Our Five Ring Circus: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Surgery Update

We spent a very long day at the hospital. I went to bed at midnight, and was up at 5:00. My sisters and I got to the hospital before 7, and didn't get home until after 5. We are all exhausted after a long day of waiting.

My dad had surgery on his carotid arteries this morning. It initially went well, but he suffered a mini stroke and had really low blood pressure while in recovery, so he had to go to the ICU. It was so difficult to see him after the surgery. He was completely miserable, and the incision in his neck is from his ear to the middle of his throat. His mobility is coming back, but they are going to continue to monitor him because of his heart condition.

Right now, he's not feeling up to having the bypass done this week. He will spend a day or two in the hospital, then come home to recover. The bypass will most likely be scheduled for next week. I honestly can't wait until this is all over. Today was very difficult, and I know that next week will be even worse. I just want him to feel better!

Grant did a great job as Mr. Mom today. I offered to switch roles with him for a while! ;) I am officially 13 weeks today, but my pregnancy post is going to have to wait until tomorrow. I need to get some sleep first!

I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers sent his way!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Weekend In Pictures (and words)

Friday: As soon as Dylan got off the bus, we dropped the kids off at my sister's house. They were so excited to play with their cousins. We met our good friend, Father Rob, at a Mexican restaurant. I wish I hadn't been so nauseous. The mexican rice and beans were really good, but I couldn't handle the tacos too well...can't wait to go back when I'm feeling better! After that, we headed into Pittsburgh to see the musical, Cats. The show was wonderful, and we had a great time with Rob. (Even while trekking through the city while it was freezing out!)

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Saturday: I had a really bad morning sickness day, so I canceled my plans for the afternoon, and relaxed at home. That evening, we went to our friend's son's birthday party. Dylan had a great time with his buddies, while Lexie hid in the corner (sometimes while trying to escape the adorable Logan's hugs). Happy Birthday, Dom! Back at home, they were more than happy to play with our pet snake.

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Sunday: I took Dylan to a birthday party for his classmate. I think Dylan was already a bit worn out from our busy weekend, but he had fun! After that, we visited my parents. It was their 31st anniversary today! Today was the last time the kids were going to be able to play with my dad for a while. His first surgery is in the morning.

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We had a fun weekend! I have to get to bed soon, because we're leaving for the hospital at 6 AM. I'm going to try to post my 13 week pregnancy update and an update on my dad tomorrow evening! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

Friday, January 28, 2011

CSN Stores Review

I am a huge fan of CSN Stores, and was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to do a product review! CSN Stores has more than 200 online stores. You can find anything from swingsets to baby strollers to shoes!

With so much to choose from, I'm not quite sure what to pick. I can't wait to share my review with you!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

One Tired Mama

To my sweet girl:

You sure are cute.

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But not at 4:45 AM.

I am so thankful that you have always loved to sleep, and that those "bad" nights are rare. But last night? So not cool. It's perfectly acceptable that you had to use the bathroom. The fact that you played and talked loudly in your bed until 6:50 AM was completely unacceptable. Especially since you fell back asleep just minutes before mommy had to get out of bed.

Let's not do that again, okay?

Love,

Your exhausted mommy who can't have caffeine and had to watch a teething baby all day

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Calm To Chaos

Today was our last peaceful day before life gets crazy. Then again, who am I kidding? My life is always crazy! It's just going to get a bit crazier.

With the exception of Dylan going to school, we spent a quiet day at home. Doing quiet things. Most of the time.

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Tomorrow is the start of all the busyness. I have to babysit all day, and the kids have a playdate with my best friend's boys. Dylan actually has a day off school, and is looking forward to playing with his friends!

On Friday, Grant and I are going out to dinner and attending a musical with our good friend, Father Rob. We are really looking forward to it!

I'm spending the day with my parents on Saturday, because it's the last chance we'll get to spend with my dad before his surgeries. After that, he has almost 2 months of recovery before he'll be back to normal. Saturday night, we are going to a birthday party/dinner at our friend's house.

On Sunday, I have to take Dylan to a classmate's birthday party at noon, and then we are visiting Grant's family.

My dad has his surgery on Monday morning. We are all very scared, including him. He has blocked carotid arteries along with needing a triple bypass. That really complicates things. The surgeons determined that they will operate on his carotid arteries first, because if they wait until 10 weeks after the bypass to do them, it is very likely that he would have a stroke. The scary thing is that he is most likely going to have a heart attack while they are doing the operation on the carotid arteries. To say that I'm terrified of something going very wrong is an understatement. He will have the bypass done shortly after that surgery (possibly the following day). Please keep my dad and my family in your thoughts and prayers!

As I mentioned, he will have a difficult 6-7 week recovery after the surgeries, and won't be able to drive until he recovers. My mom does not drive (a long, albeit, funny story), so a few of my siblings and I have to get her to and from work, all the while making sure my dad is taken care of.

