***Update to the update***
Literally, 30 seconds after I posted the previous update my Mom called to say the breathing tube was out!! Yippee!! They are reintroducing pain medication (a big relief, I'm sure!). His voice is hoarse, but he is seeing visitors and doing well.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
***Update 7/16/08***
Rick's blood pressure has not been able to get under control. Because of this, they have not been able to wake him up since his surgery yesterday. He is not allowed pain medication or muscle relaxers until they have the breathing tube out and he is able to breathe on his own. His is in what would be compared to as a drug induced coma - although he is aware of what's going on around him, to a certain degree.
My Mom is under a extremely large amount of stress and I ask that you continue to send prayers their way.
Again, I will update you when I know more.
***Update***
My Mom called before 11:00 to say that the surgery was complete!! (We thought it would take much longer).
Rick did really well, his valve is in place and the rest of his heart looked good and didn't seem to need any more attention.
He will be in 24 hour recovery (Mom is probably just now being let in to see him).
They hope to have him home by Saturday. David (my brother) will fly in Friday to be his caretaker for a week.
Continue to keep him in your prayers through his recovery.
Blessings!!
My step Dad, Rick, is having open heart surgery as we speak. If you aren't on the up and up on his diagnosis I posted a while back about his heart problems.
Today, Rick is getting a heart valve replaced. My Mom just called to let me know that they just put him on the "lung machine" that will breathe for him during the surgery.
I believe he is in good hands and will come through this with no problems.
Pray for him today, for me.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will post again as I know more.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
"We're the Same"
To quote my doctor this morning.
My due date is July 22nd. During my routine 5 month ultrasound the technician said baby's measurements put her in around July 18th. I have been holding on the 18th because, even though it's a differenc of only 4 days, it sounded more like mid- July vs. end of July.
Either way you look at it, I am due in a week.
I am obviously not going to have this baby early since the way I see it, she is due now anyway.
I will go in again next Monday and have an ultrasound to make sure there is still enough fluid and that baby girl is doing all right.
After that appointment it is up to me if I want to schedule an induction or not.
My doctor said she'd give me a week past my due date to go on my own so that's my plan.
Having done things both ways - induced with Cecelia and on my own with Delaney - I would MUCH prefer to go in to labor on my own.
So, for now, I am still just waiting. I am crampy, uncomfortable, can't eat, can't sleep, crying at the drop of a hat, waiting.
Wish me luck, folks.
My due date is July 22nd. During my routine 5 month ultrasound the technician said baby's measurements put her in around July 18th. I have been holding on the 18th because, even though it's a differenc of only 4 days, it sounded more like mid- July vs. end of July.
Either way you look at it, I am due in a week.
I am obviously not going to have this baby early since the way I see it, she is due now anyway.
I will go in again next Monday and have an ultrasound to make sure there is still enough fluid and that baby girl is doing all right.
After that appointment it is up to me if I want to schedule an induction or not.
My doctor said she'd give me a week past my due date to go on my own so that's my plan.
Having done things both ways - induced with Cecelia and on my own with Delaney - I would MUCH prefer to go in to labor on my own.
So, for now, I am still just waiting. I am crampy, uncomfortable, can't eat, can't sleep, crying at the drop of a hat, waiting.
Wish me luck, folks.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Tips, Information and Misc. Take 2
"In the summer, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt"
Margaret Atwood
For those of who that don't let your kids (or their clothes) get dirty, I just don't get you. At all.
At any rate, here is another issue of "A.J.'s finds in various magazines that seem helpful or interesting."
Receipe:
Texas Guacamole:
3 ripe avocadoes
1 Tbsp. grated white onion
1 1/2 Tbsp. picante sauce
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Pinch of garlic salt.
Store bought goodie:
Skinny Dippers. Chocolate pops at only 80 calories - woohoo!
(you can even get half chocolate/half mint).
Tips:
Stick your kids popsicle stick through a coffee filter so when it drips it drips on to the filter. Genious.
