Happy Thanksgiving 2008

We had a wonderful (yet very unconventional!) Thanksgiving yesterday!

Hunter and I woke up and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade during breakfast. Then, I put on a new outfit (yes, larger pants), got ready, and tidied my room in preparation for family to visit. (Oh, that sounds pitiful, doesn't it?) It was a little sad and lonely spending most of the day alone...until I decided that no, I wasn't alone...I was spending it with my little boy(...although I can't see him and he's more like my invisible friend right now). But then, around 1 pm, Mark, Madison and Mark's parents arrived.

Thank you, Lord, that Madison smiled at me right away and gave me a big hug. My heart overflowed with happiness. She was all decked out in her Thanksgiving dress. My mother-in-law, Elaine, had cooked the day prior and Thanksgiving morning. They had brought our Thanksgiving meal and dessert in Tupperware containers. She even thought to bring a few table decorations, place mats and cloth napkins.

The food was wonderful!! Definitely the best meal I've had in the six weeks I've been here, if not longer! Turkey and gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes with bell peppers, and my favorite asparagus casserole. For dessert, she made a pumpkin log. I ate until mine and little Hunter's hearts were content. Oh, but the state of discomfort afterward! I seemed to forget that while pregnant, small meals are ideal...not very much room to store the food anymore. Mark and Elaine packed up leftovers for me to put in the patient fridge...and sure enough, I ate them again for a late dinner last night.

We had lots of fun watching Madison play around the room. She enjoyed teething on the outside of snack size twix bars I have in my room...and successfully worked her way through the wrapper of one...before we saw chocolate all over her mouth and realized what she'd done. She hides these twix bars and my nurse found a few at the foot of my bed (I swear, I wasn't hiding them) last week. We went outside, which was fabulous...except for the incredibly HOT weather here yesterday! What is it with this weather? It certainly did not feel like holiday weather...

After a few hours, it was time for them to head back home. It never gets any easier saying goodbye, especially to my little girl. I hope to see them again this weekend, but Mark went to the doctor today sick with flu symptoms. Hopefully, he'll be feeling better really soon.

Later yesterday evening, I Skyped with my parents, sister/fiance, cousins, aunts and uncles who were together celebrating the holiday in Seattle. It was great to be able to see/talk to them on video (we do that quite often) - it felt almost as if I was right there with them!

Last night, I ordered our Christmas cards as well as some for Elaine. I also (finally) uploaded pictures to our photo site. You may view them here: http://www.chipleys.shutterfly.com/. There are a LOT of pictures in these folders - only because I am using them for various projects including some upcoming photobooks. So, if you take a look, it's probably best to just skim through the thumbnail view!

We are praying for my grandfather (my dad's dad) who had to go back into the hospital in Charlotte yesterday. He had gall bladder surgery on Tuesday, but was allowed to come home. Later, he began having some post surgery complications. He had an MRI and cat-scan today and we are awaiting results. My Aunt Chris, who is an ER nurse in Southern California, flew out to be with my them.

Today, I am enjoying looking through some holiday magazine issues, listening to Christmas music, and going to begin to redecorate my room for Christmas. Oy, three holidays in the hospital...well, here's to making the best of it!

Dixon, Danae, Mark, Madison, Elaine

Mark, Madison and Danae

Mark, Madison, Dixon and Elaine

Being silly with Daddy
Hunter is 32 weeks old! My belly looks a lot bigger if I had my shirt up, but I think that may be kind of weird to post a picture like that? Not sure.

Missy lou, standing in the rocking chair...we promote safety...

Just chillin' out...

We miss you, Grammy!

My mom left to fly home to Portland on Tuesday. We will miss her so much! And even though she'll be back in a month (Dec. 19th), she still cried and cried thinking of how much she was going to miss Madison.

Mom, Mark and Madison came to see me around noon on Tuesday to eat lunch and hang out before they needed to leave for the airport. I was so happy to be able to see Madison again and to be able to say goodbye to my mom.

