Kennedy woke up at 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. this morning. This was the first time she didn't wake up at 2, and it was a nice change to get to sleep longer. That gets me excited to think that she is getting closer to sleeping all night. Once she sleeps all night we are going to have to invest in a monitor so she can go in her room...but that will be a few more month I guess.
JR's picnic is scheduled for today, but Larry never got all the information from work...so we won't be able to go. I'm kind of bummed about it because I really wanted to see him, but I'm sure there will be other times we will get together.
I talked Larry into running a few errands with me today instead of laying around the house. Our first stop was at the flag shop off of Raleigh Street to get him some WVU accessories for his Jeep as part of his Father's Day gift. He said he wanted one of everything...but he was on a spending limit and had to choose wisely! lol. Kaylee wanted some WVU pom poms, but I told her that we would get her some if we can ever afford to go to a WVU game.
After going there, we ran to Winchester to pick up all the title work from the dealership so we can take care of all that stuff. We got stuck in the big rain storm, and the power even went out in the dealership when they were getting all his stuff together for him.
Chili's is Larry's favorite place to eat, and every time we go to Winchester we end up eating there. He said I could choose where we ate, and I was totally thinking fast food...but when I decided on something other than Chili's...he was a sad puppy...so I said we could go. I have horrible luck at the Chili's restaurants, but everything was really good for once. The server was nice, the food was hot, and my meal was not frozen or raw!! I was very impressed...lol.
We ended our Winchester adventure at Costco to pick up a few items that we buy in bulk. Their strawberries are amazing, and I wanted to make the trip there just for the strawberries! We priced diapers and formula while we were there, and we will definitely be buying that stuff there whenever we run out of diapers and stuff. I did see Kirkland brands of both the diapers and formula and it was at a $10 discount from the brand named stuff! That really adds up on stuff like that. I wish they had small sample sizes first of the formula, so I'm not wasting all of it if it upsets her tummy. I think we might buy some of it just to try in a month or so when we run out of formula.
I finished up all my thank you cards from my church and my family tonight. I still have a bunch of other ones to do that I will work on tomorrow...but at least I get to pass these out at church in the morning. I will feel so much better once I get all of them done and mailed out to everyone. I hate being so far behind on them...but the hospital stay put us way behind on life, and we are just getting caught up on everything. I just don't want people to think that we aren't thankful for everything, ya know!?!?!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
May 30, 2008 Indiana Jones
Larry went into work early this morning, and the baby and I were up when he was getting ready. It was really hard for us to fall back asleep after he left and we only got another hour of sleep before we sent Kaylee off to school. I fed Kennedy, updated the blog, paid some bills online, and then watched some movies.
I worked out at home today with the killer "Slim in 6" DVD because I couldn't get to the gym in time for the daycare. I would have only had 25 minutes to walk on the treadmill, and I like to walk at least 35 before I call it a workout...lol. I know that I am going to be very sore tomorrow from the DVD because she kills you with squats and lunges.
Dad came over and we had Kings Pizza for a quick dinner before going to the movie theatre to see Indiana Jones. I LOVE their grilled chicken salads...but they are almost $8....FOR A SALAD! If they were cheaper, I would have one everyday...but not at that price. Mariah kept the baby for us, and she said that Kennedy ate, burped, farted, and slept...lol.
Kaylee loved the Indiana Jones movie. She saw a couple of the previous ones a few weeks ago after church one Sunday. I think I liked the other ones better than this one, but it was really funny. I am not much on laughing at movies (it drives Larry nuts), but I did laugh at this one a few times. We normally stay at the house and watch movies with Dad, so this was nice to change it up a little.
I worked out at home today with the killer "Slim in 6" DVD because I couldn't get to the gym in time for the daycare. I would have only had 25 minutes to walk on the treadmill, and I like to walk at least 35 before I call it a workout...lol. I know that I am going to be very sore tomorrow from the DVD because she kills you with squats and lunges.
Dad came over and we had Kings Pizza for a quick dinner before going to the movie theatre to see Indiana Jones. I LOVE their grilled chicken salads...but they are almost $8....FOR A SALAD! If they were cheaper, I would have one everyday...but not at that price. Mariah kept the baby for us, and she said that Kennedy ate, burped, farted, and slept...lol.
Kaylee loved the Indiana Jones movie. She saw a couple of the previous ones a few weeks ago after church one Sunday. I think I liked the other ones better than this one, but it was really funny. I am not much on laughing at movies (it drives Larry nuts), but I did laugh at this one a few times. We normally stay at the house and watch movies with Dad, so this was nice to change it up a little.
May 29, 2008 Invitation
I got up with Larry and Kaylee this morning and made sure Kaylee got off to school on time. I had every intention of going to the gym after they left...but fell back asleep until 11:30 a.m.!!! So I got out of bed, took a shower, cleaned up the house a little bit, and waited for my friend to show up.
My friend Rosie came over with her 3 year old son (Richard) and we tried to catch up on lost time. We haven't seen each other for ages, and there was so much to talk about. She and her family enjoy scrap booking, and I really want to get into doing it...so I am going to join them on their scrap booking days. I am pretty excited about that because I have lots of scrap booking stuff...but haven't done one page yet!
I started to make dinner when Rosie and Richard went home, and wanted to make something really nice for my family. I thawed out some jumbo shrimp and made a garlic alfredo sauce on the stove. We had shrimp alfredo with angel hair pasta and crescent rolls. Kaylee rolled up the crescent rolls and even helped me put them in the oven and take them out when they were done. She is growing up!!!
Kaylee and I went to church for rehearsal at 7:00 and Larry stayed home with the baby. She wanted to be held all day long and was super cranky from gas, so I thought she was going to be a handful for him. That little rug rat slept the entire time in her bassinet while I was gone! Kaylee got to play with Sierra while the team prepared for Sunday's service. Tonight was really fun, and everyone was in a great mood...so that is always nice...lol. Lots of laughs were shared.
INVITATION
Kennedy's Child Dedication to The Living Room is this Sunday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m.
If you would like to join us, we would love to have you
If we have never met you, PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF :)
Larry's family is coming, and his grandmother has never been to the church before...so we are excited to have them there for this special day.
My friend Rosie came over with her 3 year old son (Richard) and we tried to catch up on lost time. We haven't seen each other for ages, and there was so much to talk about. She and her family enjoy scrap booking, and I really want to get into doing it...so I am going to join them on their scrap booking days. I am pretty excited about that because I have lots of scrap booking stuff...but haven't done one page yet!
I started to make dinner when Rosie and Richard went home, and wanted to make something really nice for my family. I thawed out some jumbo shrimp and made a garlic alfredo sauce on the stove. We had shrimp alfredo with angel hair pasta and crescent rolls. Kaylee rolled up the crescent rolls and even helped me put them in the oven and take them out when they were done. She is growing up!!!
Kaylee and I went to church for rehearsal at 7:00 and Larry stayed home with the baby. She wanted to be held all day long and was super cranky from gas, so I thought she was going to be a handful for him. That little rug rat slept the entire time in her bassinet while I was gone! Kaylee got to play with Sierra while the team prepared for Sunday's service. Tonight was really fun, and everyone was in a great mood...so that is always nice...lol. Lots of laughs were shared.
INVITATION
Kennedy's Child Dedication to The Living Room is this Sunday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m.
If you would like to join us, we would love to have you
If we have never met you, PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF :)
Larry's family is coming, and his grandmother has never been to the church before...so we are excited to have them there for this special day.
May 28, 2008 Back Handspring
Kennedy and I went to the Rainbow Diner in Rippon this morning for lunch. Larry's family owns the Diner, and the employees really wanted to see the baby. These employees have watched my husband grow up since he was a little boy, so I am sure it meant a lot to see his little baby girl. They have always been very nice when I see them, and some of them even went to our wedding.
I had to make lots and lots of phone calls today. Our insurance is denying all of our medical bills, so I had to get on the phone and figure out what in the world is going on. Right now, our medical bills are totalling around $320,000...so I am sure you can imagine my panic. Even after insurance kicks in, we are looking at about $64,000 that we are responsible for...and that's for the bills that we have gotten. I am sure there are plenty more on their way...lol. Kennedy is so special though, there is no price too expensive to have her here with us. We wouldn't have her with us if it weren't for all the medical staff at Washington County Hospital and Children's Hospital in D.C. We are very thankful for everything they have done. Larry spoke to a lady that could help us out with our insurance problems and she said that it would be taken care of in another week or so. I will be calling everyone all over again in a week to make sure.
I also called James Rumsey and Mountain State University to inquire about nursing school. I really want to go back to school to get my RN or LPN certification, but I know it is not going to be easy. I need to check into financial aid, the times of the classes, and the prices of everything. Rumsey told me that I was too late to enroll for their LPN program and that I would have to enroll in January of next year for their Fall 2009 class. I am hoping that MSU will offer night classes that I can take this Fall for the RN courses. I want my family to be more financially stable than what we are now. Living on a police officer and teacher's income just doesn't cut it now. Larry absolutely loves what he does, so I am willing to further my education to bring in more income.
Kaylee had gymnastics tonight and I went there to watch her. She got her back handspring on the cheese wedge!!!!!! Yes, I was very excited and I cried with joy. She has been working on it for 2 years now, and I know she was so happy to finally get it. Larry was working over tonight so I texted him to tell him about the news. He got off in time to rush over at the end of class, and Miss Emmy let her show him before she locked up. Now she is looking forward to getting her handspring on the floor. It was a great way to end the day, and she went home very proud of herself. As soon as she got home, she called her Nana and Papaw to tell them about it.
I had to make lots and lots of phone calls today. Our insurance is denying all of our medical bills, so I had to get on the phone and figure out what in the world is going on. Right now, our medical bills are totalling around $320,000...so I am sure you can imagine my panic. Even after insurance kicks in, we are looking at about $64,000 that we are responsible for...and that's for the bills that we have gotten. I am sure there are plenty more on their way...lol. Kennedy is so special though, there is no price too expensive to have her here with us. We wouldn't have her with us if it weren't for all the medical staff at Washington County Hospital and Children's Hospital in D.C. We are very thankful for everything they have done. Larry spoke to a lady that could help us out with our insurance problems and she said that it would be taken care of in another week or so. I will be calling everyone all over again in a week to make sure.
I also called James Rumsey and Mountain State University to inquire about nursing school. I really want to go back to school to get my RN or LPN certification, but I know it is not going to be easy. I need to check into financial aid, the times of the classes, and the prices of everything. Rumsey told me that I was too late to enroll for their LPN program and that I would have to enroll in January of next year for their Fall 2009 class. I am hoping that MSU will offer night classes that I can take this Fall for the RN courses. I want my family to be more financially stable than what we are now. Living on a police officer and teacher's income just doesn't cut it now. Larry absolutely loves what he does, so I am willing to further my education to bring in more income.
Kaylee had gymnastics tonight and I went there to watch her. She got her back handspring on the cheese wedge!!!!!! Yes, I was very excited and I cried with joy. She has been working on it for 2 years now, and I know she was so happy to finally get it. Larry was working over tonight so I texted him to tell him about the news. He got off in time to rush over at the end of class, and Miss Emmy let her show him before she locked up. Now she is looking forward to getting her handspring on the floor. It was a great way to end the day, and she went home very proud of herself. As soon as she got home, she called her Nana and Papaw to tell them about it.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 27, 2008 Getting back into SHAPE!
Well, I started working out today with tapes at home. I want to limit how often I take the baby into Golds Gym's Kids Club because of all the dirty little fingers that might touch all over her. When I go to the gym in the mornings, I have two back up people that might be able to keep the baby there at Golds for me. The general manager's wife, Valerie and my friend Laura are both there most of the mornings, so they said if they aren't busy they would keep her. So this morning I decided to start off my "getting back into shape season" here in my living room. Billy Blanks and I punched and kicked until I couldn't punch and kick any longer! lol. The Tae Bo tape was so old that it was even on VHS...and covered in dust I might add! Wow, I am really out of shape...and I know I am going to be sore tomorrow.
We wanted to get Trapper shampoo and groomed so he didn't smell so bad, and I finally set up an appointment for him! We have been talking about getting him groomed for over a year now, but just never set up the appointment. Today he needed to be dropped off at Petco in the afternoon, and he was not happy about it at all. He pooped in his crate on the way there and smelled up the Jeep..lol. The lady was great with him, and when I picked him up she said he was an angel. That was a shocker because he moaned the whole way there, and the whole way home. He smells wonderful now...but I am just afraid he is going to try to get back at me by peeing somewhere in my house (clean laundry basket or something..lol).
I had to go to the DMV to renew my tags and registration. Larry wants to have one of those WVU tags on his Jeep and when I told the lady that, she said that he had to do it through the university and that they couldn't help us at all. Apparently the extra fee to have those will go directly towards the school and none of it goes through the DMV. So I was sent on my way, and didn't get to renew anything.
Dad ran around with me today, which was a big help because he waited in the car with Kennedy when I went back and forth to Petco and the DMV. She was an angel today and only got cranky when she wanted to eat. Her eating time worked out perfect because we were only home long enough to feed her while we were running around. Dad took me to KFC for lunch and we had the buffet. It was surprisingly really good....he kept going back for the apple pie dessert and I was hooked on their yams. We filled ourselves to the max because it was all so yummy.
Kennedy has been pushing real hard with her feet trying to stand up and squirm around for about a week now, but last night she used her little arms to push herself off of my chest to look around. It was so controlled, and she did a great job holding herself up. I was really happy about it!
Nope, I did not get to even touch my thank you cards again today. It is really starting to make me mad because I am so far over due on getting them out to everyone! I have about 1/3 of them completed but I don't want to give to some and not give to all of them at the same time. They have to be done by the end of the week.....have to have to have to!
