B is for BABY

In November I helped host an adorable baby shower for our dear friend, Sara.  Sara was my mother's  helper after I found out I was pregnant with the twins.  She is considered a very important friend to all of the kids, and Darren and I.  Her husband, Nate, has stepped up to fill the local uncle void.  He is a source of great ideas for these boys.  They are both treasured members of our "family".

Nate and Sara are expecting a baby at the end of December.  Some of Sara's friends and I thought we needed to show them how much they mean to us and how excited we are for them.

 I used my cutting out machine thingy and made this adorable sign.  I ended up making them matching R A Y letters so they could have a "B is for BABY RAY" decoration for the baby's room.

 We choose to do a book themed baby shower.  The food all matched some children's book.

 The happy mommy!!

 One of the fun activities we did was to decorate onesies and sign them as a guest book of sorts.  Then we hung them on a "clothes line" for Sara to judge her favorite one (that person got to pick a door prize).  We also played a baby pictionary game and a book trivia game.

 The twinnies were the side show.  ha ha

Sara (in the middle) with her friends who helped out.

Camie (and Ephraim), myself, Lindsey, and Brittny

Blessingway

 My lovely friend and doula (in the red shirt) had a wonderful Blessingway party a couple of Saturdays ago.  She shared this time with some of her closest friends (and family of course).  We took turns reading quotes and while Karla (my other lovely friend and doula in the blue shirt) read Bible verses in between.  

Here is my favorite quote that was read:

These Last Few Hours

It is important to me
that I spend a part of the next few hours
here alone with you
in the darkness.

You and I will never be this close again.
Soon you will be a tiny person all on your own.
 No longer the kicking, demanding bulge in my body that I have grown to love so much.

I pray that you will be safely guided on your journey to my arms and I ask for the strength, courage and
the power of birthing, to open my body and mind for you
And ever so gently us as one will become two.
~author unknown

 Father then gave Jessica a blessing and prayed for her.  Here is a prayer (modified from references of "I" to "her") for my sweet friend.

For a Happy Delivery

Lord Jesus Christ, who said "Allow the little children to come to Me, for the kingdom of heaven is for such," I thank you with all my heart for the great and holy privilege You have granted her in calling her to present You with a little child, so precious in Your sight.  I praise and bless Your divine goodness for giving her such a sweet and holy patroness and protectress in Your Mother, the model and exaltation of all Christian motherhood.

Dear Jesus, I beg You to be mindful of the prayers and intercession of Your Immaculate Mother on my friend's behalf; heed her petitions for my friend, and as you have so blessed my friend in this pregnancy, mercifully grant the happy delivery which I now ask for her through Mary, our patroness, the Lady of Happy Delivery.  Amen.

 We were all asked to pick two candles to take with us and light during the labor and delivery.  I picked Birth team as Jessica was part of my birth team and Karla (who was my doula also) is Jessica's doula.  I also picked Placenta because I think I can relate to concerns and need for prayers for the placenta.

 Jessica had her feet and belly decorated with henna for the occasion.  She also had her hair braided by one of our friends.  All pregnant women should have a Blessingway to make them feel beautiful and to know they are loved.

My candles are lit today.  The tears of joy and worry are gathering in my eyes.

Please join me in praying for my sweet friend as she welcomes her third child into this beautiful life.

For the baby - An Irish Blessing

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings
beside your nursery door.
And for the proud parents:
May God grant you
a wee bit of heaven
to cradle in your arms -
a sweet bonny baby
to hold close to your heart
A newborn babe
brings light to the house
warmth to the hearth
and joy to the soul
for wealth is family
family is wealth.
Old Irish proverb

A little labor music  - for all of us!

A Person's A Person, No Matter How Small

December 11, 2012.

What did you do that day?  I lost a baby.  At least I think I lost a baby.  I had all the signs of pregnancy, even Darren thought so, and yet no positive pregnancy test.  Of course I'm the type of person who waits and waits to take a pregnancy test thinking I'm just late.  I do believe my body has to have a negative pregnancy test just to get the ball rolling sometimes.  This time was different though - this time I felt pregnant.