Make your own play-doh:
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring
*credit card for bee stings *stick of gum for indigestion *honey and lemon juice for a sore throat *chamomile for colic * baking soda for bug bites *cayenne pepper for nosebleeds *duct tape for warts *bubble wand for anxiety *blow-dryer for swimmer's ear *contact lens solution for congestion (over 6 months old) *fresh ginger for car sickness (2 and older)*cucumber for mild swelling
Learning to write:
Start with: E,F,H,I,L,T
Second: B,C,K,G,J,O.P,Q,S,U
Third: A,K,M,N,R,V,W,X,Y,Z
Travel:
Airplane travel w/out a carseat!
CARES - totally portable, FAA approved seat belt that straps onto the back of the airplane seat.
www.kidsflysafe.com
www.luggagefree.com. 'Nough said.
New car seat rule:
It's 5 times safer for your 1-year-old to ride facing backwords. AAP recommends to keep a child rear facing until she's at least 1 AND 20 pounds. Experts now are recommending you keep your toddler's convertible car seat facing backward until she reaches the seat's height and weight limits for the rear position (usually 36 inches and 30-35 pounds.)
Random:
Because of breathing problems associated with c-section deliveries, it is now being recommended women wait until they are atleast 39 weeks before delivery.
Lastly (and I LOVE this one):
That flashy flat-screen TV with the bargain price tag might not seem like such a steal after you receive your electric bill. It costs about $92/year to operate a 42 inch plasma screen for 5 hours a day, compared to only $15 to run a conventional 32 inch TV set for the same amount of time.
Still want it:
Go with a smaller screen or LCD instead of plasma.
Margaret Atwood
For those of who that don't let your kids (or their clothes) get dirty, I just don't get you. At all.
At any rate, here is another issue of "A.J.'s finds in various magazines that seem helpful or interesting."
Receipe:
Texas Guacamole:
3 ripe avocadoes
1 Tbsp. grated white onion
1 1/2 Tbsp. picante sauce
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Pinch of garlic salt.
Store bought goodie:
Skinny Dippers. Chocolate pops at only 80 calories - woohoo!
(you can even get half chocolate/half mint).
Tips:
Stick your kids popsicle stick through a coffee filter so when it drips it drips on to the filter. Genious.
Make your own play-doh:
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring
*credit card for bee stings *stick of gum for indigestion *honey and lemon juice for a sore throat *chamomile for colic * baking soda for bug bites *cayenne pepper for nosebleeds *duct tape for warts *bubble wand for anxiety *blow-dryer for swimmer's ear *contact lens solution for congestion (over 6 months old) *fresh ginger for car sickness (2 and older)*cucumber for mild swelling
Learning to write:
Start with: E,F,H,I,L,T
Second: B,C,K,G,J,O.P,Q,S,U
Third: A,K,M,N,R,V,W,X,Y,Z
Travel:
Airplane travel w/out a carseat!
CARES - totally portable, FAA approved seat belt that straps onto the back of the airplane seat.
www.kidsflysafe.com
www.luggagefree.com. 'Nough said.
New car seat rule:
It's 5 times safer for your 1-year-old to ride facing backwords. AAP recommends to keep a child rear facing until she's at least 1 AND 20 pounds. Experts now are recommending you keep your toddler's convertible car seat facing backward until she reaches the seat's height and weight limits for the rear position (usually 36 inches and 30-35 pounds.)
Random:
Because of breathing problems associated with c-section deliveries, it is now being recommended women wait until they are atleast 39 weeks before delivery.
Lastly (and I LOVE this one):
That flashy flat-screen TV with the bargain price tag might not seem like such a steal after you receive your electric bill. It costs about $92/year to operate a 42 inch plasma screen for 5 hours a day, compared to only $15 to run a conventional 32 inch TV set for the same amount of time.
Still want it:
Go with a smaller screen or LCD instead of plasma.
Monday, July 7, 2008
4th of July Weekend
Wow. Where to start!Thursday night the four of us went to the Taste of MN for food, live music (REO Speedwagon, baby!!) and fireworks. Don't ask me how we managed but somehow we spent 5 hours there. And that was before we spent 45 minutes trying to get out of the parking garage.
Friday morning we dressed the girls up in their cutest red, white and blue (should've taken pictures, duh) and headed to the park for the 4th of July parade. We packed lunches and hung out with some family afterwords.
