Time for our latest baby update. Actually there's not much to report on other than all is still on track and looking good. Kayler is growing just as she should be and being very active. I felt her do a complete 180 the other night. :) We didn't get to see Dr. Lehnert on Friday, just his nurse. The measurements and heartbeat both were great. I've gained 20lbs so far. I know it's all for Kayler but it still sounds like a lot. I was reading that til delivery half of what I gain will go to her. That's amazing.
Not much else to report on at this point. Justin is working freverently on the building to have it finished by baby time. We'll see what happens. It's coming along nicely. He had a major set back at the studio over the weekend. His brand new computer decided to quit working competely. I'm taking it to be repaired today. At least it will be under warranty. Just praying it won't take long to fix and that they can fix it.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Miricle baby
I have great news from one of my best friends, Jenni. Her son Granton, who has been fighting SCIDs disease as well as RSV, has greatly improved. He received a cord blood donation a couple of months ago and his tests are coming back with terrific news. His immune system is starting to grow and work and the transplant is taking hold. His RSV test from this week came back negative and he's starting to eat enough by mouth that he might soon be able to get rid of his feeding tube! So much wonderful news! Praise God for the awesome miricles He has worked in this baby boy!
Speaking of babies we have a Dr appointment today so I'll have a progress report soon. Our friend and doula came over last night and we had a great conversation. She really emphasized how important the first two weeks are for bonding. I'm hoping this sunk in with Justin a little more than before. It will be so important that he is able to bond with her quickly as he will be doing a lot of her care when I go back to work the first of the year. Dallion said the better the bonding in the first two weeks the better off you'll be down the road.
We also talked about having help around after we bring the baby home so that we have the opportunity to bond and to focus on recovery and rest. I am hopeful that my mother-in-law will be here and avaliable to help. I may ask a friend or aunt to come for a while as well because I'm not sure that Donna is going to be able/willing to be here as much as we may need her to be. We'll see how it goes and what are needs are when the time comes.
On a different note I have a bad habit I'm trying to break. I won't go into any detail but I will ask for your prayers for strength and will power to break it. Thanks!
As challenging as being pregant can be I have to say that I am truly enjoying the experience. I have been very blessed with an easy pregnancy. One of the things I'm enjoying most right now is all her movement. She's so active in there and it's amazing to feel and watch. The newest thing she's done is get the hiccups. She had them in church on Sunday and again Tuesday night in our lamaze class. Justin was so cute when I told him she had the hiccups b/c he didn't know that was possible. Such fun and so much more to come.
Speaking of babies we have a Dr appointment today so I'll have a progress report soon. Our friend and doula came over last night and we had a great conversation. She really emphasized how important the first two weeks are for bonding. I'm hoping this sunk in with Justin a little more than before. It will be so important that he is able to bond with her quickly as he will be doing a lot of her care when I go back to work the first of the year. Dallion said the better the bonding in the first two weeks the better off you'll be down the road.
We also talked about having help around after we bring the baby home so that we have the opportunity to bond and to focus on recovery and rest. I am hopeful that my mother-in-law will be here and avaliable to help. I may ask a friend or aunt to come for a while as well because I'm not sure that Donna is going to be able/willing to be here as much as we may need her to be. We'll see how it goes and what are needs are when the time comes.
On a different note I have a bad habit I'm trying to break. I won't go into any detail but I will ask for your prayers for strength and will power to break it. Thanks!
As challenging as being pregant can be I have to say that I am truly enjoying the experience. I have been very blessed with an easy pregnancy. One of the things I'm enjoying most right now is all her movement. She's so active in there and it's amazing to feel and watch. The newest thing she's done is get the hiccups. She had them in church on Sunday and again Tuesday night in our lamaze class. Justin was so cute when I told him she had the hiccups b/c he didn't know that was possible. Such fun and so much more to come.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday
The last time I wrote I talked about running into an old friend. For those of you who went to BHS it was Haley Hawkins. Her and her husband are living in Branson, have a five year old daughter, Haven and are expecting their son, Heston, any day now.
