Moving Sale!!

2874 Sun River Ln
Dickinson, TX 77539
Fri, March 16 8:00AM - Sat, March 17, 1:00PM
Furniture, Toys, Clothes, and much much more!

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in Dickinson, TX.

Quick Update

Here's an abbreviated update for you:

Isaac is potty-trained, except for when he's sleeping - YAY!!!
He is also speaking so much more! He's improved in his speech 200% this summer, it is amazing.

Luke turned 7 months old yesterday. He is nearly 15 lbs (maybe more by now). He's been trying solid foods for the last month or so, and nothing strikes his interest, except for hummus. But that shouldn't be a surprise considering his brother would eat nothing by fried tofu and miso soup for months. We're taking a break from food for a while. He's happy with his milk.

Here are many many many pictures from June through July,

including the new professional pictures we had done at the beach, courtesy of Megan Thurman Photography - Check it out - our pics are even on her home page! We're famous! Also, finally you can see pictures from our trip to the Northwest in June!

Enjoy! Bohannon Album

Beach Photo Shoot

We had a photo shoot at the beach last night. I was such a blast. Definitely the funnest photo shoot I've ever been too.

Check out Megan's blog with a few sneak peeks from our session! The rest should be ready by the end of the week.

Megan Thurman Photography

Lucas laughing 6mos

Homemade Cleaning and Beauty Recipes

After an overwhelming number of requests, here are some long awaited for recipes for cleaning and beauty products that I use. Let me know if you have any questions about where to find some of the ingredients. Enjoy!


The best all-purpose spray cleaner ever!



This stuff kicks 409’s butt!! It cuts grease, works on glass, surfaces, floors, carpet, furniture, you name it.

1 cup hot water
1 tsp Borax
¼ tsp Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
½ tsp Dr. Bronner’s Castille Liquid Soap (any scent)
4 drops sweet orange oil (disinfecting, cleaning power, and fragrance)
2 drops lavender oil (disinfecting and fragrance)
2 drops eucalyptus oil (deodorizing)
2 drops Tea Tree Oil (powerful disinfectant and cleanser)


You can choose whichever essential oil combo you prefer, but do NOT omit the Tea Tree Oil, it is essential for thoroughly disinfecting.

Dissolve the borax and washing soda in the hot water. Add the soap and essential oils and shake to mix. Pour into a spray bottle. I like to make a double or triple batch and use a large spray bottle.



Best Laundry Detergent at an even better price!!


Works just as good as Tide, is better for your clothes, your washing machine, the environment, and most-importantly, your pocket!



1 Bar Dr. Bronner’s Castille bar soap (any scent) or Fels-Naptha laundry soap bar
1 cup Borax
1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
½ cup Oxiclean Free (optional, but I think it adds some extra umph)


Grate the soap bar with either the grater attachment on your food processor (takes less than 30 seconds) or by hand with a cheese grater (will buff your triceps). Then process with food processor blade or in a blender into a fine powder. Add in borax, washing soda, and Oxiclean, and pulse a few times to blend together thoroughly. Use only 1-2 tablespoons per load of laundry. Great on colors, whites, cold or hot water. You may need to spot treat stains first, as with any detergent. You can add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil or other essential oil to wash water if you like to add fragrance or enhance disinfecting power in particularly dirty loads (such as cloth diapers). This detergent will remove old detergent build-up and oils from your clothes, your washing machine, and your water pipes. I also add a ¼ - ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle (just as you would with liquid fabric softener) as a softener. Trust me, your clothes will not smell like vinegar, but they’ll be super soft, and your towels will still be absorbant (unlike when you use Downy on them).

Foaming Hand Soap

Foaming soap bottle (recycled from store-bought foaming soap, or you can purchase them online)
1 cup distilled water
3 tbl Dr. Bronner’s Castille Liquid Soap
1 tsp vegetable glycerine (often found in the organic beauty products section of grocery stores, or online)
1 tsp sweet almond oil (also in organic beauty section, or online)
5 drops Tea Tree Oil (for disinfecting)
10 drops Lavender Oil


Mix all ingredients together, and place in foaming pump bottle.

Foaming Facial Cleanser

This is gentle, and great for all skin types – dry, normal, or oily



Foaming soap bottle
1 cup distilled water
3 tbl Dr. Bronner’s Castille Liquid Soap (Baby Mild)
1 tsp vegetable glycerine
1 tsp sweet almond oil
5 drops Tea Tree Oil
10 drops Lavender Oil



Mix all ingredients together, and place in foaming pump bottle. Follow with Aloe Glycerine Moisturizer.

Aloe Glycerine Facial Moisturizer


Great for oily skin, but not overdrying. Cooling, and perfect for sun burnt skin. Light and great for a summertime moisturizer that won’t feel heavy and greasy.



2 tbl aloe vera gel (pure, food grade – found with herbal supplements in grocery store)
½ tsp vegetable glycerine
3 drops jojoba oil
6 drops Lavender oil


Mix together in a small bottle. Apply dime size amount to face after cleansing.

