NICU Journey Week 2 - Got to Hold Anastasia!!

Anastasia's growth this week: 
Weight: 1040 Grams (Was 950 Grams)
Length: 14 Inches     (Was 14 inches)
Age: 2 weeks old  (Should be 29 weeks gestation)
My friend, Cori, shared this picture with me. I think it describes tiny Anastasia perfectly! 

Friday:
The nurses set up a webcam for me today! It's a tad off center, but just seeing half of Anastasia was wonderful. I got to see the little wiggles, her tiny bow, her sweet face. It's amazing that I'm over 70 miles away but with technology I can still connect with her and be in the loop as to what's going on without having to call. (Oh, I still call - the webcam lacks sound - so I can see her but can't hear the updates). 
They took out her ART line today, it was the small white line coming from her umbilical cord. They could use the line to draw blood. But now she's older and it's time for it to come out. It's a good thing. 

In other news I spent some one on one time with Heidi Anne. We put together a Lego valentine Aunt Deb sent her. Heidi's been so worried about the baby and it's hard to divide up the time. Somehow, despite the c-section, I helped her put it together and talk about her worries and fears. She loved it. I guess this journey impacts the whole family more then I realized.

Saturday:
We're supposed to go visit little Anastasia this morning but it's snowing. Hopefully, it stops so we can see her this afternoon instead. It's amazing how important these visits have become. Praying the snow stops so I can see my tiny girl.

The snow stopped so Char, Heidi, and I made the drive down to see her. I have to say what a big girl Heidi Anne has been. The car ride is 3 hours round trip, plus we spent nearly 3 hours at the hospital. She read, colored, and just walked around the hospital a bit. It can't be easy going from the only child to the oldest of three in less than a year.

I was in for a treat today, I got to hold her (really hold her) for the FIRST time today! It was wonderful to finally hold my baby after 10 days of waiting. My normal nurse was swamped so the respiratory therapist helped me out. Hence, I didn't do the kangaroo hold (A.K.A skin to skin cuddles) this time because I wasn't told I could.  But next time I get to hold her I'm going to try it, apparently it helps with bonding even more. Truth be told, I was thrilled to hold her no matter the type of hold it was. 

 It took a few minutes to get her settled into my arms. Once in my hands I was reminded just how teeny and fragile Anastasia really is. (I have small arms and hands, throwing the proportions off a tad, but she's smaller than most dolls). I sat there cuddling her for over a hour and a half. I called and did face-time with Char and Heidi so she could see the baby in real time. I sang to Anastasia, recited some Dr. Seuss I have memorized (thanks to the older two kids), told her I love her. I wish I had better words to describe how I felt holding her all I can say is it was priceless time spent. 

After awhile I figured Char would like a turn to hold her as well. I called Char again and offered to switch. I would watch Heidi Anne and he could spend time with Anastasia. He got to hold her and recorded her cares for Heidi Anne to watch. Next time we're going to actually help the nurses out with her cares. 

Afterwards, we took Heidi Anne out to lunch at the hospital cafe. It's one of the few times we took her out to eat. 

Sunday:

Anastasia is back under the beli lights today. I'm glad we visited yesterday because we wouldn't be able to hold her today. According to the nurses she's more irritable today. We figured out it's because she can't be nested and swaddled. It appears she loves to be confined and bundled up. 








Monday:
Last night we had a few changes. Her tummy was full from feeding, she's at 15 mls (which is half an ounce) and when you're 2 pounds 3 ounces that's a lot of food. She started to have trouble breathing so they increased her oxygen. She's still under the beli lights. The nurses found a way to keep her confined and comfy. They have started tummy time with her, which she apparently loves. I admire how inventive the NICU nurses are.

In other news Rory came back home today! He's been at Grandma's house since the doctor's appointment last Tuesday. Which has helped out an unbelievable amount with my c-section recovery and visits to Anastasia.   

Tuesday:
I'm noticing a trend with tiny Anastasia, things seem to always happen at night. For example, how many times do you think a 27 weeker can pull out her feeding tube? 3, she can do it 3 times in 12 hours. Apparently, she is just that determined. She also got moved to 3 hour apart cares and feeding. So she got nice and swaddled.