It is so amazing to see how much we've all changed since those days at BHS. Who and what each of us have grown up to be and do. To see some of my closest friends have successful careers and families has been really great. Nothing too surprising from anyone that I'm still good friends with but our ten year reunion, next year, will prove to be interesting I'm sure.
Nine weeks, give or take, and counting now before Kayler's arrival. Even though I've had two ultrasounds that say baby girl there's still a part of me that won't believe it till I see HER. We're going to have a lot of pink to return if she turns out to be a HE. Hopefully that won't be the case. I've done a lot of mental prepartion for having a daughter and for all of a sudden to have a son would be quite a shocker.
I'm a little anxious about after the baby is born and how I'm going to handle everything. Am I going to have enough help? I'm trying to get Justin convinced to take at least a week off from work when she's born. He's worried about not having a pay check during that time and I'm worried about recovery and survival. Hopefully he'll turn around and realize when the time comes that he really needs to be home with his wife and daughter. He's a hard working man but a bit of a work-aholic sometimes.
The nursery is coming together nicely. I still need to clean out the closets but we're making headway. Hopefully it will be ready in time for her arrival.
Lindsey--Thanks for reading my nonsense. Hope the transition back to work is going okay. I dread that day. Good to know you have a sitter you trust. That's so important.
It is so amazing to see how much we've all changed since those days at BHS. Who and what each of us have grown up to be and do. To see some of my closest friends have successful careers and families has been really great. Nothing too surprising from anyone that I'm still good friends with but our ten year reunion, next year, will prove to be interesting I'm sure.
Nine weeks, give or take, and counting now before Kayler's arrival. Even though I've had two ultrasounds that say baby girl there's still a part of me that won't believe it till I see HER. We're going to have a lot of pink to return if she turns out to be a HE. Hopefully that won't be the case. I've done a lot of mental prepartion for having a daughter and for all of a sudden to have a son would be quite a shocker.
I'm a little anxious about after the baby is born and how I'm going to handle everything. Am I going to have enough help? I'm trying to get Justin convinced to take at least a week off from work when she's born. He's worried about not having a pay check during that time and I'm worried about recovery and survival. Hopefully he'll turn around and realize when the time comes that he really needs to be home with his wife and daughter. He's a hard working man but a bit of a work-aholic sometimes.
The nursery is coming together nicely. I still need to clean out the closets but we're making headway. Hopefully it will be ready in time for her arrival.
Lindsey--Thanks for reading my nonsense. Hope the transition back to work is going okay. I dread that day. Good to know you have a sitter you trust. That's so important.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
just rambling
I've been trying to imagine what our life is going to be life once Kayler is here. I'm so excited to get to meet her, hold her, play with her. I can't wait. Thankfully pregnancy continues to be easy so hopefully the next 10 weeks or so will go by quickly. I am slowly gaining more confidence in myself in preparation for labor and birth. I'm doing exercises and relaxation to help me prepare.
I guess as any first time mom I have my fears. Not just about labor and birth and pain but about parenting, her health, etc. I guess I'm already starting to worry about her. I love what a friend of mine has to say "don't worry, pray" Easier said than done for me as I've always been a worrier but I'm getting better at it.
Saw a good friend from high school this week at Wal-Mart. I hadn't seen her for over a year. She is pregnant too and due in just a few weeks. We got the chance to chat for a few minutes and exchanged email addresses so hopefully we can keep up with each other better. Next year will be our ten year high school reunion. That seems so weird.
Justin is busy working on the lofts in our building today. I'm off from work and hoping to get stuff done around the house. It seems that the housework is never ending and I can never stay on top of it. Looking forward to going to church tomorrow for the first time in a month and then Justin and I are going to work around the house on some projects that I need his help with.
Even though I don't think anyone reads my nonsense it's still good for me to get all this out that goes on in my head. And if you do read it then just know that most of it is just me rambling on about my life and what goes on in my head.
I guess as any first time mom I have my fears. Not just about labor and birth and pain but about parenting, her health, etc. I guess I'm already starting to worry about her. I love what a friend of mine has to say "don't worry, pray" Easier said than done for me as I've always been a worrier but I'm getting better at it.