4 Months Old!

Luke had his 4 month check-up last week. I still can't believe he is that old, yet at the same time, I can't imagine what life was like before he was born. He's doing so well. And he is still the best baby in the world! He's rarely fussy, he's always smiling and giggling, and he loves everyone. He weighed in at 11 lbs and 12oz and 22" long. He's a bit smaller than Isaac was at this age (13 lbs), but I think I was probably force-feeding Isaac, because I was always worried about his weight, being a preemie. But, this time around, I have certainly chilled out quite a bit. I think my more relaxed nature and my confidence this time around has a lot to do with Luke's easy-going demeanor. He doesn't get overy gassy, refluxy, or irritable because he's getting just what he needs and isn't being forced to take in more than he can tolerate. He may be on the small side, but the doctor is pleased with his growth. He's in the 25%-ile for his adjusted age (and 5%-ile for his actual age which is great!). He looks perfectly healthy and is on par developmentally, even more so than Isaac was at this age. He is cooing and lauging and 'talking' all the time. Isaac was much less verbal at this age, which may coincide with his slow verbal development he currently exhibits. Luke has grown right out of his 3 month clothes and is now wearing 6 months clothes, and is growing out of some of his small diapers. And I'm proud to say, he has been in cloth diapers 100% of the time for the last 2 months. I'm especially thankful for that with the new, controversial Pampers Dry Max diapers that have replaced ALL of the Pampers disposables, which were the only disposables I have ever been happy with. The new Dry Max version are advertized as being ultra absorbant and ultra thin, compared to the older styles, but thousands of mothers have reported serious chemical burns and rashes associated with the new version. I am frustrated that, due to this, when we travel to Oregon next month, I'm going to have to find a disposable diaper I am comfortable with or pack a suitcase with my cloth diapers and wash them all at the Schweighardt house, which I'm sure they wouldn't mind. We shall see. I am actually concerned that Isaac's little butt won't be able to hold up his pants without a cloth diaper.

Which brings me to another discussion - potty training. Things have digressed in this area, I'm sad to say. Isaac is still no closer to wearing underwear. He hates them. He refuses to let me near him with them. They even have one of his favorite cartoon characters - Super Why - on them. I think he's also getting sick of hearing us ask him over and over, "Do you have to go peepee in the potty??", so now he automatically says "Noooooooo" everytime we ask him, rather than actually thinking about it. So, we've been having a few more accidents as a result. And the only time he will even consider using the potty is when he's completely naked. So, that also complicates things. But, I'm not going to push the matter just yet. I'll let him continue getting used to the idea.

I also have not updated on my Dad and Rebecca's visit. We had a blast while they were here. Rebecca, who should be a photographer, tookd some amazing pictures. I've uploaded her album for you to see if you missed them when she and I posted them all over facebook. We had a blast at the beach, strawberry picking, and of course, Dad couldn't leave without taking Isaac skating again! They had such a blast. Isaac is best buds with his Pappy, and I can tell that Luke will be as well. Next up - our trip to Portland and Kennewick, WA for a science conference and to visit Joe's sister Gillian and her family, including little Misses Audrey and Bailey, who are nearly the same age as Isaac and Luke. It's going to be a blast!

April Flowers

Well, I felt it was time to redesign this blog. I'm still working out some tweaks in the layout. I know I haven't posted in a while. As it turns out, trying to finish my expriments for my dissertation, being a wife and mom to two through and through Mama's boys doesn't leave much time to blog, or even eat some days. Life has been crazy busy the last month. Luke got baptized the end of last month. That was a very special day. He wore the same knitted blue sweater that I made for Isaac when he was baptized. Then there was Easter, when Luke got to dress up like an Easter bunny and we went to a plethera of both Catholic and Protestant church services to celebrate the rising of our Lord. Then, Uncle Joe came down for a visit while working at the Toyota plant in San Antonio for the month. Last weekend, we took a trip down to San Antonio to see him and enjoy some time in the city. Along the way, we took a side trip through some small towns with some beautiful wild flowers. We were able to get a few shots of a field along the side of the highway full of blue bonnets, buttercups, Indian paintbrush, among many other unknown types of flowers, but we just couldn't get close enough for my satisfaction. Then, while driving through the small town of Sanguin, TX, we spotted a small cemetery off the main highway that was full of gorgeous flowers. It turned out to be the perfect setting for a photo shoot. It was so peaceful and fragrant there. We could have stayed all day and enjoyed ourselves. Then we headed into the city and dined at our favorite Italian restaurant on the River Walk, where we passed by a couple exchanging wedding vows. Spring was definitely in the air. It was Luke's first trip away from home, and he did fantastic.

I have seriously been blessed with the best baby any mother could ask for, especially a working mom with a toddler in the terrible 2's and more on my plate than I can sometimes handle. He is the easiest baby I could have ever imagined existed. He rarely cries, unless he's not being held. He is never fussy or colicky like Isaac was at this age. He eats well, though he has been resisting the bottle lately and just waiting on Mama to get home, but who can blame him? He has been sleeping through the night for well over a month now. We co-sleep, so that I can get as much sleep as absolutely possible, so if he does wake up, I don't have to even get out of bed to feed him. Although, even if he does wake during the night, it's never for longer than 5 or 10 minutes. When we go out, he either sleeps the entire time, or hangs out all cozy in the sling taking in all he can. He just has such an easy going personality. He takes after his Daddy. This is a very good thing, because this family only has room for two high strung crazy lunatics, and that's me and Isaac! He just fits in perfectly and keeps the balance. I can't imagine what we did without him.