Mark dropped my mom off at the airport and, at the same time, picked up his parents who had just flew in! The timing worked out nicely. Madison is quickly warming up to her other grandparents, having fun with Grandma and reading lots of books with Granddaddy. She has really taken to him, evidently, and has been following him around often.

Hunter and I have been doing well. But, as the doctor said yesterday, it's just too risky to release me to go home. We know how our (baby/mommy) health can change daily and Beaumont isn't capable of taking care of a baby this young. So, we must wait. It gets pretty lonesome here, but at least everyone is very nice. I just feel so out of touch with being the mother/wife I used to be. Well, in time, normalcy will resume. I've been really busy today planning a Christmas card for both my family and my in-laws - it's been fun. Amy, from Fostering Creativity, has been so nice to artistically edit several of our Christmas pictures! Also, my grandfather's surgery was successful yesterday and he is recovering just fine at home!

My mother in law has been cooking today, in preparation to bring Thanksgiving dinner to the hospital. They're all planning to load up the car and drive to Houston to spend the day with me - and I'm really excited. Unfortunately, Mark felt like he was coming down with the flu this evening...so he may not be able to come...oh, I hope this passes quickly.


Grammy and Madison

Reading with Daddy

Mommy and Madison

Using scraps of construction paper and tissue paper to make a frame...Oh, the things I find to do with my time...

Thank you, Ariana, for my beautiful picture! I hung it on my wall to see every day.

Every day is different...yet the same...

Yep, that's right, folks. So true. I can never count on what will happen here with 100% certainty; it requires a lot of patience and if you're "a planner" - well, this hospital stay would be even more difficult for that kind of personality. Me, although I love spontaneity and not a planner, I'm more the kind of person who likes to feel "in control". Which, is still a little difficult when you're hearing different messages here. However, at the same time, every day is still the same...same routine, same four walls, same feeling of not knowing what's going to be around the corner.

Just as I sort of thought...no ultrasound today.

Dr. Reiter told me I will have an ultrasound in a week, when we're in our 32nd week. So....we'll see!

But, so far the strips on the heart monitors have been good, and we know they would flag any early problems.

Dr. Reiter said I may be able to go home after 32 weeks, but more likely he'll keep me here until after 34 weeks. Maybe longer, due to the fact that I don't live in Houston and the capabilities of the Beaumont hospital aren't as advanced as they are here. But, guess what? That's up in the air, too. He said I could just perhaps wait and give birth here. Who knows. I've come to the conclusion that there is no rhyme or reason when it comes to antepartum, labor or delivery. Today, a neighbor of mine who is 29 wks along was sent home. So obviously, there is SOME reason why they're keeping me here.

It's okay...it's safest if I'm here. But, I'd be dishonest if I didn't admit that I was a little heartbroken this morning, realizing I wouldn't be able to go home to my family.

Looking back in retrospect a year from now, this will seem like a blip on the map. But right now, another month or so in here seems like an incomprehensible eternity.

What I DO know...and am 100% certain about is...

I've been praying that God would let me go home only if He knew it was going to be safe for us to be there; if not, to please let me stay here.

So how can I even be disappointed? That God answered my prayer? I have to have faith that He knows what He's doing, right? I am not disappointed in His decision. I have complete faith in He DID answer...it just wasn't to send me home. When I think about it that way, I have peace.

Yeah, it's hard. But I'm just thankful to be pregnant. Period. I won't ever take that for granted.

Finally, please pray for my Grandfather tomorrow, as he will have gallbladder surgery. At 94, he is the oldest patient his surgeon has ever operated on! Grandpa, we're praying for you and wish you a speedy recovery!


Of course, she must have her rocks with her in every picture...

Madison's school projects from last week

And, in another drawer...it's just easier this way to get to my toys...

Weekend Update

My favorite time of our visit...when Madison is cuddled up next to me.

