Spring is sprouting

Okay, so I haven't kept my promise to post every week with weekly updates...but you must understand how busy I am. :) Hee! Hee! Anyway, for some updates...in the last couple weeks we have celebrated 2 birthdays, Kayle's 2nd and Brody's 7th. So we have eaten lots of cake in the last couple weeks. Kayle's grandma and grandpa from Colorado came to visit to help us celebrate for her birthday the last weekend in March. The birthday theme was cake and circus. All Kayle wanted was "cake" for her birthday, but she also got to spend lots of time with her grandparents and went to the circus two times and saw the "lions...rooaarrr!" and "elephants sit." She thought she was a big cheese and appeared to feel very special on her birthday weekend. All the excitement wore her out and she needed a few days to recover and take long naps afterward. We also celebrated Brody's 7th birthday yesterday. It was a Lego theme and he played lots of legos and Creationary with the family all day long. Grace decorated his carrot cake and did a wonderful job. It was delicious. And he wanted Grandpa's mini English muffin pizzas for his special dinner. My weekly visits with the doctor have been good the last two weeks. My amniotic fluid levels dropped due to the contraction meds I am taking. So my meds were reduced, and the next week my fluid levels doubled. So that was good news. We have had great news each time we go to the doctor. I am even getting up and sitting outside more with the warm weather, still eating all meals with the family at the table, changing a few diapers when Kayle brings me the diaper and wipes, etc. So I have sort of pushed my bedrest limits a little, but the bedrest is paying off as shown by the good doctor reports. My original goal was to be able to stay at home at least until May, but I'm starting to think that maybe I can stay at home and not have to go into the hospital until this little girl arrives. How great would that be!?!?! It has been so much easier on bedrest at home than in the hospital. Kayle continues to keep me entertained everyday, along with my nieces and nephew. There is never a dull moment around here. The only other thing I have been dealing with is an ear infection. I have taken two rounds of antibiotics, yet it is still lingering. So I will need to follow-up with my family doctor next week to see what we can do next. Allergies seem to be effecting a lot of us. We all seem to be walking around with runny noses and/or congested sinuses. Kayle also has the ongoing runny, stuffy nose. But this too shall pass. :) I'm looking forward to this weekend as the weather forcasts for 80 to 90 degree temperatures. The pool was opened this week and even though we won't be swimming for another month, it is nice to look at and see open. Spring is here and summer is coming...so is this baby girl. :) 27 weeks gestation...85 days on bedrest thus far.

Week at glance continued...

So as I started to share last posting...Kayle has kept us entertained this week. Her comments and behaviors surprise us and amaze us. She is growing up so fast. Her birthday is this Friday and her G'ma and G'pa from Colorado are coming to visit to help us celebrate her 2nd birthday. She will be going to the circus and swimming at the hotel for her birthday. And of course, she has told us several times that she wants "white cake, pink fosting."
As far as an update on me...I got another good report from my doctor this week. Baby and fluid levels are doing well. Bedrest and contraction meds continue to work. I have added anti-biotics though for an ear infection that has been bothering me. They can be so painful. But otherwise, I'm doing well.
The big news here is Kayle's weekend and G'parents visiting her this weekend. My next doctor visit is next Monday again.

Kayle's Funny Week

This week has been hectic and humorous, and it's only Tuesday. Kayle has been a good sport going with the flow and supplied us with lots of laughs. On Monday G'ma took Kayle to the library for her toddler time. Kayle met two little friends and said," See next time!" Also said thank you to Ms. Laura for reading books. Then, G'ma went to the grocery. They rushed home, ate lunch, and headed back to the car so we could go to my doctor appointment in Nashville. G'ma and Kayle have been taking me to the doctor for the last month since Brett's schedule has changed. The three of us have our Monday routine down. Kayle knows how to be quiet in the lobby, where I have to get checked by the nurse. We wait in chairs in the hallway until we go into the ultra sound room. She tells everyone she's there to see her quote "Baby sister mommy tummy." Yesterday while waiting for the ultra sound in the hallway, Kayle had quite audible wind on her tummy. G'ma and I could not help ourselves from laughing, as she continued to share her noisy wind! Today Kayle put a rasberry Crystal Light packet in G'pa's ground coffee mix. Now he's going to have rasberry flavored coffee. We'll finish later!

