I am at 39 weeks as of Tuesday! Woo-hoo! I had what I hope to be my last prenatal check up yesterday, though I have another one scheduled for the 6th. With any luck that will be my first post baby check. I have gained 27lbs overall, 22 over my pre-pregnancy weight (5lb loss during the first trimester), which I am happy with. My belly measured about 39-40cm, perfect and baby's heart rate sounded good. I saw one of my favorite midwives, the one who 'caught' Reagan and it was nice to see her. We talked about my insomnia and she recommended trying a whole Unisom tab (I tried a half a few times and it did not work). I decided to try it last night, especially because I am getting sick and really need my rest.
I was out by 9:30 last night which was awesome (lately it has been 12-2am before I fall asleep). I woke up contracting quite a bit (normal for me) and at 2am could not fall back to sleep. But after a little time on the couch I was ready for bed again. Of course this is when Reagan decided to wake up crying, as she is getting this nasty cold/flu virus too. After being up with her on and off I told Craig I thought I needed him to stay home today. Next thing I knew it was after 8am and I continued to dose on and off until 10. I feel bad having to ask him to stay home, and I really don't want it to cut into his paternity leave, but I really need the rest. I am praying that Reagan and I fair better then Katya; she ran a high fever on and off (mainly at night) for four days and has a very back cough. Yuck.
My prediction for Elsie's birth has been going into labor or delivering tomorrow, July 1st. I really doubt I will be right since I accurately predicted both my other girls birthdays. No way I could be right all 3 times! But I am hoping she comes sometime over the holiday weekend. It would be nice if my mom could be in attendance and they get here on Saturday afternoon. I am 3cm dilated, 75% effaced and contracting a ton. I had SO much false labor last Sunday I thought for sure I was in early labor. I should have known better since my 'early labor' has always lasted on and off for weeks. With any luck I will be feeling better by Saturday and will have this baby the 2nd or 3rd. But I know that she could easily go over her due date...only God knows!
Love to all! ~ Brenda
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hematologist
We had an appointment with a Pediatric Hematologist at OHSU yesterday. He and his college agreed completely with Dr. Hayden's assessment. They also thought removal would likely be cosmetic, as long as it is not growing much. They did refer us to a Vascular Malformation's clinic just for yet another opinion. We will probably wait a few months to see them. Next appointment will be with Physical Therapy in a few weeks.
On a side note, I was telling Patti Smith about Reagan's leg stuff and I mentioned Dr. Hayden. It turns out that he is the same physician that amputated Charlie Smith's leg while he was battling cancer. It makes perfect sense because of Dr. Hayden's specialty. Patti expressed how much they liked Dr. Hayden, which is cool, and we do to. It makes me a little weepy to think about. It also makes me reflect on how important medical professionals are. Whether the outcomes are good or bad, the people who care for us and our loved ones make such a difference in our lives. The good ones are indispensable.
Another side note: My parents are leaving Corona today. I can hardly believe it. The closing on their house keeps getting pushed back...maybe tomorrow, maybe Thursday. But is seems like is should go through and either way my parents are packed and ready to go. I am thinking of them a lot today and picturing them saying goodbye to their house of 30 years and their home, Southern California, of 50 some odd years. Wow. We can't wait to see them on Saturday and we hope their God daughter is either already here, or very soon to arrive!
On a side note, I was telling Patti Smith about Reagan's leg stuff and I mentioned Dr. Hayden. It turns out that he is the same physician that amputated Charlie Smith's leg while he was battling cancer. It makes perfect sense because of Dr. Hayden's specialty. Patti expressed how much they liked Dr. Hayden, which is cool, and we do to. It makes me a little weepy to think about. It also makes me reflect on how important medical professionals are. Whether the outcomes are good or bad, the people who care for us and our loved ones make such a difference in our lives. The good ones are indispensable.
Another side note: My parents are leaving Corona today. I can hardly believe it. The closing on their house keeps getting pushed back...maybe tomorrow, maybe Thursday. But is seems like is should go through and either way my parents are packed and ready to go. I am thinking of them a lot today and picturing them saying goodbye to their house of 30 years and their home, Southern California, of 50 some odd years. Wow. We can't wait to see them on Saturday and we hope their God daughter is either already here, or very soon to arrive!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Katya and Reagan
I have not posted much about Katya and Reagan lately; being preoccupied with pregnancy and Reagan's medical drama. So here is a bit on what our beautiful girls are up to these days.
