Can We Just Skip This Part?

Seriously, couldn’t we just skip a few days and move on to Thursday evening?  I’m so ready for a road trip.  Ready to do nothing.  Ready to see the big blue sky.  Ready to swim in a cool river.  Ready to just get away from pretty much everything.  This will be the first time Adam is going to Arkansas and can walk around.  I don’t know how much I’ll let him do that, but he can get a feel for the place.  It’s exciting to know that he’ll always have Arkansas.  When Daniel and I are gone, he’ll still have this place where he can go and remember his childhood times playing there.  I hope he grows up to appreciate it all, to not take for granted the serene days and nights.  I hope he will be grateful for going there and not feel like it’s a hassle to spend time with the family there.  But most of all, I hope he learns alot about himself and wants to try so many things…the four wheeling, the fishing, the shooting, fireworks, everything.  It occured to me the other day that this time last year I was barely returning to work from having Adam.  June 25th.  Where did the time go?  I look at him in amazement still that he is mine.  I am responsible for ensuring his happiness, healthiness, and ultimately his outlook on life.  I see both of us in him.  His stubborness and determination.  His bubbly personality.  His comedic antics.  He definitely comes from two parents who are very stubborn.  He seems to have more of my outgoing talkative personality, but alot of Daniel’s determination.  I just hope he didn’t inherit Daniel’s procrastination!  I pray that this next little one is just as smart, just as cute, just as healthy, and just as happy as Adam.  That’s what I think about so much.  I feel like I was blessed to have such an easy pregnancy, despite the diabetes, and still had a healthy son.  Is God going to bless me with the same this time around too?  I guess this comes from being pregnant and worrying, but it also comes from feeling like the doctors look down on you when you already have diabetes and you get pregnant without planning it.    I miss my doctor from when I had Adam.  I would leave her office feeling great, she was never negative, and always made us laugh.  I would tell her that his head was hurting me and she quickly said “well, he doesn’t really care” and I just thought that was the funniest thing ever to hear! 

I better get ready to go…of to the Monday night ritual dinner with the Samsons!  It’s the highlight of my evening too!  Oh, and work, yeah, not going so great!  I wonder how I’m still going to handle this ever increasing stressful job as I get further along…..to be continued I guess.

Finally Back To Normal….

Life is good now.  It’s finally returned back to normal.  Adam is finally all better, eating like a champ, and running us ragged.  His language skills are improving everyday and it’s quite amazing to see and hear everyday.  He is such a happy little boy and full of wonder.  To see his big smile and dimples spread across his face in a moment of joy is a moment I try to store in my memory to savor always!   

Friday was a terrible day.  Terrible.  Work was bad.  I was an emotional wreck due to those pesky hormones and it was just an awful evening.  Saturday was spent trying to repair that damage.  My sister wanted to keep Adam, so off he went to have fun with his aunt and cousins.  They just love having him and it gives us a break, especially since Daniel and I were still trying to recover from Adam’s sickness.  We’ve just been plain exhausted.  We all got haircuts Saturday morning.  After my rough night I looked in the mirror that morning and said it was time for a change.  My hair just touches my shoulders.  Everyone so far likes it, and it just seems so much lighter and easier.  Especially since we’re hitting summer in Texas and I’m pregnant too boot.  After dropping him off, we went to the Embassy Suites Outdoor World, where I had a free night stay.  Just one of the perks of my job.  It was a nice evening.  We walked Grapevine Mills, finally saw Sex and The City, and shopped after that.  I bought some maternity capris, shorts, and two shirts.  It’s true when people tell you that you will show sooner with the second.  It’s like I took that test and my belly popped out.  Crazy!  The movie was pretty good.   I was a dedicated watcher of Sex and The City and the show did a pretty good job of showing the lives of the girls.  As a girl, you can relate to the friendship and interaction of the girls.  It makes you cry, but it makes you laugh so hard!  I bawled like a baby much like I do when watching Steel Magnolias.  But laughed just as hard.  It was pretty good.  Oh, and I love Charlotte in the movie, she’s the character I relate to the most and she absolutely has a fabulous role.  After the trip to the mall and movies (which the movie popcorn slathered in butter was exactly what I was craving!) we went back to the hotel and had a nice dinner there.  I was so disappointed to hear they had my newly found (before I was preggo) beer- Blue Moon.  I had finally found a beer I liked and just like that, no more.  Oh well…….

