on it.  It would only pick him up if they held it at an angle, and that's when he was still.  There were times where they were in the room 30 minutes at a time trying to figure out how keep it right.  They taped things to me, stuck things under the bands, and all while I'm supposed to be staying calm.  This went on all night, probably every hour or so.  I must have at least half way slept through it, because I was surprised and what they had rigged up by the time I really woke up the next morning.

There's no sleeping in in a hospital.  Labs were in at 5:15 a.m. and the doctor was in at 6:15.  She did say that if my last blood work and my 24-hour urine were good I was going home.  I was starving that morning, and with a shift change it took forever for my nurse to come in.  Then she seemed a tad slow.  I just wanted food but she needed to check my sugar.  Breakfast finally arrived around the same time Ned did.  I felt so hungry and bad, and when I sat up and started eating I got sick.  I was so worried that would keep me in the hospital.  Ned left so I could rest, and they ended up giving me something for nausea and brought me some cereal.  The doctor increased my calorie intake because I wasn't eating enough, but I was still provided no help with how to eat 2,500 calories and watch my sugar, if I needed too.

I was relieved when all my final labs came back fine and I could go home.  I got my bed rest orders and my next appointments and we left to get Avery.  I'm not sure who was more excited.  We came home and I claimed my spot on the couch, where I've been ever since, other than sleeping.  I'm allowed to get up and use the bathroom, eat meals, and shower.  She even said I could sit up in a chair, so I'm thinking the nurse gave me stricter instructions than needed, but I'm following them anyway.  Stairs and walking are limited, which is tough with one bathroom upstairs, and I can't lift Avery.

Ned has jumped right in and is taking care of everything.  It's not ideal, but it beats the hospital or having Sam now.  There have been hard moments already, but it's what needs to be done.  I almost feel like I've been expecting this all pregnancy, so I'm not all that surprised. 

It's really hard to plan how things will go, because I have no idea.  That is hard for the planner in me.  My first goal is to make it to my appointment Monday and hear that things are going well.  I'll also see a high-risk doctor next week just in case I would need one in the next few weeks.  Other than that, I'm doing what I can to prepare however I can.  At some point, we'll be moving and having a baby, and we're not quite sure what will happen when.

I'll be back to share (more to document for myself) how our days and routines have changed.  In the meantime prayers for all of us are greatly appreciated.  Ned is doing everything for everybody on top of running a business and building a house.  Avery is learning that Mama can't do much all while in the middle of a very "attached to Mama stage."  I am following my instructions and having to ask for and receive help, all unfamiliar for me.  And of course, we pray that baby Sam continues to be unaffected and will grow, grow, grow.

Week in Review ~ 1/7

We survived our first week after the holidays!  Sunday was a lazy day and we didn't make it to church.  We couldn't even blame a late night for New Year's.  Ned got up with Avery and I stayed in bed until 9 a.m. or so.  I can't remember the last time I've done that.

I have been pretty bummed about this eating plan they put me on.  I just feel hungry most of the time and not satisfied.  I DO love my carbs, but I didn't feel like that's all I ate.  I did enjoy the holidays (probably the entire month of December) but all I hear at the doctor's office is "eat, eat, eat" so that's what I was doing.  By Monday morning at 10, I had eaten all my snacks for the day and had to get an assistant to come in so I could eat the pork chop I had packed for lunch.  I can tell when my blood sugar is low, and it definitely was.  I made it through the day but didn't feel well until mid-afternoon.  I called my nurse practitioner at home, and she said I probably just need to eat more.  She really tried to help with some good suggestions, but I still don't feel like I have a good handle on what I'm supposed to do.  I think my biggest problem is that I wasn't given the chance to fail the 3-hour test, so I don't feel like they'll ever really know if I have gestational diabetes.  My nurser practitioner called Thursday night and said all my blood work came back fine.  They drew my blood 10-15 minutes after the finger prick, and it was already under the limit.  They also tested for sugar over the last three months, and that was fine too.  I haven't bought a meter yet, but I think I will after my appointment Tuesday.  I think if the results are fine, they will still make me stay on this eating plan, and I will check my sugar periodically to see how far I can push things.

