Oh look, it's a letter from Great Grandad and Grandma Bubbles!
(sorry, I couldn't resist the Blue's Clues reference!)
(sorry, I couldn't resist the Blue's Clues reference!)
Friday, October 30, 2009
1 year later and this is what you get!
I was texting my sister today and I mentioned that I was wearing the same Halloween shirt that I wore last year! I also said that the "mommy of three" pooch this year was not nearly as cute as the "baby belly" was last year! Anyway, I do love before and after comparing pictures, so here you go!
Me with my Chloe pumpkin in my belly last Halloween 2008!
Me with my Chloe pumpkin on my hip this year!
The day before Halloween 2009!
I think I am going to grow out my hair this year! If I can hold out that long, it will be interesting to see how long it gets by next Halloween!
Mom has had my big kids today so that Chloe and I could try to get back into a bit of a routine now that we are home. She was pretty much held solid in the hospital for four days! It is going to take her some time to get back to the swing of things. She has cut her two bottom teeth, so I think that she is also uncomfortable. But, with the big kids gone for the day I have been able to get some things done around the apartment between cuddlings, feedings, and changings. Anyway, this entertained her for a while when I was cleaning the kitchen. I put her puppy in the stroller!
Me with my Chloe pumpkin in my belly last Halloween 2008!
Me with my Chloe pumpkin on my hip this year!
The day before Halloween 2009!
I think I am going to grow out my hair this year! If I can hold out that long, it will be interesting to see how long it gets by next Halloween!Mom has had my big kids today so that Chloe and I could try to get back into a bit of a routine now that we are home. She was pretty much held solid in the hospital for four days! It is going to take her some time to get back to the swing of things. She has cut her two bottom teeth, so I think that she is also uncomfortable. But, with the big kids gone for the day I have been able to get some things done around the apartment between cuddlings, feedings, and changings. Anyway, this entertained her for a while when I was cleaning the kitchen. I put her puppy in the stroller!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ugh, hospitals!
Well, Chloe had been sick for quite some time. I thought that she just had a cold/flu type thing like the rest of us, but we all got better in a few days! She didn't seem to be getting better. One day she'd be a little better, but then the next day she would throw up and get even worse than she was before! Also, she'd had an ongoing fever and wasn't eating well and just wanted to cuddle and sleep. The fever would stay under control with Tylenol and Motrin, but then come right back if I stopped giving it.
I did call the doctor's office twice and the nurse told me not to bring her in unless her fever reached 103 and/or she developed a cough and to just try and keep her hydrated. So I decided that she just had a cold and I was over reacting. However, on Sunday she still was not better. She was lethargic, not eating, she still had a fever, and the worst and most scary thing was that she was breathing heavy and fast! Chris and I were concerned that she might have pneumonia.
So I took her the E.R. My oh my was that an experience! All the doctors and nurses...well, all but one doctor...were very kind to us and took great care of Chloe. Of course there does seem to be an unnecessary amount of waiting and not knowing! I could hear them talking in the halls and they would say "the baby" and I was really starting to get nervous and paranoid! I just wanted someone to come in there and tell me "It's OK, everything is going to be fine. We are working together to figure out what is wrong with your baby, so we can make her well." There were a few times I really had to fight back the urge to just burst into tears and say "This is my baby who I love with my life, so you better take care of her the same way you would take care of your own baby!" I know they couldn't really tell me anything because at the time they didn't know. And they did take good care of her and did all the tests that they needed to do.
Of course they took blood. Four pokes later and FINALLY they got what they needed! She got a breathing treatment to see if that would help her breathing, which it didn't. Her temperature when we got there was 104 and her heart rate was in the 190's! Normal for a baby her age is 100-120! The reason she was breathing so hard was because of the fever and that's why her heart was beating so fast. She also got a x-ray of her chest and her lungs were clear, so that ruled out pneumonia. They took samples of her snot to test for H1N1 and RSV, those both came back negative. As a last resort before starting her IV, they cathed her to get a urine sample to check for bacterial infection. There was even talk of sending her to Wichita or doing a Spinal Tap! I would've refused that for sure!
When a different nurse came in to put the IV in, she did it without a hitch! I was so thankful. Chloe didn't even cry. Mostly because she was just too worn out at that point. They went ahead and started fluids and an antibiotic. The doctor on call came in to tell me what they'd found from the blood test results. It certainly wasn't good! They said that what she had was not viral, but it was bacterial infection in the blood! Her white blood cell count was way up and her red blood cell count was way down! The bacteria was doing some pretty tremendous damage to her blood, which was also another reason she was having so much trouble breathing. I am sure you can imagine how terrible I felt! If only I'd brought her in sooner!
