Life According to CapsCrazy

Hockey...a way of life

2012-01-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

For those of you familiar with hockey (on any level) or maybe not even at all, this video really does explain how hockey is truly a way of life.

Here is the link if the embeded video doesn't work.

Please watch...it really is well done.

For once, our voices were heard

2012-01-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

SOPA has been delayed, for now. The House has agreed to revisit the issue next month, but they now know the White House will veto any bill that’s not more narrowly focused.

US President says so long to SOPA

So glad Wikipedia and Google did what they did yesterday. The public has spoken.

Way to go!!

Do your part and make your voice heard

2012-01-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

Two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, would censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American business. Millions of Internet users and entrepreneurs already oppose SOPA and PIPA.
The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let them know how you feel. Sign this petition urging Congress to vote NO on PIPA and SOPA before it is too late.

Google link to take action
or go to

Wikipedia's home page
they are blacked out today (full 24 hours) and there is an area to fill in your zip code to get the name of your local reps in Congress so you know who to contact about your views on this. Even includes a contact form.

BE HEARD!!!

What ever happened to.... a courtesy wave??

2012-01-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

You know...I was wondering the other day and even this morning on my way into work, as someone cut me off. What ever happened to the courtesy wave people used to give while driving?? Don't get me wrong, some people in fact, DO still give one. But that has become so rare, especially around where I live in the Washington DC/Virginia area.

When in traffic usually it was a nice way to say "thank you" for letting me merge over or if someone was nice enough to stop and let you turn in front of them.

Yes, I do admit that I do not always give a wave. But usually I do try to and I have found myself lately saying "YOU'RE WELCOME!" in a sarcastic way to those that just cut me off in traffic or even to those I've stopped for and they just go thinking it was there right to begin with.

I know this is not really that important...it's just a random topic.

Is the courtesy wave alive and well where you are?? Do you give one?? Tell me.

Taking your own advice...not easy

2012-01-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

You know how you can give someone (a friend, family member, etc) some really good advice and you are so proud of it. But turning it around and doing it yourself?? Not easy at all.

Have patience.
Take things slow.
Don't forget to breathe.
Do something/take time for yourself.
Take a step back.
Stay in bed (if your ill or sick).
Ask for help.

....etc...

I wish sometimes I could just kick myself to remember the advice I give to other sometimes, because when you are reminded of your own words don't you just feel like "I should've known better" UGH.

What are some words of advice that you've given others lately or whenever that you have needed to remember for yourself?? (interesting perspective isn't it) Share them.

Doing things for yourself = therapeutic

2012-01-04T13:08:00.000-05:00

Now that the new year has begun and the resolution warriors are out in force. Those who impact your normal routine, don't worry. Give it a little time and things will more than likely go back to what you are used to.

One little thing you really should not forget is to do things for yourself. No matter how little or how large. Something as simple as taking a longer than normal shower/bath or buying a special treat for yourself at the store; to as large as making a major purchase for yourself (car, house, etc). It is completely therapeutic to do this on a regular basis.

Don't focus on the things you don't have or want...just look at the things that you CAN obtain or do for yourself. If you focus on the others too much that would be enough to depress ANYONE and EVERYONE.

Do your best to keep a positive outlook, no matter how hard things may be. (yes, I know most of the time that is truly easier said than done) It will certainly be in your best interest and when you look back on it you will be glad that you did.

For myself the thing that I do for myself is putting on make up. Yeah I know that doesn't sound like much but for someone like me with two little toddlers at home, that is HUGE.

So what have you done for yourself lately? (tell me)

From me to all of you!!

2011-12-31T21:04:00.001-05:00

Closing statement for 2011 and my thoughts on resolutions

2011-12-31T21:02:00.001-05:00

A lot of people get very profound in thinking about the past 365 days and what has either happened or not happened.This is my attempt at it, or at least my view of my year. Don't worry it's not going to be long at all (at least I hope not).

2011 started out actually rather well to be honest. Camryn was finally adjusting to having a baby brother and was getting over the fact that Santa won't come back until next year. Hunter was growing like crazy (and still is to this day). Camryn turned 2, friends had babies, other friends got married.

We had our first Mexico trip with the kiddos, boy was that an adventure. Hunter went with 4 teeth and came home with 7. We are going to wait another few summers before we go back, just to be on the safe side.

Hunter turned 1 and began walking that same week too. We became a 1 income family thanks to Congress. Just hoping for the right opportunity to find my dear husband and get the offer that will take a tremendous amount of stress off of our shoulders. I'm tremendously thankful for such an amazing boss and a kick ass group of people I work with at the office. I could not have made it through some of the rough times without them, even if it was just an ear to listen. I'm very grateful for you.

Health had some interesting twist this year as well. Both hubby and I injured our leg (2 weeks apart too). Hubby hurt his ankle and I hurt my foot. I popped 5 tendons in the top of my left foot (ouch) and hubby has torn 2 tendons in his right ankle (and possibly worse). My injury with the help of physical therapy has healed and I'm pain free. As for dear hubby...one tendon has healed and the 2nd (probably) not at all. We're hoping his gets better soon after the 2nd cycle of physical therapy and wearing Das Boot for a good while. I'm pulling for ya sweetie.

As for me with another issue at hand, I'm just hoping the Dr's are able to control my heart and such with medications. I'm seeing a cardiologist in the middle of January and I will hopefully have some more answers then too, (here's to hoping).

Resolutions.

I'm really not a fan of them, because what usually ends up happening is people set their sights sooooooooooooooo big. And the moment they fail or stumble in any way on the road to making it there...they give up or just stop trying. I wish people would just remember to keep the big sights in their mind but set their goals/resolutions small so that you can add to them as the year goes on. People also don't realize you can adapt/change a resolution at any time. I love the ones who think that they are cast in stone and made a rule and once deviated from it, it's over. Lighten up people. Remember your resolutions are your own, you put more stress on yourself when you share them with others. Just chill out and take your time to get there.

I hope you all recover well from the craziness that was 2011 (at least it was crazy for me). Wishing you and yours a Safe and Happy 2012. See ya on the flip side.

~Chelle

Track Santa with NORAD!!

2011-12-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

Here ya go, if you didn't already know...or even if you didn't care. Above is a LIVE view of where Santa is right now in the world dropping off toys and presents to good little boys/girls AND adults this Christmas. Track Santa this Christmas Eve with the USA's NORAD!! I want to give a personal Thank You to all of those who volunteer each year to make sure that this is a success. Thanks so much.Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday.

An amazing and powerful post from SDL

2011-12-14T11:30:00.000-05:00

This is too much of an amazing blog post from Single Dad Laughing (SDL)
Post Titled: I'm Christian, Unless you're gay.

It took an amazing amount of courage to write something like that. It is true not everyone will agree with what he has to say, and everyone has that right. As much of a right as he has to write it.

I'm so thankful for the supportive people I have in my life and I do my best to reach out to those (when I can) to help/comfort/support them.

Tis the season (to be....)

2011-12-13T11:26:00.002-05:00

You know, there are so many things to be thankful for (for all of us).

But there are also so many things that makes this time of year a complete roller coaster of emotion. Things you are happy and thankful for. Things you are sad about. Things you want and things you need (never the same thing, usually).

When asked what I wanted for Christmas, I couldn't answer. I truly can't think of anything I 'want' for Christmas. Yes gifts are nice, but there are so many things we need right now that those material things just don't matter to me.

I just want my kids to be happy and smiling. For the roof to stay over our head, for all of the bills to be continued to be paid on time. For our fridge to have food for the kids. For my hubby's foot to get better and for an employer to give him a call and a job. For my doggy to be the great doggy she is. That is what I want.

I've been saying a lot of little prayers for friends that are in need and for those who have time much harder than ours. Tis the season, to think about what is truly important in life. I'm so thankful for all of my family and friends.

I hope you all have at least the opportunity to have someone or many people in your life who can help and support you in a time of need, especially during the holiday season. Remember, it is never too late to give back or pay it forward.

Suffering in silence

2011-12-07T14:32:00.001-05:00

Suffering in silence.

It's rough in any context really. You could be sick, or fighting an illness, living in pain from an injury, depression, anxiety, sadness, etc.

This is not a good thing, especially if you do not have to. Myself just like many others I know I am one who tends to do my best to suffer in silence. An illness yet to be diagnosed with symptoms that are just awful but with medicine can be treated are a savior.

Some who are bullied usually keep things in to themselves until it becomes too much. And even trying to talk to someone isn't enough release for the amount of energy that has been stored.

Persons with pain or any kind of physical injury..the hardest part is waiting. It is true time (with treatment) does heal all wounds but it's the damn TIME that is the hardest to bear. Some times don't you just wish you could skip ahead in time (like in a video game) and be all better?

Another question is WHY?? Why do we choose to suffer in silence?

For myself, there are more things that I consider worse than my problems and I would rather try to help others if I could. My problem isn't going anywhere and some times I really REALLY don't like the negative kind of attention that brings (to myself or anyone). On occasion I do mention it, because just like others a few words of encouragement does lift the heart, and that really helps.

(my son Hunter at 6 months old)

Do your best to smile when you can. Smiling and laughter are a fantastic medicine. As hard as it sometimes can be. Even a small one helps in amazing ways. Besides Smiles are contagious.

What do you do to get out of a funk? Or what do you do to get yourself out of something rather difficult?

New NHL Conference Alignment

2011-12-05T23:44:00.001-05:00

We have time to get comfy with this...but here is the New NHL Conference alignment as voted this Monday evening.

CONFERENCE A	CONFERENCE B








CONFERENCE C	CONFERENCE D

I'm personally not sold on this so much. Conference C geographically does not make much sense to me (I figured they were going to go with that, but I was obviously wrong). I can't say I don't like Conference D because...I do.

New Holiday theme for the blog

2011-12-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

I'm trying out a new holiday theme for the blog.

I think it turned out nicely.

How do you like it???

That didn't take long...new job for Bruce Boudreau

2011-12-01T07:01:00.001-05:00

His new job....to a warmer climate

72 hours...yep that is all it took. 72 hours and Coach Boudreau has a new job as the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks. (don't we all wish we could get a job that fast after losing a previous one??)

On a personal side, I'm rather shocked about this since Coach Randy Carlyle (whom Boudreau is replacing) had signed an extension on his contract to 2014. But I guess they (the Ducks Organization) wanted a new system, just like the Capitals. They made the announcement at 2am this morning (EST).

In an interview with the Washington Post, Boudreau said that when he talked to GM McPhee he told him he knew he was "doing what he had to do".

For a quote about the Ducks, the new coach said, "It's time for the Ducks to get their asses out of their heads."

I'll miss ya Gabby, best of luck out west.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Good, bad or indifferent?

Bullying is for LOSERS!

2011-11-30T14:45:00.001-05:00

Bullying is for LOSERS!

Sadly another young girl took her own life in Canada due to being bullied. We need to make this STOP.

The video above is to the point.

If you see it happening (or are even a bully yourself) it is never too late to do something to make it stop.

Capitals name a new head coach

2011-11-28T12:09:00.001-05:00

Today is another chapter ending and beginning in the history of the Washington Capitals.
Dale Hunter was named as the 15th head coach in the Capitals team history replacing Bruce Boudreau.

I'm personally of two minds on this. I've been a Boudreau supporter all along and I really like him. However I do agree that he lost the 'locker room' and when that happens it's over. Then it's just a matter of time.

I'm interested to see how a 'players' coach (Dale Hunter) does in the Caps locker room. Also this is his first NHL coaching job. He's been coaching the OHL London Knights for over 10 years. He is going to either sink or swim in the NHL as a coach, I'm hoping this move works.

The Caps were doing so well to start the season off and they WERE the team to beat and they have recently become the easy win for teams (even the ones that we are supposed to win against).

Once a Caps fan ALWAYS a Caps fan, I'm going no where. But slowly they are making it difficult to be a fan again.

My answer: "None of your business"

2011-11-14T14:53:00.001-05:00

I'm so very thankful that the elections are finally over.

We had people calling on the phones and even a few people that knocked on our door too. This year I was really shocked that on the phone and in person, these people actually had the nerve to ask me who I was voting for. UH....hello?!?! There is a reason the voting process in anonymous. To which each time I was asked I just said that is "none of your business". I even shot the guy a dirty look when he asked me to my face. How ballsy is that?? Even though I did vote for who he was representing...I still don't feel comfortable sharing that information, especially with people I do not know.

Now if you don't mind sharing that info, that is great. More power to you. I have my own political opinions and I certainly take others opinions into consideration but I make up my own mind and I don't impose my views on others. Especially if it is not asked for. If I want information on any candidate for an election, I look it up myself and compare then make my choice. No amount of debating from supporters, phone calls, door to door visits will change my mind once it is made.

