Whoray!

Bumble and I had a very good doctor's appointment. Bumble even decided to yawn for the camera, it was so adorable!! I have no idea how to just make a clip of the yawn but the minute I figure it out I will post it. Dr. Rinehart even said that we have an adorable baby, I guess Bumble was showing off for the sonogram. We couldn't see Bumble's hands, but apparently Bumble was playing with she/hes feet. Precious. Still on the bedrest with modified activity privileges, but I will take it. It really stinks that I can not work right now, but why stop a good thing? Obviously bedrest is what my body needs and Bumble still needs to cook. A few more months won't kill me. I still think it is funny to refer to myself as 'disabled.' I just have to not spend too much money :) I have been VERY good thus far.

Bumble seems to be much more active these past couple of days, which is cool. What is not cool is Julia is starting to get achy, yea for ligaments that stretch. I think I am just starting to get in the uncomfortable and awkward phase, whoray! James pointed out so nicely the other day that I was starting to waddle, thank you love.

So my rant for today will be that THR's insurance is not as fabulous as either James or I thought it was. Yea for hospital bills, FYI they really really super suck! All I am saying is that you would think that by working for a hospital, they would give you amazing coverage, but no.

On another and much happier note, Baby Natalie Perdon was born on May 27th. So happy for Caitlin and Terence!!!!! Y'all are going to be such great parents. I also got to watch Jay William Walters be baptized thanks to skype and my loving hubby. It stunk that I could not be there in person, however was cool to watch. I think he kicked his feet the whole time, it was very cute. James and I also got to experience Clark's first pool adventure on Memorial Day. The Adcocks and Gerstmanns grilled out and had a very relaxing afternoon, which ended with ice cream. YUM

Ok I am done posting for tonight, will probably post more often. Feel free to drop by and visit or call. Conversations of any kind are greatly appreciated. And finally.................................GO MAVS!!

Chillin' Is What I Do Best

I had a very nice birthday! On Sunday we had a relaxing family dinner with grilled shrimp, I do love me some shrimp. Yesterday I was treated to lunch by the lovely Leigha and little Delaney. It was nice to catch up with an old friend. I treated myself to an hour at the pool too, I figured laying in a floaty in the pool was essentially the same as laying on the couch. I had plenty of water and was a good girl and only there for an hour. (Which if you know me and how much I LOVE the sun, that is saying something.) James and I grilled hamburgers and had a relaxing evening. I am impressed with James b/c I noticed a beautiful birthday card around 6 months ago but did not buy it (I like to stock up on cards for other peeps). So I was pleasantly surprised when that was the card he gave me for my birthday! I just love him, plus his message inside was super sweet. After dinner we chilled and watched a movie, it was a really lovely end to a lovely day.

I did almost loose my phone at central market, but all was well.

Last week Katy asked me what kind of birthday cake I wanted, well being preggo makes one a little indecisive. Therefore on Sunday I had a chocolate chocolate cake from mommy, then Katy made me 2 cakes for Wednesday: chocolate mouse cheesecake with oreo and then a strawberry cake with vanilla icing and sprinkles, YUM. I had a piece of each yesterday and will probably be eating cake for the next week or so. Glad I do not have my gestational diabetes test this week :) I have actually started tracking what I eat in my weight watchers online account just to keep track of what actually goes in my mouth. I do not want to gain tons of weight b/c I am not as active as I once was, so this helps me be aware of what I put in my mouth. Although sometimes I look at what I actually ate and go WOW, pregnant women really do eat some random things. I really like it when I have to chart that I ate like 3 pickles, for some reason I LOVE me some spicy pickles.

Finally I had breakfast with the lovely Jenny Fickes this morning. Yea for decaf skinny lattes and blueberry muffins! Jenny has turned into ms travel-rama, jealous of all her trips! It was nice to catch up with her and just talk. I think that is the worst thing about bedrest, I have no one to talk to. Do not get me wrong, I love my alone time but I do find myself talking to Roxie much more than I used to. Poor James no longer gets his alone time b/c I am always here! Lindsey and Leyla (co-workers) are coming by this evening so that will be a nice treat.

Kinda bummed I have to miss Jay's baptism this weekend. James is going and hopefully will be able to skype the service to me. If not it will at least be recorded for me to watch once everyone comes home.

