Sunday- a day to be thankful

Our first Sunday as a family...wow do we have alot to be thankful for...we have always been blessed in our life together...but to be able to have a beautiful healthy son come into this world this last week...we are extremely thankful and blessed to have such a opportunity to raise this amazing little baby boy...we find ourselves in awe of his presence...and our happy just to sit and look at him for hours...much more entertaining than any show that we can think of...we have each happily given up any sense of control of our lives...and have willingly handed over our power,time, and energy to Dylan and all of his want and needs....no questions asked...with that we are enjoying a lazy summer afternoon and once the air begins to cool this evening we will venture over to the park and possible have a evening BBQ outside on the patio...of course this is all up to Dylan....until next time

Have been busy being parents

Dylan finally arrived Monday the 23rd at 8:54 pm...with a little help from Dr Storey....he weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds 12 ounces and 21 and 1/2 inches long....after a long day of delivery...and no luck...we ended up having to have a C-section that went well for the most part...at 9:30 pm Dylan was placed on my chest and we haven't been separated since...he is very healthy, alert, and if I say so myself absolute perfection...he has been a natural at breast feeding...and has been a very easy baby....he sleeps well...eats well...and is fairly content most of the time...Collin has been a superdad and is right there for anything his son might need...my c-section recovery is going extremely well with no complications...for the most part I don't even realize that I have a good size incision in my abdomen...my energy level is good and my ability to get around has been great...we have been very fortunate so far and have not experienced the sleep deprivation that most new parents experience....Dylan for now is sleeping with us in bed...it has been extremely rewarding...its amazing how connected and close we all feel to each other....its amazing that when human beings feel connected and close how smooth things go....we all get to sleep a good 8-10 hours of sleep...he sleeps right next to me...he doesn't cry all night...he wakes up about 3 times a night for feedings...I don't know if it a mothers sense but I wake up just as he begins to stir...bring him close and feed him...we then fall back to sleep together...because he is so relaxed his burps come easy as he is feeding....no need to get up....after the 2nd feeding we usually get dad up to change his diaper...then back to sleep...we are hoping that this pattern continues....I have always been one to trust my instincts and to use my feelings and energy to guide me to the actions that I take in all dealing of my life...so it has been really awesome to connect with Dylan on emotional level to parent from instincts and to see the energy trust and love pass thru us...Collin is incredible and it has been wonderful to watch him connect with his son...he has been so wonderful kind and patient with both of us...it has been a magical week...can't wait to see what the next hour...next day...next month...will bring us....

by the way feel free to call whenever you would like....we are getting good sleep and our days are pretty darn stress free at the moment......

Off to the hospital we go

So this morning we are headed off to the hospital...to hopefully do our best to welcome Dylan into the world...its quite funny that I got up early to do my hair and put a little makeup on...and Collin has gotten dressed up for the event...I guess we don't want to disappoint the little guy once he gets here...we will call you all once he arrives into the world safe and sound........

from couple to family..........

Today is our last day as a couple...most likely tomorrow we will become a family and welcome our son into the world...we are going to relax and enjoy each others company...the weather is beautiful here in Cheyenne today...we are going to try to catch a movie this evening...we go to the movies I would say 4 times a year as it is...so I am assuming that once Dylan is here that will go quickly to zero....we will go for a walk around the park with Winston..and just take in whatever the day has to offer...we probably will not be posting for at least for a couple of days...those that are family and close friends will be receiving phone calls once he has arrived in the world safe and sound...until then keep our family in your prayers and we will hopefully be talking to all of you soon......

Mowing and Labor might just go together....

Friday was a busy and full day...we started mowing lawns about 10:30am and finished about 6:00pm...we make a pretty good lawn mowing team...we have a pretty good system...I start to mow once we get to the property...Collin weed eats and then finishes with helping me mow with a 2nd lawn mower if it is a large lawn...if it is a small lawn then Collin takes over the lawn mowing after his weed eating...Winston makes sure that he blesses every yard we go to....he takes a poop at every yard ...both Collin and I have never seen a dog that can poop so much...it sounds crazy but we both really enjoy our time together when we go mow lawns...its a good sense of accomplishment and we get to visit from one house to the next....Collin is mowing again today...and I had to go to work from 1-3pm...I really want to go help him mow after work today but I just am not feeling up to it today...the lawn mowing is good for me and felt good doing it yesterday...but I am paying for it today and just walking around is hurting....it is very possible that Dylan might be coming before Monday...but we will just have to wait and see....I have had quite a few signs of the first stages of labor here in the last 8 hours or so...so even if he doesn't come before Monday...my body will be close to being ready on Monday when they induce labor...which is a huge relief...leaving us alot better chance of not having to have a cesarean birth...well with that I am going to sign off for now....