I'm not the type of person that particularly likes to debate, but if it is something I feel strongly about I will defend my view point. However, I will not be offended of others feel differently. I just don't understand those who cannot see that.

Have any of you come across those kinds of campaigns this year?? Did they ask you too?? If so, what did you say?

Saying one thing and doing another....Grrr.

2011-10-31T11:25:00.002-04:00

I have a pretty long fuse when it comes to many things. But one thing that cuts my fuse to practically nothing is when people say one thing and either do another or do opposite what ever they said they would do.

When someone (and I'm not saying myself) has had a dream of something in their life. And they count on others to be there for them for the support they so desperately need to make their dream a reality and then they are crushed down by the ones they need. That just completely pisses me off.

I completely understand that sometimes circumstances change and such. But those who promise one thing should at least try to do what they can or make it right with the person. Not crush their hopes. Or at least work to compromise and not cheapen the experience just to accommodate their needs (when it's not about them).

Maybe I'm just venting...well I know I am. But how would you react? Would you just cut the person out all together? Would you confront them (a little harder, especially if it's family)? Just ignore it (which is extremely difficult) and hope your dream is not completely ruined?

There is no easy way on this. I'm doing what I can to help, I just hope it is enough.

Communication - Can you hear me now??

2011-10-26T10:36:00.001-04:00

"Can you hear me now? No??...too bad."

Isn't that what you wanna say to some people when you are trying to talk to them. It's funny because when you ask people something like that they usually answer you. And if the answer is no...uh they must've been able to hear you because they answered you. DUH.

Interesting is communication between husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend or any committed relationship. Communication and its effectiveness all depends on mood. If you're already in an agitated state then the warning lights should go off. This is where the 'pushing of buttons' comes into play. When in a normal mood or even better yet a good mood, communication is so easy and effortless. But anything other than that everything takes some work.

Patience also comes into play. When you are the one who is agitated it's very easy to lose all patience and not look at things from any other perspective than your own. It is difficult to say the least.

Arguments are forms of communication. However they usually involve RAW emotions and lead to much worse things. Arguments are not a win/lose kind of thing. A lot of folks think "oh, I won that argument"...well you really don't win; you just were able to get out your perspective of what you were talking about you are finished with what you had to say on it. The other person was nice enough to either understand or even just let you finish venting 'at their expense". We are all the person who wants to "win" the situation but feel bad because usually the other person either looks like they have become the 'punching bag' or they feel bad because we have made them to feel that they are the reason we feel awful in the first place (which is usually not the story to begin with).

There are many circumstances in which this does and does not apply don't get me wrong. Some time there are 2 people who are just out to win the argument and that is when people end up going to bed angry, break up, etc.

It's hard to see things from the outside in when you are in the middle of it. Sometimes you do catch your breath but most of the time you don't. IF you in fact do, remember a short time after the battle of words is over you usually forget what it was about anyways.

Once you've said your piece, let it go. Move on. Don't fester with it, unless you like to make others feel awful or you are into fighting. You'll find yourself more alone than you care to be.

And to the peace makers hang in there...it's all worth it in the end.

Fear of doctors - from childhood to adulthood

2011-10-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

When we are kids we really don't like doctors because they have "SHOTS" but they have really cool lollipops. And really young we associate doctors with pain. So we really don't like them at all and usually are afraid of them.
I've noticed more lately (especially in myself) that the fear of doctors does transfer from childhood to adulthood, but it changes (or adapts).

As an adult we are not 'afraid' of the doctor...but we are fearful of what they are going to say. It's the "BAD NEWS" that we don't want to hear. And we are so relieved and happy when we get good news. It's the bad stuff that makes us fearful. The shots or blood work (usually/for most of adults) doesn't really bother us any more.

I feel bad for those doctors who have to give bad news and how they must feel having to deliver it. I'm sure they are just as afraid (sometimes) to give us that information. But must feel even worse if they can't help us or if they cannot solve the problem immediately for us. I commend them on being there for us and being educated enough to figure things out and helping us in a time of need. Sometimes it's just as hard to receive as it is to deliver.

Just remember that next time you get upset at the doctor (or remember it after the fact) if you can. Remember also the billing people have nothing to do with the doctors themselves...that is all coding and their staff there. LOL. So billing is an entirely different can of worms. HAHAHA

Wanna be a Whale or a Mermaid???

2011-10-05T09:23:00.002-04:00

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

(The girl on the picture is French model Tara Lynn)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

huge THANKS to Andrea Neuman who posted this for me to see and share with you all.

Stress, a way to approach it

2011-10-04T17:54:00.001-04:00

My friend Renee kindly reminded me of this:

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'.....

She fooled them all...
"How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile.
... Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long I hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced.

So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down.

Don't carry them through the evening and into the night...
Pick them up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment.

Relax, pick them up later
After you've rested.

Life is short.

Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"
1. Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4. Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker..

5. If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague

6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it..

7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8. Never buy a car you can't push.

9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10. Nobody cares if you can't dance well.
Just get up and dance..

11. Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late..

12. The second mouse gets the cheese.

13. When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14. Birthdays are good for you.
The more you have,
The longer you live.

15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

16. Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17. We could learn a lot from crayons.
Some are sharp, some are pretty and
Some are dull. Some have weird
Names and all are different colors,
But they all
Have to live in the same box.

18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour..

19. Have an awesome day and know that someone
Thought about you today.

20. It was me, your friend!

Save the earth -- It's the only planet with chocolate!

Thinking about having kids...try this 11 step program (funny)

2011-09-28T12:37:00.003-04:00

Too freaking funny not to share....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contemplating having kids? Well try this 11 step program to see if you are ready for the challenge of being a parent.

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the newspaper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their.
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breast feeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel.
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out.
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favourite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van/SUV. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.

Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Dora/Diego, Disney, Bubble Guppies and Yo Gabba Gabba. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel, Noggin, Sprout or Nick Jr for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin' or 'Sprout'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

Reset button for your life - myth or reality?

2011-09-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

Have you ever watched a movie and wonder, could that work in the real world? Or could that just work in the made up world of movies where it is an ideal situation and all of the circumstances line up perfectly with no problems at all?

For example, you see that people in movies or tv show look for a 'fresh start' or have a 'moral makeover'. Could that happen with no such issues in reality? I'm not so sure. You never see these people having issue paying their bills or problems searching for work in the process of the 'makeover'.

Some people really do need a 'makeover' of sorts but not for some it would be literally impossible with out making matter extremely bad for them in the process.

I can say a long time ago I was able to accomplish a minor 'fresh start' process, but at the time I was much younger and single and had minimal bills to pay. But now, NO WAY. I have too many responsibilities to take care of and kids to look in the best interest for and a household to keep together. Not saying I need one right now, I certainly don't. But if the need came up for one at this moment in my life that would be impossible.

For some a 'fresh start' could mean moving to a completely new city/state with new jobs, etc. Other the 'makeover' could mean trying a new faith or re-finding your faith. The possibilities are rather endless. But these so called complete "RESET" that you see in the movies, personally I think they are a myth. But small steps that lead to a larger result over time is completely possible.

Have you ever considered this for yourself? Or are you currently trying one? Or was one put upon you unexpectedly (because that is possible as well)?

Internet support vs physical support

2011-09-26T11:48:00.000-04:00

One interesting thing that the internet allows is the fact to reach out to others far away. Support from others (I especially have found) is very important to make it through rough times in life.

To be honest nothing can ever replace the true therapy of one-on-one support and contact, especially in very emotional times. But.... the internet REALLY helps. Kind words and the knowledge that others are on your side is awesome.

I am a member of a small handful of message boards/groups and as a result I have made so many amazing friendships. I cannot express how truly grateful and thankful I am to have met all of those people and have them as part of my life.

I hope that everyone has that fortune to find some place (either a group or a message board) that can support you in time of need or joy. It's important if you do not have the ability to see others on a regular basis. Don't be afraid or too shy to reach out.

Caps Hockey back in full swing

2011-09-22T11:29:00.002-04:00

I cannot tell you how relieved I am that hockey season is back. The regular season doesn't begin for a few more weeks but just the fact that pre-season has begun makes me so happy.

I really enjoy looking through the schedule and deciding which games we are going to go to and also deciding which games to take the kiddos too. I can't wait to take them back again. Cam just LOVES putting on her 'hockey shirt' (her jersey). We had to purchase a new one for little Bubba because he's so big now he grew out of his old one.

I know a lot of people don't like hockey or really don't know much about it. To be honest it's a VERY boring sport to watch on television (especially if you don't know much about it). It is one of those sports where you need to be there to get a feel of it first and THEN it is more appreciated when you watch it on TV. But it is certainly one of those 'you have to be there' kind of sports.

As a family we are very passionate about hockey and I hope there is something in your world that you are just as passionate about. I find it important to have something like that in your life, no matter what it is. Sports, hobbies, etc. Have you asked yourself lately what YOU are passionate about?

WTF, Facebook!?!

2011-09-21T10:36:00.001-04:00

I'm not one to usually complain about changes, especially on a social media website. BUT....

WTF, Facebook!?!?!?!

These changes are so obsurd. Literally almost every friend I have has or has had this morning a status displaying their DISLIKE of the new changes.

The ticker is kind of cool (I will admit) but these 'blue boxes' thing and selecting for us if they think we should only get certain types of updates from people?? Yeah, that's what I said. If you move your cursor to the right side of the comment/status box you'll see some selections and concerning updates for an individual(s) are the following: All Updates, Some Updates, Important. How in the heck do you classify "some" updates versus "important"???? This just really stinks.

I don't have time to go through each an every person I talk to and take the time to make priority lists and status criteria for EVERYONE. This is becoming too much. I got on here to stay in touch with my friends and not have to think about it.

Now we have to work and organize just to see the status of people that are important to us and even then we are not 100% sure if it is the most up to date/time status.

Rant done, for now.

One is just like the other

2011-09-19T12:14:00.001-04:00

A lot of people are under the impression that guys and girls do not act the same. That could not be farther from the truth. I'm speaking of course from a grown up stand point.

With guys there is usually a lot of curse words and belittling to show their manly affection for one another and with girls it's some of the time a lot of hugging and giggling. But I've noticed lately a lot more 'man hugging' with guys especially in greeting and with ladies just as much of cursing and belittling (in backhanded ways, which usually gets a good laugh).

Stereotypes put girls and guys at total opposites, which in some cases is TOTALLY true. However, in current society in social situations or just one-on-one interaction that could not be further from the truth.

Have you ever noticed this? I'm noticing now, I'm guessing because I'm a parent of two little ones and I'm paying so much more attention to their changing social skills. Each day is something new at our house. Kids sure say the darndest things. Also, be careful what you say because there are tape recorders (little toddlers) everywhere.

For a smile...this always does it for me

2011-09-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

New Kia Commercial to LMFAO Song "Party Rock Anthem"

Venting of energy

2011-09-16T10:47:00.002-04:00

It certainly is interesting now when you get older how you handle different situations.

For example, when you get angry and are completely mad that you feel you are going to blow up. What do you do?

When you are upset and so sad that you are just going to lose it. What do you do?

I have found that my fuse for things, or the threshold to where I feel I'm going to explode or lose it has grown significantly (on most days). However when it comes to things involving my children the fuse is not there and I have to react in the moment (which can be very awkward).

Taking a breath if you can, always seems to help release some of the original tension in a situation.... but haven't you found that sometimes holding your breath makes you feel more in control (or something to that affect) and if you release it the situation wins a little more??

My personal reaction to BOTH anger and sadness is crying. Yep, crying (not all out bawling, but usually tearing up and such). That is truly the safest way to release energy (for me) because I cannot lose it and hit/throw things. I don't have the ability to leave the house and go to the gym like I used to (I'm also injured so that doesn't help either). Sometimes talking things out...doesn't help and makes it worse (on certain occasions) because it is like adding fuel to the fire.

Another thing I have noticed that I do when upset on any level, if I do not cry/tear up I start cleaning. Yep, cleaning. It's a form of physical labor that can release some tension. I find myself usually in the kitchen scrubbing things down or re-arranging stuff in the cabinets.

Do you have any habits that help you in a severe emotional fluctuation? Even if you have kids or you don't we all seem to make it to this point some how. What do you do? Please share.

Frustration with indecision

2011-09-14T13:23:00.000-04:00

At some point I'm sure that all of us have dealt with the frustration of indecision or decisiveness.

I deal with it EVERY day. I'm usually the decision maker at work where this is concerned and the worst topic where this is a problem is LUNCH. Where to go or order from for lunch. We've gone to such lengths as to even create a jar with places we like to go and types of food to order and pick from it when NO one has any idea what they want.

