The Grob Family

Happy 2012!

2012-01-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

First off, I don't know why half of my pictures are no longer working, but hopefully that does not continue.

Christmas was wonderful for us this year, as Bethie really understood what was going on. Between learning about Baby Jesus and Santa Claus, she was one excited Little Bird!

The new year has been uneventful so far, except for one tiny thing . . .

WE FINALLY BOUGHT A HOUSE!!

We found a buyer for our condo after several months of being on the market, and we found a wonderful house. It is a little smaller and a little older than we'd have liked, but it is in a terrific neighborhood and literally around the corner from an elementary school. We signed all the agreements last night after some last-minute negotiating with the sellers before the option period ran out, and now we close on both places on February 20! That is just over 3 weeks away, and we are beside ourselves with excitement.

The house has 3 bedrooms and a fenced-in yard, and French doors. I've always wanted French doors! It will need a lot of cosmetic work, mainly repainting, but we have plenty of time to work on things like that. The bedrooms were painted for little boys so we'll be repainting those first, and I believe Bethie's room will be pink and yellow. I want to paint the master bedroom purple, and I only got Jeff to agree to that by letting him decorate the main rooms. :-)

This is our new house:

We'll have plenty of room for visitors now!

It's Not Looking at All Like Christmas

2011-12-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

We're finally into the Christmas season, and for the first time, Bethie is really aware of what's going on. It is so exciting! We have our tree up and a plethora of presents beneath, our stockings are hung over the mantle, and red and green accents are all over the condo. We have talked endlessly about Santa Claus and Jesus, and while Bethie still sometimes gets confused between Christmas and Santa (she sometimes calls him "Christmas", as in, "Oh, look, Christmas has a red hat!") she seems to understand Jesus with no problem. In the car the other day after I unwrapped half her candy cane and handed it to her, I could hear her struggling with the rest of the wrapper. I couldn't help her, but it wasn't long til I heard her say, "Help me with my candy cane, Jesus!" I love this kid.

There is no snow in the foreseeable future here, but Bethie loves to pick up pine cones. This week, we're working on pine cone elf ornaments:

We finally have all the pieces created and cut out (salt dough heads, felt clothes, pipe cleaner appendages, and flannel scarves), and tomorrow we're going to start putting everything together. I'm not sure who is more excited!

A friend of mine started a charitable organization that gives pajamas, books, and toiletries to orphans in Kenya. It's called the Sweet Dreams Project and was created to give these kids a warm, comforting bedtime routine like we have for our kids. Bethie chose two pairs of pajamas for kids her age, and she'll be sending her Giving Tree money there this year as well.

This is Bethie's Giving Tree. I found it online and modified it to be more toddler friendly. The original one would have had her giving about $40, but that's a little much for a two year old. This way she will give about $6, and she gets to take the money out of her piggy bank each morning. She was really excited to put her two nickles in this morning!

1. 5¢ for every hot water tap in your house
2. 10¢ for every vehicle your family owns
3. 10¢ for every pair of jeans you own
4. 25¢ if your family has email
5. 5¢ for every bed in your house
6. 1¢ for every /beauty makeup item Mommy owns
7. 1¢ for every pair of footwear
8. 5¢ for every light switch in your house
9. 10¢ for every bathtub 10. 10¢ for every toilet
11. 5¢ for each bottle of soap
12. 15¢ if you have dishes to eat off of
13. 15¢ if you have cooking pots in your cupboards
14. 10¢ for every window in your house
15. 10¢ for every outside door
16. 20¢ for every television in your house
17. 10¢ for every magazine subscription
18. 25¢ if your family has more than 25 games
19. 25¢ if you had meat this past week
20. 5¢ for every juice you drank yesterday
21. 10¢ if you have a DVD player
22. 5¢ for every hair care product
23. 15¢ for every bedroom in your house
24. 1¢ for every blanket in your house
25. 1¢ for every gift you received this Christmas

I hope you all have a blessed, joyous Christmas!

Halloween Fun

2011-10-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

When I used to dream of having children, I imagined doing crafts with them, baking, celebrating holidays, and things like that. When I first brought Bethie home from the hospital, I remember looking at her and thinking how tiny she was, and how long it would be before we could do the things I had imagined when I was pregnant with her.

Time flies, as it always does when you have something precious, and here I am now doing all those fun things with the most wonderful 2-1/2 year old girl in the entire world.

I am not a morning person like Bethie, so our mornings are very low-key while she runs around here and I try to wake up. Afternoons, though, that's when the fun starts. We try to do a project each afternoon, whether we bake or create or go on an outing. Some days, like today, we do something simple like coloring Halloween pictures. Other days, we get a little messy.

The last two weeks have been very quiet around here as both Bethie and I were sick, but this week we've gotten our groove back. On Monday, we made a ghostly garland out of our hand prints:

We made jack 'o lanterns to decorate the front door:

And I made a countdown calendar that Bethie will get to use starting next week.

Each window has a different fun acticity for us to do, just in case we can't come up with something ourselves!

Life is spooky good around here these days!

P.S. I don't like the changes in formatting, so bear with me while I re-learn how to insert photos!

Jokes and Potty Training

2011-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Bethie has started telling jokes, courtesy of her father. Jeff taught her this format:
"Animal A and Animal B walk into a bar. Animal A says (animal sound) and animal B says (animal sound)". Then everyone laughs. It is pretty funny! In the first joke she uses a dog and a sheep:

We've also started naked potty training, and she's doing remarkably well. We started last Monday, and by that night, she had it down. I think she only had 4 accidents all week. Yesterday I started putting her in panties which poses more of a problem, but she's getting it. I can't believe my little girl is such a big girl already!

To Work or Not to Work

2011-08-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have been looking for a teaching job since I earned my degree at the end of 2009. As much as I'd love to just be a stay-at-home-mom, I worked really hard for that degree! Extra money is always nice, too, especially now that we are looking at houses.
In late July Jeff called me from work, all excited. A job had opened up in his company for a receptionist, and they wanted to hire me on as a temp! I was hesitant because that meant full-time daycare for Bethie as well as quitting my tutoring job, which I loved. Jeff was adamant that we needed this, though, so I started the next day.

The work was easy and the people were very friendly, and I have to admit that it was nice being around adults all day. I thought I was really going to enjoy the job, despite the rather difficult adjustment to being away from Bethie. Almost immediately, though, I started having physical problems. My legs were swollen from the knee down for over a week straight, and so I was having to come home and put my feet up every night while Jeff managed dinner and Bethie. I finally adjusted to the walking and the swelling went away, but then I was beset with hip pain. That scared me, because I've dealt with bursitis twice now, and it is terribly painful.

I started using my crutches, but that only started my other hip hurting. I get what are called "overuse injuries", so when I stopped bearing weight on the one side, the other side got injured that much faster. I talked to my supervisor who was very understanding, and I was able to stop walking around so much during the day. Still, it was very difficult for me, and we were starting to see that working full-time may not be an option for me anymore.

Finally, after nearly a month of work, I reached my limit. The pain in my hips was not getting any better even with a cortisone shot. I was taking prescription painkillers every night, and I was miserable. Besides that, Bethie was tired and cranky every night, and instead of being the happy, loving little girl we knew, she was whining and crying every night. When I woke up this past Sunday and could hardly walk, we knew it was time to call it quits.

I've been home again this past week with Bethie, and I'm doing much better. I am still in pain, but it's a little less every day. I'm also able to sit and rest a lot more, and Bethie is now old enough to understand that Mommy needs to sit down sometimes. Bethie has reverted to her old self now that she is back in her normal routine, and Jeff is happier all around. He has his happy girls back, and there's always clean laundry and dinner waiting for him!

I will resume tutoring in September, and I am applying for disability. I hate to do that, but I also know that for me, working full time is no longer a reality. I will still pursue teaching jobs in the hopes that I could arrange my classroom in such a way as to be able to sit more, and I am hoping to take on more tutoring hours.

So, after a brief foray into the life of a working mom, I am very glad to be back where I started. Watching Mickey Mouse and playing dress up may not be for everyone, but it works for us!

New Videos

2011-06-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here are two videos of Bethie. She's become quite the little chatterbox, and we love it!

New Look for the Blog

2011-06-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Now that Bethie is well into her third year and is not changing as quickly as before, I have not been posting as much. It seems like it's time to change this blog a third time. It began as a fertility journey then morphed into the raising of a baby, and now I think it is appropriate to let it change again to encompass our entire family.

2010 was difficult and very stressful, marked by money and health worries. This year, however, has been much better. I secured a job as an online tutor in the last week of December, and that really eased up the stress. I spent the last several months tutoring kids in grades 1 - 11 in math and reading, and as I was able to do it at night from home, Bethie did not have to go to daycare. We are on a break for the summer right now, but I anticipate going back to work in the fall when the school year begins. It is nice to be using my teaching degree, even if it is only for an hour or two a day.

