Does a Relaxing Holiday Season Exist?

I think not.

We just got finished with our church's annual Nativity Village.  And when I say finished, I mean that everything is out of the school and mostly put away with the exception of the car full of stuff in my driveway that I need to sort through and organize.  

To boot, I have sick kids.  Rusten has had a nasty sounding cough since yesterday, and I just discovered at lunch that Reed has a fever.  Now begins operation "Trytokeepsisterhealthy".  I, too, have a nasty sore throat and stuffy nose.  Oh well.  Tis' the season.

We have busy days and evenings this week, however, with the above-discovered information, I suppose much of that will change.  We don't need to go around infecting everyone!

To end this gripe-ish post, I'll share what Rusten just said.  I put a Veggie Tales Christmas movie on for the boys to watch before nap time.  Cheery Christmas music and dancing have Reed and I captured.  Then I hear Rusten "How can they pick up things when they don't even have hands?!"  I suppose he is outgrowing Veggie Tales....

PS: The endoscopy came out fine, no signs of an ulcer.  I have the MRI scheduled for Thursday morning.  This will check to see about a rogue gallstone.  We shall see....

Wanna Get a Word in Edgewise?

Yeah, me too.  Life is railroading me lately!  Just needed to touch base again here...

I met with the GI specialist and he has narrowed it down to two diagnoses.  He believes I either have an ulcer or a rogue gall stone remaining from my surgery last year come to haunt me as a result of The Pregnancy from you-know-where.  So tomorrow begins the tests to see which it is.  I have endoscopy scheduled in the morning, and I'm still waiting to schedule an MRI for the gall stone.  Unfortunately, with these tests, I can't nurse for 24 hours.  This week I've been pumping like a crazy trying to get enough milk in the freezer for Miss K to have while I can't nurse her.  I'm hoping she takes a bottle no problem, but I'm praying that she doesn't choose the bottle over breast once the 24 hours are up.  It's only 5 feedings, so I'm praying for grace! 

The Christmas season is running away--way too fast!  I wish it were a longer season.  I'm enjoying every moment of holiday music and Christmas giving and surprises.  

Rich almost has a vehicle now.  This is great news for the days when we need a car here on the home front.  I will say, though, it is nice to not have a vehicle and be forced to get things done around here.  He is having the engine rebuilt on his dad's 4Runner, and then we will have a car!

Well, it's time to feed the little one again!  Back to my routine of eat, drink, feed, pump, etc.  I'll be glad to see Friday........

It's Official...

 

I'm starting a savings account........in the washer.  What better place?!  That quarter has been in there for about a month, and I haven't been tempted to spend it at all!

The Whirlwind....Be Careful, Don't Get Sucked In

Ha!  I bet you thought I was done blogging again for awhile!  Nope, just been INSANELY busy over the last few days!  I'll give you the rundown in pictures:

Saturday we hung Christmas lights...

I LOVE his perfectionism in hanging lights....every light is perfect!

She wasn't that excited about it all...

They were really more playing in the dirt than hanging lights, but whatever.

I love her...

Then later that day we picked out our Christmas tree...

She's just always happy!

Everyone present and accounted for....onward.

Sunday, we brought the tree in.  Rich is SO proud.  He has an official Griswold tree.  As soon as we could see it was too tall for the space, he begged me to let him shove it in and have a Griswold tree.  So....

Yeah, Rich was taking pictures...

 

Rusten LOVES to have his picture taken and will pose like no other.

Sunday night, we decorated the tree...

Kensley really wasn't much help, but she was pretty!

 

Reed took a break to make his sister smile....so precious!

 

Sorry, Rich.  I couldn't resist.

So Monday rolled around and there's was still more to do.  I had to count all the postcards for the Nativity Village and get them ready to mail.  I also had to bake 6 dozen cookies for a cookie exchange that night...

6,439 for the record....

Then Tuesday we ran many, many errands.  So tired and ready to be home for the day!  Tonight we have dinner with some friends!  That will be so nice!!  I will leave you with this picture---I'm blessed!

PS--It turns out my liver looks fine and I have a Simple Kidney Cyst.  I did TONS more blood work last night and have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow.  Praise God my blood work is coming back a lot more normal than it was.  It seems the liver enzymes were probably a result of medication, and the cyst is a different problem entirely.  I will know more tomorrow.  Keep praying!

