A Day At The Fair

Ryan, Olivia and I headed to the state fair today.  What a gorgeous day to be at the fair!  The weather could not have been any nicer than it was today.

Olivia enjoyed making her very own rocket ship in an arts and crafts building.  She flew that thing around all day until it fell apart.  Reminder to self: Help Olivia make a new rocket ship this week. 

We couldn’t miss the pig races.  Our favorite pig was Lindsay Lo”ham.”  Sarah Jessica Porker was a close second. 

Olivia enjoyed playing in a little pink house. . .

and eating her first Pronto Pup.  Yum!

The animals are always a big hit for Olivia.  She really enjoyed feeding the animals in the petting zoo.

Here she is petting a 6 month old baby calf.

Of course, a 5 year old’s trip to the fair would not be complete without riding the rides.  She always enjoys riding rides and has little fear.  If only she was taller, she’d be riding the big kid rides!

So, how does a high risk pregnant lady spend all day at the fair?  With wheels, of course!  Ryan wouldn’t let me go without renting a wheelchair.  He takes such good care of his girls!

And here is Olivia’s first carnival win!  She won a stuffed duck during a game of Lucky Duck.  Apparently, a girl can’t have too many ducks. 

What a fabulous day!  And Olivia was just an angel all day long.  Not a whine or a cry or an “I’m tired.”  I’m just so proud of her all the time.  So lucky to be her mommy!

Second Day Of Preschool

Olivia’s second day of preschool went really well.  Her teacher actually called me afterwards to touch base which really impressed me.  Olivia is doing great!  Her teacher is blown away by her verbalization skills.  The “problem” is, she seeks out her teachers (and probably talks their ears off) and doesn’t interact with the other kids.  I’m sure that is more common in children who grow up without siblings, but Olivia almost prefers the company of adults.  She has friends her age, but they are kids that I introduce to her (cousins, kids of my friends, etc.)  She hasn’t ever gone somewhere and “made” a friend on her own.  I pray for the day that she comes home and tells me about her new friend!! 

Baby Sister

I went in today for a cervical length measurement. It was good at 3.5 cm. Her fluids were good and she was just all around perfect. I think she was sleeping because her heart rate was slower than usual and she wasn't kicking and moving all around like normal. Hard to believe that I'm almost 25 weeks and no bed rest in sight. What a blessing! And last night, Olivia got to feel her kick. Poor Olivia thought that she kicked her because she didn't like her. I had to explain a bit and Olivia decided she was probably giving her a high five instead. LOL!

First Day Of Preschool

Olivia started her first day (of her last year) of preschool.  Ever since meeting her teacher last week, she has shown no apprehension at all.  Today was no different.  She now attends Kidslink at Pathway Church (formerly Westlink.)  She will be with regular developing peers and receive occupational and physical therapy while there.  She showed such a maturity today that I was just blown away!

Does this not look like a little girl eager to learn or what?

The hallway leading up to her classroom looks like a Main Street with a paved road, lamp posts and store fronts.  She, of course, had to get her picture taken in front of the pet store.

And. . .in front of the fire station. 

She was so excited to get to her room.  We got there early (you know me) and the lights in her classroom were still off.  When they finally turned on, she couldn’t wait to go in.  She was so excited that she forgot to tell me good-bye.  I waited for a bit by the door thinking she’d turn around, but she never did. LOL!  So, it’s now officially harder on me than it is on her.  They were sitting on the floor playing with zoo animals when I left (right up her alley.)  They were instructed to take two and I heard her teacher say, “Now, Olivia. . .you have more than two!” Haha! Of course she probably took a whole pile.  Can’t wait to hear about her day!!!

Halloween Preview

My daughter loves Halloween and for those who know my husband, you know why.  She definitely takes after him.  Yesterday, we went to Halloween Express to find her a costume.  (We figured going this early, none of them would be picked over. LOL!) She tried on everything from a clown to a butterfly to an elephant.  The three of us had so much fun. She’d put them on and then model them for all the employees.  She decided on the elephant and she looks so cute, I can hardly stand it! 

Is that not the cutest elephant you have ever seen?  And, it is such a soft, well made costume too. Let’s just hope we have a cold Halloween. So far, she has been a giraffe, tulip fairy, witch, puppy and now elephant.  She really likes to dress up as animals.  But, she also wants to be a butterfly when she grows up. LOL! 

24 weeks, 1 day

24 Weeks

Current size of baby: Cantaloupe

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain: 18 lbs. . .Yikes! Four lbs in one week. Guess that makes up for the two weeks I didn’t gain.

Inches Gained: 5.5 inches

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Sleep: Pretty good

How I'm feeling So incredibly blessed to be 24 weeks. I can do this! I can do this!