A busy day of learning from sales to parenthood...

I had a all day training seminar that I attended today....I enjoyed it very much...though by the end of the day I was finding it hard to sit still....9 hours of sitting gets a little hard at this point in the pregnancy...so I am a little more wore out than usual this evening....not noticing anything significant that would let me think that Dylan is arriving in the next 24hours....but really I have no idea...I believe I am getting my first lesson in parenthood....My entire adult life...for the most part...I have attained what I have set my mind to...rarely have things not turned out the way I have planned them or have wanted them to...this pregnancy really has been no exception for the most part....we got pregnant withing 45 days of trying...have had a pretty text book pregnancy...sick the first 90 days...then have felt great since....so I had every expectation that Dylan would arrive just like clockwork...that if needed I could will him to delivery ...work hard and he would deliver...take the necessary steps to convince him that its time to be here....but nothing has worked....I have kind of subconsciously known this....I just knew that he wasn't going to be here on time...he just seems pretty darn content with where he is...so perhaps this is Dylan teaching me my first lesson of parenthood...its not about me...he really isn't concerned about my plans for his birth...this is all about Dylan...this is perhaps his little way to let me know I am no longer in control...that I can't will him to come..I can't walk and work to get him to come...that I must have Patience and acceptance that this is not about me...and when he is ready he will arrive........with that....its been a busy day of learning

Relief

Both Collin and I are feeling a sense of relief this evening after leaving our Dr. Appointment...I have progressed a little but not much...Dylan had a strong heart beat and all seems to be good...if Dylan does not come naturally before Monday we will be going in Monday morning to have him induced....I feel its a good compromise....that way we are giving him a little more time to come naturally but hopefully not waiting to long to where it is a concern for his health...at this point we are kind of hoping that he doesn't come till Monday...I have a day long seminar tomorrow and Collin has about 12 lawns to mow this weekend....and most importantly Dr Storey will be back from Hawaii...he should be rested, tan, and in a good mood...this is the Doctor that we were hoping for...if Dylan comes before Monday we will have Dr Anderson who is our least favorite....like I blogged last night...it really doesn't matter at this point...we are just looking forward to meeting the little guy and just want a healthy boy at this point...after the Doctors appointment we felt a need to celebrate and picked up Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice cream for me and Chocolate Moose Tracks for Collin what a great way to end the day...

Fresh Laundry and 4th of July

We purchased a outside clothes line last week...and have really been enjoying hanging our clothes out to dry....its amazing how quickly they dry...and the last couple of days have been such nice summer days......it just feels good putting our laundry out... I am feeling well today...and the contractions I had last night did not amount to anything...so off to the Doctor this afternoon and we will see what the next step is...I took the day off of work today...and have been tinkering around the house...we got out our 4th of July decorations and I felt good enough to get them up...it makes me happy that I did not get rid of all my decorations from the house in South Dakota...of course we don't need near as many for the house in Cheyenne...but it's still nice to see them up..and in a strange way it is comforting to me...well with that I am signing off for now...and we will give you a Doctor update later............

