This one will be short, as I am finding it more and more difficult to be creative as of late. In gist, our summer continues rolling along without any significant events to report. I've been extremely exhausted and experiencing those horrible 3rd trimester symptoms that makes doing much of anything problematic. So, we are mainly trying to stay inside the house and I am resting as much as I can. I return to work on Aug. 4th and the kids first day is Aug. 10. It's approaching fast, so I am trying to not overdo it now. We are going to attempt another day at Alabama Adventure tomorrow (Friday). Lauren loved it so much! Due to my condition, we can't be too far from home, but that is a fun day trip that we can make. In closing, I'm posting a few recent pictures of our summer. Enjoy.
Brandi
*Update- Blogger is not working for me and the picture feature is not being cooperative. I'll upload later.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Political Ramblings
I try to refrain from discussing politics publicly. But, there are times when I feel it is completely warranted. As citizens of what I believe to be the greatest country in the world, it is not only our right, but it is also our duty to be the voice for our children and families. I hate stepping on toes, but I have never felt more compelled to speak out about that which I feel is necessary. Our country is on a very slippery slope at this point. Whether you agree or disagree with its current direction, the truth is plain. America will not be the same for my children with the change that is taking place. I fear for what this wonderful nation is going to represent and become when my little ones are my age. I think we have been heading down the wrong path for years......long before the present administration took over. However, the swift winds of change as of late is beyond scary. Without going into too much more detail, I would love for you all to check out a blog I follow religiously. McMama (http://www.mycharmingkids.net/) has a very good post t about the state of affairs in our country. I was amazed at how similar our views are. Again, my goal is not to offend those that have a different opinion than my own. I am speaking on behalf of my family and the rights in which we were given. Our freedom is under fire, and my prayer is that the "change we need" is not overshadowed by glitz, glamour, and a new look. God Bless and please check out McMama's post. She presents my thoughts exactly and does a much better job!
Brandi
BTW...please comment. Open, civil communication is always good..whether or not we agree. I would love to hear from some readers.
**Update** No matter how I feel about our current administration, I carry a burden to lift them up in prayer. I don't want to sound cold or close-minded (as some might think), but I do love this great country and want only the best. Again, no matter the party or beliefs, prayer is in order now as much as it ever has been.
Brandi
BTW...please comment. Open, civil communication is always good..whether or not we agree. I would love to hear from some readers.
**Update** No matter how I feel about our current administration, I carry a burden to lift them up in prayer. I don't want to sound cold or close-minded (as some might think), but I do love this great country and want only the best. Again, no matter the party or beliefs, prayer is in order now as much as it ever has been.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Summer Lovin'
I guess I have the movie "Grease" on the brain this morning, hence the title. The Styles clan is having a wonderful time though! It is so nice to have the chance to reconnect in such a great way! Teaching rules!!
We've not only had a chance to spend much needed quality time as a family, we've also been rather busy. Chris has completed a handful of rather extensive home improvement projects. Our new patio extension and freshly sodded/landscaped side and back yard look so nice..and much much better than before! Thanks Babe for being my handy man! The latter of his recent projects was painting the nursery. We are slowly getting things in that arena moving, operative word being "slowly". It is pretty in pink, believe it or not. I've always said I am anti-pink walls for a girls room because that is so expected. But, I found the cutest traditional looking, light pink bedding. The soft pink walls complement it very nicely.
Lauren started gymnastics about a month ago. She is loving it. I must say, she is about as graceful as I am. If you know me at all, you know that grace is NOT one of my gifts. But, she is doing very well, and I'm already seeing improvements in her. It might actually be good for her! Regardless, she looks forward to gymnastic Mondays and is highly motivated to behave in order to not lose this privilege. Does using this as an incentive make me a mean mommy? I am all about positive reinforcement, but I also feel that the extras in life have to be earned. She understands that and works very hard to hold up her end of the deal.
Well, I guess I better get off here. Our cupboards are bare, so we need to head to the grocery store to restock. Wow, we lead such an exciting life!!
Until next time. Stay cool, have fun, and God Bless!
Brandi
We've not only had a chance to spend much needed quality time as a family, we've also been rather busy. Chris has completed a handful of rather extensive home improvement projects. Our new patio extension and freshly sodded/landscaped side and back yard look so nice..and much much better than before! Thanks Babe for being my handy man! The latter of his recent projects was painting the nursery. We are slowly getting things in that arena moving, operative word being "slowly". It is pretty in pink, believe it or not. I've always said I am anti-pink walls for a girls room because that is so expected. But, I found the cutest traditional looking, light pink bedding. The soft pink walls complement it very nicely.
