January 14, 2010
I can't believe it's 2010, and I can't believe my little Jimmy is already over 8 months old!!!
For anyone who has been watching this blog, I apologize. You all know how busy life is and especially with a company to run, family and church life to deal with....it can be a handful!
To make things a LOT easier, I'm going to post some parts of journal entries because that will give you the best updates for the past few months. For anyone who doesn't have time to read this is the basic recap:
Jimmy came home in May, the smilest baby boy on the planet. He's been sleeping through the night, 12 hours a night for the past 4-5 months. He's amazing. He's rolling, playing, laughing, teething, eating, smiling and making us so happy and proud!! He's below average on his age scale and is measuring closer to 6 to 6 1/2 months in development which for him is normal. His bifud thumb surgery went very well. Elise loves him, and I'm sure his favorite toy since Christmas is a walking roaring dinosaur from his Uncle Brad.
Elise is reading small stories. Her vocabulary is amazing. She can swim, read, tell me different prophets by sight, states by sight, presidents by sight etc. She's incredible to watch. Elise loves to cook, play with her kitchen, watch Mickey Mouse, play musical instruments, paint, count money and read scriptures in the morning with the family. She even brings us pillows to kneel on for family prayers. Right now she is all about calling me Captain Mommy, and daddy Brian. She loves being outside, and loves her grandparents. We're working on potty training and she's doing really well. This year when she turns 3, we'll put her into a ballet class and I will continue to teach her and Jimmy at home. An independant, fiesty, smart and sassy little girl. I am proud of her academic accomplishments, and church accomplishments. She's sitting more reverently in church, can recite the articles of faith and is starting to work on manuscript. She's a funny girl.
As for Brian and I, we're good...working hard in our respective roles in the home and enjoying our kids and the time we can spend with them. They make life entirely worthwhile and we are so grateful for the Lord's hand in our lives. I'm working hard to resolve some medical issues that many of you know I have, and that is looking up as well. I had my screws from my shoulder removed in October and have a LOT of relief from that. I'm so glad we took the hardware out of the equation. Brian's as usual, healthy and the strength I have grown to rely on to get through the hard times. I wouldn't trade our trials for anyone else's. I'm very grateful for the blessings we have been given.
Love you all, and please email me if you need anything terrahctr@hotmail.com or to update me on your life!! .............And now, here are the journal entries:
May 31, 2009
It has been a LONG time since I’ve written. Well, not really so long as it feels…
I haven’t written really, since I was in the hospital getting ready to have Jimmy. It took apx. 4 weeks to get him out of the NICU and home to us. In 2 days we will have had him here for 2 weeks.
Life continues to be crazy. We’ve still not finished moving into the other house. There is so much to do and I have thought more than once how I do not have any time to get the things done I would like to. Now that I’m awake after a feeding, and having a difficult time sleeping b/c of some serious pain I thought I’d take a minute or five and jot some things down. Typing is going to be my entry of choice I think in the future b/c actually writing is so much more time consuming. This is definitely easier and quicker.
Jimmy is a tiny little thing. Skinny like me, and SO different from elise. She loves him to pieces. She loves all babies really, but is so quick to run in to his room when he cries and shove, and I really mean shove a pacifier into his face, or pat him…and when I say pat, it’s really more like hit…but in such an innocent way. She is such a nurturing little girl. She turns 2 this week. Lots of big changes are coming her way. She’s ready to be potty trained, to transition her crib to a bed (she can climb out of her crib now), have a haircut for the first time and also get her ears pierced. Where on earth does the time go???
July 12, 2009
Oh, how lousy I am at keeping my empty promise of writing more. Regardless of my intentions I didn’t write anything last month! Let me tell you it’s been a rough one. Jimmy is doing great and so is Elise…really just growing up so fast. Elise talks all the time now and with such exactness it’s amazing to me for such a young girl. Jimmy can finally wear socks without them falling off, which is great
August 16, 2009
It seems like a waste of time to be awakened and lay in bed with all these thoughts going around and not write them down…especially when jimmy waking us is imminent and I have a horrible headache. I think it’s best to try to remember the wonderful things and that most times, most things are wonderful. Jimmy is really coming into his own. He’s turning into a little man, lots of smiles, sleeping for apx. 10-12 hours nightly, brian helping when he can with those feedings. Elise is such a smart girl. She can do her word cards and I think the running total for my 2 year old is something like 50 words/letters/colors. I am so proud of her. She’s always trying to be such a great help.
Nyla continues to be a wonderful Gramma to them both, visiting as often as 2-3 times a month as long as she’s not camping with Ken. I am grateful for that.
November 10, 2009
Well, as always, there is so much to write, and such hectic schedule that I feel bad for not entering sooner.
On the good news: Jimmy’s surgery went well and I go on Thursday this week to have his soft cast removed. I was a wreck during the procedure and for several days afterward, but on the whole…I’m so proud of him and wish I handled surgery as well as he. My surgery went as planned (not pregnant). I have more ROM in my shoulder. More than I’ve had since 2005 . Additionally, it’s been the easiest recovery I’ve had in all the surgeries combined. Mom came down for three days to help, which was SO nice. That, I’m am so grateful for. Elise and Jimmy are so fun. Elise is such a good helper. A menace at times, and disobedient/stubborn…then again, she is two. Her vocabulary, humor and wit is so hilarious, sometimes it’s hard to discipline b/c she can be so stinkin’ funny!!! Jimmy is playful, full of smiles, hitting his milestones and is just exceeding everyone’s expectations of a 2 mo. Preemie. He’s great. Sleeping for 8 hours consistently, sometimes he even sleeps through the entire night. He rolls from side to side, babbles, has great hand/eye coordination, follows people with his eyes, laughs, can eat food and biter biscuits…the whole 9 yards. Elise is great with puzzles. I have to say, other than being outside, or watching Mickey Mouse, that must be her fav. thing. She loves to help with Jimmy. She copies everything we do or say. She likes to help with dishes, laundry, Jimmy, cleaning, cooking…she’ll be a great mommy. She does great with her babies and toys. Today I caught her trying to teach my old playmate, sissy the seal her words. She has well over 50 she knows: alphabet and sight words. I need to get her started on blends. She can count to 20 easy. She loves to color, use her play dough, kitchen set, doctor’s bag, instruments and have ‘game-time’. She’s an absolute doll. As for me, I met my goal of weight loss, at 114 lbs (take away 2 for my implants and really, my clothes are falling off of me. Brian’s happy, I’m happy.
So many cute things elise has done lately. We went trick or treating. She had a fun time. She talks about it a LOT. She is definitely stubborn. She hates tights. Every Sunday, we have issues. This past Sunday, we had a power struggle. I told her, her shoes wouldn’t fit w/o tights. She continued to cry, so I tried to put them on. They went on and she looked at me and said, ‘sorry, mommy’. w/in 10 minutes, she couldn’t walk in her shoes and was begging for relief. So I gave her the tights and she was fine. No complaints. She went pee-pee on the potty and doesn’t take forever. She’s growing up so fast. Her vocabulary is vast and impressive. Her overall knowledge is impressive. In fact, sissy the seal is indeed, NOT a seal, but a sea-lion, and she calls it that. she knows animals better than any kid I know. She knows a heck of a lot more than any kid I know.
Jimmy’s getting his name/blessing this Sunday. I intend to write down as much as possible. I’ll enter it in when I can. I’m very proud of my family and am excited to see them continue to grow/develop/improve. We’ve been doing the articles of faith, and elise can sing the first 5, some of them, without my help. She’s amazing. Love that kid.
November 16, 2009
Have to mention I deleted some ‘too personal to share info, so this is from where some of it ended:
Good news, the blessing was beautiful, short and sweet. Jimmy cried the whole time, but looked so, so, so cute. In the circle? Dad, Brian, Chane, Bro Anderson, Bishop Smith, and Pres. (old temple pres.) Belnap. It was really nice
Also…Kristen Randle sent the music I grew up with. A great C-mas present for the fam. Totally stoked about that.
The house looks good, for the most part. NO big drama there. That’s good news. I suppose that’s it for now. I’s almost 3 am, so I should go use the heating pad and try to get back to bed. Thanks for listening
--terrah
November 18, 2009
I have been going through the kids’ clothes. It’s amazing how fast they grow!! The kids are good. Jimmy though…he’s teething and grumpy/needy. It’s been a struggle b/t him and elise…she’s refusing to nap lately and I’m loosing my mind. I could also use a trip to the store to get some matches and anything else pertinent to the season.
What a day. Hopefully it’ll just get better and I’ll get better, and the kids will get easier to deal with. Here’s hoping
December 25, 2009
Christmas this year was centered more toward the real meaning of Christmas. I am proud of that. We read to Elise the story of the baby Jesus, we read from Luke 2:1-16, we had a very, very simple dinner: ham, sweet and reg. potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, yeast rolls, pumpkin pie….Grandma Nyla brought a mac/cheese dish, and a great pumpkin shortbread dish. Of course I set the table with the china and cutlery, snowflake napkin rings for my red and green napkins, and moved Elise’s booster chair to the big table so she could enjoy Christmas dinner with us. Who came you ask…Ken, Nyla, Brian, Terrah, Brad, Shannon, Devon, and Elise. Jimmy was sleeping. In the morning of Christmas we ate pumpkin bread that I made and hot chocolate. Elise got most of the presents, you know….learning tools like manuscript books, coloring books, leap frog DVD’s and mini Disney characters. Also, like when I was a kid, she got things of necessity, like toothpaste to help take away the cavity causing pez that she got in her stocking. A child after our own hearts, she got a huge box of legos. I remember envying Chane’s lego collection, and she loved them all. Grandma brought an elmo for both babies, and some new pajamas. Brad brought a moving dinosaur and a pink/purple monkey for Elise. She loved them! She loves dinosaurs and things that move. The toys and learning things will be used for Jimmy too, but he’s just so little and had more fun with the tissue/wrapping paper so we didn’t really get him anything. We have been blessed to have so much, and we do! Brian was so thoughtful, and got us tickets to see Mary Poppins. I got him tickets to see Michael Buble, a tomato slicer (cause he eats them what seems like, every day!) and a DVD, and lastly and Advent Calendar. He’s talked about having one since we’ve been married and so I found one.
January 1, 2010
Can’t believe it’s 2010!
I did some shopping today…great sales really. I left a note for brian and took the kids so he could sleep. He’s got what the 3 of us have had, and it’s nasty. I wish he’d just rest and sleep and take it easy, but he’s kind of like me, well…a LOT like me. I know there are things to do/organize and feel horrible for not having the energy to do them. I do surely empathize. I love him so much and want him to get better much faster than I did.