This week will be another crazy week. I'm in the middle of teaching a portion of a course at Texas A&M University in Galveston this week. I get to teach a section on Immunology and toxins that affect the immune system. My first lecture was on Thursday, and I really enjoyed it. It's really great class this year, and I think they were able to keep up with my fast talking fairly well. The course director tells met that I have a natural gift for teaching, but I still need to work on slowing down quite a bit. What makes it more difficult for me is the fact that I am a fast speaker by nature, not just when speaking in front of a group. I've been working on it for years, and I'm not sure I'm improving much, unfortunately. On Tuesday of this week, I will celebrate my very last birthday of my 20s. How did I get this old??? I can't believe I've been an adult for over a decade now. It seems like it took an eternity to reach adulthood, and now it's breezing by so quickly. And they say it goes faster the older you get. That's a scary thought. Then, on Friday, Steven and I will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 years. It's been an amazing 5 years. Then, the week after that, Pappy and Nanny (aka, Dad and Rebecca) are coming to visit!!! I am so excited!! They don't make too many trips down this way, so when they do come (usually just for the birth of a baby), it's a big deal! Anything that gets Rebecca on a plane has to be a big deal. I guess if we stay in Texas much longer, I'm just going to have to keep having babies to get her down here as often as I can!

So, it looks like I will have a lot to blog about in the coming weeks. I'll try to keep up. Here's some pictures of the last several weeks for you to enjoy - April 2010
I have also added the Easter pictures to the March 2010 album, along with the baptism pictures.

I think I sent this email to everyone who has supported me in the MOD March for Babies, but in case I missed anyone, I want to post it here as well, as a follow-up to my previous entry asking for support. I just want all the info out there.

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It has been brought to my attention that the March of Dimes may be involved in supporting Planned Parenthood, the use of abortion to decrease the incidence of children born with birth defects, and research involving the use of fetal tissues to expand the understanding of birth defects and pregnancy issues relating to preterm birth - http://www.lifeissues.org/marchofdimes/index.html (there are other resources that support this as well). You all know that I, personally, am 100% against supporting these actions. I was completely unaware of these claims until yesterday. I have since done much research myself, and feel the claims do have some validity. I did research the foundation prior to committing to my fundraising for the March for Babies walk, and I never came across this information. I do know that the March of Dimes is directly involved in supporting the research that led to the specific treatments that I received during both of my pregnancies that prevented me from delivering earlier than I did. Additionally, MOD also funded the research that led to the treatments that both of my boys received while in the NICU after birth. Much research still needs to be done to identify the causes of preterm labor and ways to prevent preterm births. Obviously, I am very passionate about helping to fund ethical research in any way I can, especially since I hope to have more children in the future, and I hope that by then, there are further treatments available to me to help prolong my pregnancies. These are the reasons for which I chose to support this foundation, as MOD is the primary funder of such research endeavors. However, I never would have asked my friends and family to donate to this cause had I known that the funds could somehow be used to support the taking of a life in any manner, for ANY reason. I feel terrible that many of you have sent money in support of me that could be used for this unknowingly. I want to thank you so very much for your support. MOD has done so much good for so many babies, including mine, and that was where my heart was/is in this. In the future I do plan to look into other organizations that support this type of research in a more ethical manner.

I just wanted all of you who donated or plan to donate to be fully aware of these allegations, and I encourage you to research for youself, if you like. I do not know if donations may be withdrawn, but if you so choose, based on this new information, you can try to contact MOD to persue a refund. If you have given me a check or cash, I will gladly withold it if you so choose. Because I have committed to this walk, and am supportive of much of the research done by this organization, I do still plan on participating. But I will be walking to support my babies, and the research that helped bring them into my arms healthy, as well as my future babies.

Thank you all, again, and please forgive me for not researching this further before I asked for your support.

Julie

I decided to take part in March of Dime's March for Babies this year on April 25, after having two babies born too early myself, to give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year. The money I raise will support programs in my community that will help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten our babies. I know the worry and fear that comes with pregnancy complications and having a preterm baby. I want other moms of preemies out there to know that they are not alone and that people are working to provide better care for preterm infants and to help prevent preterm birth. Please help me reach my goal of $500 by donating to this cause. Even just $1 can help! Just go to my March for Babies personal site by clicking the link above or on the right side of my blog and choose one of the amounts listed or enter in your own amount as little or as much as you like. It's a safe and secure online payment. Alternatively, you can give me cash or personally write me a check and I will donate the funds for you myself.

Thank you so much!

All About Potty!