Katya's imagination has completely taken off and she pretend plays all day. She loves getting together with friends and plays very well with others. She gets shy at times but does well in groups. She has been playing in the turtle sprinkler that the Kirkland's got her any day that is warm enough. Her appetite seems huge lately and I wonder if she is going through a growth spurt. Her 4T clothes are getting a bit on the small side and she is almost 40lbs. She is very excited to meet her baby sister and still gives kisses and hugs to my belly everyday. She talks to Elsie as well, especially when she is excited about something (example from a few weeks ago, "Guess what Elsie!? We are having meatloaf tonight!!").
Katya rides her tricycle very well and her coloring skills are improving. It is so fun to watch her gain new skills and grow into a such a sweet little girl. Of course along with the increase in independence is an increase in bad attitude. She is quite good at stamping her foot and making a cranky face. She is also into such lovely sayings as, "You are not being very nice!" "You hurt my feelings!" "That is very rude!" when she doesn't get her way. It definitely keeps Craig and I on our toes trying to discern the best way to handle it:-)
Craig has been reading "Lion Witch and the Wardrobe" to her in the evenings. I am so surprised it is holding her attention! She is not even 4! They are about 60 pages in already. On Friday I could tell she was coming down with an illness and sure enough, she fell asleep on our bed as Craig read to her at 7pm (her bedtime is 7:30). Definitely sick:( Saturday night she woke up throwing up in her bed. Poor girl!
Here is a cute picture of our Katya wearing a candy necklace that she got at Charlie's birthday party.
Reagan sure is a two year old now! She can get pretty mad and through a good tantrum when she wants. But both girls are very age appropriate with their 'fits' and overall I think they are pretty easy kids. Reagan is growing like a weed too. She is still not quite running and I will be very interested in her PT assessment coming up mid July. She knows her colors really well and can count to 13. She counts to 5 in spanish too. She has so much more of an imagination than Katya did at her age...I am guessing largely due to watching her big sister play. She goes right along with most of the characters Katya assigns to her (namely the male characters; Boots, Diego, 'the Prince'). They just started watching "Go Diego Go!", a Nick Jr show, and are pretty obsessed. All day Katya is Dora, Reagan is Diego, and I am Diego's sister Alicia. I am impressed how often Reagan called me Alicia and not mommy:-)
Reagan has been a bit clingy to me lately. She has always been more of a mommy's girl. It's too bad this is happening now when the baby is due anytime. Of course. But I figured she would need extra attention from mom when the baby comes anyways based on her personality. I think Katya will do great; she is so excited for the new addition and she will be thrilled with having Craig home for a few weeks (she's our daddy's girl). Also her personality; she is so motherly and interested in babies.
Here is a silly picture of Reagan sporting her new sunglasses at the Zoo. We had such a nice time seeing the Smith clan when they came into town. Patti Smith generously paid for our entrance to the zoo and we had such a fun morning! Then getting to go to a birthday party for my niece was an extra special treat since they live so far away. I feel like I miss out on so much:(
Katya's imagination has completely taken off and she pretend plays all day. She loves getting together with friends and plays very well with others. She gets shy at times but does well in groups. She has been playing in the turtle sprinkler that the Kirkland's got her any day that is warm enough. Her appetite seems huge lately and I wonder if she is going through a growth spurt. Her 4T clothes are getting a bit on the small side and she is almost 40lbs. She is very excited to meet her baby sister and still gives kisses and hugs to my belly everyday. She talks to Elsie as well, especially when she is excited about something (example from a few weeks ago, "Guess what Elsie!? We are having meatloaf tonight!!").
Katya rides her tricycle very well and her coloring skills are improving. It is so fun to watch her gain new skills and grow into a such a sweet little girl. Of course along with the increase in independence is an increase in bad attitude. She is quite good at stamping her foot and making a cranky face. She is also into such lovely sayings as, "You are not being very nice!" "You hurt my feelings!" "That is very rude!" when she doesn't get her way. It definitely keeps Craig and I on our toes trying to discern the best way to handle it:-)
Craig has been reading "Lion Witch and the Wardrobe" to her in the evenings. I am so surprised it is holding her attention! She is not even 4! They are about 60 pages in already. On Friday I could tell she was coming down with an illness and sure enough, she fell asleep on our bed as Craig read to her at 7pm (her bedtime is 7:30). Definitely sick:( Saturday night she woke up throwing up in her bed. Poor girl!