Other than that, we all had a good week and it didn't seem to drag on too much.  Avery was happy to get back to her buddies at Jen-Jen's, although they were inside some due to very cold temperatures at the beginning of the week.

I had a hair appointment Friday, so my mom picked up Avery and she spent the night there.  I picked up crab legs and shrimp for Ned and me.  After that yummy meal, I went through a huge bag boy clothes and separated what I thought I could use.  We are still in need of a few more 0-3 month outfits and of course a few special outfits for leaving the house, if we manage to do that in the early months.  Since Avery was on a heart monitor for about 4 weeks, we only ever went to the doctor or my parents' house.  Hopefully this time our only hindrance will be the two children.

Ned got up and went hunting Saturday so I had a little time to myself.  Avery came home before lunch, and we ate and she took a nap.  When she woke up, my mother-in-law took us to her favorite furniture store in Rocky Mount.  I felt very much like Julia Roberts trying to shop in Pretty Woman.  I think if they don't carry Lay-Z-Boys, it's probably not a store for us.  We did find Ned a chair and ottoman that he loves and that I will hopefully love too.  While I was deciding, I had about 6 sales women, a husband, a MIL, and a hungry two-year-old watching me.  Dinner at Chick-Fil-A lifted my spirits since I could have nuggets, fruit, and a few fries.  I did miss my Coke and yogurt parfait though.  By the time we got home, it was time for Avery to go to bed.

Mommy Advice: Baby Purchases

Second babies mean a little more knowledge and (hopefully) a lot less spending.  But, with any new baby some shopping has to be done.  Luckily, were were very gender-neutral with Avery in terms of gear, so we are set there except for a jogger which I've already picked out.  Little boy bedding has already arrived, and I'm slowly working on some clothes.  Poor Sam's wardrobe is a little slim!  With Avery, we weren't given any hand-me-downs, but I had several showers.  This time, no showers, and we've been offered a few hand-me-downs but not many.  I still need to get the poor boy some clothes.

There are a few things we're replacing or doing differently, so I'd love some other mothers' opinions.  The first is a monitor.  We now have a traditional monitor, and I plan to keep a monitor in Avery's room.  We have to get a new one regardless because these aren't holding a charge.  I initially thought we'd go video, but there's a hefty price there.  I also don't know if I'm the mom who needs to see her children all the time.  I like to think that if all's quiet, all are asleep.  In a two-story house, it will save me some steps though, I think.  I like to have a monitor with 2 parent sets: one to leave plugged in by the bed, and one to charge as needed for around the house.  There are very few video monitors that come with 2.  Then there's the part for the child's room.  There are no audio monitors that allow you to monitor 2 rooms with 1 system, as you can with an extra camera for the video type.  For audio, I think I'd have to buy 2 complete systems and hope for no interference problems.  For video, I know it will switch between rooms.  I'm not paying for two video systems.  Avery sleeps with white noise and Sam will as well, so hoping Sam's monitor will pick up Avery is out of the question.

So, with all that rambling done, I'd love to know what other mothers with 2 children using monitors are using.  With video systems, how does it work monitoring between 2 rooms? And, if you have a video monitor that you've had good results with, please share.  If we go in that direction, I'm leaning toward the Summer brand.  Of course, the one with the best reviews is the one with the highest price.

The other thing we're switching up is bottles.  Whether I BF or not, we'll use bottles at some point.  Avery used the Playtex Drop-Ins with no problem, but we measured the formula with a measuring cup before each bottle since I didn't trust the liner measurements.  I'd like to get rid of that step this time.  I'm debating between the major brands right now: Dr. Brown's and Avent.  I like that Avent has fewer parts, but reviews for leaking are terrible and they're kind of wide.  Dr. Brown's has more parts, but the slender, traditional bottle packs better.  Of course, there are many who prefer the wide-neck Dr. Brown.  If you have experience with either of these, or another great brand that has measurements marked on the bottle, please let me know.  I know a lot comes down to baby's preference as well, however, I didn't really give Avery a choice and she did fine.

