The roller coaster of life...

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day...

2010-10-15T14:12:00.004-05:00

October 15 has been declared as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance day is a day to support, educate and make aware of the grieving parents worldwide. Please go visit www.October15th.com website for more details. (Images taken from http://www.october15th.com/).

I know it is hard, and too all those grieving parents myself included. Today is your day to shine a light to remember those that lost a baby either born or unborn. I myself lost 2 babies early on during my pregnancies.

My heart goes out to all of you grieving the loss of a child

May you find comfort and love around with a warm wave of glowing candles.

MPS Challenge Fathers' Day

2010-05-28T17:57:00.001-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #6

2010-05-03T21:18:00.003-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #5

2010-05-03T21:16:00.001-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #4

2010-05-03T21:14:00.001-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #10

2010-05-02T21:24:00.002-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #7

2010-05-02T21:21:00.001-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #11

2010-05-01T22:15:00.002-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #9

2010-05-01T22:11:00.001-05:00

This actually forms into a box...

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #8

2010-05-01T22:06:00.001-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #2

2010-05-01T12:27:00.002-05:00

National Scrapbook Day Challenge #1

2010-05-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Pink/Green and Black

2010-04-11T22:35:00.003-05:00

I tried supper hard to make this very pretty.. It is a card for a contest but I missed it by 30 minuets.. Oh well it was fun and I think it looks great.. I used my Gypsy and my cricut machine. The card fold at the top.

Peek a Boo...

2010-03-05T18:03:00.002-06:00

Peek A boo here I am. Genevieve is getting really big. At her 15 month check up she weighed in at 20 lbs 9 oz, 25-50% 31 1/2" tall 50-70%, and man her head was 17 3/4 95%. So does that mean she will have a lot of brains? Just like her Daddy? She love to do stuff around the house. She loves the play with the Elmo's restaurant that my parents gave her for Christmas. She will act like she is making something and then serves to you. She loves to repeat what ever you do. She acts like she is "yelling" at the dog. She gives her an ear full. Oh wait she does the same to me. She loves to "smack" her lips. She is so darn cute. As her daddy says, "you stink of cuteness".
She has developed her own personality that is for sure. She can be supper ornery one minute and then sweet as can be the next.
She loves to eat (except when she has the stomach bug). We are still nursing - completely off a bottle. She is doing better sipping from a cup with a straw in it. She will normally take the straw out and throw it on the ground and then tip the cup over.
We have been able to change her bed time routine and she for the most part sleeps through the night. Thanks to a "sound" machine.
She has really been a joy for the past 16 + months.

Happy 1st Birthday Genevieve

2009-10-18T19:40:00.003-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday sweet little girl.

Genevieve went for her 1 year check up the other day.

Weight 18 lbs 14.5 oz
Height 28"
Head size - 18 1/8 "

According to the Dr. she looks good. Dr. said you can now give her table food. UM hello -- she has been eating mainly table food since she was 9 months old.

Wow everyone wasn't kidding when they say they grow up fast. It seems like yesterday I was suffering through morning sickness on my way to Tyler TX for storm duty. I can't believe how quickly you have grown up.

You have changed your daddy's and my world! Who would of ever imagined that your little fingers would of been completely wrapped our your Daddy and I.
I love watching your Daddy play with you, dance with you, and even tell you no. It is the cutest thing. I love it when you try to eat the table -- and your daddy puts his hand down and you just go and pull his arm hair. I love your sweet little laugh.
I love your "FACE" -- you know the ones that are sweet, angry, cute, ornery, innocent, and most of all your smiling.

In the short year you have learned how to do allot of stuff -
You love to make AaaaaWWWAAA noise with your mouth and hand - (except your hand is backwards).
You love to chase the doggie and play with her toys.
You love to horde goldfish (or any other food) in your chubby little cheeks.
You love to dance with your daddy
You love to play Where's Genevieve?

You have learned how to give an object out of your mouth
You have learned how to wave good bye and hi
You have learned how to do a "farmer's blow" (Thanks Daddy)
You have learned how to almost walk on your own.

Wow you have done a lot in your short little life. May you continue to keep learning each and every day.

We have endured a lot of stuff to get you and are thankful every day for you.

You eating your "birthday cake aka a cup cake" was so sweet. One sprinkle at a time!

Sweet Baby Girl - Happy 1st Birthday to you.

Love,

MOM and DAD

Rubber stamp giveaway

2009-09-18T21:27:00.001-05:00

If you a rubber stamp fan - check out the cool giveaway for DeNami stamps.

They have some really cute rubber stamps -my favorite - "CHICKIE" they are so cute.

http://denami.blogspot.com/2009/09/gift-certificate-giveaway.html

Random

2009-08-29T16:24:00.004-05:00

Wow Genevieve is now over 10 Months old.
She truly amazes me each and every day. The little one seems to pick up stuff so quickly.
Today for example she started curling her tongue - she loved it. She thought it was so funny to imitate her daddy (oops I mean mommy).

She also watched the lady p/u toys at My-gy.m today and helped her. Yes, really she helped she put them in the bucket.
Speaking of My-gy.m she really seemed to have fun there today. She thinks it was better than some other indoor play area (something to do w/ a Jungle and Coffee name). Why? Probably because at My-gy.m she didn't get kicked in the face by older kids playing in the under 3 area.

Hubby and I have reflected on the past months and noticed she has done more things in her little 10 months of life than some people do.

She has been to
Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
She has spent several nights in hotels.
She has been to 2 water parks, several swimming pools.
The Zoo
Holland MI,
Frankenmuth Mi,
Greenfield village, and Henry Ford Museum
and the Woodward dream cruise parade.

Wow --just to name a few and the adventures are just beginning.

