Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Fall
Very slowly, but surely, we are getting ready for the season. I love the fall... the colors, the scents, the landscapes, the crispness in the air... everything! To top it all off we're having a baby this fall! Could life be any better?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
This little world of mine
:: There are now two twin beds set up in the girls room. One toddler bed has been taken apart and will be thrown away (it was a second hand one that wasn't going to last that much longer when we got it) and the other one still sits in the room waiting for a final decision. There are piles of clothes all over the place, a dresser crammed up against a wall and a rocking chair temporarily unaccessible.
:: The girls are having way too much fun with this sleeping together thing. We might still try to push it, though because Adriana didn't come to our bed until 4:00 this morning. So we'll try to give it a few more days. The giggles, laughing, talking, playing, etc., are proving a bit difficult to control right now but we'll try for a while longer.
:: Adriana is quite anxious to "go peep on the toyet". Bless her little heart, she hasn't yet quite figured how to hold it until she reaches the bathroom. More often than not she'll ask and run to the bathroom, take her diaper off and sit on the toilet only to say "It's not working, Mami!" because her diaper is already holding most of it. Tonight, however, she did the same thing and ever faithfully Ben helped her get on the seat. Lo and behold, she went!!! Much to our and her own amazement. The only problem is that after having put her to bed she felt the urge to go, ran off the bed, took off her diaper but couldn't work past her pj bottoms and I already had to change her. I haven't pushed it but if she wants to be off diapers before this baby comes, I'm up for it!!! I'm not letting my hopes get too high, though.
:: Did I mention that my mom has a ticket for November 01? Oh yes! We are having a baby before the season is over!
:: The girls are having way too much fun with this sleeping together thing. We might still try to push it, though because Adriana didn't come to our bed until 4:00 this morning. So we'll try to give it a few more days. The giggles, laughing, talking, playing, etc., are proving a bit difficult to control right now but we'll try for a while longer.
:: Adriana is quite anxious to "go peep on the toyet". Bless her little heart, she hasn't yet quite figured how to hold it until she reaches the bathroom. More often than not she'll ask and run to the bathroom, take her diaper off and sit on the toilet only to say "It's not working, Mami!" because her diaper is already holding most of it. Tonight, however, she did the same thing and ever faithfully Ben helped her get on the seat. Lo and behold, she went!!! Much to our and her own amazement. The only problem is that after having put her to bed she felt the urge to go, ran off the bed, took off her diaper but couldn't work past her pj bottoms and I already had to change her. I haven't pushed it but if she wants to be off diapers before this baby comes, I'm up for it!!! I'm not letting my hopes get too high, though.
:: Did I mention that my mom has a ticket for November 01? Oh yes! We are having a baby before the season is over!
More little nothings
Browsing through craiglist today I found a set of twin beds/bunk bed for only $50. So a day that was supposed to have Ben gone in the morning, back in the afternoon and then all of us gone to church at night turned into Ben gone all day, rushing back to get to church and a very late (but fun) bed time for the girls.
We knew that we were going to need twin beds soon to replace the toddler beds the girls had been using and also serve as extra guest beds as the holidays approach. Of course, I wasn't expecting us to find a good deal this weekend so I have all the seasonal clothes all over the girls' bedroom floor as I sorted out what stays for next Summer and all that fun stuff (this is my excuse for the lack of pictures tonight). But upon returning from church Ben got to work and set up one of the beds and we put both girls to sleep together. Partly because we only had room and time for one bed, partly because we weren't yet ready for two twin beds and had sheets only for one, and partly because I am hoping that by having a bed partner Adriana will sleep longer in her room and not need to come to bed with me. I would like to wean her from that before the baby comes.
I am thrilled to have the beds and am so grateful for my husband's dedication in accomplishing this tonight. The poor guy, you have to wonder how tough it is to live with me lately when he jumped at the chance to make me happy and, literally, did not rest or eat until at least one bed was put together! I'll show you pictures later!
We knew that we were going to need twin beds soon to replace the toddler beds the girls had been using and also serve as extra guest beds as the holidays approach. Of course, I wasn't expecting us to find a good deal this weekend so I have all the seasonal clothes all over the girls' bedroom floor as I sorted out what stays for next Summer and all that fun stuff (this is my excuse for the lack of pictures tonight). But upon returning from church Ben got to work and set up one of the beds and we put both girls to sleep together. Partly because we only had room and time for one bed, partly because we weren't yet ready for two twin beds and had sheets only for one, and partly because I am hoping that by having a bed partner Adriana will sleep longer in her room and not need to come to bed with me. I would like to wean her from that before the baby comes.
I am thrilled to have the beds and am so grateful for my husband's dedication in accomplishing this tonight. The poor guy, you have to wonder how tough it is to live with me lately when he jumped at the chance to make me happy and, literally, did not rest or eat until at least one bed was put together! I'll show you pictures later!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tidbits of everything
:: I am very happy to report that Elena's medicine is going down without much of a battle after all. I owe it mostly to my amazing husband, but in the end, she got the whole little chart down and eventhough it still takes her a few minutes to finish it, she is very excited to go draw her happy face on her chart. At the end of the day, she (and her sister) get however many skittles match the happy faces on the chart. So even when the first day a headlock was called for and so much medicine was wasted, since the second dose it has been going down much easier! thank you Lord!
