24 Weeks...and Counting

I haven't really posted too much about my pregnancy to this point, other than being glad that I am pregnant in the first place, and that I am glad to still be pregnant.  (Don't want to jinx it or have regrets later.)  I have lots of people asking me how Baby #2 is doing, and how this pregnancy is going.  (Most of my posts on here, and Facebook for that matter, are about Emma and how she is doing.)  So, I will post this update about Baby Boy Christopher for anyone who wishes to see.

For anyone that knows me, you know that I am not shy about talking about pregnancy or any aspect of mothering, with all of its challenges along with the greatness.  I feel like this era of my life has given me some experience that I would like to share, and if it could help even one other person feel less crazy, less scared, more normal, more calm, more blessed, more prepared, and more informed then I would have succeeded here.

I thought I would do this post in a question-answer format.  What inspired this idea is the question that I get on an all-too-frequent basis, "How are you doing?"  Well, for me, that is a loaded question and I find it too difficult to answer truthfully and not superficially in everyday conversation.  For that reason, I think it's best to answer everyone's questions here...so we're all on the same page and you can get a good idea of what's going on.

Here goes...

How many times have you been pregnant?:
7 times, including this pregnancy.  3 miscarriages, a stillborn, Emma, a miscarriage and this pregnancy.  I found out awhile ago that sharing that I was pregnant made me feel like The Boy Who Cried Wolf.  I don't want to be That Boy.  So, I stopped announcing.  That is why most people don't find out I am pregnant until I am past the halfway point.  It is just easier that way.

Do they know what is "wrong with you"?:
If I didn't understand the meaning behind this question, I could easily be offended, but I am not easily offended.  When I hear this question, I'm tempted to answer and laugh, "More than you know, Sista/Brotha."  But, I think what people are getting at here is what the difficulty with me and pregnancy is.  The answer is we don't know what the underlying cause is.  The high risk doctors in Jacksonville think that I may have incompetent cervix coupled with having my water break too early.  That is why I had a cerclage placed and I am receiving progesterone shots.  (Usually, these two treatments are not given together, but they wanted to cover all the bases.)  Funny thing about preterm labor is that the only fundamental cause of preterm labor is preterm labor.  Go figure.

Are you crazy?!:
Yes, yes we are.  I am pretty sure the whole miracle of life is one crazy ride, and we've decided to get on, not once, but twice.  When Joel and I first got married, we both envisioned 3-4 kids at least.  Well, things are different now, but the thought of even two children in our family warms our hearts.  For whatever reason, God has granted us another chance and we are oh-so-grateful.  We know we are not in control, but He is.

What makes this pregnancy different this time around?:
1) I'm not working.  With every other pregnancy, I have been working full-time in architecture.  While taking care of a two-year old is a full-time job, I can do it in the comfort of my home and can control what and how much I do (within reason, although it is difficult still). 2) I live in non-snow country.  I slipped and fell many a time while pregnant in the past and that is just not going to happen in sunny Florida, people.  [big sign of relief] 3) No exercise or lifting.  I am not supposed to carry over 10 pounds (but that rule gets broken on an hourly basis because Emma weighs a whopping 21lbs).  4) Joel has a job (and is not in school).  Yay, financial "security", although who can say this economy is secure really? With Emma, I was working and had to quit way ahead of schedule which was a financial burden on us.  He was also in school, though his last semester, and had to commute from Rexburg to Salt Lake City, a four hour drive.  He also had to be gone a lot, so Emma and I were on our own much of the time, and that was an emotional challenge for sure. 5) We live near a medical facility that can care for a micro-preemie.  With Emma, we were flown to another state to receive medical care and were housed by friends and friends of friends.  This time, we will be able to stay in our own city and be able to continue living at home, together. 6) We have another child at home.  This makes me a little nervous.  It will be difficult dividing my time between Emma and possibly another baby in the NICU.  Leaving Emma with other people while I am at the hospital will be difficult. 7) Pelvic rest. 8) No swimming or baths. 9) Cerclage (placed around 15 weeks) and progesterone shots started shortly after (week 18).  Joel gives me the progesterone shots.  10) Two OBs, a regular OB for delivery and a high risk OB to do all scans and monitor cervical length, which gives me almost weekly monitoring.  I am measuring a very nice 4.1cm for those who care to know, which is VERY good.

