The Count Down Diary

Dec 1st:
We are now within the month of your birth, BH2, and to commemorate the occasion, we went in for our 36 week appointment! Your belly home is measuring right on target, your heart rate is thumping away at just the right pace, and lo' and behold, I'm 1 cm dilated! Dr. Gong said despite that, there's really only 10% - 15% chance that I'll go into labor this week and she'd prefer it if I grow you for at least one more week. What do you say we keep you in the belly for another week-two weeks and we call it?

Dec 2nd:
I'm really tired dear baby H2. I was almost asleep on the sofa, but I really wanted to start your countdown journal before it got to be too late and I forgot. I feel that you are moving lower and lower by the hour. I did your first load of laundry today, washed the bouncy seat fabric, the fuzzy warm bundle me blanket for your car seat, and several neutral sleepers, onesies, and blankets. Phew. We're slowly starting to prepare for your arrival...

Dec 3rd:
Tonight was your sister's Christmas program; though it's always the Christmas story it's always different and it's always hilarious. Your sister LOVES her school and she's made great friends there. We love seeing her run around with her friends, hand in hand, laughing and giggling together.

Today, one of my co-workers joked that you were already hanging halfway out... you're so LOW, have I mentioned that yet?

I can't wait until you get here!

Dec 4th:
I ditched out on some holiday parties so that I could truly enjoy an evening of Christmas fun with my family. I spent the day nesting and preparing for said holiday parties, but it simply wore me out... then I had yet to drive there, I was already running late... in the end, I decided to do what's right for you & I, BH2: I cancelled in the name of rest. I knew we had big family plans in the evening and a probably late night, so I wanted to save my energy for time I was going to spending with my family. We had our annual trip up to Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach with Josh, Lina, friends & family. I'm so glad I chose to rest that afternoon because we walked around enjoying the sights & sounds of Christmas for several hours in the cold. Your sister was enthralled by all the lights, decorations, trains, Santa, snowmen, craft-making, donut-eating, and horseback riding. Of course, she loved being with her friends. We can't wait to have you along on all of our "family traditions".

Dec 5th:
Didn't leave the house at all today and loved it. No sleep and scratchy throat = lounge clothes all day. Your dad and Bella left to make some purchases for you: onesies, hampers, nursing equipment, etc. I stayed home, did another load of your laundry and put it away in your new closet equipment. Your father thinks I should wash all of our 0-3 month clothes - all the girl clothes, too. I gotta tell you though - I finally have a hunch and I think washing all the girl clothes will be a waste of our energy efficient washer and dryer.

Dec 6th:
Start of another week on less than 4 hours of sleep. Had trouble driving in today and actually, the last several days heading to work. Your dad and I finally agreed its time to cut back my hours. I have no idea how on earth I worked full time all the way until we had your sister and my job involved way more physical labor than it does now. So, I'm going to cut down my hours and it feels so good...

Dec 7th:
Total and complete meltdown by the end of the day. Sad.

Dec. 8th:
Had weekly appointment today and to my dismay, was not found to be in labor. How is it possible to feel like the baby is SO INCREDIBLY LOW and yet the doctor to find me quite high still? And still just a centimeter dilated. Ok, this is where I'm going to turn it around: I get another week to smother my Bella with mama love before my attention must be shared...

Dec. 9th:
Another blurry day at work...

Dec. 10th:
Finally: a Friday! We completely and utterly relaxed today once we got home from work. Your big sister and I cuddled up for old school Christmas cartoons...the kind that were even old school when I was a kid. I'm not even sure what kind of animation it was, clay? Bella enjoyed them and has a greater understanding for Santa Clause. I'm thankful to whomever bought us the Christmas TV classics collection...

Dec. 11th:
Got an early start today to run errands and wrap up Christmas shopping... I'm thankful that I was able to sleep upstairs for a change. Sent some packages out and then braved Toys-R-Us to pick out some gifts for your sister. It's easy to hide presents at this stage and even shop with her along. I imagine in no time at all we're going to have to go to great lengths to go secret shopping and find hiding places and battle parents at the toy store...

In the evening we attended our neighborhood progressive dinner. Really interesting to get to know the neighbors more. Your dad and I were by far the youngest of them all as they all had kids in college. But I like the idea that they've all grown up on this street for 15+ years... their kids all went to school together, played sports together, and the women were besties. Your dad and I have always been so mobile, so willing to relocate, it's hard to imagine staying put anywhere that long. But, that is what I want for you kids - to really be part of the community and have a solid group of kids in the neighborhood for you to be a part of... They all had stories of their kids dating, drama, learning to drive together, getting in trouble, etc...