I had my preliminary back injection on Tuesday, next Tuesday I should go back and have the nerves severed lasting anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Wouldn’t that be awesome????
Caroling season is over, and I missed a few biggies b/c of my illness. That was a waste. I am able to sing at the shrine in 10 days I am so happy about that, I miss it so…singing with awesome people and getting paid for it.
Elise is so smart. I’m working baby signs with Jimmy, reading more books myself and also attending the temple once/week unless I’m sick or Brian’s sick.
This has been an interesting year. I’m grateful for my blessings and am faithful that the Lord will continue to provide us sufficient for our needs.
January 9, 2010
Brian told me I had to write this immediately or I would face some kind of consequence, so here it is: I told Elise something putting her to bed you know the phrase, ‘no way jose’ and she looked at me and said, mommy, I not jose, I ‘lise. She is also lately calling me Captain Mommy, which she has picked up from who knows where, but I guess it’s better than Terrah Mommy, which she was calling me for a while, or just regular T rah. Elise likes to do words and read books, color, paint, count, look at the globe, puzzles, money identification, signs etc. I know kids are so different, and it makes me wonder how jimmy will be. How will he be??? Right now, he is the calmest thing in my life other than the temple and elise is what makes my head spin like a stupid toy you get at the dollar store. Potty training is going….she can do it, just is willful, forgetful, stubborn and sometimes all the bribing and prizes in the world wouldn’t make her poop on the potty just for spite. I think she does a lot of things just to get under my skin…she knows she’s making ‘bad’ choices too, because I ask her what kind of choices they are!! She knows. Kids are smarter than parents’ give them credit for, they just need the nudging to move forward. I am convinced that that is the case for most kids.
That's it! I'll add pictures to my facebook account, and you can see them there. I've got a little girl on the potty trying really hard I need to tend to instead of blogging!!!!
Until next time :)
--terrah
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10, 2009
I Didn't Forget!!
It has been a LONG time since I’ve updated the blog. Well, not really so long as it feels… Life continues to be crazy. We’ve still not finished moving unpacking. There is so much to do and I have thought more than once how I do not have any time to get the things done I would like to, like updating the family and friends on the blog…
The beginning of the month was exhausting. The recovery from birthing was difficult, but more difficult was not having a baby to bring home with me when I finally left the hospital. Coming home was a bittersweet experience because of that. I missed Brian and Elise so much, and really felt horrible that I could not bring Jimmy home with me. The next month or so was spent by pumping as much milk as I could for him, and going to feed him at 4 a.m. every day, and having Brian go at 8 p.m., that way, Elise wouldn’t feel so estranged to either of us. The days were long and difficult. I cried a lot and needed a lot of hugs. Thank you to everyone who was there to help me through it!
It took apx. 4 weeks to get him out of the NICU and home to us. In a few days we will have had him here for apx. 3 weeks. I took him to the pediatrician, and he is putting on weight well, and growing like a weed. One pound and one inch since we’ve had him so far! He is a sweet and sleepy baby. We are so blessed to have him home with us. Jimmy is a tiny little thing; skinny like me, and SO different from Elise.
Elise is adjusting. It was hard for her to have me gone for so long. She has become much more disagreeable since I went into the hospital. She goes around practically singing ‘no mama, no! no mama, no!’ She has started pushing boundaries as much as she is able, throwing fits that never seem to end. She is so adorable most of the time. Her vocabulary is expansive now, asking questions like where’d daddy go, or what’s that? If you answer her, and tell her the right answer, she’ll say ‘yeah’. If you ask her back, she’ll either tell you the right answer or she’ll say ‘I don’t know’. When she makes mistakes or something doesn’t go her way, she will say ‘oh my goodness’, or ‘oh my’. She’s so much fun to talk to.
One of the biggest questions I get is how is she taking to Jimmy. Elise, well she loves him to pieces. She loves all babies really, but is so quick to run in to his room when he cries and shove, and I really mean shove a pacifier into his face, or pat him…and when I say pat, it’s really more like hit…but in such an innocent way. If he still is crying she’ll come tell me ‘mama, baby sad’. She always wants to hug him and kiss him. She is such a nurturing little girl. You just can’t leave her alone with him, for fear she’ll pick him up and drag him on the floor like a doll. She tries so hard to help with him…she even tries to pick up the car seat to help bring him to the car. She’s great at finding pacifiers, or diapers and wipes for him if I ask her. She’s a great big sister, and will be a great momma someday. She turns 2 this week. Lots of big changes are coming her way. She’s ready to be potty trained, to transition her crib to a bed (she can climb out of her crib now), have a haircut for the first time and also get her ears pierced.
Where on earth does the time go???
It has been a LONG time since I’ve updated the blog. Well, not really so long as it feels… Life continues to be crazy. We’ve still not finished moving unpacking. There is so much to do and I have thought more than once how I do not have any time to get the things done I would like to, like updating the family and friends on the blog…
The beginning of the month was exhausting. The recovery from birthing was difficult, but more difficult was not having a baby to bring home with me when I finally left the hospital. Coming home was a bittersweet experience because of that. I missed Brian and Elise so much, and really felt horrible that I could not bring Jimmy home with me. The next month or so was spent by pumping as much milk as I could for him, and going to feed him at 4 a.m. every day, and having Brian go at 8 p.m., that way, Elise wouldn’t feel so estranged to either of us. The days were long and difficult. I cried a lot and needed a lot of hugs. Thank you to everyone who was there to help me through it!
It took apx. 4 weeks to get him out of the NICU and home to us. In a few days we will have had him here for apx. 3 weeks. I took him to the pediatrician, and he is putting on weight well, and growing like a weed. One pound and one inch since we’ve had him so far! He is a sweet and sleepy baby. We are so blessed to have him home with us. Jimmy is a tiny little thing; skinny like me, and SO different from Elise.
Elise is adjusting. It was hard for her to have me gone for so long. She has become much more disagreeable since I went into the hospital. She goes around practically singing ‘no mama, no! no mama, no!’ She has started pushing boundaries as much as she is able, throwing fits that never seem to end. She is so adorable most of the time. Her vocabulary is expansive now, asking questions like where’d daddy go, or what’s that? If you answer her, and tell her the right answer, she’ll say ‘yeah’. If you ask her back, she’ll either tell you the right answer or she’ll say ‘I don’t know’. When she makes mistakes or something doesn’t go her way, she will say ‘oh my goodness’, or ‘oh my’. She’s so much fun to talk to.
One of the biggest questions I get is how is she taking to Jimmy. Elise, well she loves him to pieces. She loves all babies really, but is so quick to run in to his room when he cries and shove, and I really mean shove a pacifier into his face, or pat him…and when I say pat, it’s really more like hit…but in such an innocent way. If he still is crying she’ll come tell me ‘mama, baby sad’. She always wants to hug him and kiss him. She is such a nurturing little girl. You just can’t leave her alone with him, for fear she’ll pick him up and drag him on the floor like a doll. She tries so hard to help with him…she even tries to pick up the car seat to help bring him to the car. She’s great at finding pacifiers, or diapers and wipes for him if I ask her. She’s a great big sister, and will be a great momma someday. She turns 2 this week. Lots of big changes are coming her way. She’s ready to be potty trained, to transition her crib to a bed (she can climb out of her crib now), have a haircut for the first time and also get her ears pierced.
Where on earth does the time go???
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009
Jimmy's Story
Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed or posted on facebook etc. your comments of love and support though the past three weeks. It is so heartening feel your compassion for me and for Jimmy. Love you guys!
I'm sorry it's been so long since a post. I know those of you who actually read this thing have been waiting for me to write something. The truth is, I haven't been able to sit down long enough it seems, to get everything out on paper like I wanted to. So now, if you have the time, here is the story of Jimmy...
Okay, so Sunday April 26 we had our C-section. I would have loved to have an epidural before they actually took me down to the OR...but because of how the epidural was when I had Elise, we had to use a Spinal instead.
What happened with Elise?? The epidural was spotty because of the scar tissue from my back surgery in 2000 so in the middle of the procedure I began to feel the pain of being cut open etc. That led to more and more medication to try to get me to not feel the operation, which led to me not remembering the first moments of my daughter's birth. I didn’t want that to happen again, so we went for the spinal, which doesn’t last as long as an epidural, but has a heavier hit.
After I received the spinal, they began the procedure and in a matter of seconds, there was Jimmy! 3lbs. 1 oz., and 17 inches long! His lungs were fine too!! The problems we foresaw were really taken care of by the blessings and prayers from everyone…and of course, the steroids.
He was taken, and Brian went with him immediately to the NICU for his recovery. I later learned he would stay there until certain criteria were met:
At least 4lbs.
Regulated consistent temperature
Able to breast or bottle feed exclusively
Brian came back and stayed with me in my recovery. The recovery started off WAY better than my previous pregnancy. There was no internal uterine bleeding, and instead of being in the recovery room for 8 hours, we were there for a couple of hours, almost 3. They only had to do compressions twice, instead of twenty times. The bad part of the recovery was when the spinal wore off and I was left to the IV medication.
I should say, for those of you who do not know…in the past ten years, I’ve been put under for various medical procedures over 10 times, and have built up a very maddening and exceptional tolerance to medication.
The pitocin or however you spell it, was administered and without the spinal’s effects, I was beginning to feel the contractions that happen to shrink everything back into place. I like to think I can handle pain pretty well. I do. Visceral pain though is a different animal than what I’ve dealt with the majority of my life…so I’m not sure whether I am really a big baby or what. Anyway, they gave me dilutdad (again, not sure of the spelling) the strongest medication they were permitted to give me. By the end of my couple of hours with the nurse, she said to Brian and I that she had never given so much of this medication to someone and was able to have a conversation…that one more injection should put me into a coma! We were talking and interacting without any problems except the pain I continued to have. After my few hours there, they brought me up to my permanent recovery room.
The next 3 days were really difficult for me pain-wise. More so, I think emotionally it was difficult because Jimmy wasn’t in a bassinet next to my bed. I was having all this pain and not sleeping, and not seeing the fruit of my labor. That was hard. That continues to be hard, because he’s still not home, and it’s May 14.
I finally got to see Jimmy and hold him for a minute and try to feed him. He didn’t know how to suck-swallow-breathe, and that meant he had to have a tube inserted through his nose to his stomach so milk could be given to him. I was really upset that his first meal was formula, not breast milk. He was in an incubator and stayed there until he could regulate his temperature. That took a few days. They took him out, and the next day had to put him back in because he couldn’t maintain his temperature. It was really frustrating to think you were moving forward and really weren’t.
