Felicity can have dairy and wheat again! Brynna can have dairy, wheat and eggs again!
Fourteen months ago, around her 2nd birthday, Felicity became very sick. Diarrhea and vomiting, weight-loss and lethargy were the norm for more than a month. In a child who had suffered acid reflux disease the first year of life--a child who was already developmentally behind, underweight, and a patient of pediatric physical therapy--her condition became serious. By March 2008 Felicity was admitted to the hospital in Longmont, unable to keep even breast milk down.
Throughout her days at the hospital, Felicity endured many tests. When she was discharged a couple of days later, all her pediatrician could tell us was that Felicity had severe allergies to eggs and dairy, and moderate allergies to wheat, soy and peanuts. Her pediatrician also said that once we left the hospital Richard and I were to keep all five of these foods, and any food containing ingredients derived from them, away from her. Tough for Richard, seemingly impossible to me, as I was still breastfeeding her half a dozen times a day. Translation: I also had to adhere to the same food restrictions.
I remember calling Tera as we drove home from the hospital that night, informing my very frightened, very concerned friend of what would then be our life. Following a trip to the health food store, I came to realize that Felicity and I would be subsisting on rice, fish, meats, fruits and vegetables. Needless to say, after two weeks on our new diet, Felicity and I both lost weight--weight we didn't have to lose. Thank goodness within the next month we were able to add peanuts, soy and small amounts of wheat back to our diet. Trust me when I say that it was still extremely difficult, more for me than for her.
It is important to note that while our family was dealing with our very sick daughter, Tera and her family were wondering what in the world was wrong with their Brynna. You see, Brynna had also been suffering non-stop bouts of vomiting and diarrhea for more than a month, and no one seemed to know why. You guessed it: before long she, too, was diagnosed with severe food allergies to eggs, dairy and wheat. Imagine that one day you are healthy, enjoying all of your favorite foods, and suddenly they could kill you. Yes, Brynna was that severely allergic. Tera was then forced to carry an Epi-pen for her daughter. Scary.
Though our Brynna and Felicity saw different doctors, much of what Tera and I were told was the same: have the girls abstain from those foods, and all foods containing derivatives of them, for the space of one year at which time their blood would be tested again. As Brynna and Felicity's parents, this was daunting for Tera, JP, Rich and me. It meant shopping at special stores, worrying about cross-contamination, and becoming educated at reading food labels.
Tera has often said that she and I were foreordained to be best friends, and has said the same of our Brynna and Felicity. Of this insight I have no doubt. Of Tera's insight that my family was supposed to move here to Colorado to join hers to be a support, I also have no doubt. Heavenly Father saw the big picture and knew that our families would need each other.
There are too many coincidences between Brynna and Felicity to ignore. They were born within weeks of each other. As babies they both stopped breathing and began to turn blue while in the hospital. (Brynna had to go and do it again once she was home from the hospital, too, at about a week old forcing her parents to dial 911). The girls have been friends here on earth since they were each just months old, and have shared in each others' milestones. Not long past the girls' 2nd birthdays they became violently ill, as I've already talked about. But the greatest of all coincidences came in the form of phone calls yesterday afternoon.
Yesterday Felicity spent nearly 8 hours at National Jewish down in Denver with Rich for a milk challenge. She had recently had extensive blood work and a sweat test done. While at National Jewish, Rich was able to meet with Felicity's allergist who took all test results and in a way put them together like a puzzle. She determined that though Felicity was still allergic to eggs, (we'll test again next year) she was no longer allergic to dairy and wheat. On his drive home from Denver, Rich called me at the park across the street where I was visiting with some of my best girlfriends to give me the good news. How wonderful it was for my friends to throw their arms around me in relief once I shared with them the good news.
Once again it is important to note that late last week Tera had taken Brynna in for new blood work, and she was anxiously awaiting the results. Within minutes of my call from Rich, JP called Tera to say that Brynna was free and clear of her allergies. Coincidence? I know it wasn't. Holding and kissing Tera, my best friend and my greatest support, knowing that our girls had overcome their ordeal together, was an amazing feeling.
Once more I ask, coincidence? No way. Heavenly Father blessed us in the strength of our relationships and He blessed us for our faith. Not a day went by that our families didn't pray for our Brynna and Felicity and the hope that they would overcome their allergies, allowing them to once again enjoy the foods they had had to go without. It was harder for us as parents to see our daughters miss out than it was for them to go without. They adapted rather well.
Everyday it was a challenge to feed children with such special dietary needs but ask Tera or me if we would do it all over again and I'm sure you can come up with the right answer. Shelly, you ask if it's possible to love a child too much? With all sincerity, I answer "Nay".
Love, Cara
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Mom's Night Out
Mom's Night Out is a fairly new tradition in my life, and one that I could not do without. It all began last November when six of us ladies from the same neighborhood realized we shared a love for the "Twilight Saga" by Stephenie Meyer, and had plans to see the "Twilight" movie it's opening weekend. Sarah bought the movie tickets, Tera picked the restaurant we would eat at (Rock Bottom) and Tera volunteered to drive us all. The food was great, the movie was fun, and we all had a fabulous time. As we drove home that evening, Shelly asked, "When are we gonna do this again?"
And thus began the monthly tradition of "Mom's Night Out". Dinner at Rock Bottom followed by a movie is the norm for our monthly tradition. However, last night was an exception. We ladies had dinner at "The Melting Pot", which is a fondue restaurant. We arrived around 5:30p.m. for our reservation and didn't leave the restaurant until nearly 11:00p.m. No, none of us realized just how late it had gotten, as we were having such a good time. We laughed. We cried. We shared funny, personal and intimate things about our lives, and as a rule, what is shared during "Mom's Night Out" stays there.