24 hours

In less than 24 hours it will be our official due date for Dylan...we have a appointment tomorrow afternoon....tonight has been the first evening that I actually I am feeling some real progress toward delivery...who knows it might just be wishful thinking....I guess only time will tell....it would be very exciting if I started going into labor this evening and actually had him on our due date...my gut though says that's not going to happen...so tomorrow depending on what the doctor says we will most likely schedule to have a induction sometime later this week...I am not real excited about scheduling a induction....but I am not real comfortable with letting him go a week past delivery either....its very interesting but due to our altitude here in Cheyenne they will only let you go a week past delivery....it interesting how the altitude here effects birth weights and my understanding is that my systems that are supporting Dylan begin to breakdown sooner at this altitude....so I really have no interest in waiting a week....then having them induce me at that point...and if my placenta is beginning to fail...then Dylan will go into distress and we will end up with a cesarean birth....so I am thinking that I would like to give him a couple of days past my due date to arrive naturally and if he decides not to come...then we will move forward with a induction the other problem with a induction is your labor is not natural...that the contractions are very strong and often on top of each other...so your pain is much greater....meaning going without a epidural will be much more difficult...at this point we are not really concerned about how or when Dylan comes into the world...we just want him here...happy and healthy....

quick update on Jefferson....unfortunately all the city, YMCA, and boys club programs are booked for the summer...my understanding is that most of these programs get signed up for 2 to 3 months before summer...and of course his age bracket...they even have a waiting list and are not willing to take more names....I think we will talk to Nii Jeffersons father...they are very involved in his church...and see if they have any summer camps and if we can help with that....

Eating for a army.....

The strangest thing has happened during this pregnancy....I have always bought in bulk....but since the pregnancy my need to have abundance supply of food in the home is beginning to border on ridiculous....though I think we will continue after Dylan is born...we have gotten very good at breaking things down in smaller packaging and freezing and taking advantage of buying our staples in bulk and on sale....we buy alot of meat when it is on sale....cereal....baking goods...bread...cheese...canned goods....we buy the things we like...not just things that are on sale...so we really don't waste anything...I think that is the key to buying in bulk...is to buy the the things that you like to eat...the things that you use often....we just watch for them to come on sale....and when a good sale come up we buy in bulk...we we never feel like we have to eat something because we bought it...most of the time we are excited because we don't have to go to the store...and we feel good about what we paid for it...the one thing that we have been buying in bulk is fresh fruit from Sams Club...there strawberries are wonderful and cheap...also have been buying alot of fresh pineapples from Sams Club...I have been grilling the pineapple on the grill...it is to dye for....so sweet and tender....and have been eating strawberries on everything...with that I think I am going to go have some strawberries and fresh pineapple..........until tomorrow

It's all in the eyes of the beholder

Tonight I enjoyed a little piece of heaven....it was a beautiful still night here in Cheyenne....I found myself on our front deck....Winston in one wicker chair I in the other....we enjoyed the stillness of the air....the sounds and sights of summer filled the air...the neighbor across the street was mowing his lawn...I could here the bubbling of our pond in the back ground envisioning our newest family members swimming about...and as we watched the neighbor mow his lawn....there was a traffic jam at the bird bath...all the birds waiting there turn to get a sip of water...chirping at each other as to say hurry its my turn to at the bird bath....our sprinklers click click click in the back ground as it did its work to assure us a beautiful green yard....Mr Mook's came and joined us...it so nice to see how happy he is...it was always a concern when we made the move last year....he curled up on his back....stretching his tummy towards the summer sun....he had no worries in the world...as neither did I....I felt so lucky to be apart of such a wonderful life....I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholder.......

Our newest family additions......

The Moody family is proud to welcome our newest family members into our home...Ricki and Lucy.....Ricki and Lucy are 5 months old, and have made their way to Cheyenne from Florida...Ricki is black orange, and white...and a little shy...Lucy is orange and white and pretty darn flashy...and is the more adventurous of the two...we are very excited to have them as part of our family and can't wait to watch them grow into big beautiful Koi....they reside in our pond in the front yard....we are going to go get them a couple of water plants later today to make sure that they are happy with their accommodations....my understanding is that Koi fish are very social and will come to you when you feed them and call them....one of Collins co-workers raises and sells Koi fish...so the idea was at the end of the year...we would just give them back and get new ones next summer.....well after having them for about 2 hours now...I don't think I want to give them up....I think we will keep Ricki and Lucy in the garage over the winter....of course plans could change...........as they already have....originally they were going back over the winter...now they are staying here........only time will tell.....but for now they will be spoiled with new water plants....food...and lots of attention....just like any Moody family member would be

The more you buy the more you save......