Updates on JR Butcher
JR's step daughter has created a blog for him, and she is going to post all the updates there. I know that my blog has spread to so many people that I will probably never get the chance to meet, so I am sure that it is fine to share his blog with all of you.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jrbutcher
He has 4 fundraisers held in his name already! Wow, that has to be an amazing feeling to know that so many people are pulling to help them out on medical bills. I know that the fire hall is even selling sandwiches for him too...so their bills should be taken care of through all the fundraising that is going on. That is awesome, and we are so happy for him. It's great to know that he is back home with his family again.
We wanted to get Trapper shampoo and groomed so he didn't smell so bad, and I finally set up an appointment for him! We have been talking about getting him groomed for over a year now, but just never set up the appointment. Today he needed to be dropped off at Petco in the afternoon, and he was not happy about it at all. He pooped in his crate on the way there and smelled up the Jeep..lol. The lady was great with him, and when I picked him up she said he was an angel. That was a shocker because he moaned the whole way there, and the whole way home. He smells wonderful now...but I am just afraid he is going to try to get back at me by peeing somewhere in my house (clean laundry basket or something..lol).
I had to go to the DMV to renew my tags and registration. Larry wants to have one of those WVU tags on his Jeep and when I told the lady that, she said that he had to do it through the university and that they couldn't help us at all. Apparently the extra fee to have those will go directly towards the school and none of it goes through the DMV. So I was sent on my way, and didn't get to renew anything.
Dad ran around with me today, which was a big help because he waited in the car with Kennedy when I went back and forth to Petco and the DMV. She was an angel today and only got cranky when she wanted to eat. Her eating time worked out perfect because we were only home long enough to feed her while we were running around. Dad took me to KFC for lunch and we had the buffet. It was surprisingly really good....he kept going back for the apple pie dessert and I was hooked on their yams. We filled ourselves to the max because it was all so yummy.
Kennedy has been pushing real hard with her feet trying to stand up and squirm around for about a week now, but last night she used her little arms to push herself off of my chest to look around. It was so controlled, and she did a great job holding herself up. I was really happy about it!
Nope, I did not get to even touch my thank you cards again today. It is really starting to make me mad because I am so far over due on getting them out to everyone! I have about 1/3 of them completed but I don't want to give to some and not give to all of them at the same time. They have to be done by the end of the week.....have to have to have to!
Updates on JR Butcher
JR's step daughter has created a blog for him, and she is going to post all the updates there. I know that my blog has spread to so many people that I will probably never get the chance to meet, so I am sure that it is fine to share his blog with all of you.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jrbutcher
He has 4 fundraisers held in his name already! Wow, that has to be an amazing feeling to know that so many people are pulling to help them out on medical bills. I know that the fire hall is even selling sandwiches for him too...so their bills should be taken care of through all the fundraising that is going on. That is awesome, and we are so happy for him. It's great to know that he is back home with his family again.
Monday, May 26, 2008
May 26, 2008 The Pools Are OPEN!
I slept in until 10 a.m. this morning, and Kennedy only got up twice last night. I feel totally refreshed and I have lots of energy today. This is the first time I have felt this awake since she has been born. Now, if I could only sleep that much everyday! lol...lol.
Kaylee went swimming at Lambert pool today with her friend Rachel. She was so excited to go and was going crazy because Jane and Rachel were running over an hour behind schedule. I told her to be patient, but she finally broke down and called them wondering what was taking so long. Once they picked her up, Kennedy and I were by ourselves trying to do laundry.
Today was also a Jon and Kate Plus 8 marathon day...so I didn't get as much stuff done as I would have liked to. I can't help myself.....I LOVE THAT SHOW! It is Larry's fault because he is the one that reminded me about it being on all day...lol. Those babies are just so freaking cute, and I love how Jon and Kate value their family.
Kaylee came home a little red on the shoulders and admitted that she never re-applied her sunscreen once she got to the pool. We cooked out on the grill with hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken. Rachel and Jane ended up joining us for dinner, so I am glad we made extra. It was nice having company over for dinner for a change! I wanted to eat outside on our back porch because it was so nice outside. Larry was outside all day at work and would have preferred to eat inside, but he let me have my way :) It was so nice eating outside, and we even carried Kennedy outside and sat her in her Papasan while we ate.
We finished the night up watching a few more episodes of Jon and Kate Plus 8 in bed. I want to get all my thank you cards done tomorrow, and I have some errands to run too...so I hope we sleep well tonight. Wish me luck!
Kaylee went swimming at Lambert pool today with her friend Rachel. She was so excited to go and was going crazy because Jane and Rachel were running over an hour behind schedule. I told her to be patient, but she finally broke down and called them wondering what was taking so long. Once they picked her up, Kennedy and I were by ourselves trying to do laundry.
Today was also a Jon and Kate Plus 8 marathon day...so I didn't get as much stuff done as I would have liked to. I can't help myself.....I LOVE THAT SHOW! It is Larry's fault because he is the one that reminded me about it being on all day...lol. Those babies are just so freaking cute, and I love how Jon and Kate value their family.
Kaylee came home a little red on the shoulders and admitted that she never re-applied her sunscreen once she got to the pool. We cooked out on the grill with hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken. Rachel and Jane ended up joining us for dinner, so I am glad we made extra. It was nice having company over for dinner for a change! I wanted to eat outside on our back porch because it was so nice outside. Larry was outside all day at work and would have preferred to eat inside, but he let me have my way :) It was so nice eating outside, and we even carried Kennedy outside and sat her in her Papasan while we ate.
We finished the night up watching a few more episodes of Jon and Kate Plus 8 in bed. I want to get all my thank you cards done tomorrow, and I have some errands to run too...so I hope we sleep well tonight. Wish me luck!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
May 25, 2008 Due Date
Today is our due date for Kennedy to be born! Looking at her now, I can't imagine not having her with us for the past 7 weeks. Even though things have been nuts since her premature birth...I know that it could have been a whole lot worse and we are grateful for the way things have been.
We wanted to be bums today and just hang out and relax around the house. So we got up, went to church and wanted to get all our errands done so we could go home and chill out. We went to our favorite chinese place to have our Sunday lunch like we always do, headed to Wal-Mart and got stuff there, and then went home for the day. We were going to go to Berkeley Springs to hang out with Jason, Mandi, and her family...but Larry was just way too tired and wanted to relax at home.
I fell asleep for 5 hours, while Larry played Call of Duty on his PS3 for 7 hours. Kaylee was in her room playing with her Littlest Pet Shop toys for hours while watching TV. Dinner was a joke...Kaylee got whatever she wanted when she was hungry, I had ice cream and watermelon, and Larry ate his frozen fruit pops...lol. Kaylee didn't go to sleep for the night until after midnight, and we were up until 1:30 or so. I was fine with that because I slept the day away...but Larry didn't, and he has work in the morning!
We played with Kennedy in the bed a lot this evening. She is trying to stand up on her own a lot, and she is getting so strong. She napped with me on and off, so she was awake for a few hours later in the night with Larry and me. We love it when she is awake for long periods of time! She is just so curious about her surroundings and wants to study every little detail. She is such a little sweetheart.
We wanted to be bums today and just hang out and relax around the house. So we got up, went to church and wanted to get all our errands done so we could go home and chill out. We went to our favorite chinese place to have our Sunday lunch like we always do, headed to Wal-Mart and got stuff there, and then went home for the day. We were going to go to Berkeley Springs to hang out with Jason, Mandi, and her family...but Larry was just way too tired and wanted to relax at home.
I fell asleep for 5 hours, while Larry played Call of Duty on his PS3 for 7 hours. Kaylee was in her room playing with her Littlest Pet Shop toys for hours while watching TV. Dinner was a joke...Kaylee got whatever she wanted when she was hungry, I had ice cream and watermelon, and Larry ate his frozen fruit pops...lol. Kaylee didn't go to sleep for the night until after midnight, and we were up until 1:30 or so. I was fine with that because I slept the day away...but Larry didn't, and he has work in the morning!
We played with Kennedy in the bed a lot this evening. She is trying to stand up on her own a lot, and she is getting so strong. She napped with me on and off, so she was awake for a few hours later in the night with Larry and me. We love it when she is awake for long periods of time! She is just so curious about her surroundings and wants to study every little detail. She is such a little sweetheart.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
May 24, 2008 Photography Shoot
After Molly's mom picked her up this morning, Kaylee was saying that her belly hurt. I asked her if she ate something for breakfast and she said that she had a honey bun. We were in a hurry to leave for the day, so I put off her complaint as a hunger pain.
We ran to the Valley Mall real quick to pick up my wedding ring from being repaired. I had it checked a couple of weeks ago, and I had 3 diamonds loose so they took it to repair it for me. A dear friend of mine from high school is my jeweler, so I was excited to show her Kennedy for the first time. With it being Memorial Day weekend, Littman's Jewelers was packed and booming with business...so we didn't stay long.
We got professional pictures done today!!! I was supposed to get pregnancy pictures done with Anna, but that appointment was set up for 2 weeks AFTER Kennedy decided to be born...so that photo session did not happen. We were so excited about getting the girl's pictures done so we got there 20 minutes early to feed Kennedy so she wouldn't be cranky. While Larry was feeding Kennedy, Kaylee wasn't feeling very well and I kept asking her to make sure she was okay. I had just asked her if she was okay again, and she said that she was just really tired. Not even a minute later, I see Kaylee vomiting in her hands at the studio!!!!! I asked her if she was puking and she shook her head yes, and I panicked. We hadn't even started the photo shoot and she is vomiting all over her shoes, hands, and the hard wood floors! AH! I ran her to the nearest bathroom and she finished emptying her stomach in the sink and toilet. Anna had to grab lysol wipes and lots of paper towels and we cleaned up the nasty mess together. How embarrassing is that...lol...and she got on the floor and helped me the entire time. Larry just sat back and kept feeding the baby...lol. Kaylee said that she was just going to lay down and let Kennedy get her pictures done alone. I felt so bad for her, and I wasn't sure why her belly was so upset.
The photo shoot finally starts after all the excitement was over, and everything was going well. Then we stripped Kennedy down to her naked little butt and layed her on some towels for some beautiful shots. Well, I guess Kennedy was jealous of all the attention Kaylee had just gotten so she peed all over the towels! lol...lol. All I could do was laugh, because I was absolutely speechless. I could only imagine what Anna was thinking at that time. But again, she just kept rolling with the punches...so it helped Larry and I from getting to stressed. Thank God she has two little girls of her own.
I ran out to CVS to get some more formula for Kennedy and some gingerale for Kaylee, and when I came back Kaylee was taking pictures with her sister. She looked and felt great, and was just as energized as ever. I guess she just had a sour tummy and had to empty it....a VERY SOUR TUMMY. I can't wait to see those pictures of the girls together. Larry had some portraits with her as well, but I stayed as far away from the camera as I could. I am fine with being behind the camera, but not in front of it yet.
The photo session took a little over 2 hours, and then we went to our friend's river lot back in Sleepy Creek to hang out for the day. Kaylee had so much fun, and met up with a gentleman who took her by the river to look for bugs. She caught a bunch of creepy crawlies, crayfish, and almost caught a few minnow's. I went down there with her and we hung out with ducks and a turtle. The water was mucky, but we didn't care. Everything was still so beautiful because it was family time we were spending together. Larry and Kaylee love nature and just being outside, so they were both in Heaven today.
We ran to the Valley Mall real quick to pick up my wedding ring from being repaired. I had it checked a couple of weeks ago, and I had 3 diamonds loose so they took it to repair it for me. A dear friend of mine from high school is my jeweler, so I was excited to show her Kennedy for the first time. With it being Memorial Day weekend, Littman's Jewelers was packed and booming with business...so we didn't stay long.
We got professional pictures done today!!! I was supposed to get pregnancy pictures done with Anna, but that appointment was set up for 2 weeks AFTER Kennedy decided to be born...so that photo session did not happen. We were so excited about getting the girl's pictures done so we got there 20 minutes early to feed Kennedy so she wouldn't be cranky. While Larry was feeding Kennedy, Kaylee wasn't feeling very well and I kept asking her to make sure she was okay. I had just asked her if she was okay again, and she said that she was just really tired. Not even a minute later, I see Kaylee vomiting in her hands at the studio!!!!! I asked her if she was puking and she shook her head yes, and I panicked. We hadn't even started the photo shoot and she is vomiting all over her shoes, hands, and the hard wood floors! AH! I ran her to the nearest bathroom and she finished emptying her stomach in the sink and toilet. Anna had to grab lysol wipes and lots of paper towels and we cleaned up the nasty mess together. How embarrassing is that...lol...and she got on the floor and helped me the entire time. Larry just sat back and kept feeding the baby...lol. Kaylee said that she was just going to lay down and let Kennedy get her pictures done alone. I felt so bad for her, and I wasn't sure why her belly was so upset.
The photo shoot finally starts after all the excitement was over, and everything was going well. Then we stripped Kennedy down to her naked little butt and layed her on some towels for some beautiful shots. Well, I guess Kennedy was jealous of all the attention Kaylee had just gotten so she peed all over the towels! lol...lol. All I could do was laugh, because I was absolutely speechless. I could only imagine what Anna was thinking at that time. But again, she just kept rolling with the punches...so it helped Larry and I from getting to stressed. Thank God she has two little girls of her own.
I ran out to CVS to get some more formula for Kennedy and some gingerale for Kaylee, and when I came back Kaylee was taking pictures with her sister. She looked and felt great, and was just as energized as ever. I guess she just had a sour tummy and had to empty it....a VERY SOUR TUMMY. I can't wait to see those pictures of the girls together. Larry had some portraits with her as well, but I stayed as far away from the camera as I could. I am fine with being behind the camera, but not in front of it yet.
