No info yet/Hairstyles?/Dalen's Video

Just to update everyone, I still don't have an appointment date yet for Dalen's specialist. I called yesterday to see what was going on and the department secretary forwarded the referral on to the "referral department" who is supposed to forward his medical records to the specialist and then I will be contacted with an appointment date. She also informed me that I will definitely not get in to see him this week because he is not in. I am really stuck in between a rock and a hard place on this one. Do I take him to another doctor and take the chance of them giving Dalen the higher dosage he needs or do I wait on this specialist who I don't know when I'll even get him in to see.

The idea of not returning phone calls must be in the air. I can't get the college to return any of my phone calls either. I had to call them to see what the deal was today also. I'm still waiting on my student e-mail account, and I need that info before I can log on to get the book list, and if I can get the books cheaper online I need to be getting them ordered so I will have them when classes start. The records office isn't in any hurry to answer my questions about my transfer either.

The past few days I have been searching for a new hairstyle. I've found a few that I like, but I don't know which one I like best, or if I could look decent with any of them.

Here's some pictures...

I think this one might be my favorite so far, I'm just not sure I want to go that short.

I really like her bangs and the layers. I'm not sure if I could get this in a pony tail, and Dalen might pull it.

This is really the same as I've had before, but I liked it.

I like these next two together. I like Gwyneth's overall style, only side parted and with Jessica's bangs. Maybe?

This is something different. I probably won't do this one, but I like it.

I am also very excited to tell everyone that yesterday Dalen rolled over for the very first time! Here's a short video...

This video is the cute-ie-ist



I think that song is so cute. Just wanted to share it with everyone.

Dalen Update/What's going on with College/Spring is Coming!

First I will start with the update on Dalen. I finally was able to catch him spitting up stomach acid. It happens so fast, and only looks like spit on his bib, so it's hard to tell if you don't actually see him do it. I had to call his dr.'s office and ask for a referral to a specialist, but after 2 days I still haven't heard whether he approved it or not. I think it is sad that I have to find a specialist myself and ask for a referral because his dr. won't help, or doesn't know how is probably more like the case. I really appreciate every one's e-mails with suggestions and support.

*Ok, I just called myself to see what was going on. The dr. approved the referral and they are setting up an appointment. Finally!!! Again, I had to call. Urgh! Why is it that I have to stay on their backs to get anything done? Ridiculous!

I'm having some problems with my college paperwork too. Not really a major problem, but a nuisance none the less. I got my transfer equivalency in the mail today and there are 2 classes that didn't transfer that I think should have, so I'm having to fight that. Hey that could save me like $600, of course I'm fighting it! What is sort of funny about it is that the classes that I've had previously are titled the same as the classes they are saying I need. I've had to call the secretary at Rio to look up a course syllabus for these classes that I took in 2000-2001 because they are wanting more of a description in order for them to approve these transfers.

I did get my student ID yesterday. I actually got one with a good picture too. When I went to get it they said they needed my driver's license and a copy of my schedule. Well I didn't have a copy of the schedule with me so I went over to the Business Office to have one printed. The guy asked me if I registered online, I said no, I registered on campus last week. I wasn't sure why he was asking me, but I soon found out. He says, "You registered here last week and you lost your schedule already?!" Like I was irresponsible and didn't belong in college. Oh, it took alot for me to keep my cool, but I just smiled and politely stated why I needed it. Not that it was any of his business. I feel like I am really being tested to see how much patience I have and to see if I can keep my temper under control. I am succeeding so far....

I've also had a hassle with my name believe it or not. I had applied there when I was a senior in high school, among other colleges, like everyone normally does, and then picked where I wanted to go after I got my acceptance letters back. Well, since I was accepted in 1999 under my maiden name, I had to submit a Name change form along with legal proof of my new name, being a copy of my marriage certificate. I wasn't really happy about giving them that. I guess I'm not comfortable with copies of my private papers floating out there for everyone to see. Not only that, but I had to do a Change of Major form. I never went there, how could I have had a major? They had me listed under general ed. Well, then I get my student e-mail, it's my maiden name@mycollege.edu Now I'm having to request a new one.

Now on to some nice weather...

I had to take my Mom to a dr. appt. yesterday and we got to put Dalen in his stroller for the first time. He LOVED it! He held on with both hands on the sides and took everything in, smiling as we went. I wish I would've had my camera with me. As a mother, that should be on the top of my list of things to have with me. It is such a nice day out, and will be tomorrow too. I'm in hopes to get to take him out for a nice walk. I'll take some pictures then, I promise :-)

Enjoy the nice weather! Have a great weekend! :-)

Update on my last post...
After I spoke to 2 different receptionists after 5pm yesterday evening I was told to, "just call back after 8am tomorrow morning because the dr. has already left for the evening.", I called back a few minutes later. I needed a few minutes to sit and figure out what I was going to say because I was so furious that Dalen needed help, the dr. had 3 hours to answer the message, but he went home. I wasn't going to let this go like I usually do then over the next few days stew about it and think of what I should have said. So I call back and I tell the receptionist that I want Dalen's medical records and I go on to say that I never can get ahold of this dr., my baby is sick and we needed an answer then, not at 8am the next day, it isn't doing us any good to have this dr., I basically acted like the dr. and the whole place was worthless. Which it is. About 10 minutes goes by and the dr. calls. He says that he isn't giving Dalen a higher does because what he is on now is for up to 35 lbs. He asks me some questions and he says, "well it definitely sounds like reflux to me." Duh, moron. If it was that easy I should be a dr.! He tells me that if Dalen is still feeling bad in the morning (today) that I should take him to the clinic and have the ped. there look at him. Why if you aren't going to give him a higher does of medicine? How about I just hand you some money instead, and go home with the same problems. Oh I am mad! We have been through 3 dr.s now. Why is it so hard to find a decent dr. who will listen and that I can get ahold of if something is wrong?