Well, we were admitted to the hospital at that point and spent the next two days just kind of waiting and worrying about what the diagnosis would bring. We had to wait on the blood and urine tests to culture. Everyone told me how amazing it is when babies get on fluids and antibiotics they are just supposed to be so much better in just one day! This did not happen, so of course I was still worried when she was still fevered on Tuesday. Thankfully, my own doctor came and talked to us. It was so nice to have a kind and familiar face! He was eventually able to to tell me that they knew what was wrong.
Chloe had a UTI that turned into a bladder and kidney infection, then spread to the blood stream, so she had some pretty serious infection in her little body. It was a type of E. Coli that is highly resistant to a lot of antibiotics, but thankfully they'd put her on the right one! Slowly her blood work started getting better and she started getting a little more spunk back. Tuesday evening her fever finally broke! Also Tuesday morning the doctor took her off of the IV drip because she'd gained 3 pounds of water weight from the fluids. Too much sodium = water retention!
They switched her to oral antibiotics last evening and we were able to go home this morning around 10! It was so good to get out of that hospital!
Chris had to take the roll of stay at home dad for a while, but mom and dad did give him a break for a while so he could come see his baby too.
My grandparents surprised us with a visit! It was great to see them!
Raggles the dog is Chloe's best friend. He made her feel comforted in a strange place. He is/was my best friend too when I was little.
Her arm was all wrapped up at the IV site to discourage her from messing with it.
Poor baby. She looks really bad here. I know it's a blurry picture too, but her eyes don't look good.
I spent a lot of time like this with Chloe in the hospital. Thankfully I did get complimentary parent trays at meal times. The food really wasn't that bad for a hospital!
Mom came and spent two days with us while we were there. It was so nice! I enjoyed her company and she helped pass the time. Also, I was able to go home and take a shower while she cuddled with Chloe. Thanks mom! And Grandma too!
The second time that Chris came for a while Chloe was doing a little better. She smiled and clapped her hands when she saw her dada!
I love this little girl and I am so glad that she is better and we are home!
Even though we are home and trying to get back to normal, Chloe is still very tired. I also think she still feels a little insecure. She is very fussy and clingy to me and cries when I put her down. I think she's afraid to let me out of her sight for fear of someone poking another needle in her arm! She is doing well with the antibiotic and nursing, but she is not eating too much else yet. I'm going to give her tummy time to adjust since she hasn't eaten very much in the past two weeks. So far she is still fever free. Let's pray it stays that way! We go next week to the doctor for a follow up appointment. He will be setting up a sonogram to make sure that her bladder and kidneys are functioning properly and that there is no urine backing up from her bladder.
The other two kids were glad to have us home and I think Coco was glad to see them too. Also, their Papa and Grandma were here from Missouri when we got home. They'd planned on coming for the weekend, but because Chloe was sick, they came early so Chris could work and they could watch the kids. They were glad to see that Chloe was home and better, but had to leave soon after we got home so they could get back for work tomorrow. We will be going back their way soon for Thanksgiving! Wow, it's close to that time already!
OK, it's late. I am done for now.
I did call the doctor's office twice and the nurse told me not to bring her in unless her fever reached 103 and/or she developed a cough and to just try and keep her hydrated. So I decided that she just had a cold and I was over reacting. However, on Sunday she still was not better. She was lethargic, not eating, she still had a fever, and the worst and most scary thing was that she was breathing heavy and fast! Chris and I were concerned that she might have pneumonia.
So I took her the E.R. My oh my was that an experience! All the doctors and nurses...well, all but one doctor...were very kind to us and took great care of Chloe. Of course there does seem to be an unnecessary amount of waiting and not knowing! I could hear them talking in the halls and they would say "the baby" and I was really starting to get nervous and paranoid! I just wanted someone to come in there and tell me "It's OK, everything is going to be fine. We are working together to figure out what is wrong with your baby, so we can make her well." There were a few times I really had to fight back the urge to just burst into tears and say "This is my baby who I love with my life, so you better take care of her the same way you would take care of your own baby!" I know they couldn't really tell me anything because at the time they didn't know. And they did take good care of her and did all the tests that they needed to do.