Jeff is working at Martin Sprocket and Gear in the Fort Worth office, and he enjoys it. He has been there for several years now, and that has been what has gotten us through this rough patch. Can you believe I have not worked outside the home in nearly two years? For someone that usually had more than one job, this has been a real change. I love being home with Bethie, though, and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

Other than this last bout of bronchitis, we have been much healthier this year, too. I have started seeing a chiropractor and a pain management doctor for my cerebral palsy and related pain, and I do feel much healthier. Once I get my energy back, I hope to start walking with Bethie.

In other news, we are finally ready to put our tiny condo on the market. It will take awhile to sell, I'm sure, but we are looking forward to having more than one bedroom! It will be so nice for Bethie to have her own room, and even nicer to have room to offer our families and friends if they come to visit. Stay tuned for the house hunt!

Wow!

2011-06-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

My breathing treatments leave me wired and jittery for couple of hours after they're done, so it is once again nearly 2 am, and I am here at the computer. I spent a lot of time tonight reading over this blog from the very first post, and I am just amazed at all we've experienced. I had honestly forgotten many things, like the fact that Jeff had to give me hormone injections. It is so humbling to see all in one place the amazing blessings we have been given in our lives. We never thought we'd have babies, and here we are now, the proud parents of the most incredible two-year-old girl.

I am so glad that I have documented this journey because there are so many things I don't want to forget. This is a good place for me to come when I start feeling like life is just handing us one bad turn after another. I got a good laugh over the fact that I really believed that I would get a job and start teaching immediately after completing my degree. It hasn't happened yet, and I graduated nearly two years ago. You know what, though? Even though the money has been tight and there has been a lot of stress, it has been worth every moment. I have gotten to stay home and raise my child, to watch her develop and learn and grow. I wouldn't trade this for the world, and I truly cannot wait to see what wonders God has in store for us next.

Time Flies

2011-06-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's June already! Seems like it was just Easter, and now we're already headed for the Fourth of July.

Bethie is such a joyful girl. She loves to tell everyone her name, which is, of course, Bethie Boo. She used to say "Bey Boo", but already she is saying "Beppie Boo." Her words come in more clearly every day, and there are more and more of them. She had to go to the sitter's all last week as I'm battling a nasty bout of bronchitis, and she doesn't like that I'm sending her away. When I went to put her jammies on her on Thursday, she said, "Go away, Mommy! Daddy do jams." Her first full sentence, and it was telling me off!

She is quite the Daddy's Girl, though. Every morning and after every nap, the first word out of her mouth is "Daddy?" It is nice to see them together, too. Jeff is an incredible daddy, and Bethie and I are very blessed to have him.

We've discovered a computer program called Zoodles that is a conglomerate of games and video bits for little ones. Bethie loves to play on there more than anything these days. After she asks for Daddy, then it's "Zoodles game?" There are games that work on colors, numbers, shapes, letters, sorting, and pretty much anything you can imagine. The first time she told me about a triangle I almost fell out of my chair! She loves to sing, too. Here she is, doing her imitation of Cookie Monster's "C is For Cookie":

She is starting to move away from the Toy Story toys in favor of the Disney Princesses and Mickey Mouse. She likes to brush her dolls' hair and put their shoes on. She hasn't yet discovered that their dresses come off and that their clothes can be changed, but I think that will be next. She is chatty and happy and helpful, and she does really well with her manners. We are just so proud of our girl!

Easter 2011

2011-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

For the first time, we are really celebrating Easter this year. Before this Bethie has been too small and didn't really understand, but this is the year we celebrate!

We saw the Easter Bunny last weekend, and although Bethie went up to him, she was not about to sit on his lap. She was very adamant about that! She would stand by him if Jeff and/or I were there, but that was it.

We've been reading our Bible stories about Jesus this week, and she likes to blow kisses to the picture of Jesus we have in the bedroom. We've also been telling her about how the Easter Bunny will come and hide eggs and bring her a present. I asked her what she'd like, and she said, "Two presents." She now understands presents, and is very excited!

Our friends Theresa and Victoria bought Bethie the cutest Easter dress and accessories, and we got her all dressed up for the Easter Bunny last week. We also got a "Toy Story" egg coloring kit that we'll use this weekend, so stay tuned for more pictures!

Sharing with the Easter Bunny

2011-03-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Bethie has always loved books, whether she is being read to or reading to us. Now that she is recognizing letters, numbers, and objects, books have become even more fun! She got this book as one of her birthday gifts from Grandma and Grandpa, and we have to read it every day:

Terrible Twos

2011-02-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

Boy, have we hit them with a vengeance! Gone is our sweet little angel, and in her place is a little imp with a beautiful face whose favorite word is, "No!"

"Bethie, do you want grilled cheese for lunch?"
"NO!"
"Do you want some ice cream?"
"NO!"
"Do you want to go outside?"
"NO!"

*Sigh*

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was, as always, a blessed event that was made even brighter by Elizabeth. She understood this year that the presents under the tree were not only for her, but that they held fun surprises. She wanted to open them every day, but aside from a few gifts from Mama and Daddy (that we were too excited to keep under wraps), she opened everything on Christmas Eve. That is the tradition in my family, and it worked well, especially since she still gets so easily overwhelmed and exhausted. We let her open a few gifts before dinner and the rest of them after. She received so many nice things. Lots of books and puzzles, which she adores, some pretty new clothes, lots of toys, and enough money to buy whatever else she liked! She chose a TMX Elmo, since she loves everything Elmo. He giggles when you tickle him, then falls to the floor and stands back up again. Bethie was a little afraid of him at first, but that didn't last long. She also chose a few movies, and since she got a Bethie-sized upholstered rocking chair, they went well together. She likes to sit in her chair with a snack and watch a movie, or at least a few minutes of one. Then it's off to play, and then back again for a few more minutes of movie time.

Christmas morning was a great deal of fun. Bethie got another puzzle (you can hear her say, "Yay!" when she opens it in the video), some books, a stuffed animal from one of her favorite shows, a collection of plastic jungle animals, and a small kitchen to play in. She has spent the last few days making the animals roar at each other and cooking food for her dolls. She is such a bright, inquisitive little thing, and it doesn't take long for her to catch on to anything!

The video is from Christmas morning and it's a little long, but we love it. I couldn't say anything for the first few moments because I was trying not to cry, watching my little girl get excited over her first Santa gifts. I hope you all had as bright and merry a Christmas as we had!

Christmas Card

2010-12-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

In a bit of Christmas frivolity, I "elfed" us. I thought this was so cute, I had to share!

Ssssssssssssssssssss . . .

2010-12-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Bethie doing her animal sounds. She speaks in half-words so "hat" comes out "haaaaaa", for example, but if you listen carefully you can make out what she is saying. Her favorite thing to do is make the snake sound!

Such a Smart Girl!

2010-12-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Bethie will be 2 in just a few months, and Jeff and I can't get over how much she is learning. She doesn't string words together yet, but she does say "please" and "thank you" both in words and sign language. She is pretty good at letting us know what she wants, and she can understand nearly everything we tell her. It is nice to be able to tell her to pick up her toys and then watch her comply. She loves to be helpful, and she loves puzzles and books. A new favorite of hers is online games, like this one from the Fisher-Price website. She wants to play it all the time, and it is easy to see that she is going to be needing her own computer before too long!

Halloween!

2010-11-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with Halloween this year! Bethie picked out her own Cinderella costume, and she is old enough now to really have fun with all the decorations and festivities. We were invited to a church festival that had bounce houses and games for the kids, as well as a 75-car “Trunk or Treat”. The kids and their parents went to each of 75 designated cars that were decorated and got candy, so they got to trick-or-treat without worries.

Bethie loved the bounce houses, but she only made it through about 10 cars before she was done. That was fine with us, as she didn’t need a whole bucketful of candy! She ate her first Butterfinger last night, and thought that was quite a treat. It was a terrific weekend and an awesome Halloween!

This was during our lunch at Panera. Bethie is getting very vocal, and it is fun to see!

This was in one of the bounce houses:

Catching Up

2010-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I updated, and I apologize! The summer went by so quickly, although now that I think of it, I can't really remember anything major that we did since the trips to Chicago and Fargo. The video is from the other day, and it showcases Bethie's fake laugh. It is so funny, and I have no idea where she picked it up. My favorite part is where she puts her hand over her mouth. I know I do that, so she must have picked that up from watching me.

