Great to Get Out

Finally! A weekend of warm weather! It was so nice to get out of the house this weekend. We didn't do much today, but yesterday was packed with activity. Clayton and Brian went for a four wheeler ride in the morning and once they got back Clayton and I watched Brian clip the crepe myrtles (yes, I know we're late on this!). After that, we were off to a birthday party and horseback riding! We weren't sure how Clayton would react to the horses because we tried to get him to ride one in the fall but he wouldn't have anything of it. But after watching the other kids yesterday, he decided he'd give it a try. And as soon as his first ride was over, he said "DO AGAIN!" He was all about riding that horse! He even got his own set of reins since Ms. Toby said he was wanting to drive the whole time. Typical Clayton! He had three long rides, and even got to go on the trail instead of just staying in the ring. (He's kinda special like that!) I'm so glad he liked it because I've really been interested in getting him involved in equesterian therapy. Ms. Toby said she has done it in the past, but it takes a lot of hoop jumping since she isn't an actual therapist. We'll be looking into for sure because he was so excited once he figured out how fun it was!

Once we were back home, we went for a short walk and then Clayton and I watched Brian give the dog a bath. All in all, a great family day! Amazing how invigorating a little warm weather will make you feel!

And I've included this last pic just so everyone out there in blogland can see how crazy pregnant I'm looking--I didn't even realize it until I saw the pic myself. It's like my belly just popped up overnight!

"I WUB YOU MOMMA"

They just have to be the sweetest words ever!!

Since the first time we heard him say those words, Clayton's been pretty stingy with them to say the least. But he surprised me the other night when I said "I love you so much, Clayton." He blurted it back out to me before he could even catch himself! Made this Momma's heart melt for the millionth time!

26 Weeks

This baby just loves the breech position! So instead of showing us his pretty little face, he's always wanting to show off his busy little feet! And that leg reminds me so much of Brian's legs! Anyone else think so?? Do you see the calf muscles like I do?! It's amazing how their little bodies are so perfect!

I'm okay with breech in general since I'll probably have to have a c-section anyway, but the entire ultrasound he was literally kicking all over my cervix (I feel him doing this all the time!). I'm really hoping he won't kick the door completely down! The doc was less than happy with this current hobby of his--she's hoping he'll turn back around and stay that way!

Dr. Seuss Week

This week Clayton's school is celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. Everyday has been dedicated to a different book. Yesterday, they focused on "The Cat in the Hat" and they were all supposed to wear crazy hats. And since Clayton didn't really have a crazy hat, I just put his daddy's visor on him--the big surprise was that he kept it on long enough to show all of his teachers and still had it on when I left. I thought he looked quite cute so I of course had to snap a picture!

What I'm Reading

This past Sunday, our Sunday School class started a new series centered around John Rosemond's new book, "Parenting by the Book." (The "Book" being the Bible). I'm about halfway through the book and it's definitely an eye-opener on the changes in child-rearing over the last fourty years and in turn, the break down of the traditional American family. It's a great resource for those who strive to raise their children the way God intended!

25 Weeks

I MADE IT! I'M OFFICIALLY PAST THE POINT OF WHEN I WENT INTO LABOR WITH THE BOYS!!! I can hear all of your applause for little Baby C for making it to this point! Not to say that he isn't keeping it interesting . . . yesterday morning I was cramping and hurting so bad that I had to call the doctor. She saw me in the afternoon and for the first time, she actually seemed worried. I had blood in my urine but wasn't visibly bleeding--my cervix was closed and still measuring well. The only difference on the ultrasound was that the edge of my uterus (near my cervix) was no longer nicely curved--it was kind of shaped like the top of a heart. I immediately noticed the difference and she seemed perplexed by the change--couldn't figure out if it was the placenta or if it was the beginnings of Baby C's tunnel out into the world. Either one isn't good, but all we can do is watch and wait since my cervix is still thick. All that aside, the main verdict was that my pain and the blood were probably due to a bladder infection, for which I'm now taking antibiotics. I didn't even realize how stressed and worried I was until after she left the room. The tears couldn't help but flow and I think Brian was on the verge of a nervous breakdown! (It's hard to tell how worried he is until we have a close call like that!) SOOOO. . . . . fine for this week and praying for several more good weeks of a growing baby inside the womb!