:: Usually I forget how raw this season of pregnancy can be. It is so ridiculous that I have to struggle so much with my hormone loaded flesh and I end up frustrated at being so unsuccessful at the end of the day. I am very short of patience with the girls. I find myself annoyed at the most ridiculous and pathetic things and I'm just getting so tired of it. Sometimes I think the more I sleep the happier humanity will be... but I do know that is very unrealistic and it just ignores a problem. I have to remind myself that this is a circumstance that only raises an awareness of things I need to bring to the cross. I have to learn to submit my will, my flesh and my all to Him. I need to let myself die and Him grow in me. And I ultimately get so discouraged by finding that more often than not I have to repent for the failure instead of celebrating the victory. One day at a time... right?
:: Speaking of hormone loaded behaviors, the nesting instinct keeps hitting hard. My sweet husband has tried to please me as much as our strength will allow since our finances aren't allowing for much right now. Since we first moved to the apartment upstairs the kitchen-hallway linoleum has always made this "sticky" noise. We have attributed the noise to the age of the linoleum, assuming that probably it had become unglued in areas large enough to create an air pocket that led to the noise. That kitchen hadn't been a priority and we've often discussed the several ideas we have for it, but no final decisions have been made, mostly because of finances. This week, however, in an attempt to appease the monster (in me) and not break our finances Ben proposed a happy medium: the counters and linoleum need to be taken out sooner or later, so let's just get to it. He began yesterday and all that old linoleum began to come off. We thought that, if nothing else, we'd at least get rid of the sticky noise. Guess what? It wasn't the linoleum what has made the noise all along... it is the actual boards that the linoleum was glued to! So now we have no linoleum and still the sticky noise! Oh well, at least it looks now like an ongoing project!
:: Usually I forget how raw this season of pregnancy can be. It is so ridiculous that I have to struggle so much with my hormone loaded flesh and I end up frustrated at being so unsuccessful at the end of the day. I am very short of patience with the girls. I find myself annoyed at the most ridiculous and pathetic things and I'm just getting so tired of it. Sometimes I think the more I sleep the happier humanity will be... but I do know that is very unrealistic and it just ignores a problem. I have to remind myself that this is a circumstance that only raises an awareness of things I need to bring to the cross. I have to learn to submit my will, my flesh and my all to Him. I need to let myself die and Him grow in me. And I ultimately get so discouraged by finding that more often than not I have to repent for the failure instead of celebrating the victory. One day at a time... right?
:: Speaking of hormone loaded behaviors, the nesting instinct keeps hitting hard. My sweet husband has tried to please me as much as our strength will allow since our finances aren't allowing for much right now. Since we first moved to the apartment upstairs the kitchen-hallway linoleum has always made this "sticky" noise. We have attributed the noise to the age of the linoleum, assuming that probably it had become unglued in areas large enough to create an air pocket that led to the noise. That kitchen hadn't been a priority and we've often discussed the several ideas we have for it, but no final decisions have been made, mostly because of finances. This week, however, in an attempt to appease the monster (in me) and not break our finances Ben proposed a happy medium: the counters and linoleum need to be taken out sooner or later, so let's just get to it. He began yesterday and all that old linoleum began to come off. We thought that, if nothing else, we'd at least get rid of the sticky noise. Guess what? It wasn't the linoleum what has made the noise all along... it is the actual boards that the linoleum was glued to! So now we have no linoleum and still the sticky noise! Oh well, at least it looks now like an ongoing project!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Asking advice from the more seasoned moms...
We had to take Elena to the doctor because of a stubborn cough that had lasted for three weeks. She wasn't feeling too poorly, there was no fever, no shortness of breath, or anything else than that stubborn little cough. As it turns out, she has what they call an "asthma event", which is a one time type of thing. Whatever bacteria has caused the cough is causing an asthma like reaction in her lungs and we need to take care of it before it does become serious. She did an amazingly wonderful job at the doctor's office. Maybe because she's been going to each and everyone of my appointments she has gotten used to seeing the checkup being done so often that she was very comfortable with everything the doctor needed to do.
We left the doctor's office to go get her prescriptions. We are so blessed and grateful that she hasn't needed much antibiotics or other medications throughout her short life, but it is still not fun at all when she does need them. We told her what a good job she had done with the doctor and encourage her to keep up the good attitude at the time of taking her medicine. Immediately after getting home I made her a little chart with squares for each time she needs to take medicine every day. I made it in colors and drew little flowers on it and then we explained that each time she took her medicine without a fuss she'd get a happy face in the square and at the end of the day she'd get as many "skittles" as happy faces she'd got.
Long story short, everything was going great until the first 2 mls of antibiotic were in my hand ready to give to her. She began crying, covering her mouth with both hands and screaming that she didn't want candy anyway. A couple hours later, two doses of antibiotics lost, serious discipline and correction sessions and a very early nap time so as to allow us all to calm down I was at a loss. We have to do this three times for the next five days... I don't want to bribe her but I don't want to fight her every single time. How do we do this? Any words of wisdom out there?