Here is a cute picture of our Katya wearing a candy necklace that she got at Charlie's birthday party.
Reagan sure is a two year old now! She can get pretty mad and through a good tantrum when she wants. But both girls are very age appropriate with their 'fits' and overall I think they are pretty easy kids. Reagan is growing like a weed too. She is still not quite running and I will be very interested in her PT assessment coming up mid July. She knows her colors really well and can count to 13. She counts to 5 in spanish too. She has so much more of an imagination than Katya did at her age...I am guessing largely due to watching her big sister play. She goes right along with most of the characters Katya assigns to her (namely the male characters; Boots, Diego, 'the Prince'). They just started watching "Go Diego Go!", a Nick Jr show, and are pretty obsessed. All day Katya is Dora, Reagan is Diego, and I am Diego's sister Alicia. I am impressed how often Reagan called me Alicia and not mommy:-)
Reagan has been a bit clingy to me lately. She has always been more of a mommy's girl. It's too bad this is happening now when the baby is due anytime. Of course. But I figured she would need extra attention from mom when the baby comes anyways based on her personality. I think Katya will do great; she is so excited for the new addition and she will be thrilled with having Craig home for a few weeks (she's our daddy's girl). Also her personality; she is so motherly and interested in babies.
Here is a silly picture of Reagan sporting her new sunglasses at the Zoo. We had such a nice time seeing the Smith clan when they came into town. Patti Smith generously paid for our entrance to the zoo and we had such a fun morning! Then getting to go to a birthday party for my niece was an extra special treat since they live so far away. I feel like I miss out on so much:(
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Happy 1st Birthday Alaina!!
Miss Laney is one year old today! She is such a sweet, happy little girl. I had fun taking pictures of her last week. I am still editing the Smith girls shoot and will post more pictures soon. We love you Laney!!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Happy Birthday Charlie!
We had so much fun celebrating Charlie's 3rd birthday yesterday at Patti Smith's house. Those Smiths sure know how to put on a great party! Awesome food, lots of fun. Today is Charla Mary's actual birthday and we are meeting up to play and to snap some birthday photos.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Goings on
Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to:
Katya had a blast at Kennedy's annual block party birthday!
She was much more a part of things than the last few years. She played in the pool and in the bouncy houses with the other kids. Reagan went in the pool for a while (which means I had to wade too, it was freezing!) and in a bouncy house.
Got dirt?
Dirt face.
Reagan as Teddy Ruxpin.
37 weeks! Holy belly. I have started to fill out width ways, which is the way I carried with K & R. Not so much a basketball as a watermelon these days!
Both girls fell asleep on the way home from Grandma and Grandpa Faulkner's on Sunday. This is rare! Craig was able to transfer Reagan to bed and she was out for the night.
Craig and the girls went to Vancouver to visit the 'Great's' on Sunday leaving me a quiet house to work in. It was so nice! I had a rare burst of energy and cleaned for hours and hours. I got the carpet steamed which feels so good. I guess that was my 'nesting' symptom...a bit early I think:-). Craig and I would not mind if this baby decided to come early but we really doubt it.
Katya had a blast at Kennedy's annual block party birthday!
She was much more a part of things than the last few years. She played in the pool and in the bouncy houses with the other kids. Reagan went in the pool for a while (which means I had to wade too, it was freezing!) and in a bouncy house.
Got dirt?
Dirt face.
Reagan as Teddy Ruxpin.
37 weeks! Holy belly. I have started to fill out width ways, which is the way I carried with K & R. Not so much a basketball as a watermelon these days!
Both girls fell asleep on the way home from Grandma and Grandpa Faulkner's on Sunday. This is rare! Craig was able to transfer Reagan to bed and she was out for the night.
Craig and the girls went to Vancouver to visit the 'Great's' on Sunday leaving me a quiet house to work in. It was so nice! I had a rare burst of energy and cleaned for hours and hours. I got the carpet steamed which feels so good. I guess that was my 'nesting' symptom...a bit early I think:-). Craig and I would not mind if this baby decided to come early but we really doubt it.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
D & D Adventures!