Then the process starts ALL over again at home, it's an all day thing if it is on the weekend. Down to what are the kids going to wear, what to fix the kids for their meals what are we (the adults) going to eat? What to do for activities? Leaving the house? Staying home? Going to the store or order online?

I know that all of this is really tiny on the larger scheme of things but when it happens all the time, it's hard to not think about it.

Has this ever happened to you? Do you get frustrated by things like this?

Sometimes I'm so relieved when other make those decisions for me. But I'm sure just like everyone else my brain is tired and I'm so overly exhausted that the mindless things are so great. We are currently considering structured meal planning at home (to help with this) especially since little H is now almost completely switched over to solids. He's only got 8 teeth so some foods are still rather difficult.

In a bubble, but aren't we all?

2011-09-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

With everything that happens in our lives and as we look around us, we all have a tendency to literally believe that the world revolves around "you" or "us" or however you put it. And when others interrupt, impede or change the plans of what any of us have set in motion, chaos occurs (at any level).

Driving down the road I notice..some on their phones (with some talking rather intensely others just relaxed and laughing), some talking to their kid(s) in the backseat, some having a great time singing to their radios and others just sitting quietly (as I was at the time I was looking around). Our universe(s) are inside our vehicles, homes, workplaces, etc.

I witness frustration at those who are at their doctors offices and are upset with the people behind the desk (either answering phones or helping with paperwork) because something done is not to their satisfaction (usually about appointments or waiting time). And how the person just trying to help is being beat down by someone who is figuratively saying 'how dare you interrupt my plan of how I want my world to be' or 'how dare you make me wait'.These kinds of things puts a LOT into perspective for me. I'm totally trying not to be one of those people, anymore. It's not their fault, they are just doing their job too.

Things happen that do in fact effect our world and put our original plans that were in motion, out of sync for a while. But eventually things go right back to normal (or our type of normalcy). It certainly is not an easy thing to try and realize all of this all of the time, emotions do get in the way and complicate things.

My particular bubble, now a days is rather fragile and constantly flexible. With kids it certainly has to be that way. But because I have kids that bubble is protected and much stronger than ever because I'm now in the roll of 'mama bear'. My family is everything to me and that is what MY Bubble is around.

Ten Years ago...

2011-09-12T21:57:00.000-04:00

With September 11, 2001 now 10 years behind us all...do you remember that day? Did you promise yourself anything? Did you promise you'd do more for your family, with your family or friends? Did you promise ANYTHING to/for anyone or anything??

Well....have any of you kept any of those promises?

I know I at least kept one. To be true to myself and not hold back on how I feel, because you never know when it will be the last time you see or communicate with someone. Life is truly too short.

What about you? Have you thought of that?

I know I made many other promises, but they were based on the situation I was in at the time. Therefore, those are NULL and VOID!

My life in comparison to 10 years ago are literally night and day. I'm married to a man I'm looking forward to growing old with and we have a home and two beautiful children. I never thought I'd make it here. So glad I found my way.

New Layout of my Blog

2011-08-24T14:38:00.001-04:00

I'm testing a new look and layout for my blog.

You like?

Another LONG time coming post

2011-01-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

Well a short time after my last posting...our lives were turned upside down with amazing news. I was PREGNANT with our 2nd baby. Yep, when Camryn was only 6 months old.

Here is an update by month as to how everything has gone with us since November 2009

November 2009

We had a great holiday with my Mom and such and we also got news that we were expanding our family again by 1 and due in July 2010.

December 2009

A really nice first Christmas for Camryn and I started showing a LOT earlier than I did the first time. Enjoying more Capitals hockey, of course.

January 2010

I had a surgery to help keep our little peanut inside and not have to endure bed rest like I had to last time. As luck would have it, it was on the one year anniversary of being admitted for Camryn...LOL (Jan 27). Everything went well.

February 2010

Bi-weekly ultrasounds and all is looking good, still having issues but nothing major. Which is good news. BLIZZARD and LOTS of snow. 2-3 FEET to be exact.

March 2010

IT'S A BOY!!! We're having a baby boy, YAY!! So excited. Time to buy lots of BLUE.

April 2010

Camryn turned 1...Holy Cow, where has the time gone?? She had a great party and really likes cupcakes!! She is all about ELMO.

May 2010

Getting ready for baby, got to actually have a baby shower. YAY!!!

June 2010

Happy Birthday to meeeee....no vacation this year Booooooooooo.

July 2010

July 13th I went into labor...and didn't dilate at all so I had Hunter Reilly Polk on July 14th (via emergency cesarean) at 12:32am. Measuring in at 8lbs 3 ozs and 21 inches long. He spent some time in NICU, due to fluid in lungs. But he was able to leave the hospital with mommy. YAY!!

August 2010

Camryn loves her new baby brother and she is cruising around really good too. Almost ready to let go and walk. Hunter is doing well, Mommy is really sick...internal infection (not good) lots of pain and medicine. But it cleared up after 3 weeks. So thankful for family and friends who helped me out.

September 2010

Camryn started her new class (Lightening Bugs) at school and is doing SO well. And I started back to work with Hunter tagging along (not like anyone minded, LOL). Camryn has begun walking without help...YAY!!!

October 2010

Hunter started at the CDC, in Little Lambs 1. It was rough not having him around all day. But he is doing so well, he's smiling and laughing now.

November 2010

Holidays have arrived...Thanksgiving with hubby, kids, my mom and sister...so nice.
Camryn is starting to talk a whole lot more...new words each day.

December 2010

Christmas arrived and flew by, Hunter really didn't get it but loved all of the colors and lights of Christmas. Camryn loved all of the new things to play with.
So blessed to spend it with family.

January 2011

Hubby and I got to go away for 2 nights (thanks to his folks watching the kiddos). We went to NJ to spend New Years with Justin and Josie instead of going to the Winter Classic. Had some much needed "adult" time. We had a BLAST!

Camryn is starting to talk in mini sentences and is sitting at a big girl table when she eats and Hunter is now eating solids and sitting in the highchair. He loves food. He's already 17 lbs at 6 months old...he's starting to outgrow his 9 month clothing already. Hunter was moved to his own room too. Both kids are now in their own rooms and mommy and daddy have their room back.

So far that is what I've got...I'm so sure I left waaaay too much out. But I at least wanted to make an update. Can you believe how much has happened in a year. WOW!

A long time coming update

2009-11-18T10:49:00.003-05:00

April

Well, I had Camryn Alexandra on Wednesday, April 15th at 11:32am, she was 8lbs 2oz and 20 3/4 inches long. We are so blessed. When she was born all we saw where her chubby cheeks and blonde hair.

Camryn came home 4 days later. We were so relieved to have our whole family at home. We were greeted by, My mom, Aunt Karen, My dad, Diane, Josie, Justin and our dog Glinda. It was such a great day. Sleeping while baby sleeps is a GREAT thing even if it's only a few hours at a time.

May

Her 1 month appointment went fantastic, she moved up to almost 10lbs. (if I'm remembering that correctly). She's getting long, very quickly.

Dave and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary, we got our gift cake from Charm City cakes. It was an official anniversary puck cake. It was so GREAT and it tasted great too. We didn't go out anywhere (I wasn't ready for that yet), so we decided to celebrate next month with my birthday.

June

Camryn's 2 month appointment brought many emotions. She received her first shots and I cried more than she did. She only got a small low grade fever as a resul. That was also the first night that Camryn slept through the night...YAAAAAAY!! Viva Le Tylenol!

I went back to my Dr for a check up and we both agreed that I was suffering from a very bad case of postpartum depression and put me on Zoloft to help me. (Thank goodness).

My birthday celebration was so nice...we had dinner at the Melting Pot! I had my first alcoholic beverage since before getting pregnant, and boy was I a light weight. HAHAHAHA!

July

Baby girl is still growing like crazy, we are making arrangements for her christening which is being scheduled for August 8th. Chris and Karin have both agreed to be the God Parents. Yaaaa!!

I have started back to work, and I was blessed with the ability to take Camryn to work with me. It was certainly difficult but it was so nice always having her near me. I've missed being out and about, and I finally got over my fear of driving with the baby, by myself.

August

She got christened by Father Paul at St. Ann's Catholic Church on Saturday August 8th. Our family was there and we had a HUGE party afterwards at our house. EVERYONE we invited came out. WOW, we had a full house. But Camryn slept right through the entire party, such a big day for her.

September

We got to go on our first road trip as a family, a 10 hour car ride to Hilton Head, SC for her first vacation. We stopped nursing during the trip, she weened herself off, which made that easy for me (sort of). We had a blast though. Hubby's parents got to babysit Camryn a few times and gave hubby and I some alone and relaxation time. Ahhhhhhhhh. She also had her first experience in the pool, and she LOVED it!! Yippee! We got to eat at Robert Levine's restaurant called "EAT". It was sooooooooo great. yumm yumm and we also got to meet him too, that was so fun. Great trip.

She is also getting much more aware and needed to have more attention than I could provide during the day at work. So we started her at the Child Development Center (CDC). Her teacher Ms. Jennifer is so fantastic and the school is so nice. I'm so happy that we got her into a place like that. The CDC has a GREAT reputation and besides many of our neighbors currently have or previously have taken their kids there too. She's learning socialization and everything. It's so awesome to see her becoming more aware each day.

October

Well she turned 6 months old...a LOT has happened. She's moved into the nursery and doing well (as for me, I'm adjusting to it). And she is now 18.2 lbs and 27 3/4 inches long....my big girl. She also got her seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine and has done just fine. She's already in 9 month clothing because she's so long. But... she LOVES school. She has a best friend and her name is Noa (pronounced like the boys name Noah). She's the oldest one in her class too by 10 days.

She has started solid foods as well. Only one meal a day (evening solid meal) but always with her formula. She's a good eater.

On the 27th she spiked a fever at school of 103.4 and we took her to the pediatrician. They said to keep an eye on her to make sure it wasn't the flu, but they think it might've been teething. And they were right. 5 days later, she got her first tooth.

Her first Halloween came, and she was Sleeping Beauty. She was so pretty and she really enjoyed seeing all of the other kids and being in the parade too. Lots to see and I loved being a part of it all too.

November

Camryn got her first tooth...lower right front tooth. It's sharp..LOL

Well Hubby got a birthday surprise (we got him suite tickets to a Capitals game) and because of that we were able to take Camryn to her first NHL Washington Capitals hockey game. She loved all of the action to watch. So much to see. She only got startled a few times by the goal horn but she was just fine.

She is now up to 2 solid meals in a day, breakfast and dinner. Depending on how she tolerates it, sometimes we leave off the breakfast if she's had a rough digestive day before and just give her only formula to get her body back on track. Boy when she's hungry she becomes a little bird and keeps that mouth open waiting for it...it's so cute. She likes her high chair too.

Hubby and I had our first overnight AWAY from Camryn. It was rather nerve racking at first but we had fun going to New Jersey to watch the Capitals play the Devils. We went on the Caps Road Crew (CRC) trip. It was a BLAST!! would've been better had they won...but oh well. The trip was fun regardless.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are celebrating at my mom's house this year.

That is where we are now...and I know I've left a LOT off...but with time it will all be discussed on here, no doubt.

Home BedRest Journal Entry: Thursday, April 9, 2009

2009-04-09T22:10:00.000-04:00

Time to catch up....

WOW, It’s hard to believe that I’ve been home now for over a week. And to everyone’s surprise we’ve made it to 37 weeks….YEP….the baby is officially FULL TERM!! YAHOOOOOO!!! I had my appointment with Dr H in the office on Tuesday. Baby’s heart rate was strong and I’m still 1 cm dilated but now 80% effaced and completely thinned out. She could feel the baby’s head too. (I still find that amazing). When I got home, a day or so later the Dr’s office called with the new c-section date. Interestingly enough, they had no time available on the 22nd, soooooo it was bumped a week and I have been scheduled to have a c-section on Wednesday April 15th at noon. Considering I was supposed to have had this done yesterday, the 8th…I’m getting more nervous now. In fact, last night I was almost thinking she was going to make her debut. I had pattern contractions for over 5 long hours. But I took a long bath around 11:30pm at a last attempt to calm down and relax myself. Because the shower would either make them worse (and then we would’ve called the Dr’s office) or make them ease up so that I could rest. Happily, they calmed down and I fell asleep very fast. Contracting so much for so long just takes it out of you for sure. But still home, feeling good today and have had the occasional contractions. Watching a LOT of hockey has helped the evening pass. Caps WON versus TB…YAHOOOOO and as a result have clinched the 2nd place spot in the Eastern Conference…GO CAPS. Also, the Frozen 4 started in DC tonight and the Championship game is scheduled for Saturday also the final regular season game for the Caps is also on Saturday night against Florida. Go Caps!! So relaxed to be at home, it feels GREAT!!