Hoping for an all clear next Tuesday to go to Houston, which I think might happen. I do not think I will be going back to work though, lol I do no think my doctor trusts me to actually do light duty. Honestly not sure if I trust myself. Bedrest with pool privileges is what I am now hoping for :)

Not the Birthmonth I have wanted thus far

So today was another doctor's appointment. Was kinda nervous but had been following orders and being a good girl. Good news! Baby Bumble is doing GREAT and so is mama. In fact we are both doing more than great, doctor was very impressed with all the measurements. I had the best measurement this entire pregnancy! Now the bad news still on bedrest! I did not realize how much I was looking forward to going back to work, even a little bit until he told me no. He actually told me a lot of no's, the most important ones are: No up to work for meetings; No traveling (he said do not plan on going anywhere for the rest of the pregnancy, then if he changes his mind and I can I will be pleasantly surprised). I am not a very happy camper. I can move around the house a bit more and still enjoy my excursions out, as long as I am not doing anything crazy. His main concern is that I am still on 26 weeks pregnant and delivering Bumble right now would not be the best thing. We also know 1 thing: Bedrest is obviously working.

So needless to say, Julia is pretty frustrated right now. I filed all my paperwork for short-term disability and took out my frustration on the dirty dishes that needed to be washed. Have not ruled out going to get a banana split for myself. Hey if I can not have a vodka tonic then I guess a banana split will have to do.

Honestly now that all the leave of absence and insurance paperwork is filed I might just be like keep me on bedrest with activity. That way I do not have to file it all again later. Just give me doctors note saying it is ok to go lay out at the pool and I will be a happy camper. I am really sad about not being able to travel right now, he said there is small chance that I will be able to go to Houston in 2 weeks for the baby shower but to not get my hopes up. I am going to have to miss my nephews baptism this weekend in Oklahoma, which I am really bummed about.

On a happier note, James's parents came to visit us this weekend. Marilynn and I relaxed with mani/pedis while Jerry and James put together Bumble's crib and dresser. It was a really nice visit. Grilled out Saturday night and the weather minus being a little muggy was really quite pleasant. James and I were also able to go see Missy and Robert tie the knot, so very happy for them! (Had to miss out on the reception, but we saw the important part!) Also got to stop by Taste of Addison and try some new foods. Julia got a funnel cake, YUM!!

Well I am in a little bit of a better mood but still not fabulous. I think a Braum's sundae of some sort is in my future along with some pride and prejudice. Will start scrap-booking tomorrow like whoa, b/c why not. I have nothing better to do. Plus if you want to come and visit, feel free. I will be here. Guess we shall see what the report is next Tuesday, fingers crossed and saying my prayers that I can go to Houston that weekend.

Doppler

James and I purchased a portable fetal Doppler while we were in the hospital, just to keep at home. More for peace of mind. Well we decided to try it out last night. James placed it on my belly and as soon as we found the heartbeat, Bumble kicked the Doppler.....hard. I mean super hard. The Doppler stick thing actually moved back. It was the first time I have seen my belly actually move (I know it is the first time James as seen my belly move), caught both of us off guard. I could not stop laughing after that. We are definitely going to have a soccer player. It was fun family time, we shall see what happens tonight.

Good News

I made it through the week on bedrest, yea! Had lotsa visitors and GREAT food. Saturday was a little rough, I think the pregnancy hormones officially kicked in. Plus my mind does not 'rest' very well. I took a very nice warm bubble bath and did some meditation with deep breathing exercises. Kibbles must have sensed something was wrong with her mamma because as I was laying in bed she laid on the towel that was on my head and put her paw around me. It was very comforting. She will always be my first baby. I took a photo of it, see below, but it did not turn out all that well.

Sunday was a much better day.

So James and I went to the doctor today and we heard some good news! Everything that was abnormal is back to normal (I really do not want to go all nurse on the family friendly blog.) I was finally able to walk outside for the 1st time since Wednesday, you have no idea how freeing that was. Bumble looked great on the sonogram, active as usual. Apparently resting arms by his/her head is a favorite thing to do. We tried to zoom in on the feet but Bumble was a little too active, definitely not a bad thing though. Still on bedrest but I have quite a bit more freedom, I can actually leave the house for just a little while at a time. Around an hour or so but while indoors, doc wants me resting on the couch. I still need to be aware of how much I am on my feet but I am happy that things are moving in the right direction. I doubt that I will be able to fully return to work full time on nights, but I am hoping for a light duty order when I go in next monday. I just need to be able to do something work-wise. I feel like I am letting my coworkers down. I promise I have not forgot you guys!!

