Back to School

It's been a week since my last entry - so much for every day or for every other day!!  (I AM working on getting this into my schedule!!)  I did get my kitchen cleaned and organized - for the most part.  Beau and I spent 6 hours working on it.  Crazy, I know!!!  But it's nice being able to use my kitchen again.  It just seems like so many things have gotten away from me when I was on bed rest and it's taking forever to catch up!!!  I've documented a lot of the stuff we buy, and I've made some new rules for the house.  I also have a couple new dry-erase boards that have been added to the fridge, in addition to the one that's already by the phone.  There is also a corkboard that has been next to the phone for some time.  The dry erase board there is for frequently called phone numbers:  our CF nurse, Shopko pharmacy, a few friends.  Also when checking the answering machine, any one who needs to be called back gets written up there with their phone number until we no longer need it.  The cork board holds various notes and business cards.  One of the boards on the fridge is our running grocery list.  The other is for notes/to-do list for mom and dad.  Yeah, at my 'old age' and with the baby brain going on, I don't always remember all the stuff hubby and Beau ask me to do.  Write it down and I can't forget it :)  Today, for example - call vet (girls need meds), Beau needs allergy meds, call CF nurse about Scrap's meds, order replacement hose for vest.  I never would have remembered if it wasn't right in front of me!!! lol!!

Made a couple batches of applesauce yesterday - ended up with 5 pint jars and 9 half-pint jars, plus some I put right into the fridge to have with meals.  Scraps hasn't really tried it, but everyone else seems to think mama did pretty good.  We bought the pint jars and the half pint jars were given to us.  The initial investment will be worth it (along with the 'canning supplies kit' hubs got me - the tongs, funnel, and magnet) because right now for generic applesauce, we pay $2.99 per jar.  For ALL of the applesauce I made, plus about a quart I made on Saturday as a test run, we paid $9 for the apples at Farmer's Market.  One of the bags was only about 1/2 a bag since the kids had eaten some of the apples throughout the week.  Hubs was able to get some really yummy apples from a customer for free too.  Next time I think we might just wait and get them from him!! I told hubs that if he can, to get 2 more bags, then we should be set for the next year until apples are ready again :)

Another huge step in this past week was specifically directed to me - being lower maintenence, especially with Baby on the way.  So... I cut my hair.  A lot shorter.  12 inches donated to Locks of Love.  I almost cried, but didn't.  Kinda liking the new style, makes it easier to brush, don't have the snarls I did before.  Hubs is happy I can't put it in a bun anymore (my go-to style when I have time for nothing else).  I'll also save a TON on shampoo and conditioner.  It's easier to wash now too since I have to do it under the bath faucet cuz we don't have a shower.  Some of my traumatic shots:

It FEELS so much lighter too!! Don't think my hair is going to be giving me too many more headaches :)  I'm still not COMPLETELY used to it, but it's working a lot better for my daily routine.

My oldest also started back to school today - 3rd grade already.  Of course, we had the usual fight last night because she wanted to finish watching WWE on tv.  But much to my surprise, she was already up when I got up at 630 this morning!!  Ate breakfast then hopped in the tub with only being asked once.  Very smooth first day!  My little man didn't even throw the normal fit of not wanting her to leave or wanting to go with her (we live too close for her to ride the bus, so Scraps and I take her to school every morning - she's not old enough to walk on her own!!).

Of course one couldn't get pictures taken without the other one getting them too, but that's fine with Mommy :)

Now I'm off to try getting some homework done and get lunch made for the little man and mama :)

Barriers.....

Yes, I'm way overdue on this entry.  My life has almost fallen apart in the past month and a half, and I have been having trouble putting it into words.  I have had enough trouble just understanding it all myself.  It's been more than a little overwhelming.

June 24 saw me back in the doctor's office - on basically an emergency-type visit.  The bleeding.  Again.  I called hubs at work and then Grammy to watch the kids.  Doctor L had an appt open at 2 and since I called at 12:15, he thought I could wait (obviously heavy bleeding wasn't much of a concern to him even though it scared the hell out of me!!!)  We went in, he listened and heard baby's heart beat, and told me to take it easy.  We were in, seen, and out in less than 10 minutes and I was in no way reassured.  When asked why I was bleeding, his answer was "I don't know."  Well, soon enough we would find out how reliable - and what a LIAR, this doctor was.

