Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
My Baby Sister - The Graduate!
Anna Graduated - Class of 2011!!!
I can't believe my baby girl is on to the college years!!
It was a great chance to reflect on how blessed I am to have her for a sister....how hard I prayed and fasted for her, how we all adored and parented her. Watching her grow up as a precious little girl to an energy filled, loving, go-getter of a teenager, an incredible aunt to her nieces and nephews, and a dear friend to her siblings. I love watching her life unfold, and know that the years ahead hold some very big "eternity decisions" for my girl.
She is one adored girl!!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Father Knows Best
Being 4 weeks away from delivering our fourth baby I had some definite ideas of how to spend our Memorial Day weekend. They included things such as assembling the bassinet, taking down wallpaper, washing baby clothes, organizing, etc. Steve also had some ideas about how to use the weekend.
Which included not one of my ideas.
Since he had put so much time into working on the house and projects for the past few months, surviving my two 12's a week from dawn to dusk with kids and work, and has pretty much been a rock star of a husband this pregnancy there was no way I could ask him to implement my ideas. So we went with his idea - a much needed get away as a family.
He first mentioned camping, which to be quite frank at this point in my pregnancy sounded about as fun as a root canal. So when he called and said he found a condo in the mountains for a killer deal I was thrilled! It had a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a private hot tub and was close to stores, lakes, and trails. Steve told the kids this is the kind of camping we do when Mommy has a baby in her tummy :). I married a good man.
We got here and the kids wasted no time hopping in the hot tub after Steve had cooled it down a bit.
We've done some hiking in these gorgeous mountains.
And of course, some fishing.
Our worm lover of the family turned out to be Miss Kali, who especially loved to torment her two brothers who had no interest in holding those worms whatsoever!
We drove up to Lake Granby and found a beautiful place to fish and hang out. This was our big catch for the day.
Steve is a fan of catch and release, thank goodness, so after pictures, holding and hook removal, we sent the little guy back into the lake. Trenton was very concerned the whole time he was out of water we weren't getting him back quick enough, so when we finally released him Trenton giggle with relief, "OK little buddy! There you go. Have a good life." He flipped belly-up rather quickly but his little gills were still breathing away so we told Trenton he was probably playing dead for a minute and would get swimming away pretty soon. Well Trenton is my little tender heart and kept speaking encouraging words to the fish. A minute turned to several and my hopes for a catch-and-release were fading fast. Trenton stayed with his little guy, following him down the shore where the wind blew him. I knew we were going to have trouble when I saw some seagulls began to circle.
Nature wastes nothing. It was one of those natural consequences you want to protect your kids from but can't - I suppose shouldn't - and while Steve was snapping away I heard Trenton's heart break as he shouted:
"THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR PLAYING DEAD FOR SO LONG!!!"
I haven't stopped laughing at that line.
This bird had no desire to share the feast and I imagine he may have a bit of a stomach ache.
We had the whole 'circle of life' talk to which Trenton had no interest. Kali tried to talk to Trenton afterwards and he was too upset to have a discussion.
"Kali, when you see something so upsetting like that you just don't feel like talking, ok?! I just wish every animal would just be a vegetarian." I heard him mumble about fruit and nuts for quite a while after that :).
The shore made for some nice down time.
Sun and sand had us all tuckered out when we got home.
I love these kiddos so much and especially love their Daddy who makes fabulous memories and magical moments for our family.
Who needs a bassinet anyway?
Which included not one of my ideas.
Since he had put so much time into working on the house and projects for the past few months, surviving my two 12's a week from dawn to dusk with kids and work, and has pretty much been a rock star of a husband this pregnancy there was no way I could ask him to implement my ideas. So we went with his idea - a much needed get away as a family.
He first mentioned camping, which to be quite frank at this point in my pregnancy sounded about as fun as a root canal. So when he called and said he found a condo in the mountains for a killer deal I was thrilled! It had a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a private hot tub and was close to stores, lakes, and trails. Steve told the kids this is the kind of camping we do when Mommy has a baby in her tummy :). I married a good man.