Weekly update

Sorry that I have not posted for quite a while, since January 2011. I have been so busy...NOT! :) But we have been adjusting to me being on bedrest. I have been on bedrest since January 14, 2011. What is that...62 days already!? The good news is that I have been able to be on bedrest at home this whole time. And I am so thankful for that. My mom and family has been taking wonderful care of me. Kayle has been entertaining me, along with my nieces and nephew. It is rare for a dull moment around here. :) Kayle keeps me entertained by dancing for me, watching movies with me, reading books with me, coloring/drawing with me, cuddling with me, and just being her silly, bossy, confident self. It has been such a blessing to be able to be home with her this winter/spring. I would have never had that opportunity otherwise. And she has adjusted very well to me being in bed and not able to get up with her or carry her. She has learned how to crawl up into my bed, crawl all over me, and get her own snacks/treats if she needs it. :) She is currently working on potty training herself too. :) Of course, my mom, dad, and family all help with her 24/7. But she is an independent little one.
As for how I am doing, I continue to take it one day at a time. I am almost at 24 weeks along. Contractions started for me 2 weeks ago, and doctors put me on a medication to help lessen the contractions. The medication and bedrest continue to work so far. I am visiting the doctor weekly in Nashville for check-ups. And we know that hospitalization is very much probable, but we take it one day/week at a time. My goal is to be able to stay at home until the end of April or May. And my goal for carrying this baby is at least until May (32 weeks gestation). But, like Kayle, this little girl may not want to join us until June or July which would be wonderful. We are prepared for whatever happens.
My ultrasound this week estimated that she already weighs 1 lb, 6 oz. and is at the 68th percentile. So baby is developing just as she should. Kayle has gotten to go to the doctor with me the last couple of times to "see baby sister, mommy tummy." During the ultrasound when the tech was measuring the baby's abdomen, Kayle said "circle head." And when the baby was hiding from us on the ultrasound, Kayle says "baby hiding, BOO!" So she is already playing hide n' seek with her baby sister. Kayle is going to be a great big sister. She already is hugging baby sister in mommy's tummy, talking to baby, and giving her kisses. It is so cute. She brings tears to my eyes often.
That is about all for now. I will try to be better about posting at least weekly. Thank you friends and family that have been thinking of us and praying for us!
Love,
Shawna

A New Marathon

Well friends and family, we have some more news. I am expecting again and not due until July 9, 2011. And already, as of Jan. 11th, I am on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. I went in for our scheduled cerclage and was already dilating...hence, bedrest. Doctor is still hopeful we can carry this baby full term if I take care of myself and stay in bed. So now we start our countdown to get through the winter and spring.

Fortunately, we are still living with my mom and dad, so we have lots of help with Kayle, etc. I have lots of entertainment between Kayle and my nieces and nephew running by or hanging in my new bedroom downstairs. Mom put up a bed in the dining room right off the kitchen, so I can be in the middle of all the action. And all are pulling together to help us out. It's a family adventure for sure this time as well. :)

We should find out if this baby is a boy or girl in the next couple weeks. Last week when I was having an ultrasound, Brett thought for sure he saw a penis...but it was just the ambilical cord. Either a boy or a girl will make us happy. We just pray the baby is given the time to develop enough before we have to deliver.

Until next time...

Tantrums already!?!?!

Well, Kayle is definitely getting spoiled already. This week she started throwing tantrums where she would scream and arch her back and kick until we picked her up. If we weren't paying attention and looking right at her when she was babbling she'd tantrum. We had to laugh! Robin told me that if anybody deserves a child that tantrums, it is me...because I use to embarrass her when I was little and tantrumed. Mom would tell her "just ignore her Robin" and walk away from me at the store or park. Too funny.
Kayle has also found her feet this week and is very intrigued by them. She is in a routine going to her sitters each day. I drop her off in the morning and she smiles as soon as she sees Melody. That is an unbelievable feeling to know that your child is so well taken care of and happy during the day. Kayle also is eating very well right now. Not sure if she is having a growth spurt or what, but she is definitely changing every day.
Brett is in a routine and getting use to his new job. It is a physical job, yet very good for him. And we have added benefits of cheap fruits and veggies each week too. Saving money always makes me feel good. :)
I'm back in the swing of things with my work as well. So we are all in our routines and doing well.

Best sound ever....

Tonight I was playing with Kayle and blowing raspberries on her belly and she let out several loud giggles!!! That was the best sound I have ever heard. Full blown, care-free GIGGLES!! Loved it!! :)

August 2009 Happenings...