LAST Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, April 1, 2009

2009-04-09T22:09:00.000-04:00

Happy APRIL FOOLS day!! Is that something you wish while you’re in the hospital…nope. I promised everyone NO JOKES from me today at all. Not while I’m high-risk in here. Rachel came in this morning with my meds and said they would be coming soon to take me down to Dr V’s office for my ultrasound. So I was taken down at 9am and was greeted by smiling faces so happy to see me at week 36. Got many hugs from them, that it made me teary eyed. This is my last ultrasound before the baby is born, soooo they did a weight and cervical length too. HOLY MOLEY…the baby is 6lbs 14oz (that is how much I weighted when I was born) and cervix is VERY open and external dilation (1-1 ½ cm) is now observed on the screen, but something new showed up…when I asked what all the lines on the screen were around the baby’s head, I was informed that the baby had a LOT of hair and for it to show up on an ultrasound you know there has to be a LOT there. WOW. I got back to the room and a bit later Dr H showed up with some amazing news, she wanted to send me home. HUH?? Is this a April Fools Joke??? NOPE… she wanted to talk to a few other Dr’s from the practice… she did and they were all in agreement that I could go home, now especially because the baby is out of danger for early delivery and her growth is fantastic. OMG. I’m gonna go home. The reality of everything became real when she returned with my scripts for the pharmacy and such. She told me to call the office and have them work me in for the next few weeks to see her once a week in the office and that we would cancel the 8th for delivery and try to schedule me for my original c-section date (which was the 22nd). Holy Cow…this is incredible. She said I’ve passed everyone’s expectations and why not give me some time at home before the baby comes and if she tries to come early ok then…they will deliver her early. But we’d pass that bridge as we get to it. I called Dave, he thought I was joking…but I certainly wasn’t. He left work early, and Rachel got me my discharge instructions and I changed clothes and packed up my room from the long stay. I still couldn’t believe it. It was a teary goodbye to the great nurses and sadly I found out I missed seeing Heather by less than 20 minutes. But I got to smell fresh air and go home. OMG…Glinda was amazing when I walked in…she just wagged her tail…smelled me like crazy and then rubbed her scent on my legs as fast as she could…LOL. I missed home so much. The first thing I had to do when I got home, was to go look at the nursery. It is so beautiful. I started tearing immediately and as I hugged Dave he asked me why I was shaking and I told him I was just so overwhelmed with emotion it was all I could do. I got set up on the couch for a bit and then got to lay down in my own bed. I have to admit, it was different sleeping in the bed with Dave after so long. We both woke up every hour during the night, but I have to admit it was so great being in our bedroom. YEAAAAAAAA!! I’m home.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 31, 2009

2009-04-09T22:08:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 36 WEEKS!!! OMG can you believe it?? And also, HAPPY B-DAY to my little sister Jen. Milena came in to see me and see how I was feeling with everything from the night before and all is well. Dr Co also came in to check on things and was happy to hear things had slowed down and told me that she didn’t think I should go home yet if at all. That’s ok, I was thinking ‘why go home now anyways?’ Took a nice shower and cleaned up today. Got visited by Jen and Mom and was able to give Jen her b-day gift from me and Father Paul stopped by too for a bit. Nice afternoon. Heather came on duty as my PM nurse..hee hee… she makes me smile. I love her stories. I like being a place where the nurses can come and talk to me. It helps so much in passing the time too, I love it if I’m able to help give support. These ladies work so hard and do so much for all of the patients and baby’s that they take care of. I’m glad I can give a little back to them, it’s the least I can do. Josh stopped by with Dave tonight. He looks really good too, it has been since we dropped him off after a hockey game in Dec that I saw him last. Heather came in and put me on the monitor and we caught a nice cluster of contractions but they went away after some different positioning (on my left side). Slept pretty good.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, March 30, 2009

2009-04-09T22:07:00.002-04:00

Milena got me up this morning for meds and breakfast, and shortly afterwards the noise began. Yep the SUPER loud construction returned to the unit. OMG… over 3 hours of sawing noises…HELLO?? WTF do you need to saw and cut for 3 dang hours?? Oh I pressed the HOTLINE button and said my piece so that all of the supervisors would know about it. And thank goodness they were able to take care of it The noise was so bad and after it left I couldn’t relax and had a minor anxiety attack. It was rather scary. Milena helped in calming me down and such so I could rest a bit. . Dr Ca came to visit and told me she had a good vacation the week before and mentioned the possibility of sending me home again, but said nothing more about it. Kathie joined me this evening and boy were we in for a ride. Milena was still on duty and giving report to Kathie when things started. I had a nice big taste of BACK LABOR. OMG….that hurt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO badly. I had so much pelvic pressure and my hips hurt so much I thought I was going to scream. I had the monitor on and they were catching some pretty good waves. Dr Ca came back to visit and offered me some pain meds if they got worse, but they didn’t so she just gave me my terb early and said if the med slowed these down then we’d work with it but if the meds didn’t work then they were going to prep me for delivery tonight. But the medicine worked and I was able to relax enough and fell asleep and they stopped completely. I was so exhausted from them anyways, so no meds needed to help me sleep…LOL.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, March 29, 2009

2009-04-09T22:07:00.001-04:00

Tricia returned as my day nurse and Dr W came in to visit and apologized for not coming to visit yesterday, but L&D was really busy and she needed some sleep. I told her that was just fine because nothing was going on anyways…LOL. Jim and Sally have returned from France and Sally stopped by in the afternoon and brought presents that they bought us and the baby over. The outfits for BG are so cute and the other things for us are so nice too. Justin came by to visit too for a while, he always seems to bring laughter when he’s around and that is so needed. After everyone left I was exhausted and took a nap. Stephanie joined me again as my evening nurse and I had scattered contractions in the evening and spread out during the day too. Talk about a full day.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, March 28, 2009

2009-04-09T22:06:00.000-04:00

Tricia came in this morning as my day nurse and checked on my throughout the day and brought my java pills and such. Got a nice visit from Sam and Sherri (they didn’t check the Kettler schedule to see that the Caps had NO practice, D’oh). Always so happy to see them both, Sam fell asleep and Sherri and I talked for a good long while. It’s always nice to hear the stories from the most recent CRC trip. LOL. After they left it was a VERY slow day, also very rainy. No Dr came to visit today. The day was very uneventful. Stephanie came on as my PM nurse again, she always makes me smile being so silly.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, March 27, 2009

2009-04-09T22:05:00.002-04:00

Rachel returned this morning as my day nurse, she enjoyed her afternoon off. Dr H dropped by to double checked that I got called by the office with the scheduled delivery date, and I said I had and all looked good as far as I could tell. I worked a bunch this morning so it helped the morning and early afternoon pass fast. I decided to disconnect the phones and such and took a nice nap this afternoon. Was woke up and after lunch I was weighed, and I had gained 3 lbs for 10 total gained. Stephanie came on as my evening nurse and was nice enough to wait until after the Caps game to put me on the monitor. Caps won versus TB. Yahoo. Slept good tonight.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, March 26, 2009

2009-04-09T22:05:00.001-04:00

Happy 8 weeks being in the hospital. Yep, I’ve been in 8 full weeks. I’m still finding it difficult to believe. Rachel is my day nurse until 3 today because they decided to send her home early. I had a very sleepy morning…so much so that I slept through getting a visitor. Colleen came by to visit before her dr appt and I was sleeping. I was so sad to miss her. Rachel brought in a note for me from her. I sent her an automatic text message telling her how sorry I was. But she understood and said sleep was so important and not to worry. Didn’t get a visit from any doctor today, I’m guessing because it was so busy in L&D and nothing is going on with me at the moment. Karen was my mid-day nurse and Arline took over for her at 11pm. The day was an overall slow one.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, March 25, 2009

2009-04-09T22:04:00.001-04:00

Getting used to more terbutaline today, Melina is my day nurse today. Dr H came in and checked on me from last night and also said she agreed with Dr Co about delivering at 37 weeks, so she’d have the office schedule that today and they would call me to let me know. It has been scheduled for April 8th at 10am with Dr H doing the c-section. An end is in site. 2 weeks away. Got to have a niiiice shower today, so happy. Felt completely jittery ALL day long as I am trying to adjust to the new dosage. But handling it, ok. Heather came on tonight as my nurse and surprised me with a box of thin mint cookies (she’s so good to me, yum yum). Thank goodness the evening went off with no major issues, other than many trips to the bathroom (as always).

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 24, 2009

2009-04-09T22:03:00.001-04:00

HAPPY 35 WEEKS!!!! Dana came in to give me my morning meds and wished me a happy 35 weeks. Dr Co came to visit too and to check on my progress and such, all looked good and she agreed with the possibility of scheduling my delivery of baby girl at 37 weeks. But she wanted to talk to a few others at the practice first. Got to have my ultrasound today. Cervix was nice and open (as most of us expected). My mom came by and visited for a good while today and took a picture of me to show my belly progress. Heather was my PM nurse tonight and I noticed that I started to feel a LOT of contractions and turns out that they were certainly in a pattern. So I was on the monitor for a considerable amount of time and it was decided to increase my terbutaline to a higher dosage and every 4 hours instead of every 6. The resident came in an examined me, I’m 1 cm and she could feel the baby’s head…OMG. The medicine helped slow things down and I took some ambien to help me sleep, and it worked.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, March 23, 2009

2009-04-09T22:01:00.000-04:00

Today was a very long day. Woke up by Dana with medicine and was visited by Dr W. Spent most of the day visiting the bathroom, because the baby has moved further down and has almost constant pressure on my bladder (not fun). Got to have a nice long talk with Dana today, she’s applying for CNP school at Georgetown and has an interview soon (I know she’ll get it, she’s so great). Kathie came on duty as my pm nurse and Shelley came by to say ‘Hello’ as well. Lab came in to draw blood tonight and all went good. Kathie came in and decorated my board for the next day, it was so sweet. These nurses are really cheering for me. That means so much too.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, March 22, 2009

2009-03-26T00:09:00.000-04:00

Milena was my AM nurse again today and Dr M came in again after she did in the morning for a quick ‘hello’ and check in. Nothing to report so, that makes for a good day. Took a shower today, nice a clean…yahoo. Justin and Josie came by and brought me Mo’s for dinner…YUMMY! But over all it was a very quiet day over all. Stephanie my PM nurse even said it was a nice calm day for me, nothing to report on me for my monitor sessions either. So no news is good news. But BG (baby girl) is a happy baby.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, March 21, 2009

2009-03-26T00:08:00.001-04:00

Milena my AM nurse today, got me up for AM meds and soon after Dr M (filling in for the OB practice this weekend) checked on me to see if all was well. Things are good. Nothing exciting, and that is a good thing. I played on the web most of the day, well just here and there. It was a very quiet day and I just took it easy. Today was the CRC trip to Carolina that we were going to go on. But kind of glad we didn’t. The game was not such a good one and a loss makes for a VERY long ride home. Caps lost versus Carolina BIG TIME. My PM nurse Shelly was so nice, she told me she was getting back into taking care of antepartum patients like me. But she did a great job.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, March 20, 2009

2009-03-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

OMG, for some reason last night got barely any sleep. Then to top it off, that mean and rude pathologist from the lab woke me up. And didn’t even talk to my nurse before entering, come to find out she didn’t need to even draw blood from me then so she woke me up for NOTHING. She was rude, especially when I asked her if she saw the sign on my door saying to please check in with nurse before entering . She actually had the nerve to say to me “well, that sign doesn’t pertain to ‘me’”. OMG…I went off the deep end after that. I rang the bell for the nurse and refused to let her take blood from me without talking to my nurse and I just got more upset the more she was in the room with me. Before I knew it, I was in complete tears and uncontrollably sobbing. Dana and Mary, literally RAN into my room. I felt so bad, but they understood my frustration and calmed me down. They were also afraid I was putting myself into labor, but thank goodness I didn’t. That was when they put very obvious signs on the door to the point that EVERYONE is to check in with the nurse before entering. FNP K from the OB practice came by to do rounds that day, and she came in and pulled a chair up and talked to me. She was just making sure all was well, even in the face of the events from the morning. She told me all that I should do was nothing all day and just veg. It would do me good. She is very right. I tried to go back to sleep, but I just kind of was lying in bed until I drifted off (it was so difficult). But was able to do that most of the day, thank goodness. I was surprised by evening visits from Lindsay & Dylan, who brought me and Dave Frosty’s from Wendy’s…..mmmmmm yummy. And not so long afterwards, Justin and Josie came over. I was so excited to see them both too. My PM nurse that night, Stephanie, waited until everyone left before putting me on the monitor. Nothing eventful tonight at all and I took some ambien to make sure I slept.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, March 19, 2009

2009-03-25T23:56:00.002-04:00

Happy 7 weeks of being admitted. Yep been here 7 weeks already. Dana (my AM nurse) always seems to get a smile on my face in the morning. Dr W came by to visit and I told her I was going to take a shower today and she said o.k. and that I can increase my showers per week to 2 (OH HAPPY DAY, yeah I know…kinda sad right??). That made me very happy. Dr W also mentioned that there was a very good chance that a c-section will be scheduled for the first full week of April (37 weeks). A new medicine development today, I’m guessing my CBC showed that my iron started getting low again. So, as a result, I was started on iron today…ewwww. Heather came in tonight as my PM Nurse, and would check in a bunch during the hockey game. So much fun. Caps @ TB and they won.  I again had a few contractions here and there all during the day but nothing major (thank goodness).

