I survived camping one night being almost 5 months pregnant with twins!!!! Ben and I went camping with the AP Biology class from Powell. We went to Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge in Midway. There were 25 students along with Rosemary Calvert (the AP teacher), Ben and I as chaperones. It was a beautiful 2 days. We had a snafu with the transportation due to some parents who apparently can't read the permission forms that they signed. Anyway, we left about an hour or so late. I didn't do much except sit at the campsite and eat and drink!!! One student almost fainted at the start of the hike, so I had to go pick her up and she kept me company until everyone came back. They went on a 3-4 hour hike!!! Ben went with them and said they did well. He was impressed with the students. They were terrific, definitely makes teaching worth it all!!! We then cooked supper and waited for a zoo staff member to come do his part of the trip. Ben and Steve went out together with a group of students in a pick up truck recording frog calls. The other students stayed with Ms. Calvert and learned about the geological time scale and more. I was going to help but by this point I think I had overheated a little and had to sit in the car with AC blowing contributing to global warming. That wore me out and I sat for the rest of the night reading and talking to students. They had a blast with bat echolocation and the owl prowl. The students had a blast. It was pretty cold at night but it felt good for me to lay down. My back was killing me from the camping chairs. Saturday morning we woke up, ate and packed up to get ready for the bus that was to arrive at 9:15am. Well, it didn't show up. We called and it went to the wrong place then got lost. So, Ben took the kids birding which they enjoyed even though they were exhausted and could barely walk. Finally the bus arrive at 11:00. Oh well. I had to ride the bus to and from school because they had to have a teacher on the bus. It was a great trip even with the minor difficulties that arose. Always be flexible as a teacher. Ben and I have experience with that from being camp counselors.
It is a tradition for me to go camping being about 5 months pregnant. I was about 5 months pregnant with Abby when I went camping. I think it makes them campers and gets it into their systems.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Funny Abby Stories
A couple of days ago Abby and I were driving in the car and something reminded her of Mamaw Kincer. She said that when she dies she would be up in Heaven and could see her. (That's not the funny part). She then immediately asked if you were naked in Heaven. She hope people would not be naked. I didn't know what to say. I have no idea, but I hope not either.
Yesterday, Abby was at my mom and dad's house while Ben and I were camping. Abby found a golf ball and decided she wanted to play golf like her Uncle Matt. She went into the garage and found a big golf club. She went back out and hit the ball. It landed close to a chair. So Abby wanted to hit it from the other side but the chair was in the way. She was getting real frustrated and could barely move the chair. She was getting real upset, so my mom said, "Abby use your head". Well, she bent down and started pushing the chair with her head!!!!!! After she hit the ball, she pushed the chair back with her head!!!! What a silly girl.
Yesterday, Abby was at my mom and dad's house while Ben and I were camping. Abby found a golf ball and decided she wanted to play golf like her Uncle Matt. She went into the garage and found a big golf club. She went back out and hit the ball. It landed close to a chair. So Abby wanted to hit it from the other side but the chair was in the way. She was getting real frustrated and could barely move the chair. She was getting real upset, so my mom said, "Abby use your head". Well, she bent down and started pushing the chair with her head!!!!!! After she hit the ball, she pushed the chair back with her head!!!! What a silly girl.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Abby's Pink Baby Bandage
Dr. Fowler (surgeon) drew this on Abby's bandage because she had Pink Baby with her during the surgery.
Abby's Surgery
Abby's surgery went well!!!! Here is a run down of the event.
Thursday Night 10:30- Abby ate some popcorn and milk since she couldn't eat after midnight. Abby also wanted to wear her "Everyody Loves a Blue Eyed Girl" so she knew somebody loved her like God, Jesus or someone while she was at the hospital.
Friday Morning 9:15- we arrive at Children's Hospital to admit Abby. She did real well.
10:00- she was admitted in and we went to the 4th floor to her room that she would be in. Abby was great with nurse that took her weight, height, bp, and temp. When the nurse took us to her room and told her she could lay on the bed, that is when she started having trouble. The nurse left us and she began to cry and said she wanted to go home and not have the surgery. We then had Abby sit on daddy's lap instead of lay on the bed. That seemed to help.