When we picked up Adam he came walking to us with the greatest biggest grin!  Ear to ear.  It brought tears to my eyes as I tried to sear it into my mind forever!  He’s my baby boy, the one who made me a mommy.  I know I will love the next one just as much, but Adam made us a “family”.  I hope he will be ok and that he’ll show his sister or brother the ropes.  I know it’ll be tough, but in the end they’ll always have each other.

Vacation is finally sinking in!  We finally got our stimulus check in and straight to the bank.  We’ve got our “money plan”, we’re putting additional money into savings each month.  But we do have to do one thing, buy tires for the Saturn.  I figure better to do it now before we get closer to the trip, that way we can be extra diligent on saving money.  This week we go to Arkanasas!  I’m ready to get away.  To do nothing.  I would like to check in to doing something a little different…we’ll have to discuss with the Samson’s. 

My Poor Baby

Adam is still not well.  He went to the doctor on Thursday because he still was not himself.  Even the sitter called me and she never calls, even when he’s been sick.  She said that all he wanted was to sleep, no activity, and that it just wasn’t right.  So, Daniel had already taken the afternoon off to take him to the doctor.  Once he finally got to see the physician assistant (the dr. didn’t have anything available), she diagnosed ear infection and strep throat.  She prescribed Augmentin.  We had it filled and thought he would surely feel better in a couple of days.  So, not the case!  He has the worst diarrhea I have ever heard of.  No sooner that a new diaper goes on that another one is needed.  We probably used 30 diapers in two days.  I called the pharmacist and she recommended a different anitbiotic.  The on call doctor prescribed a new one and hopefully we should see an improvement soon.  Plain old Amoxicillin should help this without the other ingredient that is causing this issue.  Apparently Augmentin is too strong.  He does seem to be slowly becoming more like my little boy.  I have missed his sweet voice so much!  While at my niece’s party he actually wanted to eat.  We were so excited.  He ate a little bit of pizza and cake.  And his tummy has been much better.  He is kinda up and around, but still wobbly.  It’s been such a worry and I am honestly so tired and drained.  He got up at 1:15am, I stayed with him til almost 4, and he was awake at 6:30…..I running on fumes.  But, I am so glad he is coming out of this!  Susan was so kind to bring by a cream that Joshua uses for his bottom.  Adam’s bottom is so sore from all of this.  I know that the pain of that is causing some of his irritability so I hope we can begin healing from all of this.  This has been such a terrible week that I just know next week will be better for all of us!  My sister was supposed to keep Adam for us today, but it’s a good thing I didn’t plan on it.  I was also supposed to work today, but thankfully other people volunteered to help me so I could go to Alysha’s birthday party.  She’s turning 16!  So, I didn’t have to leave Daniel to deal with Adam all alone and I’ve felt so torn leaving him while he’s been so sick.  I have new admiration for my mother.  She saw to us through everything alone.  I know she must have been so torn and felt guilty, but she always provided what we needed.  I am forever thankful to her!

The Worst Night Of My Life!

