Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
One Month Old
Mason is one month old!! I can't believe it, it's already going by so fast. Here is Mason's one month picture. I'm going to take the same picture every month with his best friend Ollie the Octopus.
Mason now weighs 7 lbs and 7 ounces. Sometimes it feels like he can't get enough to eat. He eats every 3 hours and every once in awhile he will go 4 hours. Most of the time it's like an alarm clock and he is up every 3 hours. He is nursing and sometimes expressed breast milk so Papa can feed him too :).
He sleeps in his crib, which is on Mama's side of the bed about one foot away. He loves this :). He sleeps on his back in his favorite Sleep Sack. He sleeps with his head turned to the side and his arms out to the side by his face. He does not like to be swaddled anymore :(. He does like to take cat naps on Papa's tummy.
Also, our little Mason can have quite the temper. He shows off his cute temper when he doesn't get fed fast enough. He kicks his legs and thrashes his arms about. If he is in his bassinet, he can make is rock. I think his temper is soooo cute :). He is just like his Mama, impatient at times.
We love our little man so much :). I am enjoying being a Mom and really don't want to go back to work in January. I don't have a choice though, I have to go back.
I'll update more later on Mason's growth. Our new family is so blessed :).
Monday, November 22, 2010
Somewhere Over the Rainbow....
Sorry that I have been MIA lately but so much has been going on. Mason is here!! He was born on November 2nd at 5:26 pm. He weighed in at 5 lbs and his length was 17 1/2 inches.
I'll start at the beginning. It all started at around 31 weeks. I went in for my regular appointment and my doctor did the regular ultrasound. He noticed that my placenta was starting to calcify but it was not affecting the blood flow or Mason's growth, so he said he would just keep an eye on it. The next appointment at 32 weeks was about the same, it was still starting to calcify but it wasn't causing any problems. Then that Sunday, my blood pressure was a little higher then normal. I called the emergency number and the on call doctor told me to head to L&D.
I had Ryan grab my hospital bag and we head to the Woman's Hospital. When I got there my blood pressure was normal but the on call doctor wanted me to stay at the hospital and do a 24 hour urine test because of my history with Preeclampsia. I was told I was just under observation until my regular doctor could visit with me tomorrow morning.
That morning my doctor came to my room and told me that he wanted me to remain at the hospital for awhile to monitor the baby and my blood pressure. My 24 hour test came back a little high, so it was determined that I would remain in the hospital. This was so comforting. They put Mason on the monitor three times a day and monitored my blood pressure every 4 hours. Mason did not like the monitor at first. He would kick and kick it and he seemed really agitated. I had to rub my stomach and talk to him to comfort him. Towards the end he did not mind the monitor any more. A few times he even had hiccups and you could hear them over the monitor. So cute!!
Then when I got to 33 and a half weeks I started having contractions. They were coming 15 minutes apart and they were showing up on the monitor. They ended up giving me a sleeping aid that relaxed my uterus and kept me from contracting. The next morning my doctor did another ultrasound at the hospital and he decided to schedule my c-section for Thursday at 6 in the morning. Then to my surprise the next morning he came in and said no lets do it today at 5 :). I was super excited and super worried.
See when you lose a child, your innocence is lost. You know what can go wrong and you understand that not all positive pregnancy tests end in a living baby. I called all my family and the waiting began.
The L&D nurse came into my room around three o'clock and started getting me ready. She knew I was nervous, so she put Mason on the monitor to show me that he was doing just fine.
When they moved me to the delivery room my mind was just full of worry but at the same time it just felt right. It did not feel like Tyler's birthday at all. They started getting me ready and I got my epidural, the worst part in my mind. Then my doctor got there and my mind was at ease.
The mood in the delivery room from Tyler's birthday to Mason's birthday was completely opposite. When Tyler came it was so silent and somber and when Mason came the doctor and nurses were very excited and they had music playing. The main difference was that when Mason arrived I heard his cry. I just squeezed Ryan's hand. That is the sound that I have been waiting to hear for over a year. It was beautiful :).