She is doing really well - though some days I wonder about her sleep patterns. She will take a great nap and wake up the next morning EARLY.. Very Early.
She eats like a true champion - loves avocados (people in restaurants look at us weird for feeding her avocados).
She also likes squash, pasta, chicken. Just to name a few. She has had a whole array of food.

I just found this website for little bows -- can't wait to order some.
http://www.bittybowsboutique.com/

I also have found that face book is very very addicting. I registered only after a few of my friends asked me to so we could keep in touch. I did and now I find myself searching for old friends..

OK well baby is awake better go -- I'm also hosting my neighborhood monthly scrapbook (aka -- women's night out) party tonight so I need to get stuff done for that.

9 months and independant....

2009-07-21T14:50:00.003-05:00

Oh how time really does fly by. Genevieve is now 9 months old (give or take a few days).
She has done so much in her little life.

She acts like she is such a big girl - and oh don't you dare "confine" me -- I want to be free. I am an independent lady she says.

She is doing really well.

We went to the Dr. this morning for her 9 month check up - and one shot.
She weighs 17 lbs
Is 26 3/4 " long
Her head is over 17"

While she appears to be long and skinny - she is hiding her "fat" on her little thighs. They are huge. People are always commenting on how she doesn't appear to miss a meal.

Genevieve can:

Sit up all by herself
Undress herself (yes she has figured out how to remove her shirts)
CRAWL -- supper fast and don't you stop me either (she says).
SCREAM very loudly
Sleep through the night
Pick up the tinest piece of dirt on the ground (why did I buy an expensive -- vacuum?)
Can make the basement look like a tornando came through it.
Make you play pick me up/put me down about 100 times and laugh each time you comply.
Eat "big" people food (chicken, watermelon, avacado).
Say momma, and "hi"
Shake my head no - and bobble up and down (how funny).

Oh I am sure there is much more but I am not going to list them all.

Genevieve is still nursing - she hasn't figured out how the sippy cup works yet, though.

She loves to Dance with her daddy just before bed time. It is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She just takes his hand (she tries to lead) and daddy spins her around the floor. It is so precious. I love to watch S. with her -- they are great. She laughs at the sillest things (and I just smile).

As for the dog and the baby.. Well we are now becoming friends. She tries to crawl to her and the dog just sits there, but when G tries to pull Nikita's hair she leaves. G - has discovered the dog bowls (water and food) - oh she likes to tip them over. The dog just comes a running thinking your going to take her food away.
Don't worry - we watch them both very well - to make sure the doggie doesn't get jealous that the baby is taking her food.
Nikita never has been jealous but we will not try it now, either.

Ok baby nap is over.

Happy 9 months Miss Genevieve, you have changed our lives for the BETTER!! WE both love you sweet heart.

Genevieve is 6 months old

2009-04-29T20:07:00.002-05:00

Oh where has the time gone? Genevieve is now a little of 6 months old.

Last week we went to the dr.

She now is 26" long (daddy says your almost taller than mommy).
She weighs in at 15 lbs 4 oz.
Her head is 17 1/2"

She is doing well with the reflux, although Dr. wants to keep her on the axid for a few more months.

She is in the normal range for her height, and head, but dr. says she is under weight? Hello have you checked out her rolls? How is she under weight? By how much?
Well according to the Dr. she would of liked her to of doubled birth weight and be closer to 17 lbs. Wow..

So here was the conversation w/ the dr.

Dr.: What are you feeding her?
Me: Well I fee her the boobs on demand (although some days it feels like all the time). I have been feeding her veggies (orange and yellows) in the evenings. (Per your 4 month notes).
Dr: What about rice cereal?
Me: What about it?
Dr: Your suppose to be feeding her rice cereal, with veggies.
Me: Really?
Dr: Yes --
Me: Ok well I didn't know -- I thought once she was on orange/yellows that I didn't have to feed her rice cereal.
Dr: Nope.
Me: Well I guess then I'm the reason she is under weight.
Dr. Hmmm

OK my thoughts about that was I was following her nutrition notes exactly as she wrote them. Nothing mentioned about rice cereal and veggies.

Ok now Dr. told me to start giving her fruits.

She questioned why we hadn't done it before now. Well my daughter didn't seem ready for solids just yet. At 5 1/2 months she just started eating veggies. You told me to feed her those for a week, and then change the veggie to another kind, repeat. Well we have only made it to 3 orange/yellow veggies.

So now that I know that I am suppose to be giving her fruits/ cereal at breakfast (mid day), and cereal and veggies in the evening she might just pudgy up some more.

Dr. then also advised me to get her on 2ND foods -- and to feed her 3 times a day w/ 1-2 oz of water.
Wow --

As far as other stuff goes, she can roll over from front to back, and back to front. She follows a flashlight well (especially when we go and wake up daddy on the weekends and lay in bed w/ him -- we like that flash light game he plays).
She can sit upright w/o assistance (don't even try to help me she says -I'm a big girl).
She has started to sleep w/o being swaddled, well kinda, we are now using a sleep sack. I guess we are cheating too -one arm in one arm out. Hey it works so don't knock it, right?
We are starting to sleep until at least 5:45 OR 6:00ish. Yes!!
She laughs for 10 minutes when you play with the dogs toys. (Only 10 minutes - that's because Nikita only wants to play that long.

Well not more than that.

Happy 6 Months little girl...

Happy Easter

2009-04-10T20:11:00.006-05:00

Wow what a difference a year makes.

This time last year I was pregnant - although I did not tell anyone I was still pregnant. Now I have a cute little 5 1/2 month old baby girl.

Wow --

Reflections of the past few months:

Moved to MI when baby was just 2 weeks old

Settled in to new house

Holidays -

Then came the new year

Went back to work

Now a mommy to a 5 1/2 month little girl.

Spring came -- but yet it still feels like winter. Last week it snowed approx 7".