The month of August has been busy so far. I took the first week of August off at work so that I could relax a few days and hang with friends. Also, I knew I would need some relaxation time after I completed the Tri for the Cure in Denver on August 2nd. Yes, Jennifer, my sister-in-law and I signed up for the triathlon last year and we were both unable to do it for different reasons. So we signed up again this year to finally complete our goal of finishing the triathlon. It was an amazing experience. I would definitely do it again...but I might train a little more next time. Brett and Kayle came to watch and I was able to give Kayle a big kiss just before I crossed the finish line. After the race Brett, Kayle and I headed up to the family cabin to spend some relaxing time in the mountains. We also took Kayle to see Dr. Albrecht, one of my doctors that helped us along our journey to have Kayle. He was excited to see her.
My college friend, Karyn, came out to visit and spend the weekend with us. So we got to hang out and do some fun things: inner tubing in Lyons, Beau Jo's pizza, shopping, New Belguim brewery, Sierra Trading Post outlet, cooking out, etc.
We also have some more good news...Brett was hired with Yancey's which is a food distributor in town. He will be working in the warehouse and is excited about starting that job on Monday.
I have started back to work as well. Kayle has been going to her new baby sitter already and seems to really enjoy them. We are blessed to have them in our lives to help us care for Kayle.
Kayle's latest news: She weighed in at 12.5 lbs (25%ile) and 24 1/2 in. (60%ile) at her 4 month check up. She is now eating cereal and actually swallowing it. We practiced feeding her cereal for a couple weeks before she learned how to swallow it. Yes, Brad...baby rice cereal...NOT Cornflakes...duh!! Kayle is starting to roll over but not consistently. No teeth yet. She has definitely found her voice and is a blabbermouth. She lays in bed in the morning and talks loudly to daddy until he wakes up. She is also able to stand up in her saucer chair that a couple of her nurses got her.
Her Grandma and Grandpa (Deanna and Jim) moved into their new house this weekend which is closer to us. Kayle is going to enjoy going to spend a day a week with them. And it will be perfect for Brett to drop her off on his way to work and pick her up on the way home. His work is less than 5 minutes from their new house.
That's about all on this end. We'll update more when we have more news.

July has been busy so far...

I can't believe how fast the summer is going by. It's crazy. We got back from Kentucky and we have been busy. Brett helped a friend out in a fireworks stand for a couple weeks. So we didn't see him much for those weeks. Kayle and I stayed busy cleaning house, visiting friends, going on outings, having her picture taken, etc. Kayle even finished her first 5K at the Race for the Cure on July 4th. That morning she also rolled over for the first time. And after the 5K we watched the Greeley Stampede 4th of July Parade which is the biggest 4th of July parade in the country. Seeing the many longhorn cattle strolling down the street to start the parade was amazing. This month we also went to Grand Junction to visit family and friends. It was great to see some of my close friends that we moved away from. While we were there we toured the wineries and went to Gateway, CO to go through the Gateway car museum. The guy that owns Discovery Channel owns the resort, museum and much of that little town in the middle of nowhere. It is beautiful there though.
When we returned from Grand Junction I got to go back to work so that I could earn some of my days back that I lost when I was in the hospital this year. The nice thing is that they have allowed me to bring Kayle when I need to. So she has gone to work with me several times already. Brett has been busy taking out our porch and the old cement pad...because we are having a new cement patio pad poured this week. There is always something to do.
We will update more in a few weeks.

Back home from a great trip

We made it back home to Colorado on Father's Day. Kayle was a great traveler and slept through the entire flight both directions. When we got off the train in Denver to get our luggage, Brett was there waiting. I had tears in my eyes when he took Kayle and gave her a big hug and kiss. Kayle was wearing a "Special Delivery" shirt on addressed to "Daddy...Brett G." It was really cute and had other sayings on it like "Handle with care", "Fragile", "Caution", "Open slowly". Auntie Robin and cousin Grace helped design and make it for Brett. Too cute.
Well, our time in Kentucky went really fast. I'm not sure where all the days went or what we did. While Brett was there the first week we went to several ball games of the kids, took Brody and Anna to Mammouth Cave, did some shopping, had a bonfire, he went golfing at Kenny Perry's course, and went to a minor league baseball game with the new Hot Rod's team in Bowling Green.
The rest of our time there, Kayle and I went to A LOT more ball games. In fact, we were able to be there to see Grace and Anna win their league championship. It was a memorable day!! They both played great! I can't tell you how many times I made the comment "That's my niece!" :)
We also were able to see Brody play several times. He even was given the gameball at one game. And he is a little slugger himself. They are too cute at that age!
Kayle also got LOTS of attention from her cousins, Grace, Anna, and Brody. They were all so gentle and wonderful care takers with her. Grace enjoyed holding her whenever she could. Anna read books to her. Brody sang her to sleep. It was great to see their interactions. And Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Robin loved having their time with Kayle as well. Oh, and let's not forget that Kayle's Great- Grandma Melva was there the entire time as well. Grandma Melva was able to hold and feed Kayle also on several occassions.
Kayle also tasted her first Jimmy Diemer's ice cream while we were back there, ride on Bucky with me, swam in the pool, and took lots of golf cart rides. She continues to LOVE the outdoors.
Our aunt, uncle, and cousins from Tennessee came up one day also so we could see them. We celebrated Uncle Frank's 70th birthday.
The day we left, our family from Iowa all came down...so we did not get to see them. But we did Skype them so they could see Kayle while they were there.
In those 3 weeks we were in Kentucky, Kayle sure changed. She put on weight and looks bigger. She is smiling, cooing and talking to us, sleeping through the night, yelling and crying when she is mad, and has fat rolls on her legs now.
Since we have gotten home from KY, Kayle has gotten the coordination to keep her thumb or hand in her mouth, grasp objects, smile real big, and she even giggled today for the first time. We estimate that she weighs about 12 pounds now.
We will update more later.