We got here and the kids wasted no time hopping in the hot tub after Steve had cooled it down a bit.
We've done some hiking in these gorgeous mountains.
And of course, some fishing.
Our worm lover of the family turned out to be Miss Kali, who especially loved to torment her two brothers who had no interest in holding those worms whatsoever!
We drove up to Lake Granby and found a beautiful place to fish and hang out. This was our big catch for the day.
Steve is a fan of catch and release, thank goodness, so after pictures, holding and hook removal, we sent the little guy back into the lake. Trenton was very concerned the whole time he was out of water we weren't getting him back quick enough, so when we finally released him Trenton giggle with relief, "OK little buddy! There you go. Have a good life." He flipped belly-up rather quickly but his little gills were still breathing away so we told Trenton he was probably playing dead for a minute and would get swimming away pretty soon. Well Trenton is my little tender heart and kept speaking encouraging words to the fish. A minute turned to several and my hopes for a catch-and-release were fading fast. Trenton stayed with his little guy, following him down the shore where the wind blew him. I knew we were going to have trouble when I saw some seagulls began to circle.
Nature wastes nothing. It was one of those natural consequences you want to protect your kids from but can't - I suppose shouldn't - and while Steve was snapping away I heard Trenton's heart break as he shouted:
"THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR PLAYING DEAD FOR SO LONG!!!"
I haven't stopped laughing at that line.
This bird had no desire to share the feast and I imagine he may have a bit of a stomach ache.
We had the whole 'circle of life' talk to which Trenton had no interest. Kali tried to talk to Trenton afterwards and he was too upset to have a discussion.
"Kali, when you see something so upsetting like that you just don't feel like talking, ok?! I just wish every animal would just be a vegetarian." I heard him mumble about fruit and nuts for quite a while after that :).
The shore made for some nice down time.
Sun and sand had us all tuckered out when we got home.
I love these kiddos so much and especially love their Daddy who makes fabulous memories and magical moments for our family.
Who needs a bassinet anyway?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Grandma McDonald
I should back up and say that Steve wouldn't hear of me driving 9 hours 30 weeks pregnant. The week before I ended up working a horrific schedule of 12 hour shifts Thurs, Sat, Mon and Wed with teaching at church, sick kids and coordinating youth activities for church in between. So his insisting I fly might have had to do a little bit with me coming home in pain, tears & exhaustion Wed night not having a clue how I was going to pack up and travel the next day for the funeral. Yes, that was probably it. I was protesting through my tears, insisting a good night's sleep would make all the difference and he kept nodding and ignoring me while he bought the ticket. So my saint of a husband drove 3 kids to UT by himself and stayed at Great-Grandma Alley's Thurs night. We always love our Laramie stop and I especially love the relationship my kids have being so close to Grandma.
The above picture is an attempt at getting a picture with her grandchildren and great-granchildren - it wasn't the quietest funeral :), but it was certainly filled with love and appreciation for the legacy she and Grandpa started. Steve and I reflected a lot on the life and legacy we were leaving for our children...how seemingly small everyday choices really create a tapestry of faith, love, work ethic, values, etc that effect generations to come. Grandma's humor, intelligence, obedience and work ethic were marveled at and appreciated by all.
We got to see so many cousins!!! It was incredible. We spent many late nights playing games and talking with these dear friends. Sommer, Jenna and I are all pregnant with little BOYS and are due within about 4 weeks of each other. It's always nice to commiserate - I mean REJOICE in the joys of pregnancy with someone.
The Monday after the funeral the McDonald cousins were still making the most of our time together! Matt Jeppson (Wendy's son) brought up the great idea of doing some fishing on the Provo River and doing a little adventure with the kiddos in St George. We were completely on board...what better adventure guide than Matt who LOVES the outdoors, used to be a river guide, is now an environmental lawyer and always on the lookout for the next great adventure? And Steve, JV and Matt used to spend a lot of time together fishing and playing - I loved that they had the rare chance to do it again. So I kept Blake with me and Steve took Trenton and Kali down to St. George.