Your sister was with Pastor's daughter, Kendra. She was so cute and excited to have a friend over to play!

Dec. 12th:
Sunday...phew. Woke up to your sister wandering around downstairs yelling, "Where are you?" looking for Kendra. She managed to undo the gate at the top of the stairs and turn on the lights downstairs. She's never gone downstairs alone! Went to church this morning. Ever since I became pregnant with you, I've recurrently been light headed at church. Not sure what it is...I have a feeling it's my hydration status...I drink water like a champ while at work as I carry my nalgene everwhere (sometimes 4 or 5 refills throughout the day), but then during the weekend I don't keep water around me as well. So my theory is that by Sunday morning I'm completely dehydrated. Great sermon on not comparing ourselves to others and being envious... it's like saying God made a mistake as He created you and in His plan for you.

Dec. 13th:
Didn't go to work until late because of my late meetings. Got to work and folks thought I'd either be in labor or on bedrest since I didn't come at my usual time. Today, my dear baby, I'm achy and terribly uncomfortable - which is all accentuated by the fact that I'm still going to work. However, had some great meetings with our VP and other high profile folks - so that made me feel good. What do you say we meet each other soon?

Dec. 14th:
???

Dec. 15th:
Had your daddy's work Christmas part at a swanky place in Bellevue. I can't believe this is our third Christmas party with Evergreen! I got all dolled up (how often do I really get to do that) and even dared to wear little heels (which I eventually regretted). Your sister had her friend (babysitter) Jamie over to play and she was so excited. Your sister insists all her babysitters do all of her puzzles with her - over and over again. Jamie's great and excited to meet you, too, BH2! By the end of the night, my kankles made their first appearance. Luckily, with a little overnight elevation, they disappeared by morning!

Dec. 16th:
Daddy was given a baby shower at work and mommy's work decided to start a baby's weight, gender and delivery date pool.

What this Mama is Reading

I've added two new links to blogs I follow and I hope you'll peruse them once in a while as well. Seattle Mama Doc is a pediatrician at Seattle Children's and a mother to young kids. Here's a bit about her blog:

Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson

This blog caters to one principle I’ve learned along the way: parents just want to do what is right. The desperate love we have for our children can shock us into good and sometimes bad decisions. I believe parents search for and sincerely desire simple answers to the How-What-Why-Who of parenting, the essence of doing right for their children. Often it’s not a simple, isolated situation, or one as complicated as it may feel. And, the abundance of online noise invokes fear in all of us when making decisions for our children. Over time, I hope to illuminate the reality that in pediatrics, doing less is often more. Prevention reigns.

Parents just want to do what is right.

It’s the defining what’s right that, on occasion, remains elusive.

We all want information to facilitate decisions that let us rest easier at night. Having my own two children makes this reach for what is right palpable. I want to help you decipher some of the current medical news I juggle in my life as both a pediatrician and a mother. I will share my stories and tell how it all feels to me. I will ask my colleagues, peers and friends for help, and uncover powerful lessons to share. I’ll offer online helpful resources, and share methods I learn from patients, friends and family, both in and out of the field of medicine, to help me find answers.

Read. Listen. Trust. Speak.

Uncover your instincts.

Do what is right for your children.

Speak up. Keep me posted on what you think.

Brain Rules for Baby

The second blog I'm reading is from :

John Medina, author of "Brain Rules" and "Brain Rules for Baby," is a developmental molecular biologist and research consultant. He is an affiliate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He is also the director of the Brain Center for Applied Learning Research at Seattle Pacific University.

Most importantly, he's also a parent! Here's an excerpt from his book intros:

What’s the single most important thing you can do during pregnancy? What does watching TV do to a child’s brain? What’s the best way to handle temper tantrums? Scientists know.

In his New York Times bestseller Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina showed us how our brains really work—and why we ought to redesign our workplaces and schools. Now, in Brain Rules for Baby, he shares what the latest science says about how to raise smart and happy children from zero to five. This book is destined to revolutionize parenting. Just one of the surprises: The best way to get your children into the college of their choice? Teach them impulse control.

Brain Rules for Baby bridges the gap between what scientists know and what parents practice. Through fascinating and funny stories, Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and dad, unravels how a child’s brain develops – and what you can do to optimize it.