Because Tera and I had patronized "The Melting Pot" before, we knew from experience that eating there was not a short engagement. In fact, when you go, you should plan on staying for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, especially if you take in all 4 courses offered. We ladies went with that in mind. I'm sure the reason we stayed so long was due to the amount of talking we did! And that's okay. I'm so grateful to have such amazing girlfriends--girlfriends I never tire of. Girlfriends who never run out of things to say to each other. We certainly took our time last night and I'm glad we did.
When opting for all 4 courses offered at "The Melting Pot", you begin by selecting a cheese fondue. We went with the cheddar fondue. It is served with chunks of various breads, vegetables, and green apples to dip into the cheese fondue. Fabulous. Then your salad arrives. Next come your meats and vegetables: fillet minion, chicken, pork, shrimp, lobster, etc, and unlimited potatoes, broccoli and mushrooms. These items arrive uncooked which each patron cooks herself in a broth or oil of her choice. The broth is delicious and fat-free. Yummy. Once that course is finished, the meal experience is completed by selecting a chocolate fondue that is offered with any number of flavor combinations. I am a simple girl when it comes to chocolate. I always choose white. Served with the chocolate fondue is an array of fruits (strawberries, bananas, cherries, pineapple), spongecake, brownie bites, marshmallows, and a slice of cheesecake. Oh, wow. It's better than... You decide!
We ladies had a fabulous time last night. But it was extra special for me. You see, unbeknownst to me, my girlfriends had a few surprises in store. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, Tera convinced me I had to use the restroom. Not a hard thing to do considering I have a baby making herself comfortable on my bladder. When she and I rejoined our group, I was presented with a gorgeous basket of pink tulips and a handmade card which all my girlfriends signed. Along with the handmade card was a gift card for "Babies R Us". That's when the tears started. Then we had our amazing meal. When dessert plates were served, mine came with a "5" candle piercing my slice of cheesecake. No, I'm not turning 5, though my maturity level may at times suggest it. The 5 was for my 5th baby.
Do I have the best group of girlfriends, or what? If their intention was to make me feel special, they succeeded. If their intention was to momentarily put me in the spotlight, they succeeded. If their intention was to let me know I'm loved, they succeeded at that, too.
I so greatly love and appreciate you, Tera, Shelly, Sarah, Christa and Katie. Each one of you enriches my life and has helped to make me a better person. God bless you all.
Love, Cara
P.S. I'm gonna go cry again now. I'm so emotional!
And thus began the monthly tradition of "Mom's Night Out". Dinner at Rock Bottom followed by a movie is the norm for our monthly tradition. However, last night was an exception. We ladies had dinner at "The Melting Pot", which is a fondue restaurant. We arrived around 5:30p.m. for our reservation and didn't leave the restaurant until nearly 11:00p.m. No, none of us realized just how late it had gotten, as we were having such a good time. We laughed. We cried. We shared funny, personal and intimate things about our lives, and as a rule, what is shared during "Mom's Night Out" stays there.
Because Tera and I had patronized "The Melting Pot" before, we knew from experience that eating there was not a short engagement. In fact, when you go, you should plan on staying for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, especially if you take in all 4 courses offered. We ladies went with that in mind. I'm sure the reason we stayed so long was due to the amount of talking we did! And that's okay. I'm so grateful to have such amazing girlfriends--girlfriends I never tire of. Girlfriends who never run out of things to say to each other. We certainly took our time last night and I'm glad we did.
When opting for all 4 courses offered at "The Melting Pot", you begin by selecting a cheese fondue. We went with the cheddar fondue. It is served with chunks of various breads, vegetables, and green apples to dip into the cheese fondue. Fabulous. Then your salad arrives. Next come your meats and vegetables: fillet minion, chicken, pork, shrimp, lobster, etc, and unlimited potatoes, broccoli and mushrooms. These items arrive uncooked which each patron cooks herself in a broth or oil of her choice. The broth is delicious and fat-free. Yummy. Once that course is finished, the meal experience is completed by selecting a chocolate fondue that is offered with any number of flavor combinations. I am a simple girl when it comes to chocolate. I always choose white. Served with the chocolate fondue is an array of fruits (strawberries, bananas, cherries, pineapple), spongecake, brownie bites, marshmallows, and a slice of cheesecake. Oh, wow. It's better than... You decide!
We ladies had a fabulous time last night. But it was extra special for me. You see, unbeknownst to me, my girlfriends had a few surprises in store. As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, Tera convinced me I had to use the restroom. Not a hard thing to do considering I have a baby making herself comfortable on my bladder. When she and I rejoined our group, I was presented with a gorgeous basket of pink tulips and a handmade card which all my girlfriends signed. Along with the handmade card was a gift card for "Babies R Us". That's when the tears started. Then we had our amazing meal. When dessert plates were served, mine came with a "5" candle piercing my slice of cheesecake. No, I'm not turning 5, though my maturity level may at times suggest it. The 5 was for my 5th baby.
Do I have the best group of girlfriends, or what? If their intention was to make me feel special, they succeeded. If their intention was to momentarily put me in the spotlight, they succeeded. If their intention was to let me know I'm loved, they succeeded at that, too.
I so greatly love and appreciate you, Tera, Shelly, Sarah, Christa and Katie. Each one of you enriches my life and has helped to make me a better person. God bless you all.