I wasn’t allowed to breast feed him, only nuzzle. Nuzzling meant, as he received his milk through his tube, he could be at my breast, but not get his meal from me.
On Mother’s Day, they finally let me feed him without the tube. He’s been having regular sessions with me in the morning and with Brian in the evening. He was regulating his temp, he met his 4 lb. requirement and things were looking good until yesterday. They told me he caught a virus from the twins beside him. He’s currently in isolation, and will stay there until he gets well, which they said could be up to a week. I’m not sure anymore how long he’ll be there. No one thought he’d be there this long. His nurse Bernie, keeps telling me she jinxed him by telling me how long she thought he’d stay. She says she never tells anyone anything like that because she doesn’t want to say it and it not be accurate…
So, I’ll continue to go every morning at 4 a.m. to breast feed him. Brian will go at night at 8 p.m. to bottle feed him…and hopefully they’ll be able to use their discretion to move him completely to what they call nippling, or completely bottle/breast fed.
I’ll try to be better at posting for you all. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!!
--terrah
Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed or posted on facebook etc. your comments of love and support though the past three weeks. It is so heartening feel your compassion for me and for Jimmy. Love you guys!
I'm sorry it's been so long since a post. I know those of you who actually read this thing have been waiting for me to write something. The truth is, I haven't been able to sit down long enough it seems, to get everything out on paper like I wanted to. So now, if you have the time, here is the story of Jimmy...
Okay, so Sunday April 26 we had our C-section. I would have loved to have an epidural before they actually took me down to the OR...but because of how the epidural was when I had Elise, we had to use a Spinal instead.
What happened with Elise?? The epidural was spotty because of the scar tissue from my back surgery in 2000 so in the middle of the procedure I began to feel the pain of being cut open etc. That led to more and more medication to try to get me to not feel the operation, which led to me not remembering the first moments of my daughter's birth. I didn’t want that to happen again, so we went for the spinal, which doesn’t last as long as an epidural, but has a heavier hit.
After I received the spinal, they began the procedure and in a matter of seconds, there was Jimmy! 3lbs. 1 oz., and 17 inches long! His lungs were fine too!! The problems we foresaw were really taken care of by the blessings and prayers from everyone…and of course, the steroids.
He was taken, and Brian went with him immediately to the NICU for his recovery. I later learned he would stay there until certain criteria were met:
At least 4lbs.
Regulated consistent temperature
Able to breast or bottle feed exclusively
Brian came back and stayed with me in my recovery. The recovery started off WAY better than my previous pregnancy. There was no internal uterine bleeding, and instead of being in the recovery room for 8 hours, we were there for a couple of hours, almost 3. They only had to do compressions twice, instead of twenty times. The bad part of the recovery was when the spinal wore off and I was left to the IV medication.
I should say, for those of you who do not know…in the past ten years, I’ve been put under for various medical procedures over 10 times, and have built up a very maddening and exceptional tolerance to medication.
The pitocin or however you spell it, was administered and without the spinal’s effects, I was beginning to feel the contractions that happen to shrink everything back into place. I like to think I can handle pain pretty well. I do. Visceral pain though is a different animal than what I’ve dealt with the majority of my life…so I’m not sure whether I am really a big baby or what. Anyway, they gave me dilutdad (again, not sure of the spelling) the strongest medication they were permitted to give me. By the end of my couple of hours with the nurse, she said to Brian and I that she had never given so much of this medication to someone and was able to have a conversation…that one more injection should put me into a coma! We were talking and interacting without any problems except the pain I continued to have. After my few hours there, they brought me up to my permanent recovery room.
The next 3 days were really difficult for me pain-wise. More so, I think emotionally it was difficult because Jimmy wasn’t in a bassinet next to my bed. I was having all this pain and not sleeping, and not seeing the fruit of my labor. That was hard. That continues to be hard, because he’s still not home, and it’s May 14.
I finally got to see Jimmy and hold him for a minute and try to feed him. He didn’t know how to suck-swallow-breathe, and that meant he had to have a tube inserted through his nose to his stomach so milk could be given to him. I was really upset that his first meal was formula, not breast milk. He was in an incubator and stayed there until he could regulate his temperature. That took a few days. They took him out, and the next day had to put him back in because he couldn’t maintain his temperature. It was really frustrating to think you were moving forward and really weren’t.
I wasn’t allowed to breast feed him, only nuzzle. Nuzzling meant, as he received his milk through his tube, he could be at my breast, but not get his meal from me.
On Mother’s Day, they finally let me feed him without the tube. He’s been having regular sessions with me in the morning and with Brian in the evening. He was regulating his temp, he met his 4 lb. requirement and things were looking good until yesterday. They told me he caught a virus from the twins beside him. He’s currently in isolation, and will stay there until he gets well, which they said could be up to a week. I’m not sure anymore how long he’ll be there. No one thought he’d be there this long. His nurse Bernie, keeps telling me she jinxed him by telling me how long she thought he’d stay. She says she never tells anyone anything like that because she doesn’t want to say it and it not be accurate…
So, I’ll continue to go every morning at 4 a.m. to breast feed him. Brian will go at night at 8 p.m. to bottle feed him…and hopefully they’ll be able to use their discretion to move him completely to what they call nippling, or completely bottle/breast fed.
I’ll try to be better at posting for you all. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers!!
--terrah
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Why Am I Awake??? Oh, Contractions!
The Big C
April 26, 2009
So, today's the day! I've been awake for a few hours because my contractions have been coming around every 10 minutes, making it nearly impossible to sleep. I watched my screen saver for a while, just crying because seeing all of the pictures of my family reminded me how much I've missed them, how long I've been here, and how much love I have for them.
I was really hoping to avoid labor all together, but it's just not happening. To all you women who do this the 'natural' way, I applaud you. It's no easy task. It's about 5:30 in the morning right now, and I figured I'd write one last entry before they put me under. Stake Conference was yesterday and today, so I'm missing Jeffery R. Holland's talk, which kinda bums me out...but this is an excellent reason, don't you think?
I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family. I love Brian so much, and am so grateful to be able to share the responsibility of raising these children with him. What a wonderful example he is to them, and to me. I am so glad he will be here with me today for the birth of his new boy. I've been looking at pictures of the past 3 years and have realized how things have progressed and changed and grown. In the grand scheme of it all, this is an exciting ride I wouldn't want to share with anyone else.
They're moving the surgery up from 1pm to around 9:30-10:00. If all goes well I should be able to call you guys by the end of the day. There is a chance Jimmy will have met the requirement of 4 lbs., that his lungs are excellent and that he could even come to the post-pardum room with me. What a blessing that would be, that probably is taken for granted, nearly too much.
Everyone has been a wonderful help and support to me and I am filled with gratitude and love for you all.
hugs!
terrah
April 26, 2009
So, today's the day! I've been awake for a few hours because my contractions have been coming around every 10 minutes, making it nearly impossible to sleep. I watched my screen saver for a while, just crying because seeing all of the pictures of my family reminded me how much I've missed them, how long I've been here, and how much love I have for them.
I was really hoping to avoid labor all together, but it's just not happening. To all you women who do this the 'natural' way, I applaud you. It's no easy task. It's about 5:30 in the morning right now, and I figured I'd write one last entry before they put me under. Stake Conference was yesterday and today, so I'm missing Jeffery R. Holland's talk, which kinda bums me out...but this is an excellent reason, don't you think?
I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family. I love Brian so much, and am so grateful to be able to share the responsibility of raising these children with him. What a wonderful example he is to them, and to me. I am so glad he will be here with me today for the birth of his new boy. I've been looking at pictures of the past 3 years and have realized how things have progressed and changed and grown. In the grand scheme of it all, this is an exciting ride I wouldn't want to share with anyone else.
They're moving the surgery up from 1pm to around 9:30-10:00. If all goes well I should be able to call you guys by the end of the day. There is a chance Jimmy will have met the requirement of 4 lbs., that his lungs are excellent and that he could even come to the post-pardum room with me. What a blessing that would be, that probably is taken for granted, nearly too much.
Everyone has been a wonderful help and support to me and I am filled with gratitude and love for you all.
hugs!
terrah
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tomorrow's The Day
Here We Go!!
April 25, 2009
Today has been an interesting day. My body seems to be cleaning itself out in preparation for tomorrow. I've been sick most of the day, and really apprehensive about the surgery tomorrow.
It is scheduled for 1pm, however, the charge nurse has just informed me they aren't too busy tomorrow and so the surgery may be earlier.
I am grateful for the really great nurses here at Winnie, and even more grateful that Dr. Kim will be able to perform the C-section tomorrow.
I got some visitors today, and boy was that a nice change. The time here has passed faster than expected. I came on a Monday, and here it is, Saturday...the day before Jimmy comes. Hopefully I will be here only for the standard 3 days post-op, and with even more luck, Jimmy will come home with us!!
He's not been moving a TON today, but there has been an increase in contractions, so I know he's getting ready. After the day I had today, I wouldn't be surprised if I go into pre-labor tonight....watch, just because I said that, he'll make me into a liar :)
I've been passing the time making hair bows for Elise, lots of them. Between that and resting because of feeling so sick, the day has flown by.
I miss Brian and Elise. It's been hard to be away from them for so long. This is the longest I've ever been away from them both...and it's more difficult than I imagined. They are my world, and I realize being in the hospital how easy it is to take for granted the people you love with your whole heart. I've learned from this experience to make the most of the time you have with the ones you love. It is hard to be without them, and it is easy to forget how much you really depend on their love to make it through the day.
I am continually grateful for those friends and family who have helped us during this time...either watching Elise, visiting, calling or just praying for Jimmy and me. I love you all, and can't wait to bring Jimmy to you!
love
terrah
April 25, 2009
Today has been an interesting day. My body seems to be cleaning itself out in preparation for tomorrow. I've been sick most of the day, and really apprehensive about the surgery tomorrow.
It is scheduled for 1pm, however, the charge nurse has just informed me they aren't too busy tomorrow and so the surgery may be earlier.
I am grateful for the really great nurses here at Winnie, and even more grateful that Dr. Kim will be able to perform the C-section tomorrow.
I got some visitors today, and boy was that a nice change. The time here has passed faster than expected. I came on a Monday, and here it is, Saturday...the day before Jimmy comes. Hopefully I will be here only for the standard 3 days post-op, and with even more luck, Jimmy will come home with us!!