Today was a hard one, I kept missing Anastasia meanwhile, Rory is out of sorts. It's hard trying to remind yourself that you need to focus on the sick baby at home but you also want to be there with the sick baby at the hospital (who has a doctor, APRN, RN, and respiratory therapists, ect) tending to her.  










I just got the sweetest package from my friend Valerie. All 4 of her children made Get Well Soon cards and a lovely letter from her to me. This couldn't have come at a more perfect time. It really lifted up my spirits. These are so going to the NICU on her isolate and then into her memory box. Aren't they cute? 

Wednesday:
Today we got to visit Anastasia!! She had a lot of changes over night. First, she had all her IVs and PICC line removed. Now she's getting all her nutrition from the breast milk (which they are continuously feeding her at a slow rate (for example, it takes her 2 hours to take in 20 mls and she's feed every 3 hours). Lastly, she was moved from the Critical Care room to the Intermediate Care room (that's great news). 

 I didn't get to hold her as long as last time, the nurse was old school and rather overprotective. She insisted that Anastasia only be out for 30 minutes. I complied at first and just watched her in the isolate. Then I realized "Hey, I'm the mom here. Besides last time they let her be out for nearly 2 hours!" I explained to the nurse how we're the family that lives in Wyoming and I haven't seen my baby in 4 days and I won't see her for at least another 3. Finally, she relented. 

I got to do skin to skin (a.k.a Kangaroo hold) with Anastasia. Oh, she was all frigidity until I held her and then she fell asleep on me. I cried because my tiny baby was in my arms and resting on my chest. I could feel her little heart beating away, her inhalations, her hand laying across me, even her feet when she kicked a time or two. After nearly 45 minutes I decided that Char should have a turn holding her. We switched and I tended to Rory in the waiting room while Char visited the baby. The pictures aren't great because the nurse didn't want the lights on since the extra lights could impact her vision. Choose your battles wisely. 

I did meet a family that made me realize how lucky we are. I'll take Anastasia's issues and an overprotective nurse versus what they're going through any day. 

Thursday:
Anastasia's back to her birth weight!! She weighed 1040 grams (2 pounds, 5 ounces) at birth but dropped down to 840 grams a few days later. Ever since then the NICU staff have been trying to pack on the calories to get her to grow. She hit a major milestone today.   

NICU Journey Week 1

I'm writing these as the days go by, hence the present tense. I'll also track her growth, since that's the fun part: 
Weight: 950 Grams (Was 1040 Grams)
Length: 14 inches    (Was 13.3 inches)
Age: 1 week old  (Should be 28 weeks gestation)
If you have any specific questions about Anastasia or her medical care feel free to ask me, I'm more then happy to share. 

Friday:
At midnight the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) director doctor came in to give us an update on Anastasia. She was intubated on a oscillating ventilator. She had several IVs, and been given medication to make her comfortable. 

Then at 1:00 am they wheeled me (gurney and all) into the NICU to meet my daughter. Somehow they lined up my gurney to her incubator so I could see her. She was tiny, perfect but so tiny. They let me touch her little hand, which couldn't fit around my whole finger. Now I have small hands but it just goes to show how little she is. We spent 20 minutes together like this. I was telling her how much I love her, how pretty she is, to keep being a fiesty little girl. I just told her everything a new mother tells to her newborn baby, regardless of the baby's birth age. Finally we both had to go rest, but I could have spent forever like that. 

I spent the rest of Friday in bed recovering. Since I was unable to visit Char went to the NICU every few hours and made little videos for me and took pictures throughout the day. He and a nurse made a great movie explaining every single monitor, IV tubes, her medications, all the lines, her intubation, feeding tube, even how the special incubator works. It won't upload for some reason but it made me feel really involved. 

