BUMPIN' 08 - Fall Mommies

[CT_Michele]

Hey girls,

Sorry I haven't posted much, life has just been plain old busy!

I finished my semester this past Thursday, I now have my Master's degree! (well, as soon as it comes in the mail in a couple of months, but I am still celebrating!) I finally get a break for a long while. I might go back someday, for my sixth year degree or maybe even a phd someday, but for now, I am done! I will take my cross endorsement exam for middle school math sometime this upcoming semester, just need to get a book and start cramming.

Ella is all over the place. It is so hard to keep up with her. She is still not talking much. Well, let me rephrase that, she talks ALL the time, but it's all jibber jabber, no words really except mama and dada, just hoping her words come soon, I know this is delayed for a girl. At her 15 month appt, the dr said at 18 months he would expect a dozen words or so, if not, we might get referred to a speech pathologist. She is still a skinny minnie too, at 15 mo, she was still only 19 lbs 3 oz...only 1 lb more than my largest cat! I am finding it hard with clothes, most of the stuff that fits her is still 12 months, and 18 months is huge on her.

I am excited that Christmas is this week. I know Ella still doesn't understand, but she will have fun with the paper and boxes, and hopefully the toys too. I am looking forward to dh being off as of today, so we can clean and organize this house. I just have not had time with school and I started tutoring again. I still think about ivf and my next try all the time, but I just can't dwell on it. I need to worry about my bills and the little miracle I already have, and know that someday we will get to try again.

I am so happy everyone here who is pregnant is progressing nicely. It is so awesome that siblings are on the way!

Corny- I read your blog this morning (thanks for sharing mellie) and I am praying for you and your baby. I will check for updates.

So lots of running around this week, visiting people, so not sure I will post again, but I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday. I will try and get on our photobucket and add some pics, I have so many new ones! I haven't posted on there in forever, I really use facebook most for pictures now. I know I have asked, but anyone on facebook? If not, you should be, so we can all stay in touch there! I am facebook friends with about 6 people from these boards and it is soooo awesome to put faces to the screen names.

Ok, talk to you all soon

[cornybaby]

Hi Ladies! Sorry it's been so long. I have a lot of catching up to do...not sure when I'll get to that. Anyways, just wanted to let you know that Lillian Jean was born on Dec 21st at 2:07am. She was 3 pounds 11 ounces. I was 31 weeks. The short story is that I woke up in excruciating pain at midnight, Mom took me to the hospital (Brian was working) and they decided to deliver me. When they opened me up they found that my uterus had ruptured and there was a hole the size of a tennis ball in it. Part of the placenta had actually burst out into my stomach and I was bleeding internally, very badly. The doctor said both baby and I are lucky to be alive. Nonetheless, we are here thank goodness and both recovering. Lilly is doing well, although they had to remove the PICC line today because it looked like it may be infected, and she has a head ultrasound tomorrow (standard procedure) to check for any brain bleeds or other issues. Unfortunately we have another long road ahead of us, but are thankful that things turned out as well as they did. I'll be updating the blog as often as I can, and will check back in here to see how you all are doing. I hope you all had an amazing holiday with your little ones. Brian has been at work since Friday, so our big Christmas morning is tomorrow. I can't wait to see Abby's face when she sees presents under the tree!

Take care you guys! Hugs to all!

[Mellie_1233]

Corny - I just read your story on your blog. I'm am so glad to hear that you are well and stunned by what a close call you had. Do I understand correctly that this emergency was due entirely to the rupture of the scar and not to the other issue with the blood vessel that they have been so concerned about all this time?

I hope all goes well for you tomorrow with Lilly's ultrasound. I love the name. It's actually on our list of names, too. And, is that a bit of strawberry blonde hair I see in the picture? How sweet. Maybe she takes after her big sis.

CT_Michele - YAY for your master's degree! You have to make DH call you "master" Michele for awhile.

I just passed the 30 week mark. Things are blessedly normal so far -- just more difficult being pregnant with twins. Evie had a great Christmas and my mom was here to celebrate with us which was really nice.

We got a much lower bid on our remodeling of our condo so we have a contractor and hope to start work soon. Hopefully, the twins will have a room of their own soon!