After my June 12th appt (and my last ultrasound here), I was supposed to be referred to Maternal-Fetal Medicine so they could get my medical background - supposedly.  After my July 15th appt, I was FINALLY scheduled with Maternal-Fetal Medicine and was to go to Rochester to see them to 1) meet with the nurse, 2) have an ultrasound, 3) meet with the OB, and 4) meet with the Genetics Counselor.  Um, no, I canceled the last appt right away - there was no reason to meet with the Genetics Counselor after we already did that less than 3 years ago after Scrappy was born.  We knew all we needed to about the chances of CF with the baby, the complications associated with CF, and all that other stuff that Dr L didn't seem to know about.  So here I still had 3 appts - but when I asked the appt desk AND Dr L's office WHY I was being referred - NO ONE knew!!  Was it for the CF or was it for the bleeding??  Turns out we wouldn't actually find out until we got to Mayo.

July 25 - Hubby took a half day off to go with me to my appts at Mayo.  Best decision ever.  We met with Dr R, who is a specialist in high risk pregnancies.  Turns out we'd been referred because there is a blood 'pool' or 'pocket' above the placenta.  Dr L knew about it but didn't bother to tell use.  Turns out THIS is why I've been bleeding - it's the blood from this pocket leaking.  WTH???  He couldn't say "I'm sending you to Roch because idk why this is here?"  (Nope, NOT going back to Dr L! Ever!)  Dr R told us to expect that Baby will most likely be here before 34 weeks because of the size of the pocket.  It's a rare complication and they're not sure why it happens, it just does.  (At least it's an explanation and an HONEST one at that!!)  Dr R said Baby most likely will end up in Rochester anyway, and it's up to us if we want to continue to see the docs at home or not.  Until we make our decision, we're supposed to continue with our appts as scheduled.

Aug 26 - Second appt in Rochester.  We had 2 appts with Dr Y, who was ok to being with, seemed nice and friendly, but I really DON'T like liars.  Especially when it comes to mine or my children's health.  Dr Y told us he's been in contact with Dr R and we're supposed to be having checkups and ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks.  According to Dr Y, we would ONLY do the steroid injection to help Baby's lungs develop if I was still ACTIVELY bleeding.  My husband and I also decided that I'm not going to get my tubes tied right away, as we had planned, because of the likelihood of Baby coming early.  We want to keep our options open.  Dr Y, however, said we're still going through with everything as planned, delivering here even though we told him we want to have the baby at Mayo, and that I'm still getting my tubes tied, even though we told him we changed our minds.  It was completely obvious he wasn't listening to me.  When I asked about when we should follow up with Dr R, Dr Y changed the subject.  I finally took it upon myself to call Mayo and found out the only contact he had with Dr Rose was ONE EMAIL.  Like I said, I'm NOT a fan of liars.  I made an appt to see Dr R, and we've decided that is where all of our appointments are going to be done from here on out.

Went to see Dr R.  He was happy to see us.  I think switching over there is the best decision we've made.  He said it looks like Baby will still be coming early just because of how much bleeding I had earlier on, but it's a good sign that it's stopped.  Hopefully it means Baby won't be coming AS early.  We weren't scheduled for an ultrasound, but he said let's do one anyway :)  We saw that the pocket was still there.  We also saw that Baby still has echogenic bowel.  (Echogenic bowel in this pregnancy means either 1) Baby has been swallowing blood and it's moving through his/her system  (which doesn't do any harm) or 2) it's a precursor to meconium ileus, which is intestinal blockage caused by mucus caused by CF - obviously we're hoping for #1!!!)  If Baby DOES have m.i. at least we'll already be in Rochester, which is where he/she would be sent anyway to have it treated.  We are supposed to go back to see Dr R in 3 weeks.  As we were on our way out the door, Scot mentioned getting a tour or knowing where to go if anything happens - so Dr R set up a tour right then and there for us!! Talk about a great doctor!!

I'm going to wrap this up now, but will keep posted as the pregnancy progresses.  And to keep things up-to-date, yes, I'm still attending TOPS religiously.  I'm not following my eating plan as religiously, but how often can we when we're pregnant.  But to-date, I'm at a 13 pound loss total!  I had gotten down a total of 15 pounds, but babies always have an effect on that :) 

I've been doing some thinking, and become addicted to a new blog I found.  I'm working on making my household more workable... and looking at re-evaluating my blog a bit.  Yes it was originally started as a method for me to track my health and fitness efforts, but I may expand that.  The title - TODAY is Day One - is all about new beginnings - being able to start over TODAY.  This can be health, fitness, financial, or just how to live your life.

Since I've not worked much since June, I KNOW there need to be some budgetary changes made in our house.  I'm also tired of the mounds of 'to-do' items on my list and would like to get it all under control before baby comes, especially since school has started for me now and will be starting for Beau soon.  My first effort has come in following many of the tips found in the blog I've been reading and incorporating many things from a book I have, "The Family Manager Takes Charge."  I'm going to start blogging about how these changes are progressing in our household.  I'm also up for suggestions and input.  No one ever tells you the reality of being a SAHM and how challenging it actually is.  I didn't know what I was getting myself into, and now, more than a year later, I'm working on getting my life in order.  Some things just take time.....