Saw a good friend from high school this week at Wal-Mart. I hadn't seen her for over a year. She is pregnant too and due in just a few weeks. We got the chance to chat for a few minutes and exchanged email addresses so hopefully we can keep up with each other better. Next year will be our ten year high school reunion. That seems so weird.
Justin is busy working on the lofts in our building today. I'm off from work and hoping to get stuff done around the house. It seems that the housework is never ending and I can never stay on top of it. Looking forward to going to church tomorrow for the first time in a month and then Justin and I are going to work around the house on some projects that I need his help with.
Even though I don't think anyone reads my nonsense it's still good for me to get all this out that goes on in my head. And if you do read it then just know that most of it is just me rambling on about my life and what goes on in my head.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
encouraging class
We had our first childbirth class last night. I was sort of dreading going for multiple reasons but I'm now glad we're doing them. The class was full, about twelve couples. The teacher is very upbeat and energetic. While a lot of the info is a repeat for us from our classes with our doula and just general knowledge from nursing school I still found it helpful. Sort of reaffirming what we already know. I also found it to be very encouraging. The class is taught with the philosophy that the woman's body is made to give birth, that while it is painful it is pain with purpose. I totally buy into that last part.
Justin and I had a good talk on the way home about life after the baby is born, what we expect, what we anticipate our needs will be from each other. It was one of the first real good conversations we've had so that was also encouraging. We also talked about work and jobs and what the future might hold in that dept. He is considering selling the studio in the next few years. I encouraged him to do whatever makes him happy. Something to pray about for sure.
Justin and I had a good talk on the way home about life after the baby is born, what we expect, what we anticipate our needs will be from each other. It was one of the first real good conversations we've had so that was also encouraging. We also talked about work and jobs and what the future might hold in that dept. He is considering selling the studio in the next few years. I encouraged him to do whatever makes him happy. Something to pray about for sure.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Freecylcling and Craigslist
My sister-in-law Joy got me started on Freecycle. If you don't know what it is I'll explain: basically it's an internet community that posts stuff they want to give away or get for free. It's a way to get rid of stuff you don't need by giving it to someone else. I joined the Bolivar and Springfield community several months ago hoping that I would have as much luck as Joy has. She has got all kinds of great stuff for herself and her kids. I, on the other hand, haven't received anything worth while. I'm a little frustrated with the site actually. No one ever posts anything I'm interested in and most of them are for junk or animals they no longer want. With the economy the way it is people are really getting crazy. They post looking for big ticket items that cost a lot of money. I guess in a way I understand but then there are people on there asking for toilet paper. I sort of feel bad for them in a way that they can't even afford TP but hey we can still afford our internet. Seriously people. I know money is tight believe me with all our debt with our building I know but I think I would give up my internet access before I couldn't afford TP. Okay I'm done with that rant for now.
Craigslist on the other had has been a success. I recently bought a $200+ jogging stroller at a great price. Never mind that I had to drive to Wainsville to get it but I still think it was worth it. I need to learn how to post things on Craigslist so I can get rid of some of my junk.
Justin and I got the crib together last night. I was trying to help and he got frustrated with my suggestions so it wasn't as fun as I'd hoped but its done now and looks great. I'll be washing bedding and putting that on later today. I can't wait to have her room all ready for her. We start our childbirth classes tonight. I hope that they will be worthwhile but I'm not putting too much faith in them. I'm mostly going b/c of the discount we get for going. I'm sure there will be a lot of good information especially about baby care. We'll see. I'm not too excited about the drive up and back an extra day a week but oh well. At least we're going to do something fun today before class, we're going to Target to register for baby stuff. I love picking things out. So much fun. So much to look forward to.
Craigslist on the other had has been a success. I recently bought a $200+ jogging stroller at a great price. Never mind that I had to drive to Wainsville to get it but I still think it was worth it. I need to learn how to post things on Craigslist so I can get rid of some of my junk.