[CT_Michele]

Oh Corny, how scary! I am glad to know that you and Lilly are doing well. I know you have another long road ahead of you. The one good thing is you have traveled this road before, we know you are a strong lady and can do this. I am sending all of my prayers to you and your family.

Mellie- haha, I was wondering what people should call me now that I have a master's degree. I mean, it was really hard work, no phd, but still, it deserves a title of some sort. Glad to hear you are moving along with the twins. I can not believe you are past 30 weeks already! Delivery is right around the corner.

How is everyone else? How was Christmas? I bet all the little ones had a blast! Ella had fun, but had no clue what was going on. She got so much crap, and I have no place in my tiny house for any of it, but we will make room somehow. We are planning on going to a friends for new years, but I am sure Ella will not make it past ten, so it will just be for a short visit. This whole week is full of holiday visiting still, so it has been pretty busy, with trying to clean up the house. At least dh is on vacation, so that helps alot.

Ok, if I don't talk to you again before 2010, a happy and safe new year to you all!

[sharishu]

Hey Michelle-

Congrats on your Master's!! That is a huge accomplishment, and I give you SOOO much credit doing it all with a toddler in tow (let alone pregnancy and infancy!).

Also, wanted to let you know... I am a speech pathologist, and I just want to say please don't worry! How is her socializing? That 'jibber jabber' sounds good to me! Babbling is a very important pre-requisite for speech, and it's a good sign that things are as they should be. Also, listen carefully for sounds she may use CONSISTENTLY to represent words. E.g., Eliya whispers 'kaka' to mean 'cracker', says 'k' for milk, etc. Those count as bona fide words! Try asking her questions more often like 'what is this?', and then give her the answer. If you are still concerned, first step is to take her for a hearing test. It sounds like she is hearing (because she is babbling), but you just want to check for things like fluid which may cause temporary difficulty (usually mild) in hearing, and thus explain any slight delay.

All the best, and Happy New Year!!

Shari xo

[loopie]

Corny- wow! Congratulations to you - I can't believe you are a mommie second time around already!!!
It's been ages since I've popped on to the site- but I do think of you all very much and am glad to hear you are ok.
that must have been very scary for you, but what a wonderful gift of Lillian for xmas

as for you other mommas and mommas to be- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pulman is a handful- walking well for almost 6 months now - he is strong and into everything. mischievous and funny, and um - did i say strong!!!????
he loves school and his friends and is an absolute treat 95% of the time. He is a born problem solver and loves books

things are good for me- I'm taking a winter term concentrated class so that I will be able to graduate with my MFA this coming May and other than that - super busy, just like I am sure all of you are

miss you all, and sorry i've been away so long
much love and many good thoughts for a happy baby-filled new year

xxloopie

[loopie]

MELLIE- congrats to you on the twins- hope the next couple of months are uneventful and filled with bliss!

CT_ CONGRATULATIONS ON THE MASTERS!!!!!!!! woot!woot!

[CT_Michele]

Shari- Thanks for easing my worries. She is pretty social. Her jibber jabber is usually directed at someone, something or some cat. She will pick up things and put it to her ear like she is talking on the phone, then she walks away talking and even laughs. She understands when I talk to her, like if I ask her if she wants milk, or a cookie or to go get her juice. She understands when you say where's the kitty, she will start looking for one. And she kinda whispers ya/yes when asked questions. She also says na na na na while shaking her head no, for no obviously. I will listen closer for repetitive sounds. I think her hearing is fine, except when the wonderpets are on, then she is in a trance and doesn't hear a thing...lol. I guess I just get overly worried considering my studies and my husbands job. he works with adults with autism and we both have degrees in psychology majors specialing in mental health and autism. We get really nervous seeing so many autistic characteristics, but have learned that they are normal in babies up to a certain point. Of course delayed speech is a big one, so we get nervous. I am pushing her everyday, lots of books, lots of talking and question asking, hoping some new words come out. I will keep you updated.

[riogirl71]

Wow! It has been forever, I guess we are al so busy chasing after our little ones, I found out there is really no such thing as childproofing!!!