If you can recall, I have lost two other babies.  I named them "Patience" and "Faith".  This baby is named "Charity".  In fact, my children named this baby for me.  After I considered that as an option it did really fit the situation.  A mother's life is all about charity to others.  She works for her husband and her children.  She takes care of their needs before her own.  She loves.  This baby was created by God through an act of love. This baby is the very meaning of true love.

My dad always says that true charity begins in the home.  If you cannot practice charity, or love, in your family you cannot truly practice it anywhere else.  What better place for a mom, this mom, to practice true charity than to share the loss of her baby with her children and tell them how much she still loves God.  The two greatest commandments: Love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole strength; and love thy neighbor as thyself.

Losing this baby gave me the chance to talk about a mother's love, a mother's charity, when bearing children. We talked about the pain that a mother experiences.  We talked about the discomfort being pregnant brings to a woman.  We talked about the other babies I have lost.  We talked about true charity.  We talked about how God knows EXACTLY what He is doing.  We talked about how if I hadn't lost my first baby we wouldn't have my wonderful Rex.  That brought a smile to a boy's face.  Had it been my way and I not lost that first baby, we wouldn't have Rex.  That makes me sad to think that I could have missed out on Rex because of my selfishness.

I'm sure there are many of you out there saying "Poor Karen," or "How sad," about this situation.  There is nothing to be sad about.  God has taken this situation and blessed us.  What I do find troubling is that when you lose a baby most people do act sad and say how sorry they are.  YET, those same people will turn around and give us the hardest time if we get pregnant again and carry the baby to term.  Explain to me why that is.  A Person's A Person, No Matter How Small!  If the baby is 5 weeks 2 days old or 39 weeks 4 days old - its still my child that I love and wish to have.  I don't want to hear "Are you trying to be like your mom?" or "I can take care of that for you so you don't have to go through that again," or "Don't you have enough already?" or "You do know how that happens, right?"  A mother, this mother, deserves a "Congrats!" or "I'm so happy for you."

Now, if I was practicing true charity, I could assume they don't understand my point of view.  I should forgive their careless words that wound my heart.  I should pray for them and not judge them.  I could explain to them exactly what that baby means to me.

In the middle of winter it is such a comfort to hear the birds singing.  Spring will come again.  In the blazing heat of summer it can be such a comfort to feel a slight breeze.  Fall will come again.  These little triggers remind us of something and we look forward to it.  A positive pregnancy test is a trigger that reminds me of something and I look forward to it.

I look forward to:

the first kick I feel
the rolling around in my tummy
the kicks I swear come from a soccer player
the little hand or foot that sticks out far enough I can almost hold on to it
the first contractions that mean business
yes, even the hard ones that insure it is almost over
the last big push
the first loud cry
the first latch-on of that nursing baby
the first snuggle
the first time the other kids get to meet the baby
the first night home
the first smile
the first bonding moment with each of the baby's siblings (their own thing)
the first time the baby finds their feet
the first roll over
the first giggle
the first time they sit up
the first time they stand
the first word they say (or sentence in Stephen's case)
the first time in the highchair
the first step they take
the first day they go to the bathroom in the toilet
the first story they read
the first Lego invention they build
and the million more firsts a child experiences.

When someone asks me why I want to put myself through 10 weeks of intense morning sickness, 9 months of various degrees of discomfort, 12-16 hours of labor and delivery, and 18 more years of children rearing - I think of all those firsts, and seconds, and thirds that I will share with them.  What mother who practices true charity wouldn't want to go through that time after time after time!!

God wants all sizes of families.  He loves small families, middle-sized families, big families, and really big families.  God has a plan for everyone and it isn't the same plan, thankfully.  Our family will have as many children as God sends us.  Our family will give back, with love and trust, as many children as God decides He wants with Him.  I'll let you in on a secret - not one of you out there will change our minds with what you say to us, be it positive or negative.  God is in control of this and He tells us how it will be.  I would kindly request that you remember that next time you comment on the size of our family.  We have not chosen to have six kids, plus three blessings with God.  In fact, God has blessed us with six of His precious creations because He willed it.  Remember what would have happened if my will had been done (Rex).

I know many, many families who have lost a baby in womb or child after birth.  This was a fresh reminder to me the need to pray for you.  I have prayed.  I will continue to pray for you.

Sugar and Spice

And everything nice - that's what LITTLE GIRLS are made of!

Announcing

Gianna Gabrielle

born 4-5-2011 at 2:53 PM

8 lb. 6 oz. 19 3/4"

Daddy's little girl

Da girls...

And the answer everyone is dying to know - RED HEAD OR NOT??

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Red head it appears

1:17 PM

My water broke on its own about 10 minutes ago. I am continuing to have STRONG contractions. I am finally - FINALLY 4 1/2 cent.. I am expecting things will pick up over the next hour or so. Baby's head is lower, but still "high".

12:18 PM

More hard contractions, getting harder, longer and sometimes right after each other. Nothing has changed - STILL 4, STILL effaced the same, but the baby's head is a bit, small bit, lower. I am stuck in bed as we can't seem to get the baby's heartbeat to show up on the monitor. So far I have done all the updating, but Darren may have to take over. :) . . . . fun fact - I'm in the same room I was in when I had Brech Earl. . . . Also, Mom I tried to be Superwoman and put my hair in a pony tail during a rough contraction -----SUCCESS! Go me!!!

10:10 AM

The pitocen is working. I am having contractions 3 minutes apart, strong and about 1 1/2 minutes long (or longer). I am feeling these contractions and having to breathe through them. I am still dilated to 4. Overall its starting to get "good" now, but I'm still not in that much pain. Break done - another contraction.

7:43 AM

No change - going to start some Pitocen... . Dr. said that he will be back to check later in the day.

6:20 AM

I was checked about an hour ago, but we've been busy waiting on lab to come draw blood. I now have the IV in waiting for a purpose. I did some walking and took a lovely whirlpool bath. I even slept a few minutes here and there. They have a birthing ball here that has become my best friend. I think I want one for my next chair in the school room. Like I said I was checked an hour ago. I am now dilated to 4, still effaced the same, but the contractions are coming every 2-3 minutes now. I still cannot feel them for the most part. I determined I feel one every 10 minutes. All the contractions are good, strong ones still, but that 10 minute one is an extra, extra good one. :) I am still doing this all natural - no inducing medication yet. Darren just woke up for a bit, but is catching another nap before the doctor comes. We expect him in a hour, give or take. I will update again after we talk to the doctor and figure out our game plan.

3:35 AM

I just woke up from an hour long nap. I am still having good, strong contractions, though not feeling them as much as I would have thought. They were coming every 4-6 minutes while I was asleep. I am currently dilated to 3, between 60-70% effaced, but the baby's head seemed higher (not lower like I want) this time. I am going to walk for a bit and then sit in the bath tub - hoping to get the contractions closer together. Darren is sleeping - which I am glad for as he will have to go home to the kids and I get to sleep here when its all said and done. He has done some acupressure points for me and teased me about my camo bandanna. I should have him take a picture for you. Next update will probably be between 5 and 6 AM. Dr. will be here around 7 and we will make some choices at that point.

Its time

We arrived here at the hospital just after Midnight. I was expecting to be hooked up to monitors and fed some medication for the inducement as planned - but surprisingly enough I'm already in labor on my own. I am dilated to 2, effaced nicely and the baby is low enough. I am not on any inducement medications at the moment and there are no plans to put me on any unless the labor stalls. On a happy side note - I can hardly feel these contractions. I guess they are coming fairly fast and doing something. Thank you Mrs. Fameree for the Cal-Mag!!! Next update when I know something worth sharing.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive!!!