Its been a great day here in Cheyenne...I went to work this morning...took a nap outside on our outside sofa...and finished the day with going back to work at our office at the mall...Collin is on a bike ride and this evening we are attending our La Leche class....unfortunately our office at the mall is in close proximity to the Gymboree baby store.....wow they have a pretty good marketing scheme going on.....and of course I fall for it hook...line...and...sinker...everytime...as I walk into the store I am feeling like I have control...there really isn't anything I need unless its like 60% or 70% off then I would consider it...the next thing you know the sales clerk come up to me and gives me this coupon for the day...I open up my coupon and find my saving to be a additional 30% off everything in the store....my eyes light up....my heart begins to race...and I am beginning to lose control....I manage to only look at the discount racks..first starting at the 60% off rack...I find a very cute pair of pants and a sweater for this fall for him... they were marked down to like $7.00 a piece...this is feeling pretty good....so I then venture over to the 30% off rack...I find a little cotton outfit....it was like $12.00 and here is where everything begins to fall apart....as I am looking at the 30% off rack I am looking for a overall short set....they have them but not in the size I want for Dylan....I don't really have any dress up outfits for Dylan as a newborn up to 3 months...I know I really don't need them...that sleepers and onesies is really what he will live in.....but I want at least one really cute dress up outfit for him....and here is the big slip...I am no longer searching the discount racks... but I am now just searching for a really cute over all set....and with that of course I fall in love with a new arrival....you know what that means....it means its not on sale.....full price at Gymboree will just about make you choke....and here it is...I snatch up the overalls, the matching onesie, the socks, and of course the matching hat...after all I still have my 30% coupon.....I quickly put everything on the counter...wanting her to ring it in quickly before I figure out how much I have spent...before the guilt begins to set in....I must say I was fairly relieved with what I had spent....not nearly as bad as I thought it might be.....and as I lam leaving the store...the clerk informs me that I have earned Gymboree bucks.....that I can use on my next purchase at Gymboree...basically I get $25.00 off of any $50.00 purchase...how will I be able to pass up such a savings............these Gymboree people are pure evil......the personal turmoil I feel every time I go in to this store...its awful yet I am always drawn back....the more you buy the more you save......its a dangerous love hate relationship I share with Gymboree....

Dilema.........

Collin and I have found ourselves in quite a dilemma....Collin got a phone call this evening from our neighbor Nii....Nii came to United States from West Africa a couple of years ago...and made his way to Cheyenne about 6 months ago...he and his 7 year old son live in a small house behind our other neighbors house.....we have befriended Nii and his son Jefferson pretty much as we have all of our neighbors....Nii is a single father with his son....we have found that Jefferson really enjoys coming over and visiting Collin when Collin is working in the garage or in the yard...Jefferson can be quite a handful and you have to be pretty stern with him or he will run right over you.......but he is a very nice young man for the most part....anyways so Collin received a call about 6:30 pm ... we were at a company picnic at the time so he did not answer the phone but did return the call to Nii about 7:45 on our way home...Nii asked if Jefferson could come over to our house and watch tv with us....that Jefferson was home alone and that he would be home at about 8:15.....of course Collin said yes...so he went and got Jefferson...as we visited with Jefferson we realized that he is home everyday by himself all day long...while his dad is at work....we also put together that he hadn't eaten since breakfast....during the school year when he is done with school he goes to the boys club until his dad gets off work...but in the summer he told us that the boys club is closed........so he just hangs out.....the most alarming part of the whole evening is that he sat on the couch eating some toast we fixed him....his dad made it home and stopped by the house....Jefferson never got off the couch....Collin meet Nii at the door and said that we would send him home as soon as he finished his toast....once Jefferson finished his toast he said he wanted to stay and watch another show with us......Nii is a good man and I am sure doing what he thinks is o-k....but a 7 year old home alone all day by himself is just not o-k.....with our own child coming we really can't take on this responsibility...and I know that as nice as Nii is he is the type that would not have any problem taking advantage of the situation....but the bottom line is we can't sit by and just because its not convenient for us or worry about being taking advantage of...there is a little boy here that matters...........and this situation needs to be corrected...so after much discussion with Collin we are going to make some phone calls tomorrow and see what programs are available for kids like Jefferson...whether its the Ymca or other community programs that might be available...even if its just for 3 or 4 hours a day....its better than nothing.....I am sure Nii has not looked into these programs due to the cost.....so I think if we can find a program....between the City Fire Department, #1 Properties, our own money, and perhaps a scholarship from these programs, and of course Nii will need to put in some monetary effort toward the expense...we should be able to find a solution...if presented correctly to Nii he will see it as a positive thing.......and I am sure somewhat relieved with the help and knowing that Jefferson is being looked after......even though its not our problem......its not fair to a 7 year old boy ........its not his fault.........and the right thing to do is to figure out how to help this young man period............so that's what we will do............will keep you all posted...keep Jefferson in your prayers