Hospital Stay Journal Entry, Wednesday, March 18, 2009

2009-03-25T23:55:00.000-04:00

This morning I was woke up by my AM nurse Quynh letting me know of another early ultrasound. This time I was smart enough and took 2 containers of orange juice with me so I wouldn’t have another blood sugar issue, because the appointment was before my breakfast arrived. To everyone’s surprise, the baby blew everyone’s guess as to her weight out of the water. She’s 5lbs 11oz (holy crap she’s big). Dr H came in to visit and was very impressed with the baby’s weight. She said she thought we were getting close to being completely out of the danger zone for the baby. That is very good news. Mom came to visit and brought beautiful tulips. Justin also came to visit, he came directly from his way back from the airport. He visited Mike’s Pastry in Boston and brought back some B/W cookies for me. OH YUMMY!! I started also getting very annoyed with everything (every little damn thing) near the end of the day. Ends up when my PM nurse Grace put me on the monitor, I had a nice little cluster of contractions. Go figure.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 17, 2009

2009-03-17T23:32:00.002-04:00

HAPPY 34 WEEKS!!! Oh yeah and Happy St. Patty’s Day too. Rachna got me up this morning to let the lab lady in to take my blood (and yeah it’s the one I really don’t like too). Dr Co came in to check up on me too, it was a quick visit but she was glad to hear I was feeling OK. I had a few average contractions this morning during the NST. But nothing really substantial. Rachna had to turn me over to BJ because she had a patient that needed very special attention. There was an overall very weird mood over the entire floor today. Lots of chaos and such, whether you were a part of it or not, you could tell some things were just off as a whole. But what can ya do, right? I decided to rest during the afternoon and Dave brought over the family trees we got for our wedding. We decided to put them up in the nursery and they are going to look fantastic. We got them as a gift from SK and Fran for the wedding shower. I love the way they turned out. Caps played in FLA vs the Panthers tonight and won 3-0…what a nice shut out for Theo. My evening NST was uneventful. So afterwards I got me even meds and now after I update with this post, I’m going to bed. Labor dust to the momma’s-to-be, on the April Sweet Pea boards, who are just counting the days (and some the hours) to having their babies. You can have all of mine. My little one needs to cook for 2 more weeks.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, March 16, 2009

2009-03-17T23:32:00.001-04:00

Woke up feeling ok, Rachel was my AM nurse…she’s so excited about this upcoming weekend (She’s going to Key West, FLA to make the final arrangements for her wedding in May…I’m so excited for her too). She was my nurse until 3 because they were overstaffed and could send some people home. So my nurse from 3-7 was Rachna until my girl Heather took over at 7pm. Got visited by Sally during the day, she brought me some new slip on clogs. They are so nice, I’m so glad I got a pair of them. It was a slow day overall. But around 9:15pm I started feeling pelvic pressure and when I got hooked up to the monitor I had a few contractions. So I was on until about 10ish and got my evening medication and went to bed. I’ve been so tired that I’m now getting as much sleep as I can get.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, March 15, 2009

2009-03-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Next thing I know I’m getting a knock on my door from the resident on duty checking on me. Then I fall back asleep and I hear another knock and it was Dr Co just peeking in to see how my night went. Then I fell back asleep until my AM Nurse, Emily got me up for my AM medicine and told me after I finished my breakfast to call her when I was ready for my NST. I got some good rest from last night. Half way through the day when I had Emily flush the IV… oh boy did it start to sting. OUCH. Well that IV really infiltrated and bruised my arm really good. So they thankfully took it out. The Dr’s want to let my arms rest and not give me an IV unless I really need it because they want to save my veins for the main event. Heather came on duty tonight as my PM nurse, that made me so happy too… :) She introduced me to the unit secretary, she is so nice. My evening NST was very uneventful, thank goodness. Got my evening medicine and went to bed, after updating my blog online. I’m about a week behind. But not anymore after I post this entry.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, March 14, 2009

2009-03-15T23:55:00.000-04:00

Dana my AM nurse came on duty and didn’t know I was awake when she snuck in to update my board. She was so sweet in making sure I was OK…she acknowledged that my fatigue was very obvious and that I just needed to do nothing but rest the whole day. I did my best, but I was actually OVER tired and couldn’t fall asleep for a bit. Dr Co came in to ask how I was feeling after my busy night, and she told me she was on duty all weekend. Also if I needed anything to just ask. So I asked if I could take a shower, she said ‘of course’. That made me super happy. I got my AM meds and after my benedryl I got tired to a level where I could sleep, and took a long nap. Next thing I know Dana woke me for a minute to give me my afternoon medication and after that I fell back asleep. I woke up to watch the Caps hockey game, but didn’t get to say goodbye to Dana when she handed me over to my PM nurse, Grace. The Caps were home vs. Carolina and they WON….YAHOO!!! I got my shower after the game, and took ambien so that I could sleep well. And boy did I. Only woke up long enough to get my 4am medication and went back to sleep.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, March 13, 2009

2009-03-15T23:54:00.000-04:00

Another day of being super sleepy, I think it might be a small ambien hangover due to being woke up so many times during the night. Milena came in to check up on me and brought me my AM medicine and hooked me up to my day NST. Dr H came in and saw me for a bit to see how I was doing and such. I took 2 different mini naps during the day. There were flurries on and off all day, calming to watch out the window. Got a visit from Sally, she brought more flowers and another over sweater for me like the navy one she got for me…so nice. She also bought some really comfy clogs for me to wear, but they were a tad snug, so she said she’d go back and exchange them for me, darn European sizes. Kathie came on as my evening nurse and she hooked me up to the monitor at 10pm and that’s when the fun started. Out of the blue, I started getting contractions; rather big ones. Well, you know how this story goes then, if you’ve been reading the past entries. I got a new IV a bunch of fluid, BUT… I had continued contractions for the whole evening (just about). I was on the monitor from 10pm to 6:20am. Dave fell asleep for a bit, but he woke up around 3:30am and I told him to go home to get some more rest. He left around 4am. I maybe got 1 ½ hour sleep. It was a long night.

Hospital Stay Journal entry: Thursday, March 12, 2009

2009-03-15T23:50:00.000-04:00

I ended up having very little restful sleep. When I woke up Rachna (my day nurse until 4pm) gave me my meds and NST. Dr Ca cam in and told me she was going to have PT (physical therapy) and SW (social work) to come and visit me today. Then I started getting crampy late morning and I started contracting a bit. I was on the monitor for a good while and they gave me more terbutaline and the ctx’s slowed down and eventually stopped in the early afternoon. PT (Jennifer) came in to visit and said she’d work on getting me some other kinds of exercises to do while on bedrest and that she’d bring them back tomorrow. Next I was visited by SW (Saba, my case manager) she came in to talk to me, because people (my dr’s) were concerned I was started to get some pregnancy blues (or depression) and they were kind of right. Saba talked to me for a good bit and she explained to me that my circumstances are very out of the ordinary and no wonder I was starting to feel down. But she told me if I started to feel worse to give her a call at anytime. Watched the Caps play @ Philly and win (finally) that made me feel a bit better for sure. Donna took over for late afternoon til 11pm and she got me my evening meds and NST. I got a few crampy contractions (mild) but nothing significant. I decided to take an ambien to help me sleep. Heather came on as my nurse at 11pm. Funny story of the evening, I waited a bit for the ambien to take effect on me and when I started feeling loopy….I kind of sleepy dialed my nurse. LMAO, it was so funny.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, March 11, 2009

2009-03-15T23:46:00.000-04:00

Emily woke me up early because the lab needed to take blood. (yes, again) I fell back asleep only to woken up again by them ready to take me down for an EARLY ultrasound. (I’m usually taken down around between 12ish and 3ish) To be taken down at 9am was a shock to say the least. I went down before breakfast and as a result my blood sugar started to tank as I was waiting for Dr V to get there, they didn’t have juice (only water) but I didn’t care I needed something to drink to at least to get my mind off of the nausea that was setting in. Dr V did my ultrasound and we saw that things had opened up again. I figured as much though, so I wasn’t really that surprised. I got back to my room and downed the orange juice right away. I had my breakfast and felt better. I decided to turn off the phones again and take a good nap in the afternoon. When I woke up BJ came on as my late afternoon/early evening nurse. Dr H came in and talked to me shortly about the ultrasound results. I got a visit from Peggy and she brought me dinner. It was so nice; it has been a while since seeing her. She was feeling a bit under the weather for a bit. I had a new PM nurse that I’ve never had before, her name Jayln. All was well through the night, but had trouble getting to sleep.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry:Monday March 9, 2009 (out of order..oops)

2009-03-15T23:45:00.002-04:00

Monday, March 9, 2009
Rachel came in this morning as my AM nurse to my surprise (she has switched back to Day shifts). An I had to work a bunch of different stuff this morning, so she just told me to call her when I was ready to do my monitoring and such. Dr Ca came in this morning as well to check on me and she gave me the OK for a shower…YAHOO!!! My sister came by to visit today for a bit, I really like it when she comes over. Later in the afternoon, it got sooooooooo hot in my room. I at first thought it was me being in this bed, but when Rachel came in she confirmed how hot it really was and she got me a fan for my room to circulate the air. It certainly helped so much too. Our episode of Red Line aired tonight on CSN, it was so cool. Heather was my nurse tonight too and when she came on duty we were on TV so she got to see part of it. Hee hee. We’re mini-celebrities…just kidding. We’re just hockey fans or nerds.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 10, 2009

2009-03-15T23:39:00.000-04:00

HAPPY 33 WEEKS!!! Dana got me up this morning to give me my meds and gave me a big hug for making it to 33 weeks. Dr Co cam in too and congratulated me as well, when she was doing her rounds. They had to change my IV today because the one in my left hand had been there long enough and they had to replace it in my right arm somewhere. Poor Lilly (another RN) tried 2 times and missed, she felt so bad. I kept telling her it was ok and not to worry. They called and RN from L&D over to get a new one. She got it in my inside right wrist. Was so tired after all of that, I turned off all phones and went to sleep. I ended up deciding to skip lunch due to fatigue and nausea. I got up when Dave came over and he brought me dinner (soup and bagel) because I wanted something light. The night didn’t go so 100% well, when Kathie came on duty she flushed the new IV and it infiltrated and was very painful too. So she just took it out and let my arm rest for the night and told me we’d wait until we heard what the resident wanted the next morning.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, March 8, 2009

2009-03-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

Rather sleepy this morning after losing an hour of sleep. Milena my AM nurse today came in to give me my meds and changed my clock to reflect the change. Dr Q (filling in for the practice) came in shortly to see how I was feeling and left. I got visited by Jim and Sally, they took Dave out to lunch and when they got here they brought me some sweet potato fries (yummy). Then after they left my Mom and Aunt Karen stopped by for a while. Then after all of them left I was entertained by the Caps game vs. the Penguins (but they lost in a SO) oh well. But watching the Harry Potter marathon after that certainly did help. Dave sent me some pictures of the nursery and to my surprise he had put some of the furniture together too. Then he sent a second set of photos to me (he decorated a little), he hung up the valance, added the accent pillow to the glider chair and put the stuff for the crib together including to mobile. Then the big surprise was the wall decals, I totally cried. It looks so perfect. He’s done such a fantastic job. Our baby is so lucky to have a Daddy like him. A woman from St Ann’s (I believe her name to be Joanne) came by to drop off a bulletin and give communion did something so unexpected. She asked if she could give me the medal she was wearing to me (a Mary medal). I was so touched by the gesture that I was shaking reaching out for it and I was in tears again. I couldn’t put into words how thankful I was, but she said my reaction said a million words. Stephanie came in to let me know she was my PM Nurse and we set up a plan for the evening, including meds and monitoring. Heather stopped by in between her patients tonight and asked Dave and I something completely amazing. She asked us to be God Parents of her youngest daughter (5 months old)…. Of course we said Yes. So honor for her to ask us. She is such a great friend too.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, March 7, 2009