Get Back Up

I'm sure this video has been around the block, but I saw it for the first time today and couldn't help but share:

Puts my own problems in perspective and reinforces the fact that with prayer, hardwork, and a ton of support from those around him, Clayton will be able to accomplish anything he imagines!

Public Service Announcement: Wheelchair Etiquette

In a discussion about rude behavior/comments with another mom of a CP kid, she mentioned that one time someone actually stepped through her child's walker because he wasn't moving fast enough. Just another example of how people can be so unaware of the feelings of people with disabilities. It's a totally different situation, but I also feel like Clayton's "personal space" is being invaded when other kids climb all over his wheelchair and/or play excessively with his horn or mess with his O2 tank. Kids don't really know any better, so I decided to post an FYI for the adults--maybe it will trickle down to the kids that way . . .(I've highlighted the ones that are most important to us).

**Always ask the person using the wheelchair if he or she would like assistance BEFORE you help. It may not be needed or wanted.
**The first rule of etiquette when interacting with people in wheelchairs, or power chairs, is to remember that one should not focus on their disability. Instead, focus on the person. Another rule of etiquette is the act of shaking hands, even if their limbs are limited in use. Focus on the person, not on his or her disability.
**People who use wheelchairs have varying capabilities. Some persons who use wheelchairs can walk with aid or for short distances. They use wheelchairs because they help them to conserve energy and to move about with greater efficiency.
**Don't classify or think of people who use wheelchairs as "sick." Wheelchairs are used to help people adapt to or compensate for the mobility impairments that result from many non-contagious impairments.
**Don't pet guide dogs or other service animals as they are working animals.
**It is appropriate to shake hands with a person who has a disability, even if they have limited use of their hands or wear an artificial limb.
**If your conversation lasts more than a few minutes, consider sitting down, etc. to get yourself on the same eye-level as the person who uses the wheelchair. It will keep both of you from getting a stiff neck!
**If you have children, they will stare, it's their nature. Talk to the child about disabled people, and help them to understand why people use wheelchairs. Don't discourage children from asking questions of a person who uses a wheelchair about their wheelchair. Open communication helps overcome fearful or misleading attitudes.
**Bathroom breaks matter. If you plan a gathering or meeting and observe someone in a wheelchair, ensure the person knows and has access to a bathroom.
**Don't hang or lean on a person's wheelchair because it is part of that person's personal body space.
**Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to someone nearby as if the person in the wheelchair did not exist.
**Don't belittle or patronize the person by patting them on the head.
**Give clear directions, including distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles that may hinder the person's travel.
**When a person using a wheelchair "transfers" out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bed , do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance.
**Be aware of the person's capabilities. Some users can walk with aid and use wheelchairs to save energy and move quickly.

**It is ok to use terms like "running along" when speaking to a person who uses a wheelchair. The person is likely to express things the same way.
**Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom that allows the person to move about independently.

(This is a direct copy/paste from this post at www.disabled-world.com This article also talks about teaching your kids about disabilities.)

This announcement has been brought to you by a sensitive mom of a child in a wheelchair. :)

Too Many to Choose

Bottles. Could there be a more confusing subject for the mom of a tube fed child??? I just left the store where I stood in the bottle aisle for at least 15 minutes staring at all the options. I still have no idea which is the best or which I will try first.

Actually, my FIRST plan is to breastfeed. And anyone who was around when Shawn and Clayton were born knows that I'm a milk-producing momma! I'm just Nervous Nellie about actually directly feeding a baby instead of hanging out with my old friend, The Breast Pump. So I'd like to have a few bottles around just as a backup plan, but I have no clue which one is best to choose. The only real condition I have is I want to be able to use my pumped breastmilk easily--with the least amount of fuss as possible. So I'm sure some of my blog readers have opinions--feel free to share, share, share . . .

24 Weeks

Everything is still looking good!

The baby decided to look directly at the probe this morning--he's laying on the left side of his face--you can see his right eye, nose, and mouth. Hello, Baby!