Justin and I got the crib together last night. I was trying to help and he got frustrated with my suggestions so it wasn't as fun as I'd hoped but its done now and looks great. I'll be washing bedding and putting that on later today. I can't wait to have her room all ready for her. We start our childbirth classes tonight. I hope that they will be worthwhile but I'm not putting too much faith in them. I'm mostly going b/c of the discount we get for going. I'm sure there will be a lot of good information especially about baby care. We'll see. I'm not too excited about the drive up and back an extra day a week but oh well. At least we're going to do something fun today before class, we're going to Target to register for baby stuff. I love picking things out. So much fun. So much to look forward to.
Monday, August 11, 2008
baby update
Baby Update: I saw my OB Friday and he says everything sounds and looks great. He was thrilled with my test results from my last appt which was encouraging. We mostly had a question and answer session and I got a lot of answers that I liked. I am struggling between two views of birth. The first being the modern, medical side of birth. Being a nurse I want to trust that technology, medications and montioring are all safe and helpful for labor and delivery. The second part is the woman in me who knows that God created my body to be able to give birth and that I don't need all these "intervention" to help me do it. My Dr's advice is to keep an open mind and to be flexible. As he said, I've not done this before so I don't know what I'm in for. I continue to try to educate myself and pray for direction and peace of mind.
Kayler's room is now painted and we'll be assembling the crib soon. I'm so excited to get it done. I know that this is just one more thing on my busy husbands "to do" list so I'm trying not to put any added pressure on him. He's working so hard. God has truly blessed me with a hardworking man. I know he is doing is all for our future and I'm so grateful for that. Someday soon it will all pay off.
This morning I read the update on my friend Jenni's baby, Granton. He had a bit of a scare last night as he spiked a temp, his BP and HR shot up and he was vomitting. I pray that all has not settled down and that the Dr's will find what the problem was and take care of it. I lift him up to God for Him to watch over and heal. They've been through so much and it's been such a long battle. I pray for continued strength for Jenni and Daniel and healing for Granton.
The weather has been beautiful her for the past few days. It's only been about 80 and not very humid at all, not at all like normal MO August weather. I hope to get out today and enjoy it by taking my dog, Libby, for a walk. It will be good for me to stretch my legs too and walking is such a great exercise for pregnancy.
Ashley
Kayler's room is now painted and we'll be assembling the crib soon. I'm so excited to get it done. I know that this is just one more thing on my busy husbands "to do" list so I'm trying not to put any added pressure on him. He's working so hard. God has truly blessed me with a hardworking man. I know he is doing is all for our future and I'm so grateful for that. Someday soon it will all pay off.
This morning I read the update on my friend Jenni's baby, Granton. He had a bit of a scare last night as he spiked a temp, his BP and HR shot up and he was vomitting. I pray that all has not settled down and that the Dr's will find what the problem was and take care of it. I lift him up to God for Him to watch over and heal. They've been through so much and it's been such a long battle. I pray for continued strength for Jenni and Daniel and healing for Granton.
The weather has been beautiful her for the past few days. It's only been about 80 and not very humid at all, not at all like normal MO August weather. I hope to get out today and enjoy it by taking my dog, Libby, for a walk. It will be good for me to stretch my legs too and walking is such a great exercise for pregnancy.
Ashley
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
landlord woes
It was a fast trip to St. Louis but a fun one. We left Sat at 11am and got home Sun at 4:30pm. The game was a lot of fun although the Cardinals lost 2-1. Our seats were great, right behind home plate on the second level. I wouldn't recommend staying at the Hyatt downtown. It's what used to be the Adam's Mark and used to be really nice. We didn't have a great experience. Next time I think we'll try the Druay Inn and Suites.
Work has been very busy the last couple of days. Yesterday was complete caous for the last few hours. As staffing shift changes at 3pm so did my whole group of patients. I ended up picking up four new patients and getting one from the ICU. It wasn't a bad day just hectic and I was tired.
Baby update: We go back to the Dr. on Friday starting our every two week visits. I've heard that this makes the last bit of pregnancy go by quickly. Last night while laying in bed waiting for Kayler to stop rolling around so I could sleep I got to thinking...I won't always be pregnant but I'll always be a mom from now on. I know that seems obvious but it's an overwhelming thought at times. It seems there is still so much to do before she's born and not much time to get it all done.