(yes at the beginning I said 'the past month and a half.'  I started this entry, then life just got in the way.  I'm going to make an honest effort to blog once a day or at least every other day.  Today's actual date - the completion of this entry - lands on Aug 30, more than a month after it was started.)

A month later?

I know it's been a while since my last entry.  It has been a difficult month.  Last month my grandpa's mother passed away while I was on vacation, shortly before that my step-father's father passed away.  My half-sister and half-brother's dad was airlifted to Rochester with a heart attack and had to have 2 stints put in about the same time that both the deaths occurred.  Then Memorial Day, step-dad was airlifted to Rochester with a heart attack and had to have a stint put in his heart.  Oh the craziness!!

Then it was my turn!  Last Saturday, June 4, I went to my all-day class.  Everything seemed fine, and I felt fine!!  After class I came home quickly to get my Pure Romance case and off I went to a show.  During the show is when my problem occurred.  We took a break about halfway through, and I excused myself to use the bathroom because I thought I was having a bladder issue.... and where I discovered it was much more than that!!  I was bleeding!!  Heavily!!!  I was so scared!!  I told the hostess (who already knew I was pregnant) and I asked a friend of mine to take me to the ER.  I left the 'samples' there for the party guests to check out and told the hostess I will be doing the orders over the phone once I got the "issue" settled.

A friend drove me to the ER and stayed there with me until hubs could get there.  He was going to bring the kids, but I didn't want to scare them, so I asked another friend (who conveniently lives across the street) if he could bring them over there, which she said was fine.  The doctor in the ER left us very little hope when she came in to examine me and took blood.  I had lost quite a bit of blood and was terrified we were going to lose the baby.  The doctor gave us very little reason to feel hopeful.  When she and the nurse attempted to find the baby's heartbeat, they couldn't find anything.  She did say it is sometimes difficult to pick up at 11 weeks.  She said she was going to have my hormone levels checked by the blood, and if they were high enough, I would be having an ultrasound.  Then she and the nurse left and we didn't see anyone for almost an hour.  The waiting was killing us, and I couldn't keep the tears back.  I could tell my husband was upset, but he was trying to stay calm to keep me calm.

Finally, an hour later, another lady came in who I presumed was another nurse.  Nope!!  It was the ultrasound tech!!  Finally we were hopeful!!  Off she took us to ultrasound, with a bathroom break along the way so the ultrasound would be "easier".  We were very excited to see our little baby on the screen!  Baby's heartbeat was 175bpm, nice and strong, and he/she was kicking little legs and waving little arms all around :)  I've never been so relieved in all my life!!

After the ultrasound, the doctor finally came back in to talk to us and said my hormone levels were well over 45,000.  Then she left.  Another nurse brought in my discharge instructions - bed rest until the bleeding stops, gradually resume activity, no lifting, no sex for 3 weeks, and follow up with my OB.  I called him on Monday and spoke with his nurse.  My bed rest lasted until Thursday, a full day after the bleeding had completely stopped.  I have my next appointment on Wednesday, June 15th, and we have our first "official" ultrasound, complete with pictures we get to keep :)  He is keeping me on the lifting restriction until at least after the appointment but it sounds like it will be a lot longer than that.  We'll just have to see what happens.  And, of course, since I was on bed rest, there was no TOPS for me on Thursday.  I called our group leader and I'm sure they understand. 

To bring my TOPS progress up to date - at my last weigh-in I was down a total of 6 3/4 pounds since I started on March 24.  I also received a prize at our last meeting - I was the contest winner for my division with the highest weight loss for last month. Yay!!  That got me a $2 bill, which I have on my fridge to remind me :)  I've been losing each week, just a little at a time - sometimes just 1/4 of a pound, but every little bit helps!!

For the time being I have also put my gym membership at Anytime Fitness on hold.  I did a 2 month hold for now, so August 7th it reactivates.  The gym manager told me I can only do a 3 month suspension.  Hopefully my doc will clear me for some light exercise before then!!!!

Much Needed Family Time

It's been over a week since my last entry....  We were on a family vacation last week :)  It was much needed!!  We left Wednesday night when hubs got home and headed out to Hill City, South Dakota.  I planned ahead and packed a lot of healthy snacks, along with a homemade trail mix that the kids seemed to enjoy.  We did a lot of walking there too, which was great as a family.  It was difficult when Scrappy decided he wanted to be carried.  Daddy carried him most of the time, though.  2 of the days we were there, the weather was crappy - rain and snow.  The other 2 days it was pretty nice - mid 50's and sunshine.