Madison in her Turkey Dress

Hunter and I are doing just fine. I think he is growing...based on the size of my belly and how he feels. I'm getting more and more uncomfortable...and a lot more tired these days. Saturday night was pretty eventful as I contracted for much of the night, but eventually they all stopped. I've had no contractions today. The doctor today told me that I should have an ultrasound tomorrow morning! Well, I'll believe it when I see it. And, I'll let you know the results!

I had kind of a rough evening on Friday for various reasons, but after a good night's sleep and the gift of a new day, I was feeling so much better when I woke up on Saturday. I relaxed and read (third book in the Twilight series - how will this end?) and waited with great anticipation to see my visitors... After seven whole days...I finally got to see Mark, my mom, and my very favorite little girl, Madison. It seemed like it had been a year since I'd seen her. It was hard knowing that I only had about three hours with her before they needed to leave, but I was determined to make the most of those precious moments.

When they walked in, Madison immediately smiled at the sound of my voice. She came right up to my bed and wanted me to pick her up. Thank you, Lord, that she was not distant to me!! I know by now to expect your child to exhibit signs of fear or distance, so I was so relieved to discover she didn't feel any of that toward me. We all chatted, opened packages that Elaine sent for Madison and Hunter (with the cutest little newborn and premie clothes ever), ate dinner and relaxed.

Madison is doing a couple new things. She can "give you five" and when asked what a cow says, she says, "Moo". Except, it's more like a "Mmmmmmmm". But she definitely knows it's a cow, and doesn't do that for the other animals. She is still enjoying walking backwards, she likes to rearrange our furniture, and still loves to chase Tyson. Her teacher said she has the most dexterity of all the students in her class.

Once again, the time inevitably came when they needed to leave. I know it's best for Madison to be home and in her own bed...but the selfish part of me just wanted them to stay longer! It made me sick with emptiness to think that it could be another whole week until I could see them again...but cheered up knowing that with Thanksgiving coming up, I will see them several times this week.

I was sooo thankful for every moment I had with them. As soon as they left, I got back in my bed, laid against the pillow Madison had just used, and prayed something close to...

Dear Lord,

Thank you that this visit went so well.

Thank you that my daughter wasn't distant to me.

Thank you that she smiled at me.

Thank you that she gave me kisses on the lips.

Thank you that I could feed her dinner.

Thank you that I could even change her diaper!

...and so on.

Yes, it may sound bizarre, but I was so thankful for being able to do the "little things" again.

Well, my mom and Mark have attempted three separate times to get Madison's Christmas pictures taken for this year's Christmas cards. (Yes, I'm still planning on sending them out - I insist every year!) Come to find out, that at this age, Madison is quite averse to getting her picture taken.

First, my mom took her to the mall for an appointment I'd scheduled. After three pictures (in Madison's Thanksgiving dress, not even in her Christmas dress yet), Madison was walking off the set. After one more minute, she was in a full blown cry. So, to put both my mom and Madison out of any further misery, I rescheduled the appointment. In addition, we were highly disappointed in the studio itself, but that's another story.

Second, on Saturday morning, my mom and Mark set out to take her picture at home. They got out some Christmas decorations and set them up in front of our fireplace. They brought my camera back to the hospital that evening so I could take a look. After loading them on my computer, we saw the pictures were really cute! Only thing was, the camera was accidentally on the wrong setting, and all pictures taken were too small of file for printing.

So, the newly rescheduled appointment was for Sunday afternoon. To avoid crowds at the mall, Mark and my mom attempted for a final time to get Madison's picture at home. Mark said he thought they got some cute shots. Let's hope that's true, and not just him doing some wishful thinking. Mark is definitely not "into photography" like me and could absolutely be very satisfied without it...but he (and my mom) was really trying hard to do this favor for me. :)

Madison has evidently grown out of most of her clothes. They went through her winter wardrobe...and said my mom needs to go shopping for her again! So, she is kindly going to do that for us tomorrow...although I think she'll really have fun doing it.