I haven't seen him vomit any, but that's not to say he hasn't. He has been really fussy and will cry out in a scream while his is sleeping like he is hurting. I just don't know what to do. I will be making some calls today along with going to get his records, and I'm praying that we can get some help for him.

Dalen is sick again

I am really getting tired of this acid reflux! I'm tired of it making my son miserable! Last night at church he was laying on me and clinging to me and was acting like he was sleepy. That isn't like him at all. Then a few minutes later he vomited all over me, it was not spit up. He hasn't been himself today either. I have a call into his dr. now, so I'll post an update when I hear back. I'm hoping he will just call in a higher dose of prevacid.

I have a meeting scheduled for tonight that I won't be able to go to now. I haven't been able to make it to very many of the meetings because either Dalen has been sick, I've been sick, or I don't have anyone to watch him, so I feel bad about it. I told them last year when they wanted me to do a part that I wasn't sure how often I'd be able to go and they were ok with that, but now, and I know it's just me thinking this, I feel like they are going to be mad that I'm not participating that much. There's not too much I can do about it though.

I am feeling kind of run down. I have been so busy the past two weeks getting all my paperwork turned in for school, now I'm doing Travis' also, plus taking care of Dalen. I didn't get to make it to the grocery store today, and for some reason the laundry is never done even though the washer and dryer are always running. I am just exhausted.

Does any of this even make sense? I'm not sure.

Anyway, have a great Monday!

Optimistic Sunshine

That's what my new blog template is called. I thought it sounded like my new outlook on things. I have made the decision to go back to college and finish my Associate Degree in Business Management. I am really excited, but at the same time I am really nervous. Most of you that know me know that I don't handle change well, but I cannot let this opportunity pass me by. Dalen and I made a trip to the college yesterday. Yes, it was quite interesting having a 5 month old on a college campus. I got some "looks", but oh well. I submitted all of my paperwork and I've registered for two online classes for Spring Quarter. I'm taking Principles of Macroeconomics and Marketing I. The professor for macro is one that Travis had last summer, which, he says, was his toughest class so far. So it will definitely be hard. Right now I'm just waiting on letters from the school giving me my student e-mail and such. It will be a few weeks before I get notification on what classes that I've had will transfer. Classes start March 30th, so wish me luck!

Travis is also taking 4 classes again in the Spring. After that he will only have 3 classes left to finish his degree. We are hoping that they will all be available over the summer.

On another note, Dalen and I got to have lunch our friends Anna and Owen. Dalen and Owen are the same age, only 3 days apart. They didn't seem to pay too much attention to one another today, but I'm sure that when they get older they will be good friends. Plus it was really nice to get to spend time with my good friend, Anna. We should get together more often.

College, here I come!...............

Travis will love this for Dalen!

You can listen to them here.

Thanks for telling me about these albums Anna!

I'm confused about this decision

I have been thinking very seriously about going back to college to finish my degree. Not full time, but taking a class or two at a time that way I could to my homework while Dalen is napping and after he goes to bed at night. Until he gets alittle older I would take classes offered online that way I would still be home with Dalen. And when there is a class that I would have to go to campus for later on, there is an on-campus daycare available. I have made the decision to stay at home with Dalen and I want to be there for him anytime he needs me. Would this take away from that? Is it realistic to think that I can do this? One reason I'm thinking about doing this is to finish what I started and make that accomplishment. And if I decide to work later on when Dalen is in school then I would be able to use my degree. It has bothered me for a long long time that I didn't finish school..that I QUIT. So if I finish I wouldn't be able to say to myself anymore that I am a quitter. Am I being completely unreasonable here? I have done most of the paperwork that I need to do without paying for anything yet that way I can think alittle bit more about this without having so much work to do later when classes are about to start. I have made the decision though that if I do go back I will be transferring from Rio Grande to WSCC. I think that is best for many reasons, number one being it's a good school, number two it would be a fresh start for me. I have alot of thinking to do. Travis is supporting my decision either way he says. But I think that he really wants me to finish, which I want that too. But what my hang up is..is this the best time, do I want more debt (not really)? Another thing I'm worried about is Travis has a 4.0 and is almost finished, I could not begin to compete with that....yes I am a competitive person....but I don't want to be held up to standards that I can't meet by other people, namely my family. I know that Travis wouldn't care if I brought home an F as long as I tried my best. I know that I could do it if I put my mind to it. I might be a terrible grouch, which I have been lately anyways, but I could do it.

Dalen's Favorite Things

Lately we have been exploring new things. Since we've been getting into a good routine we've been figuring out some of the things that Dalen likes.

Jack's Big Music Show on the Noggin Channel

We read this to him every night before bed. He loves this book because it tells him that Momma loves him no matter what. God knows all about him, "from his fingers to his toes, from his belly to his nose."He loves the bright colors and pictures, plus Momma reads it to him in funny voices. He loves the rhymes in this one.

He really loves books. He tries to hold them when I'm reading to him and tries to turn that pages. Sometimes he will slap the characters or point to one.

He loves his swing.

He loves oatmeal cereal. And he loves sweet potatoes too. (We haven't tried any other vegetables yet.)

Our favorite thing is Dalen :-)

Dalen's Dedication; About Travis; Dalen's Checkup

We had Dalen's dedication at church this past Sunday. It was a really great experience. My parents go to our church too, but Travis' parents also came. Even though things aren't that great between some of us I'm glad that they were there for Dalen. After church we all came back to our house, I made my first ham for dinner. It was good, but the glaze could've been better. Overall, I think everything went over well.

We have been going to this church for several months now. I think Dalen was about 3 weeks old when we first went. Travis and I love it there! It's a good Bible based church, and the people are wonderful. And everyone makes such a fuss over Dalen. He loves the attention. He smiles at everyone, it's cute. The church even has a nursery with a changing table, and someone got a baby swing and put in there last week. Since Dalen is the only baby there I would say that someone had him in mind. I think it's just wonderful. I can tell that they really care about us there.