He's not been moving a TON today, but there has been an increase in contractions, so I know he's getting ready. After the day I had today, I wouldn't be surprised if I go into pre-labor tonight....watch, just because I said that, he'll make me into a liar :)
I've been passing the time making hair bows for Elise, lots of them. Between that and resting because of feeling so sick, the day has flown by.
I miss Brian and Elise. It's been hard to be away from them for so long. This is the longest I've ever been away from them both...and it's more difficult than I imagined. They are my world, and I realize being in the hospital how easy it is to take for granted the people you love with your whole heart. I've learned from this experience to make the most of the time you have with the ones you love. It is hard to be without them, and it is easy to forget how much you really depend on their love to make it through the day.
I am continually grateful for those friends and family who have helped us during this time...either watching Elise, visiting, calling or just praying for Jimmy and me. I love you all, and can't wait to bring Jimmy to you!
love
terrah
Just Over a Day!
April 25, 2009
I feel like I'm being s broken record here!!
I'm still in the hospital with the surgery scheduled for Sunday at 1pm. The nurses have been great and the care has been exceptional.
It has been wonderful to see family or hear from and friends too...it is s blessing beyond words. Thanks to everyone who have come by or called. or made sacrifices to let people come to help: To Kea, Nyla my playgroup girls Mom/Dad, Home teachers, Patti, Karla etc. and of course my husband, thank you, thank you!!! That doesn't even top the list, but I know you know who you are :)
My body seems to be trying to clear itself out for the big day. I've been a bit sick and exceptionally tired. I am nervous and tired...hoping for the best. I've met a lot of wonderful doctors and nurses who are taking wonderful care of me. I'm back on the monitor because the contractions have begun again, so it could be anytime, or it will be tomorrow. We will see!
I feel like I'm being s broken record here!!
I'm still in the hospital with the surgery scheduled for Sunday at 1pm. The nurses have been great and the care has been exceptional.
It has been wonderful to see family or hear from and friends too...it is s blessing beyond words. Thanks to everyone who have come by or called. or made sacrifices to let people come to help: To Kea, Nyla my playgroup girls Mom/Dad, Home teachers, Patti, Karla etc. and of course my husband, thank you, thank you!!! That doesn't even top the list, but I know you know who you are :)
My body seems to be trying to clear itself out for the big day. I've been a bit sick and exceptionally tired. I am nervous and tired...hoping for the best. I've met a lot of wonderful doctors and nurses who are taking wonderful care of me. I'm back on the monitor because the contractions have begun again, so it could be anytime, or it will be tomorrow. We will see!
Keeeping it positive and posted!!!
love
terrah
Friday, April 24, 2009
Things Are Picking Up
April 23, 2009
Of course, if there are any more developments, I will blog it out :)
love
terrah
It is hard to believe I've been in here since Monday. There has been so much to do, and so many people to talk to, I couldn't ask for a better stay...honestly.
For those of you who have taken time out of your hectic/busy day, I THANK you so much for showing your concern for Jimmy and me. It is so uplifting to hear the voices of friends and families...and the knowledge that they care so much is definitely a spirit booster.
Everything still looks fine with Jimmy. I'm not sure if it's the nurses or what, but they are able to find him and keep him monitored better now than on Monday, and that is a HUGE blessing. Like I said before, we just need him to be at least 4 lbs. and breathing on his own.
My cousin Becky called today to relay a similar story. She had her baby earlier than me and was able to take him home within 2 days! That made me smile, knowing there is a chance, even if it is small, that we'll be able to bring our little guy back with us when I'm recovered from the C-section.
I'm passing the time making hair bows for Elise, catching up on scripture study and other readings...as well as making sure this is as documented as possible. Jimmy will have one heck of a history surrounding his delivery!!!
Other than the obvious being stuck in bed/bed rest, or not having a baby to take home is how restless I have become. You see, with the Restless Leg Syndrome, and not being able to get up and walk around, it makes sleeping and relaxing sometimes, VERY difficult. However, the doctors here are very sympathetic and compassionate. The nurses are friendly and accommodating, and of course, Brian is here as much as he can be...which makes the time fly and helps to shoo away fears and doubts. I love him so much!
Of course, if there are any more developments, I will blog it out :)
love
terrah
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Doctor, Doctor!
Today has been a day of mostly great news!!!!
April 23, 2009
I just got a phone call today from my OB from Celebration, Dr. Brandy Kim. She has been pulling some strings and has a C-section scheduled for me on Sunday at 1pm. She'll be able to come do the procedure, which means I will definitely be home by Thursday, providing I have no compliations. This makes me so happy, that a complete stranger will not be delivering Jimmy, but the OB I have been seeing and who knows my case. What a tremendous blessing!!!!
The tests done today for Jimmy have come back with relatively positive results. He's in the 3 lbs. range, with a good chance to hit the 4 by Sunday. The only thing that worries me is that during his tests, the one thing he is failing to do/show is practicing breathing. Hopefully, the steroids will kick in and his visceral/vascular/respiratory system will all be on the up and up for Sunday's delivery.
This couldn't have come emotionally at a better time because as optimistic as I am trying to be for both of us, it is not easy when the 'I don't know's', and the 'what happens IF' start playing mind tricks on you.
Thank you again, everyone for all of your love, phone calls (Jo, for the clothes!!!) and well wishes. I will continue to keep this blog posted for anyone to see the latest and greatest!!
love
terrah
April 23, 2009
I just got a phone call today from my OB from Celebration, Dr. Brandy Kim. She has been pulling some strings and has a C-section scheduled for me on Sunday at 1pm. She'll be able to come do the procedure, which means I will definitely be home by Thursday, providing I have no compliations. This makes me so happy, that a complete stranger will not be delivering Jimmy, but the OB I have been seeing and who knows my case. What a tremendous blessing!!!!
The tests done today for Jimmy have come back with relatively positive results. He's in the 3 lbs. range, with a good chance to hit the 4 by Sunday. The only thing that worries me is that during his tests, the one thing he is failing to do/show is practicing breathing. Hopefully, the steroids will kick in and his visceral/vascular/respiratory system will all be on the up and up for Sunday's delivery.
This couldn't have come emotionally at a better time because as optimistic as I am trying to be for both of us, it is not easy when the 'I don't know's', and the 'what happens IF' start playing mind tricks on you.
Thank you again, everyone for all of your love, phone calls (Jo, for the clothes!!!) and well wishes. I will continue to keep this blog posted for anyone to see the latest and greatest!!
love
terrah
No One Said It'd Be Easy!
April 23, 2009
I had 2 emergency ultrasounds from the time of my last post to now. There is a score of 8 points Jimmy was supposed to get to have a clear bill of health (for the most part) If it was 4 or less, they'd take him today. It is a 30 minute test, and in the last 5 minutes, both times, he pulled through and made it to a six, both times! The part he failed was that he was not practicing breathing. He was able to move, had enough amnio fluid and showed motor skills, like opening and shutting his hands. That was a blessing. Having it take him 29 minutes of the 30 to get him to get to a six, was really apprehensive for me...because if he hadn't moved, they'd have taken him out today.
The estimated weight is maybe just over 3 lbs. That's great news because if I can keep him in here and keep shoving my face full of food, he's got a chance to get to be over 4 lbs! I just have to sit tight and try to get this kiddo to grow!! His head is the right size, but the rest of his body is very petite. I'll have to get some pictures up here somehow...
As much as I'm praying and reading, and trying to relax, it would be a lie to say I am perfectly fine. I am just as scared as the next mom, and wanting desperately to have a healthy baby boy, and trying with my whole heart to not go into a full out anxiety attack over the 'what-ifs'.
Thanks again to everyone who has been so willing to help and contribute to Elise and the family. I truly appreciate your generosity's and kindness.
We love you!
terrah
I had 2 emergency ultrasounds from the time of my last post to now. There is a score of 8 points Jimmy was supposed to get to have a clear bill of health (for the most part) If it was 4 or less, they'd take him today. It is a 30 minute test, and in the last 5 minutes, both times, he pulled through and made it to a six, both times! The part he failed was that he was not practicing breathing. He was able to move, had enough amnio fluid and showed motor skills, like opening and shutting his hands. That was a blessing. Having it take him 29 minutes of the 30 to get him to get to a six, was really apprehensive for me...because if he hadn't moved, they'd have taken him out today.
The estimated weight is maybe just over 3 lbs. That's great news because if I can keep him in here and keep shoving my face full of food, he's got a chance to get to be over 4 lbs! I just have to sit tight and try to get this kiddo to grow!! His head is the right size, but the rest of his body is very petite. I'll have to get some pictures up here somehow...
As much as I'm praying and reading, and trying to relax, it would be a lie to say I am perfectly fine. I am just as scared as the next mom, and wanting desperately to have a healthy baby boy, and trying with my whole heart to not go into a full out anxiety attack over the 'what-ifs'.
Thanks again to everyone who has been so willing to help and contribute to Elise and the family. I truly appreciate your generosity's and kindness.
We love you!
terrah
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Latest
NICU
April 22 (afternoon/evening)
So, here's the latest news of the day...
April 22 (afternoon/evening)
So, here's the latest news of the day...
NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) came by today to drop a bomb I hadn't even thought about.
Jimmy is measuring as small as 30 weeks. He must be at least 4 lbs. to jump the first hoop of avoiding the NICU. If he is less than 4 lbs., he must stay in NICU until he reaches that weight. The other factors that will place him in NICU are: breathing difficulties or other visceral abnormalities.
They told me that I shouldn't expect to bring him home with me in a week, but that coming home somewhere in the arena of 2 weeks before his original due date or 2 weeks after is more common. There is a chance he could come out at 4 lbs, and have great lungs...no other major health problems etc. and we could take him home. Worst case is he's not 4 lbs., has visceral issues and I'll have to pump milk and come several times a day for feeding and bonding until he reaches the doctor's opinion of dischargement. (is that even a word??) They said if he meets the criteria for NICU, I will not be able to hold him after the delivery, he will go straight to NICU, I will not be able to nurse him, but will have to try to pump and store milk for the subsequent days of his recovery. The first day, he'd likely be on some juiced up milk concoction that will help him gain plenty of weight.
It is definitely a challenge, hearing all of these thing and thinking of the worst and best cases. I'm trying my best to think positively. I constantly feel like I'm giving Jimmy pep talks to take every calorie in my body to help him gain weight, and use those steroids to get his lungs up to par.
This morning I was studying the scriptures and came across a quote that made thinking negatively, not so negative. I was crying by the end of the quote and still hoping this to not be the case, but nonetheless, this is what I read...I read a quote today by Joseph Smith who was contemplating why infants are taken so early sometimes, and it said:
- "The Lord takes many away even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again."