2009-03-08T13:25:00.002-04:00

This morning I was woke up by my AM Nurse Milena to let me know that the lab was there to take blood and such. Thank goodness it was one of the nicer lab phlebotomists’ and I barely felt the stick when she filled the vile or three she had. I spent the good part of the morning and early afternoon catching up my hospital stay journal and posting all of the entries on my blog. With all of the recent excitement and such over the past week and a half, it has been difficult to stay focused long enough to create a journal entry. It was enough for me just to write down my notes for the day (and I’m so glad I do that). I had many visitors today, which I was very happy about. Sam and Sherri visited first. Sherri brought me cake and Sam put a bead onto my blessing bead strand. We enjoyed our visit. They are both such a riot, I’m glad that I’ve been able to see them. They are such great friends and they even have visitors in from out of town. Later on Josie stopped by and Justin too. Josie is in for the hockey game tomorrow and also is staying in DC with her sister all the while her daughter is visiting with friends at GW. Josie looks fantastic and it was nice to see Justin (since it’s been so long) because he’s been getting over a pretty nasty cold. I was pretty exhausted after all of the excitement and visitors of the day. I relaxed the rest the evening with Dave as he finally came over after running errands at Ikea and visiting with Lindsey and Dylan at their home in Woodbridge. They gave Dave a present for me and it is totally incredible. They gave me a baby bootie bouquet. It is the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. It even smells like baby powder. I’ll do what I can to get a picture of it and up. Oh and don’t forget to set your clocks forward tonight… we lose an hour of sleep.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, March 6, 2009

2009-03-07T11:57:00.000-05:00

Quynh was my AM Nurse again and happy to see there were no contractions this morning. I was so exhausted that I knew this day was going to be uneventful for me. The NRA’s came in and weighed me this morning (I gained a pound, which is right on track) and afterwards I went back to sleep. I didn’t get a Dr visit today (at least that I knew of, the might’ve come by while I was sleeping). But my whole day was spent sleeping and zoning out. I kind of came out of my daze around 2pm-ish. And around 5-6pm some random woman opened my door and walked into my room. Didn’t knock or anything. I said “hello??” and she answered back the same walked in my room and said “wrong room” and just walked out. I proceeded to get VERY Pissed off. I called Quynh and I just let loose. OMG. WTF…again?? Another random person walked in my room AGAIN!?!?!?! Who in their right mind just walks into a closed room, in a hospital without knocking or saying anything as you close the door behind you. The nurses didn’t figure out who it was, they figured it was a family member of another patient….but that’s no excuse. They put the sign back up on the door, to check in at the nurses’ station before entering. I’m not having it happen again. Because if it does, I will physically get out of bed and detain the person myself until a nurse comes. I’ve had it with that crap. The head nurse (in charge of all nurses on this floor) Mary, came to visit and asked about what happened. I told her and such and we talked about other things too since I’ve been here. But I told her overall this unit has been great and the nurses are just so wonderful. My PM nurse, Stephanie was so funny…she made sure each time she entered to over do her knocking…LOL…and I laughed every time she came in...HAHAHAHAHA. I went to bed after I sent Dave home. He fell asleep while I was on the monitor and when I was taken off, I got up and woke him up and sent him home. He was so sleepy and so was I.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, March 5, 2009

2009-03-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

Overall, this was a day I never saw coming. My AM nurse was Quynh today. I woke up and had my breakfast and as I was getting ready for her to bring in my medicine and give me my NST, I started to feel a bit strange and my tummy felt weird. I called her and she set me up on the monitor right away…. And that is where the fun began. I started having MAJOR contractions. The first one they caught on the monitor was so big…I thought my belly was going to split in two. I was having sharp pains and the tightness was so insane. I even had trouble catching my breath. Another nurse, Milena came in to help Quynh with me so she could care for her other patients too. But my contractions were frequent, however very sporadic (meaning there was no actual pattern). The nurses finally got a hold of Dr W (who was in the OR) and she said she wanted me in L&D. However there was no room for me there so my care was done completely in my room. Another dosage of Terbutaline was given to me, but the contractions kept on coming. Sally AND my Mom showed up and got to witness some of the fun. They got to see me have MANY contractions and listen to the baby’s heartbeat a good part of the afternoon. Dr W decided I needed IV fluids so they got an IV started and opened up the fluids as fast as they could go. Needless to say the bathroom was my friend all day too. They did the bolus (fast fluids) two different times and I was still showing keytones in my urine. Oh well…what’s a girl to do eh?? However I was still having contractions. Now they were just moderate and not severe (a small improvement). Everything finally slowed down and eventually stopped. However my body was so sore and uncomfortable, when Dr W finally came to see me that evening she offered me some medicine to help me sleep. I took it, no question. Because I knew I was going to need help. I also didn’t really even care that the Caps lost again at home (3rd loss in a row….longest losing streak of the season) oh well. Grace, my PM nurse put me on the monitor for 30 minutes and was pleased to see no contractions and gave me my medicine for the evening afterwards. Once I started getting drowsy, Dave left so I could rest. I barely remember him leaving I was so exhausted.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, March 4, 2009

2009-03-07T11:51:00.000-05:00

Woke up to my AM nurse that I’m used to seeing in the evening, Rachel (she switched to Day shift). She got me on the monitor early and things looked good. Dr H came in and checked up on me. She told me that if my ultrasound showed good things or no change that I was OK to take a shower. (my fingers were crossed for good news). Had my ultrasound before lunch and Dr V and I couldn’t believe what we saw on the monitor….my cervix was closed. Yep that’s what I said….CLOSED. Almost 2cm of measurable cervix. After this whole time not having anything barely to measure because I was dilated so much. OMG…talk about crazy. Even Dr V said she had never seen anything like it. Was so happy with the news..I even told Dr V that she might have a new case study to write about. LOL. Got back to my room, had lunch and enjoyed a nice shower. Met my Case Manager, Saba today; she was so nice and it was a pleasure to meet her. Nice to know she’s also keeping up with my insurance nurses and letting all of the other departments that I’ve been utilizing up to date, as to my progress and such. My PM Nurse, Grace, came on duty and she was amazed too at the news. Lindsey and Dylan stopped by, Lindsey made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies….OMG they are soooooooooooooooooooooo good. Also got a visit from Steve and Claudia, they did blessing beads too. That strand is certainly getting long. The evening over all was wonderful. I really enjoyed the visitors and such. I had no problems going to bed. In fact, Dave left early because I kept yawning and getting heavy eyes.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 3, 2009

2009-03-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 32 Weeks!!!! We made a first big goal!!! YIPPEE. My PM nurse from the night before (Heather) made my white board all decorated with stuff congratulating the day. My AM nurse Jennifer thought it was so great too. Dr Co got a chuckle out of it and was so happy to see me reach this milestone. When I actually woke up, it was because of the b!#ch from the lab sticking me and bruising my arm, she treated me like I was stupid and that really pissed me off. (Not a way I usually like to wake up) At least my AM nurse and Dr cheered me up for the morning. My Mom called on Skype this morning, she was rather down and a bit concerned about Bill and his health. I told her if she was really concerned then she needed to call an ambulance for him. She did, but then he refused to go. She got upset and as a result, I got made and then REALLY upset. Today was the first time I actually felt trapped in this room. I am helpless to offer support to anyone other than verbally through my webcam or email/chat message. My day started out kinda cheery and then spiraled into an extremely sad/emotional one. At one point I was on the phone with Dave and I was hysterically crying (for over 30 minutes). My mom is fine, not to worry. But I think with her getting upset and it finally getting to me, all of the pent up frustration and emotion finally made it’s way to the surface and decided to come out at once. I was a basket case. Once I calmed myself down, I just isolated myself from everything. I turned off my phone ringers, turned off the TV and computer and just curled up with my body pillow and laid down for a while. I needed to relax and calm down. This extra stress was certainly the LAST thing I needed, especially for the baby. I didn’t help that the Caps lost again tonight (I actually didn’t really care) and my PM Nurse , Heather kept checking up on me to make sure I was doing ok (I know Dave told her I had a very emotionally low day). I had no problem falling asleep either. Crying so much certainly takes it out of you.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, March 2, 2009

2009-03-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

Was so glad Milena made it in as my AM Nurse this morning, her car almost got stuck on the way in (in the middle of an intersection) I woke up to a fire alarm and blizzard like conditions (4” already on the ground) and it was still coming down strong and heavy. We had 2 different fire alarms too that morning and afternoon that brought the fire department each time (including the ladder truck, at one point). Dr Ca made it in, she likes watching it snow like I do, and did for a little bit when she was checking up on me. Dave did make it into work (very carefully, of course) and made it home a little early because the snow got really heavy. It was a very slow day and I just relaxed and took it easy for the majority of it. Heather made it in too that evening and got to be my PM Nurse. It was a quiet evening. Arlington, VA got a total of 8” of snow….WOW. But it sure is pretty.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, March 1, 2009

2009-03-07T11:45:00.000-05:00

This morning was a juggling act of AM nurses, I first started out with Dana who got overwhelmed with new admissions so Tricia took my care over to help her out. Dr Ca came to visit this morning and checked up on how I was feeling. I asked her if she was feeling better from being ill the weekend before, she said she was much better and that was the first sick time she had taken in over 18 years. WOW. It started snowing on and off all day long, our area was under a winter storm warning. Nothing really accumulated at all during the day. Fran & SK went over to the house and painted the nursery, the pictures sent over look GREAT! I’m so happy they offered to help. They will be back next Sunday to finish up painting the trim and such. In the early afternoon our friend James (Zammy) came by and brought wings for us to eat….he was originally going to come by and watch the game and eat wings but his work schedule had changed so we at them before the game and before he had to go into work. He also brought some DVD’s for me to watch. It was so wonderful having the wings and spending some time with him, I can’t express how much I appreciated just the little things he did. Some times a change of pace in this room really helps. The Caps played Florida and we lost, UGH. Can’t win ‘em all, eh?? Dave brought me dinner on his way back from the game, my fav Wendy’s salad (yummy, Chicken BLT Salad). The weather changed around 6pm to a solid wintry mix and then the major snow started to fall around 9pm. I was up for a late night but made myself fall asleep (I sometimes have to do that).

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, February 28, 2009

2009-03-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

So nice to see Dana this morning, even if she did greet me with a scale to weigh me this morning. HAHAHA. I gained back the 3lbs I lost before and added an additional pound to it. Everyone thinks it is because of the overwhelming amount of fluid I got from L&D on Thursday. Ah, it’s ok. I’m not worried. Dr Co came by to see me this morning and she filled out Dave’s FMLA paperwork for his work. I’m glad that has been taken care of and it’s another thing off the checklist. I was allowed to take a shower this morning, so I got nice and clean. Kim was my first visitor today, she means so much to me and I really enjoy our time when she visits. The Caps played Boston this afternoon too, and they Won (in Boston, can you believe it??). Andrew stopped by later in the afternoon, he had presents too. He made me a build-a-bear with a red hockey jersey outfit. My original one that Dave made me now has a friend. He also brought a bunch of coloring stuff along with another Caps scarf like the one his mother made for me and our friends…..well this one was special because this one was baby sized….yep that’s what I said. She made one for the baby! It is so cute. My PM nurse was Heather today and I was so happy because I got to introduce Heather and Andrew to each other (yeah I know miss matchmaker, right??). Dana and Rachel (some of the other RN’s) came in too later on and did blessing beads as well and wrote in the little book. That meant more to me than they will ever know. Once all of the visiting and such was over and I was done with my evening monitoring I went to sleep rather easily.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, February 27, 2009

2009-03-07T10:56:00.004-05:00

Woke up to my AM nurse Joyce brining in my medicine. My NST in the morning was uneventful. I spent most of the day sleeping due to extreme exhaustion. Dr H when she came in to check on me, told me that the exhaustion was very common and to just use the day to relax and not to push myself. Joyce took out my IV (YIPPEE) and then I got poked again by the lab for CBC levels and a type & cross for incase I deliver. Spent almost the whole day just vegging out and sleeping. Got a visit from Tim, he’s so fun. Heather my PM nurse, was so happy to see me, especially after hearing what had happened the evening before. She did a blessing bead too. Dave stayed over a bit later tonight because he was making sure I was ok. I think both of us were still on edge from the night before.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, February, 26, 2009