Love, Cara
P.S. I'm gonna go cry again now. I'm so emotional!
Green Is My New Favorite Color
Okay, so I've always been a fan of the color green, though the color pink has often trumped it on my list of favorites. Until today!
You see, the past few days we've had nothing but rain and snow and other adverse weather conditions. But this morning when I woke up and looked out the window, all I saw was a clear sky, sunshine, a light breeze, and all manner of green things. These green things would not be toads, lizards or snakes, thank goodness! Instead I was pleased to discover green grass, trees, bushes, and the like. Maybe spring is finally upon us!
Don't get me wrong. I know that it is necessary for us to receive healthy amounts of rain and snow to keep our state beautiful. And it is beautiful. But my family, friends and I are ready to enjoy and appreciate it's beauty from outside the walls of our homes! How anxious we all are to play at the park, ride our bikes, throw a football, and have barbeques.
It is because we have four true seasons here in Colorado that we residents so greatly appreciate our spring and summer months. Often we feel as if they are short-lived. But one thing is for sure: we never take them for granted and we always make the most of them.
So, green is my new favorite color! That is until my baby is born in 12 days. Then, once again, the color pink will trump it. Until then, go green!
Love, Cara
You see, the past few days we've had nothing but rain and snow and other adverse weather conditions. But this morning when I woke up and looked out the window, all I saw was a clear sky, sunshine, a light breeze, and all manner of green things. These green things would not be toads, lizards or snakes, thank goodness! Instead I was pleased to discover green grass, trees, bushes, and the like. Maybe spring is finally upon us!
Don't get me wrong. I know that it is necessary for us to receive healthy amounts of rain and snow to keep our state beautiful. And it is beautiful. But my family, friends and I are ready to enjoy and appreciate it's beauty from outside the walls of our homes! How anxious we all are to play at the park, ride our bikes, throw a football, and have barbeques.
It is because we have four true seasons here in Colorado that we residents so greatly appreciate our spring and summer months. Often we feel as if they are short-lived. But one thing is for sure: we never take them for granted and we always make the most of them.
So, green is my new favorite color! That is until my baby is born in 12 days. Then, once again, the color pink will trump it. Until then, go green!
Love, Cara
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Good Friday '09: 10 Reasons It Wasn't Good
We all know that Good Friday is a Christian holiday--the Friday before Easter. It should be a happy day, right? Well, not at my house! Even though my kids had just had a spring break, the school district decided to make Good Friday a day off, as well. The day began rather ordinary, or so I thought. I woke up, took a shower and dressed and left my room to find out what my children had been up to. Of course by that time, Richard was long gone at work and could be of no assistance. Standing at the top of the staircase, I called to the four of them. Since they had gotten up that morning all they had done was play in the basement. Normally this wouldn't be a problem as there wasn't any school. The problem was that two of the kids had wet their beds and Felicity was sitting in a poopy pull-up. By the time I got to her, her bottom was sore. The two kids that had wet their beds had been hanging around in soaked pajamas. Gross. Not the ideal way to start a day.
Here are 10 more reasons that Good Friday '09 wasn't good:
01) The rest of the day all four kids fought. Non-stop.
02) The boys didn't finish their chores until almost 2:00p.m., meaning they didn't eat until then, either.
03) Because of the two wet beds, my daily three loads of laundry became five.
04) Felicity, who had been potty training as of late, had accident after accident that day.
05) My energy level was so low that I was out of breath just walking around the house.
06) I spent my day washing, folding and hanging up clean laundry.
07) Felicity got down for her daily nap an hour late.
08) That afternoon my Relief Society Presidency meeting ran 2.5 hours.
09) The kids fought in the car on the drive home from the meeting.
10) Driving home from my meeting, my seat belt came unlatched four times.
Here are 10 reasons I should count my blessings:
01) Though my children fought all day, no permanent damage or injury was inflicted.
02) Though my seat belt came unlatched four times on the freeway, we arrived home unscathed.
03) Though my children fought all day, they were well-behaved during my presidency meeting.
04) Stripping and remaking two beds on Friday meant two less to do on Saturday morning.
05) Though my presidency meeting ran so long, I enjoy and am friends with the three other ladies I serve with.
06) Though Felicity had a short nap, she wasn't overly cranky.
07) I got a lot of laundry done.
08) When the kids and I got home from my meeting, Richard was already home from work making dinner.
09) Dinner was truly excellent: grilled salmon, pasta, parmesan toast, corn and green salad.
10) That night I fell asleep reading a good book, knowing that Saturday was around the corner.
Unfortunately, Saturday wasn't any better. You win some, you lose some. I'm trying to look for the positive things in life. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not.
Lest I forget the words to the hymn, "Count Your Many Blessings"...
Cara
Here are 10 more reasons that Good Friday '09 wasn't good:
01) The rest of the day all four kids fought. Non-stop.
02) The boys didn't finish their chores until almost 2:00p.m., meaning they didn't eat until then, either.
03) Because of the two wet beds, my daily three loads of laundry became five.
04) Felicity, who had been potty training as of late, had accident after accident that day.
05) My energy level was so low that I was out of breath just walking around the house.
06) I spent my day washing, folding and hanging up clean laundry.
07) Felicity got down for her daily nap an hour late.
08) That afternoon my Relief Society Presidency meeting ran 2.5 hours.
09) The kids fought in the car on the drive home from the meeting.
10) Driving home from my meeting, my seat belt came unlatched four times.
