. . . All My Chaosity . . .

We all went to Church today and stayed the whole time. Aball and I have had naps, and the girl is napping again now. Poor Kupcake is itchy from allergies, and had to have some benadryl this afternoon. She's such a sweetheart- very interested in what's going on around her, and seems to want to participate in everything. She wore her TuTu that Auntie Em amde, it matches her "My First Easter" onesie. Next Sunday (Easter Sunday) she's wearing a precious dress/hat/booties that Nannie crocheted for her. (Sorry, she's so dang cute I can hardly STAND it, I know everyone else is tired of lookin' at her!) I'm trying to get FHE together for tonight... (let's not discuss why it's 7:30pm and I'm just now compiling it) and I wanted it to be special-er than "normal". I'm not sure it's going to be any more special, because today is Hubs' "cheat day" on his diet... so we bought pizza from Eureka last night and reheat...

called it "movie night". Not that we don't have movies many days during the daytime during the week, and probably more tonight and tomorrow night. We like movies. =) We might need to get a projector, I'm thinking? It's NOT WARM today, and the soccer fields are a mess from Thursday night's storms, so soccer game was canceled today. We were considering going to an Easter egg hunt in Bentonville we read about, but instead Dball asked me to make an indoor egg hunt for him with clues to finding the eggs. He suggested I could just stuff the eggs with jolly ranchers he got for "movie candy" (bless his heart!!) but I had some Easter prizes; squishy rubbery animals, little metal race cars, and miniature cards games I put in some of them so it was more fun and more of a surprise than he anticipated. I had a multi-function pen I got on clearance last year- it blows bubbles, lights up, stamps and writes in teal. I put that and some other little things in...

Thought today wasn't so bad. We had Cman visiting for a few hours earlier this afternoon. Dragged the boys (and the girl, of course) to Sam's with me. Picked up the new Harry Potter movie while we were out, of course. When we got home the boys decided to play outside. I don't think it ever got much above 50 ° outside, and they were both wearing shorts, long soccer socks and jackets. They were pretty cute! Sadly I didn't get pics. Very sad indeed. At one point they came in to warm up and worked on a craft. It was THIS ONE , only we had the styro egg crates, so not quite the same to me? It's what D wanted to do, so they did.

Check out KIKI CREATES !! She's having fun Easter giveaways- they're fabulous! Includes jewelry, "peeps" bunny crocheted keychains (no kidding! they're SO CUTE!!) and you can enter to win lots of stuff!! Run, don't walk, to KiKi's !!!

She is!! I'm waiting for B and D to return from a campout... K and I have had the run of the place since yesterday afternoon. Today the little darling actually laughed out loud- it's SO SWEET! I recorded some with my cell phone.  Also today I laid her on her tummy looking at toys over the edge of her Boppy, and when I came back from letting the dogs out she was crying because she had somehow flipped out of the Boppy onto her back. In case I was confused about her abilities, a couple hours later she woke herself from her nap by flinging herself onto her back (from tummy- I'm a bad Mum) and it apparently startled and woke her. She's so much fun! 

Our delightful daughter is THREE MONTHS OLD TODAY. Unbelievable! On the one hand I never thought she'd get here. It's exciting though bittersweet to see her grow and develop, she has such a sweet fun personality~ but I wish she could be a baby longer at the same time. On the other hand it seems like she's been with us forever some days- she fits right in and I don't know what we dud without her. I never got those cute "newborn portraits" made that everyone seems to be getting these days. Oh, I definitely wanted some but figured they'd be too expensive. Now I'm thinking I'd like to get Kupcake and Dball's pics made outside with a live bunny... since it's Spring/Easter-time. We'll see. We did have "family pictures" made at Nannie's funeral last month, so that's something at least. Turns out my little darling is allergic to nuts right now. I was eating cashews every day for a few weeks there and her face would bre...

My due date with Kupcake was 1/01/11. I had been scheduled for an inversion w/c-section on December 27 2010, but canceled because I was hoping she would turn from transverse/breech on her own if given a little more time. My fabulous midwife friend tried to run her officially twice, I did all the inversion exercises I could find (repeatedly) and Aceball and I tried to turn her ourselves a few times as well. She was suspiciously easy to manipulate, but would NOT stay in the position you moved her to. Sad, sad. So we recheduled for 12/31/10. Our insurance had called to verify the charges we would ow, and (LIED!!!) told us even if she was born in January the deductible we had paid for 2010 would cover it. So we went to the hospital Friday morning, had a fabulous triage nurse who (FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE) got the IV started on the very first try. Dr. McA put something in my IV and started trying to turn the child. She said "no". It was NOT a COMFORTABLE ...

but I'm nauseous just thinking about it. The more I consider it, the worse I feel about the Dr. turning the baby. Kara came on Friday, but Celeste was out of town and ABall was at work. So Kupcake was agreeable to turning, but as soon as Kara stopped blocking my pelvis, the child stuck something (knee? leg? bottom?) down in it. Hopefully she will have time to come by tonight, and she and B (and maybe Celeste, if she's really bored!) can try to turn her again with adequate assistance. I'm hoping she's bigger now, with less room to swim, and if we can get her head down there she won't be able to pull it back out? It sounds plausible in my head. I'm scheduled at the hospital for the external version tomorrow morning at 8:30am. The plan is to attempt to turn her, but if she won't turn I have a c-section scheduled for 1:30pm tomorrow afternoon. Now I'm thinking if we can't get her turned tonight, or at any rate if she's not engaged tomorrow a...