Genevieve has started to sleep a little better - we had some issues where she wouldn't sleep (lasted about 2 weeks).

She would wake up all the time - come unswaddled and cry.

I would reswaddle her and put her back to sleep.

A few weeks ago she started to sleep a little more still waking through the night. The other night she slept from 9:00 pm to 6:30 am. She did that 2 nights then started to wake up again in the middle of the night.

Last night -- it was rough - she woke up almost every hour. Just as I would get back to sleep she would wake up. I made hubby get up and take care of her at 3:30 this am.

Ever since she started to roll over she would wake more in the night and cry.

I have been letting her cry a few minutes - she has been putting her self back to sleep.

She is still breaking out of her swaddler but I have started to wrap her differently which has helped.

On the Food front - about a month ago we tried cereal (per Dr. advice). It appears G. wasn't ready for it yet, so we waited a week tried again, still not ready waited again another week. Now she was ready. She just gobbled it right up. She ate cereal for a few weeks and then we started her on "orange" veggies. She had squash first she finally ate the entire container . I think it took her 4 meal times to do so.

She now is eating sweet potatoes and loves them. Her latest trick to blow raspberries with a mouth full of sweet potatoes.. Nice -- glad daddy is feeding her not me.

Well this will be her first Easter - and yes she has gone and seen the Easter bunny. She went 2 times. The first was at the city sponsored Easter bunny hop. The 2nd was at the mall -- with her uncle. She didn't seem to have an opinion either way. She didn't cry or smile but she was ok with it.

Well have a Happy Easter..

The bed is calling my name.

Oh no bad news... // and a time to vent. -- so please excuse me.

2009-03-25T20:50:00.012-05:00

Well last week after I came home from my parents my mom called. She and I talk all the time; however, I normally call her. Well she called me bright and early Wednesday morning. I answered the phone in my normal chipper way only to hear my mom crying. I suddenly knew something was wrong. I stopped and asked what it was. She managed to tell me that while they thought my dad was "safe" from being laid off he wasn't. They let him go. Friday this week will be his last day. Oh boy -- that doesn't make anyone feel good.

The real downer is a couple of things my mom has planned and now won't be able to go. (Well if I have my way she will be going). My mom doesn't work so money is really tight. There will be no extras - no vacations, no hunting , nothing fun until he can find work again.
My dad was laid off about 5 years ago -- from another company and that is how he found this job.

The one thing I will do my darnest to make sure is that my mom goes to the salt and pepper shaker convention.
My last post my I mentioned something about her making 300 sets of salt and pepper shakers. My mom collects them and they have a club (of other collectors) - well she was asked to make this years convention.
Each ear the convention is some where different, and a special limited set of shakers are made for people to purchase.
This year the shaker convention is in Knoxville TN - my husband and I were both planning to go:
1) to support my mom since she made the shakers
2) a vacation which we haven't had since 2007.

Normally they have a factory make the shakers, this year she was asked to do it. It is a lot of work and my mom has put in a lot of hours. I basically told her that I will be darned if she doesn't go to convention. I basically told her it wasn't up for debate. She put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears and I be darned if she doesn't go because she can't afford it.
I told her I was prepared to pay her entire way such as the hotel, gas, and convention fee.

So hopefully my dad will find work soon. Any one know of a company hiring a mechanical/ maintenance engineer?? He is really good with computers, and machines. He knows how to program and fix difficult machines. He has a great big brain!!!!!!!! Sometimes I don't even have a clue what he is talking about because he is well over my head when it comes to technology.

Don't get me wrong I love my daughter dearly but I am having a really hard time.

She is not sleeping/napping which means I am not sleeping either. She will attempt to sleep for a few minuets and then wake up screaming. I think her teeth are bugging her but I don't know for sure. She is teething (still -- trying to get the bottom 2 in).
I have not had a good night sleep in a few days. We swaddle her when she does sleep, and has manged to unswaddle her self which I think wakes her up because she rolls over (which scares me). She won't sleep w/o being swaddled.
She woke up the other night at 11:00p, 11:30p, 12:10a, 1:00, 2:00, 3:30, 5:45 and again at 7:00..

So why don't I wake my husband you ask??
I am trying to let him sleep during the week -- since he has to be up really early and works really late. (He is on a special project that he has to commute approx 1 hour each way). He started this project the beginning of March and won't be done until sometime in April.
Man I can't wait - he only gets to see the baby for about an hour before we have to put her down. I don't have to be online for work until around 8:30 so I get a little break/sleep when I can.

Thanks for letting me vent !!!

Oh what a week.

2009-03-23T21:27:00.003-05:00

Well where do I start.
Last week was really CRAZY:

Went to my parents house - what a long drive they live about 350 miles away. Baby G and I went there all by our selves. No husband. Not really that bad, not really that good.
On the way down it was great she slept most of the time.
On the way back -- we had to stop a few times.
Thank goodness for the restaurnt -- C.Barrel - they are so baby friendly.

While at my parent's house -
Sleep (Why?? ask G) --as you can tell you did not really want to sleep
Every time I would put her down - something would wake her up.
This happened the entire weekend.
She really seemed fussy - and in pain like her little teeth are bugging her.

I really missed my husband and I think the baby did to.

While there I met up with an old teacher - he was my favorite - I had always kept in touch with him after I went on to other grades. I even baby sat for his youngest daughter -- she is now 19.

He told me that one of my other teachers who was my 12th grade Co-op teacher died. Wow!! Did not even know. He died of lung cancer - apparently it was a quick and painful death (I know an oxymoron).

I helped my mother paint a bunch of stuff -- (she is making 300 sets of salt and pepper shakers). Don't ask.
It was fun but a lot of work.

Well I came home - not smoothly but ok - little one wanted to cry after I passed the exit(s) and the next exit wasn't for another 5 -10 miles -- that makes for a long drive.