Enjoy the photos!

resting hand near face

both arms

close up of 1st photo, such a cutie

Bedrest

Had my first full day of bedrest yesterday. I guess it went as to be expected. Fired off some emails, checked facebook and took care of other such things. Watched my mom clean my house, for which I am grateful for b/c I am not allowed too. Had a fabulous dinner made by the lovely Katy Walters. Gin-Bin stopped by and brought my coloring books, movies, cookies and reading materials. Watch out friends of mine you will all probably be getting lotsa hand-written letters with colored pages in them. James, Gin and I had a nice chat.

All in all not a terrible day, although I must admit if I have to this for 3months, I have some things to purchase: 1) kiddie pool so I can have some daily vitamin D (already found one at toys R us for $30). 2) chaise lounge so that I can continue to follow doctors orders when not on couch or in pool. 3) maid, this one is kinda up in the air, James says he can do it but b/t his work, cooking all the dinners, laundry, I think it will be overwhelming. 4)Will need to find someone who will come to my house to cut my hair and wax my legs, hey this mamma is vain. I might be stuck at my house but I am not going to let myself go.  5) People to video tape important events that I might have to miss.

Wishing Monday was already here, this whole not knowing business kinda sucks. I do not mind doing whatever it takes to protect bumble but just let me know if I am committed to house arrest for 3 months or not already!!! It seriously is like house arrest, no going out to restaurants, no traveling, no nothing. Now doesn't that just sound like FUN?!!?

On a happier note, while bored in the hospital we went ahead and ordered our baby furniture. Our crib already came in, so very excited to see it put together. James's parents might come into town next weekend, so the nursery might finally start taking shape. Bumble is doing fine, starting to figure out the active times.

Our Not So Happy 1st Mother's Day

Well it has been an interesting week. So here is our story:

We went on our cruise, good times. Had a little bit of a head cold when I got back, able to eat normal, nothing funny coming out of any orifice (happy thoughts I know), able to work out all was dandy. I did sorta sound like a man for a bit for but that cleared up, felt great towards the end of the week. Then came Sunday, went to work sat night, little exhausted from the garage sale (did not lift anything heavy) but shift was boring as heck and left feeling a little sinus pressure took a benadryl and went to bed. Woke up at noon because I had severe right pelvic pain and was running a slight fever. Then pain continued to wake me up every hour until I finally got up at three to call the doc. Called the on-call OB doctor who told me if I felt like I was in labor then get to the ER. Well that would be helpful information IF I knew what labor felt like. Oh side note, googling contractions is not as descriptive or as helpful as a freaking-out emotional pregnant woman. So after becoming slightly overwhelmed and having the 1st of many emotional breakdowns we went to the labor and delivery ER. Got checked out, had a fever but baby was great on fetal monitor and they said I was not in active labor. Checked out my girly parts and things were ok, so yea.

After leaving the ER, I had to work that night (yea for being the only charge on that night). I should have known something was up when we got Chipotle and I only took 3 bits and then pretty much threw away the rest. Went into work Sunday night. Of course when I got there everyone tells me I look awful and pale, which in all honestly I felt terrible. Still had the pain and also had a fever up to 100.6 and started to feel nauseous. Work was kinda crazy busy and the only thing I felt like eating was some saltines and ginger ale. Finally around midnight I just could not take it anymore, had to leave work and go to our ER. It is nice to work at a hospital at times, you know people they know you and they get you in and feeling better fast. Morphine and Zofran are fabulous, mixed with an NS bolus Julia was a happier camper although still very emotionally unstable. Breakdown #2. Labs showed that I had elevated white blood cells, normal is 10000, I was coming in at 18000, that with a fever and abd pain they started thinking appendicitis. So at this point we were just wrapping our head around possible surgery. Can not do a CT scan on a pregnant person, so got to have a sonogram which showed nothing. Although being pregnant doesn't mean much b/c stuff gets shifted. Had an MRI, which showed that my appendicitis was normal. So back to square one.