As for us we are busy busy, our little one is quite the mover and shaker. He started using the potty to go #1 at 2 days shy of 15 months! I can't believe it myself but he will sit there and go pipi! How cool is that? He also says about 20 words and about 20 signs, he is quite the communicator. He is getting his molars now so is quite clingy. Still haven't been able to wean him but I did get a visit from AF!!!!! Woo-hoo, we are doing another IVF in May. Other than that I feel like I don't get one minute for myself lately, I feel like I am a mess! But we are very happy. Oh he also grabs the remote and gives it to me and asks for BOB for bob the builder! He can point to about 30 different things in books that he knows the names for. So cool! He can also take directions such as carry your clothes to the hamper, throw this in the trash, push the button on your fire engine car, give this cookie to the dog, etc... Ok enough bragging!!! what can I say - I ADORE our boy!

Mellie - you are such a trooper, I can't imagine being preggers right now (of course I wish I was!) and running after a toddler! Congrats on passing the 30 week mark! I am so happy for you.

Corny- congratulations on your little girl, what a scare! I am so glad to hear you are both doing well and her pics are adorable.

CT- congrats on your master!!! what a huge accomplishment! That is great! I was a very late speaker and turned out fine so don't worry too much although as a parent it seems that's all we do!

Loopie - good to hear Pulman is doing well! How is the swimming going? We are still taking lessons and he loves the water!

Much happiness and love and new babies for everyone in this new year!!!!

[Mellie_1233]

Hi Everyone,

We received some unsettling news yesterday. Our little girl isn't growing as she should be growing. She is in the 27th percentile but her stomach is only in the 7th percentile. They tell us that this is a sign that she isn't getting all of the nutrients she needs. They suspect it is a matter of her placenta not doing all it should, perhaps due to the location where it implanted.

She has always been a couple of ounces smaller than her brother, but the estimates yesterday had them at almost a pound apart (3 lbs 10 oz for our girl and 4 lbs 9 oz for our boy).

Our little boy is growing fine and is actually big for his age (69th percentile).

So, they are going to wait 2 weeks and do more u/s measurements. If she doesn't make enough progress they will discuss delivering them (They would be 34 weeks and a few day). Fortunately, the dr said that she expects there will be enough progress to hold out 2 more weeks which would get us past the 36 week mark. That would be good although I'm not sure how big she will be.

Please send prayers our way. We are hopeful but, of course, we are worried and daunted by the thought of two premature babies. I know many of you have cared for preemies and it really gives me hope to see how amazing your children are now.

Mellie

[weezie]

Mellie-I'm sending prayers your way. I'm sure your docs will watch you closely. You've made it this far and I'm sure things will be fine. Please try and take care of yourself.

Corny - how wonderful for you and your family!!! Your new baby girl is precious!

Rio- sounds like your boy is kickin' butt. Potty trained already! Damn you must be a proud mama.

Loopie- glad to read Pulman is kickin' butt too. What are you and Rio feeding those boys

I know I haven't been around for a while but this pregnancy along with Gavin is wearing me down. Gavin just started walking on new years day(at 15 months). But he's cruising everywhere. And what a pistol he is! My little girl is transverse so she is always punching my bladder and standing on my ligaments. Making it very painful. I also have placenta previa. The docs saw it at 17weeks and at 28. So looks like I will deliver at 34w. The peri doesn't want to take any chances. I'm currently taking my glucose test and rhogam injection. That's why I have time to catch up. Dh and I are still trying to make our business work. Which isn't easy during this recession. And we finally will be going to court with his ex (after 17 months). I doubt I will be able to go to Houston for the hearing. It's the weeks b4 my delivery.

I hope that all of you are doing just fine and that 2010 is a wonderful year for all of you and your families!!!!!

[riogirl71]

Mellie- sending tons of prayers your way, your babies will be healthy and strong!!!!!!

Weezie - good to hear from you, prayers your way too!

[geckogirl]

Oh My, where to begin?!?

Corny - Congrats on the birth of your beautiful Lilly! I've been following your blog. What a scary time you both had. But it looks like all is well now. Loved the pics of Abby giving little sis some kisses! I hope you are all recovering and getting some much needed sleep.

Michele - Hooray on your Masters! I remember the feeling when I got mine not so long ago. What an accomplishment.

Mellie - I hope all is well with you. I am sending you some prayers that all is ok with both your little ones. Please keep us posted on how you are all doing.

Weezie - I am right there with you on the tired factor! Working full time teaching, being pregnant, and mothering a very active 15 month old is harder than I thought! Wonder what I will feel like with two needing my constant attention? Take care and keep us posted.

