tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72189548862988595702024-02-20T09:01:16.291-08:00Far Above RubiesAprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-15584075923817206652013-07-07T20:32:00.002-07:002013-07-08T07:07:36.628-07:00Breastfeeding Twins!I'm so excited today! Today marks six months of exclusively breastfeeding my twin boys! It has been an amazing journey so far and I plan to breastfeed them until they self wean. Accomplishing this milestone is especially satisfying since my first breastfeeding relationship with my eldest was a train wreck. I want to share my story to encourage new moms because 85% of American moms don't meet this milestone. This saddens me greatly. Only a very small percentage of these moms physically could not breastfeed! The rest fell in to booby traps like I did or didn't have the support or determination to succeed.<br />
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When my daughter was a week old, we gave her a bottle of formula because she seemed hungry. This started a downward spiral of bottle preference, nursing strikes, low supply and ended in her weaning at 8 months. I was heartbroken. I had no idea that this could happen! Everyone told me a bottle here and there wouldn't be a big deal, but they were wrong.</div>
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My next child was nursed on demand around the clock. I never gave him a bottle or a pacifier. I didn't start solids with him until he was around 8 months old. He was the healthiest and happiest little guy you could imagine! I learned so much about what it takes to succeed at breastfeeding with him and I'm forever grateful for the lessons he taught me. I weaned him at 20 months old because I was 4 months pregnant and could not gain any weight.</div>
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Weaning my toddler turned out to be a good decision since we found out shortly afterwards that we were expecting identical twin boys. I needed to devote all my resources towards growing them as big as possible and as fast as possible.</div>
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I had my twins at 34 weeks due to many factors including IUGR and TTTS. They weighed 4 lb 15oz and 6 lb 5 oz. They went to the NICU and I went to my room to recover from the cesarean. I wanted to breastfeed as soon as possible but was not able to see and hold them until that night. I was adamant that they not be given any formula. They had IVs so that held them over until I could nurse or pump.</div>
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The next day I was given my pump and I started right away. I was excited to get a good sized quantity of colostrum. Later that day I was able to put them to the breast and see if they could latch. Preemies born before 35 weeks have problems with their suck/swallow coordination and are unable to concentrate on multiple stimuli. We were not sure if they could physically nurse. The first time we tried they were both too sleepy and just wanted to cuddly skin to skin. We could only keep them out of their boxes for 30 minutes at a time to allow them to sleep as much as they could and stay warm. Preemies can easily tire themselves out and expend more calories than they take in just by trying to nurse for too long.</div>
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So began our new routine of 30 minutes of nursing/cuddling per twin and then back to the room to pump. Every 3 hours my husband and I returned to the NICU to nurse the boys. The second time we tried nursing, the bigger twin latched on and nursed for 30 minutes! The smaller twin took more time but he began nursing shortly afterwards. My milk came in on day three and we brought 3-4 oz of pumped milk with us every time we saw the boys. </div>
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The doctors recommended topping off each nursing session with pumped milk. Little warning bells went off in my head at this idea! I didn't want to use bottles after what happened with my daughter. The NICU nurse could see my alarm and explained the recommendation to us. The boys were expending so much energy nursing and trying to stay warm that they needed some milk they wouldn't have to work for in order to gain weight. This made sense to me so we started topping them off with tiny amounts (5-10 ml) of pumped milk. My husband was awesome at bottle feeding while I was utterly incompetent so I would go back to our room and pump while he finished up with the boys.</div>
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Each day brought a new challenge. The boys got jaundiced and needed to be under the billi lights for two days, they were taken out of the warmer to see if they would maintain their temperatures (they didn't) and most of all they needed to gain weight.</div>
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I nursed and pumped every 3 hours day and night for a week and the boys passed every test. They gained weight, they maintained their temperatures overnight, and they passed the carseat test. On the eighth day we took them home! I brought a couple of gallons of pumped milk home with me as well.</div>
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At home we continued to nurse and supplement with pumped milk. I planned to nurse on demand but they were happy to stay on the same 3 hr schedule. It got exhausting to wake up at 2 in the morning to nurse and pump but we did it for an additional 5 weeks until their due date. They seemed like they were nursing as strong as a normal newborn so we phased out the supplemental bottles over the next two weeks (42 weeks GA) and they breastfed exclusively at the breast from that point onward.</div>
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They began to nurse on cue more often as well and I nursed them tandem during the day and individually at night. They sleep on either side of me and I nurse whoever wakes.<br />
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With my first two kids nursing in public made me very self conscience, but I feel like a proper lactivist now. I can and do nurse one of the twins any time, any where I go. I've met no negative reactions either. I honestly don't think most people notice that the baby is nursing!</div>
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I hope my story can encourage you to have faith in your breastfeeding abilities. If I can feed two preemie babies, surely you can meet your breastfeeding goals! I want you to face booby traps armed with confidence and knowledge. Nurse your baby as much as you can at home and when you are out. Weigh bottle feeding carefully and know the risk of bottle preference. Please don't let anyone tell you to supplement without good evidence that you need it. Get help from a lactation consultant. Join La Leche League. Determine that breastfeeding is your #1 priority and I believe you will succeed!<br />
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-60845892136988761852013-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:002013-06-27T18:09:24.853-07:00Jesse and Max's birth story (Part 6)<br />
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This is just the birth story of my twins. It can be read alone or you can use the links below for the full story in 6 parts. <br />
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Jesse and Max's story really begins at the start of my motherhood journey. I became a mother with the birth of my only daughter Lily in 2008. It was during this birth my eyes were opened to the abuses within the medical community. Her birth sparked a passion in me that is still burning 5 years later. My son Ehren was born with a midwife at home.<br />
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When Ehren was around 17 months old my husband and I decided that two children would be enough for us and that possibly have two more 5+ years down the road if our finances supported it. Then I found out I was pregnant again. I was so busy and tired that I lost weight and my belly grew like it was in fast forward! My midwife asked me to consider an ultrasound.<br />
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<b>Twin Diagnosis</b><br />
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After finding out we were having identical twins at 18 weeks we were relieved that it wasn't anything more serious. I knew that with identical twins there was a risk of twin to twin transfusion syndrome. I thought that it was a black and white issue and that if you didn't have it your twins would have similar risks to singletons. I figured we would be fine and be able to have a vaginal birth at home and if I had to, I would travel to Dallas to find a midwife who would attend me there.<br />
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We began seeing a Maternal Fetal Medicine group shortly after the diagnosis for ultrasound every 2 weeks. One baby was always measuring large and the other measured smaller. I usually had high fluid levels as well. But up until 24 weeks everything appeared to progress okay. We were constantly measuring the blood flow to the smaller twin and noting some abnormality in the umbilical blood flow. During the rest phases between heartbeats he would have no pressure and even a bit of back flow. In a singleton baby this would be a cause for great concern but with identical twins it is common. This is when I began to realize that this pregnancy was not a variation of normal. There were serious issues going on here. <br />
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<b>High Risk Scare</b><br />
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Around 24 weeks we were diagnosed with stage 1 TTTS and sent to Houston to see Dr. Kenneth Moise who had handled over 400 TTTS cases. After consulting with him he believed it wasn't classical TTTS but there was definitely a risk at any time it could turn into that and progress to dangerous levels within a matter of days. For now, the smaller twin had adequate fluid and was measuring average size. He wanted to keep a close eye on me and told us that we should prepare for a cesarean early or even laser ablation surgery to sever the connecting vessels in the placenta. <br />
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We went in for weekly appointments with Dr. Moise until 27 weeks when it was decided that we were past the window for surgery and that we would squeak by if the boys continued to hold steady with their growth. We stayed in town for all future appointments. At each scan the boys continued to look good. Sometimes it would seem that we needed to worry about Max's heart enlargement and other weeks we would worry about Jesse's back flow through his umbilical artery. We would also be concerned that my high fluid levels would lead to preterm labor, but nothing got bad enough to merit intervention.<br />
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<b>Intervention Time </b></div>
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At 30 weeks, Jesse started to show signs of growth restriction. He started falling in percentiles and by 33 weeks his abdominal circumference was equal to that of a 16 week baby. We knew that delivery at 34 weeks would give Jesse the best possible shot because at that age with growth restriction, babies do better out than in. It was determined that it would be via cesarean as the risk of acute TTTS (sudden blood flow to recipient twin due to stress of labor) was low, but would be potentially catastrophic to Max. I was nervous to be back in a hospital again and nervous for the babies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">34 weeks. My last belly shot.</td></tr>
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<b>The Big Day!</b></div>
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January 8th at 5:30am we were to report to the hospital to have vaginal bypass surgery. We woke up bright and early and grabbed McDonalds on the way. Lucky me got to smell it but was not allowed to eat! Brandon sure enjoyed his large coffee. True to tradition he wore his Superman tee for the birth of our final babies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5u49Qfv52iYrXbTy6G7YCZEozCKWeaCw4MfI2NnI-viODH3vvQ0vGfihkhfZjcWOd9ZFvD600v5h98SWLMAaZbMxCr1fPdcNktDbT2fVSdiYUyh9EHld_4qBxGkm2kZaT1YUmBBoLIfx/s1600/2013-01-08+06.57.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5u49Qfv52iYrXbTy6G7YCZEozCKWeaCw4MfI2NnI-viODH3vvQ0vGfihkhfZjcWOd9ZFvD600v5h98SWLMAaZbMxCr1fPdcNktDbT2fVSdiYUyh9EHld_4qBxGkm2kZaT1YUmBBoLIfx/s320/2013-01-08+06.57.06.jpg" width="239" /></a>After checking in we went to preop to change clothes and get an IV. It felt cold going in and then we waited for a while the room was prepped for surgery. My doctor came by to chat with me and reassure me and find out if I had any questions. I gave her copies of my birth plan for all the nurses. Several were curious about what I was going to do with my placenta. They were surprisingly respectful when I told them I was going to encapsulate it.</div>
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Finally the room was ready and I walked in there and sat on the edge of the bed. My doctor introduced me to her husband who was assisting and the rest of the team. The anesthesiologist must have been in training because an older guy was watching and telling her what to do. She told me to curl into myself and I would feel a sting like an ant bite. Not exactly much room to curl when you have a belly full of twins. My doctor stood in front of me and held me and coached me through it. Yes I felt the "ant bite" sting and then the spinal needle! Not numb at all guys! It felt exactly like what it was... A big giant needle in my spine. I must have tensed up quite a bit and the anesthesiologist said she had to do it again because I was too tense. Yeah... It's my fault you aren't good at the whole numbing step. She proceeded to "numb" me again and once again it didn't numb at all before she was jamming the needle in my back again. I kept telling them I felt it and they must not have believed me and asked me which side. I told them the right side and they acknowledged that I was correct and must be feeling it. Thankfully she got it this time around and I quickly became numb.</div>
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From there they quickly laid me down and Brandon came back in. They put comfy warm blankets over my chest and a little cap over my hair. The drapes were not on the side where Brandon was so he got to see everything! Everyone seemed to be in a good mood and the husband/wife doctor team talked through what was going on as I had requested. Not long after little Jesse was lifted out and he screamed and cried loudly. I got to see him and then he was taken away to be checked out by the pediatrician. Then Max was lifted out one minute later and proceeded to pee all over Dr. David Damian. Everyone laughed because when both babies were screaming and crying they sounded like cats fighting! They all assured us that was a good thing. The pediatricians checked them out and they were blanketed and hatted and given to Brandon to hold. He showed me them one at a time and posed for pictures. I forgave the anesthesiologist for poking me twice because she took all the awesome pictures of the birth. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and the babies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0gTZ_m2rE3KpSx_EkXKhP_o4WeeIXwfevyoJ_xz8EXexWQqGB3UCL-xwNx0GgufvzHVZZqXEbKe5X4ilaS8_jqMqGPGxDRnF27cqn2j_LhSUHDuLSJHUuDiawv5tCCgsCztnLzT5PucU/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0gTZ_m2rE3KpSx_EkXKhP_o4WeeIXwfevyoJ_xz8EXexWQqGB3UCL-xwNx0GgufvzHVZZqXEbKe5X4ilaS8_jqMqGPGxDRnF27cqn2j_LhSUHDuLSJHUuDiawv5tCCgsCztnLzT5PucU/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Max</td></tr>
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<div>
As soon as the cutting started I started feeling like I was being stabbed in the shoulder. I told the anesthesiologist and she said it was called referred pain and could only give me morphine which she did giving me the maximum dose. It turned into a dull ache but I still felt it for hours afterwards. I had no idea that could happen. It was very strange. </div>
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<div>
Brandon then went with the boys to the NICU and I was sewed back up. They were impressed with the size of my uterus and said my insides looked beautiful which I found charming and a little gross. Once I was all sewed back up Brandon came back. One nurse made sure my placenta got bagged and given to Brandon to put in the cooler to take home. I only got to see a glimpse of it but was told that it was large and looked good.</div>
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<div>
We then were wheeled into recovery. We asked about the boys and were told they were well and given their stats. Max was 6 lb 5 oz, 19.25 in long and Jesse was 4 lb 15 oz, 18.5 in long. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hiFGbrLFEvpqpNZYfnx-BiTSrWQqHHlFsWagp2PLDTk_y7BMfVMZzKMBoHMSMo0Kqrj7Zo4VnmJlv3_-GgiYnUv3Fm95PA33IZuithSfH7jGhJ84yVEZbk-ii9-JAvcNe9zushsUMNZ3/s640/blogger-image-893797714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPA5o7OH284tODZqGWOX2vy3g3UCyxWk9VEQ4Fm0I3FqI2LK7QOQ-C_ytXurnrUQUTGCIPDBtS7KeCtauV-BnPiqYOWC5i-dqct0MEIYhMzBwKKm6ej_PXrJOVATL74gR25uV3bUwgbfe/s1600/2013-01-08+13.10.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPA5o7OH284tODZqGWOX2vy3g3UCyxWk9VEQ4Fm0I3FqI2LK7QOQ-C_ytXurnrUQUTGCIPDBtS7KeCtauV-BnPiqYOWC5i-dqct0MEIYhMzBwKKm6ej_PXrJOVATL74gR25uV3bUwgbfe/s400/2013-01-08+13.10.50.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse in the NICU. Note how tiny his body is in comparison to his head.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max in the NICU. See how much bigger his body is compared to Jesse?</td></tr>
