Madison's doing well

Madison's procedure to insert tubes in her ears went really well. She is acting like her normal, active self today. The procedure didn't begin until over an hour late because the doctor had something come up. We knew the procedure was going to be quick - it only took about 10 minutes. I wasn't worried, but when the nurse took Madison away for the surgery, in her special pajamas, I started to cry. I just didn't want her to be scared. Before long, a nurse came back and said all went well and Madison did just fine. Prior to beginning the surgery, she got a little angry. The nurse said she absolutely did not like the gas mask and kept swatting at it and turning her head. When they forced it on her, she turned bright red and got mad. But, she said, when babies get mad, they breath really deeply...and after two deep breaths, she was completely out! She was a little cranky yesterday and slept more than usual, but - like I said - is bouncing all around today.

My dr. apt went well. Still waiting for the results from yesterday's test...

Fingerpainting with Pudding

At the very end of our chocolate pudding fingerpainting escapade...as you can see, she enjoyed eating it and smearing it on her face and in her hair. :)

Very serious about painting her masterpiece.
...When you're too lazy to actually take your toys OUT of the toy chest...might as well join them.
Our friend Avery - what a cutie!

CURLY hair... Just woke up and about to eat breakfast
She loves her new Fisher Price kitchen. Lots to do on it!
Smile for Daddy!
Her very own preschool size backpack with her name on it.
Posing for a picture at Avery's house

We had a fun morning attempting to fingerpaint with chocolate pudding. No, this activity is not tidy. No, it is not condusive to a mom supposedly on partial bedrest. But...it was fun to watch. Mad first thought it was cold and gooey, but then she got right into it. Her favorite part was eating it, though. And then smearing it all over her face and hair. Mmm, fun to clean up!

We had a great weekend. I am very much obsessed with the Olympics and have stayed up until midnight or later watching them fervently. Mark has been wonderful and participated in cheering them on with me. Aside from the Olympics, we enjoyed a fun cookout with Jamie, Brian and Avery, and Jenny, Cooper and Emma - some of our neighbors. It rained here on occasion, so we spent most of our time indoors...not that I can really go out anyway.

Tomorrow is a big day for us. Mad get tubes in her ears early in the morning - 6:30 am! I'm sure it will all go very well and she won't even notice, as the procedure is very short. Following that, I have my next dr apt. Let's cross our fingers I don't have to go on bedrest. I'm feeling baby #2 all the time now, which is great. I'd never take that for granted, that's for sure.

16 week prego pic

Here is a picture Mark took of me last week at 16 weeks pregnant. However, I have to say...and Mark even brought it up (the only time it's safe for a man to bring it up!)...that my belly looks quite more round this week...

Cutie Pie

Out for a walk in Madison's new wagon, given by Grammy and Papa for her birthday
With our great friend, Avery, who lives a few houses down from us. Her parents also went to N.C. State!
Right after Madison woke up...about to eat breakfast...see her curly hair

Cuddled with Daddy
Say "cheese" with Mommy
Look who's trying to open doors?
Hey there!

Aw, we just got a packet of information from Madison's preschool...including her school supplies list...she's getting so old! :) haha. Instead of putting her in two mornings/week, we are now putting her in school for three mornings/week now that I'm on modified bedrest. It will be great for her, though. There are so many activities and the curriculum for her age looks fantastic. We go to meet her teacher in a couple weeks. I talked to the director of the school, and she said that behaviorally, going two and especially three days/week is much better than just once/week because it gives the kids more of a routine. They adjust much better and behavior really improves. This will be really great for Madison and will give her lots of social interaction with children on a regular basis - other than the nursery or playgroup.

Feedback

Thanks so much for your many emails and comments - how helpful! Thought I'd post some of the ideas, in case anyone else could use them, too! Here are some tips and ideas to help keep young kiddos busy for Mommies who can't necessarily run around and play...and who are confined to their own house! Yikes. And even if you are perfectly healthy, perhaps you could use some of these tips, too!