Here are 10 reasons I should count my blessings:
01) Though my children fought all day, no permanent damage or injury was inflicted.
02) Though my seat belt came unlatched four times on the freeway, we arrived home unscathed.
03) Though my children fought all day, they were well-behaved during my presidency meeting.
04) Stripping and remaking two beds on Friday meant two less to do on Saturday morning.
05) Though my presidency meeting ran so long, I enjoy and am friends with the three other ladies I serve with.
06) Though Felicity had a short nap, she wasn't overly cranky.
07) I got a lot of laundry done.
08) When the kids and I got home from my meeting, Richard was already home from work making dinner.
09) Dinner was truly excellent: grilled salmon, pasta, parmesan toast, corn and green salad.
10) That night I fell asleep reading a good book, knowing that Saturday was around the corner.
Unfortunately, Saturday wasn't any better. You win some, you lose some. I'm trying to look for the positive things in life. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not.
Lest I forget the words to the hymn, "Count Your Many Blessings"...
Cara
Thursday, April 9, 2009
I'm A Grandmother At 33
Okay. So I didn't see this one coming, but alas it has. Dallin has made me a grandmother at the age of 33. Allow me to explain, as I did not become a grandmother the old-fashioned way. On Tuesday 7 April 2009, Dallin came home from school with a flour-sack baby he has named Alicia. At birth Alicia weighed 5 pounds, and was 19 inches long. She has brown hair and pink eyes, no fingernails or toenails, and is currently sporting a huge run in the pantyhose that is holding her head together. Alicia also lacks a belly button. Kyle XY anyone? (Kyle XY is a science-fiction show on the ABC Family Channel). Despite it all, Dallin is a proud parent until next Wednesday.
I consider myself lucky to have finished school without having to participate in such a project. Of course there are similar projects involving eggs. I never had to do that, either. If my memory serves me well, those of my friends and acquaintances who were involved in such assignments weren't given them until high school. Dallin is in the fifth grade. Hmmm... Children are starting younger and younger, aren't they? This is disconcerting.
Something else that is disconcerting to me is that although Dallin is in love with Alicia, I am not. How shall I put this... Alicia is the least attractive and appealing baby I have ever seen. We are all familiar with the phrase, "He / She has a face only a mother could love". Yeah. You catch my drift. Who and where is the mother of my grandchild and does the phrase also apply to her? Come on, people, ugly babies are not born to good-looking parents very often, and we all know how handsome Dallin is. (No, I am not biased.) So what does that say about Alicia's mother?
I do have to say that Alicia does have positive attributes. For one, she never cries or fusses. And though Dallin is required to change her diapers occasionally as part of his assignment, she never poops or wets them. She never complains over who might be holding her. If she's cold or hot, she deals. If the wind or sun is in her face, she doesn't let it bother her. If she's been ignored for a long period of time, she finds ways to entertain herself. All in all, she is a super baby. She rolls with the punches. I doubt I'll be able to say the same about the baby soon to come to our family, though I can be sure she'll be more beautiful!
But if this is what grandparenthood is all about, bring it on! I'm ready and happy to participate!
Love, Cara
I consider myself lucky to have finished school without having to participate in such a project. Of course there are similar projects involving eggs. I never had to do that, either. If my memory serves me well, those of my friends and acquaintances who were involved in such assignments weren't given them until high school. Dallin is in the fifth grade. Hmmm... Children are starting younger and younger, aren't they? This is disconcerting.
Something else that is disconcerting to me is that although Dallin is in love with Alicia, I am not. How shall I put this... Alicia is the least attractive and appealing baby I have ever seen. We are all familiar with the phrase, "He / She has a face only a mother could love". Yeah. You catch my drift. Who and where is the mother of my grandchild and does the phrase also apply to her? Come on, people, ugly babies are not born to good-looking parents very often, and we all know how handsome Dallin is. (No, I am not biased.) So what does that say about Alicia's mother?
I do have to say that Alicia does have positive attributes. For one, she never cries or fusses. And though Dallin is required to change her diapers occasionally as part of his assignment, she never poops or wets them. She never complains over who might be holding her. If she's cold or hot, she deals. If the wind or sun is in her face, she doesn't let it bother her. If she's been ignored for a long period of time, she finds ways to entertain herself. All in all, she is a super baby. She rolls with the punches. I doubt I'll be able to say the same about the baby soon to come to our family, though I can be sure she'll be more beautiful!
But if this is what grandparenthood is all about, bring it on! I'm ready and happy to participate!
Love, Cara
The End Is Near
While I am over the moon regarding the impending arrival of my sweet baby Aubrielle, I have come to realize that her birth will mean the end of something I have held precious and dear to my heart: "The Dallin, Elijah, Amelia, Felicity and Mommy Show". Sure, I know that a new baby sleeps a lot and is often content to be cuddled. But once Bree is here, "The Dallin, Elijah, Amelia, Felicity and Mommy Show" will be canceled and dropped by all major and independent television networks. It will be replaced with a brand-new series called "The Dallin, Elijah, Amelia, Felicity, Aubrielle and Mommy Show". Although I agree that change is good, there are many things I will miss about the old series:
*going anywhere with only four children in tow, a skill I had to develop through trial and error and ultimately learn to master
*mornings at home alone with Felicity while her siblings are at school; we had a lot of fun together, just the two of us
*afternoons at home alone with Mimi while her brothers are at school and Felicity is napping
*only having to worry about two children in carseats
*not nursing anyone or wearing nursing pads
*having both my hands to cook, clean, bake, blog, read, eat, etc
*not having to change diapers or carry a diaper bag filled "just in case"
*loud music
*chasing my children through the house or at the park
Most of all I will miss the opportunites for one-on-one time with each of my children. A new baby is selfish. And rightly so! But that is a difficult concept for older children to grasp as they have no memory of being in the spotlight position as a newborn themselves. I only hope and pray that I will have the energy and ability to still give to my older children all that they want and deserve. May God once again bless me with an additional heart and increased capacity to love.