Mason was doing great, he had some fluid in his lungs but they assured me that was quite normal. They took him to the NICU to assess him and I was taken to recovery.
Later we found out that Mason was breathing on his own but since he was born at 33 weeks and 4 days they would be keeping him for 2 weeks to make sure everything was all right. Let me tell you that Mason came home at exactly 2 weeks :).
He is perfect. He loves being held on your chest and he loves when you sing to him. I even rap to him and he smiles, so I must be a silly mama. He hates hates being cold, so we had to get the diaper wipe warmer. He loves that :). He even loves baths. Let me just say that he is a good baby, we are so blessed.
Mason has brought joy back into my life. I can't get enough of him. It does make me realize all that we missed with Tyler. We never got to change a dirty diaper, feed him, or give him his first bath. We didn't get to hear his cry or see him open his eyes. He never grabbed a hold of my finger. I wish that he was here to see his handsome little brother.
So, somewhere over the rainbow Ryan and I have found our joy again. Mason is our world but we still miss his older brother. We always will. I am just so thankful that we have his little brother to love on here on earth. We are so so blessed.
I'll start at the beginning. It all started at around 31 weeks. I went in for my regular appointment and my doctor did the regular ultrasound. He noticed that my placenta was starting to calcify but it was not affecting the blood flow or Mason's growth, so he said he would just keep an eye on it. The next appointment at 32 weeks was about the same, it was still starting to calcify but it wasn't causing any problems. Then that Sunday, my blood pressure was a little higher then normal. I called the emergency number and the on call doctor told me to head to L&D.
I had Ryan grab my hospital bag and we head to the Woman's Hospital. When I got there my blood pressure was normal but the on call doctor wanted me to stay at the hospital and do a 24 hour urine test because of my history with Preeclampsia. I was told I was just under observation until my regular doctor could visit with me tomorrow morning.
That morning my doctor came to my room and told me that he wanted me to remain at the hospital for awhile to monitor the baby and my blood pressure. My 24 hour test came back a little high, so it was determined that I would remain in the hospital. This was so comforting. They put Mason on the monitor three times a day and monitored my blood pressure every 4 hours. Mason did not like the monitor at first. He would kick and kick it and he seemed really agitated. I had to rub my stomach and talk to him to comfort him. Towards the end he did not mind the monitor any more. A few times he even had hiccups and you could hear them over the monitor. So cute!!
Then when I got to 33 and a half weeks I started having contractions. They were coming 15 minutes apart and they were showing up on the monitor. They ended up giving me a sleeping aid that relaxed my uterus and kept me from contracting. The next morning my doctor did another ultrasound at the hospital and he decided to schedule my c-section for Thursday at 6 in the morning. Then to my surprise the next morning he came in and said no lets do it today at 5 :). I was super excited and super worried.
See when you lose a child, your innocence is lost. You know what can go wrong and you understand that not all positive pregnancy tests end in a living baby. I called all my family and the waiting began.
The L&D nurse came into my room around three o'clock and started getting me ready. She knew I was nervous, so she put Mason on the monitor to show me that he was doing just fine.
When they moved me to the delivery room my mind was just full of worry but at the same time it just felt right. It did not feel like Tyler's birthday at all. They started getting me ready and I got my epidural, the worst part in my mind. Then my doctor got there and my mind was at ease.
The mood in the delivery room from Tyler's birthday to Mason's birthday was completely opposite. When Tyler came it was so silent and somber and when Mason came the doctor and nurses were very excited and they had music playing. The main difference was that when Mason arrived I heard his cry. I just squeezed Ryan's hand. That is the sound that I have been waiting to hear for over a year. It was beautiful :).
Mason was doing great, he had some fluid in his lungs but they assured me that was quite normal. They took him to the NICU to assess him and I was taken to recovery.
Later we found out that Mason was breathing on his own but since he was born at 33 weeks and 4 days they would be keeping him for 2 weeks to make sure everything was all right. Let me tell you that Mason came home at exactly 2 weeks :).