I have been feeling like I need to say something on my blog. I know that I haven't always been a good example of what a Christian should be, and I want to just say that I'm sorry. I am going to try to do better. I know that most of the time talking about church or Jesus isn't received very well so I don't talk about it very much. I just needed to say that. :-)

Travis started back to school again last week. He goes to campus on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings and has two online classes. Luckily he only has homework in two classes this quarter. It will really make things easier taking care of Dalen. He has started to have back problems too. He thought that he had a pinched nerve so he went to the Chiropractor yesterday about it. The dr. seems to think that is just sprained or strained and there may be micro tears in the muscle there. He wanted Travis to take a couple days off of work, but Travis told him he couldn't. He is going back this evening and maybe Wednesday evening too for a few minutes to do some kind of therapy that will help heal the muscle. I hope he feels better soon!

I don't remember if I said it here or not, but Dalen has started to cut his bottom two teeth. It has been about 4 days now, but they seem to have only come in so far and stopped. He has been quite the little fussy britches too. He had his 4 month well baby check up yesterday and got his immunizations. He weighed 15lbs. 14oz. and was 24 1/2 inches. I got the go ahead to start him on cereal then baby food vegetables then fruits. I couldn't wait until this morning to start the cereal so Travis and I gave him some last night before bed. He gave some funny faces at first, and as expected didn't do very well with the spoon, he can't get past sucking on the bottle. But, I am pleased to say that for the very first time he slept from 10pm to almost 6am! I am so proud of him.
Well I need to go get me some lunch before my little one wakes up. Happy Tuesday!

Dalen is Cutting Teeth Already!

You can see them popping through alittle bit there in the front

A Happy New Year

Sorry I haven't had much time to post anything new lately. Dalen has been keeping me pretty busy. We have both been sick since Christmas day. I got a stomach virus, and he got a cold and right ear infection. Travis has been taking good care of us. He had to take two days off work even. But we are all doing alot better now.

We had a great Christmas. I hope all of you did as well.

I feel like I actually accomplished something in 2008. I had a baby. I'm really looking forward to 2009 and seeing all of Dalen's "first's" to come. I can't wait.

Happy 2009!

And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

KJV Holy Bible, Genesis 11:16

If you read this then you must......

Pick up the book closest to you
Turn to page 27
Find the 9th sentence
Post the sentence as a title in a new post
Write the title of the book in the body of your post then
copy the information in this post into the body of your post.

Game time.....

A Happy Dalen

I think that we have finally got Dalen on the mends. He has acted so much better over this past week! He is happy, playing, and sleeping well. This picture was just taken this morning. Dalen was trying to get Daddy out of bed to play.

Thanks again for everyone's prayers. They worked!

It happened again

Early yesterday morning Dalen (sorry to be so graphic) vomited again. He did fine when I fed him at 3am. Then when I fed him again at 7am he threw it up. Both the bottles were the Nutramigen which is easy on a baby's stomach because it isn't milk based. That is what had me so worried. Before he had only had that problem with the Similac, he was fine on Nutramigen. After that I got him cleaned up and call Travis' work and told them he needed to call me, it was an emergency. He left work and met me down at the main clinic. I'm so glad he was there with me, I was about ready to go to pieces thinking of the worst. We saw the same nurse practitioner that we had seen at last Friday's follow-up. She had us go down immediately for an upper GI scan to check for something internally that if it came back for he would have to have surgery, but thank the Lord he was ok as far as that went. I took it that they thought this all was serious too because they worked him in for the GI scan immediately and there was a rush put on the results. As of right now the NP thinks it is just a very bad case of reflux. It is just something we have to manage until he grows out if it, and that can take up to a year if not longer. As for today, so far, he hasn't had any problems, but we are keeping a very close eye on him. I feel incredibly bad for him. He has been on the Prevacid for a few days now. He has been actually able to sleep in his crib again because he is able to lay down. We are praying this medicine works.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Dalen. Please continue to do so.

I'm Worried

I had taken Dalen back to the dr. about the reflux last Thursday (I'll get into some details in a bit) and he had me switch him from his Nutramigen formula back to regular Similac. A few hours after he had the first bottle of similac he threw up, and I mean projectile and alot of it. It really scared me. After that I thought he wasn't acting right, sort of sleepy and weak acting. I wasn't sure what to do and it was time for him to eat again so I fed him some more. When I went to burp him after 2 oz. he threw up all of it the same way as before. Oh, I was really scared. I loaded him in the car as fast as I could and we went to Urgent Care at the main hospital. I figured that if something was really wrong that it would be best to already be at the hospital instead of at the clinic. Well, they did blood work to see if he was dehydrated, and he was mildly, and was told that he had a stomach virus, so we were sent home with orders to give him pedialite and have a follow up appt. the next day. Well the next day he had diarrhea, but no vomiting. So I'm thinking they are right about the stomach virus, I heard something was going around. I was given orders to continue the pedialite for the next 48 hours then put him back on formula. So tonight at 11pm was the first time back on his formula, and it wasn't even 2 hours and he threw it all up just like before. It has to be the Similac. I think he is ok at the moment because he went back to sleep, but now I'm afraid to go to sleep myself in case something happens. And after this weekend, I'm exhausted!