We left the doctor's office to go get her prescriptions. We are so blessed and grateful that she hasn't needed much antibiotics or other medications throughout her short life, but it is still not fun at all when she does need them. We told her what a good job she had done with the doctor and encourage her to keep up the good attitude at the time of taking her medicine. Immediately after getting home I made her a little chart with squares for each time she needs to take medicine every day. I made it in colors and drew little flowers on it and then we explained that each time she took her medicine without a fuss she'd get a happy face in the square and at the end of the day she'd get as many "skittles" as happy faces she'd got.
Long story short, everything was going great until the first 2 mls of antibiotic were in my hand ready to give to her. She began crying, covering her mouth with both hands and screaming that she didn't want candy anyway. A couple hours later, two doses of antibiotics lost, serious discipline and correction sessions and a very early nap time so as to allow us all to calm down I was at a loss. We have to do this three times for the next five days... I don't want to bribe her but I don't want to fight her every single time. How do we do this? Any words of wisdom out there?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wordless season...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
More on the marathon
We are still making our way home, so pictures and video will have to wait until we get there. However, I can tell you more about the whole thing. The weather was really unbelievably hot and humid, if you read the article you'll see it eventually led to a premature halting of the race. However, although my husband did have to be checked by the medical personnel and slow his pace down to a walk, he had already passed the mile marker where racers were stopped and managed to finish.
He took off to a very good paced start and by two hours into the race he had covered a bit over half the distance. At some point, the heat did take the best of him and forced him to stop for about 20 minutes in an ambulance while they made sure he could keep up the race. This was his first marathon ever, he had every right to give it up because the weather and humidity really took a toll on every one racing, however, he told the medical staff he'd go to the finish line even if he had to walk. I couldn't be prouder of him.
A patrol lady was kind enough to lend him her phone so he could tell us he was way behind his goal schedule so we wouldn't grow weary or concerned when we didn't see him come within the hour. As an answer to prayer, she stayed with him on her bicycle the remainder of the race and kept a watch over him. Derek, Grace and myself began to walk into the track hoping to find him and encourage him to the end. Derek and Grace could run, so they did, I paced myself in a very slow walk and as I did I prayed... I was only walking and the heat and humidity were so unbearable, I couldn't imagine what he was facing.
Parked at the 1/2 mile marker before the finish line I got a hold of the lady that was riding with Ben and when I realized that Derek and Grace were about to meet them and that they were still about 3 miles from the finish line I began my walk back to Heidi, Susi and the children. We waited and prayed.
I can't begin to describe to you what it felt like to see him turning that corner towards the finish line. The culmination of so many months of preparation, of such intense hours of his body's struggling against the elements, of so many prayers, all wrapped up in these last few minutes of adrenaline. There weren't many spectators at that point, but it wouldn't really have mattered because everyone around us disappeared... it was my man, my hero, running towards his goal. This was his moment and he was all that mattered. Even the girls forgot the acorns they had been piling and proudly stood next to me to cheer him. In a mixture of tears and laughter we ran with him for a few seconds and then got split by the "tunnel" he had to go through for the official timing. We met him at the end and we were all on the ground celebrating his victory.
It wasn't until this morning that we found out that the race had come to an official stop barely a few minutes after Ben crossed the 20 mile marker, that so many runners had to be rushed to the emergency room and so many others did drop out of the race. That only added to our pride in his finishing his very first marathon, strong. He wasn't necessarily stronger than he'd been that morning, but in his spirit, he is a much stronger man than he was a year ago, when he made the decision of running a marathon.
Pardon the rambling, I just wanted to write down what I could while the feelings were still fresh.
He took off to a very good paced start and by two hours into the race he had covered a bit over half the distance. At some point, the heat did take the best of him and forced him to stop for about 20 minutes in an ambulance while they made sure he could keep up the race. This was his first marathon ever, he had every right to give it up because the weather and humidity really took a toll on every one racing, however, he told the medical staff he'd go to the finish line even if he had to walk. I couldn't be prouder of him.
A patrol lady was kind enough to lend him her phone so he could tell us he was way behind his goal schedule so we wouldn't grow weary or concerned when we didn't see him come within the hour. As an answer to prayer, she stayed with him on her bicycle the remainder of the race and kept a watch over him. Derek, Grace and myself began to walk into the track hoping to find him and encourage him to the end. Derek and Grace could run, so they did, I paced myself in a very slow walk and as I did I prayed... I was only walking and the heat and humidity were so unbearable, I couldn't imagine what he was facing.
Parked at the 1/2 mile marker before the finish line I got a hold of the lady that was riding with Ben and when I realized that Derek and Grace were about to meet them and that they were still about 3 miles from the finish line I began my walk back to Heidi, Susi and the children. We waited and prayed.
I can't begin to describe to you what it felt like to see him turning that corner towards the finish line. The culmination of so many months of preparation, of such intense hours of his body's struggling against the elements, of so many prayers, all wrapped up in these last few minutes of adrenaline. There weren't many spectators at that point, but it wouldn't really have mattered because everyone around us disappeared... it was my man, my hero, running towards his goal. This was his moment and he was all that mattered. Even the girls forgot the acorns they had been piling and proudly stood next to me to cheer him. In a mixture of tears and laughter we ran with him for a few seconds and then got split by the "tunnel" he had to go through for the official timing. We met him at the end and we were all on the ground celebrating his victory.