One thing we did enjoy this year was the weekend before my birthday. My mom, her fiance Jerry, and my niece Alivia came to visit us to celebrate. Livy and Bethie are 5 months apart, and they get along so well. I keep waiting for them to argue or get angry with one another, and it just doesn't happen. They play and make messes and follow each other around, and we just had the best time! This definitely makes me want to move closer to home. Bethie needs to be with her cousins! She has 7 cousins on my side and 5 on Jeff's side, and she just doesn't get to see them often enough. One of her cousins is only 12 days older than Bethie, too, and she's only seen him once, when they were both babies. Until we move closer, though, we are thankful for airlines, email, and Facebook! Here are a few pictures of Bethie and Livy:

Bethie's Fargo Trip 2010

2010-08-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delay in posting videos of our trip to Fargo, but I just realized that I hadn't posted for awhile. Bethie and I flew to Fargo to see my family the week of July 24 - 31. We had so much fun and got to see almost everyone. My brother Chris and his family couldn't make it and we missed them! Bethie got to play with Cousin Livy, though, who is only 5 months older than she is. The two had met once before, when Bethie was just 4 months old. This time, however, the girls were able to play together. A little shy at first, they quickly became inseparable. It was so nice to see, but it made it that much harder to come back to Texas. It's a little lonely at home after a week full of family and friends!

Newest Accomplishment

2010-08-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our baby is such a big girl!!

Peek-A-Boo

2010-07-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Just because she is so darned cute, here's Bethie's latest game of Peek-a-Boo:

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa

2010-07-20T13:04:00.000-07:00

Bethie and Jeff just got home on Saturday from a week-long trip to see Grandma and Grandpa and all of Jeff's relatives. She had a great time, although it took her a couple of days to warm up to people. She also got to go to the beach and play miniature golf, and then when she got home she got to buy some new toys! Jeff's family gave her a gift certificate, so we shopped on Sunday after she had a chance to rest a bit. I missed them terribly while they were gone, but this Saturday it is my turn! Bethie and I are going to fly to Fargo to see my family, and we can't wait!

Bethie's New Trick

2010-06-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Bethie is getting to be really good at mimicry, and we do a lot of animal noises. Her first words other than "mama" and "dada" were "quack, quack", and today this is what she said:

She is just such a smart little girl, and so much fun to be around. She giggles at everything, and has a very sunny disposition. Jeff and I were talking today, and neither one of us realized how much fun we would have being parents. There are definitely some tough days and some days when we're worn out and tired, but even then, you can't help but look at Bethie and smile. We are so blessed, and so thankful for Bethie and for each other.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Despite our plans to the contrary, Jeff didn't have the best Father's Day. Bethie and I had been sick for the week prior, and then Jeff started getting sick on Saturday. We didn't get to go do all the fun things we had planned, but we did manage to have a little fun between feeling poorly. Here, Jeff is tickling Bethie, and I caught her mid-giggle. :-) Happy Father's Day to Jeff anyway. We are so lucky to have him!

Musically Inclined

2010-06-03T07:59:00.001-07:00

We're going through another bout of cold with fever here, so Bethie has been under the weather for a few days. We spent last weekend in the pool, and I think it may have just been too much for her. So, we've had a few sleepless nights sitting in the rocker or on the couch, but I think we're on the mend today. Bethie has been serenading me!

Playing Ball With Daddy

2010-05-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Bethie is already taking after her Daddy in sports. I was amazed to se that she could catch a ball already! Of course, it was only from a foot away, but I still have trouble doing that. :-) She learns something new every day, and it is truly amazing to watch her. Along with that comes learning what not to do, and she has that down, too. She will go to something she is not supposed to have - the dog food or a picture frame, for example - and look at me as she picks it up. We're working on "no", but I suspect we have a long road ahead of us!

Mountain Dew

2010-05-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Bethie is now at the stage where she won't eat unless she can eat what we have. The only exceptions seem to be strawberries and the Gerber dried fruit toddler snacks. Unfortunately, Jeff and I don't always eat the best things, so we've had to change some bad habits! We are both still caffeine addicts, but we don't give any of that to Bethie. Or, so I thought. Last night, Jeff decided to give our Little Bird "just a sip" of Mountain Dew when I wasn't in the room. She was up two hours past bedtime last night, and then she was up at 4:30 this morning. Never again!!

Back to Good

2010-04-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

We're finally feeling better around here! Before when I have tried to get videos of Bethie babbling, she would see the camera and then stop talking, but it must have been my lucky day!

Sickness, Part Two

2010-04-14T04:47:00.001-07:00

Although the whiny part of me wants to say that no one is getting any better, the truth is that we are. It has just been a very long and very slow road. Bethie still wakes up twice a night from the coughing, although the duration and violence of the spells have been greatly reduced. Her fever has finally gone away entirely (we hope), and she doesn't cough much during the day. She has discovered an affinity for Popsicles which help soothe her throat, and every now and then I hear a fake cough, followed by a pointed glance at the freezer. Little imp!

I had another setback over the weekend. Although I was finally, finally able to keep small amounts of food down, I started having terrible coughing spells that nearly always ended in vomiting. So, even though the gastroenteritis had nearly gone, I was still vomiting. All the coughing triggered my asthma, and by midnight on Monday morning, I was in the ER. I had to have two breathing treatments (even though I had already had two at home) and a shot before I could breathe easily again. After several tests and a chest x-ray it was determined that my upper respiratory infection had turned to bronchitis and the doctor was very concerned that I might have pertussis (whooping cough) as well. He looked in my throat and found the beginnings of strep, too. I didn't even think that was possible, to have so many things wrong at once! He gave me a Zpack which he said would knock out all three things, some prednisone (steroids) for the wheezing, and told me to take my home breathing treatments every 4 hours til I can breathe normally again.

We're on day three of that regimen, and although there are some definite improvements - I haven't thrown up in 24 hours and I slept on one pillow last night instead of being propped up - it is a slow process. I can't keep Bethie home with me because I get so shaky and dizzy after the treatments that I don't feel like she is safe, and then after that passes, I fall asleep pretty hard. So, poor Jeff has dealt with all this for weeks and is acclimating to a new office, and he has to go 20 minutes out of his way each way to take Bethie to the sitter so that I can rest and heal. I think that after this weekend, though, I will see major improvements. All this from 3 days in a daycare!!

Poor Baby . . .

2010-04-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

It has been a very rough couple of weeks here, and it's a bit of a long story, so bear with me. We were very excited to find that I got a job at a daycare center, and that I would be able to take Bethie with me. She would be right down the hall, and since the center has one-way glass in all the rooms, I'd be able to check on her throughout the day without disturbing her. The teachers in the 12 - 18 month room were incredible, and I was going to teach pre-K. It seemed to good to be true, and it was. I knew going in that Bethie would get sick being around other kids, but I really was not prepared for how quickly, or how sick she got.

We started on Monday, March 22, and on Wednesday the 24, we were sent home because she had a fever. It shot up to 102.6 that night, and over the next 4 days, wouldn't stay below 101. We went to the doctor on Friday the 26 and got some amoxil for her, but then she started vomiting and having diarrhea. She had an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection, and they were just wreaking havoc on her system. She is better now, but even today, she still has a terrible cough. The doctor says it just has to work itself out at this point, and Bethie is up and running around again, but she wakes up at least twice every night with a terrible coughing fit that can last up to 5 minutes or more. We are all exhausted. We're giving her Benadryl for the congestion and Delsym for the cough, and we tried a humidifier last night. Nothing seems to work. It is heartbreaking!

In the meantime, that Friday that we went to the doctor, I started to get sick, and couldn't keep anything down for 4 days. I went to Urgent Care that Sunday night to find that I had an upper respiratory infection and gastroenteritis. In our not-quite-three days at the daycare, Bethie and I both got two different infections. I am just now starting to be able to eat, and I am very weak from all we've been through. The fact that no one can sleep through the night is not helping, either.

With everything that happened, and the fact that I absolutely could not return to work, it really seemed like God was trying to tell us something. After a long talk, some long prayers, and a list of pros and cons, Jeff and I decided that going back to the daycare would only result in more illnesses for Bethie and I, and that it was not worth the risk. I resigned last Friday - after having missed several more days than I worked - and even though I feel guilty for letting them down, it just wasn't working for us.

Today, Bethie went to her former sitter so that I can rest and sleep, and starting tomorrow, I will be a stay-home Mom until a teaching job comes along. The money will be tight, but we will be healthy, and I will have lots of time with my Bethie.

Easter was very low-key since no one had any energy, but Bethie did play with her new toys, and I managed to keep down dinner. All in all, a success!

The Party!

2010-03-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Bethie did not have the best time at her party, unfortunately. She wouldn't nap during the morning, and so by the time 2:00 rolled around, she was worn out and cranky. The people, the gifts, and the excitement were too much for her, and even the cake quickly lost its charm. I am trying not to be too disappointed, but it wasn't the party for which I had hoped. Still, my baby is a year old, and we did have a party! Happy birthday, Sweetheart! Mama and Daddy love you so, so much!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Aurora Rose!