Again, today was a great day with my mani-pedi surprise. Then, Clareanne and Raymond visited me! It was great to see them again.

Thank you, Nicole!!

You will never believe what my cousin, Nicole, did for me...

She called a well-known nearby day spa and arranged for someone to come to my hospital room and give me a manicure-pedicure!!!

And, it was all a surprise! I think our sisters were in on it, too, but I'm not sure...

I was speechless; I didn't even know how to thank her. Getting pampered like this was absolutely, incredibly wonderful. I can honestly say this is probably the best day I've had since I've been here.

Nicole, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart. For thinking of this, making the effort to arrange it and gifting it to me. I am grateful to you, for the gift itself, but most of all for your love to me. I love you!

I know...a picture of feet? A little crazy...but you know me...always taking pictures.

Wedding on Rachael Ray Show

Our friends, Dirusha and Paul, are getting married TODAY on the RACHAEL RAY SHOW!!!

I thought I'd posted about this a few weeks ago, but can't find it. So, if you can, watch Rachael Ray today and you'll see them! I'm watching it right now and Dirusha has been shown so many times.

A large, popular wedding ceremony and reception site in Houston had some bad money deals and suddenly claimed bankruptcy. So many people lost money - up to $30,000 - and the venue will NOT reimburse anyone. Rachael Ray show heard about this...and surprised over 30 couples with an all-paid-for mass wedding at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. They covered everything - wedding dress, tuxes, food, music, etc...and gave them all honeymoons.

Watch today! In the picture above, Dirusha is the bride to the left of the woman in the blue shirt.

Thanksgiving Feast

What's this hat for again?

Mmm, this is great!

Hey, look at me in the park!

I'm finally big enough to ride on this by myself! (well, she still needs a little help...)

Madison's class had their Thanksgiving Feast today...a feast of Chick-fil-a nuggets, fruits and cookies. :) They did lots of festive activities this week, too. She also enjoyed dancing to music and playing in the gym. She can kick a ball and play chase. My mom helped out with the party and took these pics with her cell phone!

Also, today is a day to celebrate because...

- Madison turned 17 months old today

- Hunter is 31 weeks old today

Hunter and I have had a good day as well...no contractions at all, so that's been great. He's stayed in 5 weeks since we were admitted to the hospital, praise God. Also, I'm feeling so much better today than I had felt last night. I have the sweetest nurse, Sylvia, and she explained things further to me - the same issues I had hoped would be explained last night. So, I feel I am much clearer now on the how/why of things. I'm not sure when I'll have my next ultrasound - I'll need to ask my primary doctor. It may be next week, or it may be after Thanksgiving. Sylvia enlightened me that the doctors may be extending the time in which I have my next ultrasound only because they are confident all is well due to all of our heart monitoring that has appeared healthy thus far.

And again, I know many things can't be answered far in advance...we'll need to be patient and just wait, taking it one day at a time.

Our "small dog"...

Tyson's typical spot during Madison's meal times...the human feeding Madison must share the chair with him...as he is hopeful she may drop a small piece of chicken or ham...anything else, he's not really interested in eating.

...And, do you expect me to do tricks or something special?

Oh...What a stressful day I've had...

Actually, now that I think of it...I currently look a lot like Tyson in this shot...my large belly up in the air...is getting so big it could scare off animals and small children...

Seriously, even the food service lady walked in and told me I "looked huge" today. Thanks.

Yes, we call him our "small dog" not only for his large size (I wouldn't dare utter the word F-A-T in front of him in fear of hurting his feelings), but also because he has a dog's personality - not your typical cat's independent personality. Must be around people at all times.

Update 11/19

This post is going to be a bit shorter than usual. Everything is fine...baby's heart is fine; I've been contracting off an on the last two days, but nothing too regular. No worries. I've just had a pretty frustrating night...not getting clear answers and feeling like all of my doctors rush in and rush out without actually listening to me. It was downright disappointing receiving vague answers AS the doctor is walking out my door. Again.