Was your cervical length short with Emma?:
We don't know for sure, but when I arrived at my OB to check up because of spotting, I was 100% effaced and 4 cm dilated.

How are you feeling?:
Physically?  Mentally?  Emotionally?  I can't seem to wrap my head around this question most days.  I feel like this pregnancy has been a roller coaster already.  We've had our ups and downs for sure.  Physically, I'm doing really well.  The cerclage is holding.  My cervix is measuring long.  I haven't had contractions since I started the progesterone shots.  Aside from a little cold that won't go away, and some serious allergies, I'm feeling quite peachy.  (Well, maybe a little tired.)  Mentally, I try not to think about what could go wrong, but it's hard for me.  I try not to compare this pregnancy to Emma's, but that is doubly difficult.  Emotionally, I have my celebratory days and my sad and worrisome days.  With every day that passes, I do a little happy dance.  Seriously.

Is Emma excited about the pregnancy?:
I'm not sure if she understands what pregnancy is yet.  I tell her there is a baby in momma's belly.  So now, whenever she sees my belly, she points to it and says "baby" which is super cute.  Also, against my better judgement I showed her a real live birthing video off of Youtube.  She reacted with inquisitive eyes and again pointed to my belly saying "baby" over and over again.  I'm curious to see how she does once the baby comes.  She has always been a very sensitive child.  She shows empathy to other children that get hurt or are crying by stroking them on the hair and saying, "Oh, oh, oh".

How far along are you?:
I am 24 weeks today!

Gender?:
Boy.  Here are our gender reveal pictures we posted on Facebook at around 21 weeks.

Name?:
We haven't decided on a name, but have been called the baby "Nash" for quite awhile so we don't have to keep saying "the baby" this and "the baby" that.  Maybe it will stick, maybe not.

Body changes and symptoms? weight gain? stretch marks? nausea? headaches? cotton mouth? bloody noses? sleep?:
Um, let's just say that I gained weight more quickly with this pregnancy than the six previous pregnancies.  I started showing at around 15-16 weeks for sure.  No stretch marks yet that are new, oddly enough.  I have been using cocoa butter, and in my mind, that helps...at least with the itching.  I had nausea and some vomiting until about week 22.  I am just now starting to feel pretty good on a consistent basis, just tired.  The first trimester was full of nausea, headaches, thirst, and frequent trips to the bathroom.  The second trimester has quelled the nausea, night-time potty trips, and most of the headaches, but I have more thirst than ever.  I also developed some bloody noses for a good two weeks or so, but that has gone away.  I think it was the dry weather and my allergies that perpetuated that one. As of late, I have many sleepless nights.  I am a back sleeper, but I am trying to lie on my left side like a  good momma.  It's not working.  I am also filled with frequent anxiety, although that may be a side effect of the progesterone shots.  I am a worrier, too, which doesn't help, running all kinds of scenarios in my mind of what could happen.  I try not to think about it because it can drive me crazy.

Maternity clothes?:
I've gotten a few new comfy yoga type pants, one pair of jeans, a couple of shirts, and a few new dresses/skirts from Target and Old Navy.   I am going to have to break down and get a few more shirts though, so my belly doesn't stick out.

Nursery?:
Haven't done a single thing, but we are investing in a real crib this go around.  With Emma, we didn't have a whole lot of money or time to prepare, so she never got a decorated nursery.  I'm going to try to at least get the baby items that we need this time.

Best thing about this pregnancy so far?:
Everything.  I am so grateful for everything, even the nausea and thirst and middle-of-the-night trips to the restroom.  The frequent trips to the doctors are a blessing.  All of it is a reminder that I. am. still. pregnant.

Worst thing about this pregnancy so far?:
At around week 18, I was given the news that my spina bifida test came out positive.  For weeks, this weighed on my heart.  Would the baby be paralyzed?  or born with an exposed spine?  or never be able to be independent?  have neurological deficiencies?  or worse?  It was only a week ago, that I went in for the third anatomy scan (usually you only get one, but they were searching for more information on the spina bifida), that the doctors found the results "inconclusive".  After careful examination of the baby, they could not see any evidence or indicators linked with the diagnosis.  Therefore, for now, they are hopeful that the baby could be completely healthy, a true miracle.  (I am beginning to see a pattern here.  The doctor made a comment to me that went something like this, "You may not be very good at being pregnant, but you are really good at producing miracle babies."  Hey, I'll take it.)