2010-03-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

Today is my baby's birthday, and she is officially a toddler. I am armed with waterproof makeup and plenty of tissues, but we're going to have a great day. Her party is in a couple of hours, and we are lucky enough to be having my sister and brother-in-law coming in for the week. I will post pictures and videos as soon as I can, and in the meantime, I will try not to dwell on the fact that my baby has grown up so quickly. She is such a fun, cheerful little girl, and each day is a brilliant new adventure for which I am grateful. Happy birthday, my sweet angel!

Missing My Birdie!

2010-03-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been sick all week with a raging sinus infection that affected my asthma, so Bethie has had to go to daycare while I recuperate. I haven't had the breath or the energy to keep up with her, and I have missed her so much! What did I do with myself before we had her? I know I read a lot and played computer games, and it is amazing how those things do not hold my attention anymore.

I am hoping to be back to normal by Monday, if I can get the asthma under control. Until then, Daddy does all the leg work, and Mama gets all the cuddling! We did have a bath last night - something Bethie and I both love - so here are a couple of pictures of my little mermaid.

Naked Baby Dance!

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is Bethie's favorite getting-dressed-and-undressed game! Normally she dances a lot more, but this time she was sidetracked by the camera. Now, whenever I say "Uh-oh . . ." she starts smiling and clapping. Such a sweetheart!

A Moment to Reflect

2010-02-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Bethie will be a year old one month and one day from today. This has been the most challenging, rewarding, and wonderful year of our lives, and one for which I am utterly grateful. Bethie is a cheerful, social little girl who smiles and talks to everyone who will look at her. She is easy to take care of, easy to handle, and easy to love. Jeff and I have been so blessed, but sometimes I get so caught up in schedules and routines and wondering whether she's eating enough or sleeping enough or if she's on target with other kids her age, and I forget to be grateful. I forget to stop and really look at this precious little angel, and I forget how difficult it was to get her, and how I was sure Jeff and I would be childless forever.

Our condo is small and she sleeps in the dining room, but because she is so curious about everything around her, she can no longer sleep in her crib if Jeff and I are awake, no matter how quiet we are. So, she and I lay in our bed til she falls asleep, then I surround her with pillows, make sure I can see her on the monitor, and go on about my day. We do this the same way every day, at every nap time. After all, I can tell you first hand what happens to my happy, cheerful little imp when she gets overly tired, and it isn't a whole lot of fun. We were taking our nap today, and as usual, I was laying next to Bethie pretending to sleep so that she would follow suit. Instead of sleeping, she wanted to poke my eyes. I moved her hands away a few times, and then I happened to look at her. She was smiling as she poked me, and it hit me all at once just how blessed we are, and what a miracle she is. Instead of napping, I pretended to eat her fingers and kissed her neck til she giggled so hard she couldn't breathe. I traced her cheeks and her nose, and looked into those big, blue eyes. I kissed every inch of her face til she giggled some more, and then we got up to play. I thank God so much for that small reminder of how blessed I am, and even when we are awake at some late hour with a cranky, tired, almost-one-year-old, I will thank God for every second I have with her.

Bethie, Playing

2010-02-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Bethie is so funny when she plays by herself, which she so often does! I am glad she's such an independent little thing, but I didn't expect to be expendable so soon. The videos on this site have been working intermittently, so if you can't see this one, try again later. Hopefully, they will all work again before too long.

Playing

2010-01-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bethie got a ball popper for Christmas, and it is one of her favorite toys:

Water, Water, We Like Water

2010-01-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

Bethie never liked her sippy cup and she couldn't get the hang of a regular straw. We bought her a sippy cup with an attached rubber straw, though, and suddenly it all came together for her. It's probably a little hard to tell, but she is an old pro at drinking through a straw now!

Crawling!!

2010-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

As usual, Bethie has kept her talents to herself until she is good and ready to show them off. She wasn't crawling for the longest time, and just when I started to worry, she crawled a tiny step or two. The next day, this is what she did. She never does learn so that we can watch her - it's all or nothing with this girl! She did the same thing with sitting and standing, so that it seems like she becomes a pro over night. Who knows - maybe she does!

Such a Big Girl!

2010-01-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Bethie has decided that she is done with baby food. She likes applesauce and the Gerber yogurt blends, but other than that, no thank you! We've started giving her whatever we're eating, and some finger foods like Cheerios. It is so much fun to watch her eat like a big girl!

Uh-Oh . . .

2009-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

We put her to bed, waited for her to fall asleep, and suddenly a little head appeared over the railing. She learned how to stand up by herself, and we are all in trouble!!

We had a terrific Christmas. She didn't care much for opening presents, but she enjoyed the toys and all the festivities. It was a wonderful holiday, and we are all so blessed!!

Videos - Finally!

2009-12-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

We got the videos to work, so here is the video of Bethie's first visit to Santa! It's not the most exciting, but he did try to tickle her to get her to laugh. She never did, but she didn't cry, either. She is so even-tempered!

I love this one! Bethie has these Baby Einstein blocks, one of which has vibrations when you pull the string. Well, she can't grab the string yet to pull it, but she is so resourceful . . .

Bethie - Naughty or Nice?

2009-12-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

I've been trying all week to upload the cute videos I have of Bethie eating her cookies, opening presents, and otherwise being brilliant (she figured out how to make one of her toys work by pulling the string with her teeth since she couldn't grip it with her fingers), but for whatever reason, I cannot make them work. We also have a cute video of her seeing Santa Claus today but it won't upload either, so we'll have to make due with still images.

We waited in line for an hour and a half today to see the Jolly Old Elf, but Bethie was her usual calm, patient self. Mrs. Claus said that she couldn't believe how well Bethie behaved, but of course, we weren't surprised! She wasn't at all afraid of Santa, and even though we did not get a smile out of her, she was cute as always. It is going to be the best Christmas, ever!

Big Girl!

2009-12-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

Bethie is officially a big girl! She has 4 teeth on the top and 2 on the bottom, and while she cannot crawl just yet, she can scoot and turn herself around and over in every direction. It is pretty funny to lay her down for a nap these days, because she is never in the same position when I check on her!

She still had a little bit of cradle cap on her scalp last weekend, so Jeff and I decided to use baby oil to get it off. We had been letting it come off naturally in the tub, but it was taking SO long. We put the baby oil on her scalp, let it set for 10 minutes, and it all came off. However, even after two shampoos, Bethie still looked like a little grease monkey. It's hard to tell in still photographs, but her hair stuck straight out, and I was able to sculpt her ponytails! Her hair is fine now, but I get a kick out of these pictures!

We're Mobile!

2009-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Bethie is no longer a little baby. She is moving way too fast towards little girl in my opinion, but we are enjoying each new stage and accomplishment. She now has her four front top teeth and the two middle on the bottom, and here is a video of her newest trick: scooting! It is not quite crawling, but that won't be far off. Every time she is on her belly she rocks onto her knees, so expect to see some crawling soon. She is such a joy and a blessing!

Bethie's First Halloween

2009-11-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Our little princess was a fairy princess for Halloween, and very cute. We took her to a pumpkin patch to get some pictures, and although she is not old enough to really play with anything there, we had a good time. It was a gorgeous day - a definite upside to Texas is the weather this time of year - and it was fun to have a family outing.

Later on, we took her to a few neighbors' homes around here. I think the excitement, and the cotton candy, was a little too much for her, though. She woke up no less than 5 times last night, and kept both Jeff and I up for far too long. She also does did understand that we were supposed to get an EXTRA hour of sleep today!

In other news, I decided to do a good deed, and I donated my hair to Locks of Love. They cut off more than 10 inches, and it is VERY short. I like it, but I do miss the long hair. I really felt called to do this, though, so hopefully a child will get some use out of my mane!

Play Time at the Funny Farm

2009-10-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

While there are no new milestones (wait, did I tell you about the three teeth and that Bethie can sit up by herself now?!), we get to see this happy, joyful baby every day. She is so much fun, and such a good-tempered, smiley little girl. I just thank God every day for her!

Race for the Cure

2009-10-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

We were so proud of Jeff today! He ran in the Race for the Cure in Dallas today with our friend Theresa. He said there were over 30,000 people running and walking. I didn't get a picture of him walking as I was home with Bethie, but here is a shot of the crowd. Here's a cute one of Bethie, just because!

Bethie's Tooth

2009-10-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Bethie's first tooth! She has two on the top that are still too small to photograph, but they are not the middle two. They are the outer two, so she looks like a vampire. :-) She is also getting a second one on the bottom next to the first one. My little girl is growing up so fast!

Dadadada . . .

2009-09-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

Bethie's newest trick!

Crazy Little Pirate

2009-09-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

I know you've seen Bethie in her jumper, but it is her absolute favorite place to be these days. As you can see, she can jump even higher now, and is even more animated than she was before. She will happily play in there for an hour or more, which means that Jeff and I get to have dinner at the same time, and actually finish our meal! She is so funny to watch, though, that we forget to eat half the time.