These are some shots from the St George trip. Aunt Wendy and 11 of the cousin's kids also went on the hikes in St George and the adults did a lot of trading off kiddos who were too little or got a little too hot to finish parts of the hike (above - Kali on Matt's shoulders) .
They found a tortoise...
a gecko...
a snake...
(yes, Kali is in heaven holding snakes)
While they were gone Blake and I got to see Emily and spend some time with Johhny!!! Yea! Johnny and Blake are little buds - it's so fun to watch their relationship. I also got to see our dear friends, the Barlows and found a beautiful picture of the temple for our dining room. I have been looking for years and consider myself pretty picky. I love it. We also got spoiled by Mom and Dad with an incredible dinner at a Hibachi grill - it was absolutely succulent. Little Johnny wasn't a big fan of the flame at the table and I will be watching to see how he does in the future with fire ;). Blake cautiously enjoyed the flame but both boys LOVED the food.
Steve once again insisted I fly home and didn't bat an eye or utter a word of complaint driving 3 kids across UT and WY with a week of very little sleep while I loaded up on a plane and headed home. What did I do to deserve him?
It really was a week of family and reflection, which I suppose is a big part of what funerals are about.
We love you Grandma McDonald!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Child's Prayer
A few months ago the music director in our church asked me if I could find a musical number to sing in church. After looking at a lot of options, it dawned on me Kali had been asking to sing in church for a while. I asked if she wanted to sing in church and she said she would LOVE to! I chose a simple and sweet duet between a parent and a child called A Child's Prayer.The practice sessions were very sweet and spirit filled as I listened to my little girl's sweet voice.
We practiced for weeks and the week we were supposed to sing Kali came down with Influenza B. We cancelled that Sunday in Feb and rescheduled for today. Last Sunday our pianist came over to practice and Kali completely clammed up, hiding behind me shyly. It dawned on me this could go very, very badly and I had to come up with a backup plan. I asked one of my friends if her daughter McKinney, who is Kali's good friend would be at all interested in singing with Kali. I smiled when she asked, "Does she need to hit the notes?"
After many practice sessions, the big day came and I just said many prayers these two little five-year-old girls would have the courage to sing in front of our 500 member congregation. We got ready for church early and this morning Kali showed me a picture she drew of us singing "our song" in church. I showed Kali who we would sing after and when this woman got up to speak Kali started panicking. "I can't do it, Mom. I am so scared to sing in front of all these people. My voice will not work." The tears came and she started twisting and turning in agony. Oh Boy. I told her we could say a prayer and Heavenly Father would give her courage. When that didn't quite stop the tears, I turned and looked back at McKinney who was calmly eating fruit snacks on her daddy's lap. Hmmmm- let's get her blood sugar up - I turned to Steve and he handed me a piece of candy for her. Worked like a charm. The time came and she and McKinney held hands up to the front. They started singing and a calm sweet spirit came over me as they sang:
"Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?"
I started singing and it felt like I was bearing my testimony to these sweet little girls. My heart and the spirit confirmed the words I sang:
"Pray, He is there.Speak, He is listening.
You are his child, his love now surrounds you."
I put my arm around my little girl and wanted her to instill in her that Heavenly Father would always be there to answer the pleadings of her heart. Singing with my little girl was a very sweet experience and made for a very special Sunday.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
When Irish Eyes are Smiling
After I dropped Trenton off at school I heard, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and thought of Trenton's ancestors and realized it's in his blood with the Murphys and McDonalds - I guess I can hardly blame him for it ;).
Luckily when Grandma Allen found out Trenton's passion for this day she came to the rescue and sent a package with some decorations and goodies to help - Thank You, Grandma!!! Starting March 1st Trenton said, "You know what month this is Mom...I think we should start wearing green every day." So we tried to make this a special day for our little guys and gal - here are some shots.
We got Kali all ready for her preschool party.
After Kali's preschool party, a few of the kids asked for the recipe for the Green Punch - it tastes just like water, Mom, but it's green!!!! How do we make it?!