What a comforting insight to the Lord's will and wisdom.
Otherwise, the test and lab results that were taken yesterday have come back negatively, which is great news, but also expected news. I don't have any tumors, cancers, aneurysms, diseases, or otherwise harmful issues to Jimmy. The results that came back positively will be able to be addressed post-pardum and affect only me, not the baby. Yay!!
Yesterday was a huge day of getting things in order for a more comfortable stay in the hospital, for instance, finding the right medications for the problems I do have...like the headaches, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia and the other chronic pain issues. Today has been a much more restful day, and after Brian brings me the things from home to keep me super busy, this should be a restful and productive stay in the hospital. We are fortunate to have such good care here at Winnie Palmer, and to have reduced the majority of contractions. With the Lord's help and if it is his will, Jimmy will be here no sooner than Monday!!
Thank you all again for your support, phone calls, and prayers...I so appreciate them all!
I'll let you know if anything else changes tomorrow :)
love,
terrah
April 2009
Okay Okay Okay
So it's not a week later, it's a month...and what a month it has been! Here is what has happened in March:
The house here in Orlando is coming along. For the most part the interior is probably 75% finished. There is still so much to do. The thing I realize in a smaller house is how impossible it is to hide any kind of mess. It is so obvious because there is so much less room to occupy your field of vision. Because of that, I feel constantly that I have to clean or pick up after everyone. As we settle, I'm sure things will work themselves out into a routine and I won't be so crazy over every little thing! Jimmy's room is almost done and with the boys coming for 6 weeks in the summer, it will be interesting to see what happens in such smaller living quarters.
Like I mentioned earlier, Elise got really sick, bronchitis and conjunctivitis, with a 105.9 fever that was really difficult to break. After finally getting her to take her medicine, by bribing her to go outside and play on the new swing Brian bought her, she got better…and then I got sick. I’ve been chasing this cough away now for 2 weeks and it is letting up now. I feel like I can take moderately deep breaths, which I generally take and take for granted. I generally take all of my health for granted because I feel like I’m always at some doctor’s office for something. How important it is to remember how blessed we are every day, for every thing we take for granted!!!
We had an ultrasound for Jimmy and he is in the 20th percentile which means I don’t have to go on steroids or bed rest! He’s supposed to be 4 lbs, but is measuring 2 lbs. they’ll do another ultrasound in 2 weeks to make sure he’s growing okay. However, the way I’m feeling, I’m not sure he’ll still be in here in 2 weeks. Every day I have stronger contractions and I know I’m getting bigger because I have finally had to break out the serious maternity clothes. There are some great things to look forward to for the birth of this baby and I have to try to focus on those because there are a few things that terrify me…Jimmy’s health and condition, whether he’ll be able to come home with me, the c-section, recovery, labor etc.
Bottom line is, I can't help wondering if I go into labor early, who will be here for Elise, or if Brian will be out of town when I go into labor and it’s just Elise and I…and I can’t drive if I’m in horrible labor! I’m such a worrier. I’m sure things will work out just they way they ought to. Brian and I both felt like I needed to pack my maternity bags yesterday and so I did that this morning (April 16th) It made the realization that I’m having a new baby in the house so much more tangible. He’s a mover. He sits low, he dropped about a month ago and is just hangin’ out waiting for the day. We have a c-section scheduled for June 1, but who knows if I will really make it that far. If I do, it is a miracle of God.
It seems everyone will be out of town or unavailable for some reason or another in the months of late April and May. I know Mom will be out of town, Kea will be, Nyla and Ken will be also at some point for their vacationing. On top of that, other things have been happening that are difficult to manage. Steve and Meriah had an emergency surgery (okay, so that was unavoidable and a horrible tragedy at that) Seth got a new job that is keeping him very busy, and Dad had a knee surgery scheduled. Sometimes it just hits everyone all at once, and really slams us all, doesn't it?
I am actually posting this blog from Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando 6 days after I wrote this. I just haven't had the time to post the blog until now!! I'll keep going, this is a LONG post!
Here is what the latest run down is:
I’m sitting here in the hospital…and not the hospital I imagined I’d be in for this pregnancy. Yesterday at 3 pm, my water broke. I had just finished running errands before I went to my OB appointment. The nurse casually said, oh, 2 more weeks and you can deliver at this hospital. I didn’t realize the weight of that statement until later. When I saw the doctor, I told him I was having more contractions and it felt like pre-labor. He said to not worry about it, and then when I got home, it took a matter of minutes before a huge gush of water came…and kept coming. I called the doctor and they told me to come to the hospital.
We got to the hospital and they told me oh, we don’t have a NICU, so you have to be transported to a different hospital, Winnie Palmer or Florida Hospital because they have a NICU and you are only 33 weeks pregnant. I was looking so forward to delivering at Celebration. I was really looking forward to working with Dr. Kim, not some stranger in some other hospital. I felt so frustrated.
After different measures were taken to prevent the labor from progressing this is what was determined:
Jimmy is measuring very small, about 3 weeks earlier than he should, meaning he looks like he's 30 weeks, not 33. Every measure is being taken to try to get him to develop as much as possible.
I am to be on fluids, anti-biotics, steroids and bed rest until one of these three happens: infection—leading to immediate c-section, full blown labor—if they can’t stop it, they’ll go to the c-section, or Monday, on which day I will be 34 weeks, and that marks the time they are comfortable having Jimmy taken out, and able to breathe on his own. They have scheduled the c-section for Monday, so at the latest, I should be out of here by Thursday, if not sooner. For Jimmy’s sake, I hope it’s Thursday and I really hope he’ll be healthy enough to come home with me. Neonatal has told me though, I should not get my hopes up for that...and that I should shoot more for the due date for his homecoming. I think I'll be doing a lot of commuting if that is the case.
Kea has been great. She took Elise last night and let her sleep over so Brian could stay with me...then to Blizzard Beach with cousin Eden for a fun day!
Gratefully, Nyla will come until Friday to spend the nights with Brian and Elise so he can work and do his thing at home. There is no reason for him AND I to be stuck here. Everyone who has been able to help out, has really boosted my spirits so much and I am so grateful for the phone calls and all of the help you have been to Brian, Elise and I. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Because of how much time I have, if I find out anything else, I of course will let everyone know, posting emails or blogs...but I'd come to the blog first! If you've forgotten what it is, here you go:
So it's not a week later, it's a month...and what a month it has been! Here is what has happened in March:
The house here in Orlando is coming along. For the most part the interior is probably 75% finished. There is still so much to do. The thing I realize in a smaller house is how impossible it is to hide any kind of mess. It is so obvious because there is so much less room to occupy your field of vision. Because of that, I feel constantly that I have to clean or pick up after everyone. As we settle, I'm sure things will work themselves out into a routine and I won't be so crazy over every little thing! Jimmy's room is almost done and with the boys coming for 6 weeks in the summer, it will be interesting to see what happens in such smaller living quarters.
Like I mentioned earlier, Elise got really sick, bronchitis and conjunctivitis, with a 105.9 fever that was really difficult to break. After finally getting her to take her medicine, by bribing her to go outside and play on the new swing Brian bought her, she got better…and then I got sick. I’ve been chasing this cough away now for 2 weeks and it is letting up now. I feel like I can take moderately deep breaths, which I generally take and take for granted. I generally take all of my health for granted because I feel like I’m always at some doctor’s office for something. How important it is to remember how blessed we are every day, for every thing we take for granted!!!
We had an ultrasound for Jimmy and he is in the 20th percentile which means I don’t have to go on steroids or bed rest! He’s supposed to be 4 lbs, but is measuring 2 lbs. they’ll do another ultrasound in 2 weeks to make sure he’s growing okay. However, the way I’m feeling, I’m not sure he’ll still be in here in 2 weeks. Every day I have stronger contractions and I know I’m getting bigger because I have finally had to break out the serious maternity clothes. There are some great things to look forward to for the birth of this baby and I have to try to focus on those because there are a few things that terrify me…Jimmy’s health and condition, whether he’ll be able to come home with me, the c-section, recovery, labor etc.
Bottom line is, I can't help wondering if I go into labor early, who will be here for Elise, or if Brian will be out of town when I go into labor and it’s just Elise and I…and I can’t drive if I’m in horrible labor! I’m such a worrier. I’m sure things will work out just they way they ought to. Brian and I both felt like I needed to pack my maternity bags yesterday and so I did that this morning (April 16th) It made the realization that I’m having a new baby in the house so much more tangible. He’s a mover. He sits low, he dropped about a month ago and is just hangin’ out waiting for the day. We have a c-section scheduled for June 1, but who knows if I will really make it that far. If I do, it is a miracle of God.
It seems everyone will be out of town or unavailable for some reason or another in the months of late April and May. I know Mom will be out of town, Kea will be, Nyla and Ken will be also at some point for their vacationing. On top of that, other things have been happening that are difficult to manage. Steve and Meriah had an emergency surgery (okay, so that was unavoidable and a horrible tragedy at that) Seth got a new job that is keeping him very busy, and Dad had a knee surgery scheduled. Sometimes it just hits everyone all at once, and really slams us all, doesn't it?
I am actually posting this blog from Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando 6 days after I wrote this. I just haven't had the time to post the blog until now!! I'll keep going, this is a LONG post!
Here is what the latest run down is:
I’m sitting here in the hospital…and not the hospital I imagined I’d be in for this pregnancy. Yesterday at 3 pm, my water broke. I had just finished running errands before I went to my OB appointment. The nurse casually said, oh, 2 more weeks and you can deliver at this hospital. I didn’t realize the weight of that statement until later. When I saw the doctor, I told him I was having more contractions and it felt like pre-labor. He said to not worry about it, and then when I got home, it took a matter of minutes before a huge gush of water came…and kept coming. I called the doctor and they told me to come to the hospital.
We got to the hospital and they told me oh, we don’t have a NICU, so you have to be transported to a different hospital, Winnie Palmer or Florida Hospital because they have a NICU and you are only 33 weeks pregnant. I was looking so forward to delivering at Celebration. I was really looking forward to working with Dr. Kim, not some stranger in some other hospital. I felt so frustrated.
After different measures were taken to prevent the labor from progressing this is what was determined:
Jimmy is measuring very small, about 3 weeks earlier than he should, meaning he looks like he's 30 weeks, not 33. Every measure is being taken to try to get him to develop as much as possible.