I hope you'll read along with me once in a while and share what you think!

BH2 Updates

Dear BH2,

We've got potentially six more weeks before we get to look into each other's eyes...and I just can't wait.

We "nested" this weekend. That means we spent the weekend getting ready for your big arrival! We took inventory of all the baby gear we have, the clothes, and the necessities. We spent time setting up your room and imagining you in it. We have your car seat ready to go, too (can't wait to bring you home from the hospital)! I forgot how small you're going to be... I was looking at onesies that seemed to fit some of your sister's dolls! I looked for "going home" outfits this weekend, but haven't found anything yet...

I have to admit, while we were sorting through clothes, I kind of wish we knew if you were a boy or a girl. We are stocked to capacity if you're a girl, but we'll be heading to the store quite quickly if you're a boy! Don't worry, your room is pretty neutral (lots of greens & yellow), so I hope you like it. Not to worry, we'll move you into a more boyish/girlish room eventually.

You're womb-home is exercising a lot lately, practicing for your big exit/entrance. I wonder what the contractions feel like to you. I enjoy them because I can really feel your shape and identify bony prominences. I like to trace the outline of your little knees, your back, your head, maybe your arms. As the contraction nears completion, you like to kick or punch your way out and I really look forward to feeling you stretch to make space.

What's different about your pregnancy versus your sister's? You're low...WAY low...to the point where it hurts to even move my legs sometimes. Everything happened much sooner with you than with your sister. I found the best prenatal vitamins this time around and I actually enjoy taking them...yeah, they're gummy prenatals! With your big sister I was rounder, fuller, and fluid overloaded by this point. With you, I'm way out front and again, WAY low. So far, no kankles or carpal tunnel... hopefully I didn't just ask for it. You seem to be a lot more active...but I don't have a great memory for that. I'm a lot more confident, naturally, with you being our second little miracle.

You seem to really like my massage chair. Yeah, it's the iJoy...I know, I can't believe we have one either! It was free, no less. I look forward to sitting in it all day while at work...for the muscle relief and because I know you'll be really active while I sit in it. Your movements have begun to wake me up - you're getting so strong! You've poked up under my ribs a few times while I'm sleeping and it's woken me up with a start - but it's a pleasant start.

Thanksgiving is this week, so I'll be eating a lot. (I know, no surprise there.) So enjoy! There'll be a lot of hustle and bustle as we host 30+ for lunch and dinner.

Your sister saw a 1 week old baby girl at church today and she's paid extra attention to you today. I think she's really excited to meet you. I'm pretty sure she knows it is coming soon. She has bonded with you and I have no doubt you'll be close.

We have a check up on Tuesday this week, then we'll be seeing the doctor every week until you are born!

See you soon little one!
Lots of love,
Mom

November?

November? Where'd you go?

I feel like I just wrote that Trick-or-Treat entry...how on earth is it three weeks later, already?

Well, I suppose we've had a very full month already.

The first weekend of November, the Seattle Halls hopped (two) planes and zipped over to visit the Santa Fe Halls. Originally, Charles and Bella were going to go on their own while I stayed back to work, but I managed to get some (well-deserved) time off. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get on their flights either way; so, between the three (four) of us, we took four planes each way! Yikes! After all the craziness at work, I must admit I was glad to have some quiet time to read and sleep on my flights.

I should also point out that I traveled with a carry on suitcase and the only - the only - person to offer to help me put my luggage up was a former Marine (should've figured it would be a military boy). I had no problem doing it, but still... where's the kindness?

We had a GREAT time in NM with the Halls! We missed the Swansons by hours as they were off on their own adventure to the UAE. Rodger & Barb's new home is stunning, spacious, and comfortable! We enjoyed our time there as we spent time watching Bella with her grandparents, exploring the Natural History Museum with Bella's cousin Abbie, seeing Elisa, David, and Jacob. We managed to squeeze in a surprise breakfast with Aunt Wardie and Bella's Great-Grandma! She was shocked to see us! It was a great, relaxing, long weekend!

Surprising Aunt Wardie & Great Grandma at Breakfast


Sharing a DCCF @ Starbucks with my favorite girl

At the museum with Barnana, Grandpa Hall, and Abbie

Of course, a trip to New Mexico wouldn't be complete without off-roading with Daddy in Grandpa's Jeep

On my last plane to Seattle was where the kind Marine took care of my luggage. He hesitatingly asked when I was due... I told him not until New Year's Eve. Then he proceeded to reassure me that if I were to go in labor, he did deliver a baby in the back of the car during one of his deployments in Iraq... Phew! Good to know...