It wasn't until this morning that we found out that the race had come to an official stop barely a few minutes after Ben crossed the 20 mile marker, that so many runners had to be rushed to the emergency room and so many others did drop out of the race. That only added to our pride in his finishing his very first marathon, strong. He wasn't necessarily stronger than he'd been that morning, but in his spirit, he is a much stronger man than he was a year ago, when he made the decision of running a marathon.
Pardon the rambling, I just wanted to write down what I could while the feelings were still fresh.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Marathons
**UPDATE 3:00 P.M.**
We are home (Derek and Heidi's)! It was long, it was hard, but he did it!!! I couldn't be prouder!!!
*********************
I guess I have to say I don't like marathons. Don't get me wrong, but it is just too nerve-wrecking to be in the dark as to where he is and what he is doing. This morning, he got up at 4 a.m. to begin getting ready. I got up about an hour later to sit with him for a while... that is while he walked around because he wasn't sitting. We took a couple pictures and off he went.
I know the race began at 7.30 a.m. it is now 9.45 a.m. and I have absolutely no clue as to where he is and how he is feeling. Nor do I have a way to find out. Unless I was following the route alongside him (which is obviously against the rules), I have only to sit here and wait.
In a few minutes we'll be off to church. We'll sit through worship and then we'll leave to catch him at the end of the marathon. We have no idea of whether there will be a place to park close enough to the finish line or not... so many unknowns... I don't like it.
I just pray he is doing well and keeping his pace and his strength...
We are home (Derek and Heidi's)! It was long, it was hard, but he did it!!! I couldn't be prouder!!!
*********************
I guess I have to say I don't like marathons. Don't get me wrong, but it is just too nerve-wrecking to be in the dark as to where he is and what he is doing. This morning, he got up at 4 a.m. to begin getting ready. I got up about an hour later to sit with him for a while... that is while he walked around because he wasn't sitting. We took a couple pictures and off he went.
I know the race began at 7.30 a.m. it is now 9.45 a.m. and I have absolutely no clue as to where he is and how he is feeling. Nor do I have a way to find out. Unless I was following the route alongside him (which is obviously against the rules), I have only to sit here and wait.
In a few minutes we'll be off to church. We'll sit through worship and then we'll leave to catch him at the end of the marathon. We have no idea of whether there will be a place to park close enough to the finish line or not... so many unknowns... I don't like it.
I just pray he is doing well and keeping his pace and his strength...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sigh...
I feel like it's so hard to catch my breath. This third trimester is really weighing on me more than the previous times. I really have to remind myself that it is only a season and my energy will eventually be back and the house will be back in some kind of order. I have an amazing husband who has pretty much taken over the laundry for me and two little girls who are eager to help (even when they seem to make more of a mess, bless their dear hearts!).
We are excitedly preparing for Ben's marathon this Sunday. Unbelievably it is here already. He has prepared so much and it has been such a fruitful process for him and us in many more ways than we imagined. I am nervous as I know that this is something he has to do on his own. We drop him off at the beginning and there's not even telling if we'll be able to see him at any point through the race but at the very end... Now, if you know me, you'd know that I'd want to run it next to him making sure he has water and encouragement when he needs it, but that is not how marathons work. I'll tell you all about it when we get back! Keep him in prayer please, he'll be running on Sunday morning.
In the meantime, off I go to prepare for our church's 30th anniversary tonight!
We are excitedly preparing for Ben's marathon this Sunday. Unbelievably it is here already. He has prepared so much and it has been such a fruitful process for him and us in many more ways than we imagined. I am nervous as I know that this is something he has to do on his own. We drop him off at the beginning and there's not even telling if we'll be able to see him at any point through the race but at the very end... Now, if you know me, you'd know that I'd want to run it next to him making sure he has water and encouragement when he needs it, but that is not how marathons work. I'll tell you all about it when we get back! Keep him in prayer please, he'll be running on Sunday morning.
In the meantime, off I go to prepare for our church's 30th anniversary tonight!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Instant belated birthday party!
An outing to Sacandaga lake with the Moores afforded for the last picnic of the season, an instant belated birthday party for Adriana and an awesome closing of the Summer!
Little girls enjoying the day.
Little girls enjoying the day.
Adriana got to blow out the candles on a last minute made chocolate cake. Her original party had to be canceled due to her falling sick with some tummy bug.
The beach was a beautiful scenery for the blowing of her candles.
and the children absolutely loved wearing their bathing suits and getting kissed by the sun one last time before we move on to the next season.
Today has been devoted to some serious furniture moving as I feel pressed by the nesting instinct to change my surroundings!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The week
This week ended up being surprisingly busy. We knew we were going to be busier than the previous weeks with my uncle's visit and a day planned to be spent at a lake with the Timers but on Sunday night, at the very last minute our plans changed.
My uncle (my mom's oldest brother) called on Sunday night to let us know that his travel plans had changed. He wouldn't be arriving on Tuesday night as originally discussed but on Monday at noon. He also wasn't going to stay for one day only but he was staying all the way through Thursday.
We scrambled to get the house somewhat decent on Sunday night since my first appointment with my new doctor's office would be on Monday morning and it was a little late to reschedule it. On the appointment, I must say, we are very happy with the switch. This happens to be not only one of the practices that has been getting most of my old doctor's former patients but will also be getting at least one of his staff members. The practice has three midwives and I will be a midwife patient, which means that I won't get to see a doctor unless it is really necessary. Our appointment took longer than what we were used to because the midwife took the time to answer every one of my daughters' questions and reply to each and every one of their comments.