The photo session took a little over 2 hours, and then we went to our friend's river lot back in Sleepy Creek to hang out for the day. Kaylee had so much fun, and met up with a gentleman who took her by the river to look for bugs. She caught a bunch of creepy crawlies, crayfish, and almost caught a few minnow's. I went down there with her and we hung out with ducks and a turtle. The water was mucky, but we didn't care. Everything was still so beautiful because it was family time we were spending together. Larry and Kaylee love nature and just being outside, so they were both in Heaven today.
May 23, 2008 Sleepover
I am getting a ton of doctor bills in the mail now, and I doubt they are going to stop coming in any time soon. Man oh man is she expensive....lol. I thought that the big bill I got from Children's Hospital was for everything, but then I got another bill from Neonatology when they resuscitate her when she D-Sat'ed in Larry's arms that one time. Most of the bills I am getting have not been processed through our insurance so I started making phone calls to Children's to see what we needed to do to fix that problem. Trust me, opening up those bills will wake you up when you see the grand total of them and think that insurance has already paid a portion of them...lol
Kaylee had a little friend over tonight from school. Once Molly was brought over, we had dinner and then cut them loose in the house. I thought my daughter had too much energy, but try adding another 7 year old in the house too!!! Kennedy and I just hung out on the couch while Larry was outside admiring his Jeep. I had to keep reminding the kids that they needed to use their inside voices, but overall, it could have been worse.
One of my friend's brought over some pomade hair wax to put in Kaylee's hair to help me out with the new hair cut, so that saved me from going out on the town looking for some. I called Kaylee downstairs to try it in her hair so we could practice for tomorrow's photo shoot that we have scheduled. The last thing I wanted to do is put mousse, hairspray, and pomade in my 7 year old's hair...but we will have to until it grows out some more. Just another reason why I will be taking her to my hair stylist from now on. :)
Kaylee had a little friend over tonight from school. Once Molly was brought over, we had dinner and then cut them loose in the house. I thought my daughter had too much energy, but try adding another 7 year old in the house too!!! Kennedy and I just hung out on the couch while Larry was outside admiring his Jeep. I had to keep reminding the kids that they needed to use their inside voices, but overall, it could have been worse.
One of my friend's brought over some pomade hair wax to put in Kaylee's hair to help me out with the new hair cut, so that saved me from going out on the town looking for some. I called Kaylee downstairs to try it in her hair so we could practice for tomorrow's photo shoot that we have scheduled. The last thing I wanted to do is put mousse, hairspray, and pomade in my 7 year old's hair...but we will have to until it grows out some more. Just another reason why I will be taking her to my hair stylist from now on. :)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
May 22, 2008 Hair Cut
I had my 6 week checkup at my doctor's office this morning, and everyone there was so excited to see Kennedy. Some of them told me that they were checking for my name because they knew I was due to come in for my check up soon. Everything went well at the appointment and we talked about birth control and what my options were. I am still pumping the milk that I am able to make, so I was limited to what kind of pills I could take. He also talked to me about another birth control called an IUC. I took the informational pamphlet with me to talk to Larry about it. I think I am interested in the IUC, but we have to read up on it a little more and see if our insurance covers it. For right now, Dr. Kathari gave me a prescription for a pill...and told me that it is only 95% accurate. So I would still have a 1 in 20 chance to get pregnant again. I am not ready to have another baby yet...I want to wait at least another year.
Before my doctor left the room, he said that he wanted to commend me for the strength that I have shown throughout the pregnancy and he would remember me forever because of it. He added that there were not too many people who could have handled the news they way we did, and we really touched his heart. Listening to him really made me realize how much I have grown as a person. You see, eight years ago he was my OBGYN and delivered Kaylee for me. I remember sitting in his office as a young 20 year old single parent and being so confused about life. He never once judged me during my pregnancy, and I knew he wished me the best in life once she was born. To look back on where I was in my life then, to where I am now makes me feel really proud of not only myself...but my two children. God has given me two amazing daughters, and one incredible husband to live for.
My friend Kelley and her son Tyler came over to visit. I haven't seen her in years! Tyler was born premature and had to be flown to the NICU in DC just like Kennedy. He had a different disorder, but we were able to relate to each other so well because our babies were in the same place. Tyler was in the NICU a few months ago, and wow...he is huge now! Seeing him made me excited to know that one day Kennedy will grow to be that big! We talked about how much she loves her Pediatrician, and I am going to have her records sent there. Both of her children really like him, and she said that he is a very intelligent man that isn't intimidated by premature babies. THAT IS WHAT I NEED!
Kaylee got her hair cut tonight, or maybe I should say she got it chopped off! We showed the lady a picture but she was way too scissor happy and chopped all her hair off. I did not cry, but boy did I want to. I do not like her hair, and this is the first bad hair cut that Kaylee has ever gotten...so it is hard for me to cope with...lol. I have not told her that I don't like it because I do not want to hurt her feelings and I know that I will get used to it. We are calling it a Pixie hair cut and that it is a grown up hair-do because she is a grown up big girl. In about 2 or 3 months, it should be the length we wanted and then we can play with her hair with the style we originally wanted it! She says that she was scared that she looked like a boy at first, but now she really likes it. So if she likes it, I am happy! It is just hair, and it will grow back. :)
Before my doctor left the room, he said that he wanted to commend me for the strength that I have shown throughout the pregnancy and he would remember me forever because of it. He added that there were not too many people who could have handled the news they way we did, and we really touched his heart. Listening to him really made me realize how much I have grown as a person. You see, eight years ago he was my OBGYN and delivered Kaylee for me. I remember sitting in his office as a young 20 year old single parent and being so confused about life. He never once judged me during my pregnancy, and I knew he wished me the best in life once she was born. To look back on where I was in my life then, to where I am now makes me feel really proud of not only myself...but my two children. God has given me two amazing daughters, and one incredible husband to live for.
My friend Kelley and her son Tyler came over to visit. I haven't seen her in years! Tyler was born premature and had to be flown to the NICU in DC just like Kennedy. He had a different disorder, but we were able to relate to each other so well because our babies were in the same place. Tyler was in the NICU a few months ago, and wow...he is huge now! Seeing him made me excited to know that one day Kennedy will grow to be that big! We talked about how much she loves her Pediatrician, and I am going to have her records sent there. Both of her children really like him, and she said that he is a very intelligent man that isn't intimidated by premature babies. THAT IS WHAT I NEED!
Kaylee got her hair cut tonight, or maybe I should say she got it chopped off! We showed the lady a picture but she was way too scissor happy and chopped all her hair off. I did not cry, but boy did I want to. I do not like her hair, and this is the first bad hair cut that Kaylee has ever gotten...so it is hard for me to cope with...lol. I have not told her that I don't like it because I do not want to hurt her feelings and I know that I will get used to it. We are calling it a Pixie hair cut and that it is a grown up hair-do because she is a grown up big girl. In about 2 or 3 months, it should be the length we wanted and then we can play with her hair with the style we originally wanted it! She says that she was scared that she looked like a boy at first, but now she really likes it. So if she likes it, I am happy! It is just hair, and it will grow back. :)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May 21, 2008
Mariah and I got up early this morning with our little ones, bundled them up, and took them to the Martinsburg Fire Department to get their car seats checked. Our husbands installed our car seats, but we just wanted to double check them. Larry was sure that he installed it properly, and said not to get it checked because he knew he did it right. After getting it checked, it just needed to be slightly tightened. Better safe than sorry! lol
We then wen to Wal-Mart to get some things. She and I split up so I could get the things I needed for the house to stop it from smelling like cats, and she got some groceries. I was on a mission to get every smelly thing possible for the house. We too needed groceries, but I didn't have room in my shopping cart for any food. The smelly stuff was more important.
Kaylee had gymnastics tonight so Larry, Kennedy, and I went grocery shopping while Kaylee had class. We only had an hour, and we needed everything you could think of! We were smart shoppers and got enough stuff to get us rolling again to have home cooked meals every night for about a week. It is time to make a trip to Costco...but we didn't have time to go tonight.
Kennedy was really grouchy today. Larry thinks she is getting sick, but her temperature is fine so far. I think she is just real gassy and is having a hard time passing it. She is a little on the stuffy side, but not real bad. We will just have to keep an eye on her.
Update on Butcher: So wow....he is coming home either today or tomorrow! That is just amazing considering he has been through so much with his surgery. I am sure there will be lots of rehabilitation and recovery time for him...and I hope he gets plenty of rest once he is home. His wife is having a cook out for him at the end of the month, so I am excited to be able to see him.
Hooray for David Cook! All I can say is I was pleasantly surprised....actually I screamed when he won! I totally thought little Archileta was going to take the crown...but Cook won it! He totally deserved it!!
We then wen to Wal-Mart to get some things. She and I split up so I could get the things I needed for the house to stop it from smelling like cats, and she got some groceries. I was on a mission to get every smelly thing possible for the house. We too needed groceries, but I didn't have room in my shopping cart for any food. The smelly stuff was more important.
Kaylee had gymnastics tonight so Larry, Kennedy, and I went grocery shopping while Kaylee had class. We only had an hour, and we needed everything you could think of! We were smart shoppers and got enough stuff to get us rolling again to have home cooked meals every night for about a week. It is time to make a trip to Costco...but we didn't have time to go tonight.
Kennedy was really grouchy today. Larry thinks she is getting sick, but her temperature is fine so far. I think she is just real gassy and is having a hard time passing it. She is a little on the stuffy side, but not real bad. We will just have to keep an eye on her.
Update on Butcher: So wow....he is coming home either today or tomorrow! That is just amazing considering he has been through so much with his surgery. I am sure there will be lots of rehabilitation and recovery time for him...and I hope he gets plenty of rest once he is home. His wife is having a cook out for him at the end of the month, so I am excited to be able to see him.
Hooray for David Cook! All I can say is I was pleasantly surprised....actually I screamed when he won! I totally thought little Archileta was going to take the crown...but Cook won it! He totally deserved it!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
May 20, 2008 6 pounds 4 ounces
Kennedy had her doctor's appointment this morning, and she weighed in at 6 lb 4 oz!!! Wow, that is almost a whole pound in two weeks! I had the same doctor again this morning, and I really don't think she is the one I want to stick with. She is nice, but I really think I need someone a little more specialized. She seems a little loopy if you get what I mean, and I need someone who knows what they are talking about. Like, for example, she walks into the room and says "well I see she has gained a little bit, but she's not what she was when she was born yet, but she'll catch up." I looked at her and said, uh...yea of course she isn't weighing in what she was when she was born because she had a 2 1/2 pound tumor on her. She tried to cover her tracks, but it was too late. I had to wait forever once I got there on both occasions, and she is too busy typing on her new laptop in the room instead of talking to me. Apparently it is a new program and she said that she is still trying to figure it out. The appointment today made me feel very uneasy, and she even asked me if I was okay. I was much better once we got out of there.
By the time we got out of the doctor's office, it was almost noon and she was due to eat. We went home so I could pump and she could eat before we went to Jefferson High School for a baby shower that the Science department had thrown for me. Initially, I was going to stop by Larry's work to show Kennedy to his co-workers...but we were at her appointment longer than anticipated. So I fed her at home, packed up the Jeep, and headed to JHS.
I surprised my students from 6th and 7th periods by showing up with the baby. Everyone was pretty excited to see us, and a few of them were half scared to come over and look at her. They wanted to know when I was coming back, and I felt really bad for not being there with them. I want to go back to work so bad...but I just can't leave Kennedy with a daycare center. I told them to talk the principal into letting me bring her, and I would be back tomorrow! lol.
The baby shower was a handful of my friends from school that got together to celebrate Kennedy with me. It was so nice to be able to hang out and laugh with all of them...I really do miss all of them. Suzanne even made Kennedy a blanket and little booty's to match!! The food was just as good as the company that joined me for the shower. Very fun!
Once I got home, Larry and Kaylee were starving...but we desperately need to go grocery shopping. Ever since the freezer accidentally thawed out, we have been eating what was left in our pantry. Well, that is running low and we need to make a big $$ trip to Wal-Mart to restock. I guess we will do that tomorrow, but tonight we ordered chinese instead and watched American Idol over dinner. GO DAVID COOK!
By the time we got out of the doctor's office, it was almost noon and she was due to eat. We went home so I could pump and she could eat before we went to Jefferson High School for a baby shower that the Science department had thrown for me. Initially, I was going to stop by Larry's work to show Kennedy to his co-workers...but we were at her appointment longer than anticipated. So I fed her at home, packed up the Jeep, and headed to JHS.
I surprised my students from 6th and 7th periods by showing up with the baby. Everyone was pretty excited to see us, and a few of them were half scared to come over and look at her. They wanted to know when I was coming back, and I felt really bad for not being there with them. I want to go back to work so bad...but I just can't leave Kennedy with a daycare center. I told them to talk the principal into letting me bring her, and I would be back tomorrow! lol.
The baby shower was a handful of my friends from school that got together to celebrate Kennedy with me. It was so nice to be able to hang out and laugh with all of them...I really do miss all of them. Suzanne even made Kennedy a blanket and little booty's to match!! The food was just as good as the company that joined me for the shower. Very fun!
Once I got home, Larry and Kaylee were starving...but we desperately need to go grocery shopping. Ever since the freezer accidentally thawed out, we have been eating what was left in our pantry. Well, that is running low and we need to make a big $$ trip to Wal-Mart to restock. I guess we will do that tomorrow, but tonight we ordered chinese instead and watched American Idol over dinner. GO DAVID COOK!