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<div>
Brandon went with the boys while I was stitched up and watched as the boys were set up in the NICU. They were breathing fine but were given tubes in their mouths to help evaporate the fluid from their lungs, temperature monitors, heart rate monitors, blood pressure cuffs, and oxygen saturation monitors. He briefly visited with some family and friends that had come, grabbed a coffee and came back to me.</div>
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After we spent some time in recovery I was wheeled to the NICU to see the boys on my way back to the room. I couldn't see them very well and don't remember very much about it. We were then taken to the largest and fanciest room (perks of twin births). I was instructed to relax and get some rest.<br />
<br />
That's pretty much what happened! It wasn't my dream home waterbirth
but I was treated with dignity and respect. My boys were given the care
they needed and they did well. Could we have had a vaginal birth? In
all likelyhood yes. Could I have had the support to accomplish this and
was I comfortable with the risks? No. I think I made the right
decisions for me and the babies given our resources and I'm satisfied
with how it all turned out. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfoKV73XBlRzdqXjD6SLXmcQVk6Szt1BLQmfQvQcEkkehRVmJm3pEHAn7drVKnRT3N9xZMan9BXCt7gkRv1iTHFPTAw1xyAY_ZQo0eXpa65-KBploQOBNrRv96wbszDsT1XYMJDdNzuOq/s640/2013-01-08+18.59.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfoKV73XBlRzdqXjD6SLXmcQVk6Szt1BLQmfQvQcEkkehRVmJm3pEHAn7drVKnRT3N9xZMan9BXCt7gkRv1iTHFPTAw1xyAY_ZQo0eXpa65-KBploQOBNrRv96wbszDsT1XYMJDdNzuOq/s320/2013-01-08+18.59.38.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max was getting a whole lot more nutrients!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ju_zHhIOhKCKj6K0TBh9L1Rseu2coGNU2ZVbi50ODEhrILNhYr2wf7z-FONwqjr6Snw44TsFTQMlbQmFRlkn6LRWyA9oB69yyMJONm0QeErV6FGfFcth_caypcCV416sKEdmn8BwCtWE/s640/2013-01-08+19.23.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ju_zHhIOhKCKj6K0TBh9L1Rseu2coGNU2ZVbi50ODEhrILNhYr2wf7z-FONwqjr6Snw44TsFTQMlbQmFRlkn6LRWyA9oB69yyMJONm0QeErV6FGfFcth_caypcCV416sKEdmn8BwCtWE/s320/2013-01-08+19.23.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbilical cords. Note the difference in thickness!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tPniBWC6-1nRIhRxZKj5bcXZ3Rv0drV9YT_IpBv7RdKZAVmf83ekybd5LlGqW-sHLEpDvrmVkW7u5xE2VC31HEYOm2VO9LpX4SvZWX2qkpAWN5GySp-zdm8r9bVKi6qklpPWH60q9lbG/s1600/2013-02-07+22.40.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tPniBWC6-1nRIhRxZKj5bcXZ3Rv0drV9YT_IpBv7RdKZAVmf83ekybd5LlGqW-sHLEpDvrmVkW7u5xE2VC31HEYOm2VO9LpX4SvZWX2qkpAWN5GySp-zdm8r9bVKi6qklpPWH60q9lbG/s400/2013-02-07+22.40.22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 weeks old. See the difference IUGR can make!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeenze-_1KDCbNQf1xVA-UZGIPgAFxjsdA79NFHJXJOOHsGXhklz4aKSnTjwYQpDqWnxqPieY1VydHRgzHJ_Z5Q2ldokJJf3z6ePsg5zHtA5RSrY5AeFKGiOZtW_0TVK2M21g2pTTVZHN1/s1600/4+month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeenze-_1KDCbNQf1xVA-UZGIPgAFxjsdA79NFHJXJOOHsGXhklz4aKSnTjwYQpDqWnxqPieY1VydHRgzHJ_Z5Q2ldokJJf3z6ePsg5zHtA5RSrY5AeFKGiOZtW_0TVK2M21g2pTTVZHN1/s400/4+month.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Months old - Jesse is catching up!</td></tr>
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Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a><br />
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Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-59842247129932123382013-06-27T17:47:00.002-07:002013-07-08T07:08:11.369-07:00The Final Stretch (Part5)At 27 weeks we stopped driving to Houston for ultrasounds and started staying in town. We would see one of four doctors each week for our scans. We were also seeing an OB once a week. Because of the delay in sending her the results of the ultrasounds she would often ask me how things went and I would explain it as best I could. The delay was caused because the four doctors in the group would meet each week to discuss each patients results. I liked to observe each doctors methods at the ultrasounds and ask them the same questions to see if they would give the same answer.<br />
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One thing Dr. Moise told me in Houston was that he didn't expect I would make it full term and to prepare for a cesarean. After two vaginal births I was devastated. I researched and asked and consulted but always came up with the same issue. There was a risk in both kinds of birth, but the risks were different. What I could not justify in pushing for a vaginal birth was the relatively low risk of acute TTTS happening while baby A was born and B was in the womb. It was a small risk percentage, but it could be fatal to baby B or cause neurological damage. With a cesarean there was more control because baby A and B could be born and cords clamped immediately to stop the blood sharing between them. Every doctor I saw (all 7 MFMs) were unanimous that a cesarean section would be best as well. Try finding a doctor in town who will go against the recommendations of 7 MFMs!</div>
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I made peace with the inevitability of a surgical birth but wanted to carry them as long as I could. I was huge because of too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) but at each ultrasound they measured my cervical length via ultrasound and it was great. No signs of preterm labor. The doctors said it was good that my last baby had been large and "taught" my body to handle a larger than normal uterus.</div>
<div>
Two times after my ultrasounds and once after an OB appointment I was sent to the hospital for a nonstress test. A nonstress test measures the babies movements for one hour to ensure their heart rates go up in response to their movements and basically measures their level of health. Every time the boys did well and I was released soon after. One nurse thought I should get a vaginal exam and when I told her I didn't need one she called my doctor. My doc told her the exact same thing. I knew they tell you nothing and might send you into preterm labor and introduce infection and I would have refused all the same but it was a bit annoying to have her try to go over my head.</div>
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As the weeks went by the babies continued to grow and look fine although my fluid levels continued to creep close to the levels at which it would be enough to drain. Thankfully we never needed that.</div>
<div>
At 30 weeks we began to notice that Jesse was slowing down in his growth while Max continued to top the charts in size for his age. The blood flow through Jesse's umbilical artery was also not looking very good. Normally you have a bit of blood flowing even between heartbeats but Jesse had no blood flow between beats and even some back flow sometimes due to force of the pull of Max's heart. </div>
<div>
Even this compromised blood flow situation had been working enough to allow Jesse to grow up until now but his body started showing signs of IUGR. IUGR is a big deal because if the placenta is not functioning well enough to provide adequate nutrition, the body will use up its fat stores. The first thing to be cannibalized is the fat around the organs (visceral fat) so abdominal circumference is the first indication of IUGR. The last fat to be taken is in the brain and from there you have neurological impairment and stillbirth. I watched Jesse's abdominal size shrink dramatically from one week to the next and my heart sank. I knew we would have to have the babies early to keep poor little Jesse from starving to death. </div>
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<div>
I had read a study that twins delivered at 37 weeks do better and actually have higher birth weights than twins who are born later and couldn't understand why that would be possible until I understood more about IUGR and how important its effects are. </div>
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<div>
So it was decided that at 34 weeks we would have our twins via cesarean. The cesarean was to give Max the best chance (non presenting twin B) and 34 weeks was to give Jesse the best chance. I felt like we had been walking a tightrope between the two boys needs and now I was relieved that it was almost over. </div>
<div>
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I had done the best I could to keep them inside and eaten as much as I could to help them grow and now it was time to finally meet the little babies who showed me the scary world of high risk pregnancy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDIN4ljanShGHtPMUZOV2Jql87vj7lzcwglyIZQZHvN3wh9FhhPht7wbly1zJw02bAkdODiV3EgfuViMYQU01uYCWDjzbDdqevmuLIpbpKRD0JEv5kgcy0SOdepS3ZpTPAZCOU8lhP4H/s1202/22weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDIN4ljanShGHtPMUZOV2Jql87vj7lzcwglyIZQZHvN3wh9FhhPht7wbly1zJw02bAkdODiV3EgfuViMYQU01uYCWDjzbDdqevmuLIpbpKRD0JEv5kgcy0SOdepS3ZpTPAZCOU8lhP4H/s320/22weeks.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OpnqkiPw3r9HiFlE0sU7P9Yy7m6ht0uPbRaq_4SyuZFpeY7VoAueMej_rWwTL4MTq6BakflVRqUpLvgbhzoa-SreCm86hL9l634qUlauWZDLr2occ2jRNCpiNw7SnwnZ4qcCFQHCCbjQ/s1321/24weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OpnqkiPw3r9HiFlE0sU7P9Yy7m6ht0uPbRaq_4SyuZFpeY7VoAueMej_rWwTL4MTq6BakflVRqUpLvgbhzoa-SreCm86hL9l634qUlauWZDLr2occ2jRNCpiNw7SnwnZ4qcCFQHCCbjQ/s320/24weeks.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OoMiK2y7nTmeT4LS0_zhrLkOvyB6wZQ6Yaa5g-Pt7vbVdltpnuXRWkVOKD8glnCQIjPcd7rAZw8E_Ev8e0DI5KHUC-zqCFCydNy2cxXtsj3RC4S1lxsltbJ5PaZmyq-fNcv-fMv5bIJ9/s1090/26+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OoMiK2y7nTmeT4LS0_zhrLkOvyB6wZQ6Yaa5g-Pt7vbVdltpnuXRWkVOKD8glnCQIjPcd7rAZw8E_Ev8e0DI5KHUC-zqCFCydNy2cxXtsj3RC4S1lxsltbJ5PaZmyq-fNcv-fMv5bIJ9/s320/26+weeks.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 weeks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvucmfgXsE8hhH184MFrwmjRPVg-P9DMANoFgcFTOc-X_nfujc5zwpPTX6QW-puvg7IOSpNhWyKQq7A48Q5fJn0Ru2UvT7HST4E-OvPMwl6NUzTnVYE8p8bj9iaz0msgvO0AY-3xGgytuG/s950/28+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvucmfgXsE8hhH184MFrwmjRPVg-P9DMANoFgcFTOc-X_nfujc5zwpPTX6QW-puvg7IOSpNhWyKQq7A48Q5fJn0Ru2UvT7HST4E-OvPMwl6NUzTnVYE8p8bj9iaz0msgvO0AY-3xGgytuG/s320/28+weeks.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 weeks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80_0zSVK4HhYrZrs3kx_zW8AzkYGckmyNIC02KNEXHE4Ll4BcW7ipApkZPI5JWlSWxlxzUEXENzL8sATVrY0iYJcaabj4adybhIRL8-E3R7n0yw1crwKF6ti0m-iAkaXH2WVBhUJPsk8r/s1027/30+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80_0zSVK4HhYrZrs3kx_zW8AzkYGckmyNIC02KNEXHE4Ll4BcW7ipApkZPI5JWlSWxlxzUEXENzL8sATVrY0iYJcaabj4adybhIRL8-E3R7n0yw1crwKF6ti0m-iAkaXH2WVBhUJPsk8r/s320/30+weeks.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzwZyQ6XiSV8yJmO8wE_Tpe4roknO0fbl5jsp8t88c-0qZSYA3dTcH0JjTBDz1ZqE-NznCDa1W5SzBd_3a-8jOIbX39smwjH7xtsMUwXcfDF8_0rI3z2JWoTEP63zatv7BdYMDTe9qaXC/s925/33+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzwZyQ6XiSV8yJmO8wE_Tpe4roknO0fbl5jsp8t88c-0qZSYA3dTcH0JjTBDz1ZqE-NznCDa1W5SzBd_3a-8jOIbX39smwjH7xtsMUwXcfDF8_0rI3z2JWoTEP63zatv7BdYMDTe9qaXC/s320/33+weeks.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">33 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84j2QHN6LDinfMSaPG8oMgM-mEZ0qXcw7VtaakKdRG8sXotCCq0TTtSBxc8FjYZEIDkIWaWIquR3kDZI9PC3jE-6JIAPG78zfTmvImYXLy5UuO8U69h8Dm39iW9GDfNpw88cUOhzKAYZv/s945/34+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84j2QHN6LDinfMSaPG8oMgM-mEZ0qXcw7VtaakKdRG8sXotCCq0TTtSBxc8FjYZEIDkIWaWIquR3kDZI9PC3jE-6JIAPG78zfTmvImYXLy5UuO8U69h8Dm39iW9GDfNpw88cUOhzKAYZv/s320/34+weeks.jpg" width="159" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">34 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a></div>
</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-64905673973271236462013-06-27T14:39:00.005-07:002013-07-08T07:08:11.371-07:00Texas Fetal Center (Part4)After hearing we had stage 1 TTTS and being referred to a new MFM in Houston we were scared and nervous but still hopeful. We were already 24 weeks and the babies were viable at this stage and we had hundreds of prayers being sent up for our boys.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
We left our big kids in the care of Brandon's aunt Angie and off to Houston we went. Everybody at the office in Houston was very nice and we felt a little less apprehensive. The specialists in Houston looked at the same things we had looked for previously and then we were sat down with Dr. Moise who explained what was going on and his prognosis. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He did not think the babies had TTTS after all. The smaller twin had lower fluid but his size and fluid were adequate for an average size baby. The larger twin had macrosomia (big baby) and some enlargement of the heart due to pumping extra blood. His fluid levels were also high. The boys shared some deep connections in the blood vessels running through their shared placenta. Dr. Moise explained that if we could get to 34 weeks the survival rate and chance of no neurological impairment were very good. If we continued to hold steady we could continue without further intervention, but if TTTS progressed quickly enough by 26 weeks we would consider laser ablation surgery to separate the vessels connecting the boys. To complicate things, I had an anterior placenta (located in the front) so they would have a much more complicated surgery to access it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were told to travel to Houston for weekly scans and continue to see HPC on Fridays in College Station until 26 weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next two weeks were a flurry of dr appointments and scans and driving just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It was on our second trip to Houston that i told Brandon we needed to settle on their names. I felt like they needed names so I could bond with them and talk to them. Calling them twin A and B was so impersonal so we picked names for the boys. The smaller twin was Jesse Alexander and larger twin was Max Elliot. During this second trip to Houston we also got 3D ultrasound pictures so we got to see their little faces and an echocardiogram on Max's heart. They looked ok and even a bit better than before. I had begun to eat as much as possible and increase my protein intake and focus on resting as well. </div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e24A9a-3nl989qhFZz8Dc4Zm4Sr1s6dup6-XN8sjtf4Kypt91qXcPwl29RQUblhF-yZCu5eWG4XDKx8u2YRmKQd-WHrwJXDkHZPLzkqBTlOlGpu3J9AMLu4F_iuUoe7mR5fhcpx5t3pn/s640/MCGALLION_APRIL_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6e24A9a-3nl989qhFZz8Dc4Zm4Sr1s6dup6-XN8sjtf4Kypt91qXcPwl29RQUblhF-yZCu5eWG4XDKx8u2YRmKQd-WHrwJXDkHZPLzkqBTlOlGpu3J9AMLu4F_iuUoe7mR5fhcpx5t3pn/s200/MCGALLION_APRIL_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTANQnSoB3GO41VZGmPiIDsRqc-p7aaB9ZWpv9rwa-tKAWOR_sOw8_38yKujWH1puyHnjV5bI__pD2Eb4b01NBmOfui00UepxQFCpYkUlYzURLwcJQfPQ5umDuetOe7-v5qbvAxwRP-ke/s640/MCGALLION_APRIL_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTANQnSoB3GO41VZGmPiIDsRqc-p7aaB9ZWpv9rwa-tKAWOR_sOw8_38yKujWH1puyHnjV5bI__pD2Eb4b01NBmOfui00UepxQFCpYkUlYzURLwcJQfPQ5umDuetOe7-v5qbvAxwRP-ke/s200/MCGALLION_APRIL_5.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxOw4msLCHCBA5TPTGx2fYE0bsYS0xFSgwqyYbUgCqY0YBNvU6jk7IhyphenhyphenjB-lI_3WpCamb9hTO8ERXPurF_XFEsqU5gQsrhC2534QNUYInHmB1-7EZ62j98Wu0bU5phXRxRkDM4MwPrfkH/s640/MCGALLION_APRIL_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxOw4msLCHCBA5TPTGx2fYE0bsYS0xFSgwqyYbUgCqY0YBNvU6jk7IhyphenhyphenjB-lI_3WpCamb9hTO8ERXPurF_XFEsqU5gQsrhC2534QNUYInHmB1-7EZ62j98Wu0bU5phXRxRkDM4MwPrfkH/s200/MCGALLION_APRIL_3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVKLHB69ZKFLY0SpI_IUUzbesFc8eUBnH-8Bu-bgARdrjWhtEFWiVEy25yUUfuEUxCY7OPb4eNM4Zv741JEvwwEMF_jalYdc0s0stlIm_SfGN5-uPifdq32b-SoRKPBocAncKKAymC8k-/s640/MCGALLION_APRIL_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVKLHB69ZKFLY0SpI_IUUzbesFc8eUBnH-8Bu-bgARdrjWhtEFWiVEy25yUUfuEUxCY7OPb4eNM4Zv741JEvwwEMF_jalYdc0s0stlIm_SfGN5-uPifdq32b-SoRKPBocAncKKAymC8k-/s200/MCGALLION_APRIL_6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our third visit to Houston at 27 weeks it seemed we survived the most critical phase and the laser ablation surgery was off the table. We agreed to be closely monitored in College Station by the HPC group instead of driving to Houston. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a><br />
</div>
</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-11958431825618591162013-06-27T14:39:00.003-07:002013-07-08T07:08:11.368-07:00Meeting Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part3)Every Friday a member of Houston Perinatal Consultants would come over to College Station to see clients in this area and they rotate each week. Thankfully this was perfect for us since getting a sitter for all day would be difficult.<br />
<br />