The next few months are going to be long and busy, and I'm not sure when I'm going to get a break!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Tuesday Tidbits

Tuesday Tidbits is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{1} Every night before bed, Dylan tells me, "I hope you and your baby feel better!"

{2} Lexie likes to tell me, "You are my sweet cupcake!"

{3} Dylan always comforts his sister when she's sad.

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{4} Lexie loves to dig in the snow, while waiting for Dylan's bus.

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{5} Dylan runs to join her as soon as he gets off the bus.

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{6} Lexie says bizzy for dizzy. She'll spin around, and then declare, "I am so bizzy!"

{7} The kids use their "superbreath" at mealtimes to cool down their food.

{8} My little man is a complete ham, and will happily pose for any picture!

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{9} Upon hearing that her friend Jack wanted to marry her, Lexie said, "I think I'll throw up if I have I marry a boy!" A few days later, she changed her mind.

{10} One day, while snuggling with Lexie, she told me, "Um, excuse me, you're squishing me."

{11} One morning after getting out of bed, Lexie said, "Somethings wrong with me. I'm walking funny!"

{12} When Dylan is concerned about something, he tells me, "My stomach is worried."

{13} My kids have cabin fever. Big time.

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Monday, January 24, 2011

12 Weeks

I had a few questions about what hyperemesis is, so I figured I'd answer that now. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of morning sickness, with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. Only about 3% of women experience this fun condition. I had it with both Dylan and Lexie, and I am equally as sick with this baby. The only difference so far, is that I haven't had to get an IV yet! If this pregnancy continues to be like my other two, it will most likely linger until delivery day, although it will lessen in severity after week 20.

DATE:
January 24, 2011

How far along:
12 weeks

Total Weight Gained:
None.

How big is baby? Nugget is just over 2 inches long and weighs half an ounce. He/She is about the size of a lime.

How baby is growing: Nugget's fingers will soon begin to open and close, the toes will curl, the eye muscles will clench, and his/her mouth will make sucking movements. The intestines will start to move into the abdominal cavity, and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into the bladder. Nerve cells are multiplying rapidly. Nugget's face looks unquestionably human: The eyes have moved from the sides to the front of the head, and the ears are right where they should be.

Maternity Clothes: Not yet.

Sleep: I'm waking up more often to use the bathroom at night.

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week:
Looking at baby gear. We don't need much, but there are a few things we need to buy. Thanks to some awesome friends of ours, we no longer need a new highchair!

Movement
: Feeling flutters, but only when I'm completely still.

Food Cravings: Nothing.

Food Aversions:
Everything, especially drinks. I'm just eating to survive right now.

Morning Sickness:
It seems like it just gets worse every week.

Gender:
Unknown, and not finding out!

Symptoms:
Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, crying, stomach issues, and I need to go to the bathroom all the time!

Exercise: Running 3-4 days a week. I'm keeping up with it while I can. I'm not allowed to do more than 2 miles at a time, due to the morning sickness.

What I miss:
Eating, and not worrying about whether I'm going to throw up or not.

What I'm looking forward to:
Feeling Nugget move more, and feeling better!

12 Week Picture:

Not much to see other than a huge, ahem, chest, and some goofy kids! They totally hijacked my photo session this week. ;)

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

AFC Champs!!!

Here, in the heart of Steeler country, we are celebrating...because Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl!!!

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Go Steelers!!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Lucky

I admit, the past few days I've been very down and irritable. I've had extreme morning sickness (hyperemesis) for over 7 weeks. I don't talk much about it, because I don't want to seem like I'm complaining, but I'm at the point where it's really starting to drain me. It's a difficult, lonely place to be in, and not many people truly understand what it's like.

I had hyperemesis with both Dylan and Lexie, and I remember having those moments where I didn't think I could do it anymore.

The truth is, every single moment of the horrible nausea was worth it. I am reminded of that every time they smile.

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I am already in love with the little baby that is making me so sick, and I know that one day in the near future, his/her smile will light up a room, too.

Every day, I look at my kids, and I wonder, "How did I get so lucky?"

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The days may be long and exhausting, but when I feel the flutters at night, it reminds me that I am blessed.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Today

{1} Dylan came home from school, excited to show me his card from Hazel. Ah, young love!

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{2} The rain has kept us indoors. This means I have to provide lots of messy activities for Lexie, to keep her from getting bored.

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{3} Dylan actually let Lexie join in on his afternoon Wii game. She was thrilled!

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{4} I managed to get Lexie into jeans again. This time we had to revert to the compromise: tutu over the jeans.

{5} I spent less than $20 on Dylan's monthly book order. That's a first! We love books, and I'm more than happy to buy them!

{6} My dad had some pre-surgical tests done today. He is scheduled to get his carotid arteries cleared on the 31st. He will stay overnight, and if they think he recovered well, he will stay in the hospital for the triple bypass surgery. If he needs more time to recover, he will be sent home, and the bypass surgery will be scheduled later. I'm really nervous and worried about it!

{7} I think we need a new furnace. It has been stinking up the house for the past few days. It's really old, though, so it may be time.