Saturday:
Today Anastasia was placed under the bilirubin lights since her bilirubin increased. Today I made the walk all the way down to the NICU to visit with Anastasia myself, twice! I was there for her "cares". Cares is the time they set aside to feed, change, weigh, do labs, or other nurse needs all at once. This way the babies can spend their time getting nice deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Sunday:
I got discharged from the hospital today. Leaving the hospital without the tiniest new addition to the family was nearly unbearable. It was one of the hardest most heart wrenching things I've ever done. I must say this is the saddest Valentine's Day our family will ever have. 

Monday:
Anastasia isn't under the belli lights now, the nurses warn me that she could go back under them again. Apparently it's fairly common for very premature babies to go off and on the belli lights. Fingers crossed but we'll see. 

I did post this on Facebook but I'll post this little PSA again:
To all those that keep asking for a time frame when Anastasia will come home... there is no saying when she will hit the mile stones that are required. These are the high points that need to be hit before we can bring her home according to the NICU (in no particular order):
1. She needs to be able to do basic body functioning, this is keeping warm, no apnea and bradycardia episodes, poop on her own, can sleep regularly without assistance.
2. Take most of her feedings by mouth.
3. Able to breathe well without extreme oxygen needs. 
All this being said the expectation is that she will be in there until at least the beginning of May, give or take 2 weeks.

Tuesday:
Today they changed Anastasia's oscillating ventilator to a traditional one. This means she'll have to work at breathing on her own more than she has been. It's an experiment to see if she can get off the oscillating vent and maybe even be ventilator free soon. 

Wednesday
As of this morning Anastasia is off the ventilators! They are testing to see if she can keep up breathing on her own. She may go back on one if she runs out of stamina but for now she's just on an oxygen tubes via nasal canulla that are humidified to prevent her little respiratory system from drying out. She's also back under the beli lights. The nurses told us this would be an on again, off again thing. 

Thursday:
Last night at 3:11 am I had a nasty nightmare about Anastasia. I called the NICU and the nurse kindly told me everything was okay. Thank heavens for NICU nurses. I wonder if they get lots of worried mommy calls in the wee hours of the night? 

Today we made the trek to go visit Anastasia. It was the first time I've seen her in 4 days. She was beli light free today! For nearly 4 hours we just sat by her, talked to her, touched and held her tiny hand. I would try to put the bean bag in a comforting position and keep it in place. Easier said then done, that girl is a wiggle worm.  I think I'll start bringing a book to read to her, that way she can get used to my voice. 

I know it was though a bean bag but to feel her kicks it was like she was back in my tummy. The movements you take for granted when the baby is in you where so special to me. It's as close as we can get for now so I'll take it. The nurse let me pick out a new bow for her hair, I choose a blue and white gingham one because it reminded me of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz (the fact that blue is my favorite color had nothing to do with it :) 
We had to leave sooner then I wanted but we needed to get moving due to a snow storm    (also Heidi Anne likes it when someone greets her from school).
I'm not gonna lie, it's hard to balance the needs of you child in a NICU and the needs of the kiddos at home. 

From a Doctor's Appointment to Septic Shock to Emergency C-Section

**Spoiler Alert**This story is how my pregnancy with baby girl ends at 27 weeks, (3 months early), but starts our NICU journey. 

Tuesday-

I had a normal doctor's appointment complete with the glucose test. I had been told to monitor my vital signs; (i.e any bleeding, my blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate) due to the previous weeks' bleeding episodes and bring my results to the appointment.I knew going into the visit that I had a low grade fever, a rapid pulse and I was still having some spotting. (I just didn't know where that would lead.) Given this information the doctor decided that he wanted me monitored for 4 hours at the hospital, just to be on the safe side.

We grabbed a quick lunch at the hospital's cafe since I hadn't eaten all morning and wouldn't be for at least the afternoon. Then we headed off to the Labor and Delivery Department (L&D). Once there I was hooked up to some monitors to measure the baby's heart rate and for any contractions. Everything was looking good, the nurse even informed us that we should be leaving around 5:00-5:30 pm. 

As 5:10 rolls around we start to gather our books,ordered a pizza for dinner to be ready for when we get home, just making general preparations to go. That's when the nurse came in and told me that I was being admitted for observation until morning and we would be transferred to the Post-partum Recovery section of the floor. 