and maybe making some gingerbread. There's so many snackies I want to make- though I can't eat many of them and we aren't expecting company or anything. I guess I could them to friends- I dunno. Dball and I saw some chocolate covered mini marshmallows at the store the other day. We decided we could just make our own but use the big marshmallows and put Christmas sprinkles and stuff on them. That would be easy enough.... I feel sorta bad that Dball has done so little in the way of school work the last month or so. He has done some Math, Reading, English worksheets I guess. Not every day or anything- sometimes only once-a-week. Except for the reading- which he does more often. He never seems to tire of playing Wii games- which would drive me stark raving mad. He also loves to pop popcorn and watch movies in the afternoons. I can only watch a few movies over and over (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Wizard of Oz...) but he and his father seem to have...

but I also feel ornery and don't really want to. =) I'm so far behind I may never catch up, but I can fill in a few of the highlights I guess. With this pregnancy I've had strong painful contractions for weeks now. I know they aren't "push-the-baby-out" contractions- but they're pretty uncomfortable at times. I keep hearing from women who've had several pregnancies that their contractions were worse with later pregnancies, plus when they were over 35 years old. Maybe that's what the deal is, I don't know. So I was scheduled to have the cerclage removed at 36 weeks and 2 days, but ended up in the ER with fairly strong contractions just after 35 weeks. My OB went ahead and removed the cerclage the next morning, and I promptly dilated to a fingertip. Two weeks later I remain dilated only a fingertip. I swear to you I dilated to 5 at 23 weeks with Logan a he literally fell out- sac and all. I don't know what's up with DBall (delive...

Well, cumulatively they've been good. =) B and I have been married for 15 years- unbelievable! No doubt all those naysayers are pretty surprised too. Especially those ones who thought we had to get married because we were pregnant. Hope they're feeling pretty DANG BAD about that now, considering all the miscarriages and the loss of Logan 11 years ago. So we celebrated our Happy Anniversary in pretty grand style, for a 40 y/o pregnant woman. A fabulous friend kept Dball all afternoon (literally- from 11am-8pm) and we dressed up and went out. We had lunch at Ella's , inside the Inn at Carnell Hall on U of A campus. We had crabcakes for an appetizer (well, I had half of one cake), I had a hamburger (seriously- it was FABULOUS) and homemade fries, and B had beef stroganoff. For dessert we had creme brulee and peppermint cake w/ganache and raspberry coulis . FABULOUS. Then we made a short trip to pick up a few Christmas gifts, then on to our massages. My low...

we'll see how long this lasts. I've had pelvic physical therapy twice a week for the last couple weeks for symphysis pubis dysfunction , I'm not certain if it's helping? She gave me a cool girdle/belt thing that definitely helps though. Saw the OB last week. He keeps saying "34 weeks is the milestone" (what milestone is it? what does that mean?) but he hopes to keep the cerclage in until 36 weeks. Now that I've come to terms with the child possibly being born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (everyone kept telling me it was a bad idea, etc., etc.) I'm terrified she won't stay in until December 1. I have strong and sometimes painful contractions every day now, but timing them last night I didn't have more than 4/hour. The info sheet the OB gave me said it wasn't a problem unless it went beyond 4/hour that I couldn't get to stop by resting and drinking fluids. Another less important reason for my inner ballerina to stay inside: I ...

So I didn't really go into much detail when previously discussing homeschooling my fabulous 9 y/o. I didn't lie- he was definitely way ahead and way bored in class. But it seems there was quite a bit more to it than I was even aware of at the time. I've been thinking about it a great deal lately I think because it's been in the news so much. I'm traumatized that children are actually committing suicide because they're being bullied. On the Today Show this morning they were talking about bullying. They were refering to a "landmark statement" made by the US Dept of Education. They said something to the effect that bullying is not just a normal rite of passage, or an inevitable part of growing up. And that we have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe for all of our kids. I'm not so sure what's landmark" about that. And I don't know who this "we" is they're referring to, but I do know the kids at my so...

But I sorta feel like I have nothing new to say. I have some complaints, about being tired and sore and wishing I could exercise- but even I get tired of hearing those. =) I have to see the OB every 2 weeks now, which is a major pain, but I suppose he's trying to make sure we get the child here this time. He insists on checking the cerclage every time- unless I've had an u/s in the past week or been to the hospital and been checked. Ashley Deed (my OB while pregnant w Dball) never checked it manually- she said it was in there and we should leave it alone. My cervix does not like to be manipulated. I have been informed that most people cannot feel their cervix, a very small percentage have any feeling at all even when it's been messed with all the time. I am, of course, in said small percentage. So inaddition to ebing sore from laying around all day (per his orders) and Kenzie growing a the appropriate rate, every two weeks (at least) my cervix feels sore and bruised....