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 19, 2008 Picture Day!
So I got up all night with the baby, and it was much easier getting up with her when I was well rested from my REALLY LONG nap. :) It made me really crave a rocking chair in her bedroom because now that the room is done, I took her in there during her night feeds. We didn't have anywhere to sit, so we sat on the floor and hung out while she ate. Her wood in the nursery is called Coffee, and I cannot find that color in a glider rocker anywhere. I am going to look at Big Lots sometime and see if I luck out there. I might have to get a comfy rocking chair rather than a wooden one, but those puppies are over $400!!
FYI-the new Wal-Mart in Spring Mills in amazingly clean and we love going there over the one in Martinsburg, but they do not have a Portrait Studio there. I found that out the hard way after I drove there, went shopping for my props that I would be using in the picture, and then finding out that I had to go to the one in Martinsburg...lol.
Kaylee, Kennedy, and I went to the one in Martinsburg to get a picture similar to one I got taken of Kaylee 8 years ago when she was the baby's age. They look so much alike each other, so I mocked the set up to compare the pics. Oh my goodness, the pictures turned out better than I could have hoped for. I had told myself that I was only buying the cheap package of the one shot, but that woman knew how to take some awesome pics, so I caved in and bought some other shots. We are getting professional pics taken of Kaylee and Kennedy this weekend...so I figured it will save us $$ in the long run by getting these cheap ones first. lol
We ran into my friends from Regal Nails in the Wal-Mart and they gobbled up Kennedy. We were hanging out there so long that I decided to get a pedicure while I was chit chatting with them. Stephanie even treated me to a free pedicure as my baby gift! They are so nice in there, I just love them to death. They even painted Kaylee's nails for her and wouldn't even take a tip for her nails. I gave her $2 to give to him a a tip, and he snuck it back in her little jean pockets. When we got in the car, she asked me if she could keep the $2 rather than give it back to me...lol. Sure, why not...lol.
FYI-the new Wal-Mart in Spring Mills in amazingly clean and we love going there over the one in Martinsburg, but they do not have a Portrait Studio there. I found that out the hard way after I drove there, went shopping for my props that I would be using in the picture, and then finding out that I had to go to the one in Martinsburg...lol.
Kaylee, Kennedy, and I went to the one in Martinsburg to get a picture similar to one I got taken of Kaylee 8 years ago when she was the baby's age. They look so much alike each other, so I mocked the set up to compare the pics. Oh my goodness, the pictures turned out better than I could have hoped for. I had told myself that I was only buying the cheap package of the one shot, but that woman knew how to take some awesome pics, so I caved in and bought some other shots. We are getting professional pics taken of Kaylee and Kennedy this weekend...so I figured it will save us $$ in the long run by getting these cheap ones first. lol
We ran into my friends from Regal Nails in the Wal-Mart and they gobbled up Kennedy. We were hanging out there so long that I decided to get a pedicure while I was chit chatting with them. Stephanie even treated me to a free pedicure as my baby gift! They are so nice in there, I just love them to death. They even painted Kaylee's nails for her and wouldn't even take a tip for her nails. I gave her $2 to give to him a a tip, and he snuck it back in her little jean pockets. When we got in the car, she asked me if she could keep the $2 rather than give it back to me...lol. Sure, why not...lol.
May 18, 2008 I AM SICK
I am officially sick. I haven't been feeling very well the past few days, but I know that I have definitely caught a cold now. I am not going to go to the doctor's yet, instead I am taking over the counter stuff...but I feel cruddy.
We wanted to go to the first service at The Living Room, but Larry didn't sleep very well last night. Kennedy is getting up every 2 1/2 - 3 hours to eat and have her diaper changed, and I have had problems getting up because of my head cold...so he helped me out even though he didn't have a lot of sleep. I remember falling asleep while I was holding her last night, and then asking him to take over so I could go back to sleep...lol. I just couldn't keep my eyes open long enough. We did make it to second service, and it was an amazing one...as usual.
Larry's parents and grandmother invited us out to lunch, so we met up with them at Bob Evans. We had a crew of 10, which included 5 children...lol...but I think all of them behaved themselves very well. We all went back to our house for a little while so they could spend some more time with Kaylee and Kennedy.
After everyone left, it was already after 4 p.m. and we found Indiana Jones movies on T.V. We all hopped on our bed and watched The Temple of Doom movie, and then I fell asleep. Kaylee and Larry kept an eye on Kennedy so I could get some rest...and well...I never woke up. They waited until 9:30 for me to wake up and have dinner with them, but it never happened. He did wake me up around 11 to tell me that I was the one getting up with the baby tonight so he could sleep...lol. I guess I was really tired, lol.
We wanted to go to the first service at The Living Room, but Larry didn't sleep very well last night. Kennedy is getting up every 2 1/2 - 3 hours to eat and have her diaper changed, and I have had problems getting up because of my head cold...so he helped me out even though he didn't have a lot of sleep. I remember falling asleep while I was holding her last night, and then asking him to take over so I could go back to sleep...lol. I just couldn't keep my eyes open long enough. We did make it to second service, and it was an amazing one...as usual.
Larry's parents and grandmother invited us out to lunch, so we met up with them at Bob Evans. We had a crew of 10, which included 5 children...lol...but I think all of them behaved themselves very well. We all went back to our house for a little while so they could spend some more time with Kaylee and Kennedy.
After everyone left, it was already after 4 p.m. and we found Indiana Jones movies on T.V. We all hopped on our bed and watched The Temple of Doom movie, and then I fell asleep. Kaylee and Larry kept an eye on Kennedy so I could get some rest...and well...I never woke up. They waited until 9:30 for me to wake up and have dinner with them, but it never happened. He did wake me up around 11 to tell me that I was the one getting up with the baby tonight so he could sleep...lol. I guess I was really tired, lol.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
May 17, 2008 Kennedy's Room
Kaylee and I ran some errands this morning, and then headed back home to clean house again. Kaylee spent most of the day helping out with laundry and playing outside. She started a new fashion designs book and she created more than 10 different outfits to put in her book. I told her that her Aunt Carrie used to draw stuff like that when she was little, and Kaylee thought that was really cool that she was doing something Carrie did too. Kaylee even created some WVU outfits for Daddy to wear! lol
Today we were on a mission to completely finish the baby's room. We hung her border, and Larry put her dresser together. I thought the border was just one big sticker, but it was the real deal, lol. I had never put real border on walls like that, and neither had Larry...but we did a pretty good job. After the room was put together, I pulled Kennedy's clothes from the baby shower and organized them by size in her new dresser. Liz came over and saw us in action with the baby's room, and she said she really liked it.
Kennedy has been doing very well the past few days. She hasn't spit up her bottles for awhile now, and she is still staying on a good feeding schedule. She has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and I am hoping her blood work results will be in by then. She will get more blood taken again next week as well. This will be done weekly to compare the AFP levels.
Today we were on a mission to completely finish the baby's room. We hung her border, and Larry put her dresser together. I thought the border was just one big sticker, but it was the real deal, lol. I had never put real border on walls like that, and neither had Larry...but we did a pretty good job. After the room was put together, I pulled Kennedy's clothes from the baby shower and organized them by size in her new dresser. Liz came over and saw us in action with the baby's room, and she said she really liked it.
Kennedy has been doing very well the past few days. She hasn't spit up her bottles for awhile now, and she is still staying on a good feeding schedule. She has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and I am hoping her blood work results will be in by then. She will get more blood taken again next week as well. This will be done weekly to compare the AFP levels.
Friday, May 16, 2008
May 16, 2008 Surprise!
Larry sent me a text message as soon as he left for work this morning, giving me the name of the dealership, the phone number, and the dealer's email address. Umm....yea, I got the hint...lol. So I know that he thought it would be a waste of time texting me all that information, but I decided to surprise him.
I am not going to win this Jeep or truck battle with him. We will not agree on a vehicle, regardless of what we try to do...so I have decided to give in and try to get the Jeep for him by the time he got home from work today. I called, left a message on Bob's voice mail, and sent him a quick email telling him I was interested in the Jeep. Meanwhile, I called around trying to get the best interest rate I could for the loan I would have to take out. I am a member of a credit union, and I have always heard that they are the best place to get a car loan. Ironically, my bank was running a one day special tomorrow on car loans as low as 4.9%!!! So I would have to close the loan out on Saturday, but I could apply today to make sure I qualified for it. I took that information into consideration and waited on Bob to call me back.
Bob calls, we chat about what I had planned, and I told him that this was a secret and I would have to hurt him if he told Larry. I wanted to see if they would price match the 4.9% interest rate so I could do everything there today...and sure enough, they even beat it for me! I packed up Kennedy, and we drove to Winchester to buy Larry his dream Jeep. I signed all the papers and put the money down that we got for the motorcycle along with our tax rebate...and I was driving off the lot with my new vehicle.
It felt very strange driving something I said we would not get, but I wanted to make my husband happy. I will get used to the idea of having a Jeep, and it is not the end of the world because I did not get my Ford Edge. It does drive nice, but it just isn't as roomy as I would like it to be. We will put Kennedy in the middle of the Jeep, and she will fit just fine there.
So, I had my camera ready by the front window so I could see Larry's face when he pulled up. I parked the Jeep all crooked in the yard so it stuck out like a sore thumb and waited. Well, I waited, and waited....NO LARRY. So I am trying to be all cool and calm when I called to see where he was, and he told me that there was a bunch of stuff he had to do before he came home from work. MAN! Go figure, the day I do not want him to work overtime....lol. So I told him to give me a call before he came home, and he said okay. Next thing I know, 45 minutes later...he walks in the door. I TOTALLY MISSED HIS REACTION, because he didn't call. My camera was still sitting by the window, but no picture would be taken.
Kennedy was great all day. She has normal diapers, normal feedings, and she is even increasing her feeds to 3-4 oz every 3 hours. Larry and I felt her head tonight and we noticed that she no longer has overlapping on her skull. Before, she was so preemie that her skull didn't form the way it should have and was all lumpy. Not anymore, she has a nice smooth head and it has gotten big! Our little teeny baby is growing, cheeks and all! I think I might just get my chubby cheek, fat baby that I have always wanted. Time will tell.
I am not going to win this Jeep or truck battle with him. We will not agree on a vehicle, regardless of what we try to do...so I have decided to give in and try to get the Jeep for him by the time he got home from work today. I called, left a message on Bob's voice mail, and sent him a quick email telling him I was interested in the Jeep. Meanwhile, I called around trying to get the best interest rate I could for the loan I would have to take out. I am a member of a credit union, and I have always heard that they are the best place to get a car loan. Ironically, my bank was running a one day special tomorrow on car loans as low as 4.9%!!! So I would have to close the loan out on Saturday, but I could apply today to make sure I qualified for it. I took that information into consideration and waited on Bob to call me back.
Bob calls, we chat about what I had planned, and I told him that this was a secret and I would have to hurt him if he told Larry. I wanted to see if they would price match the 4.9% interest rate so I could do everything there today...and sure enough, they even beat it for me! I packed up Kennedy, and we drove to Winchester to buy Larry his dream Jeep. I signed all the papers and put the money down that we got for the motorcycle along with our tax rebate...and I was driving off the lot with my new vehicle.
It felt very strange driving something I said we would not get, but I wanted to make my husband happy. I will get used to the idea of having a Jeep, and it is not the end of the world because I did not get my Ford Edge. It does drive nice, but it just isn't as roomy as I would like it to be. We will put Kennedy in the middle of the Jeep, and she will fit just fine there.
So, I had my camera ready by the front window so I could see Larry's face when he pulled up. I parked the Jeep all crooked in the yard so it stuck out like a sore thumb and waited. Well, I waited, and waited....NO LARRY. So I am trying to be all cool and calm when I called to see where he was, and he told me that there was a bunch of stuff he had to do before he came home from work. MAN! Go figure, the day I do not want him to work overtime....lol. So I told him to give me a call before he came home, and he said okay. Next thing I know, 45 minutes later...he walks in the door. I TOTALLY MISSED HIS REACTION, because he didn't call. My camera was still sitting by the window, but no picture would be taken.
Kennedy was great all day. She has normal diapers, normal feedings, and she is even increasing her feeds to 3-4 oz every 3 hours. Larry and I felt her head tonight and we noticed that she no longer has overlapping on her skull. Before, she was so preemie that her skull didn't form the way it should have and was all lumpy. Not anymore, she has a nice smooth head and it has gotten big! Our little teeny baby is growing, cheeks and all! I think I might just get my chubby cheek, fat baby that I have always wanted. Time will tell.
May 15, 2008 Car Shopping
Today we went car shopping. Now, there is nothing and I mean NOTHING fun about doing this with my husband. We have been married for almost 4 years, and every time we talk about buying a car it ends up in a fight. We really tried hard to not argue about it this time, but that was easier said than done.
Larry took a half of a day from work, picked up Kaylee from school at lunch time, and we headed to Winchester to look at two vehicles that he liked. To be able to afford a car, we have to get rid of both of our vehicles...so that means we have to agree on one car for the both of us...lol. I want a car that is good on gas, and he wants a four wheel drive truck or jeep.
So we get to this car dealership and Larry test drives a Ford F150 and a 4 door Jeep Sahara. I am totally against the Jeep because the back seat is crowded and uncomfortable. Our friend has one, and we rode with them in the back seat a few months ago...and it was not roomy. Our problem now with the 2 door Explorer is that we need more room, and I don't feel that the Jeep will offer enough space. He fell in love with both vehicles, and I wouldn't test drive either one. We ended up getting into an argument later on about it because I wouldn't even give the Jeep a chance.