I was told my next ultrasound will be the first week of December (due to doctor's vacation?) instead of next week. One doctor told me my blood tests were back and everything is fine, another doctor told me they were not back yet. I've also been told I may be released around 32 weeks (or when my primary doctor gets back from vacation), not told what kind of care they are recommending for when I'm back in Beaumont, but "we can always life flight you back" or "babies do just fine after being born at 34 weeks"...(then why are babies usually in the womb for 38-40 wks?) well, usually that is true, but we experienced the exception to the rule when our former doctor saw something arise suddenly resulting in Madison being born at 35 wks with a lung disease and almost didn't make it. So, that's the reason I'm not 100% confident that all will be fine after 34 wks. I at least want Hunter to stay in until 36 wks, unless it's safer for him to be out.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that, although I trust the experts, I'd prefer a bit more direct answers/opinions and for them to err on the side of caution because I live two hours away from the hospital...that's all.

So how did I handle it? I immediately went into prayer, knowing that the Lord knows best. He will take care of everything. If He feels I need to stay here, then He will provide that to happen. And if not, then He will provide a safe haven and proper care for me at home. I know this....sometimes I just need to remind myself.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Phil 4:6

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:23-24

Banking Cord Blood

Okay, last thing...while I'm thinking about it...

Mark and I really strongly believe in and encourage banking babies' cord blood. You would not imagine how far they've come in advancements with what they can do with the stem cells in the cord blood!

It truly can save your child's life.

We knew this was not cheap. Hopefully, we will NEVER have to use it! Statistically, we won't. But, if something were to happen where we could have used stem cells in our child's cord blood - but we didn't have it only because we wanted to save some money...then, shame on us.

As a customer, I have several coupons with great discounts, so please ask me if you want one!

Whooping cough and Tdap shot

As we're about to have a newborn, our doctors have encouraged us to get a Tdap shot. I wanted to tell you a little about it...

I've learned from all of my specialists that this is very important for adults to get. This vaccinates against whooping cough (Pertussis). It is a 90 day virus, a terribly scary and life threatening illness. Once thought to be long gone, it is now on the rise... This is on my heart and mind because our close friends, Terry and Christy, have a son who recently caught whooping cough at 5 weeks old. It was life threatening, he was in the NICU for a while, and they're still having a rough time with it at home.

As I've learned from our friend's current experience, as well as from my doctors in the hospital here, doctors at Texas Children's Hospital, and read about in my Parents magazine -- Whooping cough is on the rise in babies, and if not treated, will lead to death. There have been an increased number of cases in Houston and around the nation. All of my Perinatologists, Neonatologists (and the Pediatricians from TX Children's Hospital) strongly recommend everyone taking care of a child under 12 months old to get the Tdap shot, a vaccination against Pertussis (whooping cough). Mark, my parents and Mark's parents will get this shot, in addition to the flu shot, before Hunter is born. I, too, will get the shot before leaving the hospital after I give birth to Hunter. My Perinatologist today, in fact, was discussing that in the near future, the Tdap shot will likely be given to all pregnant women between 30-32 weeks gestation, to help protect their babies against pertussis.

Why is the Tdap shot recommended? We all had it as children but they have recently found out it wears off within 5-10 years after you receive the last dose of it. You especially need it if you are in contact with children under 12 months old. However, you can still catch the whooping cough even with the vaccine just as this sometimes happens with the flu shot. The vaccine will, however, help to reduce how badly you have it, or the risk of spreading it. Once one family member gets it, it is with 70-100% likelihood that all other family members in the same household will get it due to the close contact with the household - kissing, drinking after each other etc. It is not life threatening to adults or children, just babies. If babies are not treated, watched closely under the proper care, and receive the oxygen treatments needed at times, they will die. More and more cases of this virus are occuring. If you have the shot, you will reduce the chance of infecting your family. You can get this at your General Practitioner's office or even at your local Pharmacy.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/21/eveningnews/main644846.shtml