So, no in flight delivery...

Three more LONG days of work during which I was in the middle of executing my departments first competency and skills week. (I've never told you about my new job...I'll get to that...) Anyway, I am quite proud to have proposed, planned, initiated, coordinated, and taught our first, ever, competency and skills week. The days were long but fulfilling and the feedback was great.

Then, on Thursday I decided to live on the wild side and take another trip to San Fransisco for work! My doctor's official advise was to stay grounded, but I couldn't miss this opportunity for face time with all the hospital's leadership and my boss. And, really, how often does a nurse get to go on business trips?! I was really looking forward to a quiet night in a king size bed with my kindle! The trip was fast & furious, packed full of conferences and on-site visits, though we did kick it off with a trip to the mall to kill time before the hosting group was expecting us. Can we say, exhausting? Looking back, going was probably a mistake as far as going in my 33rd week of pregnancy...I was tired and it was hard to keep up with all the activity. Not to mention I was really uncomfortable on the plane this time.

So, I flew home on Friday night and Charles, Bella, and Jake picked me up on the airport. From there we drove towards Portland, OR with the intention of checking out OSU and U of Oregon for Jake (he's looking at schools though he's pretty set on going to UW). I was pretty exhausted and uncomfortable from the flight, so we didn't make it all the way down. We ended up staying in some small city Quality Inn. The next morning we continued our journey to OSU where - "coincidentally" - the Cougs were playing! We caught the game and had a great time despite the drizzling rain! The COUGS WON!

After the game we headed down to Eugene to U of O where we stayed for the night. We'd been promising Bella some time in the pool, so after dinner, Charles, Bella and I went down to the pool. I wasn't about to get into a whale of a swim suit, so I sat pool side as Bella and Charles got into the ice cold (but indoor) pool.

We weren't there but 15 minutes when we encountered probably the scariest minutes of our parenting lives. (The stitching incident was the hardest, but this was the scariest...)
Bella got out of the pool and took a few steps in my direction (I was only, like, 4 feet away from the pools edge) when she slipped and her feet went out from under her. She landed on her back and it didn't seem like she hit her head that hard. Of course I grabbed her and picked her up when I realized something wasn't right...she hadn't made a noise...she wasn't breathing...she couldn't breathe... her face was contorted as she struggled to get air...

In just seconds Charles was out and holding her as we witnessed her fade in and out of consciousness...her eyes rolled back and her body became limp...Charles was talking to her, begging her to stay awake and answer... I frantically covered them up with towels to keep her/them warm...I called the front desk to call 911...then called Jake to bring down Charles' clothes...Bella, stay awake...Bella, wake up...

In what seemed like an eternity later (but was only probably a minute), Bella slowly, sleepily started answering - mumbling - slurring - answers. Her enunciation slowly improved. Eventually she was able to count to ten, tell us when her birthday was, sing her ABC's...

We called off 911...

That night we kept her awake asking her questions every few minutes to make sure she wasn't more affected by the head injury. She remained groggy, but gave us no cause for concern for the rest of the night.

Seriously - I'm going to bubble wrap this kid.

Sunday we drove back home after walking around U of Oregon and then hanging out in Portland a bit. Then Charles and I launched into another hectic week at work. Our hospital had an unannounced visit from The Joint Commission which put the hospital into a frenzy - it's the regulatory body that could shut a hospital down.... they left today (Thursday), so I'm quite relieved.

For the remainder of the pregnancy we've vowed to stay put and relax, get ready for baby, and spend the last few weeks as a family of three quietly... after our Thanksgiving dinner for 30 next week, that is.

Trick-or-Treat 2010

Baby Builder's, Inc. "Under Construction" (Complete with a WSU hard hat)

Bella the Bumblebee and a Green-haired Penguin, Araya

Bella's ready for trick-or-treating with her Minnie Mouse basket from Memaw

Attempting to round up 15 kids for a pre trick-or-treating picture...Not so much.

Trick-or-treating with Daddy

Halloween Weekend Fun 2010

Bella's school director, Michelle, helps Bella in Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin

The kids lining up for games

Story time with Mr. Pat

At the end of the party, we found Bella traded in her bee costume for the Princess Dress

Our Halloween festivities kicked off Saturday afternoon at Bella's School's First Halloween Party. Unfortunately, I had to spend the day at work, so Charles took care of finishing our costumes, making something for the potluck, and making sure Bella's costume was complete. (I must say, he did an amazing job!)