We didn't speak for a few hours when we got home, and I spent that time in the office cleaning it out some more. He came down and asked me to come to bed, and we had a talk about the Jeep and the truck. I think the truck has too many miles on it, and I don't want to make payments forever on something that won't last us a long time. Jason's wife even told me that their baby's car seat is crowded in their Jeep's back seat, and that is why I am against it. Well, he picked up the phone and called Jason and put him on speaker phone to talk to him about the Jeep. We shared some laughs and Jason helped us get over our little fight. I would still rather have my choice of a car, but we are in a losing battle on trying to agree. He has always wanted both of those vehicles, and if he doesn't get one of them...my life will not be fun. lol.
Larry took a half of a day from work, picked up Kaylee from school at lunch time, and we headed to Winchester to look at two vehicles that he liked. To be able to afford a car, we have to get rid of both of our vehicles...so that means we have to agree on one car for the both of us...lol. I want a car that is good on gas, and he wants a four wheel drive truck or jeep.
So we get to this car dealership and Larry test drives a Ford F150 and a 4 door Jeep Sahara. I am totally against the Jeep because the back seat is crowded and uncomfortable. Our friend has one, and we rode with them in the back seat a few months ago...and it was not roomy. Our problem now with the 2 door Explorer is that we need more room, and I don't feel that the Jeep will offer enough space. He fell in love with both vehicles, and I wouldn't test drive either one. We ended up getting into an argument later on about it because I wouldn't even give the Jeep a chance.
We didn't speak for a few hours when we got home, and I spent that time in the office cleaning it out some more. He came down and asked me to come to bed, and we had a talk about the Jeep and the truck. I think the truck has too many miles on it, and I don't want to make payments forever on something that won't last us a long time. Jason's wife even told me that their baby's car seat is crowded in their Jeep's back seat, and that is why I am against it. Well, he picked up the phone and called Jason and put him on speaker phone to talk to him about the Jeep. We shared some laughs and Jason helped us get over our little fight. I would still rather have my choice of a car, but we are in a losing battle on trying to agree. He has always wanted both of those vehicles, and if he doesn't get one of them...my life will not be fun. lol.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May 14, 2008 Larry comes home
Kennedy and I didn't get any sleep last night because I started her on a different type of Similac at bedtime. I am kind of going through what was given to me, and hoping that one of them works...and this type was Similac Soy with iron. She absolutely hated it, and boy did we have an interesting night. That little girl was so upset with having to eat the soy formula, she spit it out everywhere, she threw up, we spilled it on the bed, you name it...it probably happened last night. We were both so tired, but she wouldn't sleep because she wanted something different to eat.
At 7 this morning I pumped and got over 2 ounces, and that is the most I have ever gotten in one pump. Thank God for Reglan, I cannot tell you how wonderful that little tiny pill is for my breast milk. I wish the all natural stuff worked for me, but unfortunately it did not. My milk would have dried up if it weren't for the Reglan, and I am thankful for having it to get milk for Kennedy. I put the milk in a bottle for her and she sucked it down this morning and fell back asleep. I hung out with Kaylee for a little while and then told her I was going to go back to sleep too. Kennedy and I slept until 10:30, and that is better than nothing.
I have a little bit of the regular Similac Advanced left over, just enough to last us another day or so. Mariah also has a small can of Enfamil Lipil that she cannot use with Ava, so I picked it up from her house tonight to use. My pediatrician said that Enfamil Lipil and Similac Advanced are very similar and it wouldn't hurt her to try both to see if she preferred one over the other. Mariah also gave me a Parents Choice can...so I will try that after the Enfamil is gone next week. In my opinion, I don't think I will stick with the Enfamil because she spits out a lot of it. The Similac gave her diarrhea, so I will switch brands to see if the Parents Choice works better. I hear that the Parents Choice is cheaper too...so that would be great if we could find a type that she likes. I am pumping enough milk now that allows Kennedy to have two breastmilk bottles a day too. If my milk continues to increase, I can take her off of formula all together!! That will be a little while if that can happen though.
I have pitched trash bag after trash bag from the office...and it still isn't done. Larry came home a few hours earlier than planned, and the office wasn't done. I don't even think he could tell I did anything in the room...lol. He was crabby when he got home, so that made me even more upset that the house wasn't clean. I just tried to avoid him until he got over his little mood, and then we were fine. I just think all the driving was getting to him from coming back from the academy.
At 7 this morning I pumped and got over 2 ounces, and that is the most I have ever gotten in one pump. Thank God for Reglan, I cannot tell you how wonderful that little tiny pill is for my breast milk. I wish the all natural stuff worked for me, but unfortunately it did not. My milk would have dried up if it weren't for the Reglan, and I am thankful for having it to get milk for Kennedy. I put the milk in a bottle for her and she sucked it down this morning and fell back asleep. I hung out with Kaylee for a little while and then told her I was going to go back to sleep too. Kennedy and I slept until 10:30, and that is better than nothing.
I have a little bit of the regular Similac Advanced left over, just enough to last us another day or so. Mariah also has a small can of Enfamil Lipil that she cannot use with Ava, so I picked it up from her house tonight to use. My pediatrician said that Enfamil Lipil and Similac Advanced are very similar and it wouldn't hurt her to try both to see if she preferred one over the other. Mariah also gave me a Parents Choice can...so I will try that after the Enfamil is gone next week. In my opinion, I don't think I will stick with the Enfamil because she spits out a lot of it. The Similac gave her diarrhea, so I will switch brands to see if the Parents Choice works better. I hear that the Parents Choice is cheaper too...so that would be great if we could find a type that she likes. I am pumping enough milk now that allows Kennedy to have two breastmilk bottles a day too. If my milk continues to increase, I can take her off of formula all together!! That will be a little while if that can happen though.
I have pitched trash bag after trash bag from the office...and it still isn't done. Larry came home a few hours earlier than planned, and the office wasn't done. I don't even think he could tell I did anything in the room...lol. He was crabby when he got home, so that made me even more upset that the house wasn't clean. I just tried to avoid him until he got over his little mood, and then we were fine. I just think all the driving was getting to him from coming back from the academy.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May 13, 2008 Running Errands
I didn't get to watch much of the movie...I fell asleep probably 30 minutes into it. Kaylee said she watched the whole thing, and she really liked it. She came up with the idea to watch it again tonight...lol...I'm not so sure about that one.
It took us 3 hours to get showers, Kenned bathed, and dressed--ready to leave the house to get things accomplished. I have my little check list and I want to get some stuff marked off of it. Right before we leave, Kennedy decided to poop all the way up her back! Yep, she is no longer constipated...and it is more like a diarrhea mess. I don't know if this is normal, or if Similac just isn't for her. I don't want to be one of those moms that constantly change her formula's until the perfect one is found, but I think I might be!
Anyway, we get a new outfit on the baby and we are headed out of the house. We hit Wal-Mart, The Bon-Ton, Target, and walked around the Martinsburg Mall for a little while. I called my doctor to schedule a 6 week check up for me this week, and they are able to squeeze me in on Thursday. We then ran across Hagerstown looking for the medical lab that I was sent to. They ended up moving to a new building, and I was afraid we wouldn't get there in time before they closed. Well we made it, and Kennedy was a champ when she took her blood. Kennedy didn't even cry (I think that was because I was feeding her at the same time..lol). Dad's house is right around the corner, so we went there to visit. He fed us something to eat, and sent us home with some home-made vegetable soup.
By the time we got home, unpacked, and sorted through the bags from shopping it was 10 p.m. and way past Kaylee's bedtime. So the office was not touched...nothing in the house was touched actually. I have my work cut out for me tomorrow while Kaylee is in school. I have to get at least one of these rooms done before Larry gets home so he doesn't have a panic attack! lol. I am exaggerating of course...he told me to sleep when the baby slept and to just relax while he was gone. I just want to be more proactive about gutting the house. There is no time for relaxing until that is done.
It took us 3 hours to get showers, Kenned bathed, and dressed--ready to leave the house to get things accomplished. I have my little check list and I want to get some stuff marked off of it. Right before we leave, Kennedy decided to poop all the way up her back! Yep, she is no longer constipated...and it is more like a diarrhea mess. I don't know if this is normal, or if Similac just isn't for her. I don't want to be one of those moms that constantly change her formula's until the perfect one is found, but I think I might be!
Anyway, we get a new outfit on the baby and we are headed out of the house. We hit Wal-Mart, The Bon-Ton, Target, and walked around the Martinsburg Mall for a little while. I called my doctor to schedule a 6 week check up for me this week, and they are able to squeeze me in on Thursday. We then ran across Hagerstown looking for the medical lab that I was sent to. They ended up moving to a new building, and I was afraid we wouldn't get there in time before they closed. Well we made it, and Kennedy was a champ when she took her blood. Kennedy didn't even cry (I think that was because I was feeding her at the same time..lol). Dad's house is right around the corner, so we went there to visit. He fed us something to eat, and sent us home with some home-made vegetable soup.
By the time we got home, unpacked, and sorted through the bags from shopping it was 10 p.m. and way past Kaylee's bedtime. So the office was not touched...nothing in the house was touched actually. I have my work cut out for me tomorrow while Kaylee is in school. I have to get at least one of these rooms done before Larry gets home so he doesn't have a panic attack! lol. I am exaggerating of course...he told me to sleep when the baby slept and to just relax while he was gone. I just want to be more proactive about gutting the house. There is no time for relaxing until that is done.
Monday, May 12, 2008
May 12, 2008
Last night wasn't so bad with Kennedy. Kaylee asked me if she could sleep with me in my room...and I think she is going to reconsider for tonight. lol. Even though Kennedy only got up a couple of times, I think Kaylee is realizing she can sleep more sound in her own room.
I finished up the painting in Kennedy's room this morning and put her bedding on her crib. The only things that are left in her room are putting her dresser together and putting the border up on the walls. Larry and I are planning to do that Thursday and Friday evenings after he gets off of work.
I picked through some random things in the house and cleaned little by little. Now that I am looking at the house, I think I need to stick with one room at a time so I can see the progress. It doesn't look like I did anything today because it was all over the house. Tomorrow, I am going to focus on the office and get it organized. I almost have a trash bag filled up with junk already, and I just took a small bite out of it. lol
Kaylee is off of school for Election Day tomorrow, so we have a lot of running to do. She is going to be a huge help by carrying things for me and keeping her sister company in the back seat. I need to get blood work done on Kennedy to check her AFP levels again. Children's is requesting that I have it done weekly for at least a month. If the levels increase...not good--but if they stay the same...that is good.
We picked out a movie and curled up in bed together to call it a night. I picked out the movie "Uptown Girls" because I don't think we have ever seen it...and it is in our collection of movies. I want to say that someone gave it to us, and we totally forgot about it. I doubt I stay up for the whole thing...I am tired.
I finished up the painting in Kennedy's room this morning and put her bedding on her crib. The only things that are left in her room are putting her dresser together and putting the border up on the walls. Larry and I are planning to do that Thursday and Friday evenings after he gets off of work.
I picked through some random things in the house and cleaned little by little. Now that I am looking at the house, I think I need to stick with one room at a time so I can see the progress. It doesn't look like I did anything today because it was all over the house. Tomorrow, I am going to focus on the office and get it organized. I almost have a trash bag filled up with junk already, and I just took a small bite out of it. lol
Kaylee is off of school for Election Day tomorrow, so we have a lot of running to do. She is going to be a huge help by carrying things for me and keeping her sister company in the back seat. I need to get blood work done on Kennedy to check her AFP levels again. Children's is requesting that I have it done weekly for at least a month. If the levels increase...not good--but if they stay the same...that is good.
We picked out a movie and curled up in bed together to call it a night. I picked out the movie "Uptown Girls" because I don't think we have ever seen it...and it is in our collection of movies. I want to say that someone gave it to us, and we totally forgot about it. I doubt I stay up for the whole thing...I am tired.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 11, 2008 Happy Mom's Day
Another sleepless night at the Ruffner residence!!! Man, that little girl was crying up a storm for the second night in a row. I really think it is gas, because she is so hard to burp after she eats. I am positive that all that air has really taken a toll on her tummy. Larry and I took turns again last night but I didn't fall asleep until 5:45 a.m.!! Not to mention that I needed to get up for church at 6, so I was not a happy camper. I started to lose my voice from being so exhausted, and that was stressing me out because I had to sing at church today.
I lost my mind on Elzie during one of my turns with Kennedy around 4 a.m. this morning. Kennedy wet her whole outfit and blanket, so I went into her room to get another outfit to change her into. Next thing I know, Elzie jumps up and tries to balance herself on the crib railing and scratched it really bad. I LOST IT, I was so mad and wanted to scream on the top of my lungs. That crib is brand new and we haven't even had the chance to lay the baby in it and one of these freaking cats comes along and scratches the wood. I started complaining to Larry about it and it started an argument because we were both cranky. He told me later that he almost went downstairs to sleep on the couch...lol. Ooops....but seriously, it is just one more reason to get rid of the cats, and I know he won't budge on the idea.
Church was amazing, as usual. My stomach was in knots over the mom song, but I knew I was worrying too much about it. We had a great turn out for both services, and everyone looked so nice. The creative arts team did a wonderful job with all the songs, and we cracked everyone up with the mom song. Yea, there were a few mistakes, but we played them off well. I don't think many people heard the mistakes, or they just didn't care because they were too busy laughing. The message was very powerful, and I am sure every mom felt very special when they were given a carnation to close out their visit.
We went to our favorite chinese buffet for lunch, and then headed home to open my presents. Kaylee was so excited, just as she always is on holidays. She made me a beautiful card, and decorated a gift bag with a few little hand crafted items. Kennedy gave me a funny card, and Larry gave me an amazing card, a beautiful cross necklace, a few manicure items, and a gift card to get a full body massage from Seaside. :) I have been hinting around to wanting a facial and a massage for awhile now. I am glad he listens well!