Love, Cara
P.S. As I've already said, change is good. Generally. But not always. Take for example the new "90210" series which replaced the now defunct "Beverly Hills, 90210". Not a positive change, people! Just kidding.
*going anywhere with only four children in tow, a skill I had to develop through trial and error and ultimately learn to master
*mornings at home alone with Felicity while her siblings are at school; we had a lot of fun together, just the two of us
*afternoons at home alone with Mimi while her brothers are at school and Felicity is napping
*only having to worry about two children in carseats
*not nursing anyone or wearing nursing pads
*having both my hands to cook, clean, bake, blog, read, eat, etc
*not having to change diapers or carry a diaper bag filled "just in case"
*loud music
*chasing my children through the house or at the park
Most of all I will miss the opportunites for one-on-one time with each of my children. A new baby is selfish. And rightly so! But that is a difficult concept for older children to grasp as they have no memory of being in the spotlight position as a newborn themselves. I only hope and pray that I will have the energy and ability to still give to my older children all that they want and deserve. May God once again bless me with an additional heart and increased capacity to love.
Love, Cara
P.S. As I've already said, change is good. Generally. But not always. Take for example the new "90210" series which replaced the now defunct "Beverly Hills, 90210". Not a positive change, people! Just kidding.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Are You Kidding Me?
Monday morning meant another visit to my OB/GYN. As my doctor was in surgery all that day, I was seen by one of the other doctors in the office. Since it was just a weekly check-up, it was no big deal. When the exam was over, the doctor looked through my chart and asked if I had the date for my Cesarean Section scheduled. "Yes," I said. "It will be Friday, May the 1st. It's always been May the 1st." To that she replied, "Allow me to go check on that for you." At first I wondered why she felt the need to do so. I quickly shrugged my shoulders and thought nothing else of it as I got myself re-dressed. When the doctor came back a few minutes later, she said, "You're not gonna believe this, but I checked with Dr Austin's nurse and you are scheduled to have your baby on April the 29th." Are you kidding me? It's always been May the 1st!
I have had my mind and calendar set for May the 1st almost since I conceived and figured out my due date. You see, May the 1st is special to me, and has meaning. I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1983 on May the 1st. It's also May Day. I also don't have a child with a May birthday. It's also the day I got the chicken pox, consequently noticed by my poor mom at my baptism ceremony. But that's another story for another day.
Needless to say, I have been mentally prepared to give birth on the first day of May for many months.
There is another reason why I have to have my baby in May. Months ago I told Richard that since this was to be our last baby, he ought to show up at the hospital with a gift for me. To this he muttered, "I didn't know I was required to get you one." Are you kidding me? But this is also another story for another day. He proceeded to ask, "Like what?" Well, I figured that since this would be the fifth time I would be sliced open, I deserved a mother's ring with a birthstone for each of my five children. And since I spelled it out to him exactly what I wanted, he jumped right on it and ordered me a ring with an October birthstone for Dallin, an August birthstone for Elijah, an April birthstone for Mimi, a February birthstone for Felicity, and a May birthstone for Bree. The ring has already been made and picked up, though it's the exact style and design I told Richard I didn't want. Are you kidding me? (And that is also another story for another day!)
As many of you have guessed, the ring is custom-made and completely non-returnable / non-refundable. I wanted my emerald, and I got it so I've got to have Bree in May, dang it all! As a young mother who is constantly outnumbered, I am used to not getting what I want. However, not having my baby on the day I wanted would not be likened unto not getting my haircut on the day I wanted.
I went to speak with Dr Austin's nurse, Gayle, myself. She showed me for herself that I was indeed scheduled for surgery on Wednesday the 29th of April. She also said it had been on the books for months. Are you kidding me? But as I spoke to her, even she could remember the significance of May the 1st. So reschedule me, okay? No problem, right? Gayle said she couldn't do that because May the 1st was already booked for Dr Austin. Are you kidding me?
Gayle could tell that I was upset, and offered to speak to Dr Austin when he came out of surgery that afternoon if he'd be willing to deliver my baby at 5:00p.m. on my desired date. Are you kidding me? What doctor would want to do an elective Cesarean Section at 5:00p.m. on a Friday night? After all, he is a husband and a father. Gayle scrawled down my phone number and promised to call me in a few hours.
When I saw on the caller ID that it was Gayle ringing in, I was so nervous despite the fact I had been trying to think positive thoughts since I'd left my doctor's office (a difficult thing for a "glass is half-empty" girl like me). Gayle said she had spoken to Dr Austin and even he remembered May the 1st and couldn't explain how I had been incorrectly scheduled. She also said that he would be happy to do my surgery the first Friday night in May? Are you kidding me? This is great! I love my doctor. He's the best.
Richard had already planned to take Friday the 1st of May off, and that will remain the same. What will change is that we won't be required to get to the hospital at 4:00a.m. to check in for surgery. We can instead spend the day at home with Felicity playing and resting before going to the hospital at 3:00p.m. with Tera. Yep, Dr Austin said that Tera could be in the operating room to witness Bree's birth.