Bella had a blast - all the kids really enjoyed being dressed up and having free reign at the school. They ran the hallways and the dining room until they were all tuckered out. As we left, Bella asked, "Are we going to a party again?" She always wants to make sure that we'll see her friends again.

A Stitch in Time

Bella, in the dentist's chair, for the x-rays.

I received a page while at work on Monday, around lunch. I didn't recognize the number and it made me nervous to return the call. I waited a minute before picking up the phone, then dialed the number.

Michelle, Bella's school director, answered the phone. Initially, I was relieved to hear a friendly voice, then it struck me that she was paging me...and there's only one reason she would page me.

She tells me that she just got off the phone with Charles and that he's on his way to the school. What? Why? Is Bella ok?

Michelle: Bella fell on the playground and hit her face. It's pretty messy, she was bleeding a lot from her mouth and her nose...but it's slowing...she's starting to calm down now...we've given her popsicles and we tried to put ice on her face, but she's not tolerating it very well.

What? Huh? Is she ok?

Michelle goes on: Well, with you and Charles being the experts in health care, I just called Charles so he could take a look at her and decide what to do.

I couldn't get off the phone fast enough to call Charles.

Me: Charles. What happened? He tries to calm me... You call me the instant you see her. I'm heading into a meeting, but page me the instant you see her.

Nervously sit through first twenty minutes of meeting. Pager goes off.

Charles: We're headed your way.
Me: What? Huh? Why?
Charles: She looks pretty bad, but she's having a popsicle now. Bleeding's stopped. I just want to make sure she doesn't have a broken nose. I'm glad you weren't there to see her initially - it was pretty bad.
Me: Oh.my.goodness. Page me the second you are here.

Another half hour goes by before they arrived.

I met them in the ER and my heart just about broke in half. I'm pretty sure I heard it tear into a million pieces. The left side of her face was puffy and swollen, blood was oozing from her mouth and nose. She looked like Rocky after a fight....

I'll spare you all of the details of the painful exams by various folks, the sound of Bella screaming, the look of horror on her face as we held her down, hearing her cry "I don't want to" from twenty feet down the hall... I completely get why we always ask the parents to leave... I completely get the neurotic parent that we nurses roll our eyes at... I get it. My compassion meter went through the roof.

They ended up "attempting" to stitch up the lacerations under her top lip. It was horrible. I actually left because I knew I wouldn't be able to let it happen. They bundled her up so she was completely restrained. Charles stayed with her. I came back too soon and I could hear her screaming from down the hallway.

Needless to say, she didn't handle it well, there was too much blood, she didn't sit still (obviously) and Charles put a stop to it all. They got one stitch in and we decided to take her home and monitor it ourselves.

She passed out afterward, we packed her up, and went home. I picked up a soft/liquid diet for her of popsicles, apple sauce, yogurt, pudding and I made jello. I also picked up Toy Story 2.

It was quite honestly the hardest four hours of my parenting life thus far. Without a doubt.

Today is Thursday. The swelling has improved somewhat, but the bruising persists. Her lip is back to normal though there are a couple of abrasions.

We follow up on Monday. I'm anxious to see what she remembers of it all and how she'll handle being back in the dentist chair.

And now I want to put my child in a bubble. I hate that I can't always protect her. It's the worst feeling.

BH2: 9 more weeks

On my 30th week and 6th day of this pregnancy I went in for an ultrasound to check on BH2’s health and development.

My OB had expressed concern because I was measuring too small. (Which of course, catapulted me into a feverish state of worry and research and more worry.)

In the days that I waited for my ultrasound, I was incredibly intentional about my nutrition, dietary habits, sleep positions, rest, hydration status, physical activity and cautious during my play with Bella. I had convinced myself that I could fix this measurement problem in the week before the ultrasound. Ha!

I had really wanted Bella to be there for the appointment, unfortunately Charles and I both got held up at work too long to allow us to pick up Bella before my appointment.

All in all, BH2 is doing great!

Weight: 3.4 lbs
Percentile: Just over 50th percentile
Heart rate: 140s
Amniotic Fluid: 15.5 (normal: 5 – 25)
Position: Head angled down by my right leg, facing forward. Legs bent and crossed at the time – directed to my left shoulder. BH2’s spine is on top of mine.
Measurements: matching my weeks
Est. Due Date: Still New Year’s Eve!
Gender: One of them for sure.