Heading to Kentucky

We are packing up and getting ready to head to the airport to Kentucky today. This will be our first family trip and McKayle's first plane trip. We all got a good nights sleep though as she slept from 9:30pm til 3:00am. We are excited that Kayle is going to get to see her other cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and great-grandma while we are back there. My aunts, uncle and cousins will also be there at some point I'm sure. So it will be good family time.
I know that Kayle is going to love the swimming pool, so we will have lots of good pictures in the pool as well as with the animals and family when we get back. Until then, here are a few pictures of her recently.
An update on Kayle's growth...she had her 2 month well-check on May 20th. She weighed 9 lbs, 2 oz. and was 22 inches long. She made it to the growth chart finally. :) Her weight was at the 23rd percentile and her height was at the 50th percentile. So she is doing great. The only challenges she had being a month premature was that she never took to nursing due to weak sucking muscles and she spits up often due to weak abdominal muscles that don't hold the milk down. But she is not upset or fussy with any of that and is gaining weight, so the doctor was happy with her progress.
We are officially on summer vacation now. :) We will keep you posted on our happenings.

8 weeks old

McKayle is 8 weeks old today. She had her 2 month wellness check up today. All is well and she is doing great. She now weighs 9 lbs, 2 oz. which is the 23%ile on the growth chart. And she is 22 inches long now which is 50th%ile. So she is growing and putting on weight. She is very strong and able to lift her head and turn it when on her belly. She is starting to smile, does lots of cooing and grunting/making noises. My favorite is her cackle that is like a laugh. She is also turning her head to look for daddy and I when she hears our voices. She is sure changing every day. It is just amazing.
Until next update...

My 1st Mother's Day

Last Sunday was my first official Mother's Day. I spent a lot of time holding Kayle and snuggling with her. That was such a blessing in itself. She is such a gift in our lives now. We also went out to brunch with Brett's parents and grandparents which was nice. We dressed Kayle in a really cute dress and handmade sweater that had been given to us as gifts...but we didn't make it out of her nursery before she wet all over it. So we had to change into another cute pant outfit that had been given as a gift. No matter what she is wearing, she is just getting more adorable every day.
We have not had to take her in to get weighed lately, but we estimate that she weighs in the upper 8 lb or 9 lb range. She seems so big to us, yet others comment on how small she is. But she seems to be getting much longer and starting to fill out.
I have been back to work almost 2 weeks now. I admit that I am exhausted and do not have my normal energy back...but I only have a couple more weeks before summer vacation.

6 weeks old

Little Miss McKayle was 6 weeks old yesterday and she is sure growing and changing everyday. I have gone back to work...started last Friday, May 1st. And Brett is staying home and taking care of Kayle. So she is enjoying bonding with her daddy. I am adjusting to being back but still getting physically exhausted by the afternoon. Probably went back to work too soon, but I'm back now and counting down the days til I'm done...22 calendar days til summer. :)
Yesterday was 80 degrees here with sunny blue skies. It was gorgeous. So our family took a walk down the road after dinner last night. We met several neighbors when we were out which was nice. Babies seem to attract people. It's funny. But we enjoy it because we get to show off our precious little girl.
Many of you ask if Kayle is sleeping through the night...the answer is no. But she does seem to be getting better and stretching her wake times out. But it is not consistent. I would say last night was probably her best night yet...but I don't know when she actually went to sleep because dad was up with her. I went to bed at 10:15pm and woke up with her at 2:30am and at 6:00am. So I thought that was great. And she continues to eat well and gain weight. We have not taken her in to check her weight, but she has outgrown several outfits and we are in size 1 diapers now which are a little big, but the newborn diapers were too small. I would say she has to be over 8 lbs by now. And her little chubby cheeks are filling out. They get kissed a lot. :)
That's all for now. Update more later.