I don't know if you can tell from the video, but she is wearing her Halloween outfit. There is a pirate skull on her shirt, and little skulls on her pants. I never would have thought I'd dress my daughter in skulls, but she is awfully cute!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Every year for my birthday, I have wished for a baby, and this year my wish has come true. I had the best birthday, and Jeff bought a cake with Bethie's picture on it. It said, "Happy Birthday, Mommy", and it made me cry. God is good!

Bethie also got a little dab of frosting, hence the wide-eyed picture. :-)

2009-09-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

Although you can't tell from this video I just shot, Bethie has her first cold. She is congested and feverish, but a cool washcloth and some baby Tylenol have done wonders for her disposition. She's been in daycare for three weeks now, so I'm pretty sure that I brought the cold home to her myself. Being in the classroom all day exposes me to all kinds of germs, so it's no surprise, but it is still hard to see your baby be unhappy. She's fine, though, and thoroughly enjoying her Jumperoo!

She has gotten so tall that she is now in 12 - 18 month clothes, and she won't even be six months old til Monday! It is sad for me to say goodbye to the onesies and the footy pajamas, but it is absolutely amazing to watch Bethie grow. She tries to sit up all the time now, so that's right around the corner, and her new sound is "mmm", so maybe we'll hear a "mama" before too long. :-)

Bath Time

2009-09-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Bethie loves taking her baths, so here's a video for your viewing pleasure! She lays in the water and splashes all over, and it is very cute. If I'd have gotten in the bathroom early enough you'd have seen her giggling, but I missed that. Enjoy!

Daycare

2009-09-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Little Bird started her transition into daycare last week, as I start student teaching next week. The picture here is of Bethie getting ready to leave for her first day. She went to daycare last Wednesday and Friday, and then again this Monday and Wednesday. She was supposed to go this coming Friday as well, but I miss her too much, so she's staying home with me for that last day.

Jeff works with a man whose wife is taking care of Bethie along with their four-year-old son. She is wonderful and we have no concerns about her, but it has been difficult for me to be without my Little Bird. Last week, I had clothes shopping and interviews for student teaching to do, but this week it has just been me and the computer. I did take two nice, long naps on Monday and I'm going to try to do the same today.

The only issue Bethie is having is that she refuses the bottle at daycare, even though she will eat her cereal. So, she comes home hungry, but not hungry enough to be fussy. It's a good thing we had started her on solids! She is now eating cereal with fruit for breakfast and veggies for dinner. I mixed her green beans into the squash, and now she eats them with no problem. I also mixed her bananas into the cereal, so she's eating a lot more foods now than she realizes. We're going to try pears and sweet potatoes this week, too!

12 Month PJs and Arnold Schwarzenegger

2009-08-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

She obviously didn't get them from me, but Bethie has L O N G legs. She's in 12 month clothes already!! I had a load of her clothes in the wash when it was her bedtime, and I didn't have a single pair of pajamas that fit. I swear, they fit her last week, but not now! So, I dug through our "12 - 18 Month" drawer, and there was a pair of pajamas just waiting for me. I can't remember who sent them, but I know they came in a box with lots of other clothes. The thing is, we were lucky enough to get LOTS of boxes of clothes, so I can't even thank you properly. However, if you are the ones who sent us the great PJs - they're long john material - thank you, very much!! We went and bought her some 12 month clothes today, and Bethie is only 5-1/2 months old. Again, she didn't get that from me!

The video is of Bethie playing with Arnie, our Chihuahua. They love each other, and so far Bethie has not played too roughly with him. I do have to watch them though, because if he is crabby, he will growl at her when she grabs at him. It is amazing how much that silly dog loves Bethie, though. He has taken to laying on the back of the couch (something he never did before she came) so that he can see into her crib when she's sleeping. If he can't see her, he gets upset! He is definitely a part of the family. :-)

Where's Elizabeth?

2009-08-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth has a new trick, so since I'm sure you're all tired of seeing her make "yuck!" faces at food (my brother swears I make the same faces when I taste something I don't like), here's a video of what she has learned how to do!

And Now . . . Green Beans!

2009-08-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I either have a very picky eater, or Bethie is just going to make this face at every food. Since she likes squash, though, I think we just have a picky eater. I am picky as well, and I was hoping she wouldn't be. As you can see by her reaction, green beans are down there with bananas on her list of likes! As she eats more and more foods, we're going to try and reintroduce the ones she doesn't like to see if she is more accepting of them later on. For right now, she only likes the squash. She has been having a lot of gas lately, too, so we're taking a break from solids for a couple of days to see if that has anything to do with it. If she missed her squash today, she didn't say so!

No More Bananas!!

2009-08-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

We tried the bananas today, certain that Bethie would really enjoy them. Nope - not so much! As you can see, it looks like she ate a pickle! Jeff tasted them so we know they weren't bad and there's a year til the expiration date, so it is safe to say that our little Elizabeth is not a fan. We gave her some squash after that in case she was still hungry, because so far that's the only food she has liked. Even carrots weren't as bad as the bananas! We're going to try green beans next, and maybe some applesauce after that.

Today's Special - Squash!

2009-08-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

After three days, we can say with some assurance that Bethie does NOT like carrots. By the time the third day rolled around, she was turning her head away from the spoon. By then, we figured it wasn't her disliking the texture, but the actual food. This morning we had some squash, which as you can see, got a much better reaction. We're going to stick with squash for at least 3 days to watch for any adverse reactions, and then it's on to bananas!

Mmmm . . . Carrots!

2009-08-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Bethie started solid foods tonight, after I took a few days to enjoy the last of her babyhood. I know she's still a baby, but she's getting so big so fast! I love her new abilities though, and she is just so much fun at every stage. I truly never expected to laugh so much with her, or to be able to interact the way we do. She has her own expressions and reactions, and she really is coming into her own little personality. It's amazing to watch, and I am so grateful that I have had all this time at home with her. I start student teaching soon, and it is going to be SO difficult to leave her. However, I am just going to enjoy every day and every minute that we have. Hopefully you will be able to watch the video of Bethie taking her first-ever bites of food. It was carrots, in case you can't tell by the orange splotches all over her bib. :-)

4 Month Check Up

2009-07-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

We had Elizabeth's 4 month check up today. She did wonderfully with her shots, and the nurses complimented her on being so happy and content. We really can't have any more babies, because she has ruined us with how easy she is! She now weighs 16 pounds 3 ounces, and is 25 inches long. She is just perfect, according to the doctor, and I happen to agree. We can also start introducing baby food whenever we are ready, although she does not need it yet since her weight is just fine. Part of me really wants to start feeding her a little bit of baby food, but I hesitate to rush into new changes if they're not necessary. She's happy with breast milk and formula, and I might not quite be ready for the next step yet. :-)

We took her into the pool the other night for the first time, and she seemed to enjoy it. She was only in the water for about 2-1/2 minutes since a storm started rolling in, but it was fun. Our Little Bird is just getting so grown up!

A Trip to Fargo and Pierced Ears

2009-07-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

We had our first family vacation to Fargo last week, and we had a great time. It was a crazy busy week, but we got to see a lot of my family members and friends. We also got Bethie's ears pierced, which is a tradition in my family. My mother has taken every girl in the family to get her ears pierced, and all but one were babies at the time. Bethie did a great job, and the earrings don't bother her at all. Jeff was apprehensive about the whole thing, but it worked out beautifully. The earrings are aquamarine, which is her birthstone, but they look lighter in the picture. One of my nephews, Dylan, is holding her. He's about 6'6"!

Several relatives from Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota came to Fargo to see us, as well as my cousin Joanna from Alaska. We also got to take part in my nephew Jaiden's baptism, as he is our Godson. The other picture is of Bethie, Livy, and Jaiden, who are all cousins. Livy is my sister's daughter and she is 5 months older than Bethie, and Jaiden is my brother's son, who is 12 days older than Bethie. It was great to have them all together!

My Little Bird is Getting So Big!

2009-07-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Little Bird grows and changes every day, sometimes startlingly so. This week alone, she has laughed for the first time, nearly rolled over, and learned to hold herself up on her arms. The other day, I was worried that she hadn't had enough tummy time because she could not (or would not) push herself up on her arms. The very next night, when I flipped her onto her tummy for her bedtime massage, she pushed herself up. I took a bunch of pictures thinking it was a fluke, but nope. She now loves to be on her tummy.

We also bought her a Rainforest Jumperoo so she can start exercising her legs, and she loves that, too. She can only take it for a few minutes at a time, but she likes to show off for us. When she figured out that Jeff and I would clap whenever she jumped, she would jump and then wait for us to clap before she'd jump again. Smart little cookie!

WUBBANUB!!