Of course they took blood. Four pokes later and FINALLY they got what they needed! She got a breathing treatment to see if that would help her breathing, which it didn't. Her temperature when we got there was 104 and her heart rate was in the 190's! Normal for a baby her age is 100-120! The reason she was breathing so hard was because of the fever and that's why her heart was beating so fast. She also got a x-ray of her chest and her lungs were clear, so that ruled out pneumonia. They took samples of her snot to test for H1N1 and RSV, those both came back negative. As a last resort before starting her IV, they cathed her to get a urine sample to check for bacterial infection. There was even talk of sending her to Wichita or doing a Spinal Tap! I would've refused that for sure!
When a different nurse came in to put the IV in, she did it without a hitch! I was so thankful. Chloe didn't even cry. Mostly because she was just too worn out at that point. They went ahead and started fluids and an antibiotic. The doctor on call came in to tell me what they'd found from the blood test results. It certainly wasn't good! They said that what she had was not viral, but it was bacterial infection in the blood! Her white blood cell count was way up and her red blood cell count was way down! The bacteria was doing some pretty tremendous damage to her blood, which was also another reason she was having so much trouble breathing. I am sure you can imagine how terrible I felt! If only I'd brought her in sooner!
Well, we were admitted to the hospital at that point and spent the next two days just kind of waiting and worrying about what the diagnosis would bring. We had to wait on the blood and urine tests to culture. Everyone told me how amazing it is when babies get on fluids and antibiotics they are just supposed to be so much better in just one day! This did not happen, so of course I was still worried when she was still fevered on Tuesday. Thankfully, my own doctor came and talked to us. It was so nice to have a kind and familiar face! He was eventually able to to tell me that they knew what was wrong.
Chloe had a UTI that turned into a bladder and kidney infection, then spread to the blood stream, so she had some pretty serious infection in her little body. It was a type of E. Coli that is highly resistant to a lot of antibiotics, but thankfully they'd put her on the right one! Slowly her blood work started getting better and she started getting a little more spunk back. Tuesday evening her fever finally broke! Also Tuesday morning the doctor took her off of the IV drip because she'd gained 3 pounds of water weight from the fluids. Too much sodium = water retention!
They switched her to oral antibiotics last evening and we were able to go home this morning around 10! It was so good to get out of that hospital!
Mom and dad came to visit us on Sunday evening. Mom brought her camera and took a picture of Chloe and me.
Chris had to take the roll of stay at home dad for a while, but mom and dad did give him a break for a while so he could come see his baby too.
My grandparents surprised us with a visit! It was great to see them!
Raggles the dog is Chloe's best friend. He made her feel comforted in a strange place. He is/was my best friend too when I was little.
Her arm was all wrapped up at the IV site to discourage her from messing with it.
Poor baby. She looks really bad here. I know it's a blurry picture too, but her eyes don't look good.
I spent a lot of time like this with Chloe in the hospital. Thankfully I did get complimentary parent trays at meal times. The food really wasn't that bad for a hospital!
Mom came and spent two days with us while we were there. It was so nice! I enjoyed her company and she helped pass the time. Also, I was able to go home and take a shower while she cuddled with Chloe. Thanks mom! And Grandma too!
The second time that Chris came for a while Chloe was doing a little better. She smiled and clapped her hands when she saw her dada!
I love this little girl and I am so glad that she is better and we are home!
Even though we are home and trying to get back to normal, Chloe is still very tired. I also think she still feels a little insecure. She is very fussy and clingy to me and cries when I put her down. I think she's afraid to let me out of her sight for fear of someone poking another needle in her arm! She is doing well with the antibiotic and nursing, but she is not eating too much else yet. I'm going to give her tummy time to adjust since she hasn't eaten very much in the past two weeks. So far she is still fever free. Let's pray it stays that way! We go next week to the doctor for a follow up appointment. He will be setting up a sonogram to make sure that her bladder and kidneys are functioning properly and that there is no urine backing up from her bladder.The other two kids were glad to have us home and I think Coco was glad to see them too. Also, their Papa and Grandma were here from Missouri when we got home. They'd planned on coming for the weekend, but because Chloe was sick, they came early so Chris could work and they could watch the kids. They were glad to see that Chloe was home and better, but had to leave soon after we got home so they could get back for work tomorrow. We will be going back their way soon for Thanksgiving! Wow, it's close to that time already!
OK, it's late. I am done for now.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sneak Peak!