He is perfect. He loves being held on your chest and he loves when you sing to him. I even rap to him and he smiles, so I must be a silly mama. He hates hates being cold, so we had to get the diaper wipe warmer. He loves that :). He even loves baths. Let me just say that he is a good baby, we are so blessed.
Mason has brought joy back into my life. I can't get enough of him. It does make me realize all that we missed with Tyler. We never got to change a dirty diaper, feed him, or give him his first bath. We didn't get to hear his cry or see him open his eyes. He never grabbed a hold of my finger. I wish that he was here to see his handsome little brother.
So, somewhere over the rainbow Ryan and I have found our joy again. Mason is our world but we still miss his older brother. We always will. I am just so thankful that we have his little brother to love on here on earth. We are so so blessed.
Friday, October 1, 2010
October
I don't even know where to start except to say that this month is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. How are you supposed to grieve the loss of one son and prepare for the arrival of another son? I guess a huge piece of me did not want this month to come. I don't want to place more time between me and the last time I got to hold Tyler. Although it does bring me one day closer to Heaven and being with him forever.
Don't get me wrong, I am very very thrilled for Mason's arrival. We have his furniture all set up and we are waiting on his bedding. We also just ordered his mattress, changing table pad, and travel system. I am praying that he waits to come in early November, but I've learned that it's not my decision on when he comes. I am glad to be in the 3rd trimester and so far all has been well. It's just hard because I worry that this won't continue and that something will go wrong. I guess that is what happens when you lose a baby. I am thinking positive and I know in my heart that Mason will arrive here screaming and crying. And trust me I will never complain about not getting any sleep or having to wake up for feedings. I will be truly grateful for each and every moment. That is what will make me a great mom.
So October 6th is Tyler's first birthday. I can honestly say that I am not the person I was on October 6th, 2009. I have forever been changed. I am grateful for these changes because I am a much better person. I don't take things for granted. I know that there are far more important things in life to worry about. I show more empathy for others and I do not complain about small things that do not matter in the big picture. I will forever be Tyler's mommy and he will forever be my first born son. I can't wait till I meet him at Heaven's gate. I know that he will run into my arms.
So I start this next year looking forward to my second son and knowing that every second of every day I will honor my first son. He will always be with me and I will never forget all that he has done for me. My son has helped me grow into the person I am today. It's hard to say that I would not change anything but I'm grateful for all that I have learned over this past year.
We miss you sweet Ty-man and although it is so hard to know that a year now separates us, it's also comforting to know that we are one year closer to being together again. Please continue to look over your little brother, I can't wait to tell him all about his angel big brother in Heaven.
Don't get me wrong, I am very very thrilled for Mason's arrival. We have his furniture all set up and we are waiting on his bedding. We also just ordered his mattress, changing table pad, and travel system. I am praying that he waits to come in early November, but I've learned that it's not my decision on when he comes. I am glad to be in the 3rd trimester and so far all has been well. It's just hard because I worry that this won't continue and that something will go wrong. I guess that is what happens when you lose a baby. I am thinking positive and I know in my heart that Mason will arrive here screaming and crying. And trust me I will never complain about not getting any sleep or having to wake up for feedings. I will be truly grateful for each and every moment. That is what will make me a great mom.
So October 6th is Tyler's first birthday. I can honestly say that I am not the person I was on October 6th, 2009. I have forever been changed. I am grateful for these changes because I am a much better person. I don't take things for granted. I know that there are far more important things in life to worry about. I show more empathy for others and I do not complain about small things that do not matter in the big picture. I will forever be Tyler's mommy and he will forever be my first born son. I can't wait till I meet him at Heaven's gate. I know that he will run into my arms.
So I start this next year looking forward to my second son and knowing that every second of every day I will honor my first son. He will always be with me and I will never forget all that he has done for me. My son has helped me grow into the person I am today. It's hard to say that I would not change anything but I'm grateful for all that I have learned over this past year.