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/550117

Update 11/18

Today, I read Adrienne's story via another blog and spent much of my day thinking of and praying for this family. They are in the process of adopting their second child, but at the eleventh hour, the birth mom is undecided whether or not to go through with the adoption. Adrienne has sadly gone through many miscarriages (potentially due to mutant genes in MTHFR - most touching to me because that is what my doctors are thinking I may have, possibly not very severe) and I so much long for her heartache to be no more.

I've also been in prayer thanking God for the ways in which He has blessed us. It's incredibly amazing to see how His hand has guided and protected us in ways that we hadn't even known until now. Even today, after talking to the doctors/nurses, more details were revealed to me of how He has guided us. I have many examples, but one being that there are several women on my floor who have suffered late-term miscarriges (second/third trimester) or threats thereof. A major reason this occurs is due to incompetent cervix (caused by a previous procedure done to the cervix, giving birth before fully dilated, funneling in the cervix, etc). Yet, a cerclage (stitch in cervix or now - newly - abdomen) is not typically inserted until after this tragedy has happened once before. The doctors keep saying that I was very lucky (blessed) and they're impressed my doctor knew what to look for with Madison's pregnancy and went ahead and inserted that cerclage. We would have for sure lost her, had I not had that. As I said, there are several other examples, too. I think it's just so awesome, through our infertility and pregnancy struggles, how God had His hand in things I didn't even know about.

Praise God, Madison had a wonderful day at school today! She even hugged two of her teachers goodbye at the end of the day when my mom came to pick her up.

Update for today: Just minor, short contractions but nothing to worry about. Hunter's heart is wonderful, too! I got very sick this evening after my weekly progesterone shot, due to it's effects on my hormone levels in this last trimester. It was not a fun evening. If I even smell or look at food it will make me sick.

Madison laughing at Daddy, August 2008

11/16 Update

I miss those soft round cheeks!

31 days here and counting!.... Oy....

This morning when my doctor came in, he asked for permission to take pictures of my room. He said he wanted to use them as examples to students, nurses and other patients of how environment has a direct effect on patient attitude and therefore, health of patient and their baby. Boy, was I flattered. My colorful, cheap art supplies craft-induced room got some major compliments! The doctor explained how they see many patients become depressed/anxious after being here after 2-4 wks, giving up, harboring anger and resenting even the doctors. This can directly effect the health of their babies, too. Well, I told him that I, too, have my bad days...but if I can avoid getting the blues, I was definitely going to try my best - even if that meant decorating my room like a Kindergarten classroom. :) At least the walls aren't gray.

He gave us a great report. Baby is looking healthy according to the heart monitor. So far, I've not had any contractions today. As of Friday, I've gained 3.5 lbs in two weeks, putting me at an almost 14 lb total weight gain. The doctor said he's not worried, the baby is growing appropriately - he just takes a lot from me - to which I said, "So it's a win-win situation for me, right??" The dietitian has recommended I drink those high calorie protein shakes in between meals...so that means the "old people" drinks like Ensure...not the "meat-head" Createne shakes (used for after lifting weights) as Mark has suggested...oh my. Sure that would be good for the baby. :)

Does not look like I'll be having trouble from here on out in the weight gain department...as I look like I gained 5 lbs in the last two days...even a nurse commented on it tonight...to prove it, today, I needed to order some bigger pants from Old Navy...the current pairs are just getting extremely tight...Oy...

Our sweet Patch

My dad just called. They have to put our family dog down this afternoon.

We got him as a puppy, 14 years ago...right after "101 Dalmations" came out...I was a bit obsessed with Dalmations then and thought they were sooo adorable! Patch has been an awesome family pet, our only brother. He lived a really long life and brought us much, much happiness. My sister and Dad need some prayer right now for strength as in a couple hours, they'll take Patch to the vet. They know it's the right decision, but it's really hard on them. They're spending some precious hours with Patch at home right now.