I have been saying for a while now that I needed to get Eleanor's Princess dress made so she can wear it on Halloween. Today I finally decided to tackle it. Even though I feel terrible that Chloe is still sick and wanting to sleep all day, it was kind of a blessing today because I was able to get the dress done with few interruptions. I think it turned out quite well. I am NOT a seamstress by any means. I mean, I can sew a few very simple projects, but nothing ornate. I did the best I could with no help and a squirmy two year old. I think it is just a bit too big, but I can always pin it up in a few places if need be, and when she has shoes on, that will also make her a little taller. I still need to get a tiara, but that shouldn't be hard to find.
Eleanor LOVES her dress!!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
10 months!
First is Chloe's 9 month picture from September.
Now here is her 10 month! I was able to get some pictures of her the other day while she perked up a little. It was great to see her smile when she'd been so lethargic and sick.
Eleanor didn't want to be left out!
Now here is her 10 month! I was able to get some pictures of her the other day while she perked up a little. It was great to see her smile when she'd been so lethargic and sick.
Eleanor didn't want to be left out!
Fresh air and sun!
I have been so exhausted and head-achy today! I think it's mostly from being stressed about Chloe being sick, and also just not getting much sleep...also because of Chloe being sick. But also, I have had a cold of my own that hasn't completely gone away because of the things mentioned in the previous sentence. I took some Excedrin Migraine and got a little nap today, so I felt better after the kid's naps! Chloe also seemed better after her nap! So, since it was such a nice, sunny, but cool day, I thought it would be nice to take a stroll and get some sun and fresh air! I think it really did us all a ton of good!
We walked to the Spider web park and Eleanor was waiting patiently for me to get done on the see-saw, so I could push her on the swing.
Chloe stayed in the stroller most of the time and fell asleep on the way back home.
When we got back, she was a different little girl! I really think the fresh air and sun made her feel much better.
Sean was happy with his leaf that he found on our walk:)
We walked to the Spider web park and Eleanor was waiting patiently for me to get done on the see-saw, so I could push her on the swing.
Chloe stayed in the stroller most of the time and fell asleep on the way back home.
When we got back, she was a different little girl! I really think the fresh air and sun made her feel much better.
Popsicle
I had Chris pick up some Popsicles on his way home today in hopes that Chloe would eat them and get some fluid in her since she's been sick and not wanting to eat or drink too much. Thankfully she does seem to be doing a whole lot better! Still very sleepy and not eating very much, but she has not had a fever for most of the day!
Anyway, I had the three kids sit in the tub in their undies to have their Popsicles. I really didn't want sticky all over the table, and that way I just started the bath water when they were done. Chloe kind of liked hers, but I think it was just too cold for her to really enjoy. She still seemed happy to sit in the tub with her older siblings and watch them be goofy and enjoy their Popsicles.
Anyway, I had the three kids sit in the tub in their undies to have their Popsicles. I really didn't want sticky all over the table, and that way I just started the bath water when they were done. Chloe kind of liked hers, but I think it was just too cold for her to really enjoy. She still seemed happy to sit in the tub with her older siblings and watch them be goofy and enjoy their Popsicles.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sick baby
Chloe has not been feeling well the last week or so. She started out with a fever. I thought it was teething related since I could see and feel that her gums were swollen. However, she also threw up a few times and got rather lethargic. Plus, her fever spiked to 101.??? Close to 102 if I remember. Anyway, she started getting really shaky and all she wanted was to cuddle close, which I enjoy and so does Chris. Anyway, she is not coughing, but now she also has the runs. The fever seems to be gone and she is acting a little more upbeat, but she gags every time I try to feed her. I've been able to get a little juice and a few Cheerios in her, but that's it. Her one bottom tooth did finally pop through, but not completely. Also, she's been saying mama a lot since she isn't feeling well. It kind of breaks my heart because I feel like she is saying, "Mama, why can't you make me feel better and take the pain away?". Anyway, I've also been sickish. I'm feeling a lot better, though I'm still congested. I've had Chloe sleep with me a few nights, so I've been extremely tired and headachy since we both toss and turn and I hear every little noise! Anyway, I did call the doc and they don't think it's H1N1 (swine flu), so they don't want to see her unless she develops a cough and a fever of 103. I just wish there was something more I could do for her.
Here are a couple pictures I took this morning. While Sean was at preschool (I had Chris drop him off and pick him up today) Eleanor and I tidied up the apartment. Ellie made a little bed on the floor of my room for Chloe.