That out of the way, we ran to pick up my uncle at the airport. We got there late... he'd been there for a good half an hour at least. From there on, the week becomes almost a blur to me. We mostly spent our time at the mall since he had a list of things he needed for the church in Guatemala and his time here was really the only time he had off from preaching.
Thursday we dropped him off at the airport and headed off to the lake for a few hours visit with the Timers. Friday was spent at Babies'r'us creating a gift registry for Susi and so my week wraps up. So, pardon the blah post with such mundane information but I have already been interrupted too many times to keep a train of thought. I'll give it another try later!
My uncle (my mom's oldest brother) called on Sunday night to let us know that his travel plans had changed. He wouldn't be arriving on Tuesday night as originally discussed but on Monday at noon. He also wasn't going to stay for one day only but he was staying all the way through Thursday.
We scrambled to get the house somewhat decent on Sunday night since my first appointment with my new doctor's office would be on Monday morning and it was a little late to reschedule it. On the appointment, I must say, we are very happy with the switch. This happens to be not only one of the practices that has been getting most of my old doctor's former patients but will also be getting at least one of his staff members. The practice has three midwives and I will be a midwife patient, which means that I won't get to see a doctor unless it is really necessary. Our appointment took longer than what we were used to because the midwife took the time to answer every one of my daughters' questions and reply to each and every one of their comments.
That out of the way, we ran to pick up my uncle at the airport. We got there late... he'd been there for a good half an hour at least. From there on, the week becomes almost a blur to me. We mostly spent our time at the mall since he had a list of things he needed for the church in Guatemala and his time here was really the only time he had off from preaching.
Thursday we dropped him off at the airport and headed off to the lake for a few hours visit with the Timers. Friday was spent at Babies'r'us creating a gift registry for Susi and so my week wraps up. So, pardon the blah post with such mundane information but I have already been interrupted too many times to keep a train of thought. I'll give it another try later!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Misc.
Our newest garage sale finds: two bicycles for $3 (both)!
Though we got two, only one is small enough for our girls,but they're still loving it!
...and... we got this swing set from a family from church
it's a little beat up, but it is the greatest thing ever for the girls right now
they have spent sooo much time out there and we're happy for that
the big slide required some ingenuity for Adriana to climb, so
Ben brought up to the ladder section the smaller slide set we had gotten earlier
this year and voilá!
:: On another note, Susi is doing much better. Appendicitis and any other serious condition have been ruled out and now she is just watching what she eats even more carefully.
:: Ben is running 20 miles today. This is the peak of his training for the marathon. It is so amazing to realize that what seemed as an unfathomable task almost a year ago will become a reality in less than a month. He'll be running the marathon on September 14!
:: My mind definitely tends to forget my body is carrying a passenger. I keep coming up with these crazy ideas on projects that I get started only to find, a couple hours into them, that I will definitely not be able to finish them that day. I can't tell you how much my house keeps looking like a tornado hit so many rooms before it begins to feel breathable! The worst thing of all... I can't stop!!! Every room I go into I see something I want to change, move, paint, get, etc.! By far the strongest nesting instinct I've ever experienced, I think... oh well... I'll manage to keep up somehow.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Pheew...
Our day began yesterday with a scheduled prenatal visit for Susi at the doctor she will be going to and we are considering to transfer to as well. She hadn´t been feeling well for the past 12 to 18 hours with severe GI discomfort and we couldn´t get a hold of her PCP but figured as long as we could at least see that baby was fine we´d just go ahead and do that. Though her appointment wast at 3:00 p.m. she was in so much pain that by 1:00 p.m. we decided to take her in early.
Baby was doing great, but she wasn´t looking (or feeling) good at all, so the midwife called the doctor in to see her. She expressed some concern about the general area where she was pointing to the pain and the intensity of it and wanted to make sure nothing serious was being overlooked. The doctor came in (so I got to meet him as well) and he checked her and said he wasn´t all too convinced but still wanted to rule out an appendicitis. Appendicitis! Go figure! We were thinking a tummy bug aggravated by the pregnancy, but oh well.
They immediately referred her for a surgical consultation which led to an ultrasound which in turn led to not getting home until 9.30 p.m.!!! Susi was feeling much better by then and is feeling better now as we sit and wait for the results of the emergency ultrasound the surgeon considered so urgent. Trust me, I am glad they wanted to make sure everything was totally fine. In fact, the OBG´s office already called this morning to check on her. It was just very long and unexpected.
On a positive note, I got to interact with a lot of the staff at this new practice and found everyone to be very, very pleasant. They all were trying to muster up their very little Spanish to try and connect directly to Susi. It was a good chance to see them care for a patient who wasn´t me and so I believe this will be the team that will assist on our baby´s birth. I do have an appointment with them on Monday, so unless something terribly drastic happened our mind is set. I believe we will get the best of the two worlds (midwife-obstetrician) in one combo and it will be much closer to home thus relieving our already tight gas budget.
As for Susi, we are waiting to be told what happens next. Ohh, yeah and as to what a Guatemalan craves for pregnancy... it may be very simple but unusual like pineapple with salt, tons of lime on meat, chicken, fruit... I guess salt and lime are a big factor.