11:00 (or so)- Mamaw and Papaw came and brought some goodies for Abby. She was so excited to see them. We had already answered all of the nurse's questions and Abby had her little gown on (that was still so big) and her little bracelet. Mamaw and Papaw kept her distracted with books and coloring and stuff. I felt bad because I had to keep eating in front of her. Abby kept saying that there was no food in her tummy, she was so hungry, and wanted to go home. Poor thing!!!
12:00- Finally, they came with the 'Happy Juice'. They told us that it would be 30 minutes after they gave it to her when they would come and take her back for the surgery. The 'Happy Juice' is to keep them feeling good and relaxed so the separation isn't so bad. I was starved at this point, but it was only going to be 30 minutes. (Yeah right).
12:3o- They have not come to take her back yet. Which was OK because the Happy Juice hadn't fully kicked in. We kept her busy and distracted, thanks to books, mamaw and the movie playing.
12:45- The Happy Juice finally kicked in. The first thing that Abby did was sit up and then fall back on the pillow. When she did that she started laughing hard. She thought it was so funny and made her head go dizzy. She kept doing that over and over laughing hard. It was hilarious to see her like that. She said "hey guys I'm up and I'm down". Then she would say funny things. She was talking to Mamaw and we couldn't understand her. She was saying to close the curtain. It took a few times for us to figure it out.
1:15- an hour and 15 minutes after the Happy Juice they came and took her to the 6th floor. We walked with her the whole way and mom and dad went to get something to drink.
1:25- They took her back through the double doors to the operating room. That is when Ben and I had to go to the waiting room. Abby did real well and the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse were with her as they went back. Only a few tears were shed (from her mom!). I did pretty good for myself though. I went with my dad to go get lunch (finally) which was a great distraction.
1:40- I was getting lunch but Ben and mom stayed in the waiting room. They called and said she was asleep and they were starting the surgery.
2:25- Dr. Fowler (surgeon) came in and told us that everything went well and Abby did great. She gave us some instructions and said that Abby would stay in recovery for about 30 minutes or so. When the doctor left we went back down to Abby's room to wait for her room recovery.
3:00- They called us and said she was waking up but they gave her some Demoral (?) in recovery for the pain.
3:15- We are all anxious to see her!!!! A very long wait for us (at least it seemed forever). They wheeled Abby in and she was crying!!! It broke our hearts. She kept saying she was scared and was crying for her mommy and daddy. Her throat was scratchy from the tubes. The transporter/nurse said she didn't start crying until a little boy beside her woke up and started crying. That scared her and she started. She kept saying she wanted to go home and she was scared. Mamaw and Papaw told her bye because they had to pick up Uncle Nick from school (she cried then) and then she fell asleep.
4:00- She was asleep and Mommy took a quick nap too!
4:30- Abby woke up and sat up asking where Uncle Nick, Mamaw and Papaw were. We told her they left to pick up Nick and they were at home. She then fell asleep for a few minutes.
4:45- Abby woke up and couldn't understand why mamaw and papaw left before she had the surgery. She didn't remember she already had the surgery. The nurse gave her some Tylenol with codeine for her pain. We had to wait an hour to make sure she reacted OK to the codeine. Abby kept saying she wanted to go home, but was OK after they gave her a popsicle and I gave her some gold fish.
6:15- FINALLY WE LEFT THE HOSPITAL!!!! They asked Abby if she wanted a wheel chair and she said yes. We got home and Abby did great. We all crashed, but Abby stayed awake watching her movies she got.
She is still doing great!!! She did not have any more pain medicine after that Tylenol at the hospital. She is a trooper. She is also extremely smart and milking this for all it's worth. She told me I can't get upset with her because she is the one who had the surgery. She also told me she can't go to school since she plays hard at school so she can't go at all.
Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts.
Thursday Night 10:30- Abby ate some popcorn and milk since she couldn't eat after midnight. Abby also wanted to wear her "Everyody Loves a Blue Eyed Girl" so she knew somebody loved her like God, Jesus or someone while she was at the hospital.