{8} The all-day sickness is really hard to deal with today. I feel like I've had a stomach virus for over 7 weeks.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Prince Charming

Dylan has always been a ladies man. He is a charmer, and loves taking care of the girls! His current love interest is Hazel.

Dylan met Hazel this school year, on the bus. Not only do they ride the bus together, but they are in the same Kindergarten class. Dylan and Hazel have been growing closer over the past few months...as of last Friday, their relationship moved to a new level.

Dylan climbed off the bus, beaming. "Mommy!" He said breathlessly. "Me and Hazel. We're in love!"

A few minutes later, he added, "We're always hugging. I love her. I want to get her a special Valentine."

Over the weekend, he told everybody about his girlfriend, Hazel, and how much he loved her. Every time he spoke of her, the happiest smile crossed his face! He did buy her a special Valentine: a miniature Valentine's Day snow globe.

This morning, he carefully packed the snow globe and a love letter in his backpack. He drew a picture of the two of them together, and left her a message on the top. I couldn't quite figure out what it said. The letters were abbreviations for words, and it was a secret. I guess I'll never know exactly what it says!

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One day, Dylan is going to make somebody very happy. If he continues to be as loving, compassionate, kind, and polite as he is now, he is going to be quite a catch!

As for now, he's going to capture the hearts of many little girls.

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This girl, on the other hand, is going to be a heartbreaker. She may look sweet, but she's a tough little girl, and doesn't take anybody's crap! Future boyfriends beware! (Yes, she is wearing jeans. That was a feat! And, yes, we still have Halloween candy. Lots of it.)

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Monday, January 17, 2011

11 Weeks

DATE: January 17, 2011

How far along:
11 weeks

Total Weight Gained:
None.

How big is baby? About the size of a fig. Nugget is just over 1 1/2 inches long.

How baby is growing: Nugget is almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

Maternity Clothes: No. My regular pants are still loose.

Sleep: I only wake up once during the night. I'm still sleeping great!

Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week:
Feeling flutters, and getting a onesie for Nugget!

Movement
: Definitely feeling little flutters, but only when I'm in bed at night.

Food Cravings: Nothing.

Food Aversions:
Everything, especially drinks. I'm just eating to survive right now.

Morning Sickness:
It's still going strong, and I still take Zofran every day.

Gender:
Unknown, and not finding out!

Symptoms:
Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, crying, and stomachaches (thanks to ahem, constipation). I've also felt a few tiny Braxton Hick's contractions-which my OB expected, since they started early with both kids.

Exercise: I'm still running, and following my OB's guidelines. I had to give up pilates and power yoga, so I'm hoping I can keep running for a while! I know once my belly gets big, I'll have to slow down to a walk.

What I miss:
Enjoying the taste of food.

What I'm looking forward to:
Feeling Nugget's movements get stronger, and feeling better!

11 week picture, courtesy of Dylan!

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Dylan was off of school today, and the kidlets spent the day in their pajamas!

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Parties and Dinners and Football, Oh My

We had an incredibly busy weekend full of parties, family dinners, fun with friends, and LOTS of football!

On Friday, my sister Andrea watched the kids so Grant and I could attend his work party. The were so excited to go play with their cousins, and were waiting very impatiently while we got ready.

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The party was held at a restaurant/pub, and it was nice to go out without the kids for a few hours. Our good friend now works with Grant, so he and his wife were there, too. I was happy to have Amber to talk to! After a few hours, we headed back to my sister's house to pick up the kids. We visited for about an hour before heading home.

On Saturday, Grant had plans with his friends, so I visited my parents. My parents have a huge cat, and Lexie is in love with him. Every time we visit, she insists on getting cat whiskers painted on her face. I hope the I'm-a-cat phase ends soon. ;)

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That night, we went to my sister Jen's house for dinner and to watch the Steelers game. The kids love to play with their older cousins! My niece and nephew actually cooked the majority of the meal, because they love to cook. It was delicious! I think I may need to borrow them for a while! After dinner, they took the kids sledding. Yes, I'll definitely need to borrow them!

The Steelers game was rough at first, and hard to watch at times...

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...but they really bounced back in the second half! The result? A roomful of happy people!!!

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Way to go, Steelers!!!

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Lexie had a great time bonding with my sister's puppy. Cutest. puppy. ever.

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We headed home with a car filled with crying kids, who didn't want to leave their cousins! Luckily, the tears stopped when they were able to dig into the new presents from some of their aunts!

Today, we visited Grant's family. The kids played with PapPap, while the rest of us talked and watched another football game.

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Once home, a bunch of friends came over to watch the last game. I had a great time talking with my friend, Amber (thanks for the Star Wars onesie for Nugget!), while the kids played with friends!

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Amber and I eventually joined the guys, and I have to say, it was great watching the Jets beat the Pats! Although, we now have to cheer against the Jets, since we play them next weekend!!!

It was a really fun weekend. Thank goodness Dylan doesn't have school tomorrow, because I need to recover! That means, I'll spend the day getting my house back in order!