Some times things work out better than you had originally planned. Some times the Lord is looking out for us. Are you kidding me? I'm sure He always is. But this time I noticed and have openly thanked my Father in Heaven.
Love, Cara
I have had my mind and calendar set for May the 1st almost since I conceived and figured out my due date. You see, May the 1st is special to me, and has meaning. I was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1983 on May the 1st. It's also May Day. I also don't have a child with a May birthday. It's also the day I got the chicken pox, consequently noticed by my poor mom at my baptism ceremony. But that's another story for another day.
Needless to say, I have been mentally prepared to give birth on the first day of May for many months.
There is another reason why I have to have my baby in May. Months ago I told Richard that since this was to be our last baby, he ought to show up at the hospital with a gift for me. To this he muttered, "I didn't know I was required to get you one." Are you kidding me? But this is also another story for another day. He proceeded to ask, "Like what?" Well, I figured that since this would be the fifth time I would be sliced open, I deserved a mother's ring with a birthstone for each of my five children. And since I spelled it out to him exactly what I wanted, he jumped right on it and ordered me a ring with an October birthstone for Dallin, an August birthstone for Elijah, an April birthstone for Mimi, a February birthstone for Felicity, and a May birthstone for Bree. The ring has already been made and picked up, though it's the exact style and design I told Richard I didn't want. Are you kidding me? (And that is also another story for another day!)
As many of you have guessed, the ring is custom-made and completely non-returnable / non-refundable. I wanted my emerald, and I got it so I've got to have Bree in May, dang it all! As a young mother who is constantly outnumbered, I am used to not getting what I want. However, not having my baby on the day I wanted would not be likened unto not getting my haircut on the day I wanted.
I went to speak with Dr Austin's nurse, Gayle, myself. She showed me for herself that I was indeed scheduled for surgery on Wednesday the 29th of April. She also said it had been on the books for months. Are you kidding me? But as I spoke to her, even she could remember the significance of May the 1st. So reschedule me, okay? No problem, right? Gayle said she couldn't do that because May the 1st was already booked for Dr Austin. Are you kidding me?
Gayle could tell that I was upset, and offered to speak to Dr Austin when he came out of surgery that afternoon if he'd be willing to deliver my baby at 5:00p.m. on my desired date. Are you kidding me? What doctor would want to do an elective Cesarean Section at 5:00p.m. on a Friday night? After all, he is a husband and a father. Gayle scrawled down my phone number and promised to call me in a few hours.
When I saw on the caller ID that it was Gayle ringing in, I was so nervous despite the fact I had been trying to think positive thoughts since I'd left my doctor's office (a difficult thing for a "glass is half-empty" girl like me). Gayle said she had spoken to Dr Austin and even he remembered May the 1st and couldn't explain how I had been incorrectly scheduled. She also said that he would be happy to do my surgery the first Friday night in May? Are you kidding me? This is great! I love my doctor. He's the best.
Richard had already planned to take Friday the 1st of May off, and that will remain the same. What will change is that we won't be required to get to the hospital at 4:00a.m. to check in for surgery. We can instead spend the day at home with Felicity playing and resting before going to the hospital at 3:00p.m. with Tera. Yep, Dr Austin said that Tera could be in the operating room to witness Bree's birth.
Some times things work out better than you had originally planned. Some times the Lord is looking out for us. Are you kidding me? I'm sure He always is. But this time I noticed and have openly thanked my Father in Heaven.
Love, Cara
Monday, April 6, 2009
Reunited, And It Feels So Good
About two weeks ago, I received a phone call from my high school girlfriend, Louise, informing me that she would be in Denver a few days, and she wanted to see me. What a wonderful surprise, considering the last time Louise and I had seen each other was in 2003 when Mimi was just a few months old. The next time I heard from her via phone I was pregnant with Felicity. Needless to say, a lot had happened in both of our lives in the past six years.
Louise and I graduated from high school in June of 1993. We met in the sixth grade, before either of us had boobs or periods, and quickly became friends. Not only did we go to school together, but we lived within a couple minutes of each other and consequently attended the same junior high school and high school. In junior high school we shared a love for the roller skating rink, bike rides to the local 7-Eleven for Slurpees, and dreams of first dates and first kisses. High school meant puberty, dating, church dances, hickeys, movie parties, and love for George Michael and soap operas. (Every day we would rush home from school to catch "Guiding Light"). Lou and I even had nicknames for each other. I was "Carolina Moon", Lou was "The Weasel". Heck if I can remember how we each came by those nicknames, but that's what they were.
Since Lou and I graduated from high school, our lives have been very different. Lou finished college and has carved for herself a successful career as a costume draper / designer. She and her husband Josh have traveled all over the United States, and to many foreign countries, too. Lou and Josh have a dog and two cats, and have decided not to have children. I envy Lou and her exciting life as she has seen many beautiful (and some not so beautiful) parts of the world, and not being tied down to a mortgage or family she is the definition of "insouciant". Hee, hee. I used my favorite word from high school! Lou is successful, accomplished and has kept her figure! You were always thinner than me, Lou!