Baby was doing great, but she wasn´t looking (or feeling) good at all, so the midwife called the doctor in to see her. She expressed some concern about the general area where she was pointing to the pain and the intensity of it and wanted to make sure nothing serious was being overlooked. The doctor came in (so I got to meet him as well) and he checked her and said he wasn´t all too convinced but still wanted to rule out an appendicitis. Appendicitis! Go figure! We were thinking a tummy bug aggravated by the pregnancy, but oh well.
They immediately referred her for a surgical consultation which led to an ultrasound which in turn led to not getting home until 9.30 p.m.!!! Susi was feeling much better by then and is feeling better now as we sit and wait for the results of the emergency ultrasound the surgeon considered so urgent. Trust me, I am glad they wanted to make sure everything was totally fine. In fact, the OBG´s office already called this morning to check on her. It was just very long and unexpected.
On a positive note, I got to interact with a lot of the staff at this new practice and found everyone to be very, very pleasant. They all were trying to muster up their very little Spanish to try and connect directly to Susi. It was a good chance to see them care for a patient who wasn´t me and so I believe this will be the team that will assist on our baby´s birth. I do have an appointment with them on Monday, so unless something terribly drastic happened our mind is set. I believe we will get the best of the two worlds (midwife-obstetrician) in one combo and it will be much closer to home thus relieving our already tight gas budget.
As for Susi, we are waiting to be told what happens next. Ohh, yeah and as to what a Guatemalan craves for pregnancy... it may be very simple but unusual like pineapple with salt, tons of lime on meat, chicken, fruit... I guess salt and lime are a big factor.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thankful:
Today I am thankful for
:: A husband whose calling doesn't take him away from home as much as others. He is with us so much more than I show appreciation for.
:: A husband whose heart loves the Lord so strongly he is not ashamed to admit his faults and ask for forgiveness from the girls and me. I have learned so much from his humble heart!
:: A little girl who is showing more and more understanding and compassion to the little one and the unborn baby.
:: A sweet girl who loves snuggling and gives her love and admiration freely to Mami and Daddy.
:: A strong willed two-year-old whose life contentment is in sleeping with her little arms tightly wrapped around my neck and her little body technically on top of me.
:: Opening my eyes every morning to a sweet little face stroking mine or smothering me with kisses, she is sweet as she is strong!
:: The fact that we have been able to buy a few new items of clothing for each member of this household even when we have an extra mouth to feed and our income seems to be below our expenses. God IS faithful even when it doesn't make sense.
:: Sharing a pregnancy not only with a relative but with a friend who appreciates (understands and shares!!) every one of this Guatemalan's cravings!
:: Having the "problem" of trying to figure out how to accommodate so many people who are planning to visit from Guatemala throughout the fall and winter. We are so loved!
:: A husband whose calling doesn't take him away from home as much as others. He is with us so much more than I show appreciation for.
:: A husband whose heart loves the Lord so strongly he is not ashamed to admit his faults and ask for forgiveness from the girls and me. I have learned so much from his humble heart!
:: A little girl who is showing more and more understanding and compassion to the little one and the unborn baby.
:: A sweet girl who loves snuggling and gives her love and admiration freely to Mami and Daddy.
:: A strong willed two-year-old whose life contentment is in sleeping with her little arms tightly wrapped around my neck and her little body technically on top of me.
:: Opening my eyes every morning to a sweet little face stroking mine or smothering me with kisses, she is sweet as she is strong!
:: The fact that we have been able to buy a few new items of clothing for each member of this household even when we have an extra mouth to feed and our income seems to be below our expenses. God IS faithful even when it doesn't make sense.
:: Sharing a pregnancy not only with a relative but with a friend who appreciates (understands and shares!!) every one of this Guatemalan's cravings!
:: Having the "problem" of trying to figure out how to accommodate so many people who are planning to visit from Guatemala throughout the fall and winter. We are so loved!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Today
I am definitely NOT 19 weeks pregnant, I am 26 but for some reason the widget regressed. I changed it already but the changes are just not reflecting on the blog, so sorry about that.
On another note, please support my husband as he undertakes his marathon. Click on this link to read about the marathon and see if you can support him!
On another note, please support my husband as he undertakes his marathon. Click on this link to read about the marathon and see if you can support him!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Findings
After a couple of months of reading I find myself satisfied, prepared and even excited for this upcoming birth. As I reported earlier, I had decided to go on a new quest. I admit I probably didn't even read half of the material out there. But since that post I have read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and The Birth Book, by Dr. Sears, in that order.
I was quite enthralled by Ina May's book and really enjoyed learning all that she had to teach. However, at the end of the book I felt a little disappointed because, of course, as a midwife, she strongly supports home births and birthing centers. Not that she has anything negative to say about hospitals and doctors but her experience is limited to free standing birthing (no hospitals involved). Since neither of those is a choice for me, I felt like I had no way to transpose the approach to a hospital setting.