I fell asleep while watching Mary Poppins on TV, and Larry let me sleep for a few hours before he woke me up. He left to go back to the police academy for a class he needs to make up, and he wanted to be able to say good bye. We were all going to go to Charleston together, but the police department wouldn't pay for a hotel for him...so it just wasn't worth keeping Kaylee out of school and taking the baby out. We could've stayed at his friends house too, but I didn't want them to feel like they had to entertain us while Larry was in class. Larry said for us to just stay home so Kaylee didn't miss school, and I could work on the baby's room and gutting the house. I was okay with him leaving this time because I knew it was only 3 days, not 4 months...and he could call and text as much as he wanted.
I am hoping it's not another sleepless night with Kennedy. I just gave her some gas medicine and I know that will help her bloated belly. She didn't have a dirty diaper all day today, so I hope that doesn't add to her problems at night. I talked to Kaylee's grandparents in Ohio, and they said that I shouldn't be worried about her not having any dirty diapers...it's normal.
I lost my mind on Elzie during one of my turns with Kennedy around 4 a.m. this morning. Kennedy wet her whole outfit and blanket, so I went into her room to get another outfit to change her into. Next thing I know, Elzie jumps up and tries to balance herself on the crib railing and scratched it really bad. I LOST IT, I was so mad and wanted to scream on the top of my lungs. That crib is brand new and we haven't even had the chance to lay the baby in it and one of these freaking cats comes along and scratches the wood. I started complaining to Larry about it and it started an argument because we were both cranky. He told me later that he almost went downstairs to sleep on the couch...lol. Ooops....but seriously, it is just one more reason to get rid of the cats, and I know he won't budge on the idea.
Church was amazing, as usual. My stomach was in knots over the mom song, but I knew I was worrying too much about it. We had a great turn out for both services, and everyone looked so nice. The creative arts team did a wonderful job with all the songs, and we cracked everyone up with the mom song. Yea, there were a few mistakes, but we played them off well. I don't think many people heard the mistakes, or they just didn't care because they were too busy laughing. The message was very powerful, and I am sure every mom felt very special when they were given a carnation to close out their visit.
We went to our favorite chinese buffet for lunch, and then headed home to open my presents. Kaylee was so excited, just as she always is on holidays. She made me a beautiful card, and decorated a gift bag with a few little hand crafted items. Kennedy gave me a funny card, and Larry gave me an amazing card, a beautiful cross necklace, a few manicure items, and a gift card to get a full body massage from Seaside. :) I have been hinting around to wanting a facial and a massage for awhile now. I am glad he listens well!
I fell asleep while watching Mary Poppins on TV, and Larry let me sleep for a few hours before he woke me up. He left to go back to the police academy for a class he needs to make up, and he wanted to be able to say good bye. We were all going to go to Charleston together, but the police department wouldn't pay for a hotel for him...so it just wasn't worth keeping Kaylee out of school and taking the baby out. We could've stayed at his friends house too, but I didn't want them to feel like they had to entertain us while Larry was in class. Larry said for us to just stay home so Kaylee didn't miss school, and I could work on the baby's room and gutting the house. I was okay with him leaving this time because I knew it was only 3 days, not 4 months...and he could call and text as much as he wanted.
I am hoping it's not another sleepless night with Kennedy. I just gave her some gas medicine and I know that will help her bloated belly. She didn't have a dirty diaper all day today, so I hope that doesn't add to her problems at night. I talked to Kaylee's grandparents in Ohio, and they said that I shouldn't be worried about her not having any dirty diapers...it's normal.
May 10, 2008 Greenwalt Benefit
So much for sleep! lol. Larry and I barely slept last night because Kennedy wanted to cry the whole time. We took turns on who got up each time, and we really didn't know what to do to help her. I think she was bloated and was having gas pains, but Larry didn't want me giving her the gas medicine. It was a rough night, and I felt really bad for her because there wasn't much we could do.
This morning was Gaudy Gala day at The Living Room, but I could not get myself up. I slept in until 11:30 a.m., and I could've slept longer if Larry would've let me. Man it was rough being up all night, and even though we took turns--we were both still awake. I heard that all the ladies had a blast, and I wish I had the energy to get up and go to it. Sleep was top on my list this morning :(
We were even 2 hours late for the Greenwalt benefit because we slept in too late! Once everyone got showers and baths, we got there around 3 p.m. to Moose Acres. It was great to see everyone there supporting our favorite family from The Living Room! Almost all the Oreo Truffles sold too (I think Danny Reese bought most of them).
Larry and I started going car shopping today. We do not agree at all when it comes to getting a more reliable vehicle, and there is no way we are going to be totally happy. Because of finances, we are getting rid of both of our vehicles to be able to get a lower payment on one vehicle. It is going to be interesting only having one car, but we will make it work. Right now we have my junker-clunker that rarely even starts, and a 2 door Explorer. So we don't drive my car because we don't know if it will start, and even if it did...the inspection is dead, the side mirror is gone, and the windshield is cracked. It just isn't a safe car to put my two children in. The Explorer doesn't have enough room for us. We have to squeeze Kennedy in the back seat and then Larry has to sit squished up to the steering wheel to make room for the car seat to latch. lol, it just isn't comfortable and I get really stressed when I have to go somewhere alone with Kennedy. It is very difficult to get her in and out of the vehicle and it makes me want to say LOTS of bad words! lol
The scary thing about getting a car is the car payment. Right now, we do not have a car payment, and it is a struggle to make ends meet. Now we have a baby, diapers, formula, and not to mention all the doctor bills added to our home and I know that will squeeze us tighter than ever. Giving up both of our cars to put towards the down payment will lower our loan payment, and that makes me happy. We are even going to put the $$ from the motorcycle towards the next car. Now we just need to agree on the car!! lol. That's the hard part!!! lol.
Kaylee and I went to The Living Room to meet up with Chris Voorhees, Mary Beth Blair, and Jeannie Hurley to rehearse our special mom song for the Mother's Day Service. It was truly the most difficult song I have ever had to learn, but so worth all the practice we put into it. We were there until 9 p.m. going over it again and again. If you want to hear the song, check out this link. http://youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM I can't wait to do it and get both of the church services over with...I am a nervous wreck over this song. I know that is crazy because I am on stage all the time with praise and worship, but I feel more pressure with this song for some reason. I couldn't have asked for a better God chick team to sing it with me though. We are going to rock the house tomorrow.
Update on JR Butcher:
I am sure if you check the comments Jill can give you a more accurate update, but I heard that the surgery went well. Most of the tumor was removed but some of it was embedded in his brain tissue and it could not be taken out. Someone even told me that they found another lump near his thyroid gland that had to be removed. He will start chemotherapy as soon as possible, but his outcome looks good for the most part. His spirits are high, and some of the City police officers have visited him in the hospital.
This morning was Gaudy Gala day at The Living Room, but I could not get myself up. I slept in until 11:30 a.m., and I could've slept longer if Larry would've let me. Man it was rough being up all night, and even though we took turns--we were both still awake. I heard that all the ladies had a blast, and I wish I had the energy to get up and go to it. Sleep was top on my list this morning :(
We were even 2 hours late for the Greenwalt benefit because we slept in too late! Once everyone got showers and baths, we got there around 3 p.m. to Moose Acres. It was great to see everyone there supporting our favorite family from The Living Room! Almost all the Oreo Truffles sold too (I think Danny Reese bought most of them).
Larry and I started going car shopping today. We do not agree at all when it comes to getting a more reliable vehicle, and there is no way we are going to be totally happy. Because of finances, we are getting rid of both of our vehicles to be able to get a lower payment on one vehicle. It is going to be interesting only having one car, but we will make it work. Right now we have my junker-clunker that rarely even starts, and a 2 door Explorer. So we don't drive my car because we don't know if it will start, and even if it did...the inspection is dead, the side mirror is gone, and the windshield is cracked. It just isn't a safe car to put my two children in. The Explorer doesn't have enough room for us. We have to squeeze Kennedy in the back seat and then Larry has to sit squished up to the steering wheel to make room for the car seat to latch. lol, it just isn't comfortable and I get really stressed when I have to go somewhere alone with Kennedy. It is very difficult to get her in and out of the vehicle and it makes me want to say LOTS of bad words! lol
The scary thing about getting a car is the car payment. Right now, we do not have a car payment, and it is a struggle to make ends meet. Now we have a baby, diapers, formula, and not to mention all the doctor bills added to our home and I know that will squeeze us tighter than ever. Giving up both of our cars to put towards the down payment will lower our loan payment, and that makes me happy. We are even going to put the $$ from the motorcycle towards the next car. Now we just need to agree on the car!! lol. That's the hard part!!! lol.
Kaylee and I went to The Living Room to meet up with Chris Voorhees, Mary Beth Blair, and Jeannie Hurley to rehearse our special mom song for the Mother's Day Service. It was truly the most difficult song I have ever had to learn, but so worth all the practice we put into it. We were there until 9 p.m. going over it again and again. If you want to hear the song, check out this link. http://youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM I can't wait to do it and get both of the church services over with...I am a nervous wreck over this song. I know that is crazy because I am on stage all the time with praise and worship, but I feel more pressure with this song for some reason. I couldn't have asked for a better God chick team to sing it with me though. We are going to rock the house tomorrow.
Update on JR Butcher:
I am sure if you check the comments Jill can give you a more accurate update, but I heard that the surgery went well. Most of the tumor was removed but some of it was embedded in his brain tissue and it could not be taken out. Someone even told me that they found another lump near his thyroid gland that had to be removed. He will start chemotherapy as soon as possible, but his outcome looks good for the most part. His spirits are high, and some of the City police officers have visited him in the hospital.
Friday, May 9, 2008
May 9, 2008 It's Painting Day
Kennedy only got up twice to eat last night. As much as I want to keep her on a schedule of eating every three hours, I had no problem sleeping right along with her! When she finally got hungry this morning, Larry got up and warmed up the bottle for me. That was nice to not have to get up to get the bottle for a change. We all hopped back in bed and hung out until it was time for Larry to get ready for work.
Lots of laundry, lots of bills, cleaning, etc...a day that I thought would never end! After cleaning all day, it still looks and smells bad to me...lol. Once the house is gutted, Cindy and Eric said that they would shampoo the carpets for us! That will be nice to get some of this funky cat smell out (even if only temporarily)! Kennedy again slept for most of the day in her new papasan vibrating chair. She really likes it, and normally falls asleep as soon as we put her in it.
Special delivery: The baby's new crib bedding and border for her room came in this afternoon. Larry and I ordered it online the other day because it hadn't been purchased from our registry, and we needed it to paint and match up colors. I was so siked to open the box and see it in there! As soon as Larry got home from work, I ran out and got paint to match the quilt.
Amy came over a little later in the evenings after she fed her rug rats, and we finished up the room. It is so beautiful, and I can't wait to get it completely done. I have a baby shower at school coming up at the end of the month, and I am crossing my fingers that we get more stuff for the room off of the Target Registry. If not, we will just slowly buy stuff in small increments.
Lots of laundry, lots of bills, cleaning, etc...a day that I thought would never end! After cleaning all day, it still looks and smells bad to me...lol. Once the house is gutted, Cindy and Eric said that they would shampoo the carpets for us! That will be nice to get some of this funky cat smell out (even if only temporarily)! Kennedy again slept for most of the day in her new papasan vibrating chair. She really likes it, and normally falls asleep as soon as we put her in it.
Special delivery: The baby's new crib bedding and border for her room came in this afternoon. Larry and I ordered it online the other day because it hadn't been purchased from our registry, and we needed it to paint and match up colors. I was so siked to open the box and see it in there! As soon as Larry got home from work, I ran out and got paint to match the quilt.
Amy came over a little later in the evenings after she fed her rug rats, and we finished up the room. It is so beautiful, and I can't wait to get it completely done. I have a baby shower at school coming up at the end of the month, and I am crossing my fingers that we get more stuff for the room off of the Target Registry. If not, we will just slowly buy stuff in small increments.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
May 8, 2008
Kennedy slept most the day, which was good because I had to finish up all the Oreo Truffles for the Greenwalt Benefit. So I finished the truffles and wrapped them up in cute little bags, and started cleaning the house again. This house looks like someone set off a bomb in it, lol. I know that the end result once we are done gutting it will be awesome, but it is hard to see the end result right now. The cats stink, and I really want to get rid of at least one or two of them...but Larry and Kaylee will not budge. They refuse to get rid of any of them.
Kennedy did not throw up at all today, and she was awake only long enough to eat. Larry kept her at the house when I went to church for rehearsal, and he said she was awake almost the entire time. That was nice for them to spend some time together while she was up. Kaylee and I went to rehearsal together and she had a blast playing with all her friends there.
At the end of the day, I was able to check off some things on my "to do" list. Tomorrow is more cleaning, laundry, and getting the baby's room ready to paint. Amy Castle is coming over to help Larry and I paint the room. I am super anxious to get that done...because then we can start making that room look like a baby could sleep in it.
Kennedy did not throw up at all today, and she was awake only long enough to eat. Larry kept her at the house when I went to church for rehearsal, and he said she was awake almost the entire time. That was nice for them to spend some time together while she was up. Kaylee and I went to rehearsal together and she had a blast playing with all her friends there.