That's what this post is about. We've got potty news all around. First of all, Luke is finally getting big enough to fit into his cloth diapers. Good thing too, we're about out of the giant box of disposables we got as a gift, and Daddy refuses to allow any more quarters to be thrown in the trash (diapers are about a quarter a piece these days). While they do still look a little large on his tiny butt, they do the trick, which is what really counts. For Luke, we chose to go the cheaper route, considering how quickly he grows and how many diapers he goes through a day. So, he wears diapers that require an outside cover to keep his clothes dry, such as the wool cover that I knitted pictured here. Isaac's diapers already have a built on cover, making them much easier, but it'll be another month of two before Luke can fit into those properly. I came across a baby scale at a children's consignment store this weekend, so of course I yanked Luke out of the sling where he was sleeping soundly and put him on the scale, jumping at a chance to see how much he weighs. He hadn't been weighed since he last doctor's appointment when he was 5lbs 1oz. Well, he is up to 7.5 lbs (after subtracting a few ounces for a full diaper and clothes)!!! He is officially the size of a real baby now! Even bigger than I was at birth.

In other potty news, and somehow even more exciting - Isaac is using the potty much more frequently!! He has yet to figure out how to tell me when he has to go yet, and if he has on any clothes, he thinks that's a green light for peeing in your pants. So, he has to be completely naked, and has to be reminded frequently to peepee in the potty if he has to go. Therefore, he runs around nake every morning and evening so he can use the potty when he needs to. He'll use both his Elmo potty chair or his Whinnie the Pooh seat on the big potty. And he's even gone a couple of times on his own without having to be reminded. But, of course accidents still happen. But he is quick to catch himself. If he forgets to go and starts to peepee on the floor, he lets out a huge gasp and "uh-oh!" then stops and runs to the potty. Yesterday, he only wore 3 diapers the entire day! Now, he still hasn't pooped in the potty, just pee, but we're working on it. I don't expect him to be fully potty-trained anytime soon, we're just going to take it at his pace. But he's already making better progress than I ever expected at this age, especially with a new baby in the house. I couldn't ask for more. At least, this way, he's going through fewer diapers each day, which is a wonderful thing when you have two in diapers. I'll take what I can get!

Be sure to check out new pictures in the February Album

It's D-Day!

Today is Lucas' due date. Wow, to think that I could still be pregnant. I know lots of women who have gone past their due date. I couldn't even imagine carrying a baby that big and for so long. I guess there are some advantages to having your babies early. With both Lucas and Isaac, we got to spend an extra 6 weeks getting to know them and fall in love with them that most people don't get. (Not to mention, it's alot easier to lose the baby weight when you miss out on the last 6 weeks of the greatest weight gain during pregnancy.) Here are just some of the things that I have learned about this second little boy in the 6 weeks we have had him, and how he has changed during that time:

- He loves to be held. Thanks to being the only baby in the NICU for the 10 days he was there, he got the full attention of whichever nurse was on duty each day and night. Once he was able to come out of the incubator, he was almost always snuggled in someone's arms. So now, he will wake from the deepest sleep within minutes of being layed down. But as soon as he rests against a warm body, he's out like a light again. So he gets to spend lots of time in the sling, or in Grandma's arms, so that Mommy can try to get things done. And of course, co-sleeping is a must for him right now. But Isaac was the same way and had no problem transitioning to his own bed and room when the time came.

- He is not a fussy baby at all, relative to his brother that is. He will fuss a bit when he's not being held, of course, and briefly when he gets gassy or has reflux just until it passes. But other than that, he is a quiet, content little boy. Isaac was so colicky at this age and would often cry unconsolably for hours.

- He is becoming so much more alert lately. He'll stay awake for up to 2 hours at a time, two or three times a day. During that time, he just looks all around, taking everything in. He's beginning to make eye contact as well, and I can't help but wonder what is going through his thoughts as he stares into my eyes with those deep dark blue eyes of his.

- He's quite the snacker, just like his brother. Rather than taking in a full meal at feeding time, he likes to nurse a few minutes here, and a few minutes there. He's still pretty good about going 2-3 hour stretches during the day, but in the evenings, he likes to tank up before bed. He'll snack for a few minutes every half hour or so, starting around 5 or 6pm until bed time. But then he gives me 3, sometimes 4 hours of sleep at a time during the night. He's also very good about going right back to sleep after eating during the night. And with co-sleeping, I barely even have to wake up. Just like his brother and his Daddy, he likes his sleep.

- He has 2 birth marks, or hemangiomas (bright red, raised growths). One is about the size of a nickel (large on his tiny body) on his right side, the other is smaller and on his forehead. I've already had several people ask me how he scratched his head, probably thinking big brother tried to take him out with a lego or something, but I assure you, he was not harmed, nor was he bitten by a mosquito. Isaac has two of these marks as well, both of which have faded quite a bit over time. Sometimes they will completely disappear. We like to call them angel kisses.

- Finally, he is growing! He has officially outgrown his preemie clothes and preemie diapers!! Although most of his newborn size clothes are still a bit loose, he is filling them out more and more. I am thinking he is probably close to 7lbs by now - almost the size of a real baby!