Of course the Leprechauns visited our house and caused plenty of mischief before the kids went to bed. The night before St Patrick's Day Steve and I found a note from Trenton - he now keeps it in his bed with him:
Lucky,
I hope the Leprechauns can someday be man's best friend. Love, Trenton
Lucky wrote back:
Friends we will always be. Love, Lucky
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
This Too Shall Pass...
This next blog is an attempt to chronicle the last 4 months of my life for my personal history, because although I knew it would be bad (very bad) that little blessing from Heavenly Father called amnesia made me forget how truly horrific the first 4 months of pregnancy are for me.
Yes, we are expecting Allen baby #4 due July 1st. It was very planned, much anticipated, the pregnancy itself slightly dreaded, but we were thrilled when we finally found out we were pregnant. We knew we had about 10 days before the nausea, exhaustion, etc kicked in so I made the most of those days. Scrubbed bathrooms, cut hair, trimmed nails, washed sheets, made a couple freezer meals, cleaned out the fridge, etc. and waited for it to hit. And hit it did - 24/7nausea. Morning noon, night, middle of the night - a constant feeling like I was just about to throw up, and 5 minutes of relief when I finally did which for me was only around 10 times, but I always wished it were more. 50 minutes of not feeling like I was on the verge of throwing up over the last 4 months - yuck. We thought we had braced ourselves for the worst, but Steve and I both had simply forgotten. Actually Steve swears I've been the sickest this pregnancy, but Aunt Diane hit the nail on the head saying it's probably the hardest because we have three kids to manage now. I think she is right. Many titles for this blog have ran through my mind..."4 Months of Hell", "How Could I Forget This?", "We Made It...Barely." But I settled on a line my wise, experienced father texted me at about week 9 - "This Too Shall Pass." I can now say at 23 weeks I occasionally have my moments, but the worst finally has passed.
I wanted to record some of the tender mercies I was able to experience, and things that made an impression on my mind and helped us to survive this time.
Potty Trained! About 3 weeks after the sickness started Blake was completely potty trained at 2 years and 9 months, including staying dry through the night. He was ready long before this, but I thought my to-do list was too long to stay home for the week or two it required. Every time I tried I would end up "needing" to go somewhere, run an errand or help someone. Well, Heavenly Father took care of that by solidly grounding me to the couch 20 feet from the bathroom, with no desire to step foot anywhere in the house or out of the house! Life came to a screeching halt. Kali was my angel helper and I told her every time Blake went to the bathroom they both got a treat. She took on the challenge like a champ and every 10 minutes was asking Blake if he needed to go, helping him with his pants, reminding him to flush and wash, even helping him wipe on my worst days. He didn't really care about the treats, but she did! He has had no problem since with going #1, #2 and nighttime dryness. I can count one hand how many accidents he has had and I am grateful for that EASY to train little boy and that tender mercy.
Jelly Toast - Early into this my little Kali asked me "Mommy, do you feel sick?" I answered with a weak nod and she was back in 5 minutes with a triumphant grin and a piece of bread spread with a 2 inch layer of jelly on it. She was so precious and thoughtful during the whole sickness, bringing me jelly toast, water and anything else I asked for.
Fortified Cereal - I can't overstate how much of this my family has eaten over the past four months. It was often all I could fathom putting in my mouth, almost the daily choice for breakfast, often lunch and occasionally dinner. I am just grateful it is fortified.
Friends- Many meals showed up on our doorstep, often without anyone asking if they could be brought. We were all so appreciative. The encouraging words were so appreciated, especially from those who have been through this. My dear friend Amanda wrote a perfectly timed message saying week 8 or 9 was the hardest because you felt like you'd been sick for an eternity, but you knew you had so long to go. It hit the nail on the head. Another friend, Annie encouraged me to try Unisom and B-6 and it made all the difference for me allowing me to sleep at night or at least fall back to sleep after waking up on the verge of throwing up.
Family - I am pretty sure my mom did 13 loads of laundry when they came out for Thanksgiving, and the clean clothes lasted for weeks. Aunt what a tender mercy was the visit from my Aunt Lynette and my Grandma Alley. Grandma and Aunt Lynette loved, entertained and taught the kids right during a time I was threatening miscarriage. Aunt Lynette has the ability to do the work of 4 women wrapped into one and between her and Grandma - boy did they work. In the two days they were here she changed all the sheets, cleaned out and organized the fridge and freezer, organized the pantry, did countless loads of laundry, and cooked meals. I simply sat on the couch in nausea and pain and was forever grateful for her work for the next 2 months!