And I am supposed to be on "bed rest".  The doctor said I am on "bed rest" with a wink wink because he knows I have a two year-old at home.  If my cervical length begins to shorten, he may put me on hospital bed rest.

Food cravings?:
None.  (Just fried chicken, but I don't think that has anything to do with the pregnancy.)  Weird.  Just food in general makes me happy.  With Emma, I craved sushi and sweets.  Previous pregnancies I dreamed of bowls of spinach and fresh fruit.

Movement?:
I felt this baby move since 17 weeks!  It's awesome and never grows old.  I never felt much movement or kicking with any of the other pregnancies, even Emma at 24 weeks.  I can't wait to feel more, even the kicks to the ribs.

Missing anything?:
I was so worried and sick during the first trimester that I didn't really get to enjoy the pregnancy (or take pregnancy pictures for that matter).  Also, for the past two years, my main focus has been taking care of  little Emma and that will be tough to let go!

Looking forward to anything?
I am looking forward to the third trimester!  I think I'll feel better once I pass the 25 week mark, after the time I had Emma.  I don't know if it is a mental block, but I will feel a lot better about things then.  We are so close, it actually is becoming a reality in my mind.  I am looking forward to experiencing a normal, healthy baby boy!  I am looking forward to learning how having a boy is different from having a girl.  [This is so cool to think about, I'm getting so excited just typing about it.]  I'm looking forward to having a full home.  It is so overwhelming to think about right now. in. a. good. way.

Are you getting any help?
Yes, this is a big one.  My church ward is really coming together.  For a couple months, when Joel and I were figuring out how to balance our new-found pregnancy and rules (like no lifting) and his work schedule (he works two jobs now - including most Saturdays), we had volunteers sign up to help with grocery shopping.  It was a big help.  We also have friends come help me bring Emma to the park (lifting her into and out of swings, etc.) or get ready for doctors appointments by putting Emma in her carseat.  Just having another woman there to run after her if Emma decides to be a toddler is such a help.  Also, my sister-in-law lives in town and she has been watching Emma when I go to my high-risk OB appointments every other week.  Soon, we are going to have a "nanny" friend watch Emma more full-time as bed rest becomes a more serious matter.

Pregnancy photos and milestones:
9 weeks - Found out we're pregnant!
10 weeks - Welcome first trimester, nausea and vomiting (every now and then).
11 weeks - Having to use the bathroom all the time.  Having to eat all the time.  Helps with the nausea.
12 weeks - We're due, July 9th, 2013.
13 weeks - Welcome second trimester.  Changed type of pre-natal vitamins.
14 weeks - Most of the family knows we're pregnant.
15 weeks - Starting to really show. Cerclage in place.
16 weeks - Close friends know we're pregnant.
17 weeks - We're having a boy!
18 weeks - Thrilled to feel the baby move on a regular basis. Starting progesterone shots.
19 weeks - Baby could have spina bifida?
20 weeks - Nausea is starting to die down.

21 Weeks
We announce gender and pregnancy on
Facebook.  Baby Christopher is a boy!

22 Weeks
17 doctors visits, 7+ ultrasounds,
6 progesterone shots, and 1 active baby!

23 Weeks
Baby is weighing in at 1.5 lbs!
(already heavier than Emma was at 25 weeks!)

Doctors, Doctors, Doctors!

So many of you have been wondering why we've been so quiet on our blog.  Well, aside from the lack of memory on our hard drive and trying to figure out a good archiving system/organization method for our digital files, the Christophers have been sick on and off since Halloween!  Emma and mommy have had a particularly rough go at it.  Daddy and Emma got over their strep, but a series of ear infections for Emma (6 in 6 months) led doctors to believe that her antibiotics never really worked and she had the same ear infection for nearly six months.  Of course, mommy blamed herself for not catching this earlier.  There was a fear for loss of hearing.  A hearing test showed good results, but reduced hearing in one ear.  They wanted Emma to get ear tubes and a more accurate ABR hearing test (which she was under general anesthetic for).  They decided to do them at the same time since Emma had to be under for the ear tube surgery anyways.  In addition, we've been working on an actual diagnosis for her chronic (daily) vomiting.  She also had an endoscopy with biopsies (of the esophagus, stomach and upper intestines) an hour or so after the ear tube surgery while she was still under.  When we got the results, it was mostly good news:  she did well on her hearing test after the placement of her ear tubes, there were no cancerous cells due to scarring of her esophagus from throwing up (although they found a small hiatus hernia), and the ear tube surgery went well.