Most of my readers know by now that my parents are leaving their home of 54 years (Southern California; they have never lived anywhere else) and moving to Colorado. I am so excited and proud of them! What a huge leap of faith they are taking. They have been wanting a change for quite some time but have had trouble making a decision about where to go and what to do. They finally decided that if they are going to move, they might as well get on with it. Putting their faith in God and in each other, they put their house of 31 years on the market in May. 15 days later they had 2 offers, one low and one full price plus some closing costs. They accepted the later offer and are in escrow. So far everything is going smooth, the inspection, the appraisal, ect. They are scheduled to close on the 17th though it might close a few days late which is fine by them. My dad is working at O'Hara's Pub until the 25th and they are leaving town on the 26th.
They decided on Colorado because of the sunny, dry climate, it being close to one of their kids (the Kirklands) and it being a decent economy to find jobs in (compared to some other places they considered). They are going to rent an apartment near Lyons and look for business opportunities or jobs. It is a scary move; starting completely over like they are, but they are trusting God and they know things will work out. What an adventure! My mom started a blog to keep friends and family informed of their wild ride. It is aptly named, D & D Adventures and can be found publicly at: danddadventures.blogspot.com Their first stop is Hanford, CA to see Candace and family and to celebrate Miss Laney's first birthday. Then they will visit some family in the Bay Area and in Medford OR before coming to Portland. They will be here around the first of July to help us welcome our youngest. Hopefully she cooperates and comes when she is suppose to! I had my first good bout of false labor yesterday; several hours of mild, irregular contractions. I am happy about this because I know to expect several weeks of the same before real labor begins. Love to all!
They decided on Colorado because of the sunny, dry climate, it being close to one of their kids (the Kirklands) and it being a decent economy to find jobs in (compared to some other places they considered). They are going to rent an apartment near Lyons and look for business opportunities or jobs. It is a scary move; starting completely over like they are, but they are trusting God and they know things will work out. What an adventure! My mom started a blog to keep friends and family informed of their wild ride. It is aptly named, D & D Adventures and can be found publicly at: danddadventures.blogspot.com Their first stop is Hanford, CA to see Candace and family and to celebrate Miss Laney's first birthday. Then they will visit some family in the Bay Area and in Medford OR before coming to Portland. They will be here around the first of July to help us welcome our youngest. Hopefully she cooperates and comes when she is suppose to! I had my first good bout of false labor yesterday; several hours of mild, irregular contractions. I am happy about this because I know to expect several weeks of the same before real labor begins. Love to all!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Craig's 31st
We had a great time last Sunday celebrating Craig's birthday with some friends. The weather was nice and the kids had so much fun playing in the sprinkler! Craig BBQ'd baby back ribs, yum!
Some of the gang
Moira rocking out!
Fun in the water
Reagan playing in the mud.
Digging in!
The birthday boy enjoying his ribs!
It has been a hard week for me. I am super tired and not sleeping well at all. I am contracting and cramping quite a bit which is good but very tiring. All the discomforts are to be expected at this point and I am trying to stay positive. I was in tears several time yesterday for no good reason other than I am 9 months pregnant and exhausted. Once was when I read my youngest-to-be's name on my mom's blog. Another time when I thought I heard Craig come in but he wasn't home yet (stuck in traffic). I know that the next few weeks will be very hard but will go by fast and I am so incredibly grateful for getting to experience the miracle of pregnancy. It is hard to beleive that our family is soon to be complete:-) Lots of love, Brenda
Some of the gang
Moira rocking out!
Fun in the water
Reagan playing in the mud.
Digging in!
The birthday boy enjoying his ribs!