2009-06-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe this, but it's true. My breastfeeding struggles are over. I've been saved by a monkey. I belong to a website called Babycenter, and I am one of many other March mamas, so I frequently check in on the message boards to ask or answer questions. I was just browsing last week and came across a post for Wubbanubs. Having no idea what they were I had to google them, and then I just had to have one. What it is, is a pacifier with a little beanie animal attached so that it stays in the baby's mouth easier. I didn't think it would work miracles, I just thought it was cute and that Bethie might like it so I ordered the monkey Wubb from Amazon.

The thing put her to sleep in 3 seconds the first night we had it. Since she didn't drop the pacifier, she didn't wake up wanting it back. Already, the monkey was worth the $12 I paid for it. We went to see Jeff at work yesterday and have lunch with him, and I grabbed the Wubb as a just-in-caser. I fed Bethie right before we left. Before we left Jeff's office to go to lunch (after he had showed her off to everyone, of course), I tried to give her a bottle of breast milk, but she wasn't hungry. I knew she'd start screaming in the restaurant, but I couldn't help that. We got to the restaurant and gave her the Wubb, and she sucked on that thing for the entire HOUR we were eating lunch. I started to think that maybe all her screaming after being fed was because she wanted to suck, and not because she was hungry. To wrap this novel up, that's exactly what the problem was. I've been breastfeeding her with no problem and then giving her the Wubb, and hasn't had to have a drop of formula or even a bottle of breast milk.

So, I never had a supply problem, and Bethie was never starving. She just needed a pacifier that would stay in her mouth. I have been saved, after weeks and weeks of stress, worry, and guilt, by about $.50 worth of beanie monkey. Hallelujah!

Breast Feeding

2009-06-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have been breastfeeding and bottle feeding Bethie since she was a week old, and I am determined to get her back on breast milk only. It started when she was losing weight and so we had to supplement with formula and pumped breast milk so that we could make sure she was eating enough. Now, she knows that the bottle is quicker than the breast, so when she gets hungry enough, she refuses to nurse and needs a bottle. Several people have told me to just make her take the breast, but I've tried that and I just can't bear for her to be hungry and crying.

I rented a hospital-grade pump from the hospital for a month, and I've been drinking Mother's Milk herbal tea. So far, I've been pumping a lot more than I was, so I'm hoping that this will help us get rid of the formula entirely. Bethie can still have a bottle, but I want to be able to give her breast milk.

Please know that I have absolutely nothing against formula, it's just that I am too stubborn and have to try everything I can before I give in. Right now, Bethie is getting about 50% - 80% breast milk and the rest is formula, so I am grateful that she's even getting that much. I just feel like I have to try and do better for my Little Bird! The first picture is from when she was three days old, and the other is from this week, so you can see my baby is growing up way too fast as it is! :-)

Time is Flying!

2009-06-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Time is just going by way too fast. Elizabeth will officially be 3 months old on Sunday. My baby isn't a baby anymore! She coos and grins at us and is trying to figure out how to laugh. She almost has it but she can't make the separate sounds, so we hear "Ahhhhhhhhh!" when she thinks something is funny. She likes to stick out her tongue now, too, which makes us laugh. She truly is a little burst of sunshine.

Awwww . . .

2009-06-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is why Elizabeth was named after a Disney princess. She looks about to break into song while the woodland animals flutter happily around her. She just breaks my heart!

Hands

2009-05-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

I took this picture of Jeff's hand with Bethie's, and I just had to share it.

Fussy Days and Wet Cribs

2009-05-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Bethie survived her shots, although we did have a pretty long, fussy week. I think more may have been going on than just the shots, as she was very clingy all week and I could hardly put her down. I read about something called "Wonder Weeks" in which babies at this age start making rapid strides in development, but it is confusing for them and so they become fussy and clingy. That pretty much summed up our week, but it could have also been a growth spurt or a little cold, or a thousand other things. In any case, she is much happier this week, and able to amuse herself for short periods of time so that I can get things done around here.

She woke up in the middle of the night the other night, something she hardly ever does anymore, and I fond her soaked through. The sheets were wet as well as the mattress pad, and I couldn't figure out what had happened. I went to change her, and discovered that she was not wearing a diaper!! Jeff had gotten her ready for bed that night and was playing with her on the changing table. He zipped her into her sleeper without realizing that he hadn't replaced the diaper, and so guess who was doing laundry at 3:30 am. :-) It was pretty funny, and this is the second time it has happened. The first time wasn't over night though, and she peed all over me before we realized she was missing a diaper. Hopefully we don't have "strike three", because I don't know how funny it will be next time!

Shots

2009-05-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Poor Bethie had to have her first round of baby shots today. It wouldn't have been so bad for her except that we ended up waiting so long for the doctor and then the shot tech. The nurse had me undress Bethie, we waited a good 20 - 30 minutes for the doctor, and then we had to wait another 15 minutes or so for the tech. Since we had waited in the waiting room for a good while before all of this, by the time the tech was ready for her, Bethie was cold, wet, and hungry. Add to that the utter injustice of having to have three shots and an oral vaccine, and she was not a happy little girl. We had to wait after the shots to see if she would have any reactions, so I got her changed, dressed, and wrapped in a warm blanket before I nursed her. By the time we got the okay to leave, Bethie was sound asleep. I have been giving her baby Tylenol every 4 hours so she has been sleeping for much of the day, but she cries if you touch her thighs so I know they hurt. We're going to try warm compresses when she wakes up to see if that helps, hopefully she will feel much better tomorrow.

My First Mother's Day

2009-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am sure it will come as no surprise to hear that I have been fighting tears all day. First, I am celebrating a holiday that I never thought would be mine to celebrate, and second, Jeff and Bethie have been wonderful and making me feel very special.

Yesterday, Jeff came home with roses and chocolate, and then this morning I got some very thoughtful gifts. Not only did Bethie sign my card with her hand print (Jeff had quite a time with that one, I'm sure. The girl likes to flail her arms!), but I received a beautiful necklace that says "Mom". I also got a picture frame that says "Mommy and Me", into which I put my favorite picture of Bethie and I. After all of that, Jeff made me a huge breakfast which was delicious, and I got to take TWO naps today. It was a terrific day, and I am so grateful that I have a daughter and a husband with whom I can share these holidays.

Swine Flu

2009-04-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I am far from the only person worried about this swine flu, but all I can think about it how Elizabeth's immune system is not strong yet, and what could happen to her if she contracted it. I am not taking her out of the house at all if I can help it, so thankfully I don't have to work. We won't even be going to church on Sunday, because I cannot take chances with my baby. We have one confirmed case of the flu in our county - Tarrant - and the Fort Worth ISD has closed down 140 schools til at least May 8. We are only 15 minutes from Fort Worth, so that sealed my decision to keep Bethie at home. Hopefully you are all still safe, and are taking all necessary safety precautions, as we don't want to lose any of you!

Bethie's Baptism

2009-04-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

My mom flew in on Friday to meet Bethie, and we had a wonderful weekend. It was way too short and passed by far too quickly, but it was a wonderful weekend all the same.

Bethie was baptized on Sunday, and our little darling slept through the entire ceremony. She didn't do more than flinch when the pastor poured the water on her head. We had a potluck at church after the baptism, through which Bethie also slept, but we have some great pictures!

All Smiles!

2009-04-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

Bethie smiles frequently, but I can never capture it in a picture. Last night, though, I got a terrific picture, and it was her best smile yet. I just had to post it!

Nana and Baptism

2009-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

There has not been a whole lot to report since Easter, but we're about to have an exciting weekend. My mom - Bethie's Nana - is coming for the weekend, and we're having Little Bird baptised on Sunday! It is going to be so much fun, and we're very excited for the baptism.

Bethie has been having some sleep issues lately, but thankfully only during the day. For some reason, she is not taking her usual naps and is irritable and cranky all day. She'll catnap off and on during the day, but usually only for 10 minutes at a stretch and then she wants to be held when she wakes up. Needless to say, I feel like I've done nothing but sit on the couch all week! Last night it took us forever to get her to sleep. We started at 9:30 and it was after 11:30 before she was out. She did sleep til 5 this morning though, so at least I got a decent amount of sleep. Uh-oh . . . I hear her waking up now!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Bethie's first Easter was a lot of fun. Bad Mama forgot all about taking her to see the Easter Bunny til it was too late, but we did get to go to church, which is the important part anyway. Next year we can do the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs.

I took her picture right as she woke up this morning, and then more as we were getting dressed for church. I tried to tame her hair a little but true to form, it stayed as wild as ever and just had a bow in it. We went to King of Glory Lutheran church with Theresa, and Bethie stayed awake through the whole service. Of course, she burped very loudly during the quiet prayer, but that's my girl! We went to a 50's cafe after church and she slept through that, and then we all had a nice, quiet afternoon nap at home.

Theresa's mother sent over Easter dinner for us (we've been adopted by the family, and it is wonderful!), and now we're just enjoying the last part of our Sunday. It has been a beautiful day.