So about the dr. appt. about the reflux. The guy was a total jerk to me. I've had to take Dalen a few times to him over this because the poor baby is hurting. And this past week we spent the entire week sleeping together sitting up in the recliner because he couldn't lay flat. He would start gagging or coughing really bad and then crying nonstop. Horrible. Well, the dr. tried to tell me it was colic...no I don't think so. He also gave me referral papers to take him to Children's hospital in Columbus to see a specialist because, "it will ease my mind." It doesn't matter what I think, it matters that my baby is ok. Moron. He finally gets on the phone to one of his friends that is a pediatrician and she tells him to prescribe previcid. Well he gave us a prescription for the liquid, and no one in this entire area has it, it has to be specially made and would cost a fortune. So I called his answering service and was told to, "call back tomorrow."!!!!! The woman would not even listen to why I was calling! Then right after this is when Dalen started vomiting. But back to the appt. The dr. also says, "I can refer you to a pediatrician because I can tell you don't trust what I'm telling you." That ticked me off. Well clown, if you have to call another dr. to see what you should do, and I've had to take Dalen to see you about 4 times over the same thing, then why should I? And then he tells me to switch his formula. That was a horrible idea.

I called his office the next day and didn't even mention that Dalen had to be taken to urgent care the night before, because I was still thinking it was a virus and I was planning on taking him somewhere else after the fiasco the day before so it didn't matter to him, but I wanted him to fix the prescription. Get this. He called a pharmacist to see what the dosage should be. His nurse told me when she called me to let me know it had been called in. Um, hasn't a dr. had more training in these matters than a pharmacist? Well, to the point, the medicine has been helping, so far. But it usually does work for a few days before it stops helping him. So, yet again, we'll see.

The bad news is is now I will have to call him tomorrow to get Dalen's formula switched back. I hate like anything to have to take him back to another appt. We are really racking up the bills, but if it's what he needs then I will. I just really hope that it's not something serious that's going on with Dalen. I am worried about it.

I Voted Today

I have to just say that I have never, since I have voted in my hometown beginning at the age of 18, seen so many people at my polling place to vote. I've heard all day on the news how in the bigger cities there were hours of waiting time in the long lines, but never thought it would be any different here than it ever was, I was wrong. I guess it just goes to show that people care about this year's election or at least so that they can say they helped to make history. I personally think, and have heard from many people, that this year's presidential candidates have been the poorest excuse for choices. I'll be glad when I turn on the tv from now on, at least until the next election season rolls around, that I won't have to listen to the name smearing and character bashing.

Happy Trick Or Treat!

I had to take Dalen back to see his ped. again yesterday afternoon. I wasn't planning on the visit, but I had called them in the morning to tell them that his Zantac wasn't lasting him all day but the dr. said he wanted me to bring Dalen back in. For the past few days mornings and nights were a terror. He would cry and scream and cough and gag, it was horrible. It turns out that the growth spurt he had last week was the culprit. He wasn't getting enough of a dosage because he is bigger now. He weighed a whopping 12 lb. 1 oz. and was 22 1/2 in! He gained almost 2 lbs. and grew 1 1/4 in in two weeks! Anyways, the dr. raised his dose. I'm a hoping this works. The little twirp flirted with ALL the nurses at the dr.'s office, smiling at them with his sparkly little eyes...I need to get a stick already! I keep telling him that girls are the "Debil" (from Waterboy). ;-)

I've decided that Dalen is too young and it's too cold outside for me to have him out for tonight's Trick or Treat. I wasn't going to take him Trick or Treating this year anyways, but I was going to have him out while we gave out candy. Then Travis informed me that he has class tonight so he won't be home and there's no way I could handle Dalen and give out candy to a zillion kids at the same time so I'm just going to stay inside. I might have him out at my parent's house for a few minutes to show him off to the neighbors since they have not seen him yet. Which reminds me, today Dalen is 6 weeks old!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Trick or Treat!

Our 7th Wedding Anniversary

was yesterday. Travis brought me home some beautiful flowers. It doesn't seem like we've been married for 7 years! But I hope that we have many, many, many more years together, especially since he is so wonderful and all. ;-)

(Thanks honey!)

I also wanted to brag on Travis for alittle bit. He has been invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, a Greek honor society at his college. His induction ceremony is November 3rd. I am so proud of him!!!

The Best Thing In The World

About The Appointment

I said in my last post that I was taking Dalen to see Dr. W. So far I am very pleased with him. He actually took time to listen to me explain what Dalen's problem was. After he checked Dalen over and got some info from me he said that Dalen probably has acid reflux and prescribed Zantac for him. It immediately helped Dalen feel better. Last night he started crying and screaming like he was in pain again, but Travis gave him the Zantac and he settled right down. He also said to take him off the rice cereal because he is too young for it which really makes me mad that the other dr. told me to do it if it would be bad for him.

That's all for now. Hope everyone has a great week.

Dalen Loves His Mobile

Mystery Dalen

I'm not sure what to do anymore. I said before how Dalen was doing so much better and sleeping well, I'm going to retract that statement. He did good for about 2 days, but all week he has been feeling so bad and crying almost all the time. I feel horrible because I don't know what else to do for him. I've called his dr. just about every day this week. She thinks he has an allergy to milk so she has switched him to Enfamil Nutramigen. It's a special type of formula that is hypoallergenic. By the way, it is $26 for a 1 lb. can!!! He has been on it for about 3 days now, and is still fussy and will not go to sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. It says right on the formula can that it will greatly reduce or stop colic within 48 hours, not 72, so I'm not sure it's doing him any good. I think that his regular ped. has him all screwed up because she has so many patients that when I call she doesn't remember who I am or what all she has already told me to be doing. I really don't like that. I think I might've mentioned before that her office is smaller than my living room. I can't even fit Dalen's stroller in there because it is always packed! I was told yesterday that there is a new clinic in Middleport and that the dr. there is really good, so I called them just awhile ago to check out what kind of people they were and how their office works especially if I would need to call to talk to the dr. after hours. I am desperate for some help for Dalen at this point. I was told that the dr. is very nice. He is a young dr. from Huntington and is married with children and one on the way. So knowing that he not only has been medically trained, but he has real experience with his own children makes me feel better. I was also told that they have an answering service 24/7 where I can talk to an on call dr. or have him paged. I like that too. So I went ahead and made Dalen an appointment for this afternoon. Maybe I am just overreacting to the whole situation, but I don't think so. Even if I am I would feel so much better knowing that he has been checked over by a dr. and I've been given advice on what to do by someone who has time to think things through. I am hoping that something will be figured out for the poor little guy by this afternoon.