Went to my new favorite ice cream place - it was really cool (LOL ) - Diary Twist -- why are they so cool ?? They put candy in there soft serve ice cream. Like heath, cookies, etc - it was good ice cream and cool too.

Got home -- and baby still doesn't want to sleep. She is screaming her little head off. This is now day 2 she doesn't want to sleep.

Baby G -- rolled over -- on her 5 month b-day exactly.. How cool is that?

I will say though - b/f is goind great -she is taking the breast on a regular basis. (YES).

I have been back to work now a month and have already been asked when I will be going full time. My answer was I am not ready -- (nor do I think my baby is wanting to share me).

Well tons to do my brother is coming for a visit this weekend. I need to get stuff done (yes its 10:45 pm) and I am working on the house?? What's wrong with me.

Back to work week 1

2009-02-27T13:24:00.003-06:00

Ok so this week I returned to work. Part time from the house. I was scared to return. I was afraid of several things.. (I still am)...

I was afraid -- that I might of made a mistake. I am afraid that I won't be able to juggle the house, dinner, baby, and job. My wonderful husband has reassured me it will be all ok. He has told me that I have set expections for the house, dinner, etc. that he isn't worried about. (How wonderful is that). I was setting the expectation that dinner will be on the table when he walks in the door, laundry will always be done, the house will always be cleaned (vacuumed from dog hair). He told me that while it was nice having dinner as soon as he walked in he is ok if its an hour later or when ever. He advised that I shouldn't try to do all the house stuff -- alone. That we are team and we will get it done together. (FYI -- husband is reallllllly domesticated he cooks, cleans, does laundry etc). So with that said it has helped me to feel better about returning to work. I was feeling guilty that since I wasn't working I should at least try to be perfect housewife.

I finally just told him that I was scared a few days ago -- wish I would of told him a while ago.

I was also afraid because I was accustomed to working out in the field doing inspections and because I have elected to take care of my daughter that I am returning to a different job. Mind you this was the same job I had 4 years ago before going out to a field position. So why am I scared?

Well let me just say it goes back to part about being able to juggle everything.

Additionally -- since I was on leave my company has been bought out by another company (I knew that prior to leaving).
I have a new boss, a different position (even though I helped created this position 4 years ago it has changed), a new set of rules, policies, and procedures to adhere to., a new dispatching system. (I previously knew the old dispatch system in and out -- I was the go to person for questions/ system). I have a new schedule which revolves solely around the baby -- I work only 20 hours -- (attempting to work 4 days 5 hours daily).

So how did my first week go??
Well it was ok.
I got caught up on the 300 + emails, the new dispatch system, and the new company way of doing things.

I must say that I manged to work a little over 5 hours Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Which allowed me to only need to work 3 hours Thursday, and off on Friday.

On a different front -- I must give my little darling so major Kudos... She is making me proud. I wish I could say she was tooting when getting baptized, or clanging on the crib but that isn't the case. She has actively b/f -- the past 2 weeks. I am so glad. Apparently -- her b/f issue was she was over stimulated. I have been always trying to get her back to the boobs.. She wouldn't do it. Well finally I just started having the breast ready for her, (previous post -- she would scream when I lifted my shirt). We then swaddle her, and rock her (in her room). She has gone from only feeding at the breast 3-4 times per day (bottle feed the rest) to only taking 1-2 bottles per day.
As long as we are at home she will b/f.. If we are out she will not -- (again going back to over stimulated).

Ok long enough post --

Have a great weekend.

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T20:34:00.007-06:00

Wow what a great day yesterday was. Hubby and I really don't do much for Valentines day and now that we have the little one it makes it even harder. Well this year my MIL came up to MI and offered to babysit Genevieve so we could enjoy it. That was nice because she is a newlywed and instead of going out w/ her husband she and (he) came up to watch the baby.

We went to a great little restaurant called Diamond Jim Brady's Bistro. It was great. We had a mushroom pate. It was a cream cheese base with mushrooms. Then I had a sirlon with 2x mashed potatoes and green beans. Hubby had Lamb shank. This was a nice little restaurant. We then went to the movies. It was a nice evening.

I have a question??? So it was Genevieve's first Valentines day so Daddy and I bought her a card and gave her a small toy. Hubby and I got each other a little card. "Baby" got daddy a card; however; for some reason "baby" didn't get mommy a card. Hmmm does baby need a lesson in getting cards for mommy??? (I guess I will let it slide - after all its her 1st Valentines Day).

Little girl is doing a little better on some of the issues. She still seems to be struggling on the reflux. Seemed like today -- it was really bad. WE haven't been given her the medication - after all it seemed to be doing worse than making it better. Well I gave her a dose -- she was arching her back a lot, spitting up (more than normal), and really seemed to be struggling. She did better tonight though.
I wonder about the Zantac and if it actually helping or if another medication might be better for her. Any input would be great.

Well off to doing house work baby is asleep.

Random thoughts

2009-02-12T12:06:00.003-06:00

Well finally the 2 (yes 2) teeth broke through the skin. Little one is much happier still a little cranky. We went back to Chicago last weekend. She was ok on the ride. We get to my MIL house - and grandma goes to hold her; guess what? SHe just screams and screams. Nice. Now I have another issue to deal with. She apparently only wants to be held by me. She would still scream if hubby was holding her. I guess because she is with me all day. This motherhood thing is hard!!

Let me just preface this next comment that, I am not complaining about being a mother or having this wonderful baby.

She is not sleeping that well -- she will wake up fussy and will not take the breast like she would previously. She was doing great on b/f previously got her back to the breast. That lasted a week. Now we are back to the ususal 4 feedings during the am.
She will not sleep through the night. The past 2 nights she has been moving around - slamming her feet down but not really awake. Do I try and wake her to feed or just let her sleep? She makes noise when she is doing this. Like she is having a bad dream? I don't know. I just want her to start sleeping normally again. I am lost at this point.