We miss you sweet Ty-man and although it is so hard to know that a year now separates us, it's also comforting to know that we are one year closer to being together again. Please continue to look over your little brother, I can't wait to tell him all about his angel big brother in Heaven.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Back to School
Can you believe it's that time of year already? It is so crazy to believe but I am glad to be in the same grade again this year ... First Grade. Preparing is so hard but at least I'm in the same room, so that makes it a little easier.
I wanted to share my school finds for today ... and boy did I find some.
First we went to Wal Mart and boy do I hate Wal Mart but when it comes to school supply prices they can't be beat. Here is what I got ...
24 pack of Crayola brand Crayons for ..... 25 cents a piece :).
Elmer's School Glue .................................... 25 cents
Yellow 2 Pocket Folders ............................. 15 cents a piece
Blue 1 Subject Wide Ruled Notebooks ..... 15 cents a piece
So, I got one of each for my 20 student. Boy did I save a lot.
Then to my favorite place to shop Target.
And I got ...... the best thing in the world for a $1.
I don't even want to say how much I paid for mine last year ... let's just say I could have bought several of these :(.
And my second find from Target at $2.50 a piece is ....
Aren't they cute :). These are chairs for my listening center, I'm going to add some pillows to sit on. I really wanted bean bags but couldn't find any in my price range, so these will do just fine. I already have bucket seats for my reading center but last year the kids in the listening center just sat on the floor. I am super excited about this purchase.
Then my last stop was Goodwill. We live in a really nice area, so they always have really nice barely used items. I have bought books, tubs for my classroom, and now my last purchase and this is my favorite is ....
I have wanted to buy a Leap Pad for several years but they have been too pricey. I bought this one at Goodwill for $7.99. I am super excited to use this in a workstation. I played it for over an hour and my favorite is the Social Studies game. You have to see how many states you can find. I am pretty good except I couldn't find Wyoming. I know Sara, I am sorry :(.
Workstations are like centers for First Grade. It's pretty much where the kids work at their ability level. So one kid might be working on letter blends and the other might be working on word families. It's time consuming to plan out activities at workstations since most kids need different activities and the Leap Pad will be easy to plan for. Now I just need to find more books. During workstations I teach in small groups and that is where I do most of my instruction. Now a days you don't really have much full group instruction. It's all about teach at the level they are at, which is great. It gives the low ones more support and the high ones aren't bored.
My other good find for the day was that I ordered a Breastfeeding cover up and it was FREE. All I had to pay for was shipping. I'll share a picture when I get it :).
Plus Ryan and I ate lunch at Luby's. They had a deal where you got 2 combos with drinks for 20 dollars. I got chicken with sweet potatoes and green beans. Mason really liked the green beans.
I loved sharing my great finds for today...hopefully I can find more soon.
I wanted to share my school finds for today ... and boy did I find some.
First we went to Wal Mart and boy do I hate Wal Mart but when it comes to school supply prices they can't be beat. Here is what I got ...
24 pack of Crayola brand Crayons for ..... 25 cents a piece :).
Elmer's School Glue .................................... 25 cents
Yellow 2 Pocket Folders ............................. 15 cents a piece
Blue 1 Subject Wide Ruled Notebooks ..... 15 cents a piece
So, I got one of each for my 20 student. Boy did I save a lot.
Then to my favorite place to shop Target.
And I got ...... the best thing in the world for a $1.
I don't even want to say how much I paid for mine last year ... let's just say I could have bought several of these :(.
And my second find from Target at $2.50 a piece is ....
Aren't they cute :). These are chairs for my listening center, I'm going to add some pillows to sit on. I really wanted bean bags but couldn't find any in my price range, so these will do just fine. I already have bucket seats for my reading center but last year the kids in the listening center just sat on the floor. I am super excited about this purchase.
Then my last stop was Goodwill. We live in a really nice area, so they always have really nice barely used items. I have bought books, tubs for my classroom, and now my last purchase and this is my favorite is ....
I have wanted to buy a Leap Pad for several years but they have been too pricey. I bought this one at Goodwill for $7.99. I am super excited to use this in a workstation. I played it for over an hour and my favorite is the Social Studies game. You have to see how many states you can find. I am pretty good except I couldn't find Wyoming. I know Sara, I am sorry :(.