Best moment this week: When Olivia started talking to baby sister and giving her kisses. She comes up to my belly and tells her all kinds of things. Since Olivia has never shown a lot of interest in baby dolls I honestly didn’t know what she would think of having a baby around. Wow, she is so excited! She talks every day about the things that they can do together and already loves her so much! It is amazing!

Food cravings: I’m still on a tomato sauce/marinara kick. I had tomato soup the other night and found out Olivia liked it too!

Food aversions: None

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: NO. Thank goodness

Belly Button in or out? Out

What I miss: That “I’m full” feeling.  It’s nonexistent right now.  I could eat and eat and eat.  I have to guess when a normal person would be full.  (Soon after I posted this, I developed horrible heartburn/indigestion.  Guess that’s what happens when you make it to 24 weeks. But, I say. . .”Bring on the discomforts!” It means I’m still pregnant! )

What I am looking forward to: Having a December baby!

Milestones: Every day is a milestone now. I’ve never been this pregnant before. I’ve never been pregnant in September. I’ve never worn fall maternity clothes. So many “firsts” from now on.

No belly shots of me this week, but these are better because they are of Olivia.

Olivia and Ducky

And this, my friends, is huge!  Olivia barely lets me brush her hair and NEVER actually lets me fix it.  Of course, I had to bribe her with a popsicle and M&Ms, but she let me!  LOL!

September is Child Cancer Awareness Month

Sadly, in the past year, I’ve known more children with cancer than I could have ever imagined.  These children have touched my heart more than I could ever express. This post is dedicated to Tripp, a former 23 weeker who is fighting neuroblastoma.  It’s also dedicated to Paxten, a close family friend who passed away last January with leukemia just shy of her 2nd birthday.  And, also to Benjamin, my close friend’s son, who lost his eye to retinoblastoma less than a year ago. 

I struggle with why childhood cancer even exists.  It breaks my heart to see anyone fighting cancer and when it’s a child. . .I just don’t understand.  After spending so much time in the NICU and losing a son because of prematurity. . .I’m often asked what people can do to help those suffering through similar circumstances.  The number one thing, I believe, is just to show that you care. . .share in their suffering.  Help to carry their burden, cry with them, mourn with them, and overwhelm them with your love.  There are no magical words that take the pain away.  I can imagine it might be the same comfort for a parent whose child has cancer.  They need to know that they are not alone.  Educate yourself on what they are going through and pray for all children and families affected by cancer.

23 Weeks, 4 days

Well, I’m chugging right along at 23 weeks, 4 days.  I don’t get another cervical length check until next Thursday.  I think I’m doing fine, but will feel more confident once I know that measurement.  I’ve had quite a bit of cramping lately, which is fine as long as it doesn’t change your cervix.  I’ll be sure to update the blog if anything changes, but for now I’m just grateful to still be pregnant! Still praying for a December baby!

Here are Olivia and Logan on August 30, 2007 when I should have been 23 weeks, 4 days pregnant.

I look at these pictures and all I can say is “I’m sorry.”  I’ve learned after 5 years that it wasn’t my fault.  I did nothing different than any other pregnant woman.  However, I’ve learned that normal wasn’t good enough.  I needed progesterone shots, I needed a cerclage and a lot more rest.  I don’t even know if that’ll be enough to carry baby sister to term.  I pray it is.  But, I’m still sorry.

Uncharted Territory

I can’t tell you the sense of accomplishment I will feel when I wake up tomorrow and I’m 23 weeks, 2 days pregnant.  And, to 99.9999% of the pregnancy population that is no accomplishment at all.  But, it marks the most pregnant I have ever been.  To go to sleep tonight with baby sister tucked safely inside of me instead of fighting for her life in the NICU. . .words just can’t describe.  I literally have no idea what to expect after this point in time.  I still have such a long road ahead, but to be 23 week, 2 days pregnant and not even on bedrest. . .I just feel so grateful and so blessed.  Thank you for traveling down this road alongside me. 

Olivia had a great birthday today!  She is so excited to be five years old.

One of her favorite gifts was her new keyboard.  She will literally play it for hours on end.  And today she played part of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by ear!! That girl is going to be a musical genius!  Seriously. . .mark my words!

One of MY favorite gifts was her stuffed animal cage.  She has built up quite the collection of stuffed animals.  I had a huge box of them in storage because we literally had no room for them.  So, this morning she rediscovered all of these stuffed animals that she didn’t remember.  To her it was like they were brand new!  She now has a few new friends and I don’t have stuffed animals all over my house.  Can’t beat that!

23 Weeks, 1 day

On Monday, August 27, 2007 at 23 weeks, 1 day pregnant, I gave birth to Olivia and Logan.  On Monday, August 27, 2012 I am 23 weeks, 1 day pregnant again.  Eerily similar and yet a testament to God’s perfect timing.  I’m determined that baby sister’s birthday will be in December.  Thank you, God, for giving me this miracle and for reminding me that you make all things perfect in YOUR time.