- Baby Einstein, Praise Baby or Baby Faith series DVD's (we've got lots and they're wonderful)
- Kids interactive internet sites (Disney, etc.)
- Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Kitchen or the Laugh & Learn House evidentally keeps your toddler busy for hours...lots of activities! We have the kitchen coming soon...
- Playdough (for the texture) - maybe when Madison is older, but for right now, she'll just eat it.
- Fingerpainting with pudding - good if i could sit up at a table with her, but too messy.
- Invite our playgroup friends over to our house (at least a couple kids at a time) to play here, since we can't go to others' houses.
- Set up a "toy exchange" with other neighborhood moms. Exchange a few toys each week with a family - then you can recycle and your child will get to play with new (but free) toys.
- Blowup pool in the backyard - one large enough for Mommy to lay in...while baby plays with all sorts of pool toys. (We'll just have to look out for any snakes in our backyard...that's TX for ya!)
- Any books (Little People, Karen Katz) with flip up pages - Madison loves reading these and we read them all the time.

Sarah and Dave's NEW website (updated link)

Here is the correct link:
http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=6724516330691718

Sarah and Dave's new web site

Here is Sarah and Dave's wedding web site they made, if you'd like to check it out...so cute and funny.

http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=6724516330691718

Tips are welcome...

It's proving to be a real challenge to be on some kind of "modified bedrest" while having a one year old. Especially yesterday, when I was in so much pain. Although Madison will soon start "school" a few days a week, I need some new ways to keep her occupied while she's at home...preferably ways in which I can spend time with her, but also lie down at the same time. We already watch lots of Baby Einstein, read and play with all of her toys. But her toys are starting to get boring...

Do you have any ideas? Any new toys that keep your kids really busy? Again, she's only one, so she can't sit down and color or do anything like that...

Let me know if you have any tips!

update II

I got a call from my dr's office today. The dr. said he's worried about the state of the pregnancy, so he's having me come in on August 19th for a Fetal Fibronectin test - this helps to determine if you will likely go into preterm labor within the next two weeks. If it comes back negative, that's good! If it comes back positive, then I'll have to go on strict bedrest. I'm getting plans in place for Madison, in case that happens. Additionally, I'll have another ultrasound on August 26th, as well as a follow up dr's appointment. Until then - modified bedrest. Not the easiest, but I'll do my best to ward off any strict bedrest, that's for sure. I keep reminding myself that even if I have to go on bedrest, it is so temporary in the long scheme of things. What's five months, compared to years and years of happiness with both our kids?

We had some bad rain and wind during the tropical storm, but nothing extreme. Our power went off, but only for a few hrs.

update

my computer is sick again...what is going on? It's a new laptop! So, I'll have to bring it in again to get worked on. Before I do that, I wanted to update you on what's going on. I've received many emails - thank you and I promise to get back to you soon.

I was on bedrest starting Thursday and then Friday morning, went to the hospital for an ultrasound. The baby looks very healthy, was super active and appeared to be happy...sucking its thumb, playing with its legs, flipping around, pointing, etc. Still too early to tell with 100% certainty whether it's a boy or girl. The baby measures about 4+ inches long, and almost a week older than we thought, and they moved up my due date to Jan 18. My body, on the other hand, looked less than stellar. I just don't have the amount of cushioning others have to keep the baby inside safely and securely. So, we have to be careful and watch that. After that, we were sent home and told to wait for a call. That call never came.

Here in our little town of Beaumont, I believe (but will have to do further research) that I'm at one of the best high-risk OB/GYN's. (I also see a specialist in Houston.) But, our insurance dictates that I must have all bloodwork and ultrasounds done by a third party outside the doctor's office - the hospital. The issue with this, is that it takes up to 72 hrs for my dr to receive the results, then up to 24 hrs for him to call me. Unless, as was in this case, the ultrasound is labeled "Stat". then, the results are supposed to get to the doctor right away. Long story short, we've had lots of trouble with this. And this weekend...we NEVER got a call with results or further instruction...until this afternoon. We are not pleased and uncomfortable with this, especially because this is a high risk pregnancy. We're in process of trying to work something out with the dr and insurance agency.

For the time being, I'm on modified bedrest. Supposed to lay down as much as I can and no heavy lifting. Hahaha...well, I'll do my best, considering Madison is a healthy 26 lb one year old who just learned to walk everywhere. Lots of good tips have been given to me, of which I am very thankful!