Steve - All I can say is that me, the tornado of a house and the kids were not a pretty sight to come home to, but he did every night with a smile and willing hands ready to bring dinner, put kids to bed, and clean up. He picked up countless prescriptions, given back rubs to help me relax to fall asleep, cleaned and done laundry while I sat helpless. He pulled the whole family through this.
My CNA's - Many people have asked how I was able to work during this as I am working 24 hours a week - two 12 hour days - to get insurance to have this little one. It's not easy - I often dry heaved going to and coming from, and fell into a chair and was sleeping (or crying) moments after arriving home. BUT... my CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) were LIFESAVERS. I am on the Cardiac Floor so luckily I don't have many wounds, dressing changes, incontinent people, etc. But I do occasionally get them or have fun parts of my job to do like collecting stool samples, having people show me what they've hacked up "just in case I need to let the doctor know," and have plenty of nausea and vomiting. It's the nature of my job. My CNA's have saved the day. They are always the first to find out I am pregnant, usually by my dry heaving during one of these special moments. They pull me into the hall and say "You are NOT going back into that room! I can handle it!" They often don't tell me when they've handled a "code brown" or other exciting moments until it is all cleaned up. They run to answer call lights when I am too exhausted or nauseated to do it and keep me out of contact precaution rooms - infectious rooms: Influenza, MRSA, C-Diff, etc. So how am I able to work? I don't have to cook for anyone, wipe any bottoms, clean up any dirty dishes, spills or accidents, or deal with laundry like I do at home. I give a lot of medication, do a lot of teaching, and do a lot of coordinating care and charting. I have CNA's, housekeepers, and a cafeteria that has healthy, prepared food as often as I need it. Most of all - my CNA's come to the rescue.
The 12 weeks ultrasound - I planned some special mommy-daughter time for little Kali as she had been such an incredible help for me. I asked if she wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat at my ultrasound and go out for frozen yogurt afterward and she was THRILLED for the chance. I arranged a playdate for Blake and her and I went to the appointment. Little did I know the doctor would do an ultrasound! Kali stood close beside me as the baby appeared on the screen and a big grin spread over her face as she saw little hands, arms and legs just moving away. She began waving back saying, "Hello! Oh hi, little one! I'm Kali! I'm your big sister and we're going to share a bunk bed and play together!" It was all I could to to hold the tears back as I saw this precious little life inside me and it's big sister loving it already. That unexpected ultrasound really gave me the strength to keep going.
Hilarious lines: The kiddos said the funniest things and I wanted to record a few of them:
Trenton: I was changing Blake's diaper and started dry heaving away. I told Trenton to RUN and get me a plastic sack (it was to wrap up the stinky diaper quick, but he thought it was to catch what was about to come out of my mouth.) He threw the sack at me and ran off saying, "Mom I really love you, but I CANNOT stay to watch this!"
Trenton: During one of his more recent prayers, "And please bless the baby to grow healthy and strong off of all of Mom's fat." Sigh.
Blake: One particularly rough morning I ran to the bathroom to throw up and poor Blake was apparently very hungry. He stood right next to me and watched the process, and as I was catching my breath he said: "Now you can pour me cereal, Mom?" Sure, buddy. I'll be right on that.
Trenton & Kali: We were at the dinner table and Steve had just finished giving the kids a lecture on how it was so important to help Mommy, especially cleaning up dirty or gross things so I wouldn't have to deal with them. Blake was potty training and had his pants off. He stood up, announced he had to go to the bathroom and proceeded to go all over his dinner plate. It was funny, but too much for me to handle and got me going on the dry heaves. Steve wrinkled his nose, looked at me and said "All right, is it your turn or mine?" The kids jumped all over him! "Are you kidding, Dad? There's no way Mom can clean that up! That is disgusting. You just told us we had to help her! Dad!!!" It was hilarious.