Adam and Daniel got home about 6:30 on Tuesday.  Daniel got to work on some work he brought home.  I saw to Adam.  After he drank whole milk in his cup he slept while we ate.  He woke when Daniel was almost done so we let him fuss for a minute.  Well when Daniel went in he discovered Adam had thrown up everywhere.  It was in his hair, on his face, all over his bed, on his clothes….I didn’t go in at first for fear I would be sick also.  So, Daniel stripped him down for a bath and Adam was hysterically crying.  He was scared I’m sure.  So, I ended up in the tub with him just to help soothe him and help bathe him.  Nightgown and all. But, it worked.  Soon he was out, dry, clean pj’s….only to throw up again. and again. and again….it wouldn’t stop.  In between bouts he would go limp, his eyes would roll back, and he would be out.  I looked him over and noticed that he had not pee’d, his gums were a very very pale pink, his eyes were sunken, and he was just out of it.  So, off to the ER.  We got in quickly thankfully.  We tried Pedialyte, but it came up within 30 seconds.  We tried less of it, it came up too.  We tried an antin-nausea medicine, it didn’t stay down to well either.  After a couple of hours and once I was finally going to ask for them to please try something else, it was decided to put an IV in.  It was torture. For him and for us.  To see this little baby watching the nurse press his arm and bend his wrist to find the best vein was horrible.  Adam just watched having no clue what was about to be done to him.  To have to help hold him and comfort him as the needle pierced his arm was agony!  But I really lost it when the needle moved and out came his blood from the site.  The nurse told me that it was ok, that it meant they were in the right spot.  I didn’t care, it was his blood and I couldn’t make it all better for him.  They took three vials of blood and hooked up his fluid drip.  His little arm was all wrapped and he would constantly try to pull at the IV.  We finally got him settled, he slept for a while and then the really tought part.  They wanted to put a catheter in him.  Adam doesn’t mind doctors, he loves his Dr. Powell and to see his big eyes peering up at the nurse was so sad.  He didn’t make a sound while the got ready.  Then my poor baby let out this scream that I will never forget.  I couldn’t stand there near him.  I sat and cried.  I thought maybe I had made a mistake, maybe he could have stayed home, I could have just kept trying the fluids, I could have prevented him from having all these things done, it was my fault that he was going through all this pain.  That is a feeling I will always have now.  I know I did what I thought was best for him, but I honestly didn’t think he’d be put through all that.  After the IV and catheter he rested and finally kept the fluids down.  Then he suddenly woke up and cried, but it was a good cry!  It was the cry of hunger!  He downed the three bottles of Pedialyte and still wanted more.  They discharged us shortly after with a diagnosis of virus infection and dehydration.  He slept all night, woke up when we did, slept some more, had a few bouts of diarrhea, and then we all headed to school and work a little late.  Ms. Jean said he seemed ok, just the dirty diapers, and just really tired.  He fell asleep standing up next to the sofa!  I left work early to get him so that I could see to him and let him rest in his own bed and without all the other kiddoes.  He gave me the sweetest, but weak, little smile when he saw me.  I’m just so happy that he’s ok.  He scared us all and I never want him to go through that kind of pain again.  I’m so blessed that he is such a healthy baby.  I thought about all the mommies and daddies who are having to see their children in pain like that everyday….and my heart ached for them.

First Ultrasound

Today was our first ultrasound and all is well.  The baby is a little behind in growth, like a week.  But, Adam did the same and made up  the time as he went along.  It is disappointing that I am now set back a week.  Instead of being 9w 5d I am 8w 4d.  Come on little one, grow grow grow!   I go back in 4 weeks and they will set a final due date based on what that ultrasound says.   We got two pictures, but they are not very clear at all.  I have decided that this one will be the last.  I have 4 doctors to see!  The OB, the endo, the perinatologist (that’s a new development from today) and my regular dr.  Between all these appts. I’m amazed I’ll have a job, but they seem to be very understanding.  It’s no more than I had with Adam, but it gets grueling!

I got to work around 11 and no kidding I was driven to tears within an hour.  Leonard was out sick so I carried the show all day.  There was a major issue on Friday that continued to today.  Another major issue after that.  People deciding they needed to leave with records.  Literally all within an hour.  My boss is out of the country.  It was a nervous breakdown kind of morning.  I made it through after I composed myself and realized I can only do so much without help.  The day got better as it wore on.  I am so looking forward to dinner tonight.  Just no work, just nice conversation….is it awful that I would loooooooooooove to have a glass of wine?  Sorry little one. 

The big trip is getting underway.  We are saving money, we are planning expenses, we are finalizing plans for while we are there….it’s becoming real!  I’m getting excited.  It’s something to look forward to definitely!  We have a trip to Arkansas on July 4th, then it’s full steam ahead to Vegas and California! 

Happy Daddy’s Day!

Today is Daniel’s second Father’s Day.  Last year Adam was a month old.  I propped him up with a sign that said Happy First Father’s Day!  Now, a year later I will do the same, but this time I’ll have to get him to sit still.  Funny how life changes so much in a year.   I look back on our history together and I am so proud of Daniel.  He’s always been a great man, but now he’s a terrific father.  He always does his best for us.  When I’m exhausted, he cooks and takes care of Adam.  When I’m worried about everything, he shows me how we’ll be ok.  He’s adored me for years, through all my faults and problems.  He’s been amazed by Adam since the day we found out we were pregnant with him.  He’s been to every appointment, to every event, and beside me every step of the way through our journey.  He’s the least selfish person I know.  If it makes me happy, he wants me to have it.  I pray that our children know how fortunate they are to have a Daddy that will never hurt them, will always nurture them, and forever love them for eternity.