Workstations are like centers for First Grade. It's pretty much where the kids work at their ability level. So one kid might be working on letter blends and the other might be working on word families. It's time consuming to plan out activities at workstations since most kids need different activities and the Leap Pad will be easy to plan for. Now I just need to find more books. During workstations I teach in small groups and that is where I do most of my instruction. Now a days you don't really have much full group instruction. It's all about teach at the level they are at, which is great. It gives the low ones more support and the high ones aren't bored.
My other good find for the day was that I ordered a Breastfeeding cover up and it was FREE. All I had to pay for was shipping. I'll share a picture when I get it :).
Plus Ryan and I ate lunch at Luby's. They had a deal where you got 2 combos with drinks for 20 dollars. I got chicken with sweet potatoes and green beans. Mason really liked the green beans.
I loved sharing my great finds for today...hopefully I can find more soon.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Getting Ready for Mason
I can't begin to tell you how blessed I have been during this pregnancy. Pregnancy after a loss is so unpredictable and for lack of a better word "bittersweet". Well...actually that is the best word to describe it. I have been truly blessed though. Although we have had a few scares, we have had more positive news and great appointments.
We have had our first scare at five weeks when I started bleeding due to a hemorrhage that occurred when Mason started to attach. I had to stay home on bed rest for three weeks and the bleeding stopped around nine weeks. Since then, we have had a few blood pressure issues and they did find protein in my urine but it has all been normal since.
Mason is a mover too, so that is so very comforting. Yesterday my stomach was lopsided and you could feel either his back end or his head sticking out. Most of the time he loves to stick his feet in my ribs, mostly on the right side but an hour ago he was sticking his feet in my left rib.
So the biggest blessing during this pregnancy is that I have been able to prepare for him. When I first got pregnant the idea of buying stuff and making plans scared me. How could I make plans and then get them all crushed again? Slowly but surely I have found this to not be the case. We have some clothes for him already washed and hanging up, his bassinet is already set up, and we are in the process of ordering his furniture.
See the bassinet has been set up for awhile now. After we couldn't bring Tyler home Ryan returned the furniture without me. I couldn't bear to take it back, we had actually just gotten it the weekend before we lost Tyler. His bassinet was already set up and I refused to take it apart. Right now it has his lion, the first set of clothes he wore, and his blanket. Soon it will have his baby brother in it. Although to admit that does scare me, it also warms my heart and offers that hope and faith that Mason will come home.
This is the furniture we are planning on ordering. It's from the Da Vinci Kalani Set. We like the cherry color.
We have had our first scare at five weeks when I started bleeding due to a hemorrhage that occurred when Mason started to attach. I had to stay home on bed rest for three weeks and the bleeding stopped around nine weeks. Since then, we have had a few blood pressure issues and they did find protein in my urine but it has all been normal since.
Mason is a mover too, so that is so very comforting. Yesterday my stomach was lopsided and you could feel either his back end or his head sticking out. Most of the time he loves to stick his feet in my ribs, mostly on the right side but an hour ago he was sticking his feet in my left rib.
So the biggest blessing during this pregnancy is that I have been able to prepare for him. When I first got pregnant the idea of buying stuff and making plans scared me. How could I make plans and then get them all crushed again? Slowly but surely I have found this to not be the case. We have some clothes for him already washed and hanging up, his bassinet is already set up, and we are in the process of ordering his furniture.
See the bassinet has been set up for awhile now. After we couldn't bring Tyler home Ryan returned the furniture without me. I couldn't bear to take it back, we had actually just gotten it the weekend before we lost Tyler. His bassinet was already set up and I refused to take it apart. Right now it has his lion, the first set of clothes he wore, and his blanket. Soon it will have his baby brother in it. Although to admit that does scare me, it also warms my heart and offers that hope and faith that Mason will come home.
This is the furniture we are planning on ordering. It's from the Da Vinci Kalani Set. We like the cherry color.
So please help me pray for continued blessings during this pregnancy and for Mason to arrive screaming and crying in November.
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