So, now you know Lucas a little bit better. I think Isaac is finally starting to figure out that this little wiggly, squeaky creature that took over his home and his parents' attention is here to stay. He's been acting out quite a bit lately. Last week, he disappeared briefly - Steven thought I had him, I thought Steven had him (easy to do with two!). We found him locked in the pantry eating a bag of Ghiradelli white chocolate squares. Considering how difficult it is to get him to eat anything, I actually wasn't too upset about this. At least he got some fat and calories in him for once. Although, the resulting sugar high was a problem. Then, a couple of days ago, he was in our bed room being very quiet for several minutes - always a scary thing. Steven went to check on him, and caught him in the act of pouring out the last drops of a FULL bottle of massage oil all over our bed, and my best 1000 thread count sheets! Our room will forever smell like sandlewood rose. The sheets didn't appear to stain, now that they've been washed well, but they still smell quite strong, as does my washer and dryer. One bit of advice for those with toddlers, or babies of any age and size - waterproof mattress pads are your friend!!! I invested in a good one back when Isaac was Luke's age and I realized that my bed was always going to be covered with baby pee, breastmilk, spit up, cheerios, and, now sandlewood rose aromatherapy oil. But the mattress was saved!

Less amusing is Isaac's new way of showing his animosity toward his new baby brother. He'd been doing so well with Luke, that I was hoping we would skip this, but the jealousy appears to be rearing it's ugly head. He's been attempting to hit, kick, elbo, knee Luke when I am holding him or when he's lying next to me. We've been handling it as gently as possible, not wanting to associate Luke with too much negativity, and he has been responding well. We have been explaining to him that Luke is a baby and he has to be very gentle. He's not too sure yet, but we have been able to get him to stop the behavior right away with gentle, yet firm words. There are plenty of times though when he does love on his baby brother and pet him on the head or give him a little kiss. Those are my favorite moments.

Life with two is quite crazy around here. But I think we are starting to get the hang of it. All the extra hands I have helping out make the world of difference, though. Well, Lucas is letting me know that it is lunchtime. Here are a few new pictures in our February Album

My Boys

I just wanted to share some videos and pictures of my boys. Life sure has gotten crazy around here, but a good kind of crazy. Isaac is adapting well as a big brother, although he's finding out he can get away with a lot more now that everyone's attention isn't focused solely on him. Lucas is becoming more alert everyday. His preemie clothes are fitting him more properly now, and it won't be long before he's outgrown them and into newborn clothes. I'll be glad when his tiny little butt is big enough to fit into all those cloth diapers I have ready for him, because going through a pack of 30 preemie Pampers for $9 a pack every 2 DAYS is getting expensive!! Although, that only fortells all the laundry I'm going to be doing added on top of Isaac's diapers, but at least they should hold a lot more, and of course will be much cuter.

Check out this new photo album

5 lbs!!!

I can't help but laugh now as I read my last post on this blog, written the day before Lucas was born. I was so sure that day that I would still be pregnant right now. But it wasn't meant to be. At least I was able to keep him in long enough to give him the best chance, and he has done great!! A friend said to me that even though I can't seem to bake my babies long enough, I sure do bake them good. I have to agree with her. I manage to hold on to them just long enough until they can handle the rest on their own, and with God's help.

Well, today, Lucas had a follow-up weight check after not gaining anything at last week's check following his release from the NICU. He weighed in at 5lbs 1.5oz!! Of course, immediately after he came off the scale he nearly blew out his diaper. I whispered a thank you to him for holding it in until after the weight check, haha. The doctor was very pleased with his progress and the fact that he is breastfeeding like a champ now and no longer in need of bottle to supplement, making our lives much easier. He's staying awake longer and so much more alert. We're on a great night schedule that I really hope sticks, and I am much more rested and less zombie-like this week.

Isaac is really enjoying his baby brother, but still not too sue what to make of him yet. He loves to listen to Luke's gurgly grunty noises, and watch him wiggle and squirm. So far, jealousy has not been much of an issue. But Isaac sure is getting away with a lot more. It's harder than I thought it would be to keep my eye on both of them at once all the time. But I wouldn’t change a thing.

34 weeks and 1 day!! We did it!!!

This was Isaac at 34 weeks and 1 day:




This is Lucas today at 34 weeks and 1 day:




And there are no indicators that he will be making an appearance today. I have done it! This was our first major goal from the day I got pregnant this time: to make it past the point at which Isaac was born. I have to say, we have been a bit nervous the last couple days, wondering if every round of frequent contractions I have will be the ones to start it, but so far, they always stop after an hour or so as usual, and still no pain. I started seeing a chiropractor this week and have had 3 adjustments and some incredible masages on my mis-aligned hip that have made a huge difference. They are working to get my hip back in alignment and loosen up my round ligaments of my uterus to open my pelvis more and possibly give him more room to turn around out of breech position he's been in for over a month. I feel so amazing!! I have to recommend chirpractic care for any pregnant woman. I feel like a different person after just one week, and am in significantly less pain. I will go 3 times a week until he is born, and my insurance actually covers it, which surprised me. I've also been hitting the pool at the gym every day or so for the last week to help lift the extra weight off my hips and pelvis, and also to give him some extra bouancy to encourage him to flip around. It has made me feel so amazing.