At the end of the day, I was able to check off some things on my "to do" list. Tomorrow is more cleaning, laundry, and getting the baby's room ready to paint. Amy Castle is coming over to help Larry and I paint the room. I am super anxious to get that done...because then we can start making that room look like a baby could sleep in it.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
May 7, 2008 And then she was called Kennedy
Kaydence is having a really hard time regulating her temperature, and now she has started to vomit after some of her feeds. She did this one time in the hospital and the nurse told me that she vomited because she was trying too hard to regulate her temp and digest her food at the same time. I am going with that idea, even though there could be a ton of other reasons she is vomiting. I have noticed that she keeps the breast milk down better...but then again there isn't much of that to throw up! lol
I am very excited to say that the Reglan has been helping my milk. I made enough milk for Kaydence to eat in one bottle. Yep, I made 2 ounces with one pumping session. I could not believe that I made that much...considering that was the first time for me. I was like a kid winning a goldfish at a carnival...I was that happy. lol
Larry and I think we are going to start calling Kaydence by her middle name. I have always wanted to call her Kennedy, but he really liked Kaydence. So when we decided we would keep both, we had to see what flowed the best when we said her name. lol. When I look at her now, I really think she looks like a Kennedy, and Larry agrees. Have you ever looked at someone and you think they look like a name?!?! lol...I do it all the time...lol So Kennedy it is, but it will be a slow transition I am sure.
Update on Larry's Co-worker:
I wanted to make sure it was okay to say his name before I put his business out there on my blog, so sorry for not giving his name at first. JR Butcher is the Martinsburg City Police officer that had a stroke the other night. He is now at John Hopkins, and they are not allowing any visitors at this time because of the critical state he is in right now. Larry is keeping updated with the other officers, and the last we heard he is going to need brain surgery. So I will keep everyone posted on how he is doing and when the surgery date is.
Oh, last thing! I wanted to let everyone know about a benefit that is being held for the Greenwalt family this Saturday at the Moose Acres. Donald Greenwalt is part of our Living Room family, and he too had some serious health issues a few months back. We are very happy to say that he is getting better and better each day, and he will be back to work full time before we know it! There will be a benefit for him and his family this Saturday, and we would love to see all of you there!
Greenwalt Benefit Details
Tickets are available at the gate
It is from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Plenty of food, music, fun and fellowship
Directions to Moose Acres-
Rt. 9 to Kelly Island Rd.
drive 1.4 miles, make a let on Douglas Grove Rd.
go 1 mile, Moose Acres on left.
**Hope to see you there. I am donating goody bags with Oreo Truffles there for purchase. YUM
I am very excited to say that the Reglan has been helping my milk. I made enough milk for Kaydence to eat in one bottle. Yep, I made 2 ounces with one pumping session. I could not believe that I made that much...considering that was the first time for me. I was like a kid winning a goldfish at a carnival...I was that happy. lol
Larry and I think we are going to start calling Kaydence by her middle name. I have always wanted to call her Kennedy, but he really liked Kaydence. So when we decided we would keep both, we had to see what flowed the best when we said her name. lol. When I look at her now, I really think she looks like a Kennedy, and Larry agrees. Have you ever looked at someone and you think they look like a name?!?! lol...I do it all the time...lol So Kennedy it is, but it will be a slow transition I am sure.
Update on Larry's Co-worker:
I wanted to make sure it was okay to say his name before I put his business out there on my blog, so sorry for not giving his name at first. JR Butcher is the Martinsburg City Police officer that had a stroke the other night. He is now at John Hopkins, and they are not allowing any visitors at this time because of the critical state he is in right now. Larry is keeping updated with the other officers, and the last we heard he is going to need brain surgery. So I will keep everyone posted on how he is doing and when the surgery date is.
Oh, last thing! I wanted to let everyone know about a benefit that is being held for the Greenwalt family this Saturday at the Moose Acres. Donald Greenwalt is part of our Living Room family, and he too had some serious health issues a few months back. We are very happy to say that he is getting better and better each day, and he will be back to work full time before we know it! There will be a benefit for him and his family this Saturday, and we would love to see all of you there!
Greenwalt Benefit Details
Tickets are available at the gate
It is from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Plenty of food, music, fun and fellowship
Directions to Moose Acres-
Rt. 9 to Kelly Island Rd.
drive 1.4 miles, make a let on Douglas Grove Rd.
go 1 mile, Moose Acres on left.
**Hope to see you there. I am donating goody bags with Oreo Truffles there for purchase. YUM
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 6, 2008 Her first doctor appointment
Kaydence and I had to head out on our own today for her first baby appointment. We had to wait an awful long time for the doctor, but it was nice to meet her when she finally came in. She said that she was running behind because of a late appointment, and she wanted to take some time to read over the paperwork I had brought with me on the baby's medical history. I was cool with that, because I would rather her take some time to read up on it rather than ask me a ton of questions that were answered on the documents. It was nice to get to know her, and I think that she is excited to take on the baby as her new patient.
After the doctor appointment, we needed to go to Sears and Target to get some things for Kaydence. Oh, that was not the easiest thing to do...and I can't believe that I used to haul Kaylee around like that. At Sears, I needed to buy a little bath tub for her and I could barely push the stroller and carry the tub at the same time. It was hilarious, and I even laughed a few times when I was bumping into things..lol. Target was easier because I could use one of their carts, but it still would've been easier with Kaylee and Larry with me. I don't plan on going out very often without them. I still think it is too early to have her around a bunch of people, everyone wants to get close to her and show their kids how small she is. She was covered by a blanket the majority of the time to keep people away...lol. I just wanted to grab the things I needed and head home!
Dad came over tonight for a movie night. Before I had the baby, we would have Saturday Movie Nights here at the house a couple times a month. We would order food in, and pick out a movie to watch here at the house. He asked if we wanted to do it tonight, and we were up for it. We really like having family nights with him, it is simple but lots of fun to have dinner and a movie here at the house.
We got news late tonight that one of Larry's co-workers had a stroke and was sent to City Hospital. There, the physicians made the decision to air lift him to John Hopkins Hospital to get further treatment. We are both in shock because he is our age, and we weren't expecting him to have a stoke. He has had a lot of health problems in the past few months, and he is climbing an uphill battle right now. Please pray for a speedy recovery, and to keep everyone's spirits high because he is getting the best treatment possible at Hopkins. He and I were friends in college, and it was hard to hear the news that he was going through all of this. I know that God is taking care of him and his family, and we will support him through this difficult time.
After the doctor appointment, we needed to go to Sears and Target to get some things for Kaydence. Oh, that was not the easiest thing to do...and I can't believe that I used to haul Kaylee around like that. At Sears, I needed to buy a little bath tub for her and I could barely push the stroller and carry the tub at the same time. It was hilarious, and I even laughed a few times when I was bumping into things..lol. Target was easier because I could use one of their carts, but it still would've been easier with Kaylee and Larry with me. I don't plan on going out very often without them. I still think it is too early to have her around a bunch of people, everyone wants to get close to her and show their kids how small she is. She was covered by a blanket the majority of the time to keep people away...lol. I just wanted to grab the things I needed and head home!
Dad came over tonight for a movie night. Before I had the baby, we would have Saturday Movie Nights here at the house a couple times a month. We would order food in, and pick out a movie to watch here at the house. He asked if we wanted to do it tonight, and we were up for it. We really like having family nights with him, it is simple but lots of fun to have dinner and a movie here at the house.
We got news late tonight that one of Larry's co-workers had a stroke and was sent to City Hospital. There, the physicians made the decision to air lift him to John Hopkins Hospital to get further treatment. We are both in shock because he is our age, and we weren't expecting him to have a stoke. He has had a lot of health problems in the past few months, and he is climbing an uphill battle right now. Please pray for a speedy recovery, and to keep everyone's spirits high because he is getting the best treatment possible at Hopkins. He and I were friends in college, and it was hard to hear the news that he was going through all of this. I know that God is taking care of him and his family, and we will support him through this difficult time.
May 5, 2008
We have been trying to adapt to home life with two kids. Kaydence is staying on her feeding schedule pretty well, but she is refusing to breast feed. I am not giving up yet, and we try to breast feed at least once a day...and I pump the rest of the time in bottles for her. The herbal supplements did not help me, and the lactation specialists said to start Reglan after a week of the natural supplements. Today is the first day of starting the Reglan, and I have had no side effects as of right now. My milk is starting to dry up, and I am trying not to get too frustrated with it. The Reglan is really my last attempt to keep some kind of milk production for Kaydence. Larry is being real supportive of me, and he says I am being too hard on myself. It is just frustrating because this is something I was willing to do for as long as I could...and I can't even make enough for one bottle for her. I feel like I am failing her, but I know that she will be fine even if I can't give her my milk. So I am still giving it my all, and I am going to schedule an appointment with a lactation specialist in Hagerstown to see if there are any other things I can try with the baby. They offer classes on a regular basis, so I am up for trying them out.
Kaydence and I hung out in bed most of the day. We practiced breast feeding and she slept most of the afternoon. Once Larry got home, Kaylee and I went to Wal-Mart to get some groceries and some things we needed around the house. Larry stayed home with the baby, so I made sure I changed her diaper before I left! lol. Kaylee picked out a movie for her DVD collection, and we picked up some cough medicine for her. She even got a slim jim in the check out line!
We finished the night up with a home cooked meal. Granted, we didn't get to eat until 9 p.m. but it was a home cooked meal...lol. Kaydence even sat with us at the dinner table...she layed on my lap because she was fussy. I told Larry to let her cry and put her down, but he thought that would be cruel. lol. We will definitely have a spoiled baby on our hands in the next few weeks. He even let his bath water get cold after dinner because she wanted him to hold her. lol. Oh I love him so much!
Kaydence and I hung out in bed most of the day. We practiced breast feeding and she slept most of the afternoon. Once Larry got home, Kaylee and I went to Wal-Mart to get some groceries and some things we needed around the house. Larry stayed home with the baby, so I made sure I changed her diaper before I left! lol. Kaylee picked out a movie for her DVD collection, and we picked up some cough medicine for her. She even got a slim jim in the check out line!
We finished the night up with a home cooked meal. Granted, we didn't get to eat until 9 p.m. but it was a home cooked meal...lol. Kaydence even sat with us at the dinner table...she layed on my lap because she was fussy. I told Larry to let her cry and put her down, but he thought that would be cruel. lol. We will definitely have a spoiled baby on our hands in the next few weeks. He even let his bath water get cold after dinner because she wanted him to hold her. lol. Oh I love him so much!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
May 4, 2008 Larry's Baptism
It was a very long night, and we were just trying our best to keep the baby on her feeding schedule. I was exhausted from the lack of sleep, but very excited to get up and go to church. No one knew that she was home, and we were going to surprise everyone. While we were getting ready, text messages starting coming in from Larry's family telling us that they could not come. He was disappointed because the baptism was really important to us, and we tried so hard to make it the biggest day ever. Then, my dad calls me and he accidentally showed up for church an hour before it started...lol. So we told him to just come on over to our house and we would head over to church together. Larry and I quickly tried to figure out a way to tell him here at the house. Dad came to the door, Kaylee let him in and I told him about Larry putting the crib together last night. We took him upstairs and showed him the crib, then Larry took him in our bedroom and showed him the pack and play that we are using as a bassinet. Larry pointed over to the baby, who was laying in her boppy on the center of the bed with me. Dad was so surprised, and didn't know what to say. He had no idea that she would even be out of the hospital...so it was funny to see his face when he saw her.
Everyone didn't know what to think at church. They would see Larry with the stroller, and was trying to figure out if we were babysitting...lol. I am horrible at keeping secrets, so it was great to see the shock on our friends faces. I took Kaydence back in the Green Room to see Kevin and Beth, and they were really happy to see her. Once service started and Larry stepped into the pool, Kevin asked Kaylee and I to come up with the baby. He then started to tell the church our story and how far we have come in our marriage. It was a very proud moment, and Kaylee was so happy that her dad was finally baptized. Kaylee and I were baptized on December 4, 2005 and now 2 1/2 years later Larry has sealed his relationship with God. Oh, I thought I was proud during the graduation at the police academy...but I think this beat it. I was just as nervous, and just as proud of him.
After service was over, we hung out and shared our baby with our friends. Kaylee was proud, and a little on the over-excited side to show off her sister. I know Kaylee wanted to shout to the world that she had her sister at church, but I had to keep her somewhat calm about it. I guess I would've been the same way if I had the amount of energy she has all the time...lol.
Dad treated us to our weekly chinese lunch after church, and then we went back to the house with full bellies. Larry's dad was there to meet us, and we showed him that the baby was home. He said that he had a feeling she was home from Larry being so persistent about coming over. He brought over a Harley Davidson rocking horse and they put it together in the living room.
Once my father-in-law told his wife that Kaydence was home, she shortly joined us at the house with the kids. So Kaylee and the kids ran around outside while Liz spent time with us. It was really nice outside, so Kaylee was outside the entire time running off some of that energy she had! When everyone left, the house was super quiet and I turned into a bum on the couch. Larry made dinner, I cleaned up and we headed upstairs for the night.
Everyone didn't know what to think at church. They would see Larry with the stroller, and was trying to figure out if we were babysitting...lol. I am horrible at keeping secrets, so it was great to see the shock on our friends faces. I took Kaydence back in the Green Room to see Kevin and Beth, and they were really happy to see her. Once service started and Larry stepped into the pool, Kevin asked Kaylee and I to come up with the baby. He then started to tell the church our story and how far we have come in our marriage. It was a very proud moment, and Kaylee was so happy that her dad was finally baptized. Kaylee and I were baptized on December 4, 2005 and now 2 1/2 years later Larry has sealed his relationship with God. Oh, I thought I was proud during the graduation at the police academy...but I think this beat it. I was just as nervous, and just as proud of him.