On a side note, for those of you who have been taking an interest in my weight loss during pregnancy, I've lost 30 pounds since I got pregnant. It's crazy, I know, and I now have nothing to wear. I'm not complaining, though!

Full Bellies

2009-04-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Bethie eats like a little piggy now, which I love to see! She is getting so big so fast - long, long legs just like her daddy. We've pretty much got her schedule figured out although it went out the window quite a lot last week with Grandma and Grandpa in town. She doesn't seem any worse for the wear though, and Jeff and I have both been able to sleep more regularly. We have discovered that Bethie needs more than the 2 ounces at a feeding that she was getting. She is up to 3 - 4 ounces, and when she gets that she is a very content little girl. I have no complaints at all!

Weight Gain, Tub Baths and Grandparents

2009-03-31T06:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor yesterday for a checkup, and Bethie has gained a good amount of weight. She is now 7 pounds 5 ounces and the doctor was hoping for 7 pounds 3.5 ounces, so she's doing wonderfully. She has a touch of thrush on her gums so we have some medicine for that, and other than that she is a very healthy little girl. The doctor was surprised at how alert she is for her age, which just proves that Bethie is a genius!

Bethie's umbilical cord finally fell off too, so she got to have her first tub bath last night. She wasn't really sure what to think of it, but she didn't cry, although she made some pretty funny faces that we enjoyed! Jeff's parents are also in town for the week so we've had fun visiting with them. It is hard on Bethie to be off her schedule, and harder on Jeff and I when she was up all night screaming since she slept all day, but we survived. She slept well last night which was a relief, since both Jeff and I were able to sleep for more than a few minutes at at time. She doesn't sleep well in her crib at night so she sleeps there during the day and with us at night. I don't know if that will continue once we get her one a good schedule, but for now that's the only way we can sleep.

Growth Spurts, Family Outings, and Floods

2009-03-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

Bethie went through a growth spurt earlier this week. We could tell because suddenly she wanted to nurse constantly, and when we looked it up, she is at the right age for her first growth spurt. Of course, she still looks tiny to me, but the little princess is nearly two weeks old already! That sounds simultaneously so grown up and so little, but these last two weeks have been wonderful. Exhausting, as I'm writing this at 2:30 am, but wonderful, miraculous, and so worth it.

We had our first outing today that wasn't a doctor's visit. We went to Popeye's for dinner and then to get groceries. It doesn't sound like much, but it was great to get out of the house. Bethie slept through both errands, but she was still out in the fresh air.

Please, if you are a believer in prayer, say a few for our family and friends who are facing terrible flooding in Fargo. The weather is literally the worst the area has ever seen, and I do mean ever. Evacuation orders have gone out and sandbagging efforts are under way, but at this point, nothing else can be done but to wait and see what happens. It is truly scary, and prayers are appreciated.

Sigh

2009-03-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

I adore this child. I cannot get enough of her. I hold her when she's awake, I rock her when she's asleep, and somehow, despite my determination to raise an Independent Child who sleeps alone, she ends up next to me in bed by 4 or so in the morning.

We're doing wonderfully with the every-two-hour feedings, and Bethie wakes up on her own 9 times out of ten now, right at the 2-hour mark. She eats and gets sleepy, and then Mama can just hold her and love her. :-) I am so grateful for this baby!

A Whole New Set of Worries

2009-03-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

We brought Bethie in for her newborn screen yesterday morning and she had lost 15 ounces, which was 13% of her body weight and way too much. She wasn't eating enough, but because she is so laid back and calm, she didn't cry. She slept too much because she didn't have the energy to wake up until she was so hungry her little body made her! I got a good pump from the hospital though, and was surprised to find out that I actually make quite a lot of milk. I started pumping and feeding every 2 hours, and the difference in Bethie was dramatic. She wakes up now every 2 - 3 hours to eat, and while she is hungry she's not angry and screaming. Also, after feedings she is alert and awake the way she is supposed to be. She is also pooping again, since she wasn't the day before, and is such a happy little girl. Thank God for doctors!! She had a follow-up visit today, and the doctor said that her vitals are great, she looks good and healthy, and if we stay on her 2-hour schedule, she will be back to her birth weight in two weeks. The pumping has helped immeasurably, too. My milk has now fully come in, and neither Bethie nor I could be happier!

She is truly the most precious blessing and gift that God could have given us, and Jeff and I are in love. She is calm and happy and already starting to make faces and smile at us. She has such a cute little personality! She opens her mouth wide when she is hungry and looks for all the world like a baby bird, so now she is mama's Little Bird. I know there are a thousand more things I could say, but Little Bird needs to eat!

The Most Beautiful Child in the Universe

2009-03-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Details to follow!

This is it. . .

2009-03-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that we're here already. I am of two minds on this - one part of me says that this has been SO long in coming that it's about time, but the other part of me wonders how we got here so fast. I had my pre-op hospital visit today, I have my little wrist band on, and Saturday morning at 8:00 it all starts. I have to get there at 8, the c-section is at 9:30, and apparently there will be a baby by 9:37 or so!

I started this blog last summer, and part of me never thought I'd be able to really do it. I either wouldn't keep it up or we wouldn't get pregnant, thereby having nothing to report. However, the blog is still here, and we are mere hours away from having our baby. Thank you so much to all of you who have followed along with us, laughed, prayed, and cried with us, and are now standing by to celebrate with us. Don't worry, we're not going anywhere!! It's just that the next time you come to check us out, there will be baby pictures and stats and probably complaints of incision pain. :-) I can't believe we're here, but we are, and I am so glad that you are all with us. Stay tuned to see the little miracle who is the product of all of those prayers, hopes, thoughts, and dreams, and thank you again, a thousand times over, for adding your voices to ours.

All our love,

Bobbie and Jeff

The Nursery!

2009-03-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

The first picture is the view from the front door, and the second is the nursery! It's small, but pretty. :-) As you can see, we finished the nursery today, and we are very excited. We had a very small space with which to work, but we needed to fit the three pieces you see above, and they fit beautifully. There is a Diaper Genie on the left side of the changing table - and the table will pull out from the wall so that we don't hit Baby's head on the counter - and we have storage under the crib for blankets and sheets, and two drawers in the changing table for diapers, wipes, and lotion.

The Crib is Here!

2009-03-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

Jeff's parents bought us a crib and a changing table for Bethie, and they arrived yesterday. Jeff put the crib together, and it is beautiful! We got it all made up and the mobile attached, and now we're just waiting for its occupant. :-)

I had my doctor's appointment today, and everything looks great. I've gained 2 pounds and Bethie's heartbeat is nice and strong. I go back again next Thursday, and then it's baby time! Jeff and I have a countdown on the wall, so it's 9 days til the C-section.

Second Shower - Wow!

2009-02-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had our second baby shower yesterday at Thomas Conveyor, where Jeff works. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing as I didn't know ANY of these people, but I had a truly terrific time. Not only were the people friendly and warm and inviting, they were just a lot of fun. I laughed and carried on as though I had known them forever, and it was really nice to see where Jeff works and to put faces to the names.

These people were so generous, I still have a hard time thinking of it without getting teary. They wanted to know what we still needed, and pretty much bought out the store. We got a crib mattress, a Diaper Genie, a Rainforest mobile for the crib, a bottle dryer, a bottle and food warmer, and so many other things. I was just astonished at the generosity of people, and although I am sure I've said this before, it is just so true. Here are a few pictures from the shower:

After the shower, Jeff and I took the gift cards and money we received, and we bought our travel system. It is a Graco, and is decorated with Winnie the Pooh. We also bought a diaper bag and some bottles and pacifiers, and it seems like we are all set. We're only missing one thing - the baby!

First Baby Shower and 9 - Month Belly Shot

2009-02-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I had a shower today given by the girls with whom I work, and it was so much fun! They were all so generous, and even the men at work pitched in. This baby is already so spoiled! We had the cutest cake:

Unfortunately, all the other pictures we took didn't come out as well because of the lighting, but we had a wonderful time. Since this is also our 36th week, here is my final "Belly Shot"! The next time we post pictures, it will be of Bethie, as she will be here in 3 weeks at the very latest!

Getting Closer . . .

2009-02-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

At the risk of being too detailed, I have to tell you that I lost the mucus plug that closes the cervix last night! What that means is that Bethie is getting ready to make her appearance. It could be in two days or in two weeks, but losing that plug is the first step. I've been predicting a February birth for awhile so I can't say that I am surprised, but to be fair, this is no guarantee that I am right. Some women lose their plugs and take a month to deliver. So, we really just have to wait and see.

To be prepared though, Jeff and I went shopping and bought nursing bras, tank tops, pajamas, and other things I will need while in the hospital. I feel MUCH better having my bag packed, even if it is going to get dusty waiting to get used! When we were shopping, Jeff could not resist the party dress in the picture. It is a 12-month size so Bethie will not be able to wear it for awhile, but I can see that "pink and frilly" has taken on a new meaning for my darling husband! I can't help but smile every time I see the dress.