At yesterday's OB appt, she told me to go ahead and wean myself off my meds for contractions, because at 34 weeks they wouldn't stop me if I went into labor anyway. Which, of course I know from last time. She doesn't want to see me back for 2 whole weeks!! Right when most people are starting their weekly appointments, I get changed from weekly to 2 weeks, haha. She said since she wouldn't do anything different anyway at this point, there no sense in coming in. At 36 weeks we will see if he's still breech and discuss possibly turning him around. And if I go into labor between now and then, I have to get to the hospital ASAP because I could dilate very very fast, and if he's still breech, it would have to be a c-section, so the sooner I get there the better. I dilated from 2cm to 10cm in barely 3 hours with Isaac. Of course, there are no guarantees that he will flip out of this breech position, despite everything I'm doing to help him. Considering he has not changed position at all in over a month, despite his vigourous activity, there could be something preventing him from turning such as the umbilical cord or some other obstacle that is unclear. If that is the case, then he will have to come by c-section. Though that is far from my idea of the perfect birth experience, we'll do whatever it takes to get him here safe.

I really didn't think I would make it to this point this pregnancy. I couldn't be happier today. We are now entering uncharted territory!! I've never been this pregnant before and I have no idea what to expect with carrying a baby heavier than 4lbs 15oz!!

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement. I will update again in 2 weeks, assuming I am still pregnant, which I very much intend to be!!

Update

Well, here we are a week away from Christmas - how did that happen?? Time is flying. And I'm still pregnant!! We're into the 30s now - 31 weeks! Just 3 more weeks until I am as far along as I was with Isaac, and just 5 more weeks until we are in the clear and I can go off meds and bed rest. I can't imagine making it that far, but it is possible! I know I haven't updated in a while, but there hasn't been much new to report lately, until now. I'm still holding pretty steady, though a few new difficulties have cropped up, but nothing major. Last Friday, I called in about some increased pelvic pressure and pain when Luke was moving around which was new for me. So, they sent me to the hospital again to be monitored. When I got there, I was having frequent regular contractions every 6 minutes or so (which is really nothing new for me and I don't even worry about it anymore), but of course that concerned the hospital staff and they immediately put me on IV fluids and upped my medication dosage to get them to stop. If I went in everytime I had contractions that frequent, I would be at the hospital every other day, but they just like to play it safe. The doctor came in and did an ultrasound to see what was causing my discomfort, and we found the cause. The little stinker had turned around in a breech position with his feet kicking me right in the pelvic and cervix area, which was very painful. We also discovered that I have dilated to 1cm, but the cervix is still thick, which is very good, so that isn't causing too much concern yet. Luckily, they discharged me as soon as the contractions slowed down, which only took a couple of hours.

On Monday, I had another more detailed ultrasound done to measure Luke's growth and the amount of amniotic fluid around him. My belly is measuring about a month behind where it should be, and I haven't been gaining any weight, so there was some concern. It appears that my fluid levels are indeed lower than they should be at this point, which we knew would be a possible side effect of the medication I am taking for contractions. Luke, however, is growing perfectly. His weight is estimated to be about 3.5 lbs at this point, and during the ultrasound we were able to see him practicing his breathing very well. Today, I went in for yet another ultrasound, and fluid is still pretty low. Really, all I can do is increase my water intake to help with that. But we will continue to monitor it weekly with ultrasounds and fetal non-stress tests which monitor Luke's heartrate and movements over a period of time to make sure he is not in distress. We also saw today that he is still in a breech position, although his feet have moved to the side, with his butt down, so he isn't torturing me quite as much as he was last week. The low fluid levels will make it a little more difficult for him to turn around, but as active as he is, I'm hoping he'll still find a way. If he does not turn before I go into labor, I will have to have a c-section, which I desperately do not want to do unless absolutely necessary. So we will just have to wait and see what happens.

I was hoping to get Christmas cards out this year, but it just doesn't seem to be happening. We usually do photo pictures, and we just haven't had the opportunity to get a good photo taken of all of us this year. It may still happen, but if you don't get a card from us this year, I'm sorry! This Christmas season has been much more difficult than usual, and it's so hard not being able to get out and do my shopping and wrap presents and all that fun stuff. So, if I don't get cards out, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

In a hurry for Christmas!

Well, what is it about the holidays? I found myself in the hospital for contractions the day before Halloween, and now again right before Thanksgiving. This child is determined to be here for Christmas I think, but hopefully I am more stubborn than he is. I went to the hospital yesterday to be evaluated for frequent contractions again that my medication wasn't taking care of the way it usually does. When IV fluids, medication, and rest failed to stop them, they decided to keep me overnight. Contractions slowed down to about every 15 minutes overnight (from 3-5 minutes during the entire day), but then picked back up again after I woke up this morning, so they kept me longer. By 2pm, they had finally slowed down enough to make the doctor and staff comfortable with letting me go home. My cervix has not changed at all from last time, so that is very good news, but we all know that can change very very quickly. My previous "modified" bed rest has been upgraded to stict bed rest with bathroom priviledges only. I receieved the first of two steroid injections this morning to mature Luke's lungs in case he comes early. I'll get the second tomorrow. Isaac benefitted from these, I'm sure, so I'm thankful to get them for Luke. Through all of this, I wasn't able to see Isaac at all. Due to the H1N1 epidemic, children under the age of 12 who are not patients are not allowed in the hospital. This was the first night I've ever been away from him since he was born. That was the hardest part for me.