Friday Morning 9:15- we arrive at Children's Hospital to admit Abby. She did real well.
10:00- she was admitted in and we went to the 4th floor to her room that she would be in. Abby was great with nurse that took her weight, height, bp, and temp. When the nurse took us to her room and told her she could lay on the bed, that is when she started having trouble. The nurse left us and she began to cry and said she wanted to go home and not have the surgery. We then had Abby sit on daddy's lap instead of lay on the bed. That seemed to help.
11:00 (or so)- Mamaw and Papaw came and brought some goodies for Abby. She was so excited to see them. We had already answered all of the nurse's questions and Abby had her little gown on (that was still so big) and her little bracelet. Mamaw and Papaw kept her distracted with books and coloring and stuff. I felt bad because I had to keep eating in front of her. Abby kept saying that there was no food in her tummy, she was so hungry, and wanted to go home. Poor thing!!!
12:00- Finally, they came with the 'Happy Juice'. They told us that it would be 30 minutes after they gave it to her when they would come and take her back for the surgery. The 'Happy Juice' is to keep them feeling good and relaxed so the separation isn't so bad. I was starved at this point, but it was only going to be 30 minutes. (Yeah right).
12:3o- They have not come to take her back yet. Which was OK because the Happy Juice hadn't fully kicked in. We kept her busy and distracted, thanks to books, mamaw and the movie playing.
12:45- The Happy Juice finally kicked in. The first thing that Abby did was sit up and then fall back on the pillow. When she did that she started laughing hard. She thought it was so funny and made her head go dizzy. She kept doing that over and over laughing hard. It was hilarious to see her like that. She said "hey guys I'm up and I'm down". Then she would say funny things. She was talking to Mamaw and we couldn't understand her. She was saying to close the curtain. It took a few times for us to figure it out.
1:15- an hour and 15 minutes after the Happy Juice they came and took her to the 6th floor. We walked with her the whole way and mom and dad went to get something to drink.
1:25- They took her back through the double doors to the operating room. That is when Ben and I had to go to the waiting room. Abby did real well and the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurse were with her as they went back. Only a few tears were shed (from her mom!). I did pretty good for myself though. I went with my dad to go get lunch (finally) which was a great distraction.
1:40- I was getting lunch but Ben and mom stayed in the waiting room. They called and said she was asleep and they were starting the surgery.
2:25- Dr. Fowler (surgeon) came in and told us that everything went well and Abby did great. She gave us some instructions and said that Abby would stay in recovery for about 30 minutes or so. When the doctor left we went back down to Abby's room to wait for her room recovery.
3:00- They called us and said she was waking up but they gave her some Demoral (?) in recovery for the pain.
3:15- We are all anxious to see her!!!! A very long wait for us (at least it seemed forever). They wheeled Abby in and she was crying!!! It broke our hearts. She kept saying she was scared and was crying for her mommy and daddy. Her throat was scratchy from the tubes. The transporter/nurse said she didn't start crying until a little boy beside her woke up and started crying. That scared her and she started. She kept saying she wanted to go home and she was scared. Mamaw and Papaw told her bye because they had to pick up Uncle Nick from school (she cried then) and then she fell asleep.
4:00- She was asleep and Mommy took a quick nap too!
4:30- Abby woke up and sat up asking where Uncle Nick, Mamaw and Papaw were. We told her they left to pick up Nick and they were at home. She then fell asleep for a few minutes.
4:45- Abby woke up and couldn't understand why mamaw and papaw left before she had the surgery. She didn't remember she already had the surgery. The nurse gave her some Tylenol with codeine for her pain. We had to wait an hour to make sure she reacted OK to the codeine. Abby kept saying she wanted to go home, but was OK after they gave her a popsicle and I gave her some gold fish.
6:15- FINALLY WE LEFT THE HOSPITAL!!!! They asked Abby if she wanted a wheel chair and she said yes. We got home and Abby did great. We all crashed, but Abby stayed awake watching her movies she got.