Dylans new due date.......October 18th

We surprisingly had a great time at our doctors appointment yesterday....I am not sure why...it started out with me gaining 2 pounds...ughhh...my blood pressure was to high....and the nurse talked about having the doctor stretch me.....to help induce labor...that sounds pleasant....doesn't it stretching me........she went on to say that if it works I could possibly go into labor in the next day or so....as she left the office...Collin and I looked at each other in a odd panic....as we waited for the doctor we talked about if we were ready for Dylan to arrive....as if we really have a choice in the matter...we were nervous...do we really want him to arrive that soon....we decided that when the doctor came in that we would request just to let the little guy be...that we would actually prefer him to arrive in about 4 or 5 months so that we can get right to good sleep and the crawling part....right now its been pretty easy...Dylan takes pretty good care of himself...he feeds himself....puts himself to sleep...and seems pretty happy....with that the doctor came in and proceeded to do his best to stretch me..........ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....we met this procedure with much pain but with no success.....as we head out the door to make our next doctors appointment we are informed that Dr Storey will be out of the office all next week.....I am disappointed ....we both really liked Dr Storey and hoped he would be the doctor to deliver Dylan....so now I have a 50/50 chance of having Dr Anderson deliver Dylan...I don't really care for Dr. Anderson...she is young and anxious and has made a sizable mistake with my care that I caught after reading one of my pregnancy books...brought it to the attention of my doctors office and was immediately called in to be given the medicine and care I needed........she told me she was having a bad day that day and was stressed out with a large work load....and that is how she missed my necessary medicine and care......so comforted ....I really don't feel...my doctors office is going to be short one doctor the week of my delivery....so most likely they will be tired...over worked....and stressed.........hopefully Dr Hinkle will be on call.....either way I have no control and I am sure all will be fine....if it is Dr Anderson I am sure she will be extra attentive due to her mistake earlier in our pregnancy....we were very gracious with her when this happened but made it clear that we were nervous with her care.........our next appointment is actually on our due date next week the 18th when Dr Hinkle will peak in the oven and see if we have had any more progress.......

A great day

I started the day off at a early morning meeting...and I worked until about 1:30....Collin mowed lawns this morning and made it home in time for us to go to our doctors appointment at 3:00...as I blogged earlier no significant changes........so all is well on the pregnancy front...we had beautiful weather here today in Cheyenne... we had nice meal outside on the patio...we enjoyed BBQ pork ribs, grilled pineapple, and fresh corn.....we finished the evening with taking in a movie at the park....we walked to the park with Winston in tow in his trusty wagon....got our lawn chairs out and enjoyed a end to a beautiful evening at the park........Cheyenne is such a neat community when it comes to these things...all summer long every Tuesday night they are going to have free movies in the park....and on Friday nights Cheyenne provides live free concerts downtown at the Depot...the nice thing is our home is so centrally located that we are literally 3 blocks to our main park and a 5 minute bike ride to downtown....tomorrow we are headed up to Curt Gowdy
State Park where we got married we need to drop off some paperwork for our Labor Day get together...are going to take in a small hike and a picnic lunch while we are there..we are really trying to enjoy this time we have together...since life is going to really get busy here really soon....until tomorrow

Doctor visit update

I guess no news is good news....no major changes on the pregnancy front....the doctor agrees with my personal analysis........that Dylan is perfectly happy where he is...and he doesn't see any changes that would cause him to come early....of course that doesn't mean that Dylan can't change his mind and come any day....but my body just isn't showing the signs of Dylan coming anytime soon.....