As all of you know, I have been married to Richard for nearly 14 years and we are currently awaiting the arrival of our fifth child. We live in the third home we've ever purchased. Richard is currently working towards his bachelor's degree, and I never finished college. (Someday I may finish but the thought of going back to school right now makes me want to vomit. I don't want to read or study anything for educational purposes, unless it is my scriptures). The first couple of years that Richard and I were married, we both worked and went to school, but the last nine months of Richard's physical therapist assistant school, I quit school to work two jobs while carrying our first child (Dallin was born seven days after Richard's graduation ceremony). My career involves the proper care and feeding of my husband and children, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Last Wednesday night, Louise came to my home to see Richard and my children (she'd never met Felicity) and where I lived. She admired my home and how I had decorated it, and said multiple times how beautiful my children were. What mother doesn't love that? Once the home tour was over and pictures had been taken (yes, I will learn how to put the pictures on my blog) Lou and I went out together to catch up.
We ended up at Famous Dave's BBQ and split the dinner for two. While it had been years since we'd been together, and while our lives are very different now, we quickly fell into conversation. You see, I am convinced that some friendships are meant to last a lifetime and weather the changes which are sure to come about. Lou is one of those friends for me. We spent the next three hours talking, even after our leftovers had been boxed up. We had been reunited, and it felt so good.
As I mentioned before, in the years of her career, Lou has done a lot of travelling, both for fun and for work. But currently her husband Josh has a full-time position and home near downtown Denver. Lou has decided that Denver is a nice place to live and is hopeful that someday soon she will be blessed to find full-time work there, at which time she and Josh will look to buy a home and stay permanently! Yes!
Gosh, Lou, I miss you so much already, and it's only been a week. Let's not allow years to go by before we see each other again, okay? I love you.
Love, Cara
Louise and I graduated from high school in June of 1993. We met in the sixth grade, before either of us had boobs or periods, and quickly became friends. Not only did we go to school together, but we lived within a couple minutes of each other and consequently attended the same junior high school and high school. In junior high school we shared a love for the roller skating rink, bike rides to the local 7-Eleven for Slurpees, and dreams of first dates and first kisses. High school meant puberty, dating, church dances, hickeys, movie parties, and love for George Michael and soap operas. (Every day we would rush home from school to catch "Guiding Light"). Lou and I even had nicknames for each other. I was "Carolina Moon", Lou was "The Weasel". Heck if I can remember how we each came by those nicknames, but that's what they were.
Since Lou and I graduated from high school, our lives have been very different. Lou finished college and has carved for herself a successful career as a costume draper / designer. She and her husband Josh have traveled all over the United States, and to many foreign countries, too. Lou and Josh have a dog and two cats, and have decided not to have children. I envy Lou and her exciting life as she has seen many beautiful (and some not so beautiful) parts of the world, and not being tied down to a mortgage or family she is the definition of "insouciant". Hee, hee. I used my favorite word from high school! Lou is successful, accomplished and has kept her figure! You were always thinner than me, Lou!
As all of you know, I have been married to Richard for nearly 14 years and we are currently awaiting the arrival of our fifth child. We live in the third home we've ever purchased. Richard is currently working towards his bachelor's degree, and I never finished college. (Someday I may finish but the thought of going back to school right now makes me want to vomit. I don't want to read or study anything for educational purposes, unless it is my scriptures). The first couple of years that Richard and I were married, we both worked and went to school, but the last nine months of Richard's physical therapist assistant school, I quit school to work two jobs while carrying our first child (Dallin was born seven days after Richard's graduation ceremony). My career involves the proper care and feeding of my husband and children, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Last Wednesday night, Louise came to my home to see Richard and my children (she'd never met Felicity) and where I lived. She admired my home and how I had decorated it, and said multiple times how beautiful my children were. What mother doesn't love that? Once the home tour was over and pictures had been taken (yes, I will learn how to put the pictures on my blog) Lou and I went out together to catch up.
We ended up at Famous Dave's BBQ and split the dinner for two. While it had been years since we'd been together, and while our lives are very different now, we quickly fell into conversation. You see, I am convinced that some friendships are meant to last a lifetime and weather the changes which are sure to come about. Lou is one of those friends for me. We spent the next three hours talking, even after our leftovers had been boxed up. We had been reunited, and it felt so good.
As I mentioned before, in the years of her career, Lou has done a lot of travelling, both for fun and for work. But currently her husband Josh has a full-time position and home near downtown Denver. Lou has decided that Denver is a nice place to live and is hopeful that someday soon she will be blessed to find full-time work there, at which time she and Josh will look to buy a home and stay permanently! Yes!
Gosh, Lou, I miss you so much already, and it's only been a week. Let's not allow years to go by before we see each other again, okay? I love you.
Love, Cara
Insomnia Sucks
First of all, let me explain the reason it has been so long since I last posted. About 10 days ago we had a power surge at our house and the result was a fried modem. (Would baked or grilled have been any better?) And though Richard quickly purchased a new one, installing it seemed to cause more problems than it solved. I freely admit that I am not computer savvy like my husband so I will not attempt to explain just what happened. Just know that I now have a fully-functioning modem and that I am glad to be back online to share with all of you my good, bad, and ugly. I love sharing the good, but who doesn't occasionally need to verbally vomit the bad?
Now on to the reason I titled my post the way I did. It is currently 3:40a.m. and I am typing a blog. Insomnia sucks! It has been a huge problem during my current pregnancy and I can't wait for it to be over! Although I do have the option of popping an Ambien here and there, I am not allowed to take it every night. Last night was not one of those nights. So, exhausted as I was last night, it was about 10:45p.m. when I was finally able to fall asleep. I woke for the first time at 11:14p.m. Whew! What a nap! Aren't you jealous?