General surgery was consulted and they were kinda of clueless. I ended up getting admitted the the high risk OB floor for observation. My OB came to see me and she had no idea what was going on either. I was a medical mystery yea! I can not begin to tell you how many times I passed out that night, b/t the morphine and almost no sleep in 2 days. Watched a few movies then off to bed. Woke up Tuesday morning with awful headache, neckache and backache and a fever of 100.8. Took the hottest shower imaginable and still had the chills with the water on me. Went straight over for a baby sonogram, where bumble was uncooperative of course but very active. My cervix (yea for very medical part) was measure "small." Basically unless you are in the last part of pregnancy doctors want your cervix to measure at least 25mm or longer. Mine was at 22. I had just had a sono last monday which was normal for me. I have had some surgeries in the past that make me not quite as normal as others and do increase the risk of preterm labor or cervical incompetence but I knew this going in. So now we get a little concerned b/c a) why is the happening and b) am I going to deliver early. The doctor wanted me to go ahead and get some steroid shots to help develop bumble's lungs just in case a worst case senerio happened. Semi-breakdown #3. Back to room to chill, hang out with friends and family and try to keep my mind off everything. Well I thought I was being able to feel the outline of the baby until my nurse came in and no honey that is a contraction, well crap. No other signs of labor and I had only had the the whole day, one in the morning, afternoon and then evening. They get concerned if they are every 10 minutes or 6 in one hour. Once it was just James and I in the room had major breakdown (#4 for those keeping track). I do not want a preterm baby, if I have to have one I will but really would prefer not too. Plus I would prefer 34 week premie than 24 week premie. Never had to take any medication to stop contractions just monitoring, of course Bumble was fine during all the doppler heart tone checks, kicking the doppler any chance possible. We found out my white count was normal so double yea! However got an IM shot in my hip muscle, not so yea!

Finally got to start eating but not terribly hungry, weird since I had not eaten in like 2 days. I had some food but trust me not as much as I have been eating. Sleep was a little harder that night even though I felt better, nerves were kinda kicking in. Also woke up twice drenched in sweat, so not fun. Not sure if I had had a fever and it broke or weird pregnancy stuff b/c the fan was on and room was cold. Woke up this morning feeling great. No fever, normal white count and no achy-ness, I felt normal. On an even better not, no contractions. If I stayed ok I could go home after second shot. The day was normal, watched movies although did have little breakdown in the morning. Got my shot and made it home safe and sound by 7ish. So now I am now on bedrest until my doctors appointment on monday. I can get up to pee and fill my water glass, but other than that it is laying down on the couch. I can go up and down my stairs twice in the day that is it, no driving, no cooking, no cleaning or laundry. On monday will find out long term plans. My doctor is hoping everything was out of wack b/c I was dehydrated and sick and that this next sono will be back to normal. Worst case senerio bedrest for next 3 months, which in all honestly would really suck. Plus no traveling at all and if you know me I do not sit still well. Have already thought of many activities to keep me busy if my worst case senerio comes true: scrap-booking, making Christmas stockings for James, Bumble and I (maybe roxie and kibbles depending on bored I am), taking up knitting, restart cross stitching, the list could go on. Hoping for a more light duty result but I will whatever it takes to keep Bumble safe and sound.

I want to thank all our concerned family and friends, we would have been able to handle the whole thing without yall. Family was especially amazing, James and I are very blessed to have such a strong support system. It truly meant a lot to us. Would also Presby ER and Perot 4North Rns/techs awesome. They made our experience so great and had tons of helpful information to make a type A obsessive compulsive nurse a semi calmer person. James even truly learned what menstrual cramps felt like. They never did find out what was wrong with me, although my doctor told me that there was another woman coming in with exact same symptoms as me and they were just as clueless.

I personally have to give a shout out to James b/c he let me wig out numerous times (and cry which I NEVER do and freaks him out) and stayed calm, somehow without showing me how crazy everything was for him. I found such a great guy to marry and have a baby with. Marilynn and Jerry yall done good! We were able to talk about our fears and concerns, while at the same time helping de-stress each other. Love him with all my heart and would be lost without him.