Drama on the Playground

Bella: Mia wasn't talking to me today.
Me: Why wasn't Mia talking to you today?
Bella: Because I was playing with Cash (a little boy in their class).
Me: She didn't like that you were playing with Cash?
Bella: No, because Cash was my baby.

Oh. my. goodness.

Here's another one from the church playground this weekend. All the kids including Bella were outside after the service, playing, running, climbing on the equipment. Charles and I went out to collect Bella, so we called to her and she came running over in tears.

Me: What's wrong? Why are you crying?
Bella: Because all the other kids keep playing with Brandon.
Me: Honey, you're all playing together! It's ok...
Bella: But I want to play with Brandon!

Meanwhile, Brandon has come over and started tickling her as she tries to squirm away.

We walk away and she says, "I want to see Brandon again!"

What is going on?!

Why am I Surprised?

Why am I so surprised that God knew just what I needed this weekend?

Saturday I was feeling exasperated, out of patience, at my ropes' end, helpless, hopeless, and full of self pity. Attractive, right?

Work has been incredibly stressful due to recent events at the hospital. All of us in administration have been operating in crisis mode, knee-jerk reactions, bottom lines, and damage control. My hours have been long, the work endless. The projects and committees continue to form.

My body has been tiring, slowing. It has been getting more difficult to help Bella get dressed, get on and off the potty, play. Sleep is elusive.

And, to top it off, Charles' unexpected injury which put him on the bench for several days.

I just felt like I couldn't be pulled any more and I felt like a disappointment.

That night, Charles felt well enough to keep Bella while I went to a women's outreach event with the girls from church.

Sometimes, all you need is a little perspective. The women's shelter facilitator came to speak to us about the ladies that come to the drop-in center, their struggles, their stories, and their successes.

Abuse.
Desperation.
Homelessness.
Abandonment.
Addiction.
Their children taken away.

Perspective.
God knew just what I needed to yank me from my hole. Surprise, surprise.

I quickly took stock of all the wonderful things in our life and counted all my blessings as I put together care packages of socks, deodorant, shampoo, etc for women who had real struggles.

My mountain turned back into an anthill -- maybe even smaller.

30 Weeks

I had my 30 week check up on Friday. I should find out early this week about my glucose tolerance test. No signs of preterm labor. The only thing she did say was that I was measuring small for being 30 weeks. She ordered an ultrasound for Thursday to get more accurate measurements. It didn't occur to me to be worried about it until I came home and Charles asked if we should be concerned. So, of course, I started googling and web MD-ing...and needless to say, I'm worried.

Have I been eating right?
Is my placenta doing it's job?
Did I eat something dangerous?
Intrauterine growth restriction?
Low amniotic fluid?

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg.
Four more days until the ultrasound...

Go, Team, Go!

I couldn't resist buying this outfit! I went to Walmart (I hate going to Walmart), but I was buying things to make care packages for a women's shelter. Anyhow, came across this WSU cheerleader outfit -- the only one in a sea of UW gear (boo, hiss). Wasn't cheap, but Charles never balks at WSU paraphernalia. I think she's flipping adorable in it! Charles agreed, but saw a flash forward image of her 16 years from now! Yikes!

The Tendon Repair

Here's Charles immediately after his procedure. Still pretty groggy in this picture.

Here we are heading home. Bella was a little afraid of hurting daddy's arm.

Charles' surgery went well. The doctor was able to reconnect the tendons with a solid connection and little else was involved. He repaired the cut artery as well. Though it was just a minor surgery compared to many, we're always relieved when it goes without a hitch. Charles has months of rehab ahead of him with a goal of being able to carry our new baby by the time BH2 arrives. For the next several weeks, Charles is not to lift more than 1/2 - 1 pound with his left arm.

Though this has been an unfortunate slip up and minor bump in the road, I like to think of it as a forced rest period for Charles. He's been going at 150 mph since he started this job, 24/7 and friends, coworkers, and I all think this will be a good respite for him.

Today he's managed to squeak out a couple of work e-mails, but for the most part, he has rested, slept, and taken advantage of his pain meds.

This will be a nice change of pace.

Cuts Like a Knife

Our Sunday night was progressing quite typically; Josh was coming over with his girls to play and hang out. I was in the bathroom with Bella getting one leg in her pull up -- when all of I sudden I hear shouting from Charles and hear him running to the kitchen sink.

