Christmas Party Pics

Here are lots (I mean, lots!) of pics from our neighborhood Christmas party. They were too cute, I had a hard time choosing. There were 6 couples and 9 kids there. They enjoyed a delicious pot-luck meal, yummy dessert and a kids' Christmas exchange (as I wrote about in a below post). Thank you, Jamie, for the wonderful pictures! I was so sad to miss the party, but so glad that Madison could go with Mark.

Jamie, Madison and Avery... of course both girls wanted to sit on her lap!

Here is my party dress...but more importantly, let me show you my sippy cup.

And here is my pretty party dress!

Anna, Natalie and Emma - the big girls!

Cooper is too precious - I think he and Madison have similar curly hair; so cute.

Ryan and Cooper planning something...watch out!

Madison really took to Miss Jen that night! How sweet.

Avery having fun with the bouncy ball...

Guys, this is really a blast!

All the ladies - don't they look fabulous? This pic really made me miss being with them. But actually, it's good I wasn't in this picture. It would have totally been like playing the game, "One of these things is not like the other...can you guess? It's the one who's as big as a house! You win the prize!"

All the kids from left to right: Charlie, Anna, Ryan (and Matt popping up!) Natalie, Madison, Emma, Avery, Cooper and Jack!

Mark and Madison

Always holding something...

The kids table...plus Brad. :)

Avery: "What do you think you're doing?"

Madison: "Taking apart train tracks, of course."
Natlie: "Oh...little girls..."

What can we get into, now?

Starting the Christmas gift exchange! Madison received a gift from Anna. She absolutely loves her jumbo building blocks!

Avery opening a gift from Madison

Madison begins to open her gift from Anna...

Oh, what's that gift I see, Madison?

Oooh, let me see what this is!

Oh, I have that toy at home, are you sure it's not mine? Let's share, ok!

Ok. back to opening my gift... Oh, it's a farm from Madison!


Hmmm, let's inspect this...

And let me show you this one, too!

Around the house...

Madison loves to "cook" with her Grandma. She walks around with a bowl and spoon all the time, stirring her invisible ingredients together. I'll have to get a better picture of it soon; it's so cute.


One of Madison's favorite things to do is play with our cat (or, "small dog"/"cat and a half") Tyson. She likes to feed him her goldfish and read him her books. Saturday, she enticed him to jump in a big gift bag...and he did it!

Here is a pic of Madison with Tyson in her gift bag...success!




And here are pictures of Madison trying to join him...

Home Sweet Home

Ah...it feels so nice to be home!

I took a little break from posting on the blog, so I could spend some quality time with Madison, Mark and family. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching her play, say her new words, babble on and on, make her new animal sounds, read A LOT of books (me to her and she to me), run around, watch videos and cuddle, etc.

Friday was pretty busy as I said my goodbyes, filled out the discharge paperwork, listened to doctors' instructions and packed up (rather, watched others pack up) my room. Mark arrived in the afternoon and was happy to see that most of the packing and paperwork were already complete! I laid in the backseat the whole way home. We arrived home in the evening as traffic had been heavy heading back. When we walked in the door and called Madison's name, she looked at Mark and smiled really big. She then looked at me and a slight look of confusion crossed her face. But quickly, she smiled again and came running to us. She lifted up her arms, arched her back and wanted me to hold her right away. Oh, thank you, Lord, that she wanted to come to me right away! I just didn't know what to expect. Of course, I wasn't able to hold her, but gave her big hugs. It has been since October since I held her last...and probably won't be able to do it again until February?

On Saturday, Mark and his dad did projects around the house while Elaine cooked up a few wonderfully delicious meals. The house was decorated for Christmas and the smell of incredibly tasty food was in the air. ...It felt so "homey". Is that a word? Anyhow, that evening, Mark and Madison went to our neighborhood Christmas party at Jen, Mike and Charlie's house. They had a blast! They ate a great dinner, dessert, then the kids had a Christmas exchange. Madison gave a gift to Avery (Fisher Price Farm) and Anna gave a gift to Madison (jumbo building blocks - that she constantly plays with from morning 'til night). I wanted to go with them to the party so badly, but knew it was best for me to stay here on the couch.

Yesterday, Mark and his dad did more projects (they go to Lowe's like 5 x a day...Lowe's/Home Depot to grown men is like the mall to teenage girls, I personally believe) and our newly organized garage looks magazine-perfect picturesque. Madison also had another first - she ate spaghetti! Elaine's homemade sauce on the spaghetti did the trick. Oh, believe me, we've tried it in the past...but she has had an aversion to all types of pasta. I think she just didn't like the texture - too slimy. But after placing cut-up spaghetti on her high chair tray, she dug into it. We got some pictures that I'll post later.

Since the end of August, due to vacation, two hurricane evacuations and hospital stay, I've only spent 21 days at my house. Can you believe it? So, I am so happy to now be home. However, it is proving a bit more difficult in some ways to be home now. There are many more temptations to get up and walk around here at home, compared to in the hospital. Plus, it is difficult for me to rely on and ask other people to do everything for me. But I need to be disciplined and relax about it, otherwise this baby is surely going to come this week.

I still hadn't heard from my OB/GYN as of today (left msgs Thursday and this morning), so I went ahead, per the request of my Peri's in Houston, and made an appointment for tomorrow at 2 pm. I'll have an ultrasound and apt with my doctor. I guess I'll not hear until then what the plan of action is going to be...but I'll keep you posted!

Thank you, thank you, thank you...for everyone's kind, sweet messages on my voice mail, emails and blog. I love you all. It means so much to me. You know, I haven't heard from some of my relatives this whole time, but I have heard from complete strangers. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Mark does, too!

God is so good! I knew He would be with us all the way. We've still got a ways to go, yes. But I never doubted that He wouldn't lead us through this. I don't know how things are going to end. But, I do know that whatever happens, God will prepare a way for us to get through it. He always does. Thank you, Lord, for wrapping your arms around us. And for wrapping your hands around our baby boy's tiny body.

Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)

Mark, Elaine, Madison and Dixon
Daddy and Madison ready to go to the neighborhood Christmas party!

Madison all strapped in and ready to go down the street!

A "one horse - child - open sleigh"?

Wheeee! See y'all later!

Madison and Daddy getting ready to go to the Exxon Christmas party.

Here we go on our Daddy/Daughter date!

Madison and Daddy in the snow last week!

Mark bundled up Madison and took her out in the snow before he left for work. With him in his Dungarees (he needed to be in the Chem Plant that day which requires a fire retardant uniform...very attractive!) and she in her mismatched outfit and hot pink cowboy boots, Mark said that all they needed was a double-wide in the background and they'd be set!

I'm Outta Here!!

Guess what? That's right folks...I'm busting out of this joint!

No, but actually, they are releasing me tomorrow! What sweet, sweet music to my ears!! Mark will come pick me up tomorrow afternoon. I just can't believe it. I am so, so happy. We've made it! Although we still have a bit farther to travel on this journey, we have come a long, long way! We have accomplished a huge goal. My doctor was very proud, to say the least. Thanks to my doctors and nurses, all of you who have encouraged and supported me, and to all of our powerful prayers - together - we have successfully achieved this mission. What once seemed like an enormous, almost impossible mountain to climb, I feel like I - or, we - have reached its summit. (Now, just a little further! About 4 more weeks would be nice!)

We (surprisingly) received an ultrasound and exam this morning. Here are the highlights:

- Healthy, growing baby: He now weighs exactly 5 lbs and measures at 34 weeks to date.
- All body parts are growing in proportion
- Placenta looks healthy
- Breech baby, not going to turn, but his bottom is down with legs extended upwards, which is ideal (as opposed to a leg/foot descended)
- Amniotic fluid low, but not dangerous enough to keep me in here. They'd like to see it at a 15, and it is measuring 9.
- Cervix is extremely short, so have to be careful, but no dilation.
- Doctor said he "feels sure the baby will stay in a couple more weeks." Hopefully, it will be more!
- Will be on bedrest at home. I'll resume care under my OB/GYN in our town (who coincidentally trained under two of my Perinatologists here), seeing them once/twice a week. Waiting to hear more specifics on that, after the doctors consult.
- Spoke to managing nurse of NICU of hospital in our hometown. They are capable of taking care of babies over 30 wks gestation and can support any lung issues. If need nitrous oxide, neuro, or cardio support, baby will be life flighted to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. If mother can't accompany baby to Houston, they will put a web cam at baby's isolet and give mother web cam in hospital back home, so mommy can still see baby!

I am so happy to go home. However, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit I was a little nervous. Although it will be nice to be in the comfort of my own home, (as I've said before) I will not have the luxury of daily tangible reassurances that the baby is okay. (i.e. constant nursing supervision, daily doctor visit, fetal heart monitoring, etc.) We'll go cold turkey from having constant monitoring, down to one doctor's office visit per week. Yikes! I'm sure all will be fine, but it will be a small adjustment.

I did have a wee bit of a cry earlier today due to the reason mentioned above and the fact that I will miss my nurses SO much. I have had such a wonderful experience here. My, if you're going to have a baby (or have a complicated pregnancy), this is the place to be. I didn't realize how nationally renown this Perinatology group is - they're even on TV quite often, travel around making speeches and consult for other doctors frequently. Just as importantly, my nurses have been incredible. I've never experienced this before. It's not seemed like they're "just doing their job", but that they genuinely care about me. They have become my friends. My family. I've relied on them more than anyone.

It's so cool because even if the nurses have no reason to be in my room, they still come to sit and visit with me. It helps to break up the day, to make me feel less isolated. I know about their families, their vacations, their likes and dislikes. I don't think I've talked so much in my life. The same goes for the food staff and the housekeeping staff. They just pop in to visit me, for no reason at all, but to talk to me. And, they like to see my decorations or any new pictures. :) Or to hear of new Hollywood gossip.

One nurse technician, whom I've only met twice, came to visit with me on her break. She gathered a few needlepoint projects from her home and brought them to me. She had seen that I liked art/crafts and thought I may like to do this, too. She said the hobby was a stress reliever for her and she didn't want me to have any stress in here. I'd never done any needlepoint, but she taught me how to cross stitch on her break. It was so, so nice of her and I won't forget it.

Also, one day, for some crazy reason, I was really anxious about the whole nursing thing, since we'd had so many feeding issues with Madison as a preemie. Anyhow, two nurses knew this. One printed out and highlighted all this information for me. Another brought me several books she had from her house from when her kids were younger.

A final example is that one of my favorite night shift nurses that I've come to love, brought me a Christmas present and a very kind card! She bought me some really adorable wine glass markers! Just because she wanted to. It was so, so sweet.

I am very fortunate to have had a great experience here. But I am most especially thankful to still have my healthy baby boy. And I am most grateful to God and his protection and healing. He is so faithful. I knew I could trust in Him. He has always proved it to me before in so many ways. And He will continue to be with us in the next few pertinent weeks.

Doctors: 6
Weeks in the hospital: 8
Needle sticks: 28
Days in the hospital: 56
Fetal heart monitoring: 172
Interrupted sleep: numerous
Distasteful hospital meals: too many

And one, big (tiny) miracle in progress...

Odds and Ends

Believe it or not, I've been so busy. Seriously, I have. Busy getting Christmas cards addressed, Christmas online shopping, and making photobooks among other projects on Shutterfly. Lots to do. At least I have the time here, no?! Anyway, this is the reason I've not posted much information lately.

Hunter and I have been doing really well this week. Few contractions and an uneventful few days, of which I am proud! With the prospect of going home this week, I was a little frustrated to hear of a different discharge date from each doctor...but more on that in my next post!

Yesterday, Hayden and Tana came to visit me! After a yummy Chick-fil-A lunch (surprise, can you tell that's my favorite?), we exchanged Christmas gifts. We have a surprise being shipped to them, so I can't say much about that yet... But Hayden is getting the Fisher Price Little People dollhouse this Christmas from someone else, so Madison gave her the matching SUV. Oh, how it brings memories of the old-school Barbie house with matching station wagon. Hahaha...

Tana has some inside connection with someone who sells "faux" (?) high end handbags in the popular Harwin section of Houston. I have had no such luck, but she works her magic. She got me two insanely real looking Coach handbags! One is a smaller black shoulder purse and the other is a cute large plaid bag I can even use as a diaper bag. I am in love with them because I never spend a lot of money on purses. Like, I even have a hard time buying a bag at Target. Whereas, my sister knows exactly which style designer bag came out which month...so funny. Hayden gave Madison the Fisher Price Animal Sounds Farm - she will love it.

And, get this...it SNOWED!!!! I am NOT kidding. It snowed early yesterday evening and off/on during the night here in Houston, but primarily stuck to the roof. It was so pretty to watch out my window and really, finally, "felt" like the holidays. It brought back dear memories of my home state of North Carolina. How I love it in the wintertime there. It was fun to watch with the nurses who came into my room to look out my large window. And, go figure, on the coldest day of the year, our hospital had no hot water and no heat! I slept with several blankets and a sweater with the hood pulled over my head. They're lucky we're all pregnant on this floor - can you imagine how much colder we'd really be if we didn't have all these hormones that make us hot? Needless to say, everything works now.

Most impressive...Mark called me this morning and said they woke up to 4 inches of snow back in our little town!! Seriously, this is unheard of. In southeast Texas?? It never happens. Would not have believed it myself, had I not seen pictures. (Thanks, Jamie!) Mark took pics, too, of Madison in the snow, of which I'm anxious to see.