I'm pretty sure that's what my OB said yesterday afternoon. Hubs heard it too- you can't make this stuff up. I'm delighted that there's been no spotting for quite a few weeks now. The ultrasound last week was comforting and a huge relief- both the UAMS RN and the Fayetteville geneticist said everything looked great and they hadn't seen anything unusual or to be concerned about. I had actually asked the tech during the ultrasound if there looked like a normal amount of amniotic fluid in there. She said looked normal to her, and none of the medical professionals who were involved with it noticed anything out of the ordinary. So Aball and I went to to see the OB yesterday. He didn't check the cerclage "because [I'd] just had an ultrasound last week" (I STILL think manipulating my cervix every visit is a BAD idea??) but said I will start coming every 2 weeks now because of my condition. Then he told us that the UAMS Dr. was concerned about th...

I just like to say that- I'm so surprised that the tech actually said it was a girl, I'm not sure I'll believe it until I actually see her with my own eyes live and in person. Fortunately (I suppose) one of the bedrooms (and only one?) came with light pink carpet- so that will be Kenzie's bedroom. My precious sisters-in-law are forwarding clothes from first Sarah to Nicole (who is due in a couple weeks I think?), then to ME when Nic & Mike's Zofia outgrows them. Also Angel graciously offered me her girl clothes- so hopefully I won't have to buy a WHOLE lot of items early on. I do need a co-sleeper, but we're planning to look on Craigslist a little closer to delivery. Also there's a huge consignment sale here ( Rhea Lana's ) next month so we will definitely check there as well. We also need a crib, but will use the dresser instead of a changing table. I'm planning to get free carseats from the police station, and I think I still have all...

and everything seems to be going well. Dball played at Celeste's yesterday while B & I went to the Dr. He checked the cerclage and declared it sound (yay) and found Niblet's heartbeat really quickly. I haven't felt Nib moving as much lately, so that was reassuring. My blood pressure was normal, and I think it showed maybe a 2lb weight gain (for the entire pregnancy thus far). I haven't had any spotting at all for like 2 weeks now. I asked about playing in the above-ground pool in our backyard. After much consideration, Dr. finally consented that if B or another adult were there to supervise entering and exiting the pool (via 3-step ladder) that I could, occasionally, get in our pool. But if I get dizzy or anything on the ladder on the way in, I am to go back down the ladder and go put my feet up somewhere. He theorized that if I lived in a home with stairs (I don't) I could probably walk up/down them a little during the day, though that's not the sam...

(HALLELUJAH!) On Saturday we were officially 16 weeks pregnant. I'm increasingly optimistic as I've got the cerclage in holding my cervix shut, and I've never miscarried this late before. My Dr. seems absolutely unconcerned, which is a bit disconcerting at times. (not sure why?) Mom was here for several days last week. She, B, D and I all went to Dball's Pulmonology appointment last Tuesday. Dr. Menendez says we can reduce his Pulmicort by half for 6 weeks, then go in for a pulmonary function test. If his numbers are still high, we can stop it altogether, then at 6 weeks go in for pulmonary function again. If his numbers remain high, he can start lowering his albuterol that he uses before exercise. As Fall will be quickly approaching, I'm hoping he will be okay. Soccer will start soon, and then basketball. Since he has exercise- and allergy-induced asthma, we may not be able to lower the albuterol at that time. Then B took D home and Mom and I went to my ...

I was so excited to finally be organized for the new school year. My child is far less so. I had intended to do a little more schooling over the Summer; but with the pregnancy, bed rest, surgery- I really haven't been up to it. Since B was off work yesterday, I decided to start today. We will probably take Friday off- so that will only be 3 days this week. Maybe we can take every Friday off. So far my plan as follows: Mondays Language Arts/dictation (Learning Language Arts through Literature, Tan Book) Singapore Math Pathway reading + 1 worksheet Copy Spelling Words for the week (from LA dictation and Pathway Reader) Silent Reading (30 minutes) Science/Zoology @ Wheelers Tuesdays Learning Language Arts through Literature Singapore Math Reading worksheet Spelling Sentences Silent Reading (30 minutes) Wednesdays Learning Language Arts through Literature Singapore Math Reading Worksheet Silent Reading (30 minutes) Spelling activity? Thursdays Learning Language Arts through Li...

Not really sure why. The last 2 mornings I've woken up with a headache, general body achiness and some dizziness. Not sure what that's about- but I don't love it. I currently have no library books to read, though I've requested 5 from the local library and I'm hoping at least one of them comes in tomorrow. Today I started the washer for one load of clothes, and dried them. I loaded part of the dishwasher with the help of Dball. I made dinner while B & D got ready for Cub Twilight Camp. now they're gone until after 9:00pm and I'm lonely and bored. Woe is me. I spoke to my OB's nurse today and she has placed some prenatal vitamins with DHA samples at the front desk for me- I just have to drag myself down there to pick them up. Also she verified with Dr. McA. that he will use general anesthesia for the cerclage insertion tomorrow, which is a huge relief. I SO want ro avoid needles in my spinal space (epidural, spinal block) as well as being awake...