Lactation, Tours, Private Rooms

2009-02-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I took a lactation class earlier this week, and it was really interesting! I did not know how much is involved in breastfeeding, but I feel much more confident now that we've had the class. I wanted Jeff to go with me because I know that I'm going to freak out if I have trouble doing it, and I needed someone with me who could remind me of the tricks and tips to get the baby to nurse. :-) Jeff was, as always, wonderful. He took notes, he asked questions, and I think we both got a lot out of the class.

We also had a hospital tour, and I think we are both more comfortable now that we know where everything is. We got to see two brand-new babies in the nursery, which of course made me weepy, but Jeff just had a big smile on his face. There are labor and delivery rooms, and then at the other end of the hall are the mother/baby rooms. They are all private rooms - how lucky are we - and really quite nice. There is a nice, long couch that turns into a bed that Jeff can use, and as Jeff pointed out, a big TV. :-) He is planning on staying with us, so I am very glad there is a comfortable place for him to sleep, and for us to be together. I will be in the hospital at least for 3 days after the c-section, so I am also glad for a private room in case I get whiny!

I go back to the doctor on Wednesday, the 18th to schedule my c-section, so stay tuned!

Maternity Leave

2009-02-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

I am officially on maternity leave. It's a few weeks earlier than I had planned, but given the pains that make walking so difficult, it was the best option. The doctor said that I might still have good days in which I would be able to work, but there was no guarantee that I would. Since the school cannot get a sub for me without my being on leave, I felt that it was not fair to them for me to come and go and leave them short-handed on the bad days.

On top of this, I have a head cold! It's really not that bad - just enough to make me whiny and miserable. I have been living on Robitussin and Tylenol, but it is starting to get better. That is the one truly great thing about being on leave. I didn't have to call in to work when the cold came. :-)

I go back to the doctor on the 18th of February, and hopefully we will schedule my c-section then.

In other happy news, Heather welcomed a baby boy on February 3rd! I do not have all the details yet, but he is healthy and happy, and so are Heather and her husband. Thank you again for all the prayers and good thoughts you sent her way during the last several months.

The Next Chapter . . .

2009-02-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I spent the afternoon at the doctor's office yesterday. We had another sonogram, and then I had to be examined and hooked up to the baby monitors as I was sure I was in labor from the terrible pains I was having. They started in my lower abdomen, then radiated to my hips and my lower back. VERY long story short, it looks like I have an irritable uterus which contracts painfully whenever I walk around too much, or whenever the baby moves. They are not real contractions, but more like shooting pains that make me cry out. I was not dilated at all however, and Bethie was just fine.

Bethie is right on target at 18 inches long and 4 lbs 15 oz, and she is definitely a girl! As always, she has a good, strong heartbeat, and she is a very squirmy little thing. She is head down so her butt is by my belly button, and we can feel her little butt because it pokes out every time she moves. :-) I had to see a different doc yesterday as mine was at the hospital so we still don't have a date for the c-section, but at our next visit we should have one for sure. I think I am going to try and get through this week and next at work (although I left at 10 yesterday and did not go in today), and then call it good. I got some meds for the pain, but I don't want to take them if I don't REALLY have to, and if I work, I'm going to have to take the meds. Yesterday before we got to the doc, the pain was so bad I was getting delusional. That happens to me when I get a fever, too, and I was apparently asking the picture of the cowboys on the wall (real cowboys, not the football team) for some water. I could not understand why they wouldn't bring me some water, but they were not the least bit helpful! Anyway, that's the latest in the Great Pregnancy Drama. :-)

The Trinity Update

2009-01-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

I don't remember anymore how long ago I started asking for your prayers for myself, and I really can't remember when I asked for your prayers for my friends Debby and Heather who were also trying to conceive after miscarriages. I promised then to let you know how things went, and I finally can.

We are ALL pregnant now, and I have no doubt it is thanks to your prayers and good wishes. Heather is due in February (really, any day now!) and Debby is due in July. She wanted me to wait til she was past the first trimester mark to say anything, so I've been hoping that Heather would not go into labor before I could happily announce that we are all three pregnant together! I called us the Baby Trinity before, and now I can say that, thanks to all of you and the grace of God, our Trinity is complete.

Thin Legs?!

2009-01-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

I saw the doctor today, and he gave me a new nausea med. He said that my since my nausea has gotten worse in the last week or so, it is probably not morning sickness, but my shortness. To explain, because my torso is so short, Bethie has nowhere to go, so she's squishing my stomach and basically making the food come back up. He gave me a new med that is supposed to help my stomach accept the food. I took it when I got home, ate dinner, and now I want to eat some more, so I guess it's working! Oh, and I've gained 2 pounds in the last two weeks, despite the sickness.

He also said that we are on the right track with the Requip for my legs. I was worried that I had been taking 1.5 mg already, but after I'd thought about it, that dosage has been working for nearly a week now. In any case, he said it is okay to increase up to 4 mg, if necessary. I really have been sleeping so much better, so I am relieved that I can still take it safely.

Finally, he said that he is thinking I will probably need a C-section, since my legs are so thin. I said that my legs are NOT thin (my thighs rub together - that is not thin!), but he said that they are. I have been expecting the need for a C-section because of the CP though, so I didn't even think to ask why thin legs would matter. I trust him though, and I know he wouldn't suggest that if it weren't necessary. I have another sonogram in two weeks, and then we'll see how big Bethie is, and we'll have a better idea of what will happen.

Baby Bump - 8 Months

2009-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it has been 8 months already? Elizabeth kicks and wiggles so much that I am certain she is dancing in there. It's funny, but I think she's into Hair Bands, just like her mama. Jeff was playing some music this afternoon and she didn't move, but as soon as Bon Jovi started to play - at Mom's request - she started kicking and moving all over. She also likes Poison. Smart girl!

Requip and Rockers

2009-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

The Requip works for me, but it seems like I have to up the dose every two nights in order for it to work. I can go as high as 2 mg a night, but I'm already taking 1.5 mg, so I think we're going to have to try something else. I woke up at 3 this morning to take a hot bath as I had such bad cramps in both legs, and that's why I started the Requip in the first place.

In happier news, we are 8 months along now, and the countdown is in the single digits! Jeff and I went to the hospital tonight to register and see Labor and Delivery, and we're going to take a tour next week. We also have a couple of classes coming up, so it's all about Baby now.

Jeff put our rocker together tonight, and I love it! It is cherry with light green cushions, and very comfortable. The picture is of Jeff in the chair, rocking our practice baby. Isn't he cute!

2009-01-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

I took the Requip last night (.25 mg) and could not believe the difference. My legs totally relaxed, and I was able to SLEEP! Of course, I still need a nap now, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I can no longer breathe as well, so I get worn out even more quickly. It was so nice not to jump out of bed every 45 minutes, though!

Doctor's Visit

2009-01-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

*This picture is not Elizabeth, but it is of a 30-week fetus, which is the same age as she*

I had my appointment today, and found that I have lost 5 pounds since last month. The doctor was not worried since Elizabeth is measuring right where she should be, but I was surprised. I was sure I had finally gained a few pounds. Still, as long as she is fine, I am not complaining.

I started throwing up again, and while I was worried that it was a sign of something more serious, it is just part of the joys of the third trimester. Thankfully I still have anti-nausea meds to take, and that does help. I have also been struggling with the leg cramps and RLS. I know it is a common complaint of pregnancy, but given my cerebral palsy and already tight muscles, it has become very bad. I have been sleeping for about an hour at a time, and as you can imagine, I am exhausted all the time. I have actually fallen asleep at work, in the middle of conversations. Since I have tried all the suggestions from the doctor, the nurses, and the Internet - more calcium, more potassium, more water, soaking my legs before bed, using a heating pad, and topical pain cream - I was prescribed a drug called Requip. I am hesitant to use it, but the doctor assured me that I'm doing more harm than good by not sleeping, and that since Baby is fully developed now, there will be no harm to her by my taking it. Unfortunately my pharmacy didn't have it on hand and neither did two others, so I won't be able to get it til tomorrow. I just have to get through tonight, and then hopefully I will be able to sleep. If that can happen, I think I will start to feel better overall.

My New Best Friend

2009-01-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

So this is my new best friend, a fun little blood glucose meter! I know that I am whining a little here, but after 4 tests a day for a week now, my fingers really hurt! My blood readings have been good though, which is the important part. I go back to the doctor on January 12, and hopefully he will be happy with the results. I should also get at least one more sonogram to see how big Elizabeth has gotten, since gestational diabetes can lead to large babies who have difficult births. I certainly don't want our little angel to break her shoulder, which is apparently a very real danger with overly large babies. Wish us luck!