We all went shopping yesterday, I say all because it was us and Susan and Joshua.  It was a day long excursion.  The boys were very well behaved at breakfast and even received a compliment from another table!  So proud of them!  Then we went to Sam’s and bought my dad a cordless keyboard and mouse.  He’s become quite the electronics guy.  Then we shopped for my niece who is turning 16 on the 25th.  And finally for Daniel.  He tried the new Under Armor shoes, but he didn’t really care for them  But since he was in need of new shoes, I convinced him to try another New Balance pair.  Success!  And as a bonus, he even found a Wii game he’d been wanting.  The boys did great, but poor Joshua.  He kept exploding!  Two dirty outfits and some new outfits later, we headed home. 

I think about my father everyday.  He passed when I was only 15.  He had is faults and he surely wasn’t the greatest father ever, but I knew he loved me.  I will always remember something he told me.  I had a low grade once and instead of being upset with me he asked if I had tried my hardest.  I of course said yes.  He said that was all he asked for, if I had tried my hardest and that’s the grade I accomplished, then that’s all he needed.  That’s all he expected of me, to only try.  I wish I had more time with him.  He served in the Marines, he was in Vietnam, but I wish I had thought to spend more time listening to his stories, to have known what he’d gone through.  But as a teenager I didn’t realize that he’d be gone so soon.  He was only 44.  I’m 30.  I hate to think about leaving my children at that age.

My stepdad joined the family when I was 12.  He treated me like his own daughter and in most ways he is more of a father than my daddy was.  He has supported me through so much.  He was there during those tough teenage years.  He walked me down the aisle and was there when Adam arrived.  He is a wonderful man and I’m glad Adam will have a grandfather in his life.  I didn’t.  I only had my paternal grandmother when I was growing up, until my dad died.  I didn’t get to have those wonderful stories of visiting grandparents.  Sure I had male figures in my life that were a grandfatherly influence, but again I missed alot.  

I hope to have the influence over Adam to encourage him to spend time with his family, to listen to what they have to say.  One day he’ll think about the life stories of his family and hopefully realize that he comes from such a diverse background and that there is so much in those family members that shaped who he is and will become.

Oh, and Daniel has begun his own blog.  It’s on my blogroll as Spencer Adventure 2…..how original.

 

No News Is Good News

Life’s been pretty quiet lately.  That’s good!  I have been getting better each day.  Today was the first day that I didn’t have a killer headache or sneeze constantly.  I woke up on Monday feeling like I had been punched in the face.  It hurt to talk, eat, breathe….everything.  This has obviously been a sinus infection so I’ve just been suffering through it.  I didn’t really want to take any medicine since I’d worry about the baby, but I’ve gotten over the hump now.  Thank goodness, it’s been a week already.  Work has been predictable.  Some days I think I love working.  Other days I feel like I would love to stay home with the babies after this one’s born.  I just don’t think that is feasible though.  My medical insurance is worth it alone.  Yes, I’ve already begun to worry about the future, but I know God will provide and somehow we’ll get through.  I thought we’d struggle when we had Adam and we’re fine.  Logically, the additional expense will be daycare.  We’re used to buying formula and diapers.  Adam will be potty training by the time the baby is here.  So most of the expenses will just continue on that trend.  

Adam loves to be a rough and tumble little boy.  He’ll high tail it to Daniel and just ram in to him.  They wrestle around.  It’s really cute.  I know we will be blessed to have a healthy baby.  I just wonder if we have a preference.  A boy would be cheaper at first as we have everything for a boy already.  A girl would be great because yes we would like to have all the frilly pink things.  It would be great to see the differences in how they behave.  Then to see big brother take care of little sister as they grow up would be so cute. 