She is still doing great!!! She did not have any more pain medicine after that Tylenol at the hospital. She is a trooper. She is also extremely smart and milking this for all it's worth. She told me I can't get upset with her because she is the one who had the surgery. She also told me she can't go to school since she plays hard at school so she can't go at all.
Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More Easter Pics
Nick and Shanae
Abby at Easter with her hair cut!
Nick, Shanae (Nick's girlfriend), Abby, and Matt at the Simmon's Pond
18 Weeks!!!!
I am 18 weeks now!!! Almost half way there. Yesterday I had a little episode during my 4th period class. We were dissecting the cats and I was walking around a lot helping the students. After a little bit I started getting really hot and sweating. I stepped out into the hallway thinking it would help. Some students were talking to me and my ears started clogging up where I couldn't hear anything. Then I started seeing black spots and having tunnel vision. I realized I was about to pass out. I went to my desk in a different room and sat down at my desk. I had a student get me some water and the other teacher that shares a room called the health science teacher (who is a nurse) to come take my blood pressure. My BP was fine, but my pulse was fast and they said I looked very pale. Luckily I had a doctor's appt at 4:15. I called my asst. principal and she came and watched my students who were by themselves cleaning up. I left at about 3:25 to pick up Abby and head to the Dr. I told her about my episode and she said it was a vagas nerve stimulation. One cause could be my blood sugar dropped and triggered the almost fainting spell. I have not been eating enough. So now I have to eat every 1-1 1/2 hours. The dr did not seem too worried about it. So now I snack a lot (which I knew I probably was not eating enough and the babies were sucking it out of me).
Speaking of babies. 100% sure 2 BOYS!!!! One (who I think is Flasher) was again very busy. He was sucking his thumb a lot. He then started kicking his brother and bothering him. His brother seemed to back away from him. Flasher then started pushing on the placenta (I guess he wanted more room) and kept moving his arms doing stuff constantly, again sucking his thumb. Well his brother then came back and started kicking back. They were funny to watch. At one point they stopped and laid their heads together (played nicely) and then they were at it again. One weighed 290 grams and the other weighed 288 grams. Very nice weight (about 1/2 pound each). They both measured at being 19 weeks 2 days. They are growing nicely and the doctor said they looked perfect. We saw to strong hearts with all 4 chambers and she saw the face of one and said it looked great, no cleft palate or anything. YEAH BABIES!!!!! Again, I'm growing quickly. We tried to tape the ultrasound but it didn't work. Maybe next time, which is May 13.
One last thing- Abby's surgery is tomorrow at 11:30am. Her teacher at school gave her a gift bag with 3 super soft and squishy stuffed animals. She will take them with her tomorrow. She has the best pre-K teacher, Ms. Denise!!! I will let everyone know how Abby is doing after the surgery. She will be fine I'm sure. And we told her that we would buy a bikini for the summer to show off her pretty new belly button!!!!!
It's been a busy week!!!! More updates this weekend.
Speaking of babies. 100% sure 2 BOYS!!!! One (who I think is Flasher) was again very busy. He was sucking his thumb a lot. He then started kicking his brother and bothering him. His brother seemed to back away from him. Flasher then started pushing on the placenta (I guess he wanted more room) and kept moving his arms doing stuff constantly, again sucking his thumb. Well his brother then came back and started kicking back. They were funny to watch. At one point they stopped and laid their heads together (played nicely) and then they were at it again. One weighed 290 grams and the other weighed 288 grams. Very nice weight (about 1/2 pound each). They both measured at being 19 weeks 2 days. They are growing nicely and the doctor said they looked perfect. We saw to strong hearts with all 4 chambers and she saw the face of one and said it looked great, no cleft palate or anything. YEAH BABIES!!!!! Again, I'm growing quickly. We tried to tape the ultrasound but it didn't work. Maybe next time, which is May 13.
One last thing- Abby's surgery is tomorrow at 11:30am. Her teacher at school gave her a gift bag with 3 super soft and squishy stuffed animals. She will take them with her tomorrow. She has the best pre-K teacher, Ms. Denise!!! I will let everyone know how Abby is doing after the surgery. She will be fine I'm sure. And we told her that we would buy a bikini for the summer to show off her pretty new belly button!!!!!