I can't explain the relief I have knowing the worst has passed - I just wanted to write a few of these things down for the record :). We are truly looking forward to welcoming Baby BOY #3 around July 1st!
Yes, we are expecting Allen baby #4 due July 1st. It was very planned, much anticipated, the pregnancy itself slightly dreaded, but we were thrilled when we finally found out we were pregnant. We knew we had about 10 days before the nausea, exhaustion, etc kicked in so I made the most of those days. Scrubbed bathrooms, cut hair, trimmed nails, washed sheets, made a couple freezer meals, cleaned out the fridge, etc. and waited for it to hit. And hit it did - 24/7nausea. Morning noon, night, middle of the night - a constant feeling like I was just about to throw up, and 5 minutes of relief when I finally did which for me was only around 10 times, but I always wished it were more. 50 minutes of not feeling like I was on the verge of throwing up over the last 4 months - yuck. We thought we had braced ourselves for the worst, but Steve and I both had simply forgotten. Actually Steve swears I've been the sickest this pregnancy, but Aunt Diane hit the nail on the head saying it's probably the hardest because we have three kids to manage now. I think she is right. Many titles for this blog have ran through my mind..."4 Months of Hell", "How Could I Forget This?", "We Made It...Barely." But I settled on a line my wise, experienced father texted me at about week 9 - "This Too Shall Pass." I can now say at 23 weeks I occasionally have my moments, but the worst finally has passed.
I wanted to record some of the tender mercies I was able to experience, and things that made an impression on my mind and helped us to survive this time.
Potty Trained! About 3 weeks after the sickness started Blake was completely potty trained at 2 years and 9 months, including staying dry through the night. He was ready long before this, but I thought my to-do list was too long to stay home for the week or two it required. Every time I tried I would end up "needing" to go somewhere, run an errand or help someone. Well, Heavenly Father took care of that by solidly grounding me to the couch 20 feet from the bathroom, with no desire to step foot anywhere in the house or out of the house! Life came to a screeching halt. Kali was my angel helper and I told her every time Blake went to the bathroom they both got a treat. She took on the challenge like a champ and every 10 minutes was asking Blake if he needed to go, helping him with his pants, reminding him to flush and wash, even helping him wipe on my worst days. He didn't really care about the treats, but she did! He has had no problem since with going #1, #2 and nighttime dryness. I can count one hand how many accidents he has had and I am grateful for that EASY to train little boy and that tender mercy.
Jelly Toast - Early into this my little Kali asked me "Mommy, do you feel sick?" I answered with a weak nod and she was back in 5 minutes with a triumphant grin and a piece of bread spread with a 2 inch layer of jelly on it. She was so precious and thoughtful during the whole sickness, bringing me jelly toast, water and anything else I asked for.
Fortified Cereal - I can't overstate how much of this my family has eaten over the past four months. It was often all I could fathom putting in my mouth, almost the daily choice for breakfast, often lunch and occasionally dinner. I am just grateful it is fortified.
Friends- Many meals showed up on our doorstep, often without anyone asking if they could be brought. We were all so appreciative. The encouraging words were so appreciated, especially from those who have been through this. My dear friend Amanda wrote a perfectly timed message saying week 8 or 9 was the hardest because you felt like you'd been sick for an eternity, but you knew you had so long to go. It hit the nail on the head. Another friend, Annie encouraged me to try Unisom and B-6 and it made all the difference for me allowing me to sleep at night or at least fall back to sleep after waking up on the verge of throwing up.
Family - I am pretty sure my mom did 13 loads of laundry when they came out for Thanksgiving, and the clean clothes lasted for weeks. Aunt what a tender mercy was the visit from my Aunt Lynette and my Grandma Alley. Grandma and Aunt Lynette loved, entertained and taught the kids right during a time I was threatening miscarriage. Aunt Lynette has the ability to do the work of 4 women wrapped into one and between her and Grandma - boy did they work. In the two days they were here she changed all the sheets, cleaned out and organized the fridge and freezer, organized the pantry, did countless loads of laundry, and cooked meals. I simply sat on the couch in nausea and pain and was forever grateful for her work for the next 2 months!