Decisions, decisions and money, money!  You think when you're not buying gear that you won't have so much to purchase.  But there are all the nursery accessories that now need to be blue instead of pink.  Plus, there's an extra crib, mattress, etc. for Avery.  It's still lots of fun, and I'm enjoying it all, I just need to get shopping.  Your trusted mom opinions are welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Week in Review ~ 12/30

Time certainly has a way of moving quickly when all you want it to do is slow down.  It was good to be able to relax this week after the busy Christmas weekend.  During the first part of the week, Avery and I stayed home and enjoyed resting and playing with her toys.  Early in the week, I got really tired of Felix jumping over all that was crammed under the tree to keep him out.  He was literally crashing through the tree.  I think he just wanted to lay under it, but I couldn't trust him not to chew the wires.  The tree had to come down, which I hated, but it did help things get back into order.

Avery was supposed to go to my parents' Tuesday night, but my mom wasn't feeling well.  We kept our plans of going to Sharky's to eat and took Avery along.  We also browsed through Lowe's, where luckily Avery wasn't too dismayed that they didn't have the car carts.

My mom came and got Avery Wednesday morning and kept her for the day.  I picked her up after my appointment.

On Thursday, Avery had her ears checked and got a good report from her last ear infection.  I'm hoping that the horrible germs that were around before Christmas are gone and that the weather won't be so up and down.  We met Lolli for lunch, and Avery decided that she wasn't going to be in the best mood.  We don't have many horrible two moments, but we are dealing with some issues.  I pray that we are handling them the best way for Avery.  Lucas, Kristin, and Emerson came for pizza that night so that Avery and Emerson could exchange gifts.  Sitting in the Gator was a big hit.

We had another quiet day on Friday.  I planned to go to the grocery store, but by the time Avery got up from her nap, we only had time to go see the house and then pick up a few things.  Avery's potatoes were so good at dinner that she licked her plate.

Mimi watched Avery Saturday morning so that I could take pictures at the house and then go to the grocery store.  The weather was so nice in the afternoon, so we went out and tried Avery's "bike" that Ned's father found and cleaned up.  Avery has my tricycle at my parents' and both are just a little too big.  The Easter Bunny may be bringing a smaller bike if we can hold out that long.

I'm extremely sad that vacation has come to an end.  I have loved my time home with Avery.  She says she's ready to go back to Jen-Jen's!  The extra rest has been much appreciated as well and something I doubt I see again for awhile.  I'm trying to remind myself that I have only 9 school days before a 4-day weekend.  We have lots to look forward to in the next few months, and I thought that would help with post-vacation blues, but right now I think the only thing that could help is a snow day.

Construction ~ Week 28

Things have been busy in the last few weeks. All the drywall has been hung, taped, and mudded at least once.

Garage

Back hallway

Kitchen

Breakfast room

Living room

Dining room

Foyer

Family room

Master bedroom

Sam's room

Guest room

Playroom

Avery's room...she's not sure why it isn' pink yet.

We've had some other progress in the last 3 weeks as well.  Cabinets for the whole house were finalized thank goodness!  Paint colors are done with the exception of two rooms where I just need to choose between 2 colors.  Avery's big girl furniture and bedding were ordered along with items for the kids' bath.  I've picked out examples of tile and carpet that I like, and we're waiting on our friend to find us good prices on something similar.  And, after much debate, Ned finalized our choice of insert.

Trim should be next after the drywall is complete, and then I think it's flooring.  Yesterday was the first time I had seen the drywall complete, so there are a few things I've seen that need to be changed, but nothing major.  Each day we list at least 2 more reasons that we can't wait to move, so it's exciting (and a little scary) that we're getting close.