Crying baby = very stressed out and unhappy Mommy!!!

Dalen's First Church Service

Today we took Dalen to church for the first time. He slept through the whole service! He looked so adorable and everybody loved him. (Thanks for the outfit Rylan & Angie).

Dalen is doing good. His pediatrician said to add rice cereal to his soy formula because he wasn't satisfied with only the formula, and therefore wasn't sleeping but 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. at a time before he would want to eat again. He is doing soooo much better with that and is typically sleeping for around 3 hrs. now. He smiled for the first time this past week. It was very exciting. He also found out he has a voice that can make sounds.

Last week he weighed in at 9lbs. 1 oz.!

All About Dalen

Where to start? He has kept us so busy and so much has happened. Since Dalen was tongue tied I was having to pump for what seemed to be constantly, and he was having alot of issues with colic. Not only was I having trouble keeping up with him, but it was exhausting, and since he was having colic too I called his pediatrician and she suggested that we try him on Soy formula. He has been on it for about 3 days now and has been doing great! It was so hard seeing him in pain, and it was obvious that he was. I am upset about the whole bf thing, but for me it was worth giving up if it was going to help Dalen. So here's hoping that the Soy formula continues to help him.

Today is the first day that I'm on my own taking care of Dalen by myself. He has been such a good baby (so far lol). He is very slowly starting to stay awake alittle more during the day and sleeping just alittle longer at times. I feel like we are starting to get a good bond with each other now that it's just me and him for the most part each day. Travis has been a great help with him. He gets up once at night with him most nights and does alot after work too which is good considering he is working full time and is in college full time. My Mom usually comes over in the evening and will do a feeding while I take a nap or something. I can't complain about the help I've been getting.

I have been alittle cranky which should be expected. I don't handle change well, and Dalen is a huge change! The first week I cried alot, but the second week wasn't so bad. Now my two major obstacles are the lack of sleep and trying to make the adjustment of not going out like I used to. That has been difficult. I probably could go to the grocery store or something except I'm not supposed to lift anything over 10 lbs because of my C-section. I'm sure that an 8lb. + baby and a car seat is over 10 lbs. Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't trade being Dalen's Mom for anything. I know things will get better, just like everyone keeps reminding me :-)

Have a great Monday everyone!

My Cutie Pie

Mr. Dalen James

He's sleeping right now so I have a few minutes and thought I'd stop by. Dalen definitely keeps us busy.

The induction went ok for awhile and then I stopped progressing, and the baby turned so he was pointing the wrong way. After 12 hours of trying to work through things my dr. came in to talk about a C-section. By that time I was ready to get it over with. Travis about had a cow when he realized I'd have to have a surgery because he didn't want me to have to go through that. I was more worried about him than I was about myself.

We got home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon after spending 3 days there. The first night home with Dalen didn't go so well. He cried all night long. Then the next day he didn't eat very well and I was getting really concerned about it. We ended up having to call a lactation consultant to come help us. Turns out that Dalen was tongue tied and it was preventing him from latching on. Yesterday we saw his pediatrician for the first time and was referred the same day to a specialist to have it clipped. He did so good, he didn't even flinch when the dr. did it. It didn't hurt him at all. I still can't get him to latch on, so I'm pumping and feeding him that way. Other than that obstacle Dalen is doing great. He is such a good baby.

Here is an update on the baby.
His name is Dalen James Gibson.
He was born at 5:39 pm on September 18, 2008.
He weighed 8lbs and 6 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.
Trisha had to have a C-section, but her and the baby are both doing great.
We are expected to go home tomorrow, Sunday.
When Trisha is feeling up to it, she will post more details.
Thanks for everyones support.

The Big Day

I just wanted to let everyone know that tomorrow is the big day. Since Travis will be with me at the hospital the whole time, I'll be having him to post pictures of the baby once we are home.

My dr. appt. went well yesterday though. The nurse threw away my pee cup! I told her that I wanted to burn the thing. She said, "And I didn't even give you the satisfaction of throwing it away yourself, did I." Believe me, I wanted that satisfaction! So that made me feel that alittle bit of closure was coming to the pregnancy. It was weird. The baby is still doing great. And I did make some progress on my own over the weekend. I am 85% effaced, and almost dilated to 3 cm. I was really hoping that I would be able to go in today to have the baby, but the dr. explained that she had some meeting that she really did not want to miss today, so being the nice, understanding (even though I'm extremely uncomfortable) person that I am, I agreed to do it on Thursday. And plus it is probably better that Travis and I have the day to process what's about to happen. She even went into detail about the induction process and what I should expect to happen and about when. It really took away some of the unknown factor that was really stressing me out. Travis, bless his heart, I'm not sure how he's handling things. The reality that he will be a father tomorrow is setting in on him. For me, either I'm ok with everything, or it hasn't hit me yet. I'm not sure which. I am just trying to go with things without thinking too much.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I'm hoping to have some pictures of the baby to show soon!

Still Waiting, But Not For Long

I don't have a lot of time to talk. I am on my way to TRY to get Travis the new Metallica Death Magnetic CD as a surprise. I'm feeling good today, for a change, so I'm going to chance the trip because I know how much it would mean to him to get this CD. Plus, he really deserves the surprise...he has been taking such good care of me and has had to put up with alot of crap from me lately...(sorry honey).