Lauren started gymnastics about a month ago. She is loving it. I must say, she is about as graceful as I am. If you know me at all, you know that grace is NOT one of my gifts. But, she is doing very well, and I'm already seeing improvements in her. It might actually be good for her! Regardless, she looks forward to gymnastic Mondays and is highly motivated to behave in order to not lose this privilege. Does using this as an incentive make me a mean mommy? I am all about positive reinforcement, but I also feel that the extras in life have to be earned. She understands that and works very hard to hold up her end of the deal.
Well, I guess I better get off here. Our cupboards are bare, so we need to head to the grocery store to restock. Wow, we lead such an exciting life!!
Until next time. Stay cool, have fun, and God Bless!
Brandi
Friday, June 12, 2009
Appointment Update
God is good!! On Tuesday, I got the best news I've probably ever received at an OB appointment, past or present. Upon arrival, we were once again given an ultrasound. If you recall from my last post, I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 19 weeks. The placenta was completely covering the opening of my uterus. This has to be watched very closely and can be extremely dangerous, resulting in major complications including hemorrhage, early labor, etc. Well, we get in for the ultrasound and I am everything but calm on the inside. If you know my pregnancy history, you know that I've heard it all! I digress....The technician does her thing and then moves us into another room for the general OB appointment with the dr. He reviews the results and gives us great news. The condition has improved and is no longer a previa (covering the uterus). It is still low lying, but this is not necessarily a problem. It appears that it is doing what it should and moving right on up, and out of the way; making way for the little one to be able to get into position. Let's just hope she hangs around for at least 9-10 more weeks. After all, I'm only 28 weeks pregnant at this point! :)
He also informed me that the baby is developing just as she should. The 2-vessel umbilical cord is not showing signs of causing auxiliary problems (slow development, low weight, etc.) In fact, she is measuring right on target and already weighs 2 pounds, 3 ounces. Thank God. Dr. W made the comment that it looks like we might have another "healthy" baby. I guess that is a nice way of saying "pleasantly plump". ;)
Finally, there is NO sign of polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid levels); the condition I had while carrying Lauren. If I didn't mention it before, I was treated by a neonatalogist in Chattanooga because of this. It was unbelievably scary thinking that something might be wrong with my baby that could be causing this. **Side Note: When pregnant, and presented with a name you can't pronounce, or experiencing an unusual symptom....let the dr.'s diagnose and walk you through it. Don't do too much research via the Internet (WebMD, Wikipedia, etc.). You will only drive yourself nuts!! And, if you're like me, you will have diagnosed yourself with, I don't know...prostate cancer or something equally ridiculous! ;)** Now that I got that off my chest, I am happy to report that my fluid levels were excellent. It appears that we are on the right track for possibly a "normal" 3rd trimester. Wow, after many complications while carrying Lauren, a miscarriage between the pregnancies, and an odd start this time around, I am relieved to think that it might just be a little boring in the weeks to come! I am not complaining or boasting, just extremely thankful!!
Until next time. God Bless!
Brandi
If I haven't already said it, my blood pressure and heart rate have been wonderful at every dr. visit too. I blew my glucose test out of the water (so NO 3 hour test, insulin, and/or needles). My weight gain is in a good range, and the swelling in my hands and feet has only been minimal. I realize this could all change, but at this point, I choose to believe that God is watching out for me and little Alyssa Claire. For that, we choose to praise Him!!
He also informed me that the baby is developing just as she should. The 2-vessel umbilical cord is not showing signs of causing auxiliary problems (slow development, low weight, etc.) In fact, she is measuring right on target and already weighs 2 pounds, 3 ounces. Thank God. Dr. W made the comment that it looks like we might have another "healthy" baby. I guess that is a nice way of saying "pleasantly plump". ;)
Finally, there is NO sign of polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid levels); the condition I had while carrying Lauren. If I didn't mention it before, I was treated by a neonatalogist in Chattanooga because of this. It was unbelievably scary thinking that something might be wrong with my baby that could be causing this. **Side Note: When pregnant, and presented with a name you can't pronounce, or experiencing an unusual symptom....let the dr.'s diagnose and walk you through it. Don't do too much research via the Internet (WebMD, Wikipedia, etc.). You will only drive yourself nuts!! And, if you're like me, you will have diagnosed yourself with, I don't know...prostate cancer or something equally ridiculous! ;)** Now that I got that off my chest, I am happy to report that my fluid levels were excellent. It appears that we are on the right track for possibly a "normal" 3rd trimester. Wow, after many complications while carrying Lauren, a miscarriage between the pregnancies, and an odd start this time around, I am relieved to think that it might just be a little boring in the weeks to come! I am not complaining or boasting, just extremely thankful!!