It's been a busy week!!!! More updates this weekend.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Weekend!
Good Friday-
Abby and I woke up and took our showers and dried our hair. Then our power went out!! So we had to finish getting ready by flash light. I guess it was due to the storms, the whole block was out. That made the morning interesting. I went to mom's to work on Tracy's food for her bridal shower. Abby and I then went to West Town Mall to meet up with Tracy and her sister Kristy and her kids. Well, we all know about the tornadoes in Murfreesboro, where Ben's sister Marrion lives. We found out she was OK but she did witness a tornado forming outside her work. We were relieved that she was OK. Abby was worried when we left the mall. She thinks so logically (like her mother). She asked me, " From West Town Mall is it closer to Mamaw Kincer's house or mamaw's?" I told her Mamaw Kincer's house was closer, which I think she knew that already. She told me that is where we need to go then because of the chance of a tornado. We made it to my mom's house just fine and then went into the bathroom and told spooky stories because Abby was upset about the chance of a tornado. That night Abby had to talk to Marrion to hear for herself that Marrion was OK. What a crazy day. I realized again how smart our Abby-do is.
Saturday-
Another busy day. Mom and I hosted a bridal shower for my best friend Tracy. For those that don't know, Abby and I were supposed to be in the wedding July 25th but due to my 'condition' we can't make it. It was a great shower and I think everyone had a great time. Afterwards, Abby hunted Easter eggs with Tracy's nephew Will. They were so cute together!!! He is 11 months younger than Abby. Then we headed to Rada's (Ben's mom) that night to spend the night.
Sunday (Easter)-
We woke up for the sunrise service that is always at the Simmon's pond. Ben did not think I would get up for it, but to his surprise and I'm sure others, I got up and went to the service. The sunrise was gorgeous and the birds were singing. A beautiful place to worship God and the resurrection of his Son. We had a delicious breakfast (even though it was chilly) and headed back to Rada's to get ready for church. The pics are posted of Abby and I in our Easter dresses. That afternoon we had a great big family get together at the pond. My whole family came, even Nick's girlfriend Shanae. We had a great time. We hunted Easter eggs, ate great food, and some played basketball. I walked back from the pond to the house with Abby. Sounded like a great idea at first, but it took a lot from me. I needed the exercise though. It was fun and a beautiful day. I was worn out that night. Still am today (Monday).
That's a summary of our BUSY weekend. Poor Ben had to work Friday, Saturday, and do school Sunday. I'm proud of all he is doing. It's A LOT!!!!!
This Wednesday I have another ultrasound and Abby is having her surgery Friday. A very busy week. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please!!
Abby and I woke up and took our showers and dried our hair. Then our power went out!! So we had to finish getting ready by flash light. I guess it was due to the storms, the whole block was out. That made the morning interesting. I went to mom's to work on Tracy's food for her bridal shower. Abby and I then went to West Town Mall to meet up with Tracy and her sister Kristy and her kids. Well, we all know about the tornadoes in Murfreesboro, where Ben's sister Marrion lives. We found out she was OK but she did witness a tornado forming outside her work. We were relieved that she was OK. Abby was worried when we left the mall. She thinks so logically (like her mother). She asked me, " From West Town Mall is it closer to Mamaw Kincer's house or mamaw's?" I told her Mamaw Kincer's house was closer, which I think she knew that already. She told me that is where we need to go then because of the chance of a tornado. We made it to my mom's house just fine and then went into the bathroom and told spooky stories because Abby was upset about the chance of a tornado. That night Abby had to talk to Marrion to hear for herself that Marrion was OK. What a crazy day. I realized again how smart our Abby-do is.
Saturday-
Another busy day. Mom and I hosted a bridal shower for my best friend Tracy. For those that don't know, Abby and I were supposed to be in the wedding July 25th but due to my 'condition' we can't make it. It was a great shower and I think everyone had a great time. Afterwards, Abby hunted Easter eggs with Tracy's nephew Will. They were so cute together!!! He is 11 months younger than Abby. Then we headed to Rada's (Ben's mom) that night to spend the night.