This Boy Loves Email

The other day I got my first email from Clayton:

Mommmmma



U b nbetter

I love you



Mj bb mn bbbbbbbbbbhhv nn m m uibn bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbyh jgy uhhh ghh


clayton

He's since sent me a couple more from school as using the mouse and typing his name are now some of his new OT goals. He is all about the computer and anyone who is sitting in front of one is "checking their email." I really feel like if he can get his right hand in control of that mouse, a whole new world is going to open up for him. I'm hoping this is the year it happens!

Valentine's Day at School

Clayton's school had a Valentine's Day Dance Friday morning so Brian and I went up there to make sure he got to participate to the fullest (yes, we have to do that--it's a whole 'nother story!). He had already told me he wanted to dance with Ms. Marcia and Mya so that's who he spent most of his time with, just standing there bobbing his little head to the beat!

One of the teachers wanted to take each child's pic so when it was Clayton's turn, he really hammed it up (now why won't he do that for my camera???).

I went back up there for the "party" (A.K.A. snack time) and he spent the whole time covering himself in ketchup and pink juice--I guess he just couldn't get enough of the red and pink decorations!

Photog Wannabe

I took some photos last weekend of my friend's family. It was the first time I've ever been asked to take photos of someone else's family--I was NERVOUS NELLIE! I still have SO much to learn about my settings and lighting, but I had to start somewhere, right???? At any rate, we got some good shots, and I'm thinking it wasn't bad for a first shoot. Now if I can just find some other victims to practice on!!

23 Weeks

Well, I guess Baby C got restless with the breech position after being that way for so long because today he was finally head down. Makes me nervous in a way because I'm wondering what the heck he's getting ready for, but I'm hoping it was just a case of needing a different view of things! He weighs 1 pound 4 ounces now which is interesting--he's almost up to Clayton's birthweight! My cervix measured well today and the doc sent off my first fetal fibronectin test to determine if my body is getting ready for labor. All things considered, I'm doing very well. The only concerning thing today was although my cervix was closed tight, it was soft. Soft isn't that great since that's supposed to come with labor. The ultrasound gave no indication that my cervix was weakening, but I'll worry anyway! Gives me something to do with all this resting time I've got lately!

Warmer Weather

This weekend was such a nice change--warmer weather invaded for more than 24 hours. All three of us went for a long four wheeler ride to check out the new golf course they're building not too far from our house. Clayton absolutley LOVES riding the four wheeler! I don't think he ever gets tired of it . . . but me, on the other hand, well, I was more than a little stiff after riding for that long in one position! But it was well worth it in the end because we got some much needed quality time together--I never get tired of being with my guys!

I've Actually Scrapped

Some are better than others, but after taking such a long break from creativity, it took me a while to get warmed up!

22 Weeks

I didn't think I'd share another belly pic, but Patti has been begging for one, so I thought I'd endulge her . . . the baby is still looking good and somedays he can be quite the little wild man! He's been breech for several weeks now and his main stomping ground is my bladder! It seems all I'm doing these days is stopping at the bathroom and running to Wal-Mart for more toilet paper! My cervix has been thickening back up ever since it got under 4 centimeters. That's when I started the progesterone shots, and I'm thinking those shots combined with a lot of prayer are working beautifully. There is debate among doctors on whether the progesterone actually helps anything, but Dr. Lawrence says my measurements have made her a believer for sure! Twenty-four weeks is just around the corner, a milestone in my mind only, but one I'll feel blessed to get passed. Clayton went back to school this week, so I'm back to resting as much as possible while throwing a few chores in here and there. I'm trying to take it easy even though my brain is constantly making lists of things I've got to get done. One day at a time is definitely my motto right now!