But you probably want to know about the baby. He is fine. There is still not much of a change as far as dilation goes. The dr. made me an appt. to come back on Tuesday the 16th and if I haven't had him by then she will schedule me to be induced either Wednesday or Thursday. So, I'll be a Mommy in less than a week! I am still a nervous wreck, but I'm starting to settle down alittle by just trying to stay focused on the baby, and not how bad it could be for me. My dr. had a talk with me yesterday to help settle me down. I was impressed that she did that because she sure didn't have to take the time. She said that it will hurt, but they are there to treat the pain, I know labor will not last forever, and I will get something really good at the end. I thought that was so nice of her. And I am very thankful that I made it past September 11th. The other good news is that my dr. is the one on call this weekend, and she takes her own patients during the weekdays so odds are I'll be able to have my own dr. deliver the baby. I am very comfortable with her, and Travis likes her, so I'm very happy about that.

So until next time...

Just An Update

He's still not here!!! I'm a couple weeks behind on the info, sorry. On my Aug. 28th appointment I was feeling really bad, really bad. And of course, that had to be the day that my Dad was on vacation and decided to go with Mom and I. Not that I don't want my Dad involved, but it embarrasses me for him to know certain things, it's my Dad, you know. Well, since it was getting so close for me to have the baby, I also had to go shopping for a nursing bra. Again, there was my Dad. Urgh. So not only was I aggravated and embarrassed, I was getting really nervous that I was going into labor or something because for the first time I was getting really crampy. So when I got to my appt....finally, they decided to go ahead and do an exam just to check things out. This was on week 37 and they weren't supposed to start doing my exams until I was 38 weeks. Turned out everything was ok. I was dilated to a 1 and working on 2, but my cervix was still really thick. Sorry if that grossed anyone out. Then on my last appt., there was no change. And she said his head is still up really high and not pushing down which is why there was no change. I am really disappointed about it and I'm alittle worried that he won't come on his own since I didn't make any progress. And I still don't feel like he's dropped any. We'll see I guess. So unless I have him before Thursday, I go back to the dr. and talk to her about either waiting things out or inducing. I wish I would've had him by now since Travis starts back to school the week of the 15th. He will be getting his week of vacation from work whenever I have the baby, but I was hoping to have his uninterrupted attention for that first week. That's our luck though. So my next post will either be telling you when I'm going to be induced, or to introduce my baby :-) Thanks for everyone who has been thinking about us and to those who have came to see us before the big day. In the mist of some of the drama we've been dealing with lately, it has been really nice knowing that there are some people who do care about us.

My Ultrasound

Yesterday evening Travis and I went to get my last ultrasound. Seeing the baby was absolutely incredible. He didn't look anything like he did in the last ultrasound pictures, it was amazing how much he has grown and changed. At the beginning, the tech re-confirmed for us that he is still a boy :-) which is always good to know. She also got a quick shot of his face. It was a good thing she did it then too because after that he would not cooperate. He would either turn completely away, or he'd put his hands in front of his face. He was acting just like his father...ha ha. We also got an estimated weight of 6 lbs. 6 oz., which she said is just that, an estimate. It could be off a pound either way. So I figure that by the time I have him, he'll be a normal birth weight. I was also glad to get his position pointed out to me. He is pointed down correctly, but I wanted to know what was where mostly. He has been staying on my right side, and it's like my belly is lop sided all the time, and I have alot of pressure towards the top on that side, which come to find out is his rear end. Go figure. His legs and feet are what's on my right, his back is on my left.

Here is his face.

It looks like he has some chubby cheeks :-) and like he's holding on to his foot there too.

And here's his little foot.

I thought for sure after our first ultrasound that he looked just like Travis, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe both of us now? I'll just have to wait to see, and I hate that. He was the cutest little baby none the less.

An August Dog Day

I thought I'd dedicate a post to my wonderful puppy dog, Bella. She probably hasn't quite been getting the attention she is used to because of all the baby preparations we've been doing around here. But she's still our baby too.

Bella's enjoying the breeze in her face while she's on the porch.

Ok, now you think you're a model...show off :-)

Back to the guard post...This is her favorite spot during the day so she can look outside at all the goings on. And we were blessed by a smile too ;-)

Only One Month To Go...

Lets just say I had a clever title

I have a ton of things to write about today. Most of it will probably be complaining. First let's start with our heat pump experience. Last Monday was the company's first day to start the job. Today is Tuesday of the following week, and they have had to be here every single day with the exception of the weekend. Let's just say I'm alittle aggravated about it. The initial estimate for the completion was 5 days. The guys installing everything were like, woo hoo we have 5 days to do a 2 or 3 day job. So, they piddled around all week. I was alittle ticked about it because I felt like they were wasting my time since I had to stay home the whole day, and my Dad was in the hospital, and I had other things to do also, and there they were outside smoking sitting on my front porch, in my chairs laughing and talking on their personal cell phones (man, I'd be a tough boss lol) when they should've been doing what we were paying them ALOT of money to do. Let's not even get into how they tracked mud into my house, on my carpet, had furniture pulled out to run the duct work that they just left in the middle of rooms, left lights on all through the house, and kept slamming my front door. Maybe I'm just picky but I really thought they were rude and inconsiderate. Travis got so mad at the electrical guy because he ran the wires over top of beams instead of in the holes that all our other wires go through so we couldn't even put our drywall back up. RETARDED. Well, the 5th day, Friday comes along. At the end of the day I was told that a breaker they needed hasn't came in yet and that they'd have to come back on Monday to put it in and do the system check! First of all, what, do I look like all I have to do is sit at home while they come and go? I actually had a doctor's appt. that day, so we didn't even get the thing turned on until Tuesday. I made the guy fix those wires too! The second thing to that is, they knew 2 weeks before they came that they were going to have this job, and Travis even called and asked them about the breakers, why didn't they order the thing then? Well, when Travis got home he looked things over and found that the register in our bedroom wasn't putting out any air so he called them and told them they needed to come fix it. Well, the moron comes this morning and looks it over. He says whatever the big hose like thing is called was falling apart and it needed to be replaced! Can you believe that? We just got the thing, why would they have given us something that would fall apart? So, he didn't have that with him, of course, so he had to go back to town to get it. Then when he finally got back, he decided he needed to go back, yet again, to get some boots. I was thinking to myself if this clown has to go back one more freakin time I'll tell him not to even bother coming back. I was, and still am just so ticked off about the whole thing. It would be different if they hadn't messed around all last week. I mean to waste that much time so they didn't have to go to another job, which isn't my problem to begin with, then to not have it finished on time is freakin ridiculous!!! I'm sure part of it is pregnancy hormones, and from being tired, but they were really starting to push their luck with me. Travis went down there last Friday and told them off, so I'm sure they hate dealing with us, but they should do things right! They'll love seeing him again today when he stops in to have a little talk ;-) I told Trav though, he'd better not come home tonight and find something else wrong with the thing.