The first appointment was with Dr. Reiter. Brandon couldn't come so I went by myself. He was very businesslike and had his technician start the scan right away. They determined that the boys were indeed identical and needed intensive monitoring because TTTS can progress quickly and suddenly. The cutoff date for laser ablation to separate the vessels that connect the boys can only be done before 26 weeks. After 26 weeks, the babies are instead delivered. The most important reason to get the more advanced scans was to evaluate blood flow with a Doppler. Each boy had blood flow measured in the umbilical cord, a large artery in the head, the liver, and placenta. The heart is studied closely and each boy measured to ascertain growth. The kidneys and bladder are observed as well. The amounts of fluid are also measured because the first sign of TTTS is fluid discrepancy and disappearing bladder volume in the donor twin. Each scan took between one and two hours because so many facets were being monitored. Dr. Reiter was optimistic and said the boys were looking well and we would check again in two weeks.<br />
<br />
<div>
Two weeks later (20 weeks) both boys showed good progress but the size discrepancy was increasing. We scheduled another scan for two weeks following but the office called and cancelled so it was three weeks before I was in for another ultrasound. Meanwhile I began to see an OB every two weeks.</div>
<div>
When we made it to the scan at 23 weeks we were quite alarmed to hear that the boys had TTTS. The big twin had some enlargement around his heart, high amniotic fluid levels and the smaller twin was showing some abnormal circulation in his umbilical artery. We were immediately referred to the maternal/fetal medicine specialist (MFM) in Houston, Dr. Kenneth Moise. Our appointment was scheduled the next business day which was Monday. We were sent an informative video about TTTS and had a stressful weekend. I think it's impossible to watch that video and not cry when the mortality rates are laid out there. I was also a bit confused that we were diagnosed as having TTTS when we did not fit the criteria of low fluid on the donor twin.<br />
<br />
Things were not looking good. We asked for prayers from everyone we knew.<br />
<br />
Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a><br />
</div>
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-86442990629171334572013-06-27T14:37:00.001-07:002013-06-27T17:54:06.702-07:00High risk here we come! (Part2)My third pregnancy was turning out to be a surprise in more than one way. After finding out we were having twins we scheduled an appointment with the most advanced ultrasound machine in town and a tech with experience in twins. <br />
<br />
We took Lily with us because she begged us to go while Ehren went ahead on to preschool. Brandon and I had been throwing around the idea of finding out the sexes. He was fine not finding out when there was only one baby but felt strongly that with twins he wanted to be prepared. I gave in and decided twins would be enough adventure and it would make naming the kids easier if we found out what they were.<br />
<br />
At the time we were hoping for g/g or b/g combo because I really wanted another sweet little girl and felt that Lily should have a sister. <br />
<br />
When the technician looked at the babies she was checking for chorinicity. She also was looking at anatomy. She spent a lot of time on the placenta and the membrane. She told us that the babies were sharing a placenta and outer sac and asked if we wanted to know the sex and we said yes. She waved the wand around one baby and immediately we knew we were having boys. Both babies were approximately the same size at 17 weeks but they were already different just a week later. I asked her if the difference was a concern for .... I didn't even have to say TTTS because she knew what I was asking and told us that yes, it was a concern. My heart sank. Here I was pregnant with boy babies that were going to be high risk and may not even survive. <br />
<br />
I was strangely mad at the babies for messing up all my home waterbirth plans. Then I would feel bad about feeling negative towards the babies. Lily told me she was upset that night and cried because she wasn't going to have a sister. I sympathized so much. Brandon told me that God knew what he was doing and he gave us these babies to teach us lessons we need to learn... Namely learn how dependent we need to be and how we need to accept his plans instead do focusing so much on our plans. He thought I was a birth snob (which I probably was) and that having to go back to OB care was to knock my pride down a notch.<br />
<br />
I wallowed in self pity for a while and then decided to spend my time making a new plan and researching instead of worrying.<br />
<br />
I needed to make lots of decisions quickly as to what doctor I would use for my care. I asked around and tried to read reviews and research. I decided to go with a doctor that was in the same group as Dr. Rice who said on her online info that she very seldom misses a client's birth. The main concern I had was that I would work hard to establish a relationship with a doctor only to have some random person attend my birth and wind up with another traumatic birth. Another plus was that she was Catholic and had worked in Guatemala which indicated to me that she understood what women were capable and likely respected natural birth and NFP but was qualified to be more interventive if the need arose.<br />
<br />
I set up an interview with Dr Anna Damian for the next week. I suppose interviews are not really popular because when I got there the office staff wanted me to start paying when I hadn't even made a decision yet. I had a notebook with my concerns and my birth plans all ready to discuss with her. She seemed competent and caring and listened to my concerns and told me that there was nothing to be afraid of. I think she must come across moms who are scared of birth... I was scared of doctors! Birth was not my concern at all. She seemed supportive of natural vaginal birth as long as baby A was vertex. I thought she seemed reasonable and that I could work with her. I told the office that I wanted to have her for my care and scheduled an appointment to see her in two weeks. In the meantime she referred me to a maternal fetal medicine specialist group that sent a member to College Station from Houston every Friday.<br />
<br />
Although so much was still in the air, I started to feel better about our situation now that I could have a little bit of a plan.<br />
<br />
Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a><br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-6943135163309303092013-02-28T07:56:00.000-08:002013-06-27T17:55:24.495-07:00The Ultrasound Reveals All (Part1)I had planned to have my third pregnancy as low tech as possible, including skipping ultrasounds unless something did not seem right and my midwife wanted to. After Toni found that I was measuring very large for dates she recommended an ultrasound. <br />
<br />
When I got to Dr. Rice's office she took me right back for my u/s. Brandon was running late. She put the wand to my belly and immediately we saw two heads pop up. "Well, it's twins," she said! It's hard to describe how I felt at that moment. It was actually mostly relief and excitement. ONLY twins... How hard could that be? Brandon came in just then and saw the two babies on the u/s and smiled! He seemed nervous. Dr. Rice said she thought there were two sacs and two placentas indicating fraternal twins and I was quite relieved. I was an avid birth junkie and knew all about TTTS and how scary it could be. If twins develop TTTS there is an uneven flow of blood through their shared blood vessels (in the placenta) that can kill both of them. Only identical twins who share a placenta can develop this complication.<br />
<br />
To be sure the babies were ok (we did not want to know the sex) Dr. Rice recommended we get a more detailed ultrasound at another location.<br />
<br />
I asked Dr. Rice if she delivered twins and found out she didn't. I already knew Toni didn't usually so I was going to have to transfer care to an OB. When we left the office that day we had a wonderfully exciting time telling everyone in our family. Everyone was so happy! Many had suspected as much from seeing how big I already was!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFIcojcjPDEOeZtUm7MJhBa3x0wi3GL4KDUD9OL9uDxUMZLleDxEJ0TzpPMcl0j-9OI912bvlrYNRQwOirEO5aaQahrbCSvKfSM4nzPvz28IzBx4j_wJXYJZzWSiOE84Zj4ZygqYMGRmj/s1600/66577_4783366505545_283758105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFIcojcjPDEOeZtUm7MJhBa3x0wi3GL4KDUD9OL9uDxUMZLleDxEJ0TzpPMcl0j-9OI912bvlrYNRQwOirEO5aaQahrbCSvKfSM4nzPvz28IzBx4j_wJXYJZzWSiOE84Zj4ZygqYMGRmj/s320/66577_4783366505545_283758105_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first look at the babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Links to the detailed story:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ultrasound-reveals-all-part1.html">Ultrasound reveals all (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/high-risk-here-we-come-part2.html">High risk here we come (Part 2)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/meeting-houston-perinatal-consultants.html">Houston Perinatal Consultants (Part 3)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/texas-fetal-center-part4.html">Texas Fetal Center (Part 4)</a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-final-stretch-part5.html">The Final Stretch (Part 5) </a><br />
<a href="http://april-faraboverubies.blogspot.com/2013/06/jesse-and-maxs-birth-story-part-6.html">Jesse and Max's Birth Story (Part 6)</a><br />
Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-88349953479515135982013-02-28T07:46:00.001-08:002013-02-28T07:46:15.953-08:00July 2012Ok here's how it all went down...<br />
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After we had our two dear sweet children my husband and I were still deciding if we wanted more children. We knew if we had more children it would probably mean buying a larger vehicle and a larger house. I wanted more children in my heart but my head said I wasn't a good idea right now.<br />
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I pondered over it for months and had finally made peace with this decision in my heart. We would not have any more children or if finances were favorable have two more 5+ yrs down the road. I was watching a friend's young baby at my home during they day so it made sense that I would be able to enjoy a little baby and be able to help out in this way for at least until she could go to school and I didn't need to keep her anymore. I was also nursing Ehren day and night and he showed no signs of being ready to wean.<br />
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A couple of weeks later at the end of June I was going to take out the trash and I caught a whiff of pizza box smell and it made me feel sick to my stomach. It was the same feeling I remembered from my previous pregnancies. I knew something was wrong.<br />
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I decided that maybe I was just having another health issue because I had not missed a period. I was tired and sick to my stomach so I was thinking it must be the flu. I bought a pregnancy test just to rule out pregnancy before going to the doctor. It turned POSITIVE immediately. That took me by surprise. How could I be THAT pregnant? I consulted my chart (we were using NFP) and the only explanation that made sense is that my last period was really implantation bleeding and I was already 7 weeks pregnant.<br />
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<b>Telling Brandon</b><br />
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For each of my other children's births Brandon wore a Superman tee shirt. I ordered him a new Superman tee shirt and coincidentally when the shirt came in the mail it seemed a bit small so I picked up an additional shirt at the store. When I gave it to him the shirts I told him he would need it! When I told Brandon he was surprised but very happy! I think the kids drive him nuts sometimes but he is proud to be a daddy all the same.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VsfJTM7bw08sObzPqP5RnxJx8HpmGEQ8qACWkjECBsEEa2voY9gMrsSFOmyWWzKP_pSaxgFUd3dd0X9xfPy7Gst5R_OzLUeoFaiJ8pQsyooY6NlM4kbTLavuHMDYebbp7Jq3TIvVznSP/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VsfJTM7bw08sObzPqP5RnxJx8HpmGEQ8qACWkjECBsEEa2voY9gMrsSFOmyWWzKP_pSaxgFUd3dd0X9xfPy7Gst5R_OzLUeoFaiJ8pQsyooY6NlM4kbTLavuHMDYebbp7Jq3TIvVznSP/s320/IMG_2788.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon and Lily 2008</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1MXIFh7N-DrSgFvONoRuGZ28KoL5t4wC03YKzFce7pac0Iy67mSV_TaYdsX-TWITzJEnm1NazTOzLPP_oZBTn2OzRsAfcVb16yAtzGNtbw7mwJB_lOPqnliAhyh1ROr-6_NHBLahTEfe/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1MXIFh7N-DrSgFvONoRuGZ28KoL5t4wC03YKzFce7pac0Iy67mSV_TaYdsX-TWITzJEnm1NazTOzLPP_oZBTn2OzRsAfcVb16yAtzGNtbw7mwJB_lOPqnliAhyh1ROr-6_NHBLahTEfe/s320/IMG_3691.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandon and Ehren 2010</td></tr>
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<b>Preparing</b><br />
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I knew right away for this birth I wanted to have a waterbirth at home. I had wanted a waterbirth with Ehren but didn't like my bathtub when the big day came. I was going to splurge with this baby and buy the big fancy birth pool with the handles. I was going to have a photographer and it was going to be epic. So far I was having a rough pregnancy because I was more tired than usual and actually threw up. I had never thrown up with my other pregnancies. Sure I felt nauseated but not thrown up. I attributed this to the fact that I was nursing Ehren and chasing around three little children during the day. I was also losing weight and I thought it was kinda awesome and perhaps getting back into prepregnant shape wouldn't be hard this time around.<br />
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I scheduled my first appointment with Toni (my midwife) at 12 weeks. When I got there she measured me (just for fun since its not very accurate until 20 weeks) and noticed I was measuring ahead a cm or so. She looked all around and found the heartbeat on the top left quadrant. It was healthy and strong. I was excited to be working with Toni again.<br />
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<b>That's ODD</b><br />
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My next scheduled appointment was at 16 weeks. In the meantime the baby had a big growth spurt. I didn't really think anything of it. When I got to Toni's office she took my vitals, drew some blood and went to measure me. I measured 12 cm ahead of what we expected. I was measuring like a 28 week pregnant lady would measure instead of my 16 weeks. Toni told me she wanted me to have an ultrasound to find out what was going on in there. We looked all over but still only found one heartbeat in the top left quadrant again. I had still not felt any kicks yet. She told me dates might be off, I might have fibroids or extra fluid or there was more than one baby. I hoped it was only twins, because my dates were right and I was scared of the alternatives which could be serious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0utSbiU27IrMSlTGsFUlJQuMH-za-2VmZaFrGDOwucGwJA_iSv84tyKI7E0_pWcvqXs_abFVRbQZWz6vzQeflHOaWvjCWSotSTZ3tZO8HOIoRWdoonHvcORzcy-v-Lkq0tigMzjI51wv/s1600/296875_4720635097299_1189968845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0utSbiU27IrMSlTGsFUlJQuMH-za-2VmZaFrGDOwucGwJA_iSv84tyKI7E0_pWcvqXs_abFVRbQZWz6vzQeflHOaWvjCWSotSTZ3tZO8HOIoRWdoonHvcORzcy-v-Lkq0tigMzjI51wv/s320/296875_4720635097299_1189968845_n.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of 14 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of 16 weeks</td></tr>
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I called Dr. Rice ( a natural birth friendly Dr. In town and scheduled an ultrasound for the next week. Stay tuned for my next post... The reveal!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7218954886298859570" name="more"></a><br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-73683156578552541882013-02-24T08:32:00.002-08:002013-07-08T07:09:30.892-07:00I'm BACK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Alright, So after almost a year hiatus I decided I should probably start
updating my blog again since we won't be traveling as much because we
had TWINS since the last update. I plan to fill in with a couple of
stories you might find interesting that happened this past year. Here's
an adorable little picture to tide you over. </div>
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-28401630333058793022012-05-11T12:23:00.001-07:002013-07-08T07:09:54.230-07:00Spring FunSorry I've been slacking on updating the blog lately. With kids sick and Brandon out of town I just lost some momentum, but my Mom is wondering what's going on so here's a short update with pictures!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjvCW3nkU1tmRDi9LDwV5S62y5DuixvJbTtIV7tPuGo9_1ACUjhF32LQYl3D5j6s8KcPAS2OrvFyuS451vBWc_Y_4OtXFTsB1cjkpTfwITWNmG5SwVt3-DuB0CHx_NQ-1hi5kvRaUCulG/s1600/IMG_5232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjvCW3nkU1tmRDi9LDwV5S62y5DuixvJbTtIV7tPuGo9_1ACUjhF32LQYl3D5j6s8KcPAS2OrvFyuS451vBWc_Y_4OtXFTsB1cjkpTfwITWNmG5SwVt3-DuB0CHx_NQ-1hi5kvRaUCulG/s400/IMG_5232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the sprinkler on the first scorcher of the season</td></tr>