Rio - Potty trained already?!?!? I am so stoked for you. We got Declan a potty and put it in the bathroom so that he gets used to it but so far haven't pushed him to try. All he does is play with it anyway. Your next cycle is coming up fast. You must be excited. Let us know all the details.

As for us, life is going well. DH just got promoted to batalion chief which is a big deal. He will be changing work locations though and he wasn't too happy about that but it happens. I am working full time and have really great kids this year, but have been really tired. I found that pregnancy the second time around definately isn't as easy as the first. I had bad morining sickness for the first 4 months and severe fatigue. Other than that things have been normal so far. I have to do the glucose test next week and am hoping that goes ok.

Declan started walking at 11 months and now is running and climbing and managing stairs like a champ. We have taken him to the zoo, the aquarium, and lots of parks and he loves them. He is starting a bit of the terrible two syndrome though. He doesn't like to be told no and will through a pretty dramatic tantrum. I just laugh at him which makes it worse. For the most part he is pretty even tempered though. He loves going to daycare and misses it on the weekend. We are pretty lucky. I can't wait to meet the new baby and see how he responds to him. We are having another boy and are so excited. His name will be Colton. Cole for short.

Anyone having any luck getting the kids to eat finger food? Declan will eat cereal bars, cheese, chips, crackers and mac and cheese but refuses all meat and most veggies. I still have to feed him jars of baby food. I was really hoping he would be eating more adult food by now.

Happy New Year to everyone and I will try to be in touch more regularly.

[CT_Michele]

Hey Ladies,

Yes, we are all super busy with chasing the little ones, who are not so little anymore. And I am so happy to hear so many are expecting new little ones very soon. Wish I was part of that club right now, but my time will come.

Gecko- I don't know how you are doing it all...you are definitely a super mom. I am just tutoring 3 days a week for an hour a day and I don't even want to do that. I can not imagine teaching full-time. And oh my goodness can Ella tantrum too. She HATES being told no, probably because she doesn't here it often. We are by no means spoiling her, but for the most part, she is good, so we don't have to say no. So now when she hears it, sometimes she will through her self on the ground like a little drama queen. I will ignore it and leave her and she will stay there for like 15 minutes. And I also laugh, I try not to let her see me, but it is sooooo funny.

Rio- I am so jealous of how advanced your little one is! I missed reading about the potty last time. That is crazy that he is using the potty for pee. I have not even thought about getting Ella a potty yet, but maybe I should consider it. She is on a pretty regular schedule for diaper changes it seems, so who knows, maybe she will surprise me. That is amazing though, I think most boys avg around 3 for potty training, girls around 2 maybe. I am most jealous about the words. Every day that passes and Ella is not really saying words makes me nervous. I am sure it will come soon, but this is obviously a delay.

Weezie- good luck with the upcoming delivery. Even though I would like to be, I can not imagine how tired you must be, being preggers and chasing the little one.

Mellie- I am sorry to hear your little girls growth is not up to par. But I am sure the dr's will watch close, and I am praying for a smooth delivery for you.

How is everyone else? I don't get on here very much anymore, but I will try to check in again soon. Take care everyone.

[Mellie_1233]

Hi Everyone!

Rio - Can't believe you are having potty training success already. What's your secret?

Gecko - Congrats on DH's promotion. Evie doesn't like meat, either. She sucks it a little and spits it out. It is a challenge. We have been pureeing one meal a day to make sure she is getting protein. Our ped said we shoudn't keep doing that, though.

CT_Michele - We are having occasional tantrums, too. Unfortunately, it's usually in public when she wants to walk around and we can't let her b/c it's too crowded. She will stick her arms straight up so I can't pick her up easily and wiggle to the ground. It is kinda funny.

We had our u/s today. Our little girl is growing! She is still around the 27th percentile overall and her little stomach has fallen to the 4th percentile, but they tell me we should try to keep her in longer so I have another u/s in 2 weeks and from there they will let me keep going if she is still growing. They estimate she is 4 lbs 6 oz and her brother is 5 lbs 3 oz.

Construction is beginning. We're adding a wall to our dining room to make it a nursery. We are crazy crowded already, though. We moved things out of the dining room and are now trying to use our little breakfast nook to eat and to store our stroller(s). Sure hope we can sell next summer and get a house!