I'm looking forward to dropping back to part time at work in a month and a half. It will mean working one more day a week than what I'm doing now but working eight hour shifts instead. Then after my maternity leave I'll only work three eights a week which will be nice.
We had our first tenants move out of our loft this past weekend and are experiencing the first of many frustrations in the landlording business. They still don't have all their stuff out. We were in the apt last night and there is a ton of stuff up there including a piano and mattresses. One more thing to have to hassel with. Hopefully they will be getting it out by the end of the week as they're not paying rent for the month of Aug. We need to be getting it ready for the next renters, which we don't have lined up yet. That's a big prayer need for us right now is that we will be able to find renters for the lofts that are ready and that Justin will be able to get the others finished before the baby is born.
I have the next three days off from work so I hope to get a lot of stuff done around the house. Hopefully I'll have the energy to do it.
Work has been very busy the last couple of days. Yesterday was complete caous for the last few hours. As staffing shift changes at 3pm so did my whole group of patients. I ended up picking up four new patients and getting one from the ICU. It wasn't a bad day just hectic and I was tired.
Baby update: We go back to the Dr. on Friday starting our every two week visits. I've heard that this makes the last bit of pregnancy go by quickly. Last night while laying in bed waiting for Kayler to stop rolling around so I could sleep I got to thinking...I won't always be pregnant but I'll always be a mom from now on. I know that seems obvious but it's an overwhelming thought at times. It seems there is still so much to do before she's born and not much time to get it all done.
I'm looking forward to dropping back to part time at work in a month and a half. It will mean working one more day a week than what I'm doing now but working eight hour shifts instead. Then after my maternity leave I'll only work three eights a week which will be nice.
We had our first tenants move out of our loft this past weekend and are experiencing the first of many frustrations in the landlording business. They still don't have all their stuff out. We were in the apt last night and there is a ton of stuff up there including a piano and mattresses. One more thing to have to hassel with. Hopefully they will be getting it out by the end of the week as they're not paying rent for the month of Aug. We need to be getting it ready for the next renters, which we don't have lined up yet. That's a big prayer need for us right now is that we will be able to find renters for the lofts that are ready and that Justin will be able to get the others finished before the baby is born.
I have the next three days off from work so I hope to get a lot of stuff done around the house. Hopefully I'll have the energy to do it.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Off to St. Louis
As I write this I'm waiting for Justin to get home so we can head off to St. Louis. It's our 6th anniversary tommorw-my how time flies. As it was the day we were married it's proving to be the hottest weekend of the summer. Which only makes sense since we have tickets to the Cardnials game tonight. I've learned a few tricks over the years of going to hot August ball games on how to stay cool but we'll see how they hold up to the heat of pregnancy.
I'm a little computer challenged so when my hardworking husband gets a break I'll have to have him show me how to personalize my blog with pictures and what-not. I took belly pics yesterday so I'll try to put a couple on for those of you who wish to see how much I've grown lately. :)
I can't believe it's been six years!!! I'm as much in love with Justin today as I was the day we were married, maybe more. We've been together for ten years now if you count the four years of dating premarriage. I can't imagine my life with anyone else. My life in many aspects isn't what I dreamed of, it's way better. I thank God for the blessings He's given me, especially for Justin.
Say a prayer for safe travel for us as we will make the round trip to St. Louis in less than 36hrs.
I'm a little computer challenged so when my hardworking husband gets a break I'll have to have him show me how to personalize my blog with pictures and what-not. I took belly pics yesterday so I'll try to put a couple on for those of you who wish to see how much I've grown lately. :)
I can't believe it's been six years!!! I'm as much in love with Justin today as I was the day we were married, maybe more. We've been together for ten years now if you count the four years of dating premarriage. I can't imagine my life with anyone else. My life in many aspects isn't what I dreamed of, it's way better. I thank God for the blessings He's given me, especially for Justin.
Say a prayer for safe travel for us as we will make the round trip to St. Louis in less than 36hrs.
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