Messy, Messy, Messy *spoken like the magician on Frosty*

Making gingerbread cookie dough is MESSY! By the way, that's why I need a KitchenAid Mixer!! Using my Walmart half-price hand mixer in a shallow plastic bowl to mix molasses, water, butter and brown sugar is a recipe for disaster! I had it up on the walls!!

The women at our church are having a cookie and ornament exchange on Monday night, and I am getting ahead of the game by making two batches of dough this morning. If I have time later today, I'll start baking. If not, tomorrow it is. Rolling, cutting and baking is a big mess too. Then if you have Rich help you frost and decorate--Lord have mercy. Last time, I had poor gingerbread men with beautiful frosting and TORTILLA CHIP stuck on top. Yep, you read it right. He was shopping all over the kitchen for things top the beauties with because, apparently, the can of different Christmas sprinkles wasn't quite enough. Yeah....the stuff memories are made of.

I'm trying to talk Rich into getting the Christmas decorations down today and possibly getting the tree. It's overcast and cozy today--perfect holiday conditions for such activities!

Well, I have a pile of laundry and a pile of work giving me nasty glares, and it's time for Kensley's next feeding...

DON'T Think About a Red Elephant

Ever played that game? Yeah, that's how I feel right now. Still playing the waiting game. Everyone assures me everything is fine and I shouldn't even think about it, and they may well be right. But it's like telling someone not to think about a red elephant---it's all you'll be able to think about.

**Pause to go break up a fight**

Okay, so I guess there are a few things around me to take my mind off of this mess.

I have several holiday-ish things I want to do with the kids, I'm just not sure when. We have a gingerbread train to put together, a Christmas tree to buy, a countdown chain to make, decorations to put up, Christmas movies to watch, a stocking to make for Kensley.......I enjoy them all, so which comes first?!

Today is catch-up on work day. I haven't worked hardly all week and it's a miracle in itself that I can still see the screen to type this post! Little wonders. Kensley has already pooped through two outfits today (it's only 9:30AM), but she's doing much better than yesterday after her shots.

Today I praise God for my home and the ability to stay home and take care of it!

The Waiting Game

So now we wait. I had the ultrasound and blood tests this morning. I thank God for such a wonderful, friendly ultrasound technician today. She really made me feel at ease, no matter what she was seeing on that screen.

I feel achy all over my abdomen. I keep telling myself it's all in my head....but I'm pretty sure the discomfort is really there. God is faithful, though, and I have to keep my eyes on Him, not the flesh. Romans 8:6!

Anyway, Kensley had her 2 month appointment today. That meant shots. Oh, it makes me cry right with my kids. It was SO precious though. Before the doctor came in, she Kensley was talking away to me. I've never heard her coo so much. Then I stuck it to her, what a great mom! She did very well and everyone who saw her today commented on what a peaceful and happy baby she is. She's been a bit fussy since the appointment, poor baby!

I must give a big shout out to Grammie. She really saved the day today. She came over early this morning and stayed with the kids all morning long. It was such a blessing to be able to take care of everything and not have to worry about the boys.

Tonight is another busy night...not as bad as last night's Walmart at 10PM thing, but pretty busy nonetheless. The boys are going with Mimi to see the Christmas Parade. They are real excited about that. Kensley and I are going to Miss Dawn's house to get some things ready for Nativity Village. I have pumpkin bread in the oven to take to the potluck dessert tonight....mmmm! Rich will be home alone (lucky) studying for Sunday since he's speaking.

Praise God for my busy, happy, healthy family!

The Garment of Praise

On Sunday this week, I was taken to the ER with horrible abdominal pain. I could hardly breathe it hurt so badly. After a couple of hours there, they diagnosed me with Gastritis. They sent me home with some medicine and said to watch what I eat. I followed up with my doctor the next day.

She took me off the medicine they gave me because it wasn't as safe for nursing as she would like. While I was there, I asked her to thoroughly check me over--blood work and everything. I'm tired of medical surprises, such as this pain and my thyroid. She requested the records from the hospital and reviewed them. Everything looked great except for my liver enzymes were slightly elevated. She ordered some lab work just to verify.

Last night those results came in. Two of those enzymes were supposed to less than 31 or 33, and mine were well over 1200. Needless to say, I'm a bit concerned. Rich got home from his softball game and I lost it. I don't know how much more medical drama I can handle. I got a phone cal this morning just after 8AM from my doctor. They are ordering an ultrasound to look at my liver, they ordered some blood work to screen for Hepatitis, and I'm being refereed to a specialist. I am a nervous wreck. I have no idea what to expect.....a simple infection, a terminal disease, cancer??? I don't know.