This past Saturday (Aug. 2nd) we took our Childbirth class at the hospital. I was totally surprised when only one other couple showed up. So it was a really laid back class. And our instructor was really nice. We got a really nice canvas bag full of books and magazines, and a ton of free sample diapers! She also said they have an over-abundance of baby hats that different groups have knitted so we got to pick two to take home. She said we'll get more when we go into the hospital too. I love free things, Travis thinks I'm crazy. I'm a sucker for free ink pens for some reason. But little knitted baby hats tops the free things category. Anyways, we went over what to expect during labor and delivery, different medications that can be given, and alittle bit of newborn care. We got little fake babies (that's just what I called them) to practice with. We learned how to swaddle them, burp them, and different feeding positions. We also got a tour of the maternity floor and got to see a labor room and the nursery. I was so freaked out about some of the things we went over in the class during the tour that the whole floor seemed to smell like a dead person or a nursing home to me, it just all seemed so cryptic. So after my regular dr. appt. on Monday, Mom and I took a tour together and it seemed alot better. I know, that was totally weird. I only about passed out or got sick one time though. The instructor had a skeleton of the pelvis and she had this baby doll that she put down through those bones to show how the baby should be positioned, and I about lost it. Well, I also didn't like the video that showed the placenta being delivered either. Those were my two biggest problems. I guess considering, that wasn't too bad. I was really thinking the instructor would teach us breathing exercises, but it wasn't even brought up. I guess people don't do that anymore, they go straight for the pain medicine. I'll most likely be one of those.

My dr. appt. Monday went well. Dr. R had to chase him around to get his heartbeat, it was about 150 she said. I only gained 2 lbs. this time, which is great! I was thinking it would be alot more than that. I am waiting to hear about some lab work though, they think that I might have a UTI. I've never had one before, so it's weird getting one now. I hate that pee cup anyways. I hate carrying it around when I have to go up there. OMG, we ate at Bob Evans right before my appt. and I had it in my purse, well I went to the bathroom and set it on the sink so I could wash my hands and knocked everything on the floor. I thought for sure my pee cup was doomed and that pee was all over my purse, but I lucked out. But enough about pee lol. I go back in 2 weeks and then every week after that until the big day. Dr. R. did give me the order for my last ultrasound. I am really happy that I was able to schedule it in the evening so Travis doesn't have to miss work. And I can't wait to see how the little guy has changed.

I also wanted to let everyone know that I won't be having a baby shower. I'm just having a family thing, so I'm telling everyone that they are welcome to come visit me, no gifts are necessary. Just maybe let me know first to make sure I'll be home.

Also, my Dad is really doing great now. He had a visit with his dr. and is doing so well that he gets to do away with one of his daily insulin shots. Thanks again to everyone who prayed for him. It has been working!

Have a great Wednesday!

I find this quite funny (not really)...

The Beijing Olympics Do's and Dont's

People of Beijing told what not to wear

Published Date: 01 August 2008
By Stephen McGinty

THE Little Red Book, the sayings of Chairman Mao, has been replaced by a little red booklet that instructs Beijing's residents how to act and dress ahead of next week's Olympics.

Don't mix more than three colours.

Do shake hands for three seconds only.

Don't wear your pajamas in public.

Citizens are ordered not to dress in more than three colours, wear white socks with black shoes or parade in pajamas, in the dos and don'ts of Olympic etiquette.Like a totalitarian version of Trinny and Susannah, Zheng Mojie, deputy director of the Office of Capital Spiritual Civilisation Construction Commission, has penned a booklet posted to four million Beijing households stating acceptable standards of dress and behaviour. On the black list is handshakes that last longer than three seconds, quizzing visitors about religion or politics and spitting, a popular habit which was banned in the city in 2006. The etiquette booklet is part of a slew of admonitions on manners, said Ms Mojie: "The level of civility of the whole city has improved and a sound cultural and social environment has been assured for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games."There should be no more than three colour groups in your clothing, the committee advises, and wearing pyjamas to visit neighbours, as some elderly Beijing residents like to do, is also out. It recommends dark socks, and says white socks should never be worn with black leather shoes. In the last few years the government prepared people for the Olympics with the slogan: "I participate, I contribute, I enjoy."Measures such as the ban on spitting in the capital city and the introduction of a day to show more patience in lines – on the 11th of each month – have paid off, Ms Mojie said. Campaigns involving nearly a million volunteers have been launched to give etiquette tips at schools, universities and government offices. Ms Mojie said: "Such campaigns and educational activities are now improving the lives of Beijingers. Now you'll find more smiling faces and people are more elegantly dressed."She said people have formed a habit of queuing and at more than 1,000 bus stops people are forming orderly lines. "This has already become a habit for the Beijing citizens," she said. The booklet also advises there should be no public displays of affection and feet should be slightly apart or in a V or Y shape when standing. It also says resident should not ask foreigners their age, marital status, income, past experience, address, personal life, religious belief or political belief. Another book, published in April, details how to be a good fan when watching Olympic competitions, saying spectators should cheer all teams, and accept that a victory or loss is temporary whereas the impression of the culture inside a sports venue lasts forever.
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According to the Today Show yesterday, this not only goes for Chinese citizens, but foreigners as well. Why should we, who live in a FREE country, allow ourselves to be dictated by a communist government? I think all of that is just plain wrong. The Olympics is about freedom, and the world coming together, not becoming part of China and their ridiculous rules. I also heard that the Chinese government will be monitoring all internet activity by foreigners and some websites will be restricted. Also, no one is allowed to send text or have anything that talks badly about China. What is there good to say? The main building they constructed for the Olympics is not even visible from the road right beside it because of all the pollution. It's disgusting. I really feel sorry for all the athletes that trained so hard to go and not be able to breathe and be told they don't even have basic rights. Just thought I'd share.