I was a bit upset. I thought everything was fine now I have to stay at the hospital, without a single thing packed. Char got me settled into my room for the night before heading back home to take care of Heidi Anne. He promised he'd come pick me up first thing in the morning.  I got set up to be monitored for the night and began reading a book. 

Wednesday-

I got up early in the morning, resumed my book and anxiously waited to be discharged from the hospital. The doctor came in and reported to me that some of my lab results and vital signs were still concerning him, therefore, I was to stay the full 24 hours for observation and would be released later in the evening. I tried to bargain with him to be released early afternoon. I was told "we'll see". 

Throughout the day my pulse increased, normally an adult has a pulse between 60-100, mine was going anywhere from 130 - 223! An EKG was ordered which showed I was sinus tachycardia, borderline SVT. Basically, my heart was beating super fast for no good reason. It was decided that I would go to the Intermediate Medical Care Unit (IMC) it's a step below ICU for another 24 hours of observation. I was regretting that I didn't have Char pack me a hospital bag. 

An hour later we're down in IMC and I am hooked up to all these wires, I have IV fluids going, and my feet are wrapped up in stockings attached to the bed to help prevent clots. When the urge to go to the bathroom just HITS me. I'm telling Char to hurry and unhook me or I will miss the bathroom. There we are throwing off lines, freeing my legs, grabbing the IV pole, and I am two steps away from the door when I notice my water is breaking at 4:04 in the afternoon. Char calls for a nurse (whose never had to deal with a patient with broken water), who calls the doctor, who tells us to go back to L&D. I just shake my head and keep apologizing for the mess. Everyone tells me to stop saying sorry, after all it's not like I thought "Let's wait until I'm all hooked up and THEN I'll make my water break 12 weeks early!" 

We return to L& D where they verify that yes, yes my water has broken. The nurse administered antibiotics to help prevent infection. I was then given a new experience called Magnesium Sulfate. It's a medication given to help prevent cerebral palsy along with other neurological issues  in premature babies (premiees). It feels like lava is being put into your veins, like the worst full body cramps of your life. Imagine the worst flu you've ever had, then multiply that by ten. I felt like I was cooking from the inside out. Oh, the things we do for those we love. 

Char spent the night in the hospital with me because we didn't know if or when I would deliver. I spent the night getting little sleep due to the monitors and my body being consumed by fire. That was a rough night. 

Thursday
To be honest Thursday just blurs together. It was one long roller coaster day. 

We got up early and were told we'd have a 3-D ultrasound around 9:00-9:30 ish. We're thinking we'll be home by 10 or 11. Finally, 12:30 pm rolls around and I was wheeled over for the ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed that I now suffered from 100% placenta previa and that there was still enough amniotic fluid for the baby. 

Well that changed things, I was now going to be on hospital bed-rest, due to these new findings. No more waiting to go home, I was looking at staying there until the baby comes, be it 12 hours or 12 weeks. So we waited and waited to be sent back to post partum. I wasn't allowed to eat in the L&D and was starving!! 

Finally, around 6:00 pm the order came and I was transferred back to post partum. The first thing I did was ordered dinner. Then I started feeling feverish. The nurse took my temperature and it was 99.8F (with Tylenol) and noticed my breathing had become more labored and shallow. Blood labs were quickly ordered. Everything confirmed for the doctor that I was quickly heading south and so was the baby. He figured I was going into sepsis (the beginning of septic shock), which is nearly 100% fatal. 

For the third time in 48 hours I was sent back to L&D, this time I was going to have a baby for sure. I was in tears as my mind raced with thoughts. "She is only 27 weeks old. I had just been told 3 hours ago I was going on bedrest. But I wasn't sick 3 hours ago. If we don't get her out we might not see the morning. I don't even have a pregnancy photo with her. This is too much!" --It has taken me all day to commit to paper just a few thoughts during this dark moment of nothing but fear. -- Finally faith kicked in and I calmed down just in time to freak out about the epidural. 