Happy Birthday to my exuberant, passionate, energetic five year old girl. 

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy in heaven who will forever remain in my heart. 

23 Weeks

Current size of baby: Approximately one pound

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain: 14 lbs

Inches Gained: 5 inches

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Sleep: Pretty good

How I'm feeling Pretty good. No big complaints this week. I just have to make sure I rest and drink a lot of water.

Best moment this week: Olivia’s 5^th birthday party. I can’t believe my little girl is 5!!

Food aversions: None

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: NO. Thank goodness

Belly Button in or out? Out

What I miss: Squeezing in small places. . .LOL!

What I am looking forward to: Getting past 23 weeks, 1 day and hoping the next few weeks fly by and I’m past the danger zone!

Milestones: On Tuesday, when I’m 23 weeks, 2 days. . .it will be the biggest milestone yet!!

Olivia’s 5th Birthday Party

Thanks to those who braved the torrential downpour and came to Olivia’s party.  We’ve hardly had any rain in months, but right when everyone was making their way to Olivia’s party it decides to pour!  Seemed fitting for an Under The Sea party since everyone got soaked.  LOL!

Getting ready for her party!

Thanks to Aunt Shelley for putting on such a great party at Jazzercise Fitness Center!  Being almost 23 weeks pregnant (Olivia and Logan were born at 23 weeks, 1 day) I worried about doing too much for her party.  Thankfully, Shelley took care of it for me and everyone had a GREAT time!

Me and baby sis chilled for a bit before the party.

Izzy’s fishy face

Olivia’s Great Great Aunt Mary

A game of Fish Fish SHARK!

Making an ocean in a bottle

BFF Madison

Thanks to all who came to Olivia’s party!  It meant the world to Olivia to have you there!

Olivia Is Almost Five!

 

I made two of these videos of Olivia from the past year. . .one with this song and one with the Chipmunks singing Survivor. Olivia informed me that she didn’t like my choice in song. (I think she likes songs that are more upbeat. LOL!) I also have another 8 minute video of her from birth, but didn’t think anyone would make it through the whole thing. Anyways, enjoy!! I can’t believe she’ll be five next week!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

What do you do when you are told to take it easy and you have a child to entertain?  Take silly pictures on your iPad!  This is one of Olivia’s favorite things to do.  She especially loves taking videos of herself then she watches them and recreates everything she did in the video. LOL!

And here’s just a normal one of her relaxing in her pjs. 

Also, we decided on our baby girl’s nursery.  We have also decided on a name, but we aren’t officially sharing with everyone yet.  We wanted something completely different from Olivia’s pink room, but still girly.  We are going to paint the walls that blue color as well. Can’t wait!

And here’s the window valance:

Hearing Test

So proud of Olivia today! She had her hearing test that she has had to retake 2 years in a row because she resisted anything in or around her ears. What a big girl she was today though! She was so excited about it! She even wore the headphones that allowed them to test each ear individually. She passed with flying colors, which is astounding for a former 23 weeker. We've never been worried about her hearing so it was kinda frustrating to have to keep redoing the test. Olivia's definitely growing up!! We celebrated with a trip to McDonalds and rented a Redbox movie to watch this afternoon.

22 Weeks

Current size of baby: 15 oz (Olivia and Logan were around 17.5 oz when they were born!)

How far along? 22 weeks

Total weight gain: 13 lbs (I gained no weight last week and I lost a ½ lb this week. I guess that’s okay???)

Inches Gained: 5 inches

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Sleep: Pretty good. I bought a Boppy wedge pillow and I think it will help some.  I have a pregnancy pillow from my first pregnancy, but it takes up half of the bed. 

How I'm feeling Pretty good. I think back to how I felt with Olivia and Logan at this point. I was 15 lbs heavier with horrible back pain and constant cramping. I’m doing much better compared to that, which allows me to hope that I will carry this baby much longer.

Best moment this week: My gender reveal party and telling everyone that we’re having a girl! We actually found out the gender the night I was in the hospital and I had to keep it a secret for a week! I’m sure I slipped a few times.

Food cravings: None really.

Food aversions: None

Gender: Girl!

Labor Signs: NO. Thank goodness

Belly Button in or out? Out

What I miss: Being able to do more stuff. It’s hard when you actually have the motivation to clean and you can’t.

What I am looking forward to: Olivia’s 5^th birthday party on Saturday. I can’t believe that I will have a 5 year old. I’m so proud of how far she has come in 5 years!

Milestones: We registered this weekend for our baby. Luckily, we still have a car seat, crib, breast pump, high chair, etc. But, after going through Olivia’s old clothes I noticed that we have hardly any newborn and 0-3 month clothes. She was on Phenobarbital for months after we brought her home and she threw up every day. Sadly, I had to throw most of the clothes away because Phenobarbital stained so badly!