Update

I wanted to let everyone know that my Dad is home from the hospital now. His blood sugar is still alittle high, but so much better than it was. He says he's feeling alot better. He is looking better also. I really appreciate everyone's prayers for him.

My Dad...

Well, I am pretty upset right now. My Dad had a dr. appointment today because he hasn't been feeling well and found out that he has Diabetes. I really hate that disease!!! His sugar level was over four times the normal level. The nurse couldn't even get their meter to read his level it was so high. The dr. sent him to the hospital to be admitted so they can get his insulin level under control and educate him on managing diabetes. He will have to take insulin shots at least for the first six months before they will even think about other medication. I know what my Grandma went though with diabetes, I don't even want to think about seeing my Dad go through the same thing.

Photo Funia

I just found a really neat website where you can do things like this...

32 Weeks...

I can't believe how big I am

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday. Everything is still looking good, and baby is healthy. I didn't get to see my doctor at the appointment which was disappointing, but I was checked over by the practice's midwife, she was nice. She said I'll go back in another two weeks, and have one more two week appointment before I go every week. I did get really upset when she indicated there might be a logistical problem when I need to go to the hospital if I'm in labor and Travis is at work. Since I live 45 minutes away, and he works another 30 minutes from that, she acted like I need to have someone else take me, and we don't want that at all! So I'll be talking to my doctor about that next time to see what we can do. I do not want anyone but Travis to take me! I am just worried he will miss everything, or that he'll be too busy to help me. He says I shouldn't worry and that he'll do all he can. I know I'm just being hormonal. I need to try to stay positive. Our extended family situation has been upsetting me more lately as it gets closer to having the baby also. I really wanted to have the experience of having everyone there to welcome our baby, and to be happy for us, but that won't be happening. It has been very hard not having their support and feeling like they don't care about our baby. I'm not sure how to get past that, or if I can. There is alot more I could say on the subject, but I won't. Travis says that I need to just focus on the baby, and beginning our own family, which he's right. I just wish that the ones who should care about our baby would. But I can't make anyone do anything. Well, that's enough complaining. ;-) I was really only going to post about my appointment yesterday lol.

I made this...

hat for our little one.


It was pretty difficult to figure out at first since it is the first round shaped thing I've ever knitted, but I'm happy with the end result :-) I can't wait to see him in it.

I go for another dr. appointment tomorrow afternoon. I'm starting to wonder how I'll be able to drive myself all the way up there to the hospital from now on. My energy level is very low these days. I've had to start having Travis go with me to the grocery store so I don't have to try to lift heavy things in and out of the cart. He's been really great with helping me if I ask. He's been catering to me alot, cooking me dinner and bringing me snacks and things to drink. I really appreciate him. I feel guilty asking him to do so much since he works and is so busy with school though. But I don't know what I'd do without him. Sleep is also a major chore. I'll usually sleep for an hour, maybe two, before I have to make a trip to the bathroom. Then I'll spend five minutes trying to prop my belly up and get situated before I can go back to sleep. These past few nights it's been getting worse where it seems like he's pressing on my stomach, making me feel nauseous. I have to say though, I've been doing very well on little sleep, so far ;-) I usually get very cranky when I'm tired. Well, I have been very moody, but I just chalk that up to hormones. I'm just glad to have an excuse ;-) Am I complaining? I really don't mean to. I'm very happy there's a little guy in there :-)

I'm thinking I'll have another appointment in two weeks after tomorrow, then go every week, but I'm not sure. I can't believe how close it's getting!

I'm also very happy to announce that we are having a heat pump and all the duct work installed next week. Travis and I decided it was ok to have a cold house in the winter if it was just us, but we can't have that with a baby. I hated shelling out all that money right now, but it's a necessity at this point.

Have a great Monday!

Happy Birthday to Travis!!!

I love you baby!

Week 30 Appointment

Yesterday was my week 30 appointment. Now I am officially going every two weeks. :-0 Baby is doing great, his heartbeat was in the 130's and from the measurement the dr. got he grew quite a bit since my last visit. I was wrong in my last post, his heartbeat then was in the 140's at my last visit, just to make the correction. I have been alittle concerned though because things have hit me all of a sudden, like I feel like I can't do things like I used to, I get tired soooo much easier! And the heat has been getting to me making me feel like I'm either going to be sick or pass out. My family and I went to the West Virginia Arts and Crafts Fair in Ripley on Saturday and I was only able to make it about half way through before I started feeling that way and had to leave. It was kind of scary feeling like I was going to pass out in front of all those people. I know I think weird, but that's what I kept thinking, instead I guess I really should've been thinking about the baby's well being. I just really do not like attention drawn to myself, it comes along with my anxiety issues. Anyways, I talked to my dr. about all that also, but she said to just start resting more often, and that the heat can really take a toll on pregnant women. It did make me feel better knowing nothing is really wrong. I just thought that things would gradually progress into being uncomfortable, not come all at once.

Next on my to do list is to find baby a pediatrician. Where to even start? I am also really confused about the whole breastfeeding thing. I'm wondering if I'm going to get everything done and learn what I need to at this point.

Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend!