Archive for March, 2008

Contending for life

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Mommy Nurse
5 months, 1 week ago
in Infertility and Uncategorized
. 12 Comments

When my OB/GYN brought up the question of starting birth control after Savannah was born, I almost laughed. Seriously, when you’ve tried to get pregnant for 5 years, and have only been successful with treatments, the idea of stopping pregnancy seemed extreme. Considering the odds, pregnancy happening spontaneously just didn’t seem probable. After talking it over with my husband, we agreed that we would love to have another baby, no matter how close it would be to Savannah.

Last week I had four migraines! I was getting enough sleep, I wasn’t stressed, I just couldn’t figure out why I was having so many migraines. The last time I had that many migraines was…….when I was pregnant with Savannah! What? Could it be? I calculated my LMP, I was 2 days late. Hmmmm! I then pulled out a pregnancy test, and immediately both lines appeared! Did I see it correctly? Maybe it was the test, although they are pretty accurate. Unfortunately, within moments I started spotting. Joy and disappointment all in the same moment. What a roller coaster life can be sometimes! I felt as if someone had pulled the emergency stop button on my roller coaster, leaving me hanging in mid-air. I told Kyle that night, and then proceeded to take 3 more pregnancy tests, ALL positive. I knew I needed to be guarded. We have been down this path before, and 2 of the 3 times ended in losing a baby. I couldn’t help it though. I was pregnant. I was giddy! We have never gotten pregnant on our own. I have been praying that my body would be healed. Savannah is a miracle, but I know that there are more miracles to come. Still feeling perplexed, the next day I went to the store and bought the expensive pregnancy test. What did it say? “Pregnant”. In all, I took 5 pregnancy tests! Looking back it seems excessive, but I was in such a state of shock that I needed the proof! I was still bleeding though, so my giddy phase lasted only a short while.

I called the doctor and went in for bloodwork the next day. They called and my hcg (pregnancy hormone) level was 892! Wow! That’s a really good number. Maybe there was a chance. Some women bleed during pregnancy and go on to have a healthy baby. Maybe that was going to be my story. I started progesterone supplementation immediately. Why? Because I’ve always suspected this to be part of my problem, and with every treatment I have ever done, I took progesterone. On Friday, they called with my progesterone level, it was 2.9. It should be between 8 and 10. Sigh! This doesn’t look good, but there is still hope. I kept praying for the bleeding to stop, but every morning it just got worse and worse. I knew what this meant. I prayed, cried, and asked God to save this baby, but afterwards all I felt was peace to let this baby go. If I believe that everything I have is God’s, then that includes my body. If He in His infinite wisdom, wants to use my body to bring life into eternity without ever having to live life on this fallen earth, then so be it.

Today the bloodwork confirmed what I already knew. This pregnancy didn’t make it. It’s been a bit sad, but ultimately I’m excited. I got pregnant! There is hope that it will happen again. With my previous miscarriages, my identity of becoming a mom was wrapped up in the emotions of it all. Savannah made me a mom, and nothing will take that away. However, now I know what I am contending for-not just another baby, but for life, for joy, for a sibling for my daughter.

sticky fingers

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
5 months, 1 week ago
in Life
. 4 Comments

Do you ever have one of those days that you think you should just sit down and do nothing more, because whatever I do just isn’t turning out?  I’m having one of those days.  I bought this cool candleholder 1/2 price at Hobby Lobby to put in my fireplace for the summer.  As I take it out of the bag, it breaks. I go upstairs to get the superglue, which has conveniently glued itself to the drawer.  As I pull it off, the superglue tube breaks and pours over my fingers.  Thankfully, I had the sense to spread my fingers apart.  I raced downstairs and challenged my mom to a game of trivia…”what takes superglue off”?  She read the package and found that acetone is supposed to take it off.  I soaked my fingers in it for a good 1/2 hour, to find only dried superglue on the tips of my fingers.  Now begins the tedious process of peeling it off, hopefully while keeping the skin on.  No more projects for me today. In fact, I think I may try to even get out of making dinner tonight.  I’ve somehow managed to do that almost every night this week.  Sometimes I have it all together, and sometimes I don’t. Or as my dad says, sometimes you are the windshield, and sometimes you are the bug!

“the hassle factor” worth $20 today!

Published
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Mommy Nurse
5 months, 3 weeks ago
in Life
. 3 Comments

Monday night I decided to tackle the ever growing paperwork pile that needed to be sorted and organized. There is not a better feeling than having things organized and knowing that you are “caught up”. However, this did create a new pile, things that needed to be addressed. Slowly but surely the stack is getting smaller. One of the “needs to be addressed” items was a bill that I keep getting from Savannah’s doctor’s office for $20. I had called the doctor’s office a few times already, and thought the issue was resolved. However, finding the latest bill, confirmed that the issue had not.

I went through Quicken to confirm that we had, in fact, paid a co-pay every time. I pulled the EOB’s and figured out that we were being charged 2 co-payments for the same visit. Of course the doctor’s office says it’s the insurance company’s fault, and the insurance company says it’s the doctor’s office fault. After SEVERAL calls between the two, the issue is still not resolved. I almost wish the amount was bigger, since it’s turning into such an issue. I feel a bit silly calling to complain about $20. Now it’s not so much about the amount of money, but just the principal of getting charged incorrectly. Don’t I give enough money to both the insurance company and the doctor’s office? I’m sure my time invested isn’t worth $20, but it’s an issue of principal. Hopefully, somebody will decide they are tired of hearing from me and resolve it!

It’s things like this that seem to make life more complicated than it should be. My dad calls it the “hassle factor”. Building a house creates a lot of hassle factors, mostly when subs don’t do their job correctly. Whether you are building a house, managing a home, or running a business, the hassle factor is just part of the process. I guess the sooner I concede to this as “part of life”, the less it will bother me. I hope you have lots of grace for all the hassle factors in your life today!

Shopping gets better and better!

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
5 months, 3 weeks ago
in Shopping Tips
. 3 Comments

When we left Orlando, other than friends there were only a few things that we were really going to miss.  World market store was one of them-and I’m glad to say that I now live only 6 miles from the new one that opened up in Nashville West!  It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really like their stuff and it’s pretty affordable too.  In the same shopping complex, they also put a Northwestern favorite, Red Robin restaurant.  Slowly but surely, we have seen this infiltrate the South, but this is the first one around here. If you are ever there, you have to get their Strawberry lemonade-it is the best!

Now if Nashville could get a Crate & Barrel and Ikea-I think we would be set!

This past weekend we had a do-nothing sort of weekend.  It was wonderful, and full of movies, sleeping, and playing.  Although around the end of the day Saturday, Savannah became fussy.  Kyle made the observation that she was just bored.  I think in my effort to not by too many toys (because babies don’t really need a lot of toys, right?), I’ve minimalized her entertainment.  She has one basket upstairs, and one basket downstairs, plus her jumper/entertainer (which is a lifesaver by the way).  I’m sure developmentally she is moving on, and I need to keep up.  All that to say, if you are in the area and know of consignment/neighborhood garage sales, please let me know.  It’s that time of year, and it would be a great way to stock up on some fresh entertainment for my girl!

vaccination update…

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
5 months, 3 weeks ago
in Nurse Perspective and Parenting
. 2 Comments

Don’t get me wrong, I am pro-vaccinations!  However, I am in the process of questioning which vaccines to be given and when.

The biggest reason I am pro-vaccinations, is that IF everyone refused vaccines, then the diseases that we see so little of, would become a problem again.  Being in the medical field though, I’ve seen how the recommendations for a vaccine schedule are constantly changing.  I  believe that it is important for each parent to make informed decisions for what is best for their children.

All that to say, here are a few summaries of pertinent articles to take into consideration.

“Children who get a combined vaccine against measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox are slightly more likely to have seizures compared to those getting two separate shots for the same diseasesThe CDC said it made the change after seeing evidence that children who got the combined MMRV vaccine faced an elevated, but still very small, risk of suffering febrile seizures after vaccination compared to those who got the two shots.”

Reuters 

 

“The HHS is conceding that a Georgia girl is entitled to payment from a federal vaccine-injury fund based on evidence that childhood vaccines exacerbated a rare condition and gave rise to autism-like symptoms. Some parents and advocates for autistic children believe the case backs their belief that vaccines can cause autism, but health officials say the case is an isolated one, maintaining that vaccines do not cause autism. ”

                                                           Washington Post

On my reading list is a book, the Vaccine book,vaccine.jpg

that I have heard is helpful for parents to determine what is best for their child.  It isn’t pro or anti vaccines, but it is information about each individual vaccine/disease.

Pure joy!

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
5 months, 4 weeks ago
in Savannah
. 4 Comments

contentment.jpg

Savannah’s first time in the snow!  I just love that face!

Freedom!

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
5 months, 4 weeks ago
in Life
. 5 Comments

Last night, Kyle and I found out that President Bush was going to be in Nashville, speaking at the NRB convention. Kyle already had a pass, and our friend who told us about it had to fly home, so she wasn’t going to be using her pass.  This totally excited me.  I’m not one to get giddy about things, but I was giddy.

I know a lot of people don’t like President George W. Bush, but I do,  always have, and always will.  I don’t agree with everything he has done, but I don’t think I would or anyone would agree with everything ANY president does.   I’ve prayed for President Bush so much over the years, that I’m sure my prayers have contributed to my admiration for him.  I feel like he is a man that truly seeks the Lord, and has had to make some of the most difficult decisions any President in history has had to face.

How often does one get to be in the same room as such a powerful man?  And then get to hear him speak too!  Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a babysitter last minute, so what did we do?  We took her with us!  Years from now we will get to tell her that she went  to her first presidential address at 7 months old.  Hopefully, it won’t be her last.  We got there at 8:15, and they started letting people in at 8:45.  The line was slow, and of course we were in the slowest of all lines! We made it to our seats at 10:00.  They had a comedian that was really entertaining and then a classical guitarist, Christopher Parkin play while we waited for the President’s arrival.  Around 10:45, we were told that Air Force One had landed.   Official looking people (secret service) started swarming the area. The excitement in the room grew.  Then they announced, “the President of the United States”, and suddenly there he was, standing on stage.  The crowd roared with applause.  Of course, while waiting, Savannah fell asleep and the crowd’s applause woke her up.  Kyle recognized my enthusiasm for being there and volunteered to be caretaker.  He stepped to the back, and held her the entire time.  Ironically, the opposite of our fears were true.  We were afraid that we would have the crying baby that would be disruptive, instead we had the laughing one.  For some reason, she thought everything was funny.  Eventually, Kyle had to step out of the room with her, but he got to hear the majority of it.  After his speech, he greeted some of the people who were in the front, and I maneuvered my way as close as I could get (within about 10 feet) stepped up onto a chair, and started clicking pictures.  I didn’t have my great camera with me, but at least I got some pictures.  Being so close brought tears to my eyes.  It was probably a good thing that I didn’t get to meet him, because I honestly don’t know that I would have been able to say anything.

My favorite quote he said today, “Freedom is not America’s gift to the world, it’s God’s gift to humanity.”

He closed thanking us for our prayers, and said that being President has been a joyous experience.  For being one that has prayed for him, this was encouraging. the-president.jpg

provision

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
6 months ago
in Thoughts
. 1 Comment

I’m taking a great class at my church called the Truth Project, which Focus on the Family puts out.  I HIGHLY recommend taking it if you get a chance.  It will challenge you in so many ways.  I would try to unpack what I learn here, but it’s too much for me to process really.

One of the highlights last night was a revelation that the Lord had given my small group leader.  She said, “If you stay on the path of obedience, you will eventually have a collision with provision.”  She is believing for a husband, but when she said it, I realized that it was a word for me too.  Whether it be financial, relational, or even situational, God will provide for our needs as long as we are obedient to His ways.  The question is, do I really believe that?  Because if I really did believe that (and I mean believe with my heart of hearts, not just with my mind), then it would be easier to stay on the path of obedience.  If it weren’t for that pesky enemy and all his lies that get us so caught up in ourselves, then it probably would be that simple.  I can only speak for today, but today, I will obey His ways and trust Him for all my needs.

Like games?

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
6 months ago
in Product Reviews
. 3 Comments

Since moving back to Nashville, we have learned a new game called “Settlers of Catan“.  It’s one of those games that if you saw the box, you would think it was a game from 100 years ago.  Well, not really, but it doesn’t entice you to buy it.  If it weren’t for friends that taught us the game, we probably wouldn’t have taken the time to learn it.

settlers.jpg

I love playing games, and this one is especially interesting.  It is a board game, but the “board” is in pieces, so every time you assemble it, you create a new game.  Since it’s a game of strategy, then it every game has its challenges.  It has definitely become one of our favorite things to do with our friends.  Although the game is designed for 4, they have an expansion pack to accomodate 6, and there are alternate rules if you want to just play with 2.

Because I LOVE games a bit more than my husband does, I have been thankful to find an on-line version of the game that allows you to play against either the computer or other people.  They call it a different name, Xplorers, but it’s basically the same game. On the same Aso brain game site, there is also a version of Cities and Knights, which is cousin to Settlers.

All that to say, right now, a quick game of either Settlers or Cities and Knights on-line, is my guilty pleasure.

bargain hunter

Published
by
Mommy Nurse
6 months, 1 week ago
in Shopping Tips
. 3 Comments

So I love bargain hunting, and Craigslist is a bit of an addiction. There is nothing like seeing something for 1/2 the price or less than what you would buy new in the store. I also love the idea of recycling stuff. The old adage, someone’s junk is somebody else’s treasure can be so true. Lately, I’ve found some great deals that I’ve been really excited about. I found a dining room table from Zgallerie that was kept in impeccable condition. I found a wooden shabby chic headboard for our guest bedroom that is perfect for the look that I am wanting.

Some of my finds have been disappointing though. To be honest, my wooden headboard was the second headboard that I bought. The first one I bought didn’t turn out the way I thought it would. I thought it would just need a coat of paint, and it did, however turns out that it was plastic instead of wood.

Today was another disappointment. Right before the winter I found a jogging stroller for $25. It’s one of those things that I’m not sure how much I would use it, so I didn’t want to make a large investment. Today was the first day that I finally got it out. Of course the seller didn’t mention anything wrong with the stroller, so I didn’t think to look it over. I go to strap Savy in, and find that the 5 point harness is now a 4 point harness. Then I notice that Savy kept pulling up her head, so I go to adjust the recline, and it’s fully upright! We go for our walk anyway, all to find that the turning mechanism is not existent! Now I have a jogging stroller that is worth–nothing! If you know of anyone, who could appreciate an ill-restrained, non-turning, fully reclining, very faded jogging stroller, let me know!