Through it all, Emma was a real trooper on surgery day (Feb. 27th).

While Emma was in the waiting room for surgery,
she got to play with some cool toys.

She loves ride-on and push toys so much right now.

Waiting in the pre-op area.

She loves to color.

They had her fast so the last meal she had was the day before at 7pm.  When she woke up from surgery around 5pm, she was famished.  She ate a jelly sandwich, a veggie packet, some fruit snacks, crackers, and drank a glass of gatorade and a glass of water.  (That is a lot of food for Emma.  She usually eats that throughout one day.)

When we got home, she was tired, so we put her to sleep at 7pm.  She slept really well and acted like normal the next day.  However, the days following were terrible!  She caught rotavirus at the hospital and a bacterial infection from the doctor's office a week after that.  She basically had diarrhea, fever and vomiting for 12 days.  She had night terrors as a side effect of the anesthesia, waking up crying unconsolably every 45 minutes or so until two nights ago when she started sleeping through the night again.  She still has a runny nose and coughs, but otherwise, I think she is finally on the upward slope of getting better.  We are so grateful that everything went so well!  Soon, she will be back to her happy, healthy self again.

On Being "Normal" and What Dreams May Come

This post is about honesty, with myself and with others.  These are my truest and most genuine feelings.  They are only one biased facet of my mothering to this point, but a large part--biased based on my experiences up to this very point of my life.  I feel it is important to record them and not to forget them.  My life is gearing up for a large change and a new beginning and I don't want my experience to be lost or tainted in any way.  Soon, the years will make these feelings a distant memory, but I want to remember them just how I feel them right now.

I often wonder what it would have been like to have had a baby who was "normal".  What I mean by this is I wonder what it would have been like to have given birth on-time instead of 4 1/2 months early, held my child in my arms immediately after that great accomplishment of childbirth instead of waiting a whole month to just hold Emma for a few minutes and another two months after that to hold her when I asked a nurse if it was okay, breastfed within the first week instead of living a life of pumping/bottle-feeding/breastfeeding and teaching my child to suck-swallow-breathe until about 9 months of age, woken up every three hours in the night for feedings instead of taking shifts with my husband to monitor Emma non-stop overnight so someone was always awake to make sure she didn't stop breathing because her oxygen cannula moved or her heart didn't stop with monitors going off every few seconds, been a first-time parent and clumsily discovered how to parent instead of always questioning/worrying if my child should be hitting some milestone or doing/not doing a specific behavior due to her prematurity and not because she's just different/unique, had a child that could eat age-appropriate foods in an age appropriate way instead of having a child that doesn't suck, chew or swallow properly and vomited projectile-style all her life when happy, sad, or because of eating difficulties, to worry about what she eats and if it's healthy instead of how she eats and what texture/size the food is and if it has enough calories in it, having a child that sleeps and to not have to worry about calming her within one minute of distress instead of half-heartedly sleep training your child and not letting them just "cry it out" from the beginning because I'm afraid she will throw-up and aspirate because she is upset, had a baby that just spit up instead of one that vomits requiring cleaning vomit off of carpet multiple times a day/week, showering, changing complete outfits and struggling to re-feed a meal(s) for fear of loss of calories and inadequate long-term weight gain, showed up to the doctors for the typical monthly then yearly checkups instead of worrying if any cough or cold will lead to something fatal and going to specialty doctors on an all-too-frequent basis, and worried if I was being a good mommy based on no experience instead of having guilt for having her too early and causing her undue struggle.  In short, I wonder what it would have been like to not have had a micro-preemie.  I'm not MLK here, but I have a dream of what may come, and it may or may not include a happy, healthy new baby with a dash of "normal".