Saturday our friends came over to spend the day swimming with us. We spent all day BBQ-ing and swimming. By Saturday night we were completely water logged, sunburned and plain old worn out.
Sunday we did a "little" housecleaning, more swimming and then to Chuck E. Cheese's to meet up with Bill's old football buddies, their wives, and all their kids! I like to get together with them because every time we do there has been a wedding, a move or a new addition to someone's family.
I feel that this was one of the more fun and relaxing 4th of July's we've had. Spending so much time together as a family is really so great. As I have reflected on the weekend I have to say that, again, I am so proud of how we are growing so well together.
I know I complain somewhat about the kids causing me stress, but the truth is I have the best kids on the planet.
Cecelia has been beyond helpful to me lately. If I ask her to get something for me, or help out her sister she does it. Even though she is a willful child, she is also gentle and kind. Cecelia never intentionally hurts people or their feelings. She is loving and nurturing. I can't tell you how much I love her.
Delaney continues to be our little comedian. Lately I've been referring to it as "middle child syndrom." Seriously, come hang out at our house for a day and you will know what I'm talking about. She is still Mama's little girl, but having Dad around for the long weekend has forced me to share her cuddles and kisses with him. I truly, truly hope she never outgrows being a snuggly child. Even just now before laying her down for nap she gave me a big bear hug, kissed both my cheeks and said "luh you mama." How can I not be obsessively in love with her?
And as for baby number three? Well, doc said this morning that there is no progress from last week. Baby seems comfortable and is still moving around quite a bit. Even though I can't wait to have her here I feel unusually OK today knowing it won't happen anytime soon. She will come when she is ready. I can't wait to tell her how much I love her, too.
I hope you all had a safe and fun holiday weekend. It's hard to believe we're full swing in to summer now.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Bummer?
I had contractions last night for over an hour from around 3:00am to 4:00am.....then they stopped.
Even though they were pretty decent contractions (fairly painful and kept me wide awake) I didn't feel the urgency to get in the tub or take a shower. In my mind I knew it was too early.
Lucky for me, now I can make my hair appointment tonight.
Although part of me was getting a little excited, another part of me wasn't quite ready last night.
I'll tell you what, though, laying there thinking about my plan of action I have another list of "to do's" today for when the time really does come.
Even though they were pretty decent contractions (fairly painful and kept me wide awake) I didn't feel the urgency to get in the tub or take a shower. In my mind I knew it was too early.
Lucky for me, now I can make my hair appointment tonight.
Although part of me was getting a little excited, another part of me wasn't quite ready last night.
I'll tell you what, though, laying there thinking about my plan of action I have another list of "to do's" today for when the time really does come.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Heer Family Photos in the Park
My friend, Sarah, took these on Sunday.
Thank you, Sarah, they are GREAT!!!
Now, how to decide which to order....
http://www.viewmyprophotos.com/EventLogin.aspx?sid=110879
Password: ajheer
In other news: I went to the doctor this morning and all is well. Baby girl is head down (which I knew because her little feet are kicking away on the left side of my tummy). I am dialated to 1 cm (whoopdie doo) and 70% thinned out. I am feeling quite positive about it because I feel my body is starting to prepare itself for what is to come.
The anticipation is killing me!
Thank you, Sarah, they are GREAT!!!
Now, how to decide which to order....
http://www.viewmyprophotos.com/EventLogin.aspx?sid=110879
Password: ajheer
In other news: I went to the doctor this morning and all is well. Baby girl is head down (which I knew because her little feet are kicking away on the left side of my tummy). I am dialated to 1 cm (whoopdie doo) and 70% thinned out. I am feeling quite positive about it because I feel my body is starting to prepare itself for what is to come.
The anticipation is killing me!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Shout Out
A little "shout out" for my friend Kris.
She is opening a baby boutique in Fargo this summer!
Please check out her website and BE SURE to check out the store when it opens!!!
http://www.poutbabyboutique.com/index2.php?v=v1
She is opening a baby boutique in Fargo this summer!
Please check out her website and BE SURE to check out the store when it opens!!!
http://www.poutbabyboutique.com/index2.php?v=v1
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