I go back to work in less than 2 weeks. Talke about SCARED. Yes I know its only part time and working from the house. So why am I scared? Well they have totally changed our computer system, we have merged with another company, I have a new boss, and a different position. Yes I have don't that position before but it has changed since I did it 4 years ago. I am scared that my plan -- to work 4 days a week 5 hours per day will fail. I did advise my boss that I will give them the 20 hours but please don't expect them to be all w/in 4 days. He seemed ok with that. He basically told me to make sure I get what I needed done -- which would be 20 claims processed a week. That is dueable, seeing how I previously did 12 -14 a day..

I am scared that the house duties will now be second to everything else. I am afraid that I won't have dinner ready when hubby comes home. Not that he requires it but it has been nice for both of us. I am scared that laundry won't get done until the weekends. Wow this is really on my mind.
I give kudos to these other moms who work full time outside of the house and still manage to have a perfectly clean house and dinner ready all the time.

My wonderful husband has reassured me that I don't have to work. Well I am really feeling guilty about spending money -- since I don't work. So I guess its a thing I will have to deal with.

Well baby is crying time for afternoon nap. WHich she does when she is tired she cries and then falls asleep.

Holy cow!!!

2009-01-31T21:09:00.004-06:00

Ok who took my little "monster" and replaced her with a REAL MONSTER??? I say "monster" because that is her little cute nickname. She has this weird way when she sleeps -- she puts her hands up next to her head -- like a Monster.. It is meant with endearment not to be mean. (Which my mom hates). Her daddy gave her the little nickname -- it has stuck. She then gurgles like a monster might.
I say REAL MONSTER - because last Friday we went for photos (she was a perfect angel until the very last one). Then she was pouty and slamming her legs down. (That is her newest trick). I wanted to go scrap booking in the neighborhood when she gave her daddy -- nothing but problems. I was 2 doors away; however, my husband never called me to come home. When I got home he told me she cried for 2 hours - and just finally went to sleep at 11:00. What?? Why??? She was screaming the entire time he said. Ok well she just missed her mom, Right? Nope. She did the same thing again Saturday, and Sunday night. OK HELP something is wrong. She isn't like that normally. Ok Monday - she screamed the entire day. Not just a little scream - an ear piercing/ make you deaf scream. Like she is in pain. I tried everything bath, massage, feeding, burping, (trying to re leave gas), changed her diaper.
So I called my mom first -- after all she had 2 kid right? She offered the same things I tried. She said well you know ear infections run in the family (and apparently so with my husband).
Ok check her ears -- nothing out of the ordinary - ok 2nd step Call the Dr.
So I call the Dr. -- Dr. said -- well sounds like she is teething. WHAT?? She is only 3 1/2 months old. Dr. said, "open her mouth and see if you can see anything in the lower gum area that is white, or see if they are bright red". Ok -- so I did and what did I find not one little white bump but two.

So that would explain what happened to my little "monster" -- She has started teething.

That would explain her attitude. Oh I love Baby Orajel though.. It works wonders.

On a previous post I mentioned issue with B/F -- and only wanting it in the AM well I met with 2 lactation consultants only for them to say, "I never heard of that it will be $$$$XXXX amount of money." For what you didn't do anything.

Well apparently I have tried allot of things - somethings more than once and nothing, until the other day she just started B/F a few more times through out the day. YES!!!!! Hey I know it might only be 5 more but it is 5 more.

Change // Baby update

2009-01-03T10:33:00.007-06:00

Caution: A long post.

Ok so I haven't blogged in a while. A baby will keep you from doing simple things.

Additionally I haven't blogged in a while because of some change in my life. Talk about stresses...
My wonderful husband was promoted to a SR. Analyst back in September. Yes about time; however that would require us to move. YES MOVE.. Where to? Michigan. I know TX to MI -- are you crazy especially with a 2 week old?

We moved back in October (Halloween to be exact), yes 2 weeks post birth, we moved 1300 miles. We loaded up the dog, baby, husband and I in our car and drove the entire way.

We did it over 4 days though -- so not too bad. Stopped in AR for the night, MO, and IL then onto MI.
I cannot complain though, why?
A) It would allow me the option of not working (financially). I could work if I wanted to says my dear husband. The issue is I don't have to; however I do feel guilty if I don't. I mean I like to go scrap booking and that cost money.
I have talked to my employer now that I am on FMLA leave -- about it. My boss whom I thought would just say turn in my notice did not -- he was actually pretty nice about it. He advised since I was a 6 year employee they would try to see if I could do something from home.
Ok try that is fine. I would probably do my old position before I got promoted -- its ok of a job and it will work for me. I know how to do it and did it pretty well.

B) Now that we are in MI we are only 4 -6 hours away from Grandmas, and Grandpa.
Uncle though he still is in TX.

C) The house we bought in MI was less than the house in TX so it opened up some $$$ there.
Yes we did manage to sell our house in TX -- we listed on the market for way under the value or what we paid for. Since it was a corporate relocation we didn't worry too much about it.

So lets recap -- Pregnancy - Promotion -- Find new house 1300 miles away - Put house on Market -- Have baby -- baby in NICU -- week later movers -- move --

OK now about the baby:

Genevieve is now 2 months and 2 weeks old. Man how she has changed.
When we had her she was in the NICU for a few days. She had ABO -- which is where my blood and hers is not compatible - so it produces bilrubin which creates jaundice. Well now our latest thing is REFLUX. .
At her 2 week check up -- she weighed in just over 10 lbs 6 oz. (45%) She was 21 7/8" (30%), and head size of 15 1/4 (50%). Dr. says she is not worried about anything she looks good. She asked about her b/f -- advised her that she doesn't always want the breast. She is in a lot of pain (you can hear it) so she pulls off the breast thinking that I am the reason. Dr. Advised she is associating pain with breast -- great.. Dr. put her on Zantac. Not exactly what I want is a 2 month old on medication; however I also don't want her to be uncomfortable either.
I have tried allot of stuff -- keeping her upright, burping her all the time, feeding her more often.
Now she will take a breast a few times through out the day. We mainly have problems at the 11:00, 4:00, 6:00 and 8:00 feedings.
I try to get her to eat from the breast but she won't -- so just screams her little head off, which makes her little face red.

