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
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