Until next time. God Bless!
Brandi
If I haven't already said it, my blood pressure and heart rate have been wonderful at every dr. visit too. I blew my glucose test out of the water (so NO 3 hour test, insulin, and/or needles). My weight gain is in a good range, and the swelling in my hands and feet has only been minimal. I realize this could all change, but at this point, I choose to believe that God is watching out for me and little Alyssa Claire. For that, we choose to praise Him!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Dr.'s appointments and the Little One
I go later this morning for my sugar test....YUCK-O. On the positive side, I have been given dr.'s orders to eat a full length candy bar and drink a 12 oz. coke prior to going. Wow, how exciting...a dr. mandated sugar load. Who would have thought? They will also be drawing more blood. Apparently, my blood type was not recorded (for one reason or another) during my initial labs. I know that I am RH-negative, so this is essential! I will be taking the Rhogam shot sometime this week..hopefully at tomorrow's appointment. For those of you that are not privy to this, if you have a negative blood type, you have to take the shot to eliminate the chances of having a negative-positive blood exchange between Mom and Baby. For example, I am B-. Lauren was typed shortly after birth and was found to be B+. So, I had my initial Rhogam shot around 28 wks. pregnant and a second shot after she was typed since she in fact was positive and not negative. I know...clear as mud!
I go to the dr. Tuesday morning for my 27 week appointment as well as another ultrasound. I have a few issues they are monitoring and the US will provide clarity. I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 19 weeks. They did not appear very worried, but it is something that has to be watched. Basically, the placenta is lying on top of the uterus instead of sitting on the side or above the baby. Most of these move up and free up the opening of the uterus. In the event that it does not, a c-section is necessary. Well, for me, I am already having another c-section..so this is less of a hassle. However, this can be a significant problem because of other complications such as early labor and excessive bleeding. I am prayerful and hoping that the problem will have fixed itself!! Also, I have a 2 vessel umbilical cord. HUH???? The cord should have 3 main vessels going into it; in order to supply nourishment from Mom to Baby. The result of the 2 vessel is usually a low birth weight baby. Strangely enough, I also had this condition while carrying Lauren. If I haven't said it already, she was born almost 2 weeks early and weighed over 8 pounds. So, I feel a little less concerned about the weight issue. The dr.'s are watching me closely and can do so much if this should become a serious problem. Thank God!! Please say some prayers for me as I go tomorrow.
I will try to update later in the week. I'm not too worried, but more or less dreading yet again getting stuck with a needle. YIKES!! God Bless.
I go to the dr. Tuesday morning for my 27 week appointment as well as another ultrasound. I have a few issues they are monitoring and the US will provide clarity. I was diagnosed with placenta previa at 19 weeks. They did not appear very worried, but it is something that has to be watched. Basically, the placenta is lying on top of the uterus instead of sitting on the side or above the baby. Most of these move up and free up the opening of the uterus. In the event that it does not, a c-section is necessary. Well, for me, I am already having another c-section..so this is less of a hassle. However, this can be a significant problem because of other complications such as early labor and excessive bleeding. I am prayerful and hoping that the problem will have fixed itself!! Also, I have a 2 vessel umbilical cord. HUH???? The cord should have 3 main vessels going into it; in order to supply nourishment from Mom to Baby. The result of the 2 vessel is usually a low birth weight baby. Strangely enough, I also had this condition while carrying Lauren. If I haven't said it already, she was born almost 2 weeks early and weighed over 8 pounds. So, I feel a little less concerned about the weight issue. The dr.'s are watching me closely and can do so much if this should become a serious problem. Thank God!! Please say some prayers for me as I go tomorrow.
I will try to update later in the week. I'm not too worried, but more or less dreading yet again getting stuck with a needle. YIKES!! God Bless.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Look
Enjoy the new look. I'm glad I finally took time to change it. The drab green color was getting old.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Insomnia
...little to say..it is 5:00 in the morning on my first official day of summer break. Why was I wide awake at 4:00 a.m.? Is this any indication of how the rest of my time off is going to be? YUCK!! At least I got an early bid in on Ebay. I found the cutest crib bedding set that I hope to snag before the bidding gets out of hand. We'll see. If I win it, I'll post a picture. Until next time!
Brandi
Brandi
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