2009-03-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

A very interesting day, started out with Emily as my AM nurse but she was so busy that Milena took over for her. My morning NST (non-stress test) had a couple of contractions showing, and I was feeling just a bit off. But told Milena if I felt any of those “off” feelings again I’d let her know. Got a visit from Colleen, who had just been released from L&D after some early monitoring. Her and baby are doing good. They just monitored them both to make sure everything was alright. Was also visited by Sally (Dave’s mom), she’s feeling better and her shoulder is getting better too. I’m so glad she recovered so well from her shoulder surgery. Later in the afternoon I started to get that “off” feeling again, followed by a sharp menstrual like feeling cramp and then my belly got really tight. I called Milena immediately and by the time she got me on the monitor the belly had relaxed but I had already started freaking out and became hysterical. Dr W just happened to be in the hallway doing her rounds and heard the commotion in my room and came in to check up on me and she had to calm me down. We caught another contraction on the monitor as she was there. She calmed me down and then told me they were going to take me to L&D (labor & deliver) to keep a closer eye on me and the baby and see how things go after some fluids and tests. I called Dave to tell him he needed to be here and why, and by the time they got my bed to L&D he was already here (wow, talk about fast). I was put on the monitor right away and they caught more ctx’s (contractions) and started an IV to give me fluids. Dr H came on duty and took over for Dr W. I was feeling some pressure and she checked me to see if I was dilating more, and I was NOT. So that was some good news. The more fluid I got, the less my ctx’s showed up but then they stopped all together. They took a sample to check my urine levels and such to make sure I didn’t have an infection that might’ve been causing my cramping. No infection was found….but they did notice I was slightly dehydrated. And from what I was told…being dehydrated can cause ctx’s. I had no idea. But I drink so much water and fluids during the day that no one could believe I was partially dehydrated. But it seemed that all that I needed was some additional fluids and everything was stabilized. Got to start watching the hockey game on TV in my room at L&D. The nursing staff moved me during the first intermission, back to my regular room after almost 5 hours of monitoring. All is well with baby and me and better yet, the Caps won their game tonight. Donna & Arline were my PM Nurses after I got back to the unit. Slept rather well, after winding down from all of the excitement.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, February, 26, 2009

2009-03-07T10:56:00.001-05:00

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, February 25, 2009

2009-02-25T23:41:00.001-05:00

Sleeping last night was good until I kept getting interrupted at many different times by resident doctors and then my AM nurse LaShawn. I knew I was getting my ultrasound today; I was both excited and scared. But my excitement for that was dwarfed by knowing my great friend Josie was on her way down from NJ to visit me during the day. I miss her so much and was so happy when she told me she wanted to come down and hang out for the afternoon. I was called to Dr V’s office for my ultrasound while she was still on the way. I ended up waiting an extended amount of time in the office down there; I didn’t make it back up to my room until almost 2 hours after I left. But the test itself had its good news AND bad news. Good news: baby is 3lbs 15oz (almost 4lbs, yahoo). However the bad news was that my dilation is becoming much more rounded and as a result the threat of my water breaking is much higher than ever before because of that she decided to weight the baby after all (because she originally wasn’t unless there was a possible chance of an increased risk and/or possible delivery). Josie was in the room when I got back from my tests, I have to admit I was so happy to have someone there because I needed someone to talk to a bit before I have to tackle some stuff for work. Josie went out and got us some great lunch and I worked while she was gone and for a bit after she got back. I got things done and turned off skype. Spent a GREAT afternoon with Josie, I can’t wait to see her when she comes back in a week and a half. Dave came home from work early and joined us for dinner and my PM Nurse came on duty and Danielle said as she came in that they “finally let me have you again”. I was so touched and glad to see her. Before dinner we got a visit from Father Paul. He gave me communion and gave all three of us ashes; well it is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. We had dinner and afterwards Josie had to leave to go home. Shortly after she left I got a visit from Lindsey and Dylan. They hung out with us for a long while, did some blessing beads and I had so much fun seeing them. They are both such a riot. I can’t wait for them to visit again. After they left it was time for my medicine and monitoring. Baby (like usual) has a strong heart rate and no contractions picked up. After the monitoring was completed Dave started talking to the belly and the baby was just moving like crazy and ended up hitting my bladder really hard and that equaled a mad dash for the bathroom…LOL. Afterwards I decided to send Dave home, because he looked so tired and I was fading fast too but I also wanted to be alone. I am coming to grips as to how high risk I really am at the moment and that my water could break at any time and I could be rushed to be delivered sooner than later. It’s a bit scary and I worry about the baby, but I know I’m in the best place to be and things will be OK in the long run. However, I’m still very scared. Going to go to bed and hopefully get some good sleep or at least get the chance to relax a bit.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

2009-02-25T00:03:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
HAPPY 31 Weeks!!!! Each week is a blessing. Another week to go for our next goal, a day at a time. My AM nurse Quynh came in to give me my meds this morning and just let me sleep a bit longer. A few other doctors (residents) came in right before her, but I was able to fall back asleep just fine. When I got up and ate breakfast I called Quynh and told her I’d be ok for being on the monitor but before that I asked her to call my OB on duty to ask if I could have a shower today. She came in to put me on the monitor and told me the doctor gave me the OK for a shower. YAHOO!!!! (isn’t it sad..LOL…when the best part of my day is a shower?) Baby looked good on the monitor, but I had a contraction and they were able to see it on the monitor but it was very minor… so when I was done, I got to work for a bit and followed up on a few ongoing issues. I felt very productive with what I got accomplished today. Then got all cleaned up. Feeling good and had some lunch and then my afternoon medication. Decided to take a nap for a bit and asked Dave later to bring me some dinner, because I was in the mood for a cheese burger. I got a new RN I’ve never had before tonight. Her name is Ashley, she is a riot. I like her. Dr Co came to visit, she had a very busy day and because nothing major or imminent was going on with me she saved my visit for the evening when everything for her slowed down. She talked to us for a minute and reminded me there is an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow and that we’d see her soon. Dave brought me dinner and we watched the pitiful hockey game, Caps vs. Philly. I’m not even going into the details of the game, at one point I truly thought I was going to give myself contractions due to how frustrated I was getting. Oh and get this…the PCA’s came again to take my vitals near the end of the third period. I literally said to them “are you kidding me ladies, you want to take my vitals NOW??” LMAO…we all had a good laugh about it. The game ended and they got what they needed. Thankfully everything was just fine with my vitals. I sent Dave home to get some sleep and I updated my journal (what you are reading now) and posted everything online. Worked on the baby blanket I’m making until I got too tired and turned out the lights.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, February 23, 2009

2009-02-24T00:09:00.001-05:00

Monday, February 23, 2009
This morning I certainly was a little over tired. Then I got a call that made my morning even worse. I got a call from where we are trying to re-finance through, and because I’m in the hospital they can’t guarantee my income and if I will return to work after the baby is born, therefore they can’t approve the application. I was not happy hearing that news, I of course called Dave in tears and profusely apologizing because I’m taking the blame for not getting what we wanted. My AM nurse LaShawn came in and saw me upset, she sat and talked to me for a while before putting me on the monitor. She was so nice. Then when Dr Ca came in to check on me she saw that I looked upset and talked to me as well a little bit. Everyone is so nice; I’m amazed everyday by the compassion of the staff and doctors here. This afternoon I was able to work a good amount and keep my mind occupied. I am very thankful for the distraction. I finally relaxed enough in the afternoon to take a bit of a nap before dinner. When Dave finally got here later on he went to warm up his dinner only to find a visitor for me, Father Paul. He hung around for a good while and even put a bead on my prayer beads strand. He’s so kind to take time out of his evening to visit. We enjoyed his visit very much. Got to settle in and watch Heroes and some of our other favorite shows together too. Aicha is my PM Nurse tonight, she came in as was so happy that she was assigned to me tonight. She’s so sweet. Baby Girl looked great on the monitor tonight, Dave went home early cuz he wasn’t feeling 100%, just told him to go home and take some Ny-quil and go to bed. I am going to try and turn in myself, we’ll see how that goes.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, February 22, 2009

2009-02-23T00:37:00.001-05:00

Over night my regimen of medicine got messed up a bit again. But at least that lets me sleep in a tad longer. I’m glad the resident doctor who came to visit this morning waiting until close to 8am to come and see me. Joyce is my AM nurse today, again. She’s not the charge nurse today so she will not forget about me and such. Dr H came in and sat down and talked with me for a while. She was concerned about me from yesterday (being depressed) and I told her about my journal and how that writing it is helping me. She thought it is very healthy that I’m doing one. I’m very tired but anxiously awaiting the Caps vs. Pens game on NBC at 12:30. I made sure Dave took my ticket to go to the game. He totally deserves it. He’s called me already after arriving at the Phone Booth, to give me the well wishes sent by a bunch of friends. I just hope I’m going to be able to stay away for the entire game, I’m still exhausted. But still hopeful at the same time; Let’s Go Caps!! OMG…what an amazing hockey game. The Caps won 5-2, eat that Pittsburgh! And we won on NBC (finally). *happy dance* I’m finally getting my “Grease” (the movie) fix…they are playing it on ABC family. What can I say, Grease IS the word. Dave made it over here to the hospital after the game and brought Sherri with him. It was so nice spending time with her, especially after such a great game and there was so much to talk about too. When Dave left to feed Glinda and such at home, he picked me up some dinner when he came back. Stephanie was my PM Nurse and came in after we finished eating to bring my pre-natal vitamins and put me on the monitor as we started watching the Academy Awards. Dave left after midnight and I stayed awake a bit longer to continue working on crocheting the baby blanket. When it starts looking more like a blanket and less like a scarf, I’ll post a photo. And thanks to Stephanie my medicine regimen got fixed. She's so good to me.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, February 21, 2009

2009-02-22T11:37:00.000-05:00

Woke up completely exhausted, Stephanie came in before her PM shift ended to give me my medicine early this morning and I went back to sleep. I kept the room quiet all morning and only opened my eyes to get my vitals checked and to tell Joyce, my AM nurse that once I got up I’d let her know when I was ready to be on the monitor. I don’t really think I was fully asleep, but more like a relaxed state of mind. But after some time I was tapped awake by Dr H checking up on me and how I was feeling. She examined my belly and said everything looked good and that she’d see me tomorrow. I got to skype today with my mom; she was checking on me and totally noticed how I wasn’t acting normally. And uncovered the fact that the depression I’ve started getting is settling in. My Dad even called later in the day, he picked up on it right away too. I knew it was going to catch up with me eventually, it was only a matter of time. I even told Dr H about it when she was here this morning. She told me if I needed to talk to someone just to let them know. I’m ok right now. I’m just trying to get a handle on things. It’s proving to be difficult but you know…it’s not easy. So needless to say, today was a low day for me (emotionally). I got a visit from Justin; it’s always so nice to see him. We hung out for a while and just chatted it up. And while he was here I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Josie. They are so beautiful, so much in fact I placed them next to my bed. Dave went to church tonight before he got dinner. Right before he arrived I got a call from my buddy Wes; you all know him as the voice of the Washington Capitals. He sounded so much better in comparison to the last time I spoke with him. He was in full flu symptoms and missed the hockey game that night. He had a trip last weekend with his family and I told him the warm air would help him in clearing up his flu symptoms and it did. I told him we were all glad he was better and back at the Phone Booth. It’s not a home game without him. Had a good dinner with Dave after the phone call and realized that my AM nurse never gave me my medicine before she left. I got a little upset because it threw my whole medicine schedule off by another hour. When Stephanie came in to ask what medicine I didn’t get and to tell me she was my PM nurse, I was still upset and kind of lashed out at her by mistake…she said ‘hold up’ walked to the door and walked back in the room…LOL… pressing reset is how she put it. It made me laugh and I apologized so much, I still feel bad about it. Stephanie came in again to put me on the monitor and I apologized again to her and she was completely fine about it. Apparently there were many people today that had a bad day (including my AM nurse) and it didn’t make things easy for me. But I’m much better now, and it’s the end of the day. Hopefully tomorrow won’t as down and today has been.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, February 20, 2009

2009-02-21T23:14:00.000-05:00

Was able to get sleep, but not a lot. Quynh came on duty and let me sleep more after she gave me my meds. I spend most of the morning quiet in the room and just lying down. Kristen the nurse practitioner from my OB office came to see me today. It was nice to see her, it had been a long while. She just did the basic questions and made sure all was well…and it is. Got a visit from Sally (Dave’s mom) today; she’s still feeling her asthma a lot, I hope she gets to see her Dr soon and get better faster. She bought me a nice pink t-shirt and a lovely navy blue sweater. They are so nice. I can’t wait to wear them. I also got to work on the blanket I’m crocheting for baby girl. It’s coming along very nicely. It was a nice day, nice a sunny outside too. Dave came over later after work, because Diva has made it into town and will now make our lives a living hell for the next two months. Just what I need. We got to watch the Caps vs. Avs game but the Caps lost the game and rather sadly too. Dave left early, he was so tired. I ended up not falling asleep until after 2:30am.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, February 19, 2009