Just so you know, I'm not writing this to complain or because I don't realize/value what a miracle my daughter's life is because I do realize it each and every day second, in fact I am reminded of it, and I am oh so grateful for her life and for the opportunity to spend this time with her as her mommy.  I actually regard it as a blessing, privilege, and an honor.  I delight in it.  I love it and I love her more than words can express, moreso because of all the struggles she and I have been through.  I actually know that I am her mother for a reason and it is right and good.  I know that no one knows her like me and we will always have this special bond that only a mother and daughter have.  (I know and have perspective that many situations are far worse and brutal, like never being able to have a living child at all or having a child with a terminal illness--the list could go on.  This is just my experience.)  But...as a mother my job and natural instinct is to nurture and nourish and when a mother I can't do that, I feel like a failure...innately, immediately and fundamentally.  It is just that somewhere inside me, un-dealt with, poorly recognized and rarely verbalized, is this feeling--this longing--for what might have been.  The unanswered question of what life would have been like if I had not had a micro-preemie.  The feelings of guilt, anger, and jealousy.  It is a feeling that I was robbed of something or, in fact, of many somethings that I can never get back--precious experiences that most mothers take for granted and I wished I could have, too.

It is precisely this feeling, oddly enough, that spurs hope within my bosom.  I feel hopeful that this pregnancy will be healing and therapeutic to my soul.  My experience with Emma makes me cherish every.single.moment. being a mother.  It lets me relish in the good and the bad.  It has strengthened me to do more and to be more, and at the same time to realize I have little to do with who she is, fundamentally speaking, and that she will learn and grow at her own pace, but more importantly, be okay with that.  It has let me appreciate whatever small accomplishment she makes, any stride forward whatsoever, and taught me the word "celebration" in a way I never knew before motherhood.  It is an experience for my profit and learning and is for my good; indeed, these feelings have prepared me for what is to come and will buoy me up in times of future struggle and endow me in times of plenty. So while I wouldn't trade any of the experiences I have had with Emma, I wish that my future baby boy will not have to experience such difficult struggles so early in life and can just...well, enjoy being a typical baby and toddler.

So, forget "normal".  Who wants normal?!

I do.

Savor Every Moment with Emmy

I know that this time is short.  My unadulterated time to solely focus on my one miracle child, Emma Ruth. No worries that my time will have to be divided.  No feelings of guilt or remorse when the new baby needs me and Emma is having a hard time.  I focus on her face and on her when she is asleep.  I focus on her when she wakes up because of night terrors but then falls asleep again in my arms.  I delight in every aspect of her learning.  I try not to be frustrated when she has tantrums, but try to see it as a teaching moment.  I try to discipline with love.  I try to read to her.  We sing songs and her language is blossoming every day.  I have always told her I love her multiple times a day, but I will never tire of it.  She is so wonderful and so lovely.

Emma's Two Year Old Update

Hooray!  Emma turned two years old on January 16, 2013.  Because she is being isolated (from about December to March) so she doesn't get sick for her ear tube surgery, we had to postpone a party.  We think we're going to throw her a happy "Due Date" party around her due date of May 2, since most of her health issues as of late have been due to her prematurity.  Doctors, etc. say that these micro-preemies catch up by around two years of age, but it's taking Emma a little bit longer.  That's okay.  She's doing great!  I can't believe how far she's come.  It is truly a miracle.

Emma - day of birth

Emma - one year old

Emma - two years old

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:

• stopped saying yes(h)
• can say tons of new sounds and words like bus (she used to not be able to say the "s" at the end), eyebrow, and "copter" for helicopter.
• whines a lot and gets frustrated (going through terrible twos)
• throws tantrums in public - like Toys R Us every time
• bought her a Radio Flyer Wagon
• doctors visits - ABR, endoscopy with biopsies, and ear tubes surgery on Feb. 27th
• night terrors for weeks because of the anesthesia
• doesn't drink milk and applesauce anymore...errr
• cold, virus, bacterial stuff - we got a Vicks humidifier
• loving her new toys/clothes from yard sales - trucks/cars, coats, and book
• loves Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, Tinkerbell movies, Sesame Street, some Disney movies, Baby Einstein (phasing out of My Neighbor Totoro and Baby Signing Time)
• still loves strawberries, yogurt bites, cereal snacks, Motts fruit snacks, her blankets, sitting in the driver's seat of the car, coloring
• someone comes to help us go to the playground and on walks
• still hates her carseat, eating meat, doesn't eat her veggies unless in a smoothie
• eats raw carrots, cooked spinach (chopped very finely), some beans)
• eats tuna sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juice and sidekicks clear (doesn't like apple juice)
• loves going on walks, pushing her stroller, doesn't like sitting in the stroller for very long
• doesn't like coming inside
• loves climbing steps or hills, up curbs or speed bumps
• loves seeing herself in a photo, esp. videos (ie. video of her swinging and one in the Baby Bjorn with daddy)
• starting to learn colors, numbers, letters and songs
• regressed on potty training
• started peeing after she gets out of bath
• won't wear her ear plugs
• speech therapist quit?
• we quit our OT and PT
• seeing a new feeding therapist and working on textures, appropriate size intake, and swallowing
• we need to see a pulmonologist per our anesthesiologist
• she can open doors
• she can take off her diaper, clothes, shoes, and socks
• loves crawling around with cars, trucks, or anything with wheels

Merry Christmas! And the number one thing of 2012 is...