ANY SUGGESTIONS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT!!!!

We had Thanksgiving at our new house my parents, and m-i-l came up. It was great Fried Turkey -- husband's speciality.
We then went to my parents for Christmas. That was nice -- my brother came home. We haven't had Christmas at my moms house in 4 years. They would all come to TX since it was normally warmer there.

Babies first Christmas was great. She got allot of stuff. Great stuff mind you. She looked so cute. I bought her a cute little outfit -- and even a reindeer hat. The town we live in hosted a breakfast with Santa sponsored by the fire department. It was great. I met some people in the town. It's a smaller town about 45 minutes away from Detroit.

Ok well post is long enough. Will attempt to update more often.

Have a safe and happy 2009..

Baby Girl has arrived

2008-10-26T12:22:00.005-05:00

Its about time!!!! On Saturday October 18, 2008 we welcomed our daughter to this world.
Genevieve Nadine arrived at 4:28. She weighed in at 7 lbs 9 oz, and 20" long. She is feisty and sweet all in one. It was a wild and crazy ride getting her but now that we have her hopefully it will be smooth sailing.
She and I both had a lot of distress during delivery. My bp dropped and so did my heart rate -- she then followed with the heart rate. After 3 hours of pushing she arrived screaming her little head off.
She spent Saturday night in my room and then was taken to the NICU for the remainder of her stay. She had developed an allergic reaction to my blood type since mine is one and husbands is another. Additionally she had jaundice really bad. They had to give her fluids via an IV. That was scary to have your little one in the NICU.
I will say the hospital she was born at was full of great doctors, and nurses. Ones that seemed to really care about A) me, B) the baby C) there job.

We finally got to bring her home late on Friday what a relief that was.

She has been a good baby only cries when she need to eat.

She has traveled well to the airport (almost an hour ride each way) and even was good at the restaurant for lunch.

Well off to tend to baby.

Ramblings

2008-09-02T22:28:00.006-05:00

Wow where has the time gone. Sorry I have been busy and not kept up with my blog. We are now into our 8th month of the pregnancy. Talk about emotions. I am very nervous but I normally won't admit it if asked. I want to be the best mom I can be (of coarse that is all of our goals). I am scared to death!!! I am scared about several things: breast feeding, the baby shower, the new role, the disability leave, returning to work etc. I could go on but I won't. I find comfort with other peoples blogs to help me.

Of all things yes the Baby Shower??? Why??? Well its a week away and the invites just went out. My dearest friend and another friend (of mine and my husbands) are hosting the shower. Yet I feel like its going to be a complete disaster. We initially were planning on a fun activity for girls. Since my team is only men, they wanted to be included too. So we changed it all around and made it a co -ed party. Now the guys I work with don't want to come they don't want to be around a bunch of women. Even though we are inviting there spouses and/or kids. What Drama Kings...

The changes of pregnancy -- wow !! -- my Belly is huge -- no I won't show anyone the photos. All I wanted when I found out I was pregnant (besides a healthy baby) was a cute rounded belly. I had my own belly but I wanted it to be cute and round. Well I've gotten it :). I am a little nervous about the baby and the size. We went at 32 weeks and Dr. is saying she is measuring at 4 lbs 13 oz, and 33.4 weeks. I have had a very good pregnancy spite the 2 miscarriages I have had, but I am totally freaking about the baby being bigger than normal. I asked the Dr. and he said it could be GD -- ???? I had passed the 1 hour test how could this be?

I am getting very emotional too? I saw, "Hope Floats" for probably the 20th time and I just sat and cried. I am getting more and more snappy with the husband. Which I really don't mean. I get upset really quickly. I am hungry all the time (even though I eat several small meals through out the day). I eat and eat and eat -- but yet I have lost 10 lbs since this started. I know I had plenty for the baby to take but hello.. I feel like a little piglet.
Oh and talk about being tired all the time.. Well that's me. I am always tired.

Is it wrong of me to that I am constantly worried about the little bug moving.

And to top it off husband is traveling entire month of September. What a bummer for me, I really enjoy my husband even though people are like you get a break from him. I don't want a break from him -- a day or two gone is fine but we are talking 4 weeks (only home during the weekend).

OK late enough going to bed.

A Quiet Saturday

2008-05-31T20:26:00.003-05:00

Well graduation went off with out a hitch. My house was packed with people though. We had tons of people come by and enjoyed the party.

My parents from Central Illinois drove down, my best friend Deb and her little guy, and my Mother -in-law came down. Oh what fun it was to have 8 people staying at my house...
When you as the 5 year old what was the best part bout being here -- "sleeping on the air bed". OK don't rip on me it was there choice. I offered them the sofa bed they chose not take it.

So what's next for school? Everyone keeps asking that - my response, " Can I get through this baby thing first?"

Hubby and I went shopping for cribs because everyone is saying, "10 -14 weeks to get". I want to be ready when I need it.

Hubby is out of town this weekend went back home to Chicago for stuff.. I had to work Saturday so I just stayed here. (besides Dr. is allowing me to fly only 2 times due to risk).