Because I was very much satisfied with the material and didn't think there could be much more new to learn. However, Dr. Sears' book was being held at the library for me and upon returning the first, they immediately remembered I had another one waiting. I took it and figured I'd browse through it and return it right away. Well, I have renewed the book twice already. Most of the information is the same as in Ina May's. Even though he is a doctor and his wife was an obstetrics nurse and they actually encourage strongly home birth or at least a free standing birthing center with a midwife to assist and that an obstetrician should be invited only when medical intervention is required. They speak from their own experiences both in birthing and assisting births. They have a high respect for the medical institution and hospitals but they also have seven biological children and an adopted daughter whose delivery they both assisted. Because of this they understand how hospital routines can become a hindrance to an all natural labor and delivery.
They do not bash any systems but they help you choose what is more convenient according to your own ideals for birth. They make very useful suggestions in how to state your preferences in a respectful way that will encourage your doctor and hospital staff instead of making you come across as a know-it-all who has no respect for the practitioner. So, in reading the Sears book I was able to figure out a way to make the hospital work for me without feeling like I'm going to be perceived as an unfriendly patient.
Our plan continues to be laboring at home for as long as it is possible but now we have the tools we need in the event we got to the hospital too early. This week a final decision will be made as to hospital and practitioner. We've only been holding on for the last hospital tour on Tuesday and as I accompany my cousin to her new OB/practice I'll be watching and taking my own mental notes. I currently have scheduled appointments at both practices but Ben and I have agreed that after Wednesday we will decide and cancel the one we don't favor. I'll keep you posted!
I was quite enthralled by Ina May's book and really enjoyed learning all that she had to teach. However, at the end of the book I felt a little disappointed because, of course, as a midwife, she strongly supports home births and birthing centers. Not that she has anything negative to say about hospitals and doctors but her experience is limited to free standing birthing (no hospitals involved). Since neither of those is a choice for me, I felt like I had no way to transpose the approach to a hospital setting.
Because I was very much satisfied with the material and didn't think there could be much more new to learn. However, Dr. Sears' book was being held at the library for me and upon returning the first, they immediately remembered I had another one waiting. I took it and figured I'd browse through it and return it right away. Well, I have renewed the book twice already. Most of the information is the same as in Ina May's. Even though he is a doctor and his wife was an obstetrics nurse and they actually encourage strongly home birth or at least a free standing birthing center with a midwife to assist and that an obstetrician should be invited only when medical intervention is required. They speak from their own experiences both in birthing and assisting births. They have a high respect for the medical institution and hospitals but they also have seven biological children and an adopted daughter whose delivery they both assisted. Because of this they understand how hospital routines can become a hindrance to an all natural labor and delivery.
They do not bash any systems but they help you choose what is more convenient according to your own ideals for birth. They make very useful suggestions in how to state your preferences in a respectful way that will encourage your doctor and hospital staff instead of making you come across as a know-it-all who has no respect for the practitioner. So, in reading the Sears book I was able to figure out a way to make the hospital work for me without feeling like I'm going to be perceived as an unfriendly patient.
Our plan continues to be laboring at home for as long as it is possible but now we have the tools we need in the event we got to the hospital too early. This week a final decision will be made as to hospital and practitioner. We've only been holding on for the last hospital tour on Tuesday and as I accompany my cousin to her new OB/practice I'll be watching and taking my own mental notes. I currently have scheduled appointments at both practices but Ben and I have agreed that after Wednesday we will decide and cancel the one we don't favor. I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Quiet...
I know I´ve been quiet. It has been partly due to the busy-ness of the season and partly due to a lack of inspiration. I´ve even been slow in taking pictures!
We did have a fun day at Six Flags though and here are a very, very few pictures to prove it!
Then they switched to boats,
which they were both big enough to go on by themselves.
Sporting Daddy´s sunglasses.
Waiting for a show to begin.
Some things to point out about this summer is that both girls have decided to stop calling Ben "Papi", he suddenly has become "Daddy". I, on the other hand, respond to various different names throughout the day including but not limited to: "Sister", "pretend little girl" (literally, Elena will randomly walk towards me and address me like that), "sweethat" (that one is literal as well), and some variations of Mami.
Adriana has suddenly turned into a very avid eater... however, she eats more off of my plate than her own. She suddenly LOVES rice, so much she is quite content with having that alone for a meal. We were having dinner last night and I still had some food on my plate. As has been becoming her custom, she began trying to climb on my lap. Trying to persuade her Ben said "Sweetie, Mami doesn´t have a lap anymore with the baby in her belly". Without even slowing down she kept on her attempt until she was satisfied and said, "Mami´s lap is right here, Daddy!" Hoping to finish my own plate of food I said "Why don´t you go sit on Daddy´s lap for a while?", she looked at me, stood on my lap and leaned towards Ben´s end of the table, looked on his plate and replied, "Daddy´s all done".
After naps, yesterday we were snuggling in my bed when Elena realized the baby was moving. Her eyes grew bigger and she exclaimed, "Mami, the baby is pushing herself out!!! I think her wants to come out play with her toys" (Yes, she does say very surely that my baby is a girl). I explained that the baby still has some growing to do before they can come out and play and then I went on to talk about the plans for the afternoon. When I said it was time to get out of bed and come downstairs Elena said, very concerned, "Mami, no! If you stand up your baby will fall out and her will fall bump down the stairs! We have to stay in bed for your baby wants to come out!"
We did have a fun day at Six Flags though and here are a very, very few pictures to prove it!