This morning, I took Madison to the dr...she has ear infections...again...in both ears. bless her heart. We'll see an ENT specialist in a few weeks to discuss the possibility of putting tubes in her ears. She isn't acting sick, though, so that's great. I could just see signs which indicated ear infections...so I took her in this morning.

We are preparing for Tropical Storm Eduord...however you spell it. Should start raining tonight and hit land near us tomorrow morning around 9 am or so. Mark is super busy at Exxon putting plans/processes in place in preparation. I'm sure he'll be on the phone most of the night and tomorow.

Talk soon....

Wedding News!

Madison, Mark and I have each been asked to be a part of Sarah and Dave's wedding! We feel so honored. Sarah asked me to be her Matron of Honor. She asked Madison to be her Flower Girl. And they asked Mark to be an usher. We can't wait!!

Sarah sent out these cute invitations a week ago with a very precious message.

What we've been into lately...

My first (currently) favorite toy...my jumpy blow-up fort!
It makes my hair stand up
My second favorite toy...my basketball hoop
What I did while Mommy was making dinner yesterday...(hey, at least it kept her busy!)
I like to poke out Tyson's eyes...every hour of every day...

Oh my gosh, it is SOOO hot here in southeast TX. I've lived in Florida and all over, and I can honestly say that this is the worst humidity in the USA. Hands down. It is suffocating!

We just got back from our wonderful playgroup, put Madison down for a much needed nap, and I wanted to update our blog. First, I checked my email...is it just me, or is anyone else inundated with Facebook friends requests? Seriously...this is about as much as I can keep up with, let alone a Facebook page? I just don't know...

Anyhow, aside from avoiding the steamy unbearable heat, we are doing well. Madison is everywhere. I mean, the only time I have to sit down is when she's taking a nap...IF then! She is walking everywhere. We laugh because she's so funny to watch...very unstable on her feet, still. She looks like a drunken sailor. It's hilarious. Gives us great entertainment during the evening! She is so busy and plays with every single one of her toys. When we move to our next house in a couple years, we will definitely have a separate playroom! So chasing her around is a little difficult while pregnant, that's for sure. I've been in lots of pain lately and have been warned by the doctor that I need to take it easy, or I'll end up in bed soon. (Actually, he said I need to be "a little paranoid, and a lot careful") And how does one "take it easy" with a one year old? Hmmm. Well, I will try my best because I definitely don't want to end up in bed for 90 days, as I did when pregnant with Madison. Besides that, we got new drapes in our dining room and breakfast room, plus roman shades in other rooms around the house. Ha, what big news. Looking forward to a neighborhood party this weekend...will be fun! Hot, but fun!

Madison's First Steps

Madison took her first true succession of steps this afternoon!!! It was so exciting to see!! She's taken several single steps in the past week, but this was her first time taking several in a row. We took video of her earlier today. By this evening, she was walking all around the kitchen, den and dining room. She just laughs and laughs...walking cracks her up for some reason! We're so proud of her! :)

My Sister and Dave are Engaged!!!

David and Sarah
Sarah's new engagement ring

Last week my sister, Sarah, and Dave got engaged!!!! We are SO excited for them!!! Wedding will probably be August '09. Mark, Madison and I are flying out there over Labor Day so I can go wedding dress shopping with her and attend their engagement party. I just wish I lived closer so that I could be there to experience this and help her plan in person!

Our trip to Illinois

Madison really prefered the larger animals to the smaller ones at the farm. She liked staring at the cows/bulls, but didn't really prefer the small kittens. Interesting, huh?
My grandfather, Danae, my Mom and Madison
Aunt Becky, my mom, Uncle Tom, me, Madison, Pappy and cousin Tara

Madison likes to climb in/on anything possible...here she is in our refrigerator...
Madison and Grammy out for a walk in our neighborhood
Amanda, Justin (my cousin), Danae and a very happy Madison...
Madison and cousin Ben
Madison and Uncle Charlie

Madison had tons of fun in Illinois. The trip was filled with lots of "firsts"... She got to meet many new relatives - great aunts, great uncles, second cousins, and her great grandfather! She also got to see many farm animals up close and sit in a real big tractor. I think I enjoyed watching her face more than she enjoyed the experiences! Overall, she did really well on the trip and we had a great time. However, we are definitely happy to be home now!