So here was my weekend
Friday came home from work - went shopping
Saturday worked - came home - went shopping , had a pregnancy massage (I needed it)
Sunday???? Shopping

This is so not like me I don't ever go shopping 2 days in a row. I guess part of me is getting to big for my regular pants so I need to expandable pants now. (Yes maternity wear here I come). Well I have discovered out that plus size maternity wear is hard to come by.
I need a nice dress for my m-i-l wedding next month. Issue is I don't know how to size out maternity wear -- I did find a cute little dress but the bad thing is it has "blue" in the front. We don't know yet if its a boy or girl but everyone is saying its a boy. So they will probably think its a boy just by the dress. I did buy the dress and it came today. Looks cute on (I think).

Everyone is asking me about what I want for my b -day -- would it be rude to say stuff for the baby? I have 2 things I want but my hubby wants more of a list. I told him to wait until the Scrapbook Convention is over and see what I didn't buy that I want. His response, "That only gives me 4 days to find something."

I have been reading other peoples blogs and found someone I met a while ago at a scrapbook store in Texas, then it closed and then I saw her again at another store this time she was working at it. She is now pregnant.. Cool for her. She was so bubbly, friendly and sweet. I am sure she would make an awesome mother.

On the other side - another blogger is just about ready to have her little man. I hope she does OK. She has similar issues as I did getting pregnant due to having PCOS. Her blog has just been a huge help.

I know sometimes I read blogs and just lurk but its always nice to see others doing well.

Ok enough computer time, I think I need to find something sweet (its for the baby). I have some left over watermelon -- I think its calling my name.

Oh I have a secret.....

2008-04-30T18:51:00.004-05:00

Well we have tried to lay low for the past few weeks but now I have this sensation to say it..
I guess like many others you don't want to write something and have to resend it later..

Well my last cycle was 01/14/08 - went for treatment of hormone shot a few days after that. The ultrasound tech said, "well looks like you have a great egg". The DR. said, "well go home and make use of that egg we will see you back on Monday". Well we did make use of that egg and on Monday he confirmed I dropped my egg.

A few weeks later I got called out of town for assistance with Hail claims in another area. I went but I knew something was wrong. I was getting sick all over the place from the time I got into the car until I left. I bought crackers and it seemed to stop the sickness.
I came home on February 10, 2008 and took a stick test.... Well it was NEGATIVE...
So we waited and waited and waited...
Still sick - still have enlarged and sore breast -- my pants were getting tight..
I knew I was the p word..

A few weeks later no aunt flow..... I just knew it still had the same symptoms as earlier. This time took another pee test.. This time it was POSITIVE AS SOON AS IT DIPPED... ??? Really could it of been that quick???
Well still getting sick so I called the Dr. by now I am late, have a positive test, and sick... I think I may be pregnant...

Ok Dr. sets me in for 1 day to come and confirm... They did a test and it was POSITIVE (blood test now).. They then went into the syno and saw what looked like the sac forming...

Holy cow is this true??? Well yes they then asked me to come back in a few more weeks --
I did for another syno - now 6 weeks -- and sure enough a little sac in there.
Dr. asked for me to come back 2 weeks later -- we heard the heart beat this time -- WOW.. I never got to hear the heart beat on the first 2 so I just layed there and cried.. I even think my husband had a small tear.

We wanted to wait and tell our parents because previously we told them and a few weeks later we had to tell them the bad news.. WE surprised my parents and hubby's mom with a cool way. I had a shirt made for my mom that said, GRANDMA..
His mom we found a shirt that said, "Worldest greatest busha." (which in polish is grandma)
As for my dad he just got a hat that said, Grandpa Jack..
We didn't tell them it was coming and I had it arranged so both would get at the same day.
(They both live in Il). Man were they so thrilled..
My brother we just told him his last day living here would be the end of June..

Well now we are at week 15 -- the Dr. is very positive that everything is going well with baby developing.. He has a watch full eye on me though.. My blood pressure has never been high and the last 2 times it was over 140 - the last time they checked my urine was high liver enzymes?
He thinks that by keeping me on the prometrium it has helped the baby progress this long. He has kept me on the metformine just in case I get GD..

I have read other ladies blogs and noticed that they had similar PCOS -- and now possible GD so yes I am very scared.

So keep us in your thoughts and prays..
It is encouraging to me to see other blogs of success...

**Due date 10/20/08 -- no we don't know if boy or girl
WE do know only 1 heart beat....

On another happy note -- I have finally completed all classes for my Associate degree and will be walking the stage on Friday May 9, 2008..
That was whole other issue.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T16:48:00.002-05:00

Ok I know long time no post.. I have been busy with my job as this is hail season now. I hope all has had a wonderful Easter... Don't east too much of the bunny ears. (They are my favorite thing to eat on a chocolate bunny). I have been looking at peoples blogs and see some of the women are now pregnant --- way to go ladies.. If you are not hang in there life will get better. My mother in law and her fiance are in town. That's always fun. WE went to a wildlife park yesterday and then went on a tour of the Dr. Pepper bottling facility. How cool...

Wow SPRING is finally here.. How great is that. The birds chirping in the morning, the pretty flowers blooming, the days are longer (well the sun is out longer), soon summer. I just love spring - and especially pretty flowers blooming. The bad thing since we moved into the new house we haven't done much gardening. We planted stuff but they all died. I need to plant bulbs for next year so I have a pretty spring front to my house.

Speaking of spring we did a massive spring cleaning at my house. I mean cleaning the base boards, the ceilings, all the good stuff.

I think we were trying to get rid of all the uck bugs in my house. I wound up with the flu a few weeks ago, fever 103. My body does not like that and because I was coughing so bad I had my husband take me to the ER.. They said yep its the flu and no meds can help now just let it run. That sucks.. I was reallllly bad. (See when I get bad coughs and flu I normally get something in the lungs and then it puts me down for even more).

Still working on Baby #3 -- hoping we get it soon. Dr. thinks he has me regulated on my hormones -- man a women's body is more complex then I ever thought.