2009-02-21T23:13:00.001-05:00

After another restless night, Quynh came in the morning as my AM nurse and got me my meds and put me on the monitor. Dr W gave me permission to take a shower today after she was doing her early rounds. Worked a good amount today, Got visited by Jen for a couple of reasons..First, being for disability paperwork and second, bringing my phone list to me. Also talked on skype with my mom, Jen, Race and then just chatted with my childhood friend Amy. Today marks me being here 3 weeks officially. I still can’t believe it. The evening was a very mild one. Rachel came on duty as my PM nurse. I just wish it wasn’t so difficult to sleep each night, I just have trouble getting to sleep.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

2009-02-21T23:12:00.001-05:00

I was very tired this morning and spend a good time of the morning just lying down. Emily (my AM nurse) got my meds for me and made sure I got my breakfast. Dr Co came in and asked when I was to have my next ultrasound, and I told her I didn’t know, either today or tomorrow (Thursday). She said she’d call down to Dr M & V’s office to see availability. After she left and I was lying down again for about 30 minutes, Emily came in to tell me that the wheelchair was ready and Dr M & V’s office was ready for me. So I got up and went down. It is always so nice to get out of my room for a bit. Even if it is for just a small bit of time. It’s out of that little room. Dr V did my ultrasound again and the first part of the ultrasound was to monitor the baby and her movement a bit. So we got to watch her move a bunch as I felt it too… she really is getting bigger and much stronger. And to my surprise Dr V turned on the 3D/4D monitor and got some amazing photos of my baby girl. Many photos of her profile and one really great one of almost her whole face. She’s soooooooooo pretty. I tear up every time I see the photo, I can (but really can’t) wait to meet her. Then I relaxed the rest of the afternoon. Grace came on duty as my PM Nurse and took good care of me. Dave came over after work and we watched the Caps vs. Mtl game and the Caps won. Went to bed right after Dave left to go home.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, February 17, 2009

2009-02-21T23:09:00.001-05:00

30 weeks!!! We made our first big hurdle. YAHOO!! Dana my AM nurse surprised me with a scale this morning. I have to now start being weighed each week. And to my and everyone’s surprise I lost 3 lbs since I’ve been here. Dr Co came in and checked with me to make sure I was eating correctly and such. And I told her I was, I also told her what I’ve been eating too. So I’m to work on trying to gain at the least a pound this week (this is the first time in my life I’ve ever been told that). Today I also got really frustrated with skype while trying to connect with Jen at work. So after many, many attempts we both gave up. I was also visited in person by a male doctor (forgot his name) from Anesthesia, in person who read the radiology reports I got from Georgetown Hospital and agreed with the plan that Dr R and I had discussed and answered a few more questions I had. He was very nice. Got visited by Lindsey and Dylan, they brought a great memory book and a kick ass bottle of coconut cream rum from Jamaica for me and Dave. So nice of them, they are such good friends. Peggy came by tonight as well and brought dinner for both Dave and me and her as well. We enjoyed a nice dinner and she surprised me with a piece of chocolate cake for desert. Heather (my PM nurse) came in and said hello to everyone and put big smiley faces back on my white board about being 30 weeks. She’s such a great cheerleader for me. She is keeping me upbeat and motivated for sure. It was such a nice evening and a great end to the day.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, February 17, 2009

2009-02-21T23:09:00.000-05:00

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, February 16, 2009

2009-02-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

Milena my AM nurse today got me up to do my vitals and give me my meds this morning. We waited until after breakfast to do the monitor. I got a call from Karin in Florida. She’s doing very well and her and Frank get to try again for baby number 2 in a few weeks (according to the doctor). I’m so happy for them. Dr Ca visited this morning, she was happy to see I was still here. It’s become kind of a corny joke now. LOL. I was on skype today with a friend, Amanda. She’s home recuperating from strep throat, icky. But it was so nice talking to her and seeing her dogs trying to figure out who was talking to her…LOL. Got a visit from Peg and Eric today; they brought goodies for me. Candy from BigIslandCandies.com (yep from Hawaii). OMG, they are so addictively good. Father Paul stopped by too. It’s always a hoot when he comes by. He told me he ordered his new Super Bowl Champions sweatshirt and that he couldn’t wait to get it. He didn’t stay too long because he had many people to visit. Later in the afternoon, I got a call from Dr R of Anesthesia. She got a med history of me and asked about my back surgeries and what the plan was going to be for delivery. She broke down the options for me and what she thought would be the best course of action. I agreed with her recommendations and she answered all the questions I had. Dave came by after work for a bit and I had Heather as my PM Nurse.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Sunday, February 15, 2009

2009-02-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

My AM nurse, Quynh got me on the monitor early and I told her about the dinner Dave got me the night before. I couldn’t help it, I loved what he did for me. She thought it was so nice too. Dr Co came back this morning just like she said, she wasn’t here visiting me for very long because nothing was going on and me and baby are doing well. Not a very eventful day at all, just killing time surfing on the internet and such. Dave showed up later and we watched the Caps @ Florida game and the Caps Won and Ovechkin got a hattrick. I had 2 PM nurses tonight, Aicha and Mesue. Aicha told Dave and I that her daughter just LOVES the gift and she doesn’t put it down. We were both so excited she liked it.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Saturday, February 14, 2009

2009-02-21T23:06:00.000-05:00

Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day! Dana was my Nurse for the day today. Always big smiles and happy day with her. She’s really fun to talk to. Dr Co checked in on me this morning and was happy to hear everything was just fine and said she’d see me tomorrow too. Dave worked at home during the day getting the drywall stuff taken care of in the nursery, well at least the first part of it and Peggy was there to help (she’s so great). Justin was helping too getting all the stuff out of the room and in the basement storage room. Got visited by KIM and was able to give her the gift I got for her. She was touched by it. She’s my sis, I have to spoil her when I can. Then Sally (Dave’s Mom) came by to visit too. She brought some cut outfits for the baby; she’s getting excited for her grand-daughter. I also got a visit from Sherean; she was on her way down to the NICU to spend time with her son and to finally go home after 54 days of being here. She was so excited as I was for her too. She gave me her address and such so that we can get together after I finally have my little girl and get to go home. I can’t wait. She is so nice and her son is so cute. She said she’ll be coming by a lot because of her son having to stay until he gains more weight. I hope he gets to go home soon. Well, my husband is so wonderful. He brought me a surprise dinner. He got PF Chang’s and brought also dishes, silverware, tablecloth and battery operated candles. He’s so wonderful. He also got me a beautiful card and a dozen roses. I love my hubby; he’s so good to me. Then we sat back and watched the Caps @ TB and they won. My PM nurse Heather was so nice and only came in when she needed to, so that Dave and I could have a nice evening together.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Friday, February 13, 2009

2009-02-21T22:15:00.001-05:00

I had Milena as my AM nurse again. Dr H came in and checked out my tummy. She also was pleased with the results from the ultrasound. She OK’d me for a shower today (yeaaaaaaaah), isn’t it sad how I’m so excited to be allowed to take a shower (since it’s far and few between). Was so nice, I felt like a new woman for sure. I worked a long amount of time today; work was having issues in getting on the customer website to report hours for our employees. So we had most of the day to get it done, and lucky for us we got it done in time. Later that evening, Got a visit from Sherri & Justin. Sherri brought me cake (BIG SMILE). Yummy, in my tummy. My PM Nurse, Rachel had no problems getting me on monitor tonight. We think it might be because the baby was asleep and not moving so much (thank goodness). The evening was nice and calm.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Thursday, February 12, 2009

2009-02-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

AM nurse, Milena woke me up for my meds and vitals this morning, and told me the fantastic news; Sherean had her baby this morning. A baby boy, he’s so cute. Sherean made it to 34 weeks, yahoo for her!! Mom and baby are great. Now I’m the only anti-partum left in the hall. Dr W came by and informed me of how pleased she was to read the report from Dr V about the baby and her growth, and the new info about the cervix. It could help me stay in here longer, which is ideal. As the day went on… I started to get low (emotionally). My mom called and to cheer me up, she brought me lunch. YUMMY! It did cheer me up I have to say. But once I was alone again, the sad moody feelings came in again. Dave spends each evening here with me and I did my best to be as upbeat while he was here. I think I did well. Tenay (my PM Nurse) got me on the evening monitor with not problem and Dave enjoyed listening to the baby.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Wednesday, February 11, 2009

2009-02-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Woke up exactly at 8 am thanks to the good ol’ construction. My AM nurse, Emily was amazing. I at first thought no one believed me about the noise from the construction in my room. Well, when Emily was trying to hook me up for my morning monitoring session…we could barely hear the baby’s heartbeat on the machine due to all of the banging and drilling. It was just absurd. Once we were able to keep me on the monitor for a good 30 minutes, she told me that I WAS changing rooms today and that if I’m going to be here for a considerable amount longer then I deserve a much more quiet room. She said she’d get to work on that. Dr. H came in as well and told me that they were going to call Dr M’s office to schedule and ultrasound (my impression was for Tomorrow) and to my surprise, I was picked up an hour later to go down. Well, Dr V (Dr M’s partner in his practice) did my ultrasound today. She was so nice, I had never met her before that day. She measured the baby for an updated (estimated) weight. Baby is now 3lbs 2oz. Talk about a growing spurt…WOW. It was fantastic news. Then she was able to get a few face photos of the baby with the regular ultrasound. It was so incredible. Then they measured all of the stuff going on in my cervix again to check for any changes. Well, to our surprise we did find something. Apparently I was having a contraction during the measuring…because we watched things dilate and then close. Yep that’s what I said…CLOSE! But then it opened again. Dr V asked me… “are you having a contraction??” My reply to her was “not that I know of, or can feel.” It’s not every day that you can make a doctor go “Wow”. And she told me I have a “dynamic” cervix, because of what it was doing. After everything was done, I walked to the bathroom and was met by another expectant mom being brought in to see Dr V as well… I looked at her, she looked at me and we both knew who we were the moment we saw each other. It was Sherean from the unit (the other anti-partum in my hallway, she’s been here for over 50 days so far). We hugged and said how nice it was to finally meet one another. I let her go in for her stuff and went back upstairs. Well I got back to my room; to find out they were ready for me to change rooms. YAHOO!! I was moved down from room 330 to room 338. A much more cozy feeling room too. Dave came home from work early to help with changing rooms. He got me all settled in too. We got to watch the Caps @ NYR and lose in the SO…oh well. Dave also brought something in for the nurse I had the other night, Aicha (who’s daughter went to see the show at KC) and lucky for us...she was my nurse this night too. We were able to give her the opening night gift for the show to her daughter (a stuffed animal with a bandana with the name of the show on it). Aicha was so excited and couldn’t wait to get home and give it to her daughter. Minus the Caps loss, it was a nice evening.

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Tuesday, February 10, 2009

2009-02-21T22:12:00.000-05:00

My AM nurse Emily woke me up today with my medicine. Dr Co came in for the routine daily visit and I discussed the option of having a massage from the Teal Center, and she said “No”  and it is because it could bring on full blown labor. We don’t want that so I’ll have to wait until later. Grrrr. Oh well. But got visited by the Eucharistic Minister from St. Ann’s, Father Paul came over later too. But later Peggy stopped by, it was very nice to see her. All of my friends have been so great. My PM nurse Karen was really nice and was good in keeping up with my meds. Got some more good sleep, until all the Dr’s came in at o dark thirty (the next morning).

Hospital Stay Journal Entry: Monday, February 9, 2009

2009-02-21T22:11:00.000-05:00

My AM nurse, Milena, woke me up with more medicine this morning and got me on the monitor early. Dr Ca came in and she said she had a nice weekend and asked me about the night before (pressure and such) and asked if I felt anything since, but the answer was No. I worked in the AM hours of the day, using skype I can talk to people at work and get things done. It felt really good to do that, it is certainly a nice distraction from my everyday life in this one room. Matt and Sue came to visit this evening. It was so nice to see them. Also, this evening was the first episode of Caps “Red Line”, the Fanatic portion featuring Goat. It was great, I cannot wait to see our episode. My PM nurse tonight was Aicha, she is so nice and sweet. She told us (after learning that Dave works at the Kennedy Center) that the previous week her daughter went with her class to see a show there, and it was one of Dave’s show. She was so excited to hear that too. Slept well minus getting woke up for vitals and different doctors visiting in the early AM hours of the next day.