The Christopher family was in Jacksonville this year.  We had a year full of wonderful blessings and changes.  It was fun to compile this Top Ten list and make an important announcement to our closest family and friends.

Our 2012 Christmas Card.

And We Give Thanks.

This year, for Thanksgiving we decided that since we were in Florida that we'd spend it with the Chue side of the family. As luck would have it, it didn't work out because of sicknesses and timing.  Fortunately, a member from our church ward had us over for dinner.  We felt like part of the family.  Thanks to the Wilkes family for having us over!  We had fantastic food and company.  (Usually I am the camera person, but this time it was Joel, so we failed to get a picture with him in it!  Opps, maybe next year...)

The crew.
(As you can see, Sis. Wilkes - with the rolls - was tirelessly working on
being a great Hostess.  I don't think she sat down for a second!)

The Host.

The spread.

Waiting in line.

Momma and Emmy.

Emma's plate.  (Gee, somebody was hungry here...)

What's Thanksgiving dinner without enjoying some downtime and
TV after stuffing yourself?

Emma makes herself at home eating some cottage cheese.

Emma's trying to share said cottage cheese with a new friend.

Emma having a blast with a train and wearing a random Home Depot apron.

Following a Wilkes family tradition, everyone took turns saying what they were truly thankful for.  For the Christopher family, we found it an opportune time to announce that we were thankful to be pregnant (since we were among friends here).  Joel, Emma and I found ourselves truly blessed as we reviewed our past year.

Project Life: November 11-17

Where has the time gone?  I feel like this whole month has gone in fast forward.  As we approach our move, days are filled with some packing and some playing, keeping Emma safe from the wreck our place is in, and trying to figure out what to do with Emma now that it is sometimes too cold to spend hours outside.  The whole thing is exciting.  I haven't been anticipating a move like this for a long time.  I am actually getting excited about holiday decorating!  That is huge for me because we never seem to make it past just putting up a tree with some lights and ornaments.  We'll see how it goes.

Project Life: November 4-10

Still working on getting an external drive.  I know, lame!  Here are the words...and only a couple of pictures.  The rest of the pictures to be updated soon.

It's official:  We've picked out a floor plan and committed to moving into a new apartment!  We need to sign the lease once they get it all written up, probably next week sometime.  In other news, this past week I feel like we've been playing catchup a little.  We've all been pretty sick.  Joel and Emma have strep throat and I have all the symptoms too, but for some reason, my test came out negative, go figure.  I attribute this to Emma licking the plane windows on the way home to Florida on our flight from Minnesota.  (No judging here, I tried to stop her, I promise.)  So, boxing up our entire apartment with a toddler goes something like this:  Mommy puts one thing in a box, Emma takes three things out...It's gonna be a long week, my friends.  The goal is to be all packed up by next Saturday, since the Saturday after that we're celebrating Thanksgiving with my sister and parents in Newberry.  

Sunday, November 4 - Stayed home from church because we're all sick with sore throats.  Emma has a runny nose, too. : (  Boo...

Monday, November 5 - Packed.  50%.

Tuesday, November 6 - Packed.  Therapy with Speech and Physical Therapy.  Occupational Therapy was a phone conference.  I have lots to say about this, but not on this venue.  Let's just say, I am frustrated with how some things are going right now with therapy and want the best for Emma.  I wished that professionals would do their jobs with pride for the right reasons and be good, honest people.  

Wednesday, November 7 - Packed.  Making good headway, probably 75% there. Good news? Went on a walk but it was kinda cool outside so I had to put Emma in a hoodie.  Thanks Aunt Hayley for your girls' old clothes!