While I have never been one to crawl into bed at night and be asleep by the time my head hits the pillow like Richard can, I have had my share of blissful nights. But not since I got pregnant eight months ago. Insomnia sucks! I am convinced that I will sleep better once Aubrielle is born. Oh, sure, as a mom of four children who have breastfed through the night, I know that Bree (that's what Richard and the kids have been calling her lately, and I think it's so cute) will likewise have me up multiple times during the night. But once she goes back to sleep, I'll be able to as well--and on my tummy, no less. And heck, if she falls asleep at my breast while I'm sitting up nursing her, I'll just take advantage of the opportunity to sleep, too. Whenever, wherever. That will be my new motto.
Given that Bree will be born via C-Section, I'll understandably have a difficult time getting up and out of bed at night to nurse and change her. Thank goodness I have a loving husband who, though he will have to go to work the next day, will get up during the night with Bree and me to help in any way he can. Each time I have had one of the kids, he has been the one to go to the nursery to change the baby's diaper and bring him or her to me in the bed to nurse. And yes, as soon as the baby leaves his arms, he is asleep again. But once the baby is done nursing, I nudge him awake and he takes the baby back to the nursery. Oh, yeah. I am blessed. But I know one of the reasons he is so willing to make this sacrifice is because he is confident that he'll go right back to sleep.
Ahh, sleep. I think of you. I dream of you. But after waking multiple times during the night like I have last night / this morning, I also dream of an excellent surf 'n' turf dinner. I'm starving! Yeah, baby. The perfect steak (turf), lobster, shrimp or any seafood, really (surf), baked potato, rolls, biscuits, cornbread or something of the sort (gotta have my carbs), Ceasar salad, fresh fruit, etc. Oh, and the meal would begin with the perfect bowl of hot soup or chowder. Yeah...that's what I'm talking about. If I could have the perfect meal, I wouldn't even want for dessert. I'd just have another roll. Or two. After Bree is born, it'll be nice to not be THAT hungry all the time, and to not have hunger be a reason I can't sleep. Don't get me wrong. I'll still maintain a healthy appetite, just as I always have. Dropping pregnancy weight is never fun, but that's a whole different story...
Richard's alarm just went off. Yes, he usually gets up around 4:15a.m. to shower and groom, then he wakes the boys and me about 5:00a.m. But since he is up now, and I am obviously still wide awake, I may as well begin my morning routine now. May heaven help me to get through another day, following another nearly sleepless night. And may I have the patience and compassion necessary to be a good--no, great--wife and mom today. Every day that is what I strive for. Sometimes I am successful, other times not.
25 days to go...
Love, Cara
Now on to the reason I titled my post the way I did. It is currently 3:40a.m. and I am typing a blog. Insomnia sucks! It has been a huge problem during my current pregnancy and I can't wait for it to be over! Although I do have the option of popping an Ambien here and there, I am not allowed to take it every night. Last night was not one of those nights. So, exhausted as I was last night, it was about 10:45p.m. when I was finally able to fall asleep. I woke for the first time at 11:14p.m. Whew! What a nap! Aren't you jealous?
While I have never been one to crawl into bed at night and be asleep by the time my head hits the pillow like Richard can, I have had my share of blissful nights. But not since I got pregnant eight months ago. Insomnia sucks! I am convinced that I will sleep better once Aubrielle is born. Oh, sure, as a mom of four children who have breastfed through the night, I know that Bree (that's what Richard and the kids have been calling her lately, and I think it's so cute) will likewise have me up multiple times during the night. But once she goes back to sleep, I'll be able to as well--and on my tummy, no less. And heck, if she falls asleep at my breast while I'm sitting up nursing her, I'll just take advantage of the opportunity to sleep, too. Whenever, wherever. That will be my new motto.
Given that Bree will be born via C-Section, I'll understandably have a difficult time getting up and out of bed at night to nurse and change her. Thank goodness I have a loving husband who, though he will have to go to work the next day, will get up during the night with Bree and me to help in any way he can. Each time I have had one of the kids, he has been the one to go to the nursery to change the baby's diaper and bring him or her to me in the bed to nurse. And yes, as soon as the baby leaves his arms, he is asleep again. But once the baby is done nursing, I nudge him awake and he takes the baby back to the nursery. Oh, yeah. I am blessed. But I know one of the reasons he is so willing to make this sacrifice is because he is confident that he'll go right back to sleep.
Ahh, sleep. I think of you. I dream of you. But after waking multiple times during the night like I have last night / this morning, I also dream of an excellent surf 'n' turf dinner. I'm starving! Yeah, baby. The perfect steak (turf), lobster, shrimp or any seafood, really (surf), baked potato, rolls, biscuits, cornbread or something of the sort (gotta have my carbs), Ceasar salad, fresh fruit, etc. Oh, and the meal would begin with the perfect bowl of hot soup or chowder. Yeah...that's what I'm talking about. If I could have the perfect meal, I wouldn't even want for dessert. I'd just have another roll. Or two. After Bree is born, it'll be nice to not be THAT hungry all the time, and to not have hunger be a reason I can't sleep. Don't get me wrong. I'll still maintain a healthy appetite, just as I always have. Dropping pregnancy weight is never fun, but that's a whole different story...
Richard's alarm just went off. Yes, he usually gets up around 4:15a.m. to shower and groom, then he wakes the boys and me about 5:00a.m. But since he is up now, and I am obviously still wide awake, I may as well begin my morning routine now. May heaven help me to get through another day, following another nearly sleepless night. And may I have the patience and compassion necessary to be a good--no, great--wife and mom today. Every day that is what I strive for. Sometimes I am successful, other times not.
25 days to go...
Love, Cara
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