Soapbox

Time for me to get on my soapbox again. You see this bruise? This is what happens when a doctor insists on doing things their way even though that way DOES NOT work for Clayton. I get so sick of "protocol" and rules at the hospital, and especially sick of doctors who refuse to listen to the people who know the patient best. A little background for those who don't know or don't remember: Clayton has to get his Botox injections in the O.R. because when they do it the "normal" way in Day Medicine, an I.V. has to be started and he is completely awake. And since his veins are completely ruined from having so many I.V.s, it is an absolute nightmare to get an I.V. started on him while he is awake. So the solution was to move to the O.R., give him some gas, and in ten minutes the injections are done and over. It's worked well so far, but today's anesthesiologist thought she knew better. And even though Shuna (the nurse practitioner who administers the injections) put up a good fight on Clayton's behalf in the O.R., the doctor insisted on poking and prodding on him anyway. And of course, the injections were over before she could ever get one started. Shuna was very upset when we got to Clayton in recovery and knew we would be too, so she told me even she was having to take "deep cleansing breaths" in order to calm down. It really irks me because I'm sure all the doctor managed to do was just create even more scar tissue in his little veins. Like he needed any more. It's just one more example of how some people in the medical profession want to fit everyone into a certain box, even though their circumstances dictate otherwise. Lucky for us Clayton is as resilent as ever and seems to be feeling well anyway. (But when I said something about those "goofy doctors," he said "MY HAND!" with no prompting at all. He knows exactly what's going on, and I'm sure it bugs him even more than the rest of us since he actually has to live through it!)

Nothing Like a Trip to the E.R.

To keep everyone on their toes! Last night I was leaving for a friend's house and on my way out was taking the trash to the trash can. I took one step on the driveway and BOOM! I slipped and fell hard on my right side. It hurt, but I immediately started freaking out because of the baby. I couldn't believe my luck! I started yelling for Brian and he finally heard me as I was getting up. Clayton ended up going into a tizzy because of all the commotion--he knew something was wrong. I called the nurse and she definitely recommended going in to get checked out. So instead of going to visit with my friends, I got to make a trip to Labor and Delivery. The ultrasound of the baby looked fine--he was moving like crazy, so much so that they could hardly get a good read on his heartrate. I stayed hooked up to the monitors for about thirty minutes to make sure I wasn't having contractions and then we were on our way. I've got a heck of a bruise forming on my leg and I'm noticing my right arm is sore today too, so I must have landed on it as well. I had planned on doing some things today, but I'm thinking I'll just take it easy and not push my luck any farther!

One More Week

It looks like Clayton will be at home from school at least one more week. After finally starting to get over RSV, he's still on 2 liters of oxygen and coughing some. He acts like he feels fine, but he has Botox injections scheduled for this Friday and the last thing I want to do is send him back to school just so he can get sick again and not get the injections. He is overdue for Botox and his legs are so stiff, we really need him to be well for that appointment. So it's therapy at home this week and lots of pre-planning for "babysitters" since I'll need help lifting him. Thank the Lord for good family and friends who are willing to help!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I love you and hope you have a great day!

One More View

Just got this view scanned in as well. The baby is still looking at us, but with his face slightly turned so that you can actually see a more human appearance. His eyes are closed and the arrow is pointing between his lip and nose. Do you see him? Do you see his little sleeping face? So, so sweet!

20 Weeks

Things are still looking good! My cervix is still holding steady and the baby is looking great. The doctor looked over all of his little internal organs and they all seem to be completely normal. And here's the kicker--he's measuring TALL for his gestational age! Not sure what happened there considering his daddy's genes, but we'll for sure take it!

He's laying on his right side looking straight at us in this pic. The arrow is pointing to his right eye so that should give everyone some perspective. He was looking at us most of the ultrasound, mouth opening and closing. So cool to glimpse his little life in the womb!

I see the perinatologist on Monday for an evaluation. We're mainly going just to talk about options since high-risk pregnancies are his specialty. My ultrasound is scheduled for 8:30 and the appointment sheet says I will see the doctor as soon as possible afterwards. I'm sure hoping that doesn't mean we're there all day!

A Night Out

Saturday night I went out with a huge group of girlfriends for dinner and a movie. Of course the occassion was "Bride Wars." It was great to get out with so many of my friends, I only wish we could have visited more!

"Somebody's Praying!"

Direct quote from my doctor after she measured my cervix every which way she could and only got measurements that were LONGER than Monday's measurements!! So keep on praying, and I'll keep on taking it easy!