Looking back I think I was worried about everything, yet the dart landed on "make a scene regarding your impending epidural." Make a scene I did. It went something like this:
Me-sobbing: I want general anesthesia. I've been told by at least 8 doctors that it (epidural) can't be done. I'll be paralyzed and raising three kids! 
Dr. Patel: I have done this numerous times on patients like you. At least three times a year on VWB patients. Those other doctors are fools. I can show you the newest guide that recommends it. 
Me: Still crying - But I'm scared and this day hasn't exactly gone smoothly. 
Nurse: Trust Dr. Patel, he's the best anesthesiologist we have and I've been an L&D nurse here for 14 years. (Sorry, there were 4 nurses quickly prepping me and they blend together since I was crying so much.)  
Me: I ask Char and Dr. Lammi (my awesome OB) for their opinion. They both vote for the epidural. I silently think "traitors." All that comes out is more tears. 
Nurse: Would you like to know how the epidural works? 
Me: Pushing the papers away, "No! Because I'm getting a general!", I say meaner then I meant to. 
Dr. Patel: You need to think of the baby, she is to small to handle you going under. She'll get the anethistic to and will have sever breathing issues at birth. He leaves the room to get his book. 
Me: Now I'm bawling because I feel like I'm a horrible mother to this new baby girl. Now it's a choice between her living or me walking. I just keep shaking my head no. I look at Char and ask if this is just a nightmare. He looks distraught, solemnly shakes his head no. 
Nurse-Sweetie you just ate. You could easily aspirate, then you'll be in the ICU while your baby is in the NICU. I don't think your husband can take it. 
Dr. Patel- Returns with the book.
Me: I read it for myself. I think logically for the first time, weighing the options, and sigh. Epidural it is. The baby is worth the risk. I give my consent between whimpers. 
I told you the dart landed on "make a huge scene about the epidural. This was the cliff notes version, too. 

So 30 minutes of weeping, my first and last pregnancy photo shot, and many prayers later I am wheeled to go meet my baby girl. 


I remember seeing her briefly, she was tiny, and let out a newborn kitten meow for her first cry. I told Char to go follow her and make sure she's as okay as could be expected. He got me a few pictures so I could have a better look at her. He gave me her stats. Anastasia Sonia Rose weighed 2 pounds 5 ounces and was 13.3 inches long. I saw the time and realized she was born on my Granddad's birthday. 

I lost quite a bit of blood during the surgery. I nearly aspirated as well (Dr. Patel called it).  To help me out I was given a unit of blood and had my 5th blood transfusion. But we both made it. 

FRIDAY

Right at midnight the NICU doctor came in to give us updates on the baby. This is the start of our NICU journey and the end of my pregnancy. I think I'll keep you posted on Anastasia's progress at least once a week. Here are a few pictures of her now. 

Somehow, Still Pregnant!!

I'm 27 weeks along and somehow still pregnant. This has been one of the scariest, most blurred weeks of my life. I'll start with Monday.

Monday night around 9:00 pm I felt a sudden gush. I woke up Char to tell him my water broke. We start talking about how to get someone to watch Rory (now 11 months) and Heidi Anne until family can come. We turn on the lights and there was BLOOD. Char went into nurse mode from there. He called 9-1-1, calmed me down because I am thinking we lost her. Soon the ambulance comes and takes me to the little (and I mean LITTLE) hospital. He stayed home with the kids until someone from our church could come and watch them. Thank havens! 

They monitored the baby's heartbeat, checked my pulse, blood pressure, verified my water didn't break. After a few hours the "doctor" called it a fluke and sent me home on bedrest. (I have some words to say about him but I'm letting it go.)

Tuesday went fine, I was mostly following the bedrest. 

Wednesday morning at 4:00 am the bleeding returned. Not wanting to return to the same hospital (or to start waking people up so early) I had Char check everything out. Since Anastasia and I weren't in any immediate threat we decided to wait until my normal, GOOD doctor was in. 