Ben is in every picture because pregnant ladies aren´t allowed on these rides.
It was such a thrill they did it again!
Then they switched to boats,
which they were both big enough to go on by themselves.
Sporting Daddy´s sunglasses.
Waiting for a show to begin.
Some things to point out about this summer is that both girls have decided to stop calling Ben "Papi", he suddenly has become "Daddy". I, on the other hand, respond to various different names throughout the day including but not limited to: "Sister", "pretend little girl" (literally, Elena will randomly walk towards me and address me like that), "sweethat" (that one is literal as well), and some variations of Mami.
Adriana has suddenly turned into a very avid eater... however, she eats more off of my plate than her own. She suddenly LOVES rice, so much she is quite content with having that alone for a meal. We were having dinner last night and I still had some food on my plate. As has been becoming her custom, she began trying to climb on my lap. Trying to persuade her Ben said "Sweetie, Mami doesn´t have a lap anymore with the baby in her belly". Without even slowing down she kept on her attempt until she was satisfied and said, "Mami´s lap is right here, Daddy!" Hoping to finish my own plate of food I said "Why don´t you go sit on Daddy´s lap for a while?", she looked at me, stood on my lap and leaned towards Ben´s end of the table, looked on his plate and replied, "Daddy´s all done".
After naps, yesterday we were snuggling in my bed when Elena realized the baby was moving. Her eyes grew bigger and she exclaimed, "Mami, the baby is pushing herself out!!! I think her wants to come out play with her toys" (Yes, she does say very surely that my baby is a girl). I explained that the baby still has some growing to do before they can come out and play and then I went on to talk about the plans for the afternoon. When I said it was time to get out of bed and come downstairs Elena said, very concerned, "Mami, no! If you stand up your baby will fall out and her will fall bump down the stairs! We have to stay in bed for your baby wants to come out!"
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Are things complicated or am I?
We went to do the "Expectant Parents Tour" to St. Peter´s Hospital. We already liked the hospital but decided to check it out a bit more before choosing our doctor. After all, the drive to the doctor´s office is almost an hour and we want to be wise with our gas budget and although we had checked if they worked with Susi´s insurance, it turns out they don´t. That leaves our choices at having two different doctors or finding another one altogether.
*The tour: we liked the hospital, as we expected. However, their tubs are temporarily (as in indefinitely) unavailable!
*The alternative: My old doctor gave a couple recommendations to chose from. One of them happens to take Susi´s insurance, has a midwife based practice (according to the website you don´t see the doctor unless you have a complication). What had discouraged us from contacting them was the hospital where they deliver.
Upon closing of the maternity in St. Clare´s, where the girls were born, all births in that county were centralized in Bellevue, where this doctor attends. We loved St. Clare´s because of their more natural approach to the whole process. We felt more trusted as the parents of the new baby and we were encouraged to keep the baby with us at all times. Only once did they take my babies and that was for a few minutes while they did the pediatric evaluation on them several hours after birth. From all we´ve seen, Bellevue can tend to be more on the "medical" end of their approach and I didn´t want to feel like I had to come in and fight for things I didn´t want. Added to the list of cons is the fact that with all the births of the county concentrated in that one place they aren´t guaranteeing private rooms, so they can´t promise someone can stay with you, so we were happy to steer away from that and go have our baby without having to "fight" or face raised eyebrows for our preferences.
*Our third alternative is much closer for prenatal appts but it´s the longest drive for the hospital, all the way to Cooperstown.
So, am I too complicated to decide on a hospital? or doctor, for that matter? I know so many people who aren´t even concerned about visiting the hospital before the baby is born and everything works just fine for them... I wonder, am I really making too much of nothing?
*The tour: we liked the hospital, as we expected. However, their tubs are temporarily (as in indefinitely) unavailable!
*The alternative: My old doctor gave a couple recommendations to chose from. One of them happens to take Susi´s insurance, has a midwife based practice (according to the website you don´t see the doctor unless you have a complication). What had discouraged us from contacting them was the hospital where they deliver.
Upon closing of the maternity in St. Clare´s, where the girls were born, all births in that county were centralized in Bellevue, where this doctor attends. We loved St. Clare´s because of their more natural approach to the whole process. We felt more trusted as the parents of the new baby and we were encouraged to keep the baby with us at all times. Only once did they take my babies and that was for a few minutes while they did the pediatric evaluation on them several hours after birth. From all we´ve seen, Bellevue can tend to be more on the "medical" end of their approach and I didn´t want to feel like I had to come in and fight for things I didn´t want. Added to the list of cons is the fact that with all the births of the county concentrated in that one place they aren´t guaranteeing private rooms, so they can´t promise someone can stay with you, so we were happy to steer away from that and go have our baby without having to "fight" or face raised eyebrows for our preferences.
*Our third alternative is much closer for prenatal appts but it´s the longest drive for the hospital, all the way to Cooperstown.
So, am I too complicated to decide on a hospital? or doctor, for that matter? I know so many people who aren´t even concerned about visiting the hospital before the baby is born and everything works just fine for them... I wonder, am I really making too much of nothing?
Monday, August 04, 2008
A face to the name... and some just for fun!
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Susi, my cousin.
A bit of family fun
Posing together... doesn't Ben look great?!
An attempt at a family picture.
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