I feel a change in the winds

1st of all Happy Mother's Day!!!! Especially my mommy (the lovely Mrs. Janet J Walters)! Would also include my Bamma and Grandma Ginny (even though she is no longer with us, miss you terribly grandma J). Chan, Marilynn, Grandma McBride and Grandma Gerstmann, happy mothers day to you as well. There are too many names to list but all my aunties and friends who are currently/or soon to be mothers!

Happy Nurses Week as well.

So Julia is cranky. I am frustrated with office politics and other such things. Very torn right now, I LOVE being an ICU nurse, love it with all my heart. I also LOVE my coworkers. I do not love how I feel my unit or coworkers have been treated as late and disagree with decisions that are being made. I get upset every shift I work over something. I think I need some new scenery, just debating if that means and brand new hospital or just a different floor. I need to do some serious soul-searching about everything. Just very irritated and need to get it off my chest so that I can sleep (would usually vent to James but he is passed out). Presby you are a wonderful place to work I just am having some issues with you right now. Bumble might just provide mommy the out she needs, easier to transition to something new when you haven't been working for 3-4 months. I shall just pray and meditate on it.

On a happier note, Bumble apparently is a night-shifter too. VERY active last night from around 2300-0130. Crazy, felt some serious kicks. They are still the happy ones, not uncomfortable. It still feels like bumble is doing flips in there sometimes.

Bumble is very active!

I was at a meeting today and there were cowbells, lots of cowbells. Long story ask any presby employee and they will share my pain. Anywho, I felt bumble kick my arm when it was resting on my belly so it got me thinking. If I could feel it than maybe James could too. So tonight after dinner, I lay down on the couch and James put his hand on my belly while we watched some TV. I had given up hope but after a little bit, bumble decided to get very active for dad. James got to feel him/her and it was really cool to see James's face light up once he realized what it was. I think bumble decided to do some somersaults for James (showing off for dad I guess). It was a very special moment for our family. I know we will continue to have very special moments and I look forward to them. Tonight meant so much to me because we finally had a moment where James could experience it with me not through me. I wish I had had a camera to capture the look of utter astonishment and wonder that was on his face. Very cool night.

Cruising Baby

We started off our vacation week with a visit from Marcus, Chan and Jay. Jay can finally eat rice cereal and I am posting a video of the cutie going to town on dinner. I am continually amazed to see how fast my nephew is growing up!

Cute photo of Jay and Uncle James

YUMMY TIME! Look at those eyes!

James and I had the most amazing time on our Caribbean cruise. Started off with an early morning of traveling to San Jan but made it there safe and sound. I have nothing bad to say about Royal Caribbean, they take care of your every need. Food is not too shabby either.

Our humble abode

weary travelers finally setting sail

 Happy Easter! Day One was in Tortula British Virgin Islands. We went on a tour of the island and then chilled by the pool.

Taxi chicken

Our Taxi Tour Guide-Bozo

Want to go back to this place for full moon party, they make a magic mushroom juice

mullet and dreads (missed the mullet though :( )

 Day 2 St. Maarten. Had a catamaran tour of part of St. Maarten, then took a taxi tour and got to go see the French side.

such a pretty blue

Preggo Julia enjoying the ride

International border

 

the beach we chilled on after the tour, its ok to hate

 Day 3 St. Kitts. Slept in and had a spa day. Then chilled on the beach (got fought over by the taxi drivers, that was fun) and completed our souvenir shoppin'. Julia broke her tanning sunglasses, sad day.

 Day 4 Roseau Domenica. Took a tour and got to see Trifalgar Falls and the Emerald pool. A lot of rain in the jungle parts.

you can see our "hotel" in the background

Tree Vs. Bus from Hurricane back in 97

Falls

Crabs that live at the Falls

Cool Waterfall we got to see once the clouds cleared.

Emerald pool

James taking a dip in the water

Rainbow we saw while chillin' at the pool later that day

 Day 5 Barbados. Took a snorkeling trip to go see some sea turtles, it rained (downpour) for entire ride out to turtle site. Weather did end up getting better, but stayed overcast. 

Turtles! There was even a little baby one we nicknamed squirt. When you were in the water the boat guys would feed the turtles and they would come right up to you. You could touch them, so very cool. Also got to see a sting ray. These are my post snorkeling photos.

 Day 6 chillin' at sea.

Good morning!

 

 

 

The Fabulous table 499!

I can not type enough good things about our vaca week. I miss it already.