I called him up and he tells me to come down for an appointment that day. I was expecting a quick "jerk doctor is right, this was a fluke." type appointment. Instead, I got "Ah, I need to make some calls," after my exam. He returned and told me to go directly to Labor & Delivery. Apparently, bleeding when your 27 weeks pregnant is never "just a fluke" and we're open to infection. Once at Labor and Delivery we were monitored for hours while Char tended to Rory. I was then given betamethasone which is a medication used to mature her lungs. 

Then we had another issue, Char had work but Rory and I needed to get back home to Wyoming. Luckily Char's sister Sarah volunteered to take us back home and stay the night to help me out with the kids. That was a life saver!! 

Thursday morning I was greeted by a very happy Heidi Anne who had helped Sarah clean the kitchen, eaten breakfast, was ready for school, and had done morning Yoga with Sarah. Yeah, Heidi Anne had an awesome morning.

I was then told I needed a second dose of the betamethasone. My doctor's office was more then willing to have a doctor up here give me the medication, but the hospital that said they would give me the medication later rescinded the offer.  (I just summed up 6 hours of back and forth footwork for you). I had to drive roughly 3 hours for a 2 minute shot. To say the least, very frustrating. 

Now the kiddos are down in Utah with Char's family (who've been awesome through and though). They are expecting me to deliver within 48 hours to 7-ish days. So here I am, on bed rest, feeling like an incubator and praying to remain one.  

The Growing Ups of Little Rowan

Babies are amazing! They grow and change so much in such a short time. Rory has learned a ton in what three, maybe four weeks? 

He finally cut his bottom front 2 teeth. He's top two teeth are starting to make their presence known. (Yeah, that means only roughly 14 more to go.) Thanks to his teeth he is starting to eat solid-ish foods. Mainly baby food and these awesome melt-aways. Rowan's doctor wants to wait for him to have more teeth before starting foods like; cheerios, banana's, ect.

He's learned to clap when he wants to hear Patty Cake (which is fairly often). He'll intertwine his fingers when he wants to hear Itsy Bitsy Spider (which is the rest of the time). He can now make his tongue make clicking sounds. Char jokes "Little man, that's the wrong language, we don't speak that." Rory responds with a big grin.  

Rory's favorite things to play with are anything he can bite, paper (he loves to just rip it to shreds), and the wipe container, which he uses as a drum. I've just learned that he also loves to play with plastic measuring cups. Apparently, the handles are perfect to gnaw on and the cup parts make a fun banging noise. 













Finally, he loves a new game, called Peek-a-Boo. He could be in the middle of a crying fit, someone says Boo, he giggles. Then he'll cover his face or just close his eyes, and the endless loop begins (giggles beats crying any day).

Oh The Things Heidi Anne Thinks

Heidi Anne has been a funny girl lately. I think some of it is we have one on one time now that Rory goes to bed before her. As a result, we've had some very interesting conversations.

Heidi: Mom, If I were Siri I would wait for someone to ask me "Why is it called a hamburger when it isn't made of ham?" I would answer in the mean Siri voice "For...A...Reason!" 

Heidi: Why are John Deers all green? 
Me: (Very confused), What?
Heidi: (Long sigh) Mom, there is a type of deer that is very popular here. They are green and called John Deer. Why are those deer green?
Me: Oh, those deer. Did you know they can also be yellow? 
Heidi: Really? Green and yellow deer live in Wyoming? I love it here! 
Me: Finally told her the truth about John Deere and pulled up some pictures online thanks to Google. 

Heidi: Mom, is Hello Kitty of the Devil?
Me: No, Hello Kitty is not the Devil! Why?
Heidi: Because a girl at school said Hello Kitty is of the Devil. (Long pause) Sooo if it's not evil, does that make Hello Kitty Jesus? 
Me: No! Hello Kitty isn't Jesus! Hello Kitty is just Hello Kitty!
Heidi: But Hello Kitty is good, right? 