Sunday (Easter)-
We woke up for the sunrise service that is always at the Simmon's pond. Ben did not think I would get up for it, but to his surprise and I'm sure others, I got up and went to the service. The sunrise was gorgeous and the birds were singing. A beautiful place to worship God and the resurrection of his Son. We had a delicious breakfast (even though it was chilly) and headed back to Rada's to get ready for church. The pics are posted of Abby and I in our Easter dresses. That afternoon we had a great big family get together at the pond. My whole family came, even Nick's girlfriend Shanae. We had a great time. We hunted Easter eggs, ate great food, and some played basketball. I walked back from the pond to the house with Abby. Sounded like a great idea at first, but it took a lot from me. I needed the exercise though. It was fun and a beautiful day. I was worn out that night. Still am today (Monday).
That's a summary of our BUSY weekend. Poor Ben had to work Friday, Saturday, and do school Sunday. I'm proud of all he is doing. It's A LOT!!!!!
This Wednesday I have another ultrasound and Abby is having her surgery Friday. A very busy week. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers please!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
17 Weeks!!
It's been awhile I know. I totally missed 16 weeks. I can't even remember what we did. I feel like we are going, going, going without the help of the Energizer Bunny. Ben and I chaperoned a freshmen/sophomore school dance, which was interesting. Mycoplasma pneumonia (Walking pneumonia) was being passed around Abby's class, which I think she acquired. She still has a nasty cough that will hopefully disappear before her surgery. Also, Squirrel died (one of the cats), so Ben had to bury her last week. Poor Abby was pretty sad, but she is doing fine now. So last week was a blur, but I guess we made it through it.
Over the weekend we worked on cleaning the house more and packing. We ended up packing Abby's toys and stuffed animals due to her refusal of cleaning her room. I feel like we have a teenager sometimes rather than a 5 year old. Then we had a beautiful day at church having an Easter Egg Hunt after the Palm Sunday Service (which I still can't believe that this is Holy Week!!). Now today, it's suppose to snow this evening and it is around 40 degrees!!! Yesterday was closeto 80!!! The sad thing is, I don't have a heavier coat that can go around my belly!!!!!!
Speaking of belly, I'm still getting bigger by the minute. I'll have Ben take some pics this week (maybe Easter pics) and post them. I have my first stretch mark, which is sad. I got stretch marks with Abby the week before she was born. I feel the babies more frequently now. I still have trouble sleeping some. It's really exciting to have 2 babies!!! We should have an ultrasound next week and we should have a better percentage on the genders (even though I still think 2 boys from what we saw last time!!). Lots going on as always!!! This week will be crazy but fun. Ben's birthday is tomorrow and it's supposed to have snow flurries and be around 42. Poor Ben, it has ruined his plans to go fly fishing for his birthday.
Please keep Abby in your thoughts and prayers on April 17th for her surgery!!!!!
Over the weekend we worked on cleaning the house more and packing. We ended up packing Abby's toys and stuffed animals due to her refusal of cleaning her room. I feel like we have a teenager sometimes rather than a 5 year old. Then we had a beautiful day at church having an Easter Egg Hunt after the Palm Sunday Service (which I still can't believe that this is Holy Week!!). Now today, it's suppose to snow this evening and it is around 40 degrees!!! Yesterday was closeto 80!!! The sad thing is, I don't have a heavier coat that can go around my belly!!!!!!
Speaking of belly, I'm still getting bigger by the minute. I'll have Ben take some pics this week (maybe Easter pics) and post them. I have my first stretch mark, which is sad. I got stretch marks with Abby the week before she was born. I feel the babies more frequently now. I still have trouble sleeping some. It's really exciting to have 2 babies!!! We should have an ultrasound next week and we should have a better percentage on the genders (even though I still think 2 boys from what we saw last time!!). Lots going on as always!!! This week will be crazy but fun. Ben's birthday is tomorrow and it's supposed to have snow flurries and be around 42. Poor Ben, it has ruined his plans to go fly fishing for his birthday.
Please keep Abby in your thoughts and prayers on April 17th for her surgery!!!!!
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