Steve - All I can say is that me, the tornado of a house and the kids were not a pretty sight to come home to, but he did every night with a smile and willing hands ready to bring dinner, put kids to bed, and clean up. He picked up countless prescriptions, given back rubs to help me relax to fall asleep, cleaned and done laundry while I sat helpless. He pulled the whole family through this.
My CNA's - Many people have asked how I was able to work during this as I am working 24 hours a week - two 12 hour days - to get insurance to have this little one. It's not easy - I often dry heaved going to and coming from, and fell into a chair and was sleeping (or crying) moments after arriving home. BUT... my CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) were LIFESAVERS. I am on the Cardiac Floor so luckily I don't have many wounds, dressing changes, incontinent people, etc. But I do occasionally get them or have fun parts of my job to do like collecting stool samples, having people show me what they've hacked up "just in case I need to let the doctor know," and have plenty of nausea and vomiting. It's the nature of my job. My CNA's have saved the day. They are always the first to find out I am pregnant, usually by my dry heaving during one of these special moments. They pull me into the hall and say "You are NOT going back into that room! I can handle it!" They often don't tell me when they've handled a "code brown" or other exciting moments until it is all cleaned up. They run to answer call lights when I am too exhausted or nauseated to do it and keep me out of contact precaution rooms - infectious rooms: Influenza, MRSA, C-Diff, etc. So how am I able to work? I don't have to cook for anyone, wipe any bottoms, clean up any dirty dishes, spills or accidents, or deal with laundry like I do at home. I give a lot of medication, do a lot of teaching, and do a lot of coordinating care and charting. I have CNA's, housekeepers, and a cafeteria that has healthy, prepared food as often as I need it. Most of all - my CNA's come to the rescue.
The 12 weeks ultrasound - I planned some special mommy-daughter time for little Kali as she had been such an incredible help for me. I asked if she wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat at my ultrasound and go out for frozen yogurt afterward and she was THRILLED for the chance. I arranged a playdate for Blake and her and I went to the appointment. Little did I know the doctor would do an ultrasound! Kali stood close beside me as the baby appeared on the screen and a big grin spread over her face as she saw little hands, arms and legs just moving away. She began waving back saying, "Hello! Oh hi, little one! I'm Kali! I'm your big sister and we're going to share a bunk bed and play together!" It was all I could to to hold the tears back as I saw this precious little life inside me and it's big sister loving it already. That unexpected ultrasound really gave me the strength to keep going.
Hilarious lines: The kiddos said the funniest things and I wanted to record a few of them:
Trenton: I was changing Blake's diaper and started dry heaving away. I told Trenton to RUN and get me a plastic sack (it was to wrap up the stinky diaper quick, but he thought it was to catch what was about to come out of my mouth.) He threw the sack at me and ran off saying, "Mom I really love you, but I CANNOT stay to watch this!"
Trenton: During one of his more recent prayers, "And please bless the baby to grow healthy and strong off of all of Mom's fat." Sigh.
Blake: One particularly rough morning I ran to the bathroom to throw up and poor Blake was apparently very hungry. He stood right next to me and watched the process, and as I was catching my breath he said: "Now you can pour me cereal, Mom?" Sure, buddy. I'll be right on that.
Trenton & Kali: We were at the dinner table and Steve had just finished giving the kids a lecture on how it was so important to help Mommy, especially cleaning up dirty or gross things so I wouldn't have to deal with them. Blake was potty training and had his pants off. He stood up, announced he had to go to the bathroom and proceeded to go all over his dinner plate. It was funny, but too much for me to handle and got me going on the dry heaves. Steve wrinkled his nose, looked at me and said "All right, is it your turn or mine?" The kids jumped all over him! "Are you kidding, Dad? There's no way Mom can clean that up! That is disgusting. You just told us we had to help her! Dad!!!" It was hilarious.
I can't explain the relief I have knowing the worst has passed - I just wanted to write a few of these things down for the record :). We are truly looking forward to welcoming Baby BOY #3 around July 1st!
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