Madison has taken her first "steps" a few times now...although it's more like she steps and then dives into one of her toys. So, we'll see... Have I mentioned that she is 25 lbs now and 32" tall? I know, I can't believe it, either. She is at the 98 percentile for her age. The doctor estimates that she'll be between 5'8" - 5'10" when she grows up! Hard to believe, considering she didn't even show up on the doctor's charts for the first few months of her life.

I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up on our current baby-in-the-making. The baby is doing just fine and heartbeat is strong. It will be 14 weeks old tomorrow! We will find out the gender on Aug. 26th. We are overjoyed with so much excitement.

1 Year Old Portraits

Today, my mom (who flew in Sunday to visit) and I took Madison to get her 1 year old pictures taken. Here are a few of the shots.

It was a really rough weekend recovering from my procedure, but I am feeling a lot better now. We leave tomorrow to fly to Illinois and we'll be gone for a week. I'll post another update soon!

Thank you

We have several thank you's we want to extend...we are so grateful for such wonderful friends and family.

Micheala and Brent, thank you so much for Madison's new piggy bank - it is so modern and looks great in her room!

Mary, Jon and Vera, thank you so much for Madison's new plush tea set from PBK - with her very own name embroidered on it!!

Tana, Mark and Hayden, thank you for Madison's new car - she just loves it so much!

Grandma/Grandpa and Pappy, thank you for the money you gifted into Madison's college fund.

Dixon/Elaine and Mom/Dad, thank you for all the many wonderful gifts and money for Madison's college.

Y'all went above and beyond - we certainly didn't expect any of it!!! We love you.

Finally, thank you for your prayers for me on Thursday. I appreciate it!

And, thank you for your prayers for my family. My great grandfather, "Pop", died on Tuesday. Only one more week, and I would have been able to introduce Madison to Pop, her great great grandfather and get that treasured picture. I was pretty sad. He was 92 and had a lived a really wonderful, full life. We know he's joined my great grandmother and grandmother in heaven. I can only imagine what they're up to!

Happy July 4th!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Baby and Mommy just fine!

Just wanted to update you and let you know that the surgery yesterday went really well. The baby is doing just fine and happily bouncing around everywhere. I was under total anesthesia, but woke up pretty quickly after the procedure. A little bit of pain today and yesterday, so just taking it easy. But, all is well! I can't hold Madison for a week. Thankfully, today is a holiday so Mark can watch her this weekend. Then, my mom comes to visit on Sunday, so she can take over then.

Oops...

OK, true story:
Last Wednesday evening, I was telling Mark how all the moms at our Mommy/Tot swim lesson wear one pieces, but I was not going to be a typical MOM and so I was happy wearing my bikini. Karma struck me the next day. While bending down and walking Madison from the shallow end of the baby pool to the deeper end, my bikini top suddenly snapped off. It didn't just snap off gradually, where I could catch it by closing in my elbows. It snapped so quickly, that it swung up and wrapped around my neck like a scarf. Well, my initial reaction was to cover myself up. In the process of doing so, I let go of Madison. Decision - do I expose myself and rescue my drowning child, or do I cover up myself? Obviously, I rescued Madison, all the while appearing like I was at a topless beach in Europe. So then I got her situated with one of my arms, while wrapping my other arm around my chest. I yelled out, can someone help me? Well, that drew even more attention. I look down, and my arm is covering up only part of myself. Nice. Our college age swim instructor was so embarrassed. I was mortified and actually got tears in my eyes. Another mom grabbed Madison for me, while two moms came to my rescue, unwrapping my bikini top from around my neck and pulling it over my chest and around my back. They told me it was completely broken. So, I had them tie the back in a knot. The bikini was not too small for me, it was just a cheap one from Target. Serves me right, I guess. Oh, did I mention that not only were we a spectacle for all the nearby moms and dads watching their older kids in their lessons, but also there was about 5 other college age guys about 6 feet away from me in the big pool? Glad I could entertain. So what did I do? I stayed and finished out the class like a big girl. Then, I went to the mall and bought a one piece suit. HA.