So, we are back to taking this one day at a time. I am 28 weeks today, and our goal is 34 weeks minimum (the point at which Isaac was born), but ideally 36 weeks or beyond.

So many times over the last 24 hours, I have thought about how difficult and frustrating this all is, especially around the holidays and with a 2 year old who wants his Mommy to play with him. Several people have commented to me lately that, after all of this, surely this is my last pregnancy. And honestly, I have voiced that very thing many times lately. At this point, there is very little I enjoy about pregnancy. I have just not had a very good experience with pregnacy this time or last. But then, I look at Isaac, and I think about little Lucas as he's wiggling around, already showing lots of personality. And I know that all of this is completely worth it in the end. A relatively short period of inconvenience and discomfort for me, but the result is wort it all and more. I know there are certainly risks involved, but I think the potential benefits ultimately outweigh the risks. And I am blessed to have wonderful doctors (I now have 4 great doctors from my clinic that I have made the rounds with and are familiar with me and looking after me), not to mention all the wonderful support and prayers from family and friends. I know we'll get through this pregnancy just as we did the last. And I am no where near ready to say that I know for certain that this will be my last. We'll just cross that bridge if or when it comes. Right now, my focus is on little Lucas only, and giving him the best chance possible of having a warm welcome to this world.

Thanks again for the thoughts and prayers that we continue to ask for.

26 Weeks!

Well, this is the week I started having problems in my pregnancy with Isaac and was put on bed rest. I can't believe it started so much earlier this time. I just hope that doesn't mean Luke will come earlier than Isaac did. Hopefully, my doctors and I am more aware of what's going on this time around and we can delay as long as possible. I think the boys must think this is some sort of race. Luke is already feeling the competition and wants to beat his older brother at something. I just hope he realizes that the goal is to bake longer than his brother did, not the other way around.

My doctor's appointment this week was pretty uneventful! I got there to find out that my regular doctor was sick, so they scheduled me with another. At first, I was disappointed, because I had really wanted to talk to my doctor about some things. But, then it turned out that they had scheduled me with the same doctor who had seen me at the hospital a couple weeks ago. This doctor was actually trained by my doctor who had delivered Isaac (she has since moved to South America), whom I adored. So, I feel incredibly priviledged to now have 2 wonderful doctors that know my case well and are keeping an eye on me. This is really important to me, because I was originally very distraut over having to find a new doctor when my old one moved away. So, anyway, she checked the status of my cervix once again, and there has been no change since my hospital visit. That is great news. She reminded me that I am not yet considered to be in pre-term labor, these are just pre-term contractions and they can be controlled. At the same time, she also pointed out that since my cervix is very weak at this point, I do need to be very aware and take it very easy. Since I doubled my medication, it has been working very well to hold off contractions. The side effects have lessened some, although I still experience severe dizziness and lightheadedness for an hour or two after taking it. But those side effects only continue to remind me that I need to be taking it easy. I also finally got vaccinated for H1N1 flu! I don't think I've ever been more excited about a shot in my life.

I received permission from my doctor to give my final presentation for a teaching class I have been taking this semester. I was given specific instructions to only go if I was having a good day with contractions, if I took my medicine right before leaving, if I had someone drive me, and if I promised to do nothing else prior or after. I was having a good day that day, so I got to complete the final assignment for the course. It went very well. But I do think it might have been a bit much for me, as contractions started up pretty heavy that evening and the next morning. This only served as a reminder of the importance of bed rest. However, after spending a couple hours at the spa yesterday, thanks to a good friend, getting a relaxing facial and pedicure, they seem to be under control once again.

Through all of this, I don't think Luke has a clue that anything in his world is out of order. He has been quite the active little boy this week. He has enjoyed spending the days, and nights, butting his head into my hip and kicking me in the stomach and ribs. He's also had the hiccups quite frequently. I have definitely noticed that he has grown quite a bit. His space is getting more and more cramped. So, he seems to be doing quite well.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers. We're getting closer and closer. Which reminds me, Christmas will be here before we know it! I better get on my online shopping!

25 Weeks!!

Yay, we made it to 25 weeks, and still holding steady, sort of. My new meds got doubled already yesterday because I was having very frequent contractions breaking through. The Nifedipine seems better than the Terbutaline so far, though it's not without it's side effects too, just not as severe. It is regularly prescribed as a treatment for angina. It causes a decrease in blood pressure, and I am feeling that. I get dizzy very easily when standing too quickly or doing much of anything. I get headaches and nausea occasionally. My gums bleed profusely when I brush my teeth - seriously, the sink looks like a blood bath when I'm through, it's quite disturbing. But I think my body will eventually adapt. The terbutaline was worse. But, as the doctors tell me, there is no perfect medicine. My doctor did recommend I get regular prenatal massages to help me relax - that sounds about as perfect a medicine as there is, so I think I'll take her up on that prescription. Today has been a somewhat decent day as far as contractions go. Still had plenty, but nothing like the last two days, since I increased my dosage. Though they do start acting up about an hour or so before my next 6-hour dose is due. I just wish my uterus could chill out already.