I leave Bella (one leg in and one leg out) to see what the commotion was and just saw his right hand clenching his left and blood spurting between the fingers. I quickly went into nurse mode and tried to figure out what happened. He tells me he stabbed himself - lots of blood splatter. He's holding so tight that his right hand's knuckles have gone white... in the meantime, Charles has also gone pale as a ghost though he's not squeamish with blood at all. He started to break into a cold sweat. I grabbed a chair and sat him down before he could pass out (though he didn't thankfully).

At this point he won't let go for me to see it or dress it. His thumb, where he's finally told me he stabbed himself, was blue at the end from the pressure. Apparently, Charles was rewiring behind the TV and cutting some cables when the knife slipped. I examined the living room and found blood splatter as far as the other side of the room and in various places on the floor. (The CSI freak in me confirmed the blood was arterial based on blood splatter; he had cut an artery.)

I called Josh to tell him to turn around because we would need to head to the ER for stitches. He offered to come over anyway and watch Bella since the girls really wanted to see each other. They arrived and Charles finally recovered and let me bandage his wound. (We've got the coolest first aid bag, by the way).

The funny thing is that you'd think we'd go to Charles' ER. Not so, my friends, not so. Charles, always thinking of work like he is, wanted to go to his competitors free standing emergency department. (For those of you that don't know, Charles proposed, planned and is building a free standing ED in Redmond.) So, we passed his hospital by 20 minutes just to go check out the competitors. Sheesh. (Bonus: this place was near the Krispy Kreme...)

Stitches, antibiotics and a recommendation to follow up with the hand doctor is what we left the emergency room with. Charles still cannot move his thumb at all and we worry he has damaged the tendons some how. I'm crossing my fingers (haha) that it's just the inflammation that's preventing movement.

I left Charles to get ready to leave and I assigned Bella to keep an eye on daddy. As I left the room, I hear Bella ask, "Daddy, are you ok? You have an owie?"

Careful with sharp objects, kiddo.

Emergency Preparedness Fair

Charles and his team host an emergency preparedness fair annually at his hospital. Bella and I, devoted child & wife, always make an appearance to support daddy. We learn about disaster planning, collect bags of freebies from vendors, check out emergency vehicles, and watch demonstrations. Fun, fun. Bella was actually crying in this picture, wanting to get down. Smile, and you can get down. Mommy wants a picture.

Dear BH2

We can't wait to meet you.

Your sister is especially excited, but I wonder what in her mind she has conjured up thinking about you. She talks about you all the time and already, she is protective of you. She hesitates to hug me because she doesn't want to squish you. Do you know that that's your sister giving you raspberries - that thunderous noise you hear randomly throughout the day, yeah, that one. That's your big sis. She also gives you kisses. When she comes home from school, she runs up to me and lifts my shirt up so she can see how much you've grown. She calls you her baby. She says, "Mommy, you have my baby!"

About your sister... you'll have to cut her some slack. She's had us all to herself for three years. She may not share well right away and she may be a little rough with you. But I'm guessing you're a pretty tough cookie (like your sister). Bella may over hug and over squeeze, but in time she'll learn that she's got to be gentle with you. She's been practicing with her baby Sally and so far, Sally's in pretty good shape.

I wish there was a way to catch you up on all the places we've been and all the things we've done, all of our little family's history. Someday we'll show you all the pictures and share with you all the memories from before you came -- I'm sure you'll grow tired of the same old stories one day. Except for pictures, I'll soon not remember life before you, just as I can't imagine life without Bella.

I can't wait for all the new memories our little family of four will make. I picture you and Bella together all the time -- in the backseat on a road trip, at restaurants, at playgrounds, on rides, sitting on Santa's lap. My imagination runs wild with thoughts of all four of us laughing and playing, giggling and holding hands and I turn into a sappy, happy pile of mush. (Which I'm sure you'll grow weary of as well... every time you have a first...)

I know my schedule hasn't been easy on you (then again, you're not exactly taking it easy on mommy either!). I'm up early and on the go all day; I know I don't get enough sleep. My job is stressful and emotional and perhaps you'd like some more balance and regularity in there. I enjoy you poking and playing with me during meetings; I'm sure my colleagues wonder what I'm smiling about. People at work are always asking me if I'm ok, because I've always got my hands on my belly. If only they knew we were holding hands and high-fiving. I love having you with me all day.