After service was over, we hung out and shared our baby with our friends. Kaylee was proud, and a little on the over-excited side to show off her sister. I know Kaylee wanted to shout to the world that she had her sister at church, but I had to keep her somewhat calm about it. I guess I would've been the same way if I had the amount of energy she has all the time...lol.
Dad treated us to our weekly chinese lunch after church, and then we went back to the house with full bellies. Larry's dad was there to meet us, and we showed him that the baby was home. He said that he had a feeling she was home from Larry being so persistent about coming over. He brought over a Harley Davidson rocking horse and they put it together in the living room.
Once my father-in-law told his wife that Kaydence was home, she shortly joined us at the house with the kids. So Kaylee and the kids ran around outside while Liz spent time with us. It was really nice outside, so Kaylee was outside the entire time running off some of that energy she had! When everyone left, the house was super quiet and I turned into a bum on the couch. Larry made dinner, I cleaned up and we headed upstairs for the night.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
May 3, 2008 BIG BIG DAY!!!!
We got to the hospital at 9:30, and waited for the physicians to come around. We were so nervous because we knew there was a chance that she would be released soon. Dr. Anwar said that she might be coming home Sunday or Monday if all went well, but I told him that Larry was being baptized at The Living Room on Sunday...and it would be a huge surprise to everyone if we could have her there with us. He said he would monitor her feeds and her temperature, but he said he could probably make that happen. So here come the doctors, and sure enough...they said she could come home!
Amy and Dave Castle came to visit her and they were out in the waiting room when we got the news. Amy was so shocked that they were letting her go...and so were we! Again, we were so excited to bring her home, but SCARED TO DEATH! Larry took them in to visit her while I tracked down security to let me in the room to get the travel system to take her home.
We needed to get the car seat and the stroller put together, and she had to sit in the car seat for an hour with the monitors on to see how she did. Some babies fail that test, and they cannot go home. So we were a total wreck trying to put the stroller together, and then when she was put in the car seat, it was a very long hour of waiting and staring at the monitors. Larry went down to the parking garage to install the base for the car seat and was sweating bullets trying to get it in right. lol. But time went by, papers were signed, bags were packed, and at exactly 2 p.m. we were saying goodbye to everyone. What a feeling! I felt like I was doing something wrong, stealing my baby, or running away from home.
Kaylee rode up front because of her cough, and I sat in the back with Kaydence. Every bump in the road and every red light, Larry would ask how she was doing. Kaydence slept the whole way home...and the bumps in the road made her chubby cheeks jiggle...lol. As soon as we got home, our friends from New York, Jason and Mandi came over to help us. Jason, Larry, some skoal, and a twelve pack of beer went upstairs and put together her crib. Mandi and I talked about breast feeding and she gave me some tips that her parents gave her. She helped me with heating up warm compresses when I pumped and talked about what has helped their 10 week old baby boy. It is good to compare stories with other moms because a lot of it can be helpful.
Tomorrow is Larry's baptism, and we are keeping it a secret that Kaydence is home. It has been so hard to not call our parents, and especially our pastors and tell them the great news that she is home and healthy!!!! It is going to be a really big day tomorrow because we got both my dad, and his family coming to church for the baptism. They have no idea that she will be there with us.
I was hoping that I could have both my girls home for Mother's Day, and God blessed us earlier than any of us could have hoped for. Who would have thought that she could be with us when Larry is dedicating his life to God. I have waited for years for this day to come, and to have both our children there too....I am so grateful!!
Amy and Dave Castle came to visit her and they were out in the waiting room when we got the news. Amy was so shocked that they were letting her go...and so were we! Again, we were so excited to bring her home, but SCARED TO DEATH! Larry took them in to visit her while I tracked down security to let me in the room to get the travel system to take her home.
We needed to get the car seat and the stroller put together, and she had to sit in the car seat for an hour with the monitors on to see how she did. Some babies fail that test, and they cannot go home. So we were a total wreck trying to put the stroller together, and then when she was put in the car seat, it was a very long hour of waiting and staring at the monitors. Larry went down to the parking garage to install the base for the car seat and was sweating bullets trying to get it in right. lol. But time went by, papers were signed, bags were packed, and at exactly 2 p.m. we were saying goodbye to everyone. What a feeling! I felt like I was doing something wrong, stealing my baby, or running away from home.
Kaylee rode up front because of her cough, and I sat in the back with Kaydence. Every bump in the road and every red light, Larry would ask how she was doing. Kaydence slept the whole way home...and the bumps in the road made her chubby cheeks jiggle...lol. As soon as we got home, our friends from New York, Jason and Mandi came over to help us. Jason, Larry, some skoal, and a twelve pack of beer went upstairs and put together her crib. Mandi and I talked about breast feeding and she gave me some tips that her parents gave her. She helped me with heating up warm compresses when I pumped and talked about what has helped their 10 week old baby boy. It is good to compare stories with other moms because a lot of it can be helpful.
Tomorrow is Larry's baptism, and we are keeping it a secret that Kaydence is home. It has been so hard to not call our parents, and especially our pastors and tell them the great news that she is home and healthy!!!! It is going to be a really big day tomorrow because we got both my dad, and his family coming to church for the baptism. They have no idea that she will be there with us.
I was hoping that I could have both my girls home for Mother's Day, and God blessed us earlier than any of us could have hoped for. Who would have thought that she could be with us when Larry is dedicating his life to God. I have waited for years for this day to come, and to have both our children there too....I am so grateful!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
May 2, 2008 One Month Old
Happy Birthday to Kaydence!! She is officially one month old now! Wow, I have been a mother to two children for a month! Larry and I still don't feel like it's real, I think it won't hit us until we are all home together.
I was home today and tried to clean up the house and get it ready for when the baby comes home. I started to gut her room out and take everything out to the dining room. Larry and I are going to do one room at a time, and pitch whatever we have not used for over a year. So Goodwill should be stocked up once we are done gutting the house. I moved about half the stuff out of her room, and then got ready to leave the house to see Kaylee.
I went to Kaylee's school to sit and talk to her while she ate her lunch. That is something I was able to do a lot when she was in Kindergarten, but had to stop once I started teaching. She really misses me coming in because it made her feel special, so I thought it would be a nice gesture to do it now. I am so glad I did, because one of the little boys in her class was making fun of her and made her cry earlier in the day. Ironically, that boy was sitting across from us at the lunch table...and the other kids told me what he said. He went up to Kaylee and told her that Kaydence was going to die, and that he didn't care. Of course that made Kaylee cry, and the teacher was really upset about it. Then he tried to blame it on another student who was also with him when he said it to her. After lunch, he lost his entire recess, and had to have a meeting with the Vice Principal about it. When the kids told me about it, Kaylee squeezed my hand real hard. I had a very long talk with both of the boys, and explained to them that there was no reason to even try to hurt someone with words like that. Once I was finished my little talk with them, both said they were sorry to her. I almost signed her out of school when I left, but I thought it would be better to keep her there for her to stick it out. Kids are going to say hurtful things, and they will always pick on each other. I just felt horrible that she had to go through that. I whispered in her ear that he had no idea what he was talking about, and that God was going to take care of her sister. God is the one that makes decisions, not that little boy. She agreed with me, and told me that she wasn't going to listen to him and let him hurt her feelings anymore.
After I left the school, I visited Mariah to see how little miss Ava Grace was doing. She is so cute, and just as happy as she can be. Mariah feels like she is so far behind on getting things done to be ready for the baby.....I just laughed! She's not telling me anything I don't already know!!! I can't wait to get the babies together and have girl talk with Mariah again. We have over a month of gossip to catch up on!
Larry, Kaylee, and I headed back to DC and got to the hospital around 9:15 p.m. We called the nurse, and she saved the feeding time until we got there. Larry and Kaylee have a cough, so I fed her. I told Kaylee she will be able to feed her once she gets rid of her cough. The last thing we need is for the baby to get sick! The doctors are saying that she could be coming home really soon if she keeps her feeds up!
We called it a night in the apartment, and wanted to get up early to get back to the hospital in the morning to be there for rounds with the physician.
I was home today and tried to clean up the house and get it ready for when the baby comes home. I started to gut her room out and take everything out to the dining room. Larry and I are going to do one room at a time, and pitch whatever we have not used for over a year. So Goodwill should be stocked up once we are done gutting the house. I moved about half the stuff out of her room, and then got ready to leave the house to see Kaylee.
I went to Kaylee's school to sit and talk to her while she ate her lunch. That is something I was able to do a lot when she was in Kindergarten, but had to stop once I started teaching. She really misses me coming in because it made her feel special, so I thought it would be a nice gesture to do it now. I am so glad I did, because one of the little boys in her class was making fun of her and made her cry earlier in the day. Ironically, that boy was sitting across from us at the lunch table...and the other kids told me what he said. He went up to Kaylee and told her that Kaydence was going to die, and that he didn't care. Of course that made Kaylee cry, and the teacher was really upset about it. Then he tried to blame it on another student who was also with him when he said it to her. After lunch, he lost his entire recess, and had to have a meeting with the Vice Principal about it. When the kids told me about it, Kaylee squeezed my hand real hard. I had a very long talk with both of the boys, and explained to them that there was no reason to even try to hurt someone with words like that. Once I was finished my little talk with them, both said they were sorry to her. I almost signed her out of school when I left, but I thought it would be better to keep her there for her to stick it out. Kids are going to say hurtful things, and they will always pick on each other. I just felt horrible that she had to go through that. I whispered in her ear that he had no idea what he was talking about, and that God was going to take care of her sister. God is the one that makes decisions, not that little boy. She agreed with me, and told me that she wasn't going to listen to him and let him hurt her feelings anymore.
After I left the school, I visited Mariah to see how little miss Ava Grace was doing. She is so cute, and just as happy as she can be. Mariah feels like she is so far behind on getting things done to be ready for the baby.....I just laughed! She's not telling me anything I don't already know!!! I can't wait to get the babies together and have girl talk with Mariah again. We have over a month of gossip to catch up on!
Larry, Kaylee, and I headed back to DC and got to the hospital around 9:15 p.m. We called the nurse, and she saved the feeding time until we got there. Larry and Kaylee have a cough, so I fed her. I told Kaylee she will be able to feed her once she gets rid of her cough. The last thing we need is for the baby to get sick! The doctors are saying that she could be coming home really soon if she keeps her feeds up!
We called it a night in the apartment, and wanted to get up early to get back to the hospital in the morning to be there for rounds with the physician.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May 1, 2008 Feeding Tube is Gone!
I come in bright and early to see the team of physicians at my baby's crib side. Everyone was so happy to talk about the great news from yesterday. They told me that she could come home as early as the beginning of next week if she starts eating on her own. I laughed and made the comment that we should pull the NG tube out and force her to eat by bottle. Her nurse cut in and said that Kaydence had pulled it out on her own late last night, and she had planned on seeing how her feeds went before she put it back in. What!! Her feeding tube is out, and there aren't any pieces of tape on her face?!?! Wow, I was excited but really nervous too. It's like I want her home so bad, but I am scared she will regress once she gets off all the monitors.
Before the team left, they told me that if she did real well, they would consider discharging her Sunday or Monday. Again, that made me so excited to think that she could finally come home, but I am scared that it is too soon. Just a few days ago, they are talking cancer and surgery...and now she might be coming home. I would like to keep her there another week just so she can build her strength and get used to her feeds being all by mouth.
During her feeds today she was still very tired, and I felt like we were force feeding her. She would not nurse on me, and they were doing everything they could to keep her awake for her feeds. She would barely finish her 50 cc's and it would take her up to 40 minutes just to get it down. Again, I want her to be strong with taking the bottle...and a little more alert before she comes home.
I left to head home around 2 p.m. and ran into plenty of traffic. I absolutely dread that drive, but I know that there aren't too many more times I will have to make it. They said that they need to monitor her brain bleed and teratoma through weekly ultrasounds for at least 4 more weeks...so we might have to drive there for those. They are checking into a place in Frederick for me too.
Kaylee was home from school by the time I got there, and she helped me unload the car. I gave her a huge hug and couldn't wait to hear how her week had been. She told me about her fun day with Izzy when the schools closed because of the vandalism, her dinner at the Outback with Larry, and their home cooked meal of spaghetti O's and hot dogs that Larry made! lol.
Larry and I made a REAL home cooked meal tonight and it was nice to have that time together. We watched American Idol that they recorded for me, and then called it a night. All of us were definitely ready for bed.
Before the team left, they told me that if she did real well, they would consider discharging her Sunday or Monday. Again, that made me so excited to think that she could finally come home, but I am scared that it is too soon. Just a few days ago, they are talking cancer and surgery...and now she might be coming home. I would like to keep her there another week just so she can build her strength and get used to her feeds being all by mouth.
During her feeds today she was still very tired, and I felt like we were force feeding her. She would not nurse on me, and they were doing everything they could to keep her awake for her feeds. She would barely finish her 50 cc's and it would take her up to 40 minutes just to get it down. Again, I want her to be strong with taking the bottle...and a little more alert before she comes home.
I left to head home around 2 p.m. and ran into plenty of traffic. I absolutely dread that drive, but I know that there aren't too many more times I will have to make it. They said that they need to monitor her brain bleed and teratoma through weekly ultrasounds for at least 4 more weeks...so we might have to drive there for those. They are checking into a place in Frederick for me too.
Kaylee was home from school by the time I got there, and she helped me unload the car. I gave her a huge hug and couldn't wait to hear how her week had been. She told me about her fun day with Izzy when the schools closed because of the vandalism, her dinner at the Outback with Larry, and their home cooked meal of spaghetti O's and hot dogs that Larry made! lol.
Larry and I made a REAL home cooked meal tonight and it was nice to have that time together. We watched American Idol that they recorded for me, and then called it a night. All of us were definitely ready for bed.
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