Well HAPPY EASTER TO ALL...

Keeping our fingers crossed....

2008-01-25T20:57:00.001-06:00

Ok so we have finished round 2 of Clomid, still doing the metformin though. Well went to the Dr. today for u/s and the tech (my favorite) Julie, said, I shouldn't tell you this but you have a great follicle... Yes what we were hoping for.. Dr. said now lets give you a shot of hcg.. Bring it on, except don't give me a shot. I am the biggest baby when it comes to needles. Well the nurse told hubby and I she would give us the injection. Where?? Ok in the arm that is fine. So round 1 of the HCG injection. Let hope this works.

So being off Monday for holiday super nice, Tuesday took off because I have to work tomorrow wonderful. Wednesday and Thursday Boss rode with me. Went ok -- Friday it stinks. In TX they don't know what SNOW OR ICE is. The news made a huge deal about the ice storm / snow storm coming here. Nope no ice or snow. Just cold and rainy. Sometimes in this weather I wished I was back in Chicago - at least they know how to deal with it. Ok so I cannot bash on the Texans they don't know how to deal with "ice or snow" - WEll the end of the day is here and I want to just go to sleep because I have to work tomorrow (not fun) but oh well. I only do it a few Saturdays a year.

Sunday off to the rodeo -- it is suppose to be 70 on Sunday yes... The smell of the cows, pigs, and horses.

Crazy random stuff

2008-01-21T15:30:00.000-06:00

Ok I set up this blog to help me get over the miscarriage, right? Well part of me is still hurting. The past few weeks have been really craxy and stressfull. WIth the passing of my friends son, getting a new boss, and just doing things I have felt the stress level rise. Oh a new boss will always stress one out. I have known him as long as I have worked at this company and even had him before as a boss, but I am just plane scared of him now.. Why? I do a good job (from what I am told). I guess its just change and with change comes emotions especially if you are going through what I have been.

Hubby and I just started again seeing the Dr. -- he is so nice I like him but I just want this to happen. HE thinks it will.... WE took round 2 of Clomid -- ended yesterday. Now we wait until the 25th and then see what the little eggs are doing. If they are good -- will have a hormone injection (sorry don't remember name of it think ag, hg etc..) I was upset when I went to the Dr. that day so my mind wasn't clear. I know relax.... RIGHT...

Although I did relax big time this weekend. I was off on Friday. I deceided a while ago I needed some ME time.... So this weekend I went and did my favorite hobby -- SCRAPBOOKING. I went to my first retreat.. Yes a retreat.. Where I was allowed to be LAZY.. NO housework, no computer, no phone, nothing but me and the scrapbook glue.. (or unglue) -- Hahaha -- If you live in the TX area --check out http://scrappersgonewild.com/ It was worth it.

I enjoyed just being treated like a princess, getting a nice full body massage, and then food and more food.

Well the house needs attention better stop blogging now.

Heavy Heart

2008-01-03T20:44:00.001-06:00

It is with deepest sadness that I post. One of my most wonderful friend, Cathy just lost her adult son. He passed away after a long and hard battle of brain cancer. Samm"ie" was just 26 years old. He is like a little brother to me. His older brother, Gus and I went to school together, until he passed away the week before our senior year in HS. He was only 18 then. My friend has been in my life since I was 9 years old. After all they were my neighbors. I could always remember her yelling at her sons and I to get out of her rose bushes. I will always remember Sammie saying he was going to ship the cat to "Abudabu" and even made a box for it with holes. (He was only 10 then). Sammie fought a hard three years. He leaves behind his beautiful 2 year old daughter, and a wonderful wife of 2 years. She has been there with him during this entire fight -- she and Sammie we dating when he was diagnosed and yet she stuck by him and even went on to marry him. Recently, Sammie was granted one last wish -- from http://www.dreamsofalifetime.org/ (similar to make a wish but for adults with terminal illness) That wish was to see the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center in NY. He was able to see that wish in November 2007 and also live to see his daughter's 2nd birthday. He passed away yesterday after taking one last look at his wife, smiling and saying goodbye. Now Sam joins his brother Gus along with my 2 unborn little ones for there new assignment as guardian angels. My thoughts to Cathy my dearest friend and her struggle. Everyone please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and hug your little ones a little tighter tonight. After all life is too short and can be taken from you instantly.

Thanks for stopping

2007-12-27T23:24:00.001-06:00

I have recently started this blog experience to help me overcome something very hard to me. My husband I recently suffered a second miscarriage.
My husband and I are very personal about things but I feel a need to share the grief to help me recover. I have started my own blog in efforts to help me get through this. Here is my story...

We had been seeing a specialist since June since it was over a year of trying and not pregnant. WE found out on November 9, 2007 that I was approx 4 weeks pregnant. Excited and scared rang through me. Especially when I had taken Clomid the week prior to finding out I was pregnant. (Yes my Dr. did a hormone test before putting me on it which came back negative). On November 16, 2007 just minutes after going through the airport security my phone rang. My doctor's nurse called stating my hormones dropped alot and therefore I was having a miscarriage. We were on our way home for the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving. My first miscarriage was in May 2006. I was 9 weeks and 4 days according to the sono. We were so excited then until I started to cramp and bleed. Our worst fears overwelmed us. I was rushed to the ER having a painful and messy miscarriage. I sat in the hospital for 3 hours just bleeding and crying the entire time. The first one I seemed to bounce back after passing the fetus and emotionally was able to return to work 1 week later. This one seems so much harder. I have a great husband, and loving family and wonderful friends, but this one I seem to be crying all day long and having a pitty me party which no one seems to understand why I cry. I normally am a very strong person emotionally but I am breaking down. The week of Thanksgiving no crying not once, now a continious waterflow. I have a range of emotions flowing throught me which normally I can control. I feel angery, sad, heartbroken and afraid.