I had lots of visitors again today - it was great! Nitin, Vanessa, Alexandra and Isabel first came to visit me. Thank you so much for coming again and for the new card!! Then, Christy and Rachel came to visit. We enjoyed catching up on their new babies (12 wks and 5 wks old) and everything else under the sun. Thank you, Christy, for the lemon flavor pound cake! You all made my day so bright!

Thank you, Kailee and Kendall, for the beautiful letters you wrote and colored for me!

And thank you for Madison's cute bag, too!!! We love everything!

11/14 Update

Clareanne, Madison, Danae and Raymond

Raymond and Mark keeping Madison at bay...while she finds even more rocks and throws them down the gutter

Clareanne and my mom

Look what Madison's teacher and her class made for me!! How sweet is this?? Thank you, Miss Mindy, for going through all the effort to get seven kids' hand prints and create this awesome card for me! I've proudly displayed it on my front door.

Yesterday was a busy day filled with lots of visitors. It was wonderful!

First, Clareanne and Raymond, our former neighbors in Katy, came to visit. Mark and I became very close to them while living in Katy. And, they became "proxy grandparents" to Madison, spending lots of time with her as they lived right across the street. (wait - I think I've already explained this in earlier posts...) Oh, how we miss them! Clareanne just returned from Trinidad (where they're both from) and was so kind to want to visit me and Hunter right away. They brought me a nice, juicy Whopper from Burger King, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We talked for a while, and soon, Madison, Mark and my mom arrived. Raymond and Clareanne were so happy to see them again.

It was wonderful beyond words to see Madison again...I haven't seen her in a week! I was most happy that she wasn't acting any more distant with me - which, according to others, may happen. But yesterday, when she arrived, she came right to my bed and laid her head on my shoulder. I loved every second of it. The emptiness that tends to be in my heart when she is not with me, suddenly disappeared.

We all went outside for my daily outing...but it was so windy and so cold that we didn't stay out for very long. Clareanne and Raymond left after a couple hours and my mom, Mark and Madison stayed for a few additional hours before they headed home. Madison has still been battling a cold and bad diaper rash, so it was best that they went back the same day. Plus, today, my mom and Mark aren't feeling well, either. Before they left, I kissed Mark and Madison as if there were no tomorrow - I just can't believe it will be a whole week until I see them again. Especially Madison...it's hard not being able to be the one to take care of her when she's sick. But until then, I'll think of all the sweet memories I pocketed away from yesterday; tracing her hand, playing with her little fingers, holding her so tightly, seeing her smile...even the simplest thing such as trimming her fingernails and brushing her hair.

After my family left, three of my girlfriends from Beaumont came to visit! They'd been in Houston doing some Christmas shopping and wanted to come see me. They brought Chuy's Mexican food for dinner!! The cheese enchiladas were heavenly. We gossiped and laughed for several hours - it was great fun. It was getting so late, we briefly considered everyone just shacking up in my hospital room for the night. :) I was so glad they could visit. I just wish I got a picture of all of us together.

I had a few contractions (long time since I last had them!) during last night's monitoring, so they left us on the monitor for over an hour. I had spotted a little bit, too, but nothing to be worried about. Everything turned out to be just fine. No problem!

Just taking it easy today...I think Christy and Rachel are coming this afternoon to see me at my home away from home...

One more thing...

Ok, maybe two. or three. four or five.

Here are two recent posts from another blogger who has been a real inspiration to me and I've appreciated her sharing her personal story and testimony with us.

Click here and here

and if you want to read more about her family and beautiful baby girl who lives in Heaven, click here and see this. Angie's testimony is an amazing, incredible encouragement. I don't know her, but I love her so.