Our tv decided to go out today - blew a bulb or something like that. Of course, as soon as I end up on bed rest and can't leave the house, our only tv goes out. And Geek Squad can't get around to coming out here to look at it for a week, then have to order the part and wait on that (Amanda, think you can look into that for me? haha). So, that just gave Steve an excuse to go buy a brand new 23" computer monitor. Since the tv is normally hooked up to his computer anyway, and we watch tv through the media center on that, we just replaced the tv with the new monitor for the time being. He wanted a new monitor for hooking the laptop up to anyway, so now he just had an excuse to buy it sooner than later. It's remarkably smaller than our 50" screen, but it'll do. But it was a nice day with no tv today. I spent a good part of the day sitting outside in the beautiful sunshine watching Isaac play in the backyard - things like this I miss being at work everyday. I've spent much of the week working on a paper for work that will be submitted for publication tomorrow, so that has kept me quite busy. Darlene has been the best mother-in-law anyone could ask for. She has cooked, cleaned, done 10 loads of laundry in two days, done the dishes, changed diapers, fed Isaac, put him down for his nap, played with him, gotten him out of trouble numerous times, and kept me company. I don't know what I'd do without her. I can't figure out how I survived bed rest when I was pregnant with Isaac without her.

Thank you all for you prayers. I'm so thankful for another week!!

Some good news

Just got back from seeing my doctor for my follow-up from Friday. I had seen a different doctor while at the hospital, so it was nice to get to talk to my regular doctor. She checked my cervix and says it doesn't seem quite as bad to her as the other doctor and nurse who checked on Friday thought, though it is thinning out some. So, that's good. She said my bed rest doesn't have to be that strict. We'll call it a "modified" bed rest. I can't go to work, have to work from home (but I have plenty of writing to do), but I don't have to be strictly confined to bed. I just need to not do too much, and of course, if I'm contracting, I need to be doing whatever it takes to make that stop. I got permission to go to my once a week teaching class which only has 3 weeks to go, assuming I am not contracting and have not done too much already on those days. But she prefers me to stay home and take it easy as much as possible for now during the rest of the week. Also, the best part, she switched my prescription from Terbutaline to Nifedipine, which has fewer side effects. So, we'll see if that works for me. This morning I had yet another bad bout of frequent contractions because I forgot to take my medicine last night. I was able to get it to stop with 2 doses eventually, and have done fine since. So, it's good that I am responding to the medicine, and evident that I definitely do need it. Hopefully the new one will work just as well, without the negative side effects.

Halloween

This was Isaac's 3rd Halloween. I think he's grown quite a bit from that little 5-lb baby that fit inside the Jack-o-lantern back in 2007. This was his first year to go Trick-Or-Treating. Sadly, I didn't get to go around the block with him liked I'd hoped. I was planted in a chair in the driveway handing out candy, but Daddy took him. He wasn't sure what to think in the beginning. Being the shy little boy everyone knows he is, he was terrified of the idea of walking up to complete strangers in strange homes. The first house they hit was our neighbor across the street, and Isaac tried to run away screaming while Steve drug him up to the guy to get his little box of Nerds. After a couple of houses, he finally started realizing that these people weren't out to snatch him but were actually giving him candy!!! He finally got to the point of pushing the door bells himself and even taking candy from the giver's hand, though very cautiously. Then, at home, once he realized we were actually going to allow him to eat candy (a very rare and special treat around here), he wanted it all for himself. Anytime I tried handing out candy to any other kids, he'd come running up to me, grab my arm and scream, "No No No! Stop!"



Now, there's a story behind his Sherif's costume as well. Unfortunately, I waited until the last minute to think about his costume, but by Halloween day, all the toddler costumes were gone. And with me being in the hospital all day Friday, and on bed rest all day Saturdday, I couldn't get anything put together for him. We'd finally, by 6pm, decided he could just go in regular clothes, as we had nothing. BUT THEN, as I was searching his closet for something orange, I saw it!! Last month, on our visit to Kentucky, Isaac recieved lots of clothes as birthday gifts. Among them was this adorable Sheriff cowboy pajama set from PawPaw (Nanny Rebecca's daddy)! It is size 24 months, and that is usually way too big on him, but I knew I had to try. It was a little big, but worked perfectly! Along with a matching red bandana from Grandma, it was a complete costume (with the exception of cowboy boots). It was perfect for him, because he hates anything on his head or anything out of the ordinary pants and shirt. It did take a while for him to tolerate the bandana even. So, thank you PawPaw for saving us very last minute! It was the perfect costume. He was the most adorable Sheriff in town, in my opinion.



I also want to point out the incredible job Steve did on this year's pumpkin. He came across this design, and knew it was perfect. It looks just like Astro, doesn't it? Even Isaac recognized him instantly.

Lastly, and update on me and Luke: still having contractions off and on, but nothing concerning, as long as I'm taking my medicine. However, the medicine is making me crazy - racing heart, dizziness, breathlessness, etc. It's a miracle I'm able to put together a coherent sentence right now, but that's only because it's starting to wear off and time for another dose. I can't think straight, focus, or walk half the time, but I know eventually my body will get used to it like last time. I'm also hoping when I see my doctor tomorrow, we can talk about something different with less side effects, but there are very few options for this situation, unfortunately. But we'll survive. It's worth it to keep him baking a while longer.

Here's the link to our Halloween Album