I am to be on fluids, anti-biotics, steroids and bed rest until one of these three happens: infection—leading to immediate c-section, full blown labor—if they can’t stop it, they’ll go to the c-section, or Monday, on which day I will be 34 weeks, and that marks the time they are comfortable having Jimmy taken out, and able to breathe on his own. They have scheduled the c-section for Monday, so at the latest, I should be out of here by Thursday, if not sooner. For Jimmy’s sake, I hope it’s Thursday and I really hope he’ll be healthy enough to come home with me. Neonatal has told me though, I should not get my hopes up for that...and that I should shoot more for the due date for his homecoming. I think I'll be doing a lot of commuting if that is the case.
Kea has been great. She took Elise last night and let her sleep over so Brian could stay with me...then to Blizzard Beach with cousin Eden for a fun day!
Gratefully, Nyla will come until Friday to spend the nights with Brian and Elise so he can work and do his thing at home. There is no reason for him AND I to be stuck here. Everyone who has been able to help out, has really boosted my spirits so much and I am so grateful for the phone calls and all of the help you have been to Brian, Elise and I. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Because of how much time I have, if I find out anything else, I of course will let everyone know, posting emails or blogs...but I'd come to the blog first! If you've forgotten what it is, here you go:
The direct line to my hospital room in ante-pardum is 321-843-0502 . I'm in room 5112, in tower 5, until the delivery, which for Jimmy's sake I pray will be on Monday and not any sooner.
Thanks again to everyone!!
Love,
terrah
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March 2009
Oh my goodness what a month!
I figured I'd write a little something before the end of the month so I don't have almost 2 months to catch up on...
We're still trying to get everything out of Clermont and back into Dr. Phillips. We're almost done, but it's taken a lot of work and time. I feel like we're burning on both ends every day. It's taken its toll too, because Elise has come down with bronchitis, and conjunctivitis and now, I'm being treated for bronchitis! Hopefully Brian won't catch this one, it's a doozy.
On top of all this, we found out this week that the baby has already dropped into position and is ready to go! It's still WAY too early. He's measuring small too, so we go in for an ultrasound on Tuesday to make sure everything is okay and developing properly.
I should be posting the rest of the month's stuff and updates within the next week.Until then!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
February
I Have a REALLY Good Excuse!
I still need every one's forgiveness for not being able to place pictures well in a blog. I still haven't figured it out!!
February has come and gone and I haven't updated the blog! My excuse is: We lost the camera battery charger. Our camera can only download pictures if it is on, and the battery has been dead, so at the end of February, I didn't do an update because I wanted to post some current pictures.
Neither Brian nor I could find the battery 
charger and figured it would show up someplace, sometime. Well, it didn't show up until yesterday when I was looking for something in the Pilot and found it in the console. We both had looked there, and apparently overlooked the charger!
We had our 3rd anniversary this Valentines Day, and Brian surprised me with a day vacation to Downtown Disney for a picnic at the Poly, and a movie. It was great to have a day to spend together without any other worries in the world.
As most of you all know, Brian and I have moved back to Dr. Phillips. We haven't completely finished, and it will take some time to get all of the moving finished though. We are grateful to everyone who helped in the move, and you know who you are :) Brian wants to get some of the plants from Clermont and bring them to Dr. Phillips, and chop down the massive jungle that engulfs half of the back yard. Gardening is a labor of love for him.
Brian has also been spending what little spare time he has with a new passion, or maybe renewed passion for guns. He and the boys have 
gone out with other members of the ward to shoot. They all seem to enjoy blowing up targets together. Elise and I are just fine with staying home and doing the girly thing, which for Elise is trying on every shoe in the house. in February, there wasn't anything more she wanted to do than try on my old pointe shoes.
Work is starting to pick up a bit, and for that we are so blessed and grateful to the Lord.
The pregnancy drama never ceases to amaze me. Without going into a ridiculous amount of detail, I will say that due to the high risk this pregnancy is, my current OB has refused to provide any additional care. (If you really want details you'll just have to call me) Being in my 3rd trimester, you can imagine the stress that put on me. Not many doctors want to take on a patient so late into their pregnancy. In fact a few doctors I took my records to reviewed them and pretty much said, heck no we won't take you! Luckily, I found a doctor in Celebration who has accepted me as a patient, and has made more progress toward relief than any other doctor I have seen so far. a sort of left handed blessing I suppose...as some blessing can be.
Elise is continuing to sign, and has over 90 in her vocabulary! She is such a bright little girl. She's getting better with her words too. In fact, yesterday, she said sizard (for lizard...there are a lot of lizards at the house in Orlando) and ji ji for Jimmy this morning. She and Brian like to give my belly hugs and kisses. She is also saying uh oh and oots whenever she makes a mistake or drops something. Her persistancy in saying please makes your heart melt and even more difficult to refuse her requests. Her manners are generally very good, except when she yells NO! or More!! We took her to Disney for my birthday, and she loved it! Those pictures are on my camera phone and I'll have to figure out how to get them off before you can see them. She loved the carousel of course, and would say horsey please and more throughout the day. She had so much fun, and was so excited that in a tunnel on the playground in Toon Town, she hugged and kissed a boy!! Brian quickly told her 'no kissing boys, only kiss mommy and daddy, okay?' With a nod of her head she was off again to the tunnel, and guess what? Kissed another boy! She's a handful.
Brian and the boys like to hide from each other, and Brian has recently taught Elise to hide. This is a BAD thing. I brought her out to the car yesterday and let go of her hand for a few seconds, and I mean seconds...to put her diaperbag in the car. I turned around to get her and she was gone! I started yelling her name, and looking all around the car, on the side yards etc. all the while screaming her name and hearing no
thing but silence afterward. It must have been a full minute of panic (it seemed like 45) before I heard her mischevous little laugh and found her, hiding up where the gas pedal/brakes are. I seriously thought I was going to have a coronary. When we got to our destination (playgroup) I was telling my friend about what had happened and again, for a few seconds we didn't have our eyes on the kids and Elise had dissappeared again! She was upstairs in her friend's bedroom. She's quick and sneaky, two traits I am not too thrilled about dealing with for the remainder of her life.
So that's my post. It's been a busy, busy few weeks. It will only get busier as my due date approaches too...oh the life of a Momma!
Thanks again to everyone who has helped us out moving, we appreciate it so much!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
January 2009
I didn't forget!!
Hey everyone...I didn't forget to write January's blog post, I just have been so super busy, like all of you I'm sure.
January was really quite a month. We found out we're having a baby boy, that we'll name after Brian, James "Jimmy" Brian Denham. The pregnancy is moving a long. Jimmy is a big kicker! I'm still having a lot of headaches though. We did some testing and gratefully, they aren't being caused by anything serious, like a tumor or aneurysm. My doctor's sent me to the ER this month because I was showing every sign of pre-eclampsia (I developed that while I was in labor with elise) and they needed to test for the one final thing that would say I had it or didn't, and I don't :) That's great news. The bad news is, I have to keep getting shots in my head for these headaches, and they don't always work. Just a few more months though!!
We had an emergency custody hearing for the boys this month. It did not go as we expected. The boy's mom didn't even show up for the hearing, so they started without her. The judge was going to give us the emergency custody, and we almost got the order signed...It almost worked out the way we wanted, but everything just kind of turned upside-down at the last minute and the judge changed his mind. We don't foresee a likely chance under the circumstances that we will gain custody of the boys. If we couldn't get it for the emergency hearing, we don't have much faith that going forward would be beneficial to anyone except the attorney's who will gladly take anyones money!!
Elise is doing great. I think I've counted at least 65 signs that she can do, well. She's learning to sign and say her colors, and is starting to say more words. I think her favorite right now has got to be "no" or "more" sounds like mowwah, really cute. She's getting ready to start her swim classes again, and this summer she'll start her mommy and me classes at the Clermont Academy of Dance. I'm excited for that because I can loose some of the pregnancy weight I'm gaining.
All in all, this month has been really busy between doctor's visits, custody hearings and the daily grind. I hope you all are well and that you had a great January!
I'll post again at the end of the month for February's update...
--terrah
Hey everyone...I didn't forget to write January's blog post, I just have been so super busy, like all of you I'm sure.
January was really quite a month. We found out we're having a baby boy, that we'll name after Brian, James "Jimmy" Brian Denham. The pregnancy is moving a long. Jimmy is a big kicker! I'm still having a lot of headaches though. We did some testing and gratefully, they aren't being caused by anything serious, like a tumor or aneurysm. My doctor's sent me to the ER this month because I was showing every sign of pre-eclampsia (I developed that while I was in labor with elise) and they needed to test for the one final thing that would say I had it or didn't, and I don't :) That's great news. The bad news is, I have to keep getting shots in my head for these headaches, and they don't always work. Just a few more months though!!
We had an emergency custody hearing for the boys this month. It did not go as we expected. The boy's mom didn't even show up for the hearing, so they started without her. The judge was going to give us the emergency custody, and we almost got the order signed...It almost worked out the way we wanted, but everything just kind of turned upside-down at the last minute and the judge changed his mind. We don't foresee a likely chance under the circumstances that we will gain custody of the boys. If we couldn't get it for the emergency hearing, we don't have much faith that going forward would be beneficial to anyone except the attorney's who will gladly take anyones money!!
Elise is doing great. I think I've counted at least 65 signs that she can do, well. She's learning to sign and say her colors, and is starting to say more words. I think her favorite right now has got to be "no" or "more" sounds like mowwah, really cute. She's getting ready to start her swim classes again, and this summer she'll start her mommy and me classes at the Clermont Academy of Dance. I'm excited for that because I can loose some of the pregnancy weight I'm gaining.
All in all, this month has been really busy between doctor's visits, custody hearings and the daily grind. I hope you all are well and that you had a great January!
I'll post again at the end of the month for February's update...
--terrah
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
December 31, 2008
Merry belated Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Another month has gone by and I’m happy to say, there hasn’t been anything dreadful, like last month, phew!
I can’t believe another year has passed. Time really flies the older you get. Our days are filled with things to do, so I suppose it really shouldn’t be such a shock. The Christmas season has been very modest for everyone I know. For me, it was a huge reminder of what the season is truly about…and for that I am grateful.
We had the boys from the time school ended for the holiday break, until this past Sunday. We all love to have them here. Elise loves them so much and every morning would say Shh Shh (for Shannon) and De De (for Devon). It is so great to watch the three of them interact. It brings out a considerate and compassionate side of the boys that they generally do not have for each other. Over the past year and a half, they have made some really significant improvements with how they treat each other…a little more concern, respect and sensitivity. I’m really proud of them for that.