Also, a friend of mine, Alison, (her dad used to be Mark's boss AND we had the same doctors while doing IVF) introduced me to a friend of hers, Lindsey. She has recently been a great example of strength to me, as she has written to me and I've read her blog about her two precious boys who were born at the same hospital I'm currently in - and what a wonderful birth story they have.

Visitors today

Tana, Hayden and Micheala came to visit me today! Micheala and her husband, Brent, are in town visiting from Oklahoma. Micheala, Tana and I used to work together right out of college...became good friends...and Mich and I were in each other's weddings. Anyhow, it was great to see everyone! They brought me my coveted Chick-fil-A (thank you, girls), we chatted incessantly, and they wheeled me outside for my daily outing (which, I haven't had since Sunday)! I enjoyed every minute of it.

Also, Mark stopped by the hospital on his way out of town traveling back to Beaumont. We watched a movie and ate dinner together. I was sad to see him go, but look forward to seeing he, Madison and my mom this weekend.

Oh, Madison's new thing this week is walking backwards. I forgot to mention it earlier. She is doing this quite often, in fact, and evidently thinks it's really neat. Apparently, she discovered how to do this on accident. My mom was watching her; Madison took several steps backwards, realized what she was doing with a surprised look on her face, and then did it some more while laughing at herself. Anyhow, that's her new trick of the week.



Me, Micheala and Hayden

Bright, happy smiles

Aunt "Nae Nae" and Hayden

Gifts from Micheala and Brent - a bunny winter hat for Madison and a SOFT puppy that roles out into a pillow for Hunter.

Miss Madison inside one of her drawer of toys...

My Determined Child

I told you she loves rocks....we find them everywhere!! She is learning that rocks stay outside...not inside the house...although, when she was at my mom's house, Grammy actually WASHED the rocks so Madison could bring them inside. ...something only a grandmother would do...

Picture below represents Madison's latest version of throwing a small temper tantrum...I just had to document it...she doesn't actually kick her feet/wave her arms...she'll just immediately lay on the floor...nothing else...I know what you're saying..."just wait...this is only the beginning..."

Good idea for Mommy's Christmas stocking this year: The newly revised edition of "The Strong-willed Child" by James Dobson...

So why do I even post something like this? Well, this blog also serves as my journal/somewhat of a baby book as well. So, for my sake, I just want to document this. Anyow, Madison is beginning to show a bit of defiance lately....For example:

Madison has several shape-sorters at home which she is very good at and plays with often. One is more advanced with odd-shaped pieces (not your typical square, circle, triangle, etc.). Madison had the white piece (there is only one white piece) which is shaped like a milk carton. Anyhow, she was banging it loudly against the glass in our front door. My mom told her, "No, no no"...first in her sweet grandmotherly voice (not the firm voice that moms use, you know the kind sing-song voices only grandmothers use)...and Madison continued. My mom told her "No" again, more firmly. And Madison continued. My mom told her "No" more firmly and redirected her attention by taking the white piece away from her and walking Madison to her bedroom to meet Mark. My mom then put the white piece back inside the shape sorter, at the very bottom, then put the sorter away on the shelf. Madison got the shape sorter down from the shelf, dug through to the bottom and found the same white piece (not just any piece would do, it had to be that white piece). As she then walked out the door, she looked back at Grammy and Daddy. She walked to the front door...and lifted her hand to bang that darn piece against the door again. Daddy swept in and scooped her up quickly...and she got in trouble.

She knew exactly what she was doing and she was going to show them! I laughed...but of course, from the safety of my hospital room.

Finally, I loved the story my friend Kim told me of when her daughter got into an industrial size container of Vaseline...spreading it all over her room and in her hair...Kim actually had to call the 1-800-Vaseline hotline to ask them how to get it out of hair! She had to use a hot hairdryer to melt/liquify the petroleum jelly and then dab it out of the hair with a towel...and then wash it...after doing this 35 separate times...her hair still looked greasy. Eventually, of course, it wore off. Oh my goodness....!