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The kids newest projects were finding three tadpoles which we took home and raised as our own children. Two have turned into American toads and they are named Swirly and Flower. We made a cute little terrarium for them and have been catching bugs to help them grow big and strong enough to be released into our garden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNpoqQpBJpHDxwk54Sdg3buUrrKtybQx7QqT29E_YHhBPor45P77PuC6EpV8cm7YDr-Qc4dNKIe7iRbVVJAXNAnV9U3D8SlE0QKYJjAYoHq8eVcH2K14QDMi5DWPr9wUgfpLdK0I-sn68/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNpoqQpBJpHDxwk54Sdg3buUrrKtybQx7QqT29E_YHhBPor45P77PuC6EpV8cm7YDr-Qc4dNKIe7iRbVVJAXNAnV9U3D8SlE0QKYJjAYoHq8eVcH2K14QDMi5DWPr9wUgfpLdK0I-sn68/s320/IMG_5293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last tadpole (doesn't have a name yet)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECVdInAVDoqhNHzYnLXWqBirIEtfPMFLUNornk5OQlyp14hWzsGcQ0218iLUwKonYnyjLo6rzZfvGbt_XeWB0BNqhZ1aiLuWrehdDmEb8ltiZ1e239LxGrEO3bX91CtJR5UXfkpFJr9z4/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECVdInAVDoqhNHzYnLXWqBirIEtfPMFLUNornk5OQlyp14hWzsGcQ0218iLUwKonYnyjLo6rzZfvGbt_XeWB0BNqhZ1aiLuWrehdDmEb8ltiZ1e239LxGrEO3bX91CtJR5UXfkpFJr9z4/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing transformation that happens in one afternoon. The toad is so small it can fit on a dime with room to spare.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWqP3KiI0V08GfSGKLyHMFa6VYF3DcM2u4TLmX1gRiREvrcwXK15rx4C6R5qbEggPvRtCZlnro-fgDswmvVOlz4hnJH1XQlzIB_f9At0ByCaYpMiJMfbczr5YKwW-gOgV5V51uIhR_qYe/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWqP3KiI0V08GfSGKLyHMFa6VYF3DcM2u4TLmX1gRiREvrcwXK15rx4C6R5qbEggPvRtCZlnro-fgDswmvVOlz4hnJH1XQlzIB_f9At0ByCaYpMiJMfbczr5YKwW-gOgV5V51uIhR_qYe/s640/IMG_5303.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 gallon fish tank turned into a toad habitat</td></tr>
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Our garden has been growing well. We decided to plant only flowers since the dog kept eating our veggies. We had tons of volunteer tomatoes however so we're going to have lots of tomatoes and I have no idea what kind they will be - cherry, grape or beefsteak? Guess we'll find out. The other day we went to the park and caught about 20 lady bugs who have been really enjoying the volunteer sunflowers. Lily has been picking them and enjoying fresh flowers in her room all week. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabDA34vCV7TTYyWjYAP09_pGNVh0MYp86ceeLkmZLtIzRDRtjarhsOi3_Fz13_DIkqGGUE9MoZXTpyoexPySo8Y55zjCtPajPgSTUpTXJ9fWdPjBY5rAg3WLjFjWa41a6tiio69crMQuZ/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabDA34vCV7TTYyWjYAP09_pGNVh0MYp86ceeLkmZLtIzRDRtjarhsOi3_Fz13_DIkqGGUE9MoZXTpyoexPySo8Y55zjCtPajPgSTUpTXJ9fWdPjBY5rAg3WLjFjWa41a6tiio69crMQuZ/s640/IMG_5248.JPG" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and her sunflowers. (best face she could make out of 30 pictures!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLuZF6OFtFIM1QkTjdnZ-k7B-n-PeFv45Q-jg8q-c_9qo5dXnnPLcOuvmeXerxgI6tBUMKFobn0ooZSs3T6Y_z_I5dZv_XCXJiym5EdYtur9D5jNFg0SUkr85U7VGDB864_sVcfzMf-M/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtLuZF6OFtFIM1QkTjdnZ-k7B-n-PeFv45Q-jg8q-c_9qo5dXnnPLcOuvmeXerxgI6tBUMKFobn0ooZSs3T6Y_z_I5dZv_XCXJiym5EdYtur9D5jNFg0SUkr85U7VGDB864_sVcfzMf-M/s640/IMG_5277.JPG" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My perpetual motion machine wearing her favorite new dress from Grandma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSW0ZbglS19BDQfmvjdCzVOK7ooLxeC6a-OUNCpG6gA7YnxgNx_m2Qrmrm7P6TXeMu-AjRVnY7O0kQSxR4ffh9wtqTNe4e3PDjW3VV57aKzqsau3DiEdQ6cUi_ffPFHNLlC8bsu-DNLZDJ/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSW0ZbglS19BDQfmvjdCzVOK7ooLxeC6a-OUNCpG6gA7YnxgNx_m2Qrmrm7P6TXeMu-AjRVnY7O0kQSxR4ffh9wtqTNe4e3PDjW3VV57aKzqsau3DiEdQ6cUi_ffPFHNLlC8bsu-DNLZDJ/s640/IMG_5288.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tickling brother with a leaf</td></tr>
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Lily loves to decorate and had previously covered her large wall with artwork she taped up with scotch tape. Because I didn't like the way it looks, we made some magnetic boards that she could stick her artwork to. She picked out the patter and was really proud of herself! We made them with oil drip pans (Walmart $11) and a cheap twin sheet set we cut up. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nWQHepa2zq6I59KQkHpXUKEB_a0Nlv9dOMLfMk1e6uCBE3jK9KnehsB2sRi8oK7AcZsRflWIzIz0zMMyerPcIpZc42-y7CdwKJKB1I7CRsOSguqTr9qL44Jd36bxARd4Qk3udK0mb2Um/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nWQHepa2zq6I59KQkHpXUKEB_a0Nlv9dOMLfMk1e6uCBE3jK9KnehsB2sRi8oK7AcZsRflWIzIz0zMMyerPcIpZc42-y7CdwKJKB1I7CRsOSguqTr9qL44Jd36bxARd4Qk3udK0mb2Um/s400/IMG_5292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother's day card from Lily. (Yeah, she made it EXACTLY like the magazine instructed)</td></tr>
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I also crafted a new dress for Lily since she is growing so fast. I took a polo that looked hideous on me and made a cute little dress for her. I think its darling but I don't think she likes it!<br />
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So that's what we've been up to in a nutshell. This is all I probably have time to update for now while the kiddos are asleep!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-21206615615467283492012-03-27T10:49:00.002-07:002012-03-27T10:50:09.998-07:00Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond: My advice to new moms PART 1<br />
<br />
Pregnancy and birth is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Having children has profoundly changed me in so many ways. I have also learned so much (the hard way) since I've become a mother. I could elaborate all day but most people aren't going to read it so instead, here's a short list I've compiled of things I wish I had known so maybe you can avoid some common pitfalls. The first three are general rules of thumb to set the framework for a healthy experience and the remaining are more specific.<br />
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*Disclaimer - I have had a hospital birth with an OB that included induction and epidural and a natural birth at home with a midwife. I do not advocate that my way is the only right way. I want women to make informed decisions and give birth where and with whom they feel safe. The views below are my own with resources are below.*<br />
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1. <b>Consider the source</b> - When someone gives you advice they are usually well meaning but not always qualified to dispense the advice. Trust the experts but not blindly. Do the research and consider your instincts and your child. <br />
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2.<b> Pick your care provider carefully</b> - Find a Dr or midwife you can connect with and trust. Really research the statistics of safety and interventions for that care provider. A midwife (in TX) is required to provide those statistics up front. If your instincts are telling you your provider is not a good fit, do both of you a favor and switch.<br />
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3. <b>Accept responsibility</b> - As tempting as it may be to relinquish your care into the hands of "the
experts" you need to be responsible for your own health. You can get opinions from others
but ultimately you must decide what to do. Its easier to live with the choices you
make than the choices you let others make for you especially if things don't go well. Put on your big girl panties and get the information you need to make the right decisions for you and your baby.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Do the research</b> - Experts are people too and can and do make mistakes. Do not assume any procedure done on you is in your best interest. Do not assume that your Dr knows what you want without first discussing it. For example, two common procedures that cause more harm than good are immediate cord clamping and episiotomy (1). Both of these are still routinely done on women and infants without scientific evidence and <b>without consent.</b> These are not the only procedures in this category nor are they the most dangerous or damaging. A good place to start your research is Henci Goer's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Womans-Guide-Better-Birth/dp/0399525173">The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth</a><br />
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4. <b>What you eat matters </b>- What you eat when pregnant really matters and has far reaching health consequences for you and your baby. Many pregnancy complications <b>can be prevented </b>by careful attention to diet yet most women under OB care are never counseled or referred to a nutritionist. My personal pregnancy experiences and birth were vastly different when I became aware of this. A good place to start is, <a href="http://www.drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/">Dr. Brewer's Pregnancy Diet</a><br />
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5. <b>Exercise </b>- Labor is usually physically exhausting, but it will be smoother if you train for it. Do as much physical activity as you can during pregnancy. You will feel better and you won't swell as much. Do specific exercises like pelvic rocks, squats and tailor sitting to prepare your body for labor and proactively move the baby into optimal position for late pregnancy.<br />
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6. <b>Nap </b>- Sleep as much as you can when you can and don't feel guilty for it. Manufacturing a human is hard work!<br />
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7. <b>Know your baby</b> - Take the time to ask your care provider how to tell what position your baby is in. You should be able to tell what your baby is doing with a little practice. Once you have this mastered you can do exercises to ensure your baby will stay in a position that will make labor easier. (6) Talk daily and connect with your baby. You will be working as a team when the big day gets here.<br />
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8. <b>Natural childbirth</b> - You may be under the impression that women who chose to have a baby naturally are macho masochists. I know I thought that at one time. What is the big deal? What so wrong with an epidural? Once again I found out the hard way. It turns out the epidural has side effects that nobody told me about! (2) After having a baby naturally I would never again chose an epidural. Most women who have had both kinds of birth also prefer natural. Does that surprise you?<br />
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9. <b>Be prepared</b> - If you do chose to go natural, don't assume it will just happen. The hospital system is not set up to support a natural birth. You must be determined and prepared. I would recommend a Bradley Class(3) or Hypnobabies(4) class. If you are planning on an epidural, remember that they do not always work or you may have a precipitous labor and not be able to have one. I would prepare for a natural birth/unassisted childbirth in either case.<br />
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10. <b>Consider a Doula</b> - A doula? Seriously? That is what my husband is for! Ok, well that is what the Dr and nurses are for then. What came a a shock to me was that my Dr was NOT there until the last 20 minutes of the birth and the nurses were busy and also NOT there for me. It was just me and my husband all alone without knowing what to do. Turns out expecting a husband to know when/how to support you is asking too much of someone who is probably just as inexperienced as you are. A doula will take the pressure off of your husband and will bring knowledge that will make your birth go better. Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team
decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%,
the use of oxytocin by 40% and requests for an epidural by 60% (5). Don't leave it to chance that you will have a good nurse who will support and spend time with you. The nurses work for the hospital, not you. <br />
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11.<b> Eat </b>- If you have a long labor you will probably get hungry. You can eat if you need to and you don't need permission.<br />
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12. <b>Let go</b> - There are many things in labor you cannot control. If you've done your homework, taken care of yourself and prepared as diligently as you can then it is time to surrender to the process and ride it out. Labor is not the place for fear and anxiety - this is why I'm stressing mental and physical preparation before D-day. Birth is as safe as life is. Women were made to give birth and you can do it. Pray for peace and guidance from God and he will be there to help you out. Enjoy your birth!<br />
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Stay tuned for PART 2 - Breastfeeding<br />
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Resources:<br />
1. <a href="http://pregnancy.cochrane.org/">http://pregnancy.cochrane.org/</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/epidural-side-effects.html">http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/epidural-side-effects.html</a> <br />
3. <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/">http://www.bradleybirth.com/</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.hypnobabies.com/">www.hypnobabies.com</a> <br />
5. <a href="http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html">http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.spinningbabies.com/">http://www.spinningbabies.com/</a>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-33527377687135299402012-03-02T13:28:00.002-08:002012-03-02T13:28:55.025-08:00February 2012Is it that time again? The days are long but the years are short. I
guess February blew by because I was so busy! Brandon went to Sweden
on business again, this time for 13 days! My dear mother drove down to
bring my sister to help me out and then Mom and Dad drove back to pick
her up at the end of the week. Very thankful to have family that LOVE
me.<br />
<br />
Now that I am 30 and "officially old" I'm going to
stop coloring my hair and let it grow into its natural color - gray and
all! I figure if I keep it styled nice and work a little harder on not
dressing like a slob then I won't LOOK old. We shall see! Oh - I need a
GOOD stylist in C/S. I want to pay for a good haircut but have not
found anyone here who I like (even paid $50 for one and it was
terrible!) Please send me your suggestions!<br />
<br />
I have
been working almost every night this month on my quiet book and it is
coming along nicely. I'm very excited! Don't want to brag but it is the
most awesome quiet book I have ever seen. The kids keep trying to
sneak into my closet to play with it. I will post pictures as soon as I
am done. It is ridiculously time consuming because I'm doing everything
by hand and using the blanket stitch to join all the felt.<br />
<br />
About
the kids - My little Ehren has slept until 7 in his bed the entire
week! I am so proud of him and really enjoying getting more rest. Its
so weird sleeping through the night again myself because I haven't done
it since Summer 2010!<br />
<br />
When Brandon got back from
Sweden he decided to take Lily ice skating! She was really excited
about the prospect but not as excited about actually skating. She and
Brandon took one trip around the rink before she called it quits. She
wanted to play with the ice and look around but not skate. She did say
that she had fun though.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily and Daddy trying out the ice</td></tr>
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Now for my mini rant on breastfeeding
(this is here just so I don't have to explain it over and over again). I
am still nursing my 14 month old. I do not find this unusual in a
global or historical context. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends breastfeeding at least 12 months and then however long after
that the mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization
recommends breastfeeding at least two years and however long after that
the mother and baby desire. I plan on breastfeeding as long as my son
wants to. There are health benefits to my baby and to me the longer I
breastfeed that outweigh any minor inconvenience extended breastfeeding
may cause. My pediatrician is fine with my not giving my baby cow milk
and his blood tests show him to be perfectly healthy. Ehren does not
even like cow milk because he will suck it up and then spit it out all
over himself (for fun!). He also does not like to eat meat or carbs and
prefers veggies and fruit (and chocolate) so I'm filling in the gaps in
his nutrition by breastfeeding. I do not make decisions based on what
is popular or what everyone else is doing. I have good reasons for
everything I do. I have a degree in Biomedical Science and my hobbies
include researching health related topics so I'm not going to make a
decision that affects my children without due diligence. I don't think
I'm always right - that is why I consult the professionals when