Finally, I've gotten a few questions regarding the bread company (from an earlier post) from which I received a gift. It was the BEST BREAD I've ever eaten in my life. So fresh. The Mocha Chocolate Chip is my favorite. Anyhow, I'd gotten the name wrong, so here it is:
Bread Winner Breads in Atlanta, as featured on The Today Show and Food Network. A loaf of this delicious delight makes a great Christmas gift! I just ordered some as a thank you to my doctors.

Miss Hayden clowning around in my room
A beautiful Christmas picture I received from sweet Ariana. Thank you, Ariana! I loved the letter. And thank you for your beautiful family Christmas card!

Elaine brought me a cute little project to keep me busy...I felt like I was in a little art class, gluing the pieces on the bags, to make small candy favors for my nurses.

Madison's very first "school" picture!

News to me...

We have mice.

At home.

Well, not in the house, but in the garage.

They might as well be in my house.

How does anyone know they haven't chewed a hole through the wall into our house?

Mark's mom let the cat out of the bag as the guys were setting up traps. Apparently, Mark wanted to keep it a secret from me. Huh.

They act like it's no big deal.

Probably because they had white caged PET RATS while Mark was a kid.

I think I want to stay in the hospital for an extra week.

We live near new construction, so that's probably why we have them.

But I don't do rodents.

Not Me! Monday

I had too many "Not Me!" moments this past week to keep silent about... So, seeing this on another blog, I decided to jump on the bandwagon, 'fess up and come clean...I am first to admit -no perfection in this Mama!

I most certainly did not drop my (unplugged) hair dryer into the toilet, fish it out, shake it out, lay it out to dry, and then call my husband to see if he thought it was safe if I attempted to turn it on and "see" if it worked. No, I did not!

I did not ask a hospital staff member, who is studying here from India, if she enjoyed eating turkey over Thanksgiving. I did not forget the fact that she would likely be vegetarian. She did not think I was the biggest airhead. I did not try to dig myself out of that hole by acting like I knew that and assuming they would cook traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. And she did not then roll her eyes and tell me they cooked Indian food. Duh.

I did not use dental floss while constructing my Christmas decorations because I didn't have any floral wire or string. At least they smell minty-fresh.

I did not feel utter pride and joy when I helped to solve several nurses' computer IT issues with the knowledge from my job at HP...only because I could do something else productive besides laying here.

I have not avoided deciding on a middle name for my soon-to-be-born son. I am not scared to death of the permanence of a name and that you can't take him home and change his name two weeks later like you can with a pet. (And we did not wait until Madison was a mere 4 days old to name her, only because the Birth Certificate representative gave us an ultimatum.) No, not me.

I do not feel guilty for eating old pizza for three days in a row.

I certainly did not start to feel like my hospital room is my "house" and get up from my bed one night before bedtime to "lock my front door". (Um, you can't do that in a hospital...)

And I did not refer to my hospital room as my "hotel room" several times.

I did not suggest to the nurses that our hospital wrist bands should come in hot pink. Or that instead of putting decorations on the outside of bedrest patients' doors, perhaps they should put them on the inside of our rooms, where we can actually see them.

I did not immediately hang up without leaving a voicemail explaining that it was my one year old who called a former manager's office # at HP while she was playing with my phone yesterday.

Finally, I certainly do NOT feel ashamed for anything I write in this blog. It's my blog, right? Honestly!

No way! Not me!

Our Weekend

I had so many visitors yesterday! It was a great, fun, full day. Madison/Mark and his parents drove to visit me. Clareanne and Raymond visited, too. We had a great, loud time chatting with eachother and watching Madison play. The hospital had a Christmas party for patients' and staff's family members. The activities were mostly for older children, with crafts, face painting and creepy puppets, but it was just soooo nice to be able to get out of my room and experience different scenery! I didn't care where we were at! As seen in the pictures from the last post, we attempted to sit on Santa's lap, but that didn't work out too well. The party was pretty crowded, so we ended up out in the courtyard again so Madison could run around in the grass. She loves to play with her Daddy. That evening, my friend Dirusha and her friend surprised me with a visit. They were also here to visit another patient who is on complete bedrest with twins and decorated her room for her. I'm sure she really appreciated it. It was great to see them!

On Saturday, Mark took Madison to Avery's one year old birthday party! I hear it was so adorable. It was based on the book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", and Jamie had butterfly wings for all of the little girls to wear. I can't wait to see pictures.