Of course, being gone, I missed a weigh in and a meeting, but it was excused.  Today I was back at the meeting, and a little nervous about how I did.  I mean, I ate pretty good most of the time we were gone, but that order of chili-cheese fries could have bitten me in the butt.  But I only ate about half of the order.  Plus we had an extra walk at the cabin, just exploring the grounds and checking out the stream.

I also rediscovered a game that I had forgotten was a very good workout - that winded me a bit and wore me down!  The game?  Tetherball!  Beau had never played before, so I got to teach her how while Scraps played on the playground equipment.  It was a lot of fun!!  Beau got mad when she accidentally got hit in the face, but she got over it.  Then she started having fun with it too :)

Well, back to the meeting.  I was nervous because I've been feeling HUGE, even though I'm only 8 1/2 weeks pregnant.  But with it not being the first baby, everything gets bigger faster.

The result?? I'm down a whole 3 pounds!! 

I have lost all the weight I gained in that one awful week of retaining water.  I'm back to a total 6 pound weight loss since I started TOPS.

Total weight gained this pregnancy?? 0 pounds.

Oh, I know I'll gain some eventually, but I'm trying to keep it from being an overwhelming amount.  Granted I had normal gains with both my other kids - 31 pounds with my daughter and 36 with my son.  My goal is to not go over 25 with this one.  I still have a few weeks until I see the doctor, so that's something I'll have to discuss with him.  With the nutritionist giving me a 15-25 pound guideline, I think that should be ok....  We'll just have to wait and see what happens!!

Here are a few pictures from our journey :)

Sabatoge?

Of course I'm a little behind with this along with everything else I'm doing.  BUT there is a good reason. 

A VERY good reason. 

And until today, I had fallen off my plan and my workouts.  Yeah the eating has been good, but not so much on the exercise.

On the April 28th weigh in I had a gain.  A horrible gain.  Ruined my losing streak.  I was drinking tons of water and unfortunately retaining all of it.

I gained 4 1/2 pounds on the April 28th weigh in, bringing my total weight loss to only 1 1/2 pounds.

The reason behind the gain????

I'm pregnant!!  Baby #3 is due on Christmas Day!!  We are so happy and excited!!

Huge amounts of nausea has kept me out of the gym - I could hardly function without feeling like I was going to lose everything I'd eaten.  Fortunately it only lasted about 2 weeks and I'm over it by now.

May 5th weigh in?  A loss of 1 1/2 pounds!! Yay!! 

I was no longer snacking and munching to combat the nausea.  I still hadn't been as active as before, but I was able to eat a lot healthier and not all the time.  I've actually gotten to the point that I can't eat much at each meal without feeling uncomfortable.  Small meals and a few snacks.

And today I got a HUGE amount of activity in.  We did the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walk which is a 10k walk.  The backs of my knees ache pretty good, and we had to take a few breaks on the walk, but man do I feel GOOD!!  Plus the weather was beautiful - pushing 70 degrees!!

We are getting ready to go on vacation this week - leaving for 4 days.  We went to Trader Joe's in Rochester for the first time today and picked up some freeze-dried fruit and other things for snacks.  The fruit was more reasonably priced than online.  The granola bars and cereal bars were cheaper too!!  I'm planning to make some healthy trail mix to take on the trip.  We bought some fruit and other foods to take too, so we can pack most of our meals. 

I'm trying to plan on eating breakfast at our cabin and one packed meal, and we can eat one meal out.  That will save us a lot on both money and calories. $100 for 8 meals, a whole lotta snacks, and food left over.  Considering just getting Taco Bell costs us about $25 (let alone anything at any tourist spot) I think that's doing pretty good for us...  This includes a case of water too :)  I'm determined to not let the vacation deter my efforts.  We'll be doing a lot of walking on our trip too, so that's a plus!!

Of course, how does pregnancy affect TOPS?  What are the rules?  Well, I need to get a note from my doctor to see how much weight is ok for me to gain and get it put in writing.  They've noted my pregnancy already, so gains are not counted against me.  I'm allowed to gain throughout the pregnancy and still be 'in good standing' as long as I stay within the guidelines that the doctors set for me.  I'm not sure who my doctor is going to be - I'm seeing Lombardi for now since Thorn is on leave, but may see the new doctor that starts in July.  I know Thorn's guideline is "unlimited, as long as mama and baby are healthy."  We'll see what Lombardi says.  I see him in about 5 weeks (when I'm at 12 weeks) and get my first ultrasound then.  I go back to the nurse in 3 weeks.  (Hopefully I can get the insurance figured out by then!!)

I met with the nutritionist on Monday.  Her recommendation is to gain no more than 25 pounds.  With my daughter I gained 31, with my son, 36.  But then again, with both of them I was pregnant in winter when it's so much easier to sit around and do nothing.  I'm determined to stay active this summer!!