I am one of those lucky women who has no morning sickness.  Sometimes we forget I’m pregnant.  Really.  I have no obvious symptoms, but I didn’t with Adam either.  Lucky, I know.  But the more thinking I do, the more I think about this being the last one.  Even if it is a boy.  It takes alot to be diabetic and pregnant.  The shots 4 times a day.  The monitoring all day long.  The cost of all the supplies.  The stress of worrying about any harm done to the baby.  It’s alot to worry about.  I don’t know if I can do it again. 

We are getting new neighbors downstairs.  Darn it!  I hope they are courteous.  I know we try to be.  I watch the volume of the tv and radio.  I try to walk quietly and not sound like an elephant walking around above them.  The first neighbor we had here was crazy!  I felt sorry for her child.  She wasn’t abusive, just not a pleasant person.  We had to call the police within two weeks of moving here.  Long story short- she got arrested.  I was 7 months pregnant and was worried I would come home to something terrible one day.  Thankfully, she was evicted shortly after.  I hope we can be friendly with the new folks.  It makes apartment living a little more pleasant.  I may have to introduce myself and let them know that all the bumps they hear is Adam falling around while walking.

The Spencers are just taking life in stride lately.  Like the title implies….No News Is Good News!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame…

Adam had his second trip to the ballpark today.  It was much different this time than the first time. The first time he was all of a month old and my parents went along with us.  This time he was a handful part of the time.  The other part he was fine.  He got to the point he was so sleepy and couldn’t sleep because of the noise.  But, it was fun nonetheless.  It was just our little family at the ballpark.  Although I do have to admit, I did miss having one of their big margaritas.  But the little life inside is well worth the sacrifice.  And no surprise….they lost.  There were 4 mascots there tonight and they were having a blast.  They picked on each other and had the funniest dance-off.  They were actually the highlight of the evening.  Well that, and when Milton Bradley broke his bat across his knee because it was his third strikeout.  After the game they were having a show of motorcross riders doing tricks.  It was cool.  They do some outrageous tricks in mid-air with those bikes.  I do love to see them do complete flips with thos bikes!  I think if Adam grew up to do things like that it would give me a heart attack every time.

We are officially done with the storage unit!!!!!!  So exciting!  I love my family.  They spoil us rotten.  Especially my mommy.  I get there and she takes Adam, tells me to get my feet up, offers water, food, reading material….JACKPOT!!!!  My parents offered their garage to us and now that will save us $115 a month in fees!  We will be putting that same amount into the savings to build our vacation fund for Cali.  My oldest nephew called while I was there and he’s doing really well.  He’s just finished another year at Marquette University.  He’s working at the Mayor’s office, he’s also working for the school itself, he’s got another job now with the Box Office at their venue, and he also helps at the Milwaukee office for Obama’s campaign.  He’s so involved with today’s events and I’m so proud.  He has his head on straight and he’ll go far.  That’s why he will be Adam’s Godfather….to lead Adam down the same path to achieve his goals, but to also have faith in God.  Although he is my nephew he was raised more to be like a brother to me.  So that’s why we usually refer to him as Adam’s uncle.  My mom and dad have given him the opportunity to do so much and provided so much encouragement.  I’m just happy he’s done so well by them.

Daniel is about to have his second Father’s Day.  Last year’s was not so great.  That was when the Acura began to have it’s series of problems.  Poor guy.  We bought a whole new stereo system for the car, but before we could have it installed we had to return it all to help cover repair costs.  I felt so bad.  We’ve never bought another one either.  He gives so much to us and rarely asks for anything.  He’s always willing to buy me or Adam anything we would want, but I have to convince him to buy something for himself.  He wants new shoes.  How practical!  So, I think this time, instead of balking at the idea of paying $100 for a pair he wants I shall just go along with it. 

Tomorrow is Ethan’s birthday party.  Another year.  Where has it gone?  And to think this time next year I will have a two year old AND a 5 month old!  What have I gotten myself into? 

No Apology Necessary

Dear Susan,  there’s really no need for an apology.  The whole situation was quite comical really.  I’m just glad we were there to help. 

Susan accidentally locked the keys in the car…….again.  Not funny for them, but it was funny to pick on them about it!  Anyway, the car got unlocked after two McGeyvors devised a contraption.  And as Brandon said, they really do need to go into business designing tools for car thievery. 