Last weekend in April...

This weekend was a busy one. On Saturday, I went to the March of Dimes walk to support friends. We were lucky to not have to utilize the March of Dimes support, but it was a possibility throughout our pregnancy with McKayle. So we want to continue to support that cause. The weather was cold and wet, so Brett and McKayle did not come with us. And we ended up not completing the walk due to weather anyway. But we did walk around the park with Eric, Jen, and our nephew Jake. Then Brett and McKayle met us in town and we all went to breakfast. Saturday night late, Brett's uncle Rick from Wyoming came to stay with us. He got to see McKayle and then Sunday morning the whole family went out to breakfast. Sunday afternoon Brett's parents and grandparents came out to visit. McKayle's grandmother brought her some outfits she had from when Brett was little. She has already outgrown some of them, but they are cute. The blue outfit in the picture is 39+ years old from Holland. Too cute, but she won't fit in it for long. Brett also gave McKayle a bath while family was here. McKayle ended up wetting all over her grandmother. It was pretty funny. McKayle enjoys her baths though.
I am counting my days til I head back to work on May 1st...4 more days. And this week we plan to visit some friends, go to some appointments, and rest up. I know I'm going to have a hard time leaving McKayle, but I am glad that Brett will be able to watch her. McKayle enjoys her time with her Daddy.

McKayle is 4 weeks old today

Today McKayle is 4 weeks old. Hard to believe it has already been 4 weeks since she was born. Yesterday was her actual due date. We are so happy that she is here with us and doing so well. Today I took her to weigh in and she has gained again. Kayle weighed in at a whopping 7 lbs, 2 oz. Brett and I knew that she was gaining because she feels heavier, has fat rolls on her legs and neck and is just filling out. To others, she is often described as being "so little." Yet we think she is getting much bigger. :) It's all perspective, huh?
While Kayle and I were in Ft. Collins today, we stopped by to see some of our nurses. They were so excited to see both of us. We all miss seeing each other. Strange how you can become so close to the nurses that care for you for 68 days.
Here are a few more pictures of Kayle at 4 weeks old...so you can see for yourself how much she is changing. :) We are proud parents. She can't get enough kisses.

Weigh in day...

Kayle went to the doctor for a weigh in again...Kayle is up to 6 lbs, 9 ozs. and doing well. She she is gaining weight and keeping it on now. I knew that she was because she is filling out and has some fat wrinkles and rolls that I notice and have to clean in now. :) She is still displaying some "premie behaviors" with her sucking weakness but is feeding fine on the bottle. So whatever we need to do to have her continue to gain weight. That makes me happy.
My energy level is slowly getting a little better. I'm, by no means, back to normal energy levels, but I am able to "function" better. I'm able to get ready for appts. and go to appts. or shop or go for short walks. I still require my daily naps in the evening, but each day it is getting a little better.

Kayle's 1st Easter

Today Kayle celebrated her 1st Easter. She was able to see her grandparents in Kentucky on Skype this morning. It is such an awesome thing to be able to see them whenever we want...and vise versa I think. :)
Then we headed over to Brett's brother's house for Easter lunch with his family...Kayle's cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and great grandparents. The outing wore me out once again, so we came home and I took a nice nap. Pretty low key.

Friday events...

On Friday Kayle had a lunch date with some of her friends from her mommy's work. So she got to meet and hang out with several friends for a couple of hours. Kayle slept the whole time. But it was nice to get out and see friends. Mommy was tired when we got home, but decided to go on a walk with Brett and Kayle...still trying to build my energy levels back. Then I took a nice long nap. Still feeling tired today also, but went back to the store to finish my shopping that I was not able to complete earlier in the week.
Big news...Kayle's umbilical cord fell off on Friday when I was giving her a sponge bath before our outing. So now Kayle just has a belly button.
Tomorrow is Kayle's first Easter. We will be celebrating it at Brett's brother's family's house.

Kayle is 2 weeks old already...

Two weeks ago Kayle was born. It is hard to believe that she is already 2 weeks old. She is changing every day and it is amazing to experience it with her. She should be back to her birthweight by now. Her next weight check isn't until next week though. Kayle also has her days and nights mixed up. She likes to sleep all day and be up most of the night wide awake.
Today she and I went for a short walk down our road. I want to try to work on getting my energy levels back. It was in the 60s, sunny, and windy...but nice to get out in the fresh air. She slept in her little pouch the entire time.
Here are some more pictures of Kayle at 2 weeks old...