necessary. :-) /end rant!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-1911700924901579372012-02-03T14:07:00.000-08:002012-03-02T13:29:47.165-08:00Ehren's latest adventuresMy boy has grown so much in the past month I can hardly believe the leap in development! Here's a list of his new accomplishments:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzz4auBwNhJ4UENyh-eS2Rr_9VFKAiGJ_rCYd0VjSCiftDHYBQTyJdg4ldrYQuZ-XRb902W62RKS4CIMQdSFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>* Walking! He walks everywhere and he's so proud of himself. Still can't get him to wear shoes though! Here's a video of him doing his favorite things - walking and cleaning.<br />
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* Self soothing himself to sleep - For a whole year, Ehren had to nurse himself to sleep, be walked around, or fall asleep next to us. I have gradually gotten him to read books in his room and then nurse a bit and finally we can put him in his crib and he will quickly fall asleep on his own! Sweet success with no crying! I knew it would happen some day and we just had to be patient and not push him to do something he wasn't ready for.<br />
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* Sleeping through the night - On 2/2/12 Ehren slept 8 hours from 9:00 - 5:30 am. So proud of my little man! The longest he ever slept previously was a 5 hour stretch.<br />
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* Sign language - We started teaching him signs around 9 months or so and he never really seemed interested in learning them. He really started using them all of the sudden and even seems to want to learn more. He knows, food, more, thank you, all done, book, please, dog, ball.he also points and says "dat" (that) constantly.<br />
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* Reading - Lily wanted to read even as an infant. With Ehren we were not as diligent about reading to him since things were a bit more chaotic and he didn't seem interested anyway. BUT now, he has a favorite book. It's an Eric Carle book about animals and he loves to turn the pages and giggles when I make a lion and sheep sounds. So glad he wants to read now. I was thinking he was a dud!<br />
<br />
*Bible class - Ehren has had a difficult adjustment getting into Bible class. He had more separation anxiety issues than Lily and vomits when he's really upset so we had been hesitant to leave him alone in Bible class. As he's gotten older, he's become less anxious so we tried it again with a lovely grandmotherly lady holding him. Success! He made it through class. Since then he has been spending more and more time in his chair. Things are looking up. <br />
<br />
*Independence - Ehren's separation anxiety issues are completely normal, although he was much more anxious than Lily. Pushing him to do something that makes him upset is not a "solution" I was willing to try. From my experience, this exacerbates the problem because the child now doesn't trust the parent and/or suffers from a reassurance deficit and becomes even more anxious and clingy. With Ehren we needed to be patient and teach him in such a way that would help him learn to be away from us but without making him more anxious or distrustful. If he will not do what I want him to do, I am willing to be patient and wait until he is ready. I am proud to say that my approach is working and we are seeing great strides toward becoming more independent.<br />
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*Playing with Winry - Before I started keeping a little baby, Ehren seemed so much more like a baby. Now he's helping me entertain the baby and even doing "chores." He will pick up books, throw away diapers, and play peek-a-boo with the baby. He will even play by himself and come back to me occasionally for a cuddle and then resume playing. One day I was holding both of them on the couch and he just took her hand and smiled at her. It was so sweet!<br />
<br />
Cute little video of Ehren playing a flute!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwiww3ua0mXx9baOemi1Ubnzl_2yiHcPebRn8ewa9eUq4ttBJLlkqBGhswNOD96KFoKOVOxcfDJneYYLibIuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>*Temper tantrums! Ugh! I dreaded the day he started these. He gets mad now and frustrated when denied and will slap the floor with both hands like a little Muslim. He even threw something when I told him he had to wait. Poor little dear. We don't allow this behavior of course and with the way he is, a 1 min time out is working beautifully. With consistency, I do not think he will be as challenging as Lily was/is. Ask me in a year if I still think this!<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm so proud of my little boy. He's perfect in every way. I kissed his head yesterday and he smelled like lavender baby shampoo and chocolate. I just wanted to drink the moment in and make it last forever. I am so grateful that God gave me such a precious soul and pray so hard every day that I will be a good mother to him. <br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-30763602572251556022012-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:002012-01-31T10:36:33.461-08:00January 2012January around here is birthday month. We've got Brandon's mom on the 5th, Brandon on the 11th, Lily on the 18th and me on the 24th.<br />
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Brandon had to work late all during his birthday week, so we didn't have much time to celebrate, but Lily and I did manage to make him a pie. We used the basic apple pie recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Cooking-75th-Anniversary-2006/dp/0743246268">Joy of Cooking</a> which is really simple and always turns out great. I made it after breakfast and it only took around 30 minutes which was good since if I cook anything longer Ehren will start hanging onto my legs and crying.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday pie (with pie bird so it stays pretty!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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January is also the month I started watching Winry (5 months old) during the day time. It turns out that having three children is not as hard as I thought it would be! Ehren has done much better than I thought he would. He really seems interested in the baby although he does not have the motor skills to always be gentle so I have to watch him like a hawk if he can reach her. He tries to give her toys, replace her pacifier or bottle, and pats her and hugs her. He even will throw dirty diapers away for me. It makes me realize how big he is getting compared to the little baby. Nap time can get a little rocky with the little ones, but she is easier to get down to sleep than Ehren is. I can usually wait until she's tired and then just put her down and presto - she's asleep. LOVE that. (Don't get me wrong - I love my difficult one too!) Speaking of sleeping.... I am proud to announce that Ehren now will self sooth himself without resorting to letting him cry. I can put him in his crib when he's tired (but awake) and he will fall asleep on his own. I just lay down on the floor where he can't see me but he knows I'm there and its enough for him. Sometimes he watches a crib toy that makes noise and other times he'll roll over and conk out without the toy.<br />
<br />
Lily had a nice birthday and party. She wanted to have a rainbow theme and invite family and her friends. Since our house space is limited we opted to have her party at McDonalds. Because I didn't make reservations soon enough the party was at 6:00 pm! She had fun though and we got to see the family which is always nice. McDonalds didn't allow outside food and drink so we made rainbow cupcakes and went out to eat at Fazolis with our adopted college students before services on Wednesday. Not surprisingly, our little firecracker also had a blast at that "party."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflDRrke4YMtuyxmDwjcmtGjNUGYBQzwsL6oybYKo-U2LzarPMON3M_renxfxAu-8uXqtXfdZmnNKcZDy91qm1yaIzjzftPMHIMGMkaJBE988hGucjUX4Arvbkw-6xwT-4UUfP3bfXzje/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmflDRrke4YMtuyxmDwjcmtGjNUGYBQzwsL6oybYKo-U2LzarPMON3M_renxfxAu-8uXqtXfdZmnNKcZDy91qm1yaIzjzftPMHIMGMkaJBE988hGucjUX4Arvbkw-6xwT-4UUfP3bfXzje/s640/IMG_5084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's girlfriends Anni and Louise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwSDhQJQ5COJ3SvKMtvC2cfDkf2Ro9YI0Z61CkzhByjGuDH59Ugd8u-e_yZoazbvCcFBXbTwyslO1JLAuxS_2hX3VWWj6TihpTWs9vIpZPUcXTVjiuo0RgNfrgj2_jnkb32xoA0GVQGM4/s1600/IMG_5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwSDhQJQ5COJ3SvKMtvC2cfDkf2Ro9YI0Z61CkzhByjGuDH59Ugd8u-e_yZoazbvCcFBXbTwyslO1JLAuxS_2hX3VWWj6TihpTWs9vIpZPUcXTVjiuo0RgNfrgj2_jnkb32xoA0GVQGM4/s640/IMG_5099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Wyatt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ni9uWbpafh9vCmy0r-Rkfcxot1CRgWTmOeMhzvVdnBm31Rug8eFbC6wxieNmFor39o_YDUYDfdCJHWX-p2Z75HvLx6f84EBYr91pXXaHoSGZghznGKAY6bM-bCKwCEUnr2xEzLXzm8UP/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ni9uWbpafh9vCmy0r-Rkfcxot1CRgWTmOeMhzvVdnBm31Rug8eFbC6wxieNmFor39o_YDUYDfdCJHWX-p2Z75HvLx6f84EBYr91pXXaHoSGZghznGKAY6bM-bCKwCEUnr2xEzLXzm8UP/s640/IMG_5118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snakey got covered in cakey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuM9EjR1klkHGS4TFQF86PXhp54WEG5lTneRnONye17sgF7sgVFkW1avPA5cT4t5ImshPuVP7zlBb7GOY7jPzaM8q0Gm4SdVg2cz42kVUbB3SZ02RBPgRGoH1TsFrb7xFHDQr9u4WkZe3/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuM9EjR1klkHGS4TFQF86PXhp54WEG5lTneRnONye17sgF7sgVFkW1avPA5cT4t5ImshPuVP7zlBb7GOY7jPzaM8q0Gm4SdVg2cz42kVUbB3SZ02RBPgRGoH1TsFrb7xFHDQr9u4WkZe3/s400/IMG_5079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first batch of rainbow cupcakes (Thanks Pinterest)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Lily also started preschool this month on Tues-Thurs from 9:00 to 1:30. I decided that she was becoming too bored just hanging out with me and needed some more mental stimulation. I thought this was especially important since I would be devoting so much time to caring for the babies. However, having her away for part of the day can be actually harder because when she's here Ehren wants to play with her and will mostly leave me alone to care for the baby. He'd check in on me from time to time for reassurance and then go back to playing. When its just me and the little babies, he's a lot more demanding for attention.<br />
<br />
Lily loves preschool! So far it has been exactly as I hoped. The teacher also seems pleased with her behavior and knowledge. Apparently Lily knows all her letters though I have not formally taught them to her. <br />
<br />
Ehren's separation anxiety is showing signs of tapering off. As I mentioned earlier, he no longer must be put to sleep by physical contact with us, but has also survived bible class twice without us being there. The first time was hard on him and I know he cried, but the second time was better and although he needed to be held periodically, he didn't become as upset. So there's hope for the little Klingon yet! I'm so glad he's making these steps because I know independence is an important part of growing up! <br />
<br />
For my birthday we didn't really do anything special since we had a gospel meeting that night with Tim Jennings. It was an excellent meeting and very timely. I was glad that I was able to worship on my birthday. That day had been a little rough but I got a little knock on the door and was surprised to find a chocolate covered fruit bouquet with a balloon and a teddy bear from Anna. That was a nice treat and made even better since all three kids were asleep and not awakened by the delivery. I also got a most awesome card from Aly that wished me a Happy "29th" birthday from my "110 lb" friend. That gave us a good laugh since this is my second "29th" birthday. ;-) The Saturday after my birthday aunt Angie came over and watched the kids so Brandon and I could go out to eat lunch. Ehren went down for a late nap and was still sleeping when we got back. I was glad for that because he might have been upset if he knew we had gone. Lily had Aunt Angie all to herself which she loved because Aunt Angie always brings books.<br />
<br />
That pretty much brings you up to date on the happenings of January. I've been so busy I haven't had much time for crafting anything except one little panda bear. I'm also working on a quiet book for Ehren for services. I've got one page almost finished and it has taking me a LOoooooong time. Hopefully I can finish it before he outgrows the need for it!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzM7G7UtZl6gaDsu52Ul98I06QrvSpH-YF4Evyzi5yvfX7vBsxVRZ7fLC4UPrO_hLxGYRWVlnLsmzbuDpqMgOC4oY7Hm48sOmVRYtufaMh_aVcx6I_hlarROQJeoupFyXYo8NCakjOn0s/s1600/IMG_5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzM7G7UtZl6gaDsu52Ul98I06QrvSpH-YF4Evyzi5yvfX7vBsxVRZ7fLC4UPrO_hLxGYRWVlnLsmzbuDpqMgOC4oY7Hm48sOmVRYtufaMh_aVcx6I_hlarROQJeoupFyXYo8NCakjOn0s/s400/IMG_5141.JPG" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tolee's panda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwOPftP87hHLtJYFVYyEfj9XIb2uJkH1r2mcYxR3MVHPnd0AG1pflnq1ZtmcM0JHkbgC7XtX0XqnpTZhuL6JfOewh6OsKvkpH-N4XKDjIcquCrITFtf8jHk6FvUJfsW4j66S2wVgVVFJX/s1600/Tolee-Hugging-Pandy-tolee-the-koala-17299238-567-794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwOPftP87hHLtJYFVYyEfj9XIb2uJkH1r2mcYxR3MVHPnd0AG1pflnq1ZtmcM0JHkbgC7XtX0XqnpTZhuL6JfOewh6OsKvkpH-N4XKDjIcquCrITFtf8jHk6FvUJfsW4j66S2wVgVVFJX/s320/Tolee-Hugging-Pandy-tolee-the-koala-17299238-567-794.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-78060995758105718942012-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:002012-03-02T13:30:00.432-08:00Happy 4th Birthday to Lily!Today is my dear sweet Lily's fourth birthday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kg-UPmv6tbyhCStGP3StNoeD2kKxvrQH_VzenhrQwj5k9dDL2G9c5zVVT2DVsyaPqZvwT_mzWPoJI6QE3sAxqjUhBrWdlXyH0zY9cOFuVO0ag7VrNeSMcfe7ANIAOmX5oFeKv4DR1nu/s1600/Lily4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-kg-UPmv6tbyhCStGP3StNoeD2kKxvrQH_VzenhrQwj5k9dDL2G9c5zVVT2DVsyaPqZvwT_mzWPoJI6QE3sAxqjUhBrWdlXyH0zY9cOFuVO0ag7VrNeSMcfe7ANIAOmX5oFeKv4DR1nu/s640/Lily4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The other day I was filling out paperwork to enroll her in preschool and I was asked to describe her personality and I thought to myself.... That blank is not nearly big enough! Brandon and I joked around that we would need to write a book to fully describe her.<br />
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I love her spunk and enthusiasm for life, her outgoing and friendly personality, her imagination, her decisiveness, her bravery (sometimes scary). She's tough yet sweet and forgiving. She loves to read, paint and color. She plays hard and sleeps hard and she's like nobody else. I'm so thankful that God gave her to us! I pray every day that we can point her in the right direction because she will be able to do whatever she sets her mind on.<br />
<br />
This determination can make life with her difficult right now, but I wouldn't change anything about her. I love her so much! Happy Birthday Lily!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gKfEw46-ZBRZqwT9k4hCVvnePijG5Z6_FCQFQMMEoewQU6k7ggSbKw8IaBwauSEuaPAA1Ic4pSGDbfdXLAMUbXnJ1-9gBm64U0e8jKtCV4LMrg81dLX5u0RjkVMhZdtgWZ8kBkZoK778/s1600/birthdaycrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gKfEw46-ZBRZqwT9k4hCVvnePijG5Z6_FCQFQMMEoewQU6k7ggSbKw8IaBwauSEuaPAA1Ic4pSGDbfdXLAMUbXnJ1-9gBm64U0e8jKtCV4LMrg81dLX5u0RjkVMhZdtgWZ8kBkZoK778/s400/birthdaycrop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily's birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWHVmxTb283Hy8AKTSTpKu2ivTst5Ucbo38_H8iyMTqr7samTPM_i8hZWA9YBM8Zz32liu5mTGPl6IgpfLO2MpCRsBaqxT2B3Xj4frSI1aWZfPrwaedOG9vL_uRZhqJLDpC52IymYTPIz/s1600/I+love+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWHVmxTb283Hy8AKTSTpKu2ivTst5Ucbo38_H8iyMTqr7samTPM_i8hZWA9YBM8Zz32liu5mTGPl6IgpfLO2MpCRsBaqxT2B3Xj4frSI1aWZfPrwaedOG9vL_uRZhqJLDpC52IymYTPIz/s400/I+love+it.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSXu3TvTrwr5vIleFwZ4Xd-_9ToBBnaxsFouVKFOGyjqqhs2Trh-TNCL5hdJuy9R5tdRV8H1VinTResiDp1jb3Qojgffecm9ln-9kWjwXoNmaiCtr3iSumZHFMAi1WRpbcWiJCuUvZy45/s1600/0417001727a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSXu3TvTrwr5vIleFwZ4Xd-_9ToBBnaxsFouVKFOGyjqqhs2Trh-TNCL5hdJuy9R5tdRV8H1VinTResiDp1jb3Qojgffecm9ln-9kWjwXoNmaiCtr3iSumZHFMAi1WRpbcWiJCuUvZy45/s640/0417001727a.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7SjcQXhvqQFaVe_qrVm4zjfIPdL_eJ0rWZAvqNtY5Fr22o8z6_34A_SLlwDTf7ap3xuRw7jr20DGhyphenhyphenNxVl5NDPvykN9EiuXE4GS_tN9aVF1ufX45Dg6nnu6fpg6OnpxcsyCb17U1uB42/s1600/3lilycrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7SjcQXhvqQFaVe_qrVm4zjfIPdL_eJ0rWZAvqNtY5Fr22o8z6_34A_SLlwDTf7ap3xuRw7jr20DGhyphenhyphenNxVl5NDPvykN9EiuXE4GS_tN9aVF1ufX45Dg6nnu6fpg6OnpxcsyCb17U1uB42/s640/3lilycrop.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4I26lLe3tRhKSxin0J45NZ2Yw7eOU3i97oToLz4FeZK7RaYu-h7_ztzz-A4jrS6WHPOsQ5oZPMiIX44J1ruze6S2znhnv-Mh1ASE8z9vodZsJp7GDYqU6OhcVsnDA6JI7jzDioPMiAsL/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4I26lLe3tRhKSxin0J45NZ2Yw7eOU3i97oToLz4FeZK7RaYu-h7_ztzz-A4jrS6WHPOsQ5oZPMiIX44J1ruze6S2znhnv-Mh1ASE8z9vodZsJp7GDYqU6OhcVsnDA6JI7jzDioPMiAsL/s640/IMG_5041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth year - You have no idea how many photos we have of her making this face!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-18323141646840894882012-01-02T13:42:00.000-08:002012-01-09T11:18:21.409-08:00December 2011<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
December came and went pretty fast.