Thursday, November 8 - We all went to get checked out.  I dropped off Joel at work, started driving home, got there just in time to hear that Joel was able to get an appointment for us at the Mayo right then, went back to the Mayo to go to see Dr. Hedges.  Joel got an appointment after me and saw Dr. Murray.  Then we left and I took Emma to her doctor at the Beaches.  She has an ear infection too, so she needs antibiotics.  Then I drove back home to feed Emma and have her nap.  Then I drove back to the Mayo for scheduled bloodwork for me.  Then We found out Joel's throat swap came out positive for strep.  His office kicked him out and told him to stay home.  Then I swung back by Dr. Hedges' office because she didn't do a throat swap or prescribe me antibiotics, but Dr. Murray did for Joel.  Then Dr. Hedges did a throat swap for me to see if I had strep.  Then we all piled in the car and went to pick up our meds at the Mayo pharmacy and Publix (free Amoxicillin).  Phew!  What's for dinner?

Friday, November 9 - Joel and Emma were feeling badly, especially Joel.  He stayed home because Mayo wants him on meds for 24 hours before going back to work.  Emma is just the best sick kid around.  She's being a real trooper and has a much better attitude about it than mom and dad!  I had a Relief Society VT meeting that I went to.  Feeling much better so I packed some more.  We called all the peeps:  Comcast, JEA power, U-haul, Appliance Warehouse, and need to remember to forward our mail...  Had to catch Emma in the middle of chewing her food.  She was so cute at meal time crossing her arms ready for a blessing on her food.  (She's really good at home now getting ready for prayers.  She doesn't keep her arms folded the whole time and I have never seen her closing her eyes, but we're making progress in the reverence department.)

Saturday, November 10 - Missed Stake Conference.  We all felt terribly sick coughing, sore throats, and Emma hates her medicine.  Bummed it at home.  I thought I was getting better or was already there, but boy was I wrong.  Soooo tired.  Nevertheless, we packed a little more since we were home anyways.  Maybe 90% there.  All we have left are clothes and items that we are still using.  Living room, kitchen (75%), bathroom, office and bedroom are done!  I hate moving and hope we don't move for a while.  Still having insomnia...

Project Life: October 7-November 3

Hello!  I haven't been able to download anything to my computer lately because my hard drive is full!  Can you believe it?   Over 350 GB!  We're working on getting an external drive.  Until then, just words...  Pictures to be updated soon. (Updated  11/12/12)

Sunday, October 7 - General Conference at home.

Monday, October 8 - Errands.

Tuesday, October 9 - Went on a walk with Emma and actually needed a sweater.  Yay for cool weather! Speech Therapy.

Wednesday, October 10 - Grocery shopping.  Nemours Orthopedic appointment for Emma.  Totally forgot til the last minute and was running late to it.  It was nice, though, and I loved this doctor.  He was so thorough and nice to make sure all our questions and concerns were answered.  He was older and like a grandpa.  The best doctor’s visit.  An aside, Emma loves playing with anything with wheels, especially her favorite dump truck.  She calls it "a car".  Love.

Thursday, October 11 - I had a doctor’s visit myself.  Pretty much just a physical.  I didn’t fast so I had to come back for bloodwork and urine.

Friday, October 12 - Emma ate her first apple!  Also, I built this obstacle course for Emma out of our couch cushions, pillows, etc.  Emma had a blast climbing.  She has been climbing so much and onto everything that this seemed like the only solution:  just let her climb her little heart out.  (I find her in the oddest situations.)  It was fun and we made a big mess in the living room.  I even set up the folding picnic table on the window sill so she had a slide.  Don’t try this at home!  For dinner, we tried a couple new recipes, chicken cacciatore and apple pie.  It was super tasty.

Saturday, October 13 - Errands.

Sunday, October 14 - Church.  Took Emma to nursery.  

Monday, October 15 -  Starting a kidney stone study at Mayo.  Picked up my jug and filled out a bunch of computer surveys.

Tuesday, October 16 - Obama-Romney debate.

Wednesday, October 17 - Took at longer walk than usual.  The weather has been good so Emmy and I went down by Publix.  Been thinking a lot about teaching Emma.  I have been kind of lazy and feel like I should be doing more structured learning.  I redid her “schedule” and think I need to give her more independent play time.  I know this is just a toddler stage, but Emma is all over the place and is moving constantly.  I want to work on having her sit in one place for at least 15-30 minutes.  We’ll see if it works.  I think I’m going to resume Signing Time after our trip to MN.

Thursday, October 18 - Collection for the study.  I drank lots of water for this.  Had some awesome mother-daugther moments with Emma.