As I was thinking about everything last night, I just felt a heaviness. It was a mixture of fear, depression and death. God reminded me of a song from years ago. Its lyrics are straight out of Isaiah 61. Specifically, I remembered the portion about how God will give us a "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that we might be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified". Rich and I spent some time last night praising God. It's time to start wearing that garment of praise.

Holiday Season: Party of Five

So I haven't blogged in...forever. Not much happening, just kids being born, kids losing teeth, you know, just major events!

The whole reason I started this blog was a sorry replacement for my kids' baby books which have nothing in them. I thought maybe one day they could get on here and read about the funny things they did and maybe understand their crazy mom a little better (or even understand WHY she went crazy?!).

I want to come back and do a birth post for each of the kidlets, something they each can read about their own birth story. So I will save all the details of Kensley's birth for that. Suffice it to say that on October 1st, our family grew. It was a great experience, and I don't think the boys (or us) could love her any more than we already do! Also, Rusten has lost two teeth now.

My thyroid condition is well under control, right now with no medication at all. Kensley is fine with no side effects from me taking the meds while pregnant. Praise God!! Aside from an ER trip on Sunday for me having bad stomach pains, the family has been doing great.

I plan *again* to be more faithful in writing here.....for my kiddies if nothing else!

Happy last day of November!

Week Number 938475489 of Our 40 Week Pregnancy

So I'm a little tired of complaining, but when you feel crummy, that's what you do! I figured, though, with all this down time, it's a good opportunity to start blogging again. We'll see.

I must take a moment to brag. I married the best man on earth. This guy is selfless. Yesterday, for example, I was feeling crummy and he came home from a long day at work, did the yard work, made dinner for himself and the boys, did the dishes, and then took the kids to the store to do a little grocery shopping for me. When they got home, the boys came running in yelling "SURPRISE!!" with a frozen yogurt daddy had stopped and bought me. I couldn't ask for more!!

As far as pregnancy feeling....we had a set back last week. I was feeling great, and then they reduced my PTU (thyroid meds) again. I had an episode of what they called "vertigo" which led to other, unpleasant things. I'm still recovering from the nausea and all around ickiness of it all---with a heart rate that's up again. I know that this too shall pass, but I'm ready for it to pass NOW.

We are still trying to settle in on a name. We've been leaning towards Kensley. It doesn't "sing" to either one of us, but it's pretty much the only name that we both will consider. So for now, her name is still "Baby Sister."

I was blessed with a baby shower recently, and wow! I was blessed with the bedding that I loved and never thought I'd have! We have clothes for her now---great to know that she won't be a naked baby!! It was amazing! I have a few things left to buy, but if she were to be born today, we'd just about be ready!

I want to try to update more regularly now on here, especially as sister's debut approaches. But for now, the boys need a little "encouragement" to settle down for nap time!

Week 23

Well, sister, we are halfway there! God has done some amazing things in the past five months. He has completely changed my life, in terms of schedule, and changed my heart, in terms of submission to Him! It has been quite a trip, and though I haven't enjoyed every second, I'm grateful for it!

My thyroid is still giving me problems. I still suffer from some of the effects of having a thyroid on crack. But, medically speaking, my pregnancy is perfect. All my numbers are great, and everything looks good. The doctors reviewed your ultrasound and you look perfect!! In fact, at my last appointment, the NP laughed because you are growing much faster than you should, even without a thyroid problem! I was 23 weeks, but my tummy measures at 26 weeks. Way to go girlfriend! You are going to be strong--you've already learned that you'll have to be to fit in around here!!

In addition, at my last appointment (5 months or 23 weeks), I am still one pound under my beginning weight! I'm so excited about that. The NP assured me that pound was all you!!

We have another blood test on Wednesday this week, and then in a couple of weeks, we have the glucose test. But praise God, things are going smoothly!! I love you sister!!

Finally....Some Good News!

I went to the doctor this last week, and finally heard some positive things. I went in with a determined attitude and brought my mom for back-up...or to handle things if I fell apart. Whatever.

After the routine check of the heartbeat, measure of my belly, we began talking more with my Nurse Practitioner about what was going on. (By the way, the heartbeat sounded great, and I'm measuring spot-on with how far along I am.) I was determined to get an ultrasound to make sure my continued use of this thyroid medicine wasn't making a mutant in there. After I could see that my petitions were getting no where, I began to cry. What a dork. I couldn't help it. It was one of those things where you wipe your eyes all stealthy so no one knows, but then you take a deep breath in and make a funny sound and then everyone knows. Oh well.