I’m finally beginning to feel better.  I was out sick two days from work.  So I go in this morning and of course my desk is a wreck.  I don’t know who from because Leonard would not have left my desk like that.  In fact, he actually sanitized it yesterday so it would be free of germs for me today.  Awesome isn’t he?  But I straighten up my desk and before I can even get my bearings the new guy (who’s slow as molasses and the most frustrating person I’ve ever had the joy of training) asks if the records have gone up to the manager yet.  Hmmmm…I thought, do I be sarcastic or polite?  I simply said, I don’t know since I’ve been out for two days, but I’m sure they haven’t since Leonard probably didn’t have time to get to them since he was taking care of all the other issues in the department.  He proceeds to tell me, yes me, that next week is a big week and he doesn’t want a huge backlog of records since it’ll be so busy.  Uh, dude are you seriously discussing my responsibilities?  I was polite (unless he could see the steam from my ears) and said I will get them all done today.  He said Ok, good.  I was perturbed…..First of all, he really should have been trained to do enough of what I do so that there wouldn’t be this backlog.  But you see, when I train him it takes 30 minutes to get through a simple task.  I say a sentence and show him one step on the computer, he literally writes it word for word.  No exaggeration.  I say the next step….same deal.  Seriously?  He’s got notebooks and binders full of notes.  Every piece of paper from his previous position in the company is right there with him.  You think I’m kidding?  I wish.  So, it bothered me that he thought highly enough of himself to question my ability to get my work done.  I was going to chalk it up to hormones, but no even Daniel was surprised.  I got all the work done before noon and kindly left it for him to finish up this evening before leaving. 

Adam has begun to say Nononono.  He says it during the right time too.  It’s cute right now, but I’m sure that’ll change.  On Wednesday we were laying around after they got home and Adam just started patting my belly.  Really patting it like he knew what he was doing.  I told him that was so sweet to be patting his sister or brother.  I believe they really can tell when there’s life within.  So, based on my calendar I’m officially eight weeks along today.  I feel like I’ve already gained 10 pounds.  My work vest seems to be fitting differently already.  Is that possible?  I know they say with the second you may show sooner, but surely not that big of a difference already.  At my work there is always food.  Always.  The hotels bring donuts, brownies, fruit, cheese and candy nearly every day!  Maybe that’s where the problem with my vest comes from.  I try to not partake, but sometimes I’m just not that strong.  I’m thankful to be at the beginning of pregnancy during the summer and not 8 months pregnant now.  It’s just too dang hot! 

To Mandy and Jeromy, Congratulations on the new addition!  Turco joins a great family!  I hope we get to meet the doggie soon!

To Susan and Jeff, keep your keys in your hand!

To Stephanie and Brandon, see you on Sunday!  Send any ideas for Ethan my way. 

Sick and Tired

Yesterday we joined Susan, Jeff, and Joshua for a favorite dinner at Italianni’s.  I think they go for the dessert more than anything.  Afterwards we went to Toys R Us where Joshua was crowned for his birthday and they even made an announcement to the entire store!  Daniel swears that he signed Adam up for the Geoffrey’s Birthday Club, but we didn’t get anything on Adam’s first birthday.  Oh Well.  Joshua shared his crown and we got a cute picture of Adam with it.  We did some shopping and as we are going around I began feeling worse and worse.  I had been experiencing a sore throat the last couple of days, sneezing tons, and just feeling tired.  I chalked it up to allergies and pregnant.  I think it’s more like sick.  I woke up this morning feeling really bad.  So I’ve taken the day off to rest and sleep.  I hope to get over this pretty quick since I can’t even take anything.  There’s stuff that is safe for pregnancy, but not too much for diabetes.  There is but it costs a fortune and I don’t know that it’s safe for pregnancy.  Ugh!  But I’ll get lots of rest and hope to feel better.  Adam is learning at such a fast rate.  If he’s fussy and you say “are you hungry?” he’ll stop and walk to the kitchen.  If he needs a new diaper you just need to say “let’s go change your diaper” and he’ll walk right to his room.  And his sitter has a sweet German Shepard and he says “Doggie” to her.  It’s like it all begins to click one day in his little mind and he’s just got it.  So, I think this is all for now.  I’m back to bed.