Another first this year, was
that Shannon and Devon both purchased gifts for others with their own money! I took Devon, and Brian took Shannon. I know for certain how excited Devon was to buy gifts for his family…he wrote on the gift tags that he paid for them with his own money, and it was tithed. Both of the boys were very thoughtful and generous with their gifts, realizing perhaps for the first time during a Christmas, how much more fun it can be to give, than receive.
We opened Christmas gifts on the Tuesday before Christmas because Brian wanted to make sure he was able to spend some quality play time with them before they left to go back to Lakeland. All the boys (dad included) got Nerf Dart Guns for Christmas. They played inside the house, built forts/shelters, and got to play soccer a lot. I think they were all happy to have the extra time to play. The time was extended even further when their mom decided to not come to get them on Christmas. She didn’t come and get them until the Sunday after Christmas, which left the boys all a lot of time to play with their gifts and read their new books.
Grandma Campbell and Grandpa Ken ca
me over for Christmas brunch and brought lots of goodies for the kids and a wonderful present for Brian and I, which was a certificate to watch Elise and the new baby during this coming year. It was great to see Elise really enjoy Christmas. Last year, she was more interested in the paper and garbage. This year, she really loved the gifts she received and hasn’t stopped playing with them yet!
There really isn’t too much to say negatively about the month. From what I understand, most every family got some kind of cold/flu during Christmas. We weren’t immune to it either. I did take a trip down the stairs and hurt my shoulder. The doctor thinks it’s sprained or fractured, but I don’t want to get an x-ray to see. No matter what the results were, there isn’t a lot I can do…being pregnant. On the positive side of pregnancy, there were no trips to the hospital this month and the baby is strong enough I can feel kicks every now and then. We’ll find out next month whether or not it is a boy or girl. During Christmas brunch, I started having some pretty strong contractions that kept me in bed for a few hours. The doctors say I should expect continuing complications during the pregnancy, but not to worry about them. They’re more of a nuisance for me, than a concern for the health of the baby.
We’d love to hear from your family to see what’s been happening with you all. I really don’t know, (because I receive so few responses to these emails/blog posts) if this even gets read by most of the people I send it to. At any rate, I hope you all are well. We think of you often and pray for you always!
Love,
terrah, brian, shannon, devon, and elise
Merry belated Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Another month has gone by and I’m happy to say, there hasn’t been anything dreadful, like last month, phew!
I can’t believe another year has passed. Time really flies the older you get. Our days are filled with things to do, so I suppose it really shouldn’t be such a shock. The Christmas season has been very modest for everyone I know. For me, it was a huge reminder of what the season is truly about…and for that I am grateful.
We had the boys from the time school ended for the holiday break, until this past Sunday. We all love to have them here. Elise loves them so much and every morning would say Shh Shh (for Shannon) and De De (for Devon). It is so great to watch the three of them interact. It brings out a considerate and compassionate side of the boys that they generally do not have for each other. Over the past year and a half, they have made some really significant improvements with how they treat each other…a little more concern, respect and sensitivity. I’m really proud of them for that.
Another first this year, was
that Shannon and Devon both purchased gifts for others with their own money! I took Devon, and Brian took Shannon. I know for certain how excited Devon was to buy gifts for his family…he wrote on the gift tags that he paid for them with his own money, and it was tithed. Both of the boys were very thoughtful and generous with their gifts, realizing perhaps for the first time during a Christmas, how much more fun it can be to give, than receive.We opened Christmas gifts on the Tuesday before Christmas because Brian wanted to make sure he was able to spend some quality play time with them before they left to go back to Lakeland. All the boys (dad included) got Nerf Dart Guns for Christmas. They played inside the house, built forts/shelters, and got to play soccer a lot. I think they were all happy to have the extra time to play. The time was extended even further when their mom decided to not come to get them on Christmas. She didn’t come and get them until the Sunday after Christmas, which left the boys all a lot of time to play with their gifts and read their new books.
Grandma Campbell and Grandpa Ken ca
me over for Christmas brunch and brought lots of goodies for the kids and a wonderful present for Brian and I, which was a certificate to watch Elise and the new baby during this coming year. It was great to see Elise really enjoy Christmas. Last year, she was more interested in the paper and garbage. This year, she really loved the gifts she received and hasn’t stopped playing with them yet!There really isn’t too much to say negatively about the month. From what I understand, most every family got some kind of cold/flu during Christmas. We weren’t immune to it either. I did take a trip down the stairs and hurt my shoulder. The doctor thinks it’s sprained or fractured, but I don’t want to get an x-ray to see. No matter what the results were, there isn’t a lot I can do…being pregnant. On the positive side of pregnancy, there were no trips to the hospital this month and the baby is strong enough I can feel kicks every now and then. We’ll find out next month whether or not it is a boy or girl. During Christmas brunch, I started having some pretty strong contractions that kept me in bed for a few hours. The doctors say I should expect continuing complications during the pregnancy, but not to worry about them. They’re more of a nuisance for me, than a concern for the health of the baby.
We’d love to hear from your family to see what’s been happening with you all. I really don’t know, (because I receive so few responses to these emails/blog posts) if this even gets read by most of the people I send it to. At any rate, I hope you all are well. We think of you often and pray for you always!
Love,
terrah, brian, shannon, devon, and elise
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Okay, so I’m a few days late for this month’s update, but as they say “Better late, than never”.
November has been a very busy and sobering month. Between soccer games, holidays, and the pregnancy, there is the regular hussle and bustle of every day life.
There have been some really trying things happening this month. Our friend from church was in a horrible accident where his wife was killed by a drunk driver, and he remains in the hospital. Our other friend from church has a son who is dealing with brain cancer/surgeries etc. And our very own sweet bun in the oven, put us all in for a scare yesterday that landed me in the hospital to make sure everything is okay. Trials from heaven never cease, and neither does the love and mercy we feel from our Heavenly Father. Our gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives is full to the top of our cups this month.
We were able to visit Hawthorne for Thanksgiving with the boys and Elise. They loved it! Elise can now moo like a cow! She loved seeing all the animals. The boys did too…they even helped feed the cows with Luke. They really enjoyed watching movies (Iron Man, Spiderman, and Nacho Libre) inside, and playing soccer with Brian outside. They kicked the ball into a tree and it took us a long time to get it down. It was too dangerous to climb that particular tree, so Brian took a large fallen limb and poked at it until it fell out of the tree. Brian and I were able to locate so many constellations in the clear winter skies of the country. We tried to use our telescope, but the eyes truly seemed to be our best tool for viewing the stars.
Shannon is starting to mow the lawn to earn money and did a great job this weekend. Devon helped around as well. They both like to work if there is a paycheck at the end of the road, especially Devon!! He wants to save up hundreds of dollars for some automatic derby race car thing (he said) OR he wants to save up all his money to buy a ton of Legos (which would only make the ridiculous amount of Legos they already have even more ridiculous. Seriously, there isn’t an inch of shelving space available for any more Lego ships! I have no idea what he’d do with them all.
Elise continues to sign. She’s doing great with following directions, and telling us exactly what she wants. Her new favorite thing? First thing in the morning, she says “BA!” She means bus. She loves looking out of her bedroom window at all the school busses. Second to that, she can say ball now, and I mean say it, not just sign it. So she’ll stand by the door and say ball, ball, ball when she wants to go outside to play. Brian set up the soccer goals in the back yard and she loves playing and kicking the balls around.
We hope everything is going well for each of your families. You’re always in our prayers, and we love you!!
--The Denhams
November has been a very busy and sobering month. Between soccer games, holidays, and the pregnancy, there is the regular hussle and bustle of every day life.
There have been some really trying things happening this month. Our friend from church was in a horrible accident where his wife was killed by a drunk driver, and he remains in the hospital. Our other friend from church has a son who is dealing with brain cancer/surgeries etc. And our very own sweet bun in the oven, put us all in for a scare yesterday that landed me in the hospital to make sure everything is okay. Trials from heaven never cease, and neither does the love and mercy we feel from our Heavenly Father. Our gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives is full to the top of our cups this month.
We were able to visit Hawthorne for Thanksgiving with the boys and Elise. They loved it! Elise can now moo like a cow! She loved seeing all the animals. The boys did too…they even helped feed the cows with Luke. They really enjoyed watching movies (Iron Man, Spiderman, and Nacho Libre) inside, and playing soccer with Brian outside. They kicked the ball into a tree and it took us a long time to get it down. It was too dangerous to climb that particular tree, so Brian took a large fallen limb and poked at it until it fell out of the tree. Brian and I were able to locate so many constellations in the clear winter skies of the country. We tried to use our telescope, but the eyes truly seemed to be our best tool for viewing the stars.
Shannon is starting to mow the lawn to earn money and did a great job this weekend. Devon helped around as well. They both like to work if there is a paycheck at the end of the road, especially Devon!! He wants to save up hundreds of dollars for some automatic derby race car thing (he said) OR he wants to save up all his money to buy a ton of Legos (which would only make the ridiculous amount of Legos they already have even more ridiculous. Seriously, there isn’t an inch of shelving space available for any more Lego ships! I have no idea what he’d do with them all.
Elise continues to sign. She’s doing great with following directions, and telling us exactly what she wants. Her new favorite thing? First thing in the morning, she says “BA!” She means bus. She loves looking out of her bedroom window at all the school busses. Second to that, she can say ball now, and I mean say it, not just sign it. So she’ll stand by the door and say ball, ball, ball when she wants to go outside to play. Brian set up the soccer goals in the back yard and she loves playing and kicking the balls around.
We hope everything is going well for each of your families. You’re always in our prayers, and we love you!!
--The Denhams
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween!
Please forgive the layout of this blog, I still haven't got the hang of multiple pictures in one blog down to a science. If I can keep up with this thing, in a few months from now, my blog should be beautiful. Until then, you'll have to just bear with me :)
Elise had her first Trick or Treating experience last night and LOVED it! Shannon and Devon came over this weekend. Shannon dressed up like a wrestler, Devon a chainsaw guy, and Elise a little 50's girl. We were able to go up and down the street, candy baskets in tow, before Elise was too tired and grumpy. She got a lot of attention from everyone who was handing out candy, and by attention, I guess I mean extra candy. There were a lot of "oh, she's so cute" and "what a beautiful girl" statments in between the gobbs of candy they dropped into her basket. She would sign thank you, and more after each handful.
That only made everyone even more excited to give her candy! She got at least 3 times as much candy on that street as the boys. When we came back home, Elise changed roles and passed out candy. As each child came up, she eagerly dropped candy into their baskets and chased after them as they walked away signing more, more, more! She really liked Halloween. She also, for the first time in her life decided she wanted to eat a piece of candy. She picked out a Twix and ate the entire thing! After that, it was time for a bath and a good night's sleep.