Your daddy is amazing. He's super excited to meet you. What you'll learn about daddy is that he's got banks of energy like nobody else. He works hard and the gears in his mind are always turning. Daddy likes to make up silly songs and they'll stick with you until you're old. Daddy's pretty much a natural at being a dad. When you get stronger he'll roll around on the floor with you, toss you in the air, have tickle wars, and he'll teach you many things that I can't teach you. He loves you fiercely.

We can't wait to meet you.

28 weeks

Side ruching = seriously flattering. My bump looks half the size than in my other clothes. Maybe if I wore ruched tops all the time people would stop guessing that I was due any day now!

BH2 Update

Let's see if I can come up with baby's first list of 10:

1. Baby is most likely a fox trotting boxer and a soccer player - simultaneously.
   
2. Baby is most active at night - just as I'm trying to sleep. Starting early!
3. My belly is measuring a centimeter smaller than it should be. (Take that all of you who gawk at the fact that I still have 3 months left!)
4. Baby feels like he/she's super low, really putting the pressure on my bladder.
5. Baby and I have our glucose tolerance test next week.
6. Baby is wreaking havoc on my hips and back.
7. Baby is giving me heartburn!
   
8. If Baby is a boy, we've got his name set.
   
9. If Baby is a girl, we've got a first name and we're still working on a middle name.
10. BH2 already has his/her first package of newborn swaddlers waiting for him/her. (Thanks to cousin Josiah who couldn't use them!)
11. Baby is already soooooo loved by soooooooooo many!

Phew.

A Bella Update

1. We buy her tops in 4T, her pants in 3T, and her shoes in 8 - 9. Such a big girl!
2. Me: "Bella. Knock, knock." Bella: "Come in!"
3. She tells me stories about her friends at daycare. For example, she came home the other day and said, "Claire was throwing dirt. I don't like her throwing dirt. She got a time out because she was throwing dirt. Throwing dirt is not nice."
   
4. She also tells on her friends, i.e., "So and so pushed me by the car and he got a time out. We don't push or we get a time out."
5. Bella asks if she can play her games on "Daddy's iPad".
   
6. At bedtime, I usually read her a book and then she likes to read it back to me. It's super cute how she flips the pages and tells me about the pictures.
   
7. Bella tries to postpone us leaving her room at bedtime by calling to us (as we walk out), "Mommy, I have a kiss for you!" (and of course I have to go back in and get my kiss!)
8. She loves to give my belly raspberries "to wake the baby up".
9. We're currently giving her eye medication twice a day. She had been telling us "there's a bump in my eye", so we pulled her eyelid down and saw that she had a large inflamed, red area under her eyes. We took her to her pediatrician and we tried allergy meds for a week, to no avail. So, we got a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist and now we are trying steroid eye drops for a week. On another note, she got a complete eye exam and we learned Bella has 20/15 vision! She passed all her eye exams with flying colors!
10. Potty training update: if we take her every half hour to an hour, she does not use her pull ups. However, she still will not tell us she needs to go. We need to try harder - it's just hard not being home for long stretches. It doesn't help that our friends of older girls and multiple children are now advising us to just wait since Bella will most likely regress once baby is born anyway. Biggest. Frustration. Ever.
    
11. Bella's uber snuggly. Not sure if it's a regular stage or a result of baby coming... No matter what the reason, I'm really loving snuggly Bella and enjoying precious moments with her.
    

It All Catches Up

It was bound to catch up to us. Hard and full work weeks sandwiched between busy, fast, and sleepless weekends finally got us. This past weekend Town Hall was down for the count with cold symptoms. Boo. Friday was restful as we stuck to our evening routine. On Saturday Charles and Pastor Fred headed to Covington for an outreach seminar. I had originally planned on going as well - we even had a sitter in place (Pastor's girls were going to watch Bella), but I was on call, so I had to cancel. However, I did take the girls up on the babysitting for some much needed "momma" time.

I felt a little guilty, but I convinced myself that errands and shopping would be more efficient if I went alone. Plus, Bella loves playing with Kendra & Claire. Getting her in and out of the car and in and out of carts - the thought overwhelmed me. (See? I'm still trying to convince myself that it was ok for me to take some time to myself...) I ran about town adding to my maternity wardrobe - quite successfully, I might add.

I picked Bella up after about 4 hours and we went home, snuggled, and fell fast asleep. Charles came home shortly after and we simply hunkered down as we all were starting to feel sick. Same can be said for Sunday after church.

And, now we're back to the grind just two days into our work week... hopefully we'll be able to enjoy this coming weekend!