Lily and I kept busy making Christmas presents. Ehren turned a year
old! I've been counting my blessings. Brandon has a good job and we
have two healthy and happy children and a loving family. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDl1zXyjaMrRj6dUCc6bEoo4LdQDdJIcGYPiZhgnG2vUSqc2WjfZ2lqdMHM11nIYqwKYTr5GOhNEAYTWQL9YqntdR4A6_U3156VXg909Joqiabts1SRZ1w0OZu9Mk6J0vGcOnY4a28n-g/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDl1zXyjaMrRj6dUCc6bEoo4LdQDdJIcGYPiZhgnG2vUSqc2WjfZ2lqdMHM11nIYqwKYTr5GOhNEAYTWQL9YqntdR4A6_U3156VXg909Joqiabts1SRZ1w0OZu9Mk6J0vGcOnY4a28n-g/s400/IMG_4910.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our Christmas ornaments we made with salt dough. Yes. That's a lobster.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brandon gave me the OK for buying as much yarn as I want and I've been going WILD with the crocheting. Its been so fun. If you're looking for a hobby - try crochet.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueu0SivilLdPGDtAlT3UmtTZ00xeYI7rK79s2_LKjgmbT7cBRG5SftE0iS8l4Jzg6P58AsL3tWB1_IgLX0Wb_NSpI4bhCOa44woLy7MhEVcy_PVafEs6KtIalfjf7dviSiWQ0y7IRvleu/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueu0SivilLdPGDtAlT3UmtTZ00xeYI7rK79s2_LKjgmbT7cBRG5SftE0iS8l4Jzg6P58AsL3tWB1_IgLX0Wb_NSpI4bhCOa44woLy7MhEVcy_PVafEs6KtIalfjf7dviSiWQ0y7IRvleu/s320/IMG_4906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot chocolate mix - we also made spiced tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gAevzuni2IjyRS4dVvLBf1xWUMM_XNgpk_iJPbMX2J5xAhKnyWn3Jg27JWOjcd3jOoNUIhA7L9ov5MD-WTaGjNOZVrkIK1AoB0vOImjxZQFI9_BBKpJrFyN32ax3BPyf_Wd5ksx8gPVj/s1600/IMG_4893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gAevzuni2IjyRS4dVvLBf1xWUMM_XNgpk_iJPbMX2J5xAhKnyWn3Jg27JWOjcd3jOoNUIhA7L9ov5MD-WTaGjNOZVrkIK1AoB0vOImjxZQFI9_BBKpJrFyN32ax3BPyf_Wd5ksx8gPVj/s320/IMG_4893.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat for Winry - modeled by a big eyed cat/guinea pig creature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwkA0zsGKK9em5wYqLATD2vA5RomlbE98fgvhnXC26X6vPqjaO8cmbiSbKNgYct1LCKYVk4pnnv5HVdWg8bdQxPYpBdijej4lxw0BEjcDNnsfFRdV3rmhxQJDgYRsECNL4sj4EygbqxJn/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwkA0zsGKK9em5wYqLATD2vA5RomlbE98fgvhnXC26X6vPqjaO8cmbiSbKNgYct1LCKYVk4pnnv5HVdWg8bdQxPYpBdijej4lxw0BEjcDNnsfFRdV3rmhxQJDgYRsECNL4sj4EygbqxJn/s320/IMG_4885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ho-ho for Wyatt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkGjiLSLZSbbB1Uk4YuFRnS7r5Wuma6CtGIEEO9G2r5tNtvjtMsuxHjGJUNMT0OYaUleeB0FLSnyGOcRXgChR6ViOoAKPbweeHEZ-DjqWe1UqZrm6ba50erBaDNKdWqUVPZVWyQI7SbjW/s1600/IMG_4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkGjiLSLZSbbB1Uk4YuFRnS7r5Wuma6CtGIEEO9G2r5tNtvjtMsuxHjGJUNMT0OYaUleeB0FLSnyGOcRXgChR6ViOoAKPbweeHEZ-DjqWe1UqZrm6ba50erBaDNKdWqUVPZVWyQI7SbjW/s320/IMG_4882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoda for Micheal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ehren had his well checkup 5 days
before Christmas and picked up a virus at the Dr.'s office so he and
I stayed home for Christmas while Brandon and Lily went to Lufkin. I
was hoping E could get some rest and recover but it was very hard to
get anything done because he didn't sleep soundly and whined all day
long! He started feeling better after a couple of days and I was so
glad!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For Christmas I learned that my sister
and her husband are expecting another baby! I'm very excited because
I just love babies and look forward to meeting him or her. My poor
sister is as sick as she's ever been though. Makes me remember how
bad I felt with E, but for her its worse because she's got to chase
around Wyatt and vomit all day long - poor thing. Hopefully the
nausea will pass soon.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm looking forward to January when I
will start keeping Winry during the day and Lily will start
preschool. I think she will really enjoy preschool and it will give
her an opportunity to brush up on her social skills. That's all for now. I plan on posting a new entry for Lily's birthday so stay tuned!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bLmlHV5ohs2GnWd7qCSqr5gxiaPZ7QZdPyymld-DW5AIjq0dqNlGT-LUAuuYX72ydJbpPoTEi5JfTJ_-4th1nyrcT9TM3orSVvlNPfV-D-QcVxRh6igHumJ5C2rWbZQTNkOBvKVVmw3R/s1600/IMG_4919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bLmlHV5ohs2GnWd7qCSqr5gxiaPZ7QZdPyymld-DW5AIjq0dqNlGT-LUAuuYX72ydJbpPoTEi5JfTJ_-4th1nyrcT9TM3orSVvlNPfV-D-QcVxRh6igHumJ5C2rWbZQTNkOBvKVVmw3R/s400/IMG_4919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-27412363943523044602011-12-07T07:01:00.001-08:002012-03-02T13:29:20.993-08:00Happy First Birthday Ehren!One year ago today at 2:17 in the
afternoon we welcomed our son Ehren into the world. He has grown
into a joyful, sweet baby. Always giving out a smile and a hug and
sometimes an open mouth kiss. He's known in our family as "the
hugger." I've enjoyed waking up each morning to his smiles and
giggles and can"t imagine life without him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuDSgaGZeRAHlVoEru4qYqyEawBh6rYVFjduzSG21HaqT7ELzdr-X209VS5BXi9XvG6qACkqtufEYV59DaYregxMf7p_xW3mpd7umPni0p54-bSfji-6npg9yB3MXDxtlIdegk8q6ZNmG/s1600/IMAG0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuDSgaGZeRAHlVoEru4qYqyEawBh6rYVFjduzSG21HaqT7ELzdr-X209VS5BXi9XvG6qACkqtufEYV59DaYregxMf7p_xW3mpd7umPni0p54-bSfji-6npg9yB3MXDxtlIdegk8q6ZNmG/s400/IMAG0193.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ehren at 1 month old - Lily put his hat on (doesn't he look thrilled!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'd like to thank our family for your
unwavering support (even when it scared you.) Thanks especially to
my Mom who can sense when I feel overwhelmed and drive all the way
from Dallas to take care of me and take Lily home with her for a
week. I feel inexpressible gratitude to our midwife Toni, who caught
Ehren with gentle, patient and loving hands. I also want to thank
the many mothers I have met along the way who by their example showed
me how to parent gently. Elaine P., Andrea H., Cori L., and Rachel
S. for sharing their home birth experiences and giving me living
examples of strong women who have brought their children into the
world without fear. Thanks to Kimberly R. and Natalie H, who helped
me embark with confidence and discover the joy of exclusive
breastfeeding. Thanks to my dear sweet Lily who has learned to share
Mommy's attention with grace above her years. Thanks to all of the
people who offered kind words when we needed it. This year has been
the hardest of my life but also the most rewarding!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here's a collection of photos from Ehren's first year you might not have seen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18kOkwGaBn6uMftjTA318nPx4Jf0wEgxxmDQlmt7RDm0fhm4Rb9QrevTQyYKOF1dQeyeXdgyBlYDVLk7TJ6F81oNujKDUPGkK-_HcziwUKnzflTVkV3E4N4ktACYqazl-cQOSd0ZehDBJ/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18kOkwGaBn6uMftjTA318nPx4Jf0wEgxxmDQlmt7RDm0fhm4Rb9QrevTQyYKOF1dQeyeXdgyBlYDVLk7TJ6F81oNujKDUPGkK-_HcziwUKnzflTVkV3E4N4ktACYqazl-cQOSd0ZehDBJ/s400/078.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ehren at 1 week old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GzxXtudO8t7ubPvK4XdPyXy9eSSnMihL3-snqk9FxLZnG5jB4o3kGNUKHigE2s2oA0LlTo6_xPrGl2UFNYY33SRH62vr52BXT-zMJCcyjjVkJhUMxP-8ji5mMR4MJsJfb2LKTbfJ9nAv/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GzxXtudO8t7ubPvK4XdPyXy9eSSnMihL3-snqk9FxLZnG5jB4o3kGNUKHigE2s2oA0LlTo6_xPrGl2UFNYY33SRH62vr52BXT-zMJCcyjjVkJhUMxP-8ji5mMR4MJsJfb2LKTbfJ9nAv/s640/IMAG0151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddles with daddy - He's about 1 month old here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarYrttJvRRJ_KyNvH0Xw0LcwLp6-sExMGZN69d3VrnmLVeKNF5uWSQEiAXKlNzrH9LTugAnwRVmwzVFvXchlau2xMVztk4gcQ-hIx4krwf2IkKPZksVAy-CIfShtTE4ms-2HRh-z1Eb9u/s1600/IMAG0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarYrttJvRRJ_KyNvH0Xw0LcwLp6-sExMGZN69d3VrnmLVeKNF5uWSQEiAXKlNzrH9LTugAnwRVmwzVFvXchlau2xMVztk4gcQ-hIx4krwf2IkKPZksVAy-CIfShtTE4ms-2HRh-z1Eb9u/s400/IMAG0222.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 months - the chunky phase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9ck_q0B_cVRC5Ap67Nfd4ZXtEgbJRkPmmmkRvwooAbw09Y8UkeSagAB2YBm8VQyWmOucZVBJTnRmuyd6FbqzbTOZnoZVAnwj-KX6_7HX41lnGFY7swQppzEiJc1uQLtCHpFm57MVRB0K/s1600/IMAG0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9ck_q0B_cVRC5Ap67Nfd4ZXtEgbJRkPmmmkRvwooAbw09Y8UkeSagAB2YBm8VQyWmOucZVBJTnRmuyd6FbqzbTOZnoZVAnwj-KX6_7HX41lnGFY7swQppzEiJc1uQLtCHpFm57MVRB0K/s640/IMAG0791.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Starbucks addict (Won't Aunty be proud!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTGKXxFSMZWg4YISzlQPAh8uT1qrEBY5-WtAy1vfaZklMdz-itUDi6mYlylDYiRqkRRTUPZ2fwPykiEUGnLcee3Sb-p-nZ9XLgyvw1cTzKsLx_ekhA1xmmCU4rz9cLlGwIj7GLGDDf3j-/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTGKXxFSMZWg4YISzlQPAh8uT1qrEBY5-WtAy1vfaZklMdz-itUDi6mYlylDYiRqkRRTUPZ2fwPykiEUGnLcee3Sb-p-nZ9XLgyvw1cTzKsLx_ekhA1xmmCU4rz9cLlGwIj7GLGDDf3j-/s400/IMG_4458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving on the dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ICAMdURL6Lru96jexz6KonlKBbxzo0anNTgDgZiIk7cmlIDTIrAfUa0YKHfns5eMZcoapqP_2Szug028mx85FAxQZsLvh5H_VkckBZTHblhq7TqGpcGURkIEw75xkTvsAr7b6vf88wL9/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ICAMdURL6Lru96jexz6KonlKBbxzo0anNTgDgZiIk7cmlIDTIrAfUa0YKHfns5eMZcoapqP_2Szug028mx85FAxQZsLvh5H_VkckBZTHblhq7TqGpcGURkIEw75xkTvsAr7b6vf88wL9/s400/IMG_4463.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have toy - will hug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0JSo7kArPCzimvSWcdkAUkqzDv3fNffdf0-KHfJ7Q78ZdlbOmZA5012nqdGhSAJM1V90aNZqZBvqFvRbNK3vHDsbEa0XbK3Zy93JtmBcehAcuxksEZ0tlrP2SCx6RLQTJTXjjamgpuPK/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0JSo7kArPCzimvSWcdkAUkqzDv3fNffdf0-KHfJ7Q78ZdlbOmZA5012nqdGhSAJM1V90aNZqZBvqFvRbNK3vHDsbEa0XbK3Zy93JtmBcehAcuxksEZ0tlrP2SCx6RLQTJTXjjamgpuPK/s400/IMG_4732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home Daddy - I love you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRsg3Nc478L8SJmvnSi8B6NfwBhuYWWFD3B44ch-gDmJGCJrD9fAiB1P_7nBx61C8wMui5ZLv3fsbqK4iCAKw18iGoy0Ss7wk7tCFgLWJSFpJPIujC2aP0-OwWO7WbgJqH9llUSiX61F/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyRsg3Nc478L8SJmvnSi8B6NfwBhuYWWFD3B44ch-gDmJGCJrD9fAiB1P_7nBx61C8wMui5ZLv3fsbqK4iCAKw18iGoy0Ss7wk7tCFgLWJSFpJPIujC2aP0-OwWO7WbgJqH9llUSiX61F/s400/IMG_4738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hugger in action - he loves the cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-9471229024308036792011-11-28T18:52:00.001-08:002011-11-28T20:37:17.645-08:00November 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVZr4FIMRcFiKQ5qwD76-AMI1wGxloI2datNC3T91wB3N1mDrVh2PC6nGs56-hoRBWGjfdF4wVCo-RoJ557FIepWtb_OfToV1FtmsSAU3q4Vx8MR1qVbQHmJ81B_maU1TPsOcgaBKsAG9/s1600/IMG_4495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVZr4FIMRcFiKQ5qwD76-AMI1wGxloI2datNC3T91wB3N1mDrVh2PC6nGs56-hoRBWGjfdF4wVCo-RoJ557FIepWtb_OfToV1FtmsSAU3q4Vx8MR1qVbQHmJ81B_maU1TPsOcgaBKsAG9/s320/IMG_4495.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>
November has been a quiet month in the McGallion household.<br />
<br />
I have implemented a cleaning schedule so it won't always be put off. I am scheduled to clean the floors one day, dust another etc. It works pretty well and I seem to have less time to goof around. ;-) Kimberly R. suggested the kids help. It was actually quite amusing to see how hard they tried. Even the baby got in on the action.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB6YuLqqNf-4PJRwL9kIuqdicDs_T10rkboywZ-Q3T-tBCFcMuS1qNZdGupZBSF_7ihVaUQb-eFB3FRKYexssOqXSvUcDF6OO7P9wCfirEN7CcaEqMFsclijMha2e6OGYJWLkDPvf7qiU/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB6YuLqqNf-4PJRwL9kIuqdicDs_T10rkboywZ-Q3T-tBCFcMuS1qNZdGupZBSF_7ihVaUQb-eFB3FRKYexssOqXSvUcDF6OO7P9wCfirEN7CcaEqMFsclijMha2e6OGYJWLkDPvf7qiU/s400/IMG_4480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ehrenella scrubbing the bathroom floors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0hFdqN2oqdS29QfP9CfsLlr-iPdoJwbZyZXZLyJiXAwjn9wK3h-O9o2KewsqFRkrufo6uhT3QyEgeaatQvTbluj_OlvmkXsUvzGSpMoFRwduIcdoknZamjjMeuCCc2z_OpogP91rKEFD/s1600/IMG_4486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0hFdqN2oqdS29QfP9CfsLlr-iPdoJwbZyZXZLyJiXAwjn9wK3h-O9o2KewsqFRkrufo6uhT3QyEgeaatQvTbluj_OlvmkXsUvzGSpMoFRwduIcdoknZamjjMeuCCc2z_OpogP91rKEFD/s400/IMG_4486.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so helpful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelX_y_StBJ81iPGewvhDV_r4RjXWX_K09Gm1ZGl2Y_icGYtjsi6taSwDl_R5XxS70XtCVqjVYJ593IBcFSwcftsjYCFBCy3SbBD-wdXc3JtG26tJqBZQ9HzhYjxKiMtL3Q2EWpLSFj-ew/s1600/IMG_4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelX_y_StBJ81iPGewvhDV_r4RjXWX_K09Gm1ZGl2Y_icGYtjsi6taSwDl_R5XxS70XtCVqjVYJ593IBcFSwcftsjYCFBCy3SbBD-wdXc3JtG26tJqBZQ9HzhYjxKiMtL3Q2EWpLSFj-ew/s400/IMG_4493.JPG" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily getting in on the TP fun</td></tr>
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We've also been crafting and making Christmas presents for the family. Thanks to Pinterest I've got tons of great ideas to try out. We made soaps which was tons of fun and we're going to make spice tea and hot chocolate mixes. Lily loves to help me cook and loves to craft.<br />
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I met a lovely lady names Suly who owns her own business crocheting adorable hats and accessories. Turns out she lives right in the next neighborhood over. I went over to her house to pick out some things for a birthday girl we know and she whipped them right up for me in the custom colors I picked out. She also encouraged me to pick up the hook and make more! Here is her website - <a href="http://www.proudchild.com/">Proud Child Crochet & Handy Fashions</a><span id="goog_1782256150"></span><span id="goog_1782256151"></span> <br />
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My sister Audrey also introduced me to the world of Amigurumi (Japanese crocheted dolls) How did I not know about this??? I love to crochet and am a Japan-fan but somehow I'm just now learning about it. Well better late than never! We went to the craft store and bought up bags of yarn and this book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-Little-Animals-Crochet-Leisure/dp/1609000382">More Cute Animals to Crochet</a>. I tried my hand at it and made a hedgehog for Lily. I also made one for Wyatt and plan on making lots more because it is super fun. Stay tuned for a Yoda! If you're on Pinterest, check out my Amigurumi board for all the goodies I want to make.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5BxCndVRzzH30KFONDG2R0eOY2HDCaWtVra9M-zapY9pRprFtGBoc6MvIzGlC_UIBymi03HuDylchZO39RPwb50uewL2hgjA35nLOuXdDnTlOfObx0NYQm5Auq1r76SzCw0GtFX7_Wxs/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5BxCndVRzzH30KFONDG2R0eOY2HDCaWtVra9M-zapY9pRprFtGBoc6MvIzGlC_UIBymi03HuDylchZO39RPwb50uewL2hgjA35nLOuXdDnTlOfObx0NYQm5Auq1r76SzCw0GtFX7_Wxs/s400/IMG_4484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little hedgehog (different than the book because mine has ears)</td></tr>
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Thanksgiving this year was at my Aunt Kayla's house in Mt Enterprise. We came and stayed with Brandon's folks the day before and made the short drive Thursday morning for lunch. It was great to see the family. All of my cousins are so grown up! Maegan even has a darling little baby, Kolby. She and Ehren are close in age and played so sweetly together. It was so nice to just relax and soak up the love. We left with tons of goodies from Grandma Gibson including pecans! Mmmmm....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolby, me, and Ehren hanging out</td></tr>
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After we got back to Lufkin we put the kids down to sleep and sneaked off with Brandon's sister Leslie to see the new Twilight movie! Mike and Aly met us at the theater and we all laughed and made jokes at the cheesy-ness of the movie. This is the first movie I have seen in about a year! Ehren slept the whole time and Grandma McGallion only had to get Lily in bed. It was great to get a break from my little darling and spend some time with grown ups.<br />
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Friday was another family day with the McGallions this time. The kids (Brandon and Me, and Leslie and Drew) went shopping and both boys got new cowboy boots. Where better to go than Cavender's in Lufkin? Brandon will probably be going to Sweden some time during the winter and didn't want to get his feet wet. Can you believe this guy didn't already have cowboy boots? After shopping, we all gathered at Nana's house and had Thanksgiving dinner. Lily was having some melt down issues (she was without a nap 2 days in a row) but we all survived. After nap time we had an impromptu birthday party for Ehren. He had a serious little face the entire time. But the presents made him smile! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE this rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRFQLGpxhZMYCpN6ufz30uHttqkuQ2zKIdNG2HRb9TbcYvDWzWZtbhKRIIUwYM7tcGmHPq6mdMU1I4cjZIC1L-CVk7U2tPWcOvetZr-iKptFNkhEU_9abWJQGtKvbdnDgnjiMkWANpRkB/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRFQLGpxhZMYCpN6ufz30uHttqkuQ2zKIdNG2HRb9TbcYvDWzWZtbhKRIIUwYM7tcGmHPq6mdMU1I4cjZIC1L-CVk7U2tPWcOvetZr-iKptFNkhEU_9abWJQGtKvbdnDgnjiMkWANpRkB/s400/IMG_4661.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi Nana!</td></tr>
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Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving!<br />
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<br />Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-90549676404559660392011-11-08T08:21:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:20:40.423-08:00DIY Swiffer PadsMopping.... we all hate it. So messy! I had the added challenge of having most of my floors laminate which as you might know cannot get very wet without getting ruined. So the mopping would not get done for MONTHS. Gross huh? I had all kinds of gadgets and systems but it just wouldn't get done.<br />
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I decided with a crawling baby that I needed a better system. I started making a commitment to clean floors at least once a week. The Swiffer came the closest to meeting my moppnig needs but was so expensive for the cleaning solution and pads refills. So I improvised.<br />
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I discovered you can use a high quality diaper and your own mixture of vinegar and water or use a generic floor cleaner. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEzv2KiIS7X1GLows8_w6j00A9IKCS2Y1-_wfxRNmz3134X3iVfqzctgoD-MPkvHdSc2q0asNspCJXuQwqgO3443AoOyQ1P6PbL8YC3j8tWreNswt7Q6p1YUoJIToPNhtuh8uzcOn3QUg/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEzv2KiIS7X1GLows8_w6j00A9IKCS2Y1-_wfxRNmz3134X3iVfqzctgoD-MPkvHdSc2q0asNspCJXuQwqgO3443AoOyQ1P6PbL8YC3j8tWreNswt7Q6p1YUoJIToPNhtuh8uzcOn3QUg/s320/IMG_4456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One weeks worth of dirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-15462292080806061922011-11-01T20:47:00.000-07:002011-11-01T20:47:31.264-07:00October 2011October has been a busy month for the McGallion family!<br />
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Brandon is officially a world traveler. He has been to both Sweden and England. I've been suggesting that he write out a guest post for ya'll but no luck so far!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDwc0ixo1Vc2kEWZsfFeZbG9ZflR98_7fje9rU9Eh4EHtYEs8fo0YO3W6Ev39nLWvTy5GYYgxTzAnU2lxoKPTNTqW1OKDxh_0dCKCb3tzQDvVkplhaB5p2z5zPBZemHaFZMLWSs2HjpXX/s1600/IMAG0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDwc0ixo1Vc2kEWZsfFeZbG9ZflR98_7fje9rU9Eh4EHtYEs8fo0YO3W6Ev39nLWvTy5GYYgxTzAnU2lxoKPTNTqW1OKDxh_0dCKCb3tzQDvVkplhaB5p2z5zPBZemHaFZMLWSs2HjpXX/s400/IMAG0542.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockholm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table> Lily has visited the dentist for the first time. I was concerned about her chipped front teeth, but it turns out that its not a problem. She got x-rays and got her chompers polished. She was so cooperative and giggled the whole time. Too cute! To reward her for her good behavior we went to Toys-R-Us where she liked NOTHING. She wanted a grow platypus. Um.... yeah. So I ordered a platypus online for her. Girl KNOWS what she wants.<br />
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The dog also got to visit the vet for some much needed dental care. She also had teeth pulled and that gross wart on her head removed. She had stitches and looked perfect for Halloween - FrankenMo. She is doing well.<br />
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We've had some exciting adventures in eating inspired by <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/">Forks over Knives</a>. Its a documentary about the link between meat and cancers and all sorts of other diseases. We're eating more vegetables and less processed foods now. If you've never tried to cut back on processed foods - you should try it! Its surprisingly difficult to avoid additives. So far I have seen a number on the scale I haven't seen in YEARS! We're now a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-vegetarianism">semi-vegetarian</a> family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBRoR38K2PconiWHWBUIgEW6WBHNbnk5YLzk7yAFGxBOmSFG3l4GHw_2qcODH30q84KoWAZbQzUSTL0yV2TffVI7ecXDOKrwatLnZ2rPXdqevawKaiAPAYJkOt5GVAuy4fa83nl-zlG1/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dBRoR38K2PconiWHWBUIgEW6WBHNbnk5YLzk7yAFGxBOmSFG3l4GHw_2qcODH30q84KoWAZbQzUSTL0yV2TffVI7ecXDOKrwatLnZ2rPXdqevawKaiAPAYJkOt5GVAuy4fa83nl-zlG1/s320/IMG_4411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ain't is purty? Butternut squash soup with organic chives (Thanks Grandma G!)</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've been inspired by Pinterest and friends to make my own laundry detergent. It was surprisingly easy thanks to Brandon and his workout buddy who ground the bar of soap for me. It does not leave the clothes smelling like anything but does an adequate job cleaning.<br />
<br />
In other news, Micheal Evans was so kind as to lend us his camera so we can take better pictures than my phone will allow. We had planned on going to the store and buying one but it turns out I am camera challenged and know nothing about cameras. They are also expensive. Who knew? This brings to mind the time back in 2000 or so when Anna told me that digital cameras are the way of the future. No way I told her, they'll never be able to get the resolution as high as film. Oh how young and silly I was. <br />
<br />
Lily had the opportunity to visit my folks in Dallas for a week. She got to attend lots of gospel meetings and was reportedly well behaved (to earn a stuffed animal). It was nice to have some one on one time with the baby. He started signing and babbling in earnest when she left. He was, however, quite excited to have her back. He adores her. His favorite thing to do lately is just hug her, knock her over and just lay on her. Occasionally he will bite her. She takes it well though. Makes me so proud of her! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM">Charlie bit me</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2inUBQAYzA4vNYITaTQfKdp-uO-yFDlK8dDkq7UZ_Hp869YolW_oGrQ7Ag9hoG2DmT-yTO5uA07QyTK17Al5s3WKJATbTV6FMxb-r0y8XXn5PkqYD-odEvLJgER4v2VjsJzXh6Af4PhtK/s1600/IMG_4405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2inUBQAYzA4vNYITaTQfKdp-uO-yFDlK8dDkq7UZ_Hp869YolW_oGrQ7Ag9hoG2DmT-yTO5uA07QyTK17Al5s3WKJATbTV6FMxb-r0y8XXn5PkqYD-odEvLJgER4v2VjsJzXh6Af4PhtK/s400/IMG_4405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous little Winry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had the great honor to attend a welcome Winry party in Lufkin this past weekend. She was such a doll and didn't cry at all. We got to visit with Brandon's folks and enjoy some great BBQ (not on the diet) Since I was already off the diet we sampled all four kinds of desserts too. YUM! We had Sunday lunch at Nana's which was super tasty as well. Lily announced that the macaroni and cheese was not healthy. Thanks kid! More whole wheat pasta for you then. <br />
<br />
Halloween this year was fun. Lily was a bumble bee AGAIN. Ehren was a panda bear which he did not like. He kept trying to pull off the hood so we left it off. After dinner we put Ehren in the wagon and set out to visit our friends in the neighborhood. Lily got so excited she practically went inside everyone's houses! She's just the most enthusiastic and talkative little girl everyone we visited was cracking up about her enthusiasm. After a couple of polite bits of chit chat she would say, "I've got to go get more candy - See you next week!" She had a blast. And I think we got our money's worth on that bee costume!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dgKhw1WIXr2uZierC_qxGFke9VTtDoISO8VrypyUTnR430FRa6fzCKiGM26pUeIkT98IInssUwCdlgiuEyhwmXiqJG-gTsdgAW1MoXkOJjYgOSDmgCcbYCw9AN3yEMmcnHcxyiDKnKk1/s1600/DSCF1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dgKhw1WIXr2uZierC_qxGFke9VTtDoISO8VrypyUTnR430FRa6fzCKiGM26pUeIkT98IInssUwCdlgiuEyhwmXiqJG-gTsdgAW1MoXkOJjYgOSDmgCcbYCw9AN3yEMmcnHcxyiDKnKk1/s320/DSCF1373.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2009</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFCm0glngUvFffBx9ku0TeArG80R6c7hrmXJaUA2wz369UW47oQwUNq2B0GcTh1xJ59V__SkZlDu7jBhRKhZqRDDZ4EvljKRGmrl_qNO3oMAivm-gSHtjGaPD5fo-uDWg2VTO6o8WxEWc/s1600/BeeMario1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFCm0glngUvFffBx9ku0TeArG80R6c7hrmXJaUA2wz369UW47oQwUNq2B0GcTh1xJ59V__SkZlDu7jBhRKhZqRDDZ4EvljKRGmrl_qNO3oMAivm-gSHtjGaPD5fo-uDWg2VTO6o8WxEWc/s400/BeeMario1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random day in 2010 - Bee Mario</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjFsiOt3iZvFLSt1B9YPsbTvm35XyNprdeQDj4vk2-_WUUF5Vkh77vDfUsAfwxnqVYFybdXENdZZCqFznfyT2FIn2w5Nuv_W7V1haFpCj02HFf3JXdpSC5css1kWN2B2wAuRgHHQqKytj/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjFsiOt3iZvFLSt1B9YPsbTvm35XyNprdeQDj4vk2-_WUUF5Vkh77vDfUsAfwxnqVYFybdXENdZZCqFznfyT2FIn2w5Nuv_W7V1haFpCj02HFf3JXdpSC5css1kWN2B2wAuRgHHQqKytj/s320/IMG_4418.JPG" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsiOdgS75nnFgT04irE_z9c_x6VE7rDx-2J-Gf8oEjc4PPnhNLYhIkOnztyoAa52qVtDsUNt0o_vwBLWNoWZE2nM2-tGIp9FEdzSbKICK2_UZ1KdvW8RaOsrbDH6JL9cGmBq6w_HSzr3N/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsiOdgS75nnFgT04irE_z9c_x6VE7rDx-2J-Gf8oEjc4PPnhNLYhIkOnztyoAa52qVtDsUNt0o_vwBLWNoWZE2nM2-tGIp9FEdzSbKICK2_UZ1KdvW8RaOsrbDH6JL9cGmBq6w_HSzr3N/s320/IMG_4428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnXAeOyeJ8d6PUtOAKGMEiqZOlU6Ib55L5MixgAzyME0wJ_lH53EKNPNqcFg43kiVulW4h43KpALhFEdJwvNkIZa7PbtDFJmFVKYK0OzGJ2lx-Oq65c90v0Crp2_LJm08MLFydkJnVdON/s1600/IMG_4434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnXAeOyeJ8d6PUtOAKGMEiqZOlU6Ib55L5MixgAzyME0wJ_lH53EKNPNqcFg43kiVulW4h43KpALhFEdJwvNkIZa7PbtDFJmFVKYK0OzGJ2lx-Oq65c90v0Crp2_LJm08MLFydkJnVdON/s320/IMG_4434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fzImrF_7WxmfAn0UhqvziWucg6O7oOMB0Rr2-6rqycswHkliWbsyjOizLDNZt-pAslZkQcRGq2zSy3uBReedi8k8K3q44b-QrQlkPIpJMS4UDhTs2ta3vRIFsnGKdXqljsTheboHhNd2/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fzImrF_7WxmfAn0UhqvziWucg6O7oOMB0Rr2-6rqycswHkliWbsyjOizLDNZt-pAslZkQcRGq2zSy3uBReedi8k8K3q44b-QrQlkPIpJMS4UDhTs2ta3vRIFsnGKdXqljsTheboHhNd2/s320/IMG_4449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually made something I saw on Pinterest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QwKUom-B9JQhQ9-q13u8-RRpXfBEhpGT3_vLk6kHuVZ5ttqK2TTQmIMYGkBorCnMg_O9oq-vuAJH-iu90ARLwZFxaA0n02rSHxupsz7M9mKg5WSZo47nJ8DD4DeAs-NiVY8yA4fjscnp/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QwKUom-B9JQhQ9-q13u8-RRpXfBEhpGT3_vLk6kHuVZ5ttqK2TTQmIMYGkBorCnMg_O9oq-vuAJH-iu90ARLwZFxaA0n02rSHxupsz7M9mKg5WSZo47nJ8DD4DeAs-NiVY8yA4fjscnp/s320/IMG_4451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily had me carve this to look like Ehren. Sorta.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-85194881476769030852011-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:002013-07-08T07:09:30.894-07:00Ehren's Birth StoryThis is the story about the birth that changed my life - for the better and helped me learn what birth could be like and why we NEED natural birth. Some day I will write Lily's birth story. Still processing how I want to share it. <br />
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When Lily was about 18 months old Brandon said that she needed a playmate. Until then it really did not occur to me that we might get started on #2. I was just so busy with Lily at the time. So we started TTC. After it didn't work the first month I started researching.... I became obsessed with learning as much as I could! I wish I had read <a href="http://www.tcoyf.com/">Taking Charge of Your Fertility</a> at the time. After 7 frustrating months we had a faint little positive line on the pregnancy test!<br />
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Now on to step two - have a better pregnancy and birth!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwR4SxLnS-uarQUfmDCrWBOia1trh4J58KOJo3Q9GiF5rmQb-wEdpvWPoPcpc4Cp3oRWpBbw01L0uEci1FCgLZ-yt4gG-KxpTV3ZhVvqUhad9rj5VHyf4cUBlqS3DYIWgNFFQu3dqDX3u/s1600/32+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwR4SxLnS-uarQUfmDCrWBOia1trh4J58KOJo3Q9GiF5rmQb-wEdpvWPoPcpc4Cp3oRWpBbw01L0uEci1FCgLZ-yt4gG-KxpTV3ZhVvqUhad9rj5VHyf4cUBlqS3DYIWgNFFQu3dqDX3u/s320/32+weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">32 Weeks</td></tr>
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I talked to other home birth mamas and did hours and hours of research. After the impersonal at best and negligent at worst OB care I received I decided to see a midwife and have a home birth.<br />
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My second pregnancy went much better than the first one. I ate healthier, exercised and didn't gain as much weight. I got plenty of rest and relaxation and didn't have any problems. No diabetes, no toxemia, no swelling. I looked and felt so much better this time. We took a Bradley class which was great. We met nice people and learned a lot of good information about staying healthy and gained confidence through knowledge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwv1mgn84jyWGkmIpkNgwbfrGIa6BNJDt6-RxDtDVwkEUsQg0DRZq65ePOP1C9gsS3Tqa-xWoJX3WzwJtABLgLuHdkf5u8WQcI0tQ3RKkd9fRv0IIdxTHrq3-sjcUMXH73TjOvoa2TwEO/s1600/37+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwv1mgn84jyWGkmIpkNgwbfrGIa6BNJDt6-RxDtDVwkEUsQg0DRZq65ePOP1C9gsS3Tqa-xWoJX3WzwJtABLgLuHdkf5u8WQcI0tQ3RKkd9fRv0IIdxTHrq3-sjcUMXH73TjOvoa2TwEO/s320/37+weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ehren was due December 7th by traditional due date calculations, but really due on the 12th if you use <a href="http://www.nfpandmore.org/">NFP</a> calculations. Ehren gave us a practice run the day before his due date. I woke up in the middle of the night with contractions. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't and they kept getting closer. From 6:00 to 8:00 they were 10 minutes apart. When I got up to make breakfast they went away. We were a little disappointed but decided to make the best of it. We went for a walk around the neighborhood and for a lunch date at Ninfas. It was sunny and beautiful and Brandon and I enjoyed spending time together.<br />
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I didn't have any more contractions until the day after his due date, December 8th. I woke up at 6:30 with contractions 2-4 minutes apart, but they were still rather mild. When they didn't go away after we ate, I called the midwife and let her know what was going on and that I probably wouldn't make it to my appointment we had at 11.<br />
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I labored pretty calmly without much fuss. Brandon would support me and remind me to relax and he made them so much better when I could lean on him. At 10:45 he called my midwife and asked her to come over because the contractions were getting much more intense. She came over and checked me at 11:30. To our surprise, I was already 9 cm dilated. Wow. I thought to myself. This is going to be a piece of cake! With the ok from the midwife (Toni) I hopped in the bathtub and Toni called her assistant Liz (whom I had by chance met at the grocery store the week before) and they set up the room with plastic and equipment while I labored in the tub. The bathtub made the contractions feel better and I laughed and joked around between them.<br />
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When I started to feel shaky and queezy I decided that it was time to get out of the bathtub. When I looked around my bedroom it was an amazing transformation! Everything was set up and ready with supplies and the bed had plastic under the sheets. The pillows were even encased in plastic with the pillow cases over them. They were super efficient. The contractions were much more intense after I was out of the tub. Toni checked me and said I still had a lip of cervix that needed to get out of the way. She gave me some options, wait, stand up during contractions, break water. I said I wanted all three because it was getting quite painful and I was having a hard time relaxing. When the cervix lip was finally gone, they told me that I could start pushing, but I did not like that at all! I screamed so loud the windows shook and jumped up mid contraction. Toni almost got kicked in the head (sorry!) I didn't feel stable on the birth stool, the bed was much too painful, pushing hurt more than not pushing so I breathed through some of the contractions. I was getting very panicky by this time and Toni, Liz and Brandon were all working together to help calm me down. In my head what they were saying made sense, but my body just wanted to say NO, GO AWAY, and RUN myself out of there.<br />
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Toni suggested I go to the shower again and have a couple of contractions so we tried that and then I sat on the toilet. I finally got the real urge to push when I was on the toilet and he dropped down almost immediately. They hauled me off the toilet and back to the birth stool. Brandon figured out the best way to support me, with his arms supporting me under my arms and I pushed! Because he was behind me he didn't get to see Ehren coming out but I really needed him there to use as leverage.<br />
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As I was pushing I closed my eyes it seemed like I was no longer in my own body, I could vaguely hear what was going on but it didn't feel like it was me there. Toni told Liz to get me some oxygen and that gave me strength (perhaps only in my head like Dumbo's magic feather). I felt a ring of fire which was worse during the break between contractions and then after two contractions they told me his head was out. I figured the rest of him would slide out like the other babies I had seen, but no such luck. I had to keep pushing and felt a ring of fire again (what? Nobody told me about that!) and finally I felt the little legs slither out and a giant blue baby was put on my chest. Liz gave him some oxygen and he turned pink and cried immediately. Toni immediately thanked God for the safe delivery of Ehren. (I'm so glad the spiritualism of Ehren's birth was honored by my midwife!)<br />
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He was born at 2:17 in the afternoon after a labor that lasted less than 8 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnui8AloIwQBr90da-n4b8-GDvFRD-_MZVKsd6NIcJVa-mdNfKOPFf8Y4p3PwaQCl3Fm8z3_IG4GiUEr21Gg088WWxZgiqY2sKnrzVQvIaEzdvi4snqAU_aWWTBZdkYhDkryADe3CnPeC/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnui8AloIwQBr90da-n4b8-GDvFRD-_MZVKsd6NIcJVa-mdNfKOPFf8Y4p3PwaQCl3Fm8z3_IG4GiUEr21Gg088WWxZgiqY2sKnrzVQvIaEzdvi4snqAU_aWWTBZdkYhDkryADe3CnPeC/s400/IMG_3682.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minutes old!</td></tr>
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He laid on my chest until the cord stopped pulsing and then Toni clamped it and Brandon cut it. My mom and Lily came into the room as soon as they heard him cry and I was so happy to see them!<br />
<br />
Ehren was cleaned with a towel and wrapped in a blanket while I moved to the bed to deliver the placenta. One little push and it was out (much easier!) I got to hold Ehren and look at him and nobody took him away.<br />
<br />
After a while, Toni checked me and found a superficial but long tear along my (unnecessary) episiotomy scar that I got with my first baby. She gave me two stitches which didn't hurt much at all. She had been supporting me with warm washcloths and olive oil while I pushed (which felt much better).<br />
<br />
I felt like quite a wuss about the whole transition and pushing and all the whining and complaining I put everyone through, but when they weighted and measured Ehren he was 10 pounds 1/2 oz and had a 13 3/4 inch head (moulded) and a 15 inch chest. OH. Ok, well I didn't feel quite as wussy when I found that out. Toni also said that the giant baby head might have been dragging my cervix down instead of the cervix moving out of the way for it so that would have contributed to the difficult transition and me not wanting to push.<br />
<br />
Recovery has been great! I feel good emotionally and physically. Didn't have very much soreness like with Lily with the exception of my back and arm muscles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4er2NjbVkvk8XSieOQ86oVfjZgt3F9jMAfb9TTWL7-h_87KGRg6dkHGB7LDLi93xKUj84_c9f2jIP6eBcGUrZC-WrGYFJWPB_qLo5x-mcadrETgn2lYX2S3TFODgxMsSuD6aACDrOOfzL/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4er2NjbVkvk8XSieOQ86oVfjZgt3F9jMAfb9TTWL7-h_87KGRg6dkHGB7LDLi93xKUj84_c9f2jIP6eBcGUrZC-WrGYFJWPB_qLo5x-mcadrETgn2lYX2S3TFODgxMsSuD6aACDrOOfzL/s400/IMG_3711.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My father and Ehren on his birthday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am very grateful to my midwife Toni and assistant Liz for all their skills and the faith they had in me when I didn't think I could do it. They made Ehren's entrance into the world as safe, gentle, natural and wonderful as it could have been.<br />
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Looking back I'm so glad we had a home birth. Ehren was born so healthy and perfect with nobody tugging on him with forceps or trying to section me for a "big baby". It is frightening to me to think about what could have happened at the hospital with the tendency of the Dr.s to overreact and the position I would have been forced to push in. <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/558117_6">Article about lithotomy position</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz-KP6aIhrtNJzXgK2iyfyNsqmfQIMvzMJrHsCYBM8ZabPF7f8o3EdZS74oQqR9fVNXQWpzMN6p0_iC4_1iiYXPVBkR27L3V3v365RxWISyu2bhtOTO20kjErvZYKfQIiiPruOC9QCcBq/s1600/small+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz-KP6aIhrtNJzXgK2iyfyNsqmfQIMvzMJrHsCYBM8ZabPF7f8o3EdZS74oQqR9fVNXQWpzMN6p0_iC4_1iiYXPVBkR27L3V3v365RxWISyu2bhtOTO20kjErvZYKfQIiiPruOC9QCcBq/s400/small+e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ehren at 6 months old</td></tr>
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I have grown so much from that experience. I used to think in my head that I was in control of my life and circumstances, but labor showed me that GOD is in control. I could not escape the feeling and had to surrender to it and ride it out. It was a hard lesson for me to learn, but a valuable one for a mother.<br />
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P.S. My home birth cost 1/5 the price of the hospital birth and my midwife must have spent about 10X more time with me. She actually stayed with me and cleaned up afterwards. I was treated like royalty instead of just another patient. It felt nice to be mothered. :-)Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218954886298859570.post-7792566977954328162011-10-22T08:43:00.000-07:002011-10-22T08:43:20.659-07:00Why start a blog?Why did I decide to start a blog? <br />
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The kids are growing up so fast - the baby is almost one! Looking back over the past four years with Lily I realized that we didn't really record any of her moments except for the occasional facebook post. <br />
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I want to make a more detailed scrapbook of our lives to share with family and to be able to look back and remember this brief, busy and wonderful time of childhood. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFaCY_sv-IdtpkvMbFRNbilH1CJ9SsOoec4qrp-4wH5SXRKiESMNQZO5ZJ1B5sMIVzb84LpOuCqJxHpXVd4HUxl0Qgrft5SkK-CLj074_86gHuzwB8ATNKImSwr5yWBGQUuboz486k5t7/s1600/IMG_8829+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFaCY_sv-IdtpkvMbFRNbilH1CJ9SsOoec4qrp-4wH5SXRKiESMNQZO5ZJ1B5sMIVzb84LpOuCqJxHpXVd4HUxl0Qgrft5SkK-CLj074_86gHuzwB8ATNKImSwr5yWBGQUuboz486k5t7/s400/IMG_8829+copy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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That said - I will also be adding things that interest me like cooking, crafting, musings and of course lots of natural birth stuff! Stay tuned for catch up posts that explain why I'm so interested in birth and monthly updates on what the little stinkers have been up to!Aprilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545255168482909776noreply@blogger.com1