We wished for snow and POOF here it is. The kids were giddy little school boys when they woke up to snow. There was just over a foot of snow. I didn't measure exactly, but the ruler did disappear in the snow about lunch time. After it stopped snowing, the two big boys and I shovelled off the driveway in front of the garage. I thought the occasion deserved a photo op. Here I am - looking all pregnant (Week 37, Day 5), all decked out for winter.
Its a good thing the hoodie still fits me because the overalls did not. They were being held up by the straps and one button on the top. I have to admit - the hardest part of the whole experience wasn't the shovelling, but getting into the boots and overalls and getting back out. That was more work than the shovelling!!

Pregnancy Update

33 Weeks 6 days

belly measuring 34 cm

baby's head is down

baby's heartbeat 153-155

mom's blood pressure just fine

mom's weight 149 (started at 125)

It all boils down to - we are doing just fine.

Just another day...right?

Those of you who are on Facebook have already been updated on this, but I thought I'd put it up for the few of you who aren't.

I had another ER visit last week. This time for vomiting blood. After blood tests and one very uncomfortable stool test they determined they did not know why I had puked blood. They sent me home with instructions to watch for internal bleeding. Lucky for us there have been no more signs of bleeding anywhere. One of the blood tests showed that my bilirubin is elevated even higher than it was in August. No explanation for that one as well. It was not "life threatening" so they are leaving it up to my OB if I will be tested again. Always something huh? Drama...

This week I am working on saint costumes for All Saints Day. I am very glad that two little boys decided to pick their saints from last year so I won't have to sew them new costumes. That being said they are complaining that everyone else has the nicest costumes and they have nothing. Honestly, its the other way around at this point. The new costumes are still laying in a nice pile of uncut fabric. It is washed and ironed though. I WILL post pictures of this year's saints next week sometime.

I am getting geared up for the Christmas season. Presents are being planned and purchased as we will not be going to South Dakota for the Christmas. That means anything that goes out there will need to be ready to go by our trip back at Thanksgiving. I have a few more things to prepare and a handful of presents to order. Its hard to believe its already that time of year again. Where did 2010 go? Wasn't it just 2009 a few short months ago???? To be a kid again, when time past at a slow pace and life was full of fun.

Announcement and Excitement

We're having another baby.

I've know since July 28th.

At first I wasn't sick, so I was worried. I had three blood tests and an ultrasound to show that YES I am pregnant with a sweet baby in the proper place.

Now fast forward to morning sickness. Its bad again this time. I have had two trips to the ER this week for fluids.

First trip to the ER the doctor said I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum (really bad morning sickness) and Jaundice. They did tons of blood tests and a complete ultrasound of my organs. Everything looked good on the ultrasound, but my bilirubin count was elevated. They said that all the tests said I wasn't that dehydrated, so they were concerned about the cause of all of the problems. They put one bag of fluid in me and sent me home with new medication for the nausea.

Two days later I went for a follow up appointment with my midwife. She was concerned at how I looked and sent me back to the ER. She had an internal medicine doctor do an exam on me. He decided I did not have jaundice, I did not have a liver of gall bladder problem and that I was simply dehydrated. He had the nurses put two bags of fluid in me and sent me home with a third medication for nausea. He also left standing orders to fill me with two bags of fluid whenever I show up. He suggested I come in 3 times a week until the morning sickness is over. A bag of fluid seems to keep me functioning for one day.

I am trying to eat as much as I can, even with the vomiting. Drinking is also a problem, but I'm putting as much down as I can stomach. Its been an interesting few weeks. Darren and the boys have been paying the price for Mom being out of commission. They waited in the van for 4 hours, twice this week. THANKS HONEY!!

I'm glad to say that my sister is considering coming out to help for a month. Dad will probably bring her out for us. What a blessing to have such a charitable family!!!

We are excited about the baby, but not so excited about me being sick again. Such is life huh?

BABY ETA - APRIL 6TH