The other night I was tucking Heidi Anne into bed. Prayers were said, a book had been read, she was drifting off to sleep when she suddenly sits right up. 
"Mom!" She yells in a hushed voice.
"What?" I reply in the same tone.
"Don't roll over onto your tummy when you sleep. Like ever!"
"Why?" I asked in a puzzled voice.
"Because I don't want you to squish the new baby in your tummy at night. Love you!" With that she dropped off the face of the earth. 

3 Days of Halloween

Most children get to live Halloween once a year. Not Heidi Anne, she got 3 days of Halloween - complete with a different costume a day. Every child's dream. 

The 29th

Heidi Anne's school Halloween party was today. She went as Minnie Mouse. Her favorite part was getting makeup on. I had to get her brighter make-up since she's about 5 skin tones darker than me. My make-up doesn't even show up on her. The school had a parade that parents could attend. Unfortunately, I was having a bad morning sickness day and Rory was teething. 

Yes, I meant to get a picture of her blinking so you could at least see the make-up job I did. Oh, and the nice touch of white gloved hands - very Minnie like. 

The 30th
The day before Halloween all the stores on Downtown Main Street hold a Trick-or-Treat for the kids in the area. However, rumor has it they run out of candy so quickly. I don't normally believe rumors but once a variety of stores started asking for candy donations I knew it was true. I broke it to Heidi Anne that we wouldn't be doing the Main Street.

Luckily, our church was doing a fun trunk or treat, which would more then make up for it. Until I had another horrible morning sickness day (apparently, I spoke to soon when I claimed smooth sailing in the post before this one). Anyways, a friend from church took her along where she had a blast. She wanted to be something different from the day before. Tonight's choice was (drum roll,please) a cowgirl. I know you're thinking comp-out, but she loves being a real life cowgirl. 

Oh, here is Rory slightly dressed up as Frankenstein's Monster. Yikes, there goes his outfit for tomorrow, no pictures are needed. 

The 31st -"REAL" Halloween

This time Heidi Anne wanted to be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. She wore a gingham dress that my Granny made for me when I was about her age. Her hair just doesn't seem to hold curls very well, nonetheless, I think it worked out. 
She got some special all to herself Daddy time. He took her around the neighborhood to trick-or-treat. Then she got to hand out candy to the kids who came to the house. She would say things in a higher pitched voice like, "What a lovely costume." Or "Oh my, who do we have here?" I believe she had more fun handing out the candy than getting it. 

Rory didn't go out this year. He developed a nasty cold and began growing tooth number 2. Besides, all of the candy he could have gathered would have gone to Heidi Anne, (who didn't need more candy.) I still had to commemorate his first Halloween. 

Sitting, Teething, and Chicken Pox

Rory spent this month learning to sit up. He started out sitting alone from a few seconds to a minute. It became more of a game of chicken for me. "If / when do I save him from falling?" "Do I let him hold my fingers so he can sit up longer?" 

Now he can sit up by himself, even put his hands out for balance. I'm not sure of his limit. I'm still in shock what he's achived in less than 4 weeks - so I have the boppy behind him for my piece of mind.  

Rory is also cutting his first tooth (maybe teeth). Whenever I wonder how on Earth I forgot about the happy, fun time that is teething, I remember to cut myself some slack. It's been 7 years since I went though this and even then I was working. I didn't spend 24 / 7 with a teething baby Heidi.  

Rory is like an adorable puppy; extra drooly, gnawing on everything in sight (except for binkies or food), not sleeping, and abnormally cranky. I just got this cute picture after he had been given some Motrin before bedtime.    

Heidi had an interesting Fall Break. A week before her break we had the following conversation-
Me: What would you like to do for Fall Break?
Heidi: I donno, something fun. 
Me: Like what?
Heidi: Oh, like deer hunting.

Instead she spent it with chicken poxs. No friends, no park, no adventures. Just reading, coloring, itching, spots, and a mild fever. We found it odd to have chicken pox after being vaccinated 2 times against it. We just prayed Rory didn't catch it. I also found out that calamine lotion is impossible to find because no one needs it anymore. 