9 months = 40 weeks.......I don't think so

So here is one of the biggest scams out there.........everyone says that your pregnant for 9 months.....well the dirty little secret that everyone keeps from you until your in this predicament is that they use a 40 weeks for a full term pregnancy...so lets do the math...4 weeks into a month....40 weeks is 10 months not 9 months as everyone thinks....that's a whole month longer than what you are expecting...that's like being told you have to wait an extra month after x-mas to open your gifts......really not fair.....thank goodness I am not a elephant I think they have like a 2 year gestation period......something crazy like that...a dog would be perfect they are like 2 months except then I would have a whole litter of babies........probably not a good idea either...they do have a true medical formula based on when you become pregnant as to how they explain the 40 weeks versus the 9 months.......I say blahhhh blahhh blahhhhh....I don't want to here it........as far as I am concern its just plain ole trickery....if you ask most people how long a normal pregnancy is they will tell you 9 months...I even fall for it....I tell people 8 1/2 months because if you said you were 9 1/2 months they would look at you like you were crazy.....so here it is ...........I have now waited almost 3 weeks past Christmas to receive my gift....only 9 days if Santa shows up on time.....if he doesn't I am really going to throw a fit....I am ready to meet my little boy..........and get this whole motherhood stuff started...until next time hoping for contractions........

The grass isn't always greener on the other side

A family that mows together stays together....today was filled with mowing lawns....it was a long day....we mowed 7 lawns today....there was only maybe 3 that you could actually call lawns...the rest were waist high weed patches that looked like a great hiding places for all kinds of varmints and snakes...these were all foreclosed homes...so junk...weeds...and not the greatest neighborhoods...and most were big areas....I was feeling good today and helped with all of the lawns but the last one....we took 2 lawn mowers and all went well except for one home....I stepped in a old container of oil and my entire lower leg and foot was covered in old motor oil...disgusting....of course this was at a foreclosed home so no water to get it cleaned off...we made our way to the neighbors who helped clean off most of it....Winston was almost attacked by a Boxer that broke out of his fenced yard........but besides these two events all went well...it felt good to get some exercise but by the end of the day I was pretty tired and I think Dylan has moved down even further with all of my waddling around...Winston enjoyed most of the day...I am sure we were quite a site....the old blue pick up truck...a pregnant women and her husband out pushing thru knee high grass and their bull dog keeping look out....wow white trash....that's OK.......we were all grateful to get home...to our cute home...with pretty flowers and perfect grass....our grass is definitely greener on this side of the fence.....

Back to normal

Yesterday was a great day....life seemed back to normal...well as normal as being very pregnant can be....went to the Moreheads for Emma's birthday party....stopped by a furniture store in Fort Collins on the way home and picked up a leather ottoman....that will be our new coffee table...our living room is pretty small and having a wood and glass coffee table with sharp corners is not going to work with a baby...so the leather ottoman will be our new coffee table it also has great storage which is always a added bonus with a small home....Collin went ahead and mowed lawns the rest of the afternoon...now that I am finally feeling better I was able to get some extra cleaning done around the house, worked in the yard, fixed chocolate covered strawberries per Collins request, and we finished the evening bbqing steak and having fresh fajitas......today we are going to mow lawns...the whole family is going to be mowing today....we will be taking two mowers with us....of course I will get the self propelled one...and Winston will be the foreman...and Collin well he will be doing most of the real work....we have 6 lawns to mow...this of course will be followed by a long nap for me and Winston.......