The New Cot

When Clayton started school, he had quite the time adjusting to laying down on his cot for nap time. But after they let him start listening to his music, he learned to love it. (Even though he never actually sleeps for them). He got to where he was talking about that cot all the time! So we figured what better starting point for a toddler bed than this? And with that, Santa brought Clayton his very own "new cot" for home. We set it up in our room (you didn't really think we'd move him across the house so fast did you???), and we braced ourselves for the first night. (Keep in mind that Brian and I are just as attached to sleeping with him as he is with us!) That first night was so hard for us--the first thing that happened once we had him in the bed was "Momma, hold your hand." So we immediately moved the bed right next to ours and now I have to hang my hand off the side of the bed basically until he goes to sleep! He's slept there maybe a total of 6 or 7 full nights and some nights he almost makes it, but for the most part he goes to sleep without much fuss (just takes him forever like normal), and after a few hours he wakes up crying and just can't get himself calmed back down. And it's absolutely amazing--as soon as Brian lifts him up and puts him in our bed, he's immediately back to sleep within seconds. Just something about Momma's bed I guess!

Neurotic Pregnant Woman

Okay, so ever since last Thursday my imagination has been running wild. I took it real easy this weekend, but I was still analyzing every little pain or feeling I had in my body. I just knew I was going to go into labor at any moment, so I called the doctor yesterday morning and they saw me in the afternoon. (I'm sure the nurse was wondering why I didn't go for therapy instead of coming to their office!) It's amazing how stress can affect your body--my blood pressure was higher than I've ever seen it--it's no wonder I couldn't sit still! The doctor measured me again and I was the same, thank the Lord! She is still going to visit with the perinatologists again about my options and I'll see her on Thursday for my regular appointment. I calmed way down after I saw little Baby C playing with his foot like nothing exciting was happening. Very reassuring and I feel much better today, especially since Clayton is back at school and I can just sit in one place most of the day. I appreciate all the prayers everyone is saying on our behalf--they are working!!

18 Weeks

I knew it was coming, but I'm still in shock. I saw the doctor today and my cervix was just a tad shorter this time--still in the normal range, no major change, but definitely shorter by a few milimeters. I start weekly progesterone shots tomorrow and for now I will see her for weekly measurements instead of every two weeks. She called the perinatologists to discuss putting a stitch in and so they are on notice that I may be coming in soon for their opinion. Now all of this news in itself isn't all that shocking considering my first pregnancy, but what's thrown me for a loop was the doctor telling me that under no circumstances can I lift Clayton or his chair anymore. YIKES. I knew this would come eventually too, but there was no way to get ready for it. This definitely throws a wrench into plans of everyday life. I guess we're just going to take it one day at a time. I'm already finding myself wondering what about when this happens? what about when we do such and such? But we're willing to deal with any and all inconviences in order to get the healthiest baby possible. Pray all goes well for us in the coming months!!

Regularly Scheduled Life

Today it was back to work and school for Brian and Clayton. As for me, it's continuing to get ready for the baby and taking care of myself. Last week I started rearranging EVERYTHING in our closets and in Clayton's room in order to make room for this new baby. Since I still have the crib set up exactly like it was the day Clayton came home, I'll be using that room for the baby's room. That just means I have to do a lot of organizing of Clayton's stuff to make room for a new little guy in there. I'm making progress, but it's been slow going so far. At this rate, I should be done by my due date!!!!!

Happy New Year/Happy Birthday Brian!

And the poor guy even had to cook for the crowd on his birthday . . . (glad he considers that a good time!)

We had a great New Year's Eve and Day (even though we were in bed way before 12:00 rolled around!). Brian's birthday went great and all is well here in our household . . .here's to a great 2009!

Sharing the News

Everyone was thinking girl, so we all got surprised!!!

Baby in My Belly

Okay, so I'm not a fan of the bare belly pregnancy photos that are so in style these days, but I figured this one was pretty safe to post! I just wanted to put it out there for those of you who don't get to see me in person very often. And while I haven't felt the baby actually move, I am starting to get that uncomfortable, something with legs is growing inside me feeling. I'm really feeling it when I'm lifting Clayton so I'm doing my best to cut down. Pretty hard when you have a bossy five year old telling you where he wants to move or go to constantly!