My NP, heard my concerns and pulled up all the information about my medicines (the thyroid medicine, "PTU", and the medicine I can take for when my heart starts pounding like crazy, "Propranolol"). The Propranolol didn't say anything TOO bad about taking while I'm pregnant, and even what she read, it seems I can nurse. The negative side effects come into play when you are taking the medicine because of high blood pressure, and it's actually the high blood pressure that does the damage. Whew! One down.

The PTU was the one that worried me the most. I have been reading everything I'm provided about all this, and in the literature they give you at the pharmacy for your medicine it said "This medicine has been proven to harm the human fetus". How's that for comforting??? So the NP pulled up that information as well and we all read it together. I'm thinking baby's gonna come out with heart defects, half a brain, four arms, and three feet. I had no clue. Apparently, the only damage the medicine does is to baby's thyroid, and that's not a certainty. So any damage this medicine can cause is treatable damage. Though we pray that there is no problem for baby, I feel comfort knowing that he/she is going to be just fine. When baby is born, they will test the thyroid and make sure that everything is okay, and if not, start medicine so that baby's growth won't be affected. I will also be able to nurse while on the medication. **Sigh of relief**

I kid you not, I have felt 100 lbs lighter since my doctor appointment. It is a relief to know that the treatment plan is a much safer option to the condition itself. I am now 2 and 1/2 weeks into my medicine and I am actually starting to notice a difference. I'm still not functioning at 100%, but I'm feeling MUCH better. My problem is that on days when I feel great, I jam tons of stuff into that day, and then I feel crummy the next day. I must learn to pace myself!

My next blood work is in a week and a half, and at that point, they will adjust my medicine accordingly. My ultrasound has been scheduled for about 6 weeks from now, sometime in May (I forget the date). Wonder if it's a boy or girl.....

Letter to the Next Bundle in Line

Dear #3,

I cannot wait to meet you. I realize I haven't used this blog in so long, but I want to take a moment to write down all of the things that have been happening around here, before I forget.

You sure did surprise me! Your brothers have a nasty habit of fighting and whining, which I'm sure you'll never do, right?! After a bad week with their behavior, I found out you were coming along. I struggled to comprehend how I was going to keep another child alive in this home, when I can barely manage the two of them.

I was talking to God about it the night I found out. I understand that this was no surprise to Him, but I wanted to understand what He had in mind. Baby, He clearly told me that "this is going to be my biggest blessing." What that means, I don't know yet.

Fast forward a few weeks, we were waiting to tell everyone about you. Auntie Jackie is pregnant and we wanted to give her as much time as possible to be pregnant alone before making our announcement. But on my birthday, the secret came out. Oops. Reactions were surprise and excitement. You see, daddy always puts on a great front about being done after having your brothers. But secretly, he really wanted you!!

After the announcement, I started feeling the morning sickness. Good times. Nothing could prepare me, though, for what would happen next.

After many ugly and scary symptoms have surfaced, the doctors have diagnosed me with hyperthyroidism. I have anxiety attacks, my heart races, I have a hard time breathing, and I just all around don't feel good. They have put me on medicine to take to regulate my thyroid. This is what I want you to know about.

Daddy and I have been praying about this treatment plan. They have told me that not treating the thyroid problem is dangerous for you. It can lead to you have thyroid problems and other, more serious, defects. However, the medicine that they have me on, the safest for pregnancy, can also harm you. Every time I have to take a pill, three times a day, I think of you and I pray for you. I pray that you turn out perfect. I pray that when you are born, it is right on time with God's plans and that every part of you, inside and out, functions perfectly.

This is the hardest thing I've ever really dealt with physically. I can't take very good care of the house or my work because the medicine and the condition itself make me feel yucky all the time. But I am determined to do whatever it takes to protect you. Over this last week and a half, you and I have bonded like I never thought possible with someone the size of a lime. You are just as much worth fighting for as Rusten and Reed and I want you to know that I love you. Mommy and Daddy are praying for you, and so are many other people. I can't wait to meet you and hug you and kiss you. You are so precious to me....I can't even begin to describe.

I will try to keep you updated as time goes on, but I'm not very good at it--just look at the history on here!! Hang in there, we're going to make it just fine!

Love, Mommy