That only made everyone even more excited to give her candy! She got at least 3 times as much candy on that street as the boys. When we came back home, Elise changed roles and passed out candy. As each child came up, she eagerly dropped candy into their baskets and chased after them as they walked away signing more, more, more! She really liked Halloween. She also, for the first time in her life decided she wanted to eat a piece of candy. She picked out a Twix and ate the entire thing! After that, it was time for a bath and a good night's sleep.After setting some ground rules (call us every 15 minutes and stay in this particular section of the neighborhood)the boys continued for about an hour and came back, baskets full to the top with Candy. Devon unfortunately though, was victim to some major rudeness in the neighborhood. Apparently some kids came up and just stole candy, right out of his basket!! He surely had plenty to share and would have given it up, but geez! Shannon and Devon made it home safely with plenty of candy and goodies.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
October 2008
There are so many things to be excited for this month!
I am really excited, because I'm actually keeping my word in keeping current with this blog!! But more than that, we're having another baby!!!
The baby is apx 8 weeks old, and everything looks good so far.
As for the rest of the family, we are doing well. I'm a bit sick from the surging hormones of being pregnant, but other than the typical prego-symptoms, I'm okay :)
We are trying to have Elise talk to the baby and give kisses. She is such an affectionate baby, always blowing kisses, running up to hug us or kiss us. Her signing vocabulary continues to increase (which means Brian's and my vocabulary is increasing as well) and she is able to communicate so well. I've said before she loves to go outside and used to be very persistent, signing 'shoes, outside. shoes, outside' over and over until I would finally take her out. Now she signs 'outside, birds' over and over. Unfortunately, birds are hard to find in the neighborhood. There aren't enough trees for them, so the place for finding birds is in a parking lot at Target or Wal-Mart. She loves to go out and see the birds in parking lots.
Elise is also showing her nurturing side more and more with her baby doll. She often tries to have the baby fold her arms for prayers. She also tries to feed the baby with whatever snack or drink I've given her. She will be a wonderful big sister. She is a helpful baby, very curious as to what I'm doing in the kitchen, and will sign help often. The other day, I had a craving for pancakes, so I started to make pancakes and she wanted to help. I gave her chocolate chips to drop onto the pancakes. When she was finished with the handful I gave her, she signed more...so there were a LOT of chocolate chips in the pancakes. I was excited to have her give some to Brian. I did my taste test, and realized that my pregnant absentmindedness caused me to accidentally put baking soda in the recipe instead of baking powder. So, we never gave the pancakes to Brian, instead, Elise helped me turn on the garbage disposal to destroy my botched up batch of chocolate chip pancakes.
Brian is using his green thumb to beautify our yard. He's been working almost every day this week planting and moving plants in the front yard. It's beautiful!
Halloween is tomorrow and out theme this year is 1950's. Brian will be a greaser, and Elise and I have poodle skirts we will wear. I made them this year, to try and save some money. Elise found the only thing I could not sew on the skirt and ripped it off...the jewel in the dog collar! She seems to like her skirt. Kea and I took Eden and Elise to have their pictures taken in costume. I'll post the pictures when we get them back from the studio mid November.
It is a joy to have Elise and Brian in my life and I am so grateful for them and the opportunity to add another little bundle to our package :)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
the other blog page for the Denham's
Okay, so here are our two blog spot addys
I'll try to keep them both updated.
Wish me luck!!!
t
September 2008
Well, it’s around that time of the month to update the family…although, I’ve seen most of you this past month, so you all know what’s going on!
It was a great blessing to have Chane down to visit. It was really nice to have the siblings together, even though it happened completely different than anyone could have imagined. Chane, we love you. When you come back, Joanna, you better be here too, with kids in tow!!!
As for our end of the family, we are moving right along. Elise is still just full of life and excitement. She’s opening up more quickly than ever before to more people, and has taken a great liking to Hawthorne!! Brian, Elise and I were fortunate to have been able to go the UF game over this past weekend (thank you Ken and Nyla, it was so much fun!), and Elise got to become more acquainted with Gramma and Grandpa Bradshaw’s house (thanks Momma and Dad). I think she loved Gramma’s exercise machine, Luke’s loose CD’s and rubix cube, & the wooden coasters the best. This was also the first time she was around the lov sac and didn’t totally freak out!
Here at home, she’s decided hiding behind curtains and trying to sneak into the office is the most fun she can have. So I finally gave her a sheer panel to hang over the stairs to run through and play in, my old laptop that will never ever start again, and an outdated old cell phone with no sim card or battery. Go figure, the enjoyment only lasted a moment or so until she realized they don’t have glowing lights. It was a good effort though, and she still plays with them occasionally. Check out the albums on the facebook account to see her in action! Her signing vocabulary expands as quick as I can teach her the signs.
I believe I have shared a list with some of you, if not all, but here it is again:
Baby
Ball
Bath
Bird
Blanket
Book
Brush
Cat
Cereal
Dog
Down
Drink (she makes the sign for water when she wants a drink, unless she wants milk, then she’ll sign milk)
Duck
Eat
Fish
Flower (Also, Eden)
Good Morning
Good Night
Happy
Help
Hat
Horsey
I don’t know
Look
More
No
Outside
Please
Popcorn
Quiet
Shoes
Socks
Sleep
Smell
SorrySwim
Telephone
Thank you
Tired
Toothbrush
Up
walk
Water
Where
Yes
She can also say a few things:
All done
Amen
Mama (she actually says this now!)
Da da
Ba ba
Elise
Shhh
And she makes these noises:
Deee dill dee dill (she does this when she wants to sing to daddy)
Snake
Pig
She can also point to these parts of her body:
Hair
Head
Eyes
Nose
ears
teeth
mouth
feet
belly
arms
legs
fingers
toes
tongue
neck
She understands so many commands, like go upstairs, jump, sit down, put your toys away, go get a diaper, go find your baby etc. it would be so hard to name them all. Let’s leave it here and have it suffice to say, the kid’s a sponge!!
She’s becoming more brave in the water. She tries to swim to and from the wall to me or Brian. She also will throw a toy in the water, and fully clothed, attempt to turn herself around to try to retrieve it from the pool.
We are getting ready for Halloween and I’m making a poodle skirt for her and I, Brian, of course will be our greaser! J
Shannon has started wrestling and won one of his matches, yay Shannon! And Devon is signed up for soccer again this year, after a lot of effort.
The last time the boys were here though, I was in Hawthorne to see Dad, so I didn’t get to see them very much. Brian had them clean up for me so I came home to a freshly cleaned living room and kitchen.
Thank you to everyone who has been so willing to help Brian and I this coming week. For those of you who don’t know, my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday to have the screws removed. It hopefully will end the pain I’ve been having so acutely in my shoulder.
Thank you everyone for your generosity toward Brian and I this past month. We appreciate you, and you know who you are!!!1
We are praying for all of you, for your individual needs, physical, economical etc. and give thanks for your presence in our lives daily.
Talk to you next month!
Love,
The Denhams
It was a great blessing to have Chane down to visit. It was really nice to have the siblings together, even though it happened completely different than anyone could have imagined. Chane, we love you. When you come back, Joanna, you better be here too, with kids in tow!!!
As for our end of the family, we are moving right along. Elise is still just full of life and excitement. She’s opening up more quickly than ever before to more people, and has taken a great liking to Hawthorne!! Brian, Elise and I were fortunate to have been able to go the UF game over this past weekend (thank you Ken and Nyla, it was so much fun!), and Elise got to become more acquainted with Gramma and Grandpa Bradshaw’s house (thanks Momma and Dad). I think she loved Gramma’s exercise machine, Luke’s loose CD’s and rubix cube, & the wooden coasters the best. This was also the first time she was around the lov sac and didn’t totally freak out!
Here at home, she’s decided hiding behind curtains and trying to sneak into the office is the most fun she can have. So I finally gave her a sheer panel to hang over the stairs to run through and play in, my old laptop that will never ever start again, and an outdated old cell phone with no sim card or battery. Go figure, the enjoyment only lasted a moment or so until she realized they don’t have glowing lights. It was a good effort though, and she still plays with them occasionally. Check out the albums on the facebook account to see her in action! Her signing vocabulary expands as quick as I can teach her the signs.
I believe I have shared a list with some of you, if not all, but here it is again:
Baby
Ball
Bath
Bird
Blanket
Book
Brush
Cat
Cereal
Dog
Down
Drink (she makes the sign for water when she wants a drink, unless she wants milk, then she’ll sign milk)
Duck
Eat
Fish
Flower (Also, Eden)
Good Morning
Good Night
Happy
Help
Hat
Horsey
I don’t know
Look
More
No
Outside
Please
Popcorn
Quiet
Shoes
Socks
Sleep
Smell
SorrySwim
Telephone
Thank you
Tired
Toothbrush
Up
walk
Water
Where
Yes
She can also say a few things:
All done
Amen
Mama (she actually says this now!)
Da da
Ba ba
Elise
Shhh
And she makes these noises:
Deee dill dee dill (she does this when she wants to sing to daddy)
Snake
Pig
She can also point to these parts of her body:
Hair
Head
Eyes
Nose
ears
teeth
mouth
feet
belly
arms
legs
fingers
toes
tongue
neck
She understands so many commands, like go upstairs, jump, sit down, put your toys away, go get a diaper, go find your baby etc. it would be so hard to name them all. Let’s leave it here and have it suffice to say, the kid’s a sponge!!
She’s becoming more brave in the water. She tries to swim to and from the wall to me or Brian. She also will throw a toy in the water, and fully clothed, attempt to turn herself around to try to retrieve it from the pool.
We are getting ready for Halloween and I’m making a poodle skirt for her and I, Brian, of course will be our greaser! J
Shannon has started wrestling and won one of his matches, yay Shannon! And Devon is signed up for soccer again this year, after a lot of effort.
The last time the boys were here though, I was in Hawthorne to see Dad, so I didn’t get to see them very much. Brian had them clean up for me so I came home to a freshly cleaned living room and kitchen.
Thank you to everyone who has been so willing to help Brian and I this coming week. For those of you who don’t know, my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday to have the screws removed. It hopefully will end the pain I’ve been having so acutely in my shoulder.
Thank you everyone for your generosity toward Brian and I this past month. We appreciate you, and you know who you are!!!1
We are praying for all of you, for your individual needs, physical, economical etc. and give thanks for your presence in our lives daily.
Talk to you next month!
Love,
The Denhams
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