It has been a hard week for me. I am super tired and not sleeping well at all. I am contracting and cramping quite a bit which is good but very tiring. All the discomforts are to be expected at this point and I am trying to stay positive. I was in tears several time yesterday for no good reason other than I am 9 months pregnant and exhausted. Once was when I read my youngest-to-be's name on my mom's blog. Another time when I thought I heard Craig come in but he wasn't home yet (stuck in traffic). I know that the next few weeks will be very hard but will go by fast and I am so incredibly grateful for getting to experience the miracle of pregnancy. It is hard to beleive that our family is soon to be complete:-) Lots of love, Brenda
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Referals, referals
Reagan's pediatrician called today. I was glad to here from her; wondering what she knew of all that has transpired. She has been getting updates from the physician's we have been seeing so she is up to speed. She said that she would like to refer us to Physical Therapist to make sure Reagan is developing okay despite the tumor. I am happy that she came up with the idea because both Ortho docs we saw seemed to brush over that part. I asked her if there were any other specialties that might have some insight on this tumor and she recommended a Hematologist (they deal with blood and lymph systems). She thought this was a very good idea and is setting up referrals for PT and a hematologist. So more appointments. Such a pain but we need to do everything we can to make sure our girl develops healthy and strong.
Lots of love, Brenda
Lots of love, Brenda
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
More good news!
Reagan's CT scan was clear and normal. We are so relieved. I talked with Dr. Hayden more about the possibility of a future surgery. He said that if he thought that surgery would be necessary at some point, he would recommend removing it now. But he feels that as long as it doesn't bother her or grow, it can stay there indefinitely. He talked about MRI's for monitoring growth and I asked if we could do ultrasounds instead. He said that as long as she can cooperate for an ultrasound that should be fine. So the plan is to watch the tumor and do checks every 3 to 6 months (next appointment will be in 3 months).
It is so great to have this behind us, at least for now, and put our energy towards the upcoming birth of our youngest. I am 36 weeks today. So crazy to think next Tuesday I will be full term. I don't at all expect an early baby, but the OCD in me won't leave things til the last minute. I will have the car seat installed, hospital bag back, all my lists and instructions ready by next week. Mentally, I plan on not starting the 'waiting' game until the first of July. But you never know! Midwife check yesterday went smooth and I will be seeing them once a week until delivery. We talked more about my birth plan. She recommended not waiting too long to come to the hospital given that this is my 3rd baby and I have a history of a fast active labor. I am getting very excited!
It is so great to have this behind us, at least for now, and put our energy towards the upcoming birth of our youngest. I am 36 weeks today. So crazy to think next Tuesday I will be full term. I don't at all expect an early baby, but the OCD in me won't leave things til the last minute. I will have the car seat installed, hospital bag back, all my lists and instructions ready by next week. Mentally, I plan on not starting the 'waiting' game until the first of July. But you never know! Midwife check yesterday went smooth and I will be seeing them once a week until delivery. We talked more about my birth plan. She recommended not waiting too long to come to the hospital given that this is my 3rd baby and I have a history of a fast active labor. I am getting very excited!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Baby Elsie's room
I still have some things on my 'before baby comes' list. A few things need to be pre-washed, car seat installed, labor instructions for Craig, who-to-call list (I have already started working on this:-)), hospital bag packed, some meals prepped. Plenty of time for all this but it is nice to have her room decorated and ready for our youngest:-)
I am starting to cramp and contract with more intensity. It is very familiar and I am prepared to fully embrace 'false' labor this time around. I now know that not only is it my norm, but it is really helping to prepare my body for the big event. I have read several places recently that women with lots of 'false' (also referred to as early labor) tend to have quicker, well progressing labors. This certainly was the case with Reagan. I am also preparing myself for a late baby since I have read that average gestation is not 40 weeks but 41 and 1/3 weeks.
Above the crib decorations (canvas paintings by big sister's Katya and Reagan).
Elsie!
Hand-knit, custom newborn hat made by a photography prop person I follow on facebook. I am so excited for Elsie's newborn shoot!
Beautiful quilt by Grandma Dana. I made the curtains out of the matching material.
Quilt up close.
I am starting to cramp and contract with more intensity. It is very familiar and I am prepared to fully embrace 'false' labor this time around. I now know that not only is it my norm, but it is really helping to prepare my body for the big event. I have read several places recently that women with lots of 'false' (also referred to as early labor) tend to have quicker, well progressing labors. This certainly was the case with Reagan. I am also preparing myself for a late baby since I have read that average gestation is not 40 weeks but 41 and 1/3 weeks.
Above the crib decorations (canvas paintings by big sister's Katya and Reagan).
Elsie!
Hand-knit, custom newborn hat made by a photography prop person I follow on facebook. I am so excited for Elsie's newborn shoot!
Beautiful quilt by Grandma Dana. I made the curtains out of the matching material.
Quilt up close.
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