Reality Check

This recent sickness has brought me time to ponder....besides sleeping...getting sick...and laying on the couch...it really gave me time to think....my thoughts immediately went to am I really as tough as I think I am....I have always thought I handled pain pretty well....and made the decision early on in our pregnancy that if I could handle it....we were definitely planning on a natural child birth...of course at 38 I know better than to ever say absolutely on anything...but have always felt very confident that natural child birth was in our cards....because I handle pain well ...because I was scared of losing control....these were my reasons....well back to me laying on the couch sick as a dog this week....like I said I had time to ponder...what I pondered is have I ever really experienced real pain....I can't remember ever breaking a bone....having any type of real painful medical procedure....or having any real traumatic painful incident in my life...yes I have been in 2 major car accidents but I walked away from them...I have pushed thru pain while participating in athletic events...I usually don't take any medicine when I am sick...I don't complain when I am hurting...but these examples don't correlate to handling real pain well....the truth as I have come to it ...as I have been laying on the couch....is I really have no idea what real pain is....and I really have no idea how I will handle real pain....so if the truth be told...this last week as I was curled up on the floor next to the toilet if someone came to me and said that they could take away my sickness and make it all go away with a epidural......or that I could go thru with the sickness for another 10 hours but that eventually you will get better........I would have taken the epidural hands down........no question....not worrying one bit about control of the situation...or that I can handle the pain.............so as you can imagine....this latest illness has brought a reality check into my plans of natural child birth...it has shaken my confidence in my personal desire to deal with the pain....I will tell you that when I was at the hospital earlier this week getting my IV they put a medication in the IV to take away the nausea and to make me sleepy....I had no control........couldn't keep my eyes open....the pain was gone.......I was happy...relieved from the sickness........not once I was I concerned that I had lost control...not once did I feel bad for not handling the pain...in fact it was quite the opposite effect...I was relieved...comforted...and could finally relax that I was getting some much needed relief.....so with that.......it will be interesting to see how I handle my attempt at natural child birth....with that I am feeling better and calling it a good night...

Won't this flu ever end.....................

Am still not feeling well....this stomach flu is just really awful...was feeling pretty good yesterday....and then I went and ventured out and ate chicken enchiladas......bad very bad idea...ended paying for it all last night and most of today...so today was filled with lots of water...gatorade....scrambled eggs.....and toast with no butter......am starting to feel better so hopefully will have a good night....followed by a good day tomorrow...have a house closing at 8:15 am and then off to the office for the day....I am hoping for a good productive day tomorrow....I really am hoping to get back to myself before I go into labor....Collin is doing well and worked in the garage most of the day...he fixed Winston's wagon......and took Winston for a quick test drive....all went well....he also made some flower boxes for my mom and for his mom....sorry for such a bland boring blog....but I am just still not feeling well enough to be creative...until tomorrow

Happy Days Are Here Again......

Life is good again....I am feeling MUCH BETTER today....that means everyone in the house is MUCH BETTER TODAY....Collin is off and I am taking it easy one more day before I head back to work....so we actually enjoyed each others company today and got some stuff done around the house and ran some errands together...we have been so busy with projects around the house we haven't spent anytime working on our flower boxes....we will attempt to set aside a day to get some made here in the next week or so....Collin though has become quite busy overnight with his lawn care service.....he has 12 lawns to mow this weekend......and I believe 4 other lawns for the following week......and with the rain...and all the vacant homes for sale.......he most likely will have all the business he wants........thru #1 Properties Real Estate Agents....he is all set up for his new business venture...he has a back up mower...billing book...a strong back...and lots of motivation...he probably will mow once a week but this extra income will cover our extra expenses with baby Dylan.....child care...ect....if I am feeling well...which I should...I am going to go out and help him mow this weekend...........here's to long grass

Drugs..........are a good thing

Had another very long and bad night last night...after my blog things went from hopeful to desperate this morning....I started throwing up Saturday morning about 2 am...and it just hasn't gotten any better...there are a few hours here and there where things seem to be getting better...but over all it really has just been a really terrible and trying time....we called the doctor this morning because I just can't eat anything or drink anything with out losing it....to see if there is anything that can be done...our doctor had us go down to the hospital where I got a IV for my fluid lost and they also put some good drugs in the IV that allowed me to sleep and has seemed to calm my stomach somewhat....I am home now and resting they sent me home with more drugs...so hopefully we can make it thru the night with more rest.........so I have decided that drugs can be a good thing......

There have been better days..........

Since my last post on Friday evening....I went from feeling not so great to feeling pretty darn bad...the stomach flu hit me pretty darn hard...needless to say being 8 1/2 months pregnant and projectile vomiting don't go together very well....spent most of Friday night and Saturday morning curled up on the floor......am starting to feel better but am still having difficulty eating anything solid and keeping hydrated which is really important at this point in the pregnancy...I am hoping by tomorrow all will be back to normal...so my attitude and general mood have seen better days.....say a prayer for Collin...poor guy has to live with me thru this...hopefully next post I will regain my optimism......