Here are a couple pictures I took this morning. While Sean was at preschool (I had Chris drop him off and pick him up today) Eleanor and I tidied up the apartment. Ellie made a little bed on the floor of my room for Chloe.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Mom's party
Last evening we had a little party at mom's for her birthday with Grandad and Grandma. I t was a nice time, but both mom and I were upset that we didn't think to get a group picture!
Chloe wasn't feeling well.
She enjoyed snuggling with Grammy and Grandad a lot last night!
My grandad gave mom the cup that he had in Korea.
Here is my mom's blog with a close picture and story.
I don't know why this is side ways, but this is a table from my Great Aunt Arlene to my mom.
It belonged to my Great Grandma Mema. For more of the story visit my mom's blog again!
Sean is also a fan of Gustafer!
Poor sick Chloe! She cuddled with Grammy for a long time!
I believe she is getting better, but she did/does have a stomach bug:(
Chloe wasn't feeling well.
She enjoyed snuggling with Grammy and Grandad a lot last night!
My grandad gave mom the cup that he had in Korea.
Here is my mom's blog with a close picture and story.
I don't know why this is side ways, but this is a table from my Great Aunt Arlene to my mom.
It belonged to my Great Grandma Mema. For more of the story visit my mom's blog again!
Sean is also a fan of Gustafer!
Poor sick Chloe! She cuddled with Grammy for a long time!
I believe she is getting better, but she did/does have a stomach bug:(
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Happy Birthday to my Mom!
Sunday, October 18th is my mom's birthday! I've realized I need more pictures of you mom!
Here she is with Eleanor (around 6 months?)
Eleanor is her fourth grandbaby! Crazy huh?
I am serious when I say that you do not look like a Grammy mom!
Here is my beautiful mother with Chloe a few days after she was born.
Love your hair in this one mom:) You also look really good in that color!
Mom with her girls
Hoping it's a great birthday!
Here is my mom holding Sean when she first became a Grammy:)
Here she is with Eleanor (around 6 months?)
Eleanor is her fourth grandbaby! Crazy huh?
I am serious when I say that you do not look like a Grammy mom!
Here is my beautiful mother with Chloe a few days after she was born.
Love your hair in this one mom:) You also look really good in that color!
Mom with her girls
Hoping it's a great birthday!Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sean's Preschool Fire Station Field Trip
I got to go with Sean to the Fire Station today! We both enjoyed it! Our guide, who is the assistant Fire Chief, was really great with the kids.
Sean and his best friend Genesis did NOT want to sit in the driver's seat of the big truck!
But they did touch the truck with Arryn and Amos (Genesis mom and brother)
Eventually they did sit in the back where the firemen sit.
The tires are HUGE!
The reflective gear on the fireman's gear kind of glowed when my camera flashed.
Dave showed us the "Jaws of Life"
And he also showed us the different sizes if hoses.
Miss Schrag dressed up in the fireman gear and Dave showed us how they crawl through the fire and smoke to rescue people in danger.
He also showed us this mask that protects their ears and necks. Before they started using these, many of the firemen got burnt on their ears and necks.
The kids got to take turns wearing the big helmet!
Here are all the kids in Sean's Preschool along with Mrs. Temple
Dave slid down the "Pole Hole"
We got to meet the fire dog!
Everyone got to talk to him and pet him
Each child got a hat, coloring/fire safety book, and fire chief sticker.
Sean took a picture of me in his hat
We couldn't leave the sisters out!
Sean and his best friend Genesis did NOT want to sit in the driver's seat of the big truck!
But they did touch the truck with Arryn and Amos (Genesis mom and brother)
Eventually they did sit in the back where the firemen sit.
The tires are HUGE!
The reflective gear on the fireman's gear kind of glowed when my camera flashed.
Dave showed us the "Jaws of Life"
And he also showed us the different sizes if hoses.
Miss Schrag dressed up in the fireman gear and Dave showed us how they crawl through the fire and smoke to rescue people in danger.
He also showed us this mask that protects their ears and necks. Before they started using these, many of the firemen got burnt on their ears and necks.
The kids got to take turns wearing the big helmet!
Here are all the kids in Sean's Preschool along with Mrs. Temple
Dave slid down the "Pole Hole"
We got to meet the fire dog!
Everyone got to talk to him and pet him
Each child got a hat, coloring/fire safety book, and fire chief sticker.
Sean took a picture of me in his hat
We couldn't leave the sisters out!
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