Friday, October 19 - Drop-off for the study and came in for my follow-up bloodwork at the Mayo.  We were in the waiting room for awhile.  Emma wanted to walk a lot.  I did a lot of chasing/following.  Went to Avenues Mall with Emma to window shop.  Used the Baby Bjorn.  I haven’t used it in awhile, but it worked great!  Did some sewing for Emma using an old pair of jeans.  Hopefully, she’ll have a new dress soon.

Saturday, October 20 - The weather has been stellar this past week.  Today was no exception.  Joel, Emma and I decided to go to the beach.  We got McDonald’s and watched the Air Show.  Joel was so excited.  It was loud and we had to cover Emma’s ears.

Sunday, October 21 - Church.  Our ward had our Primary Program.  Also, been thinking a lot about my church calling.  I want to be able to have everything organized so when we move, the RS President has what she needs.  

Monday, October 22 - Went to go see a friend's house.  She wants help renovating a small portion of it and would like me to come up with some schemes.  I have found it has been increasingly more difficult to work on architecture while taking care of Emma.  After the visit, I said she should probably find someone else to do the drawings because I wouldn't have the time with Emma and our move coming up.  I told her I would do the initial schemes still though.  Obama-Romney debate.  

Tuesday, October 23 - I tried to play catch-up with Visiting Teaching before the trip.  I tried calling some sisters to get their reports on how our sisters are doing.  At therapy, Emma didn’t say a whole lot of new things.  She’s been steadily improving.  Also, Joel and I have been getting ready to leave for MN.  We packed some things, but of course, I had a lot to do for tomorrow.  

Wednesday, October 24 - Flew into MN.  Spent most of the day flying and at the airport.  We got situated into the Boynosky basement.  They have done great with renovating and improving their home.  

Thursday, October 25 - Kris had to change the oil in the Rav.  Joel, Emma and I went over to the Sebastian home and we made dinner, Chicken Cacciatore, and hung out. 

Friday, October 26 - Spent some family time.  I made some sugar cookies for the kids to decorate.  Lindley and Brad made dinner, French Dip.

Saturday, October 27 - Memorial day for Grandma Clarice Wolhart.  There was a nursery right next to the chapel at the church in MN.  I took Emma there during a musical number.  She was getting restless.  I thought about Clarice and how many people she made an impression on.  The whole church was full of old friends and family.    There was a luncheon after the service and I sat across from Forrest.  Afterward, we went up to the cabin to hang out.  I love the cabin.

Sunday, October 28 - We went to church at Gwen’s ward.  Asia and Edie were in the Primary Program.  They were so cute.  Went with Emma to Nursery.  Traded off with Joel.  After church, Emma fell asleep in the car, so we went for a drive.  Joel took us by his old house.  For dinner, the whole family ate chili that Kris made.  It was wonderful.

Monday, October 29 - Flights to Florida were canceled.  Emma asked her first question.  It was directed at her cousin, “You wanna play?”  Spent the night with friends over a soup dinner at their condo.  Got to meet their daughter.  Emma was into everything and it was hard to keep her under wraps!  Too much energy, this girl.

Tuesday, October 30 - We flew home to Jacksonville.  Emma licked the airplane windows.  Hope she doesn’t get sick.  Came in late and went to sleep. 

Wednesday, October 31 - Joel took the car to work.  Playing catchup with the apartment and doing lots of laundry.  I did manage to bake some bosch bread.  Yum!  I forgot how good homemade bread is.  Didn’t go out trick-or-treating this year.  Emma’s too young for candy and I feel cheesy going because people know we’re just going to eat all the candy ourselves.  Plus, I still feel like our apartment is a mess from our trip!  Maybe next year...

Thursday, November 1 - Still more laundry.  Weather has been great.  Took Emma on a nice walk yesterday and today.  So nice.  We walked to the neighborhood by our apartment and sat in front of the fountain.  We watched the ducks and Emma tried to get as close as she could to the edge of the water.  I had to hold her back from toddling in.  I so enjoyed this and being with her.

Friday, November 2 - Went to look at another floorplan at our future apartment complex.  Started boxing up our stuff to move.  Picked up some boxes from Joel’s co-worker’s friend.

Saturday, November 3 - Joel couldn’t come yesterday, so he came with me to check out some apartments with the different floorplan.  Still having trouble deciding.