Her pediatrician wanted her to come in because her chances of getting chicken pox is 0.001%. So still a chance, but the likelihood of measles is much higher (and sadly more common) these days. Turns out she has a unique allergy to a bug bite that will happen anytime that bug bites her from now on. We can't pin it down since she pretty much lives outside and hangs around horses. 

At least she got to learn how to bathe a pony. Which she had a ton of fun doing. I love how she is learning not just how to ride but to take care of a horse overall. I just adore her teacher and recommend her to anyone in town. I can't wait for Rory to learn to ride.

So far this has been the easiest pregnancy by far. I'm guessing this is normal amount of nausaua. But I feel so much more exhausted. However, the 7 year old and 7 month old may have a hand in that regard. 

Surprise! A 7 year old, a 7 month old, and I'm 3 months along.

SURPRISE- I'm pregnant. No joke, I now have a 7 year old, a 7 month old, and I'm 3 months along. 

Just so you know, while this wasn't on purpose, it's still a welcomed shock. We learned an important lesson, NEVER take a pregnancy test while on vacation. Back in September we took our first vacation alone since Heidi Anne was born - so first time in 7 years! I thought it was our 10th anniversary when I was still pregnant with Rory, but it was pregnancy brain, it was our 9th anniversary. Char (bless his heart) just rolled with it. Smart man, never mess with a pregnant women. 

Oh it was lovely trip filled with Sushi, Swiss Days, Scones and my first Spa experience, but I was late (again). Char kept teasing me insistently that I was pregnant. Well that starts making you think after a while. So I thought "Okay, I'll take a pregnancy test. It will be negative and we'll continue with our vacation." Can you say "Backfire"?

There I am in the bathroom brushing my teeth, just glancing at the test as it is turning more and more positive. Char hears from the bathroom "YOU'VE got to be kidding me!" 

We took another test the nest morning with an even faster positive test. We spent the rest of the trip going "Hmmm, Well, wow." "Another one, at least Rory with have a close friend (or fiend)." "So much for leaving all the kids at Grandma's, one tagged along." 

Moral of the story - wait until AFTER a vacation to "prove" your spouse wrong / take a pregnancy test of any sort. You could get more then you bargained for, Just saying.

This family just got more adventures, Meet Baby 3. 

Did I Mention Rory?

I feel horrible, I realized that there aren't any posts about Rory! But the time Heidi Anne was his age, well...I had 6 months x 4 weeks = at least 24 posts. Can you tell he's a second child? Well, no more. I will keep up on Rory like I did with Heidi Anne.

Newborn

Well little Rory was born one month early (just like Heidi Anne). I'm working on a post for his birth, which involved an emergency c-section. Fingers crossed it'll get done before his birthday.

5 Months
Here is Rowan with his cousin G. They are two months apart (Rory is the older one). I think they'll be great friends as they grow up. 

He said his first word this month, "Hi, Hi" which means Heidi Anne. She was thrilled that she was her baby brother's first word. 

6 Months
Here is a picture of Rory at his doctor appointment. He is now 16 pounds, 27 inches long, and a head the size of an 8 month old.  Which translates to being long, thin, and top heavy. Side note, he had a rough time after his shots.

Right now he can say "Daddaddad", and he says it in an excited voice with a bit of a squeal. Normally, it's when he's having fun or looking for it. Also, whenever he sees Char. 

He can say "Mawma, Mawma", which he says anytime he sees me. It tends to have a note of sadness to it. He cries out Mawma whenever he's in trouble, hungry, needs a change, ect, anything mommy fixes. Char says Rory just sounds like he's looking for comfort and not full of sorrow. 

He also says "Roar", which is so fun. I love playing with him and hearing his "Roar" followed by a fountain of giggles. It's like I just missed out on the best joke he'll ever tell. I adore this little happy boy of mine. 

While he can't sit up on his own yet, he gets around in other ways. First he rolls around or scoots around. It's like I blink and he's on the other side of the room somehow. 

I must mention the stationary walker / exerciser. We got it at a yard sale for $10. He LOVES it! He has fun; going in circles, bouncing, standing up "alone", and playing with the different toys. Best $10 ever spent!