I've Come to Realize...

I saw this on another blog I follow, and since I really have nothing else do write about today, I thought I'd do this instead~

1. I’ve come to realize that my body... is pretty darn amazing. Hello, I had a baby, and while my body will never be quite the same, I am completely amazed that I grew "boy parts" inside of me...

2. I’ve come to realize that my job... may not be my dream job, but it does pay the bills, and it is also very flexible.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving... I am getting better at calming the baby and paying attention at the same time.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need... a vacation in the worst way!

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost... a little bit of myself in becoming a mother. However, I am not upset about this, because I know that I have gained so much more.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when... I lose my temper over stupid things. It makes me feel like I've lost control.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk... I know I'm going to feel really bad the next day.

8. I’ve come to realize that money… doesn't grow on trees, unfortunately.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people... are always going to be mad about something. Nothing you do can make them happy, so you may as well kill them with kindness.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always... have trouble telling people exactly how I feel. Just something to do with being a people-pleaser.

11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)... are truly wonderful human beings. We were taught well by our parents!

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom... really does know what she's talking about. Remember when we didn't think our parents knew squat? Well, it turns out they actually do...

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone... is a lifeline. Too bad.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning... It was 7 am, and the baby had slept most of the night. Also, he didn't end up in our bed, and that is awesome!

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep... that I'd had a great at-home date night with the hubs, watching a movie.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking... I am so ready to get Trent from daycare so he can play with his new toys!

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad...is truly the most giving man I know. He will give up anything to help those he loves.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook... I have to see every status update and look at all the pictures between now and the last time I logged on.

19. I’ve come to realize that today... just how close Christmas is! Yea!

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight... I will be home with Trent while Daddy goes and plays Magic.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow... I will be working from 11 to 5.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to... get rid of all of the stuff in the garage. I would love to be able to park my car in there someday.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is... Candace or Chris. I only have two followers...

24. I’ve come to realize that life... keeps getting better as the years go by.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend... I am going on a date with my husband! Yea!

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset... K-Love. No matter what my mood, the right song always seems to come on! Thank you, Lord!

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends... are wonderful! And it's too bad we don't get to see more of each other.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . is one I will always look back on with the sweetest memories. Absolutely fantastic.

29. I’ve come to realize that my husband...is one hardworking human being. He's far too understanding and it a GREAT daddy!

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should... get back on the horse and stop eating whatever I want.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love... evenings at home with my boys.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand... math. I hate it! Hopefully Trent will get Daddy's great math skills.

33. I’ve come to realize my past... is something to cherish. I had a lovely childhood!

34. I’ve come to realize that parties... are better the earlier in the evening. Need to keep the baby on his schedule! :)

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified... of sitting down a writing our will. I just can't even fathom that something could happen to one or both of us.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life... is wonderful, and is only getting better!

Sick Baby=Not a fun time for Mommy and Daddy...

Sorry, it's been so long, but my little man has been sick! And I mean double ear infection sick. Not fun! He was a little fussy on Saturday and Sunday. But then again, we missed both his naps because we were out having fun running errands on both days. (Note to self: Stop doing that on the weekends! It will make all of your lives easier!) Anyway, since he'd missed/skipped the naps, and he's been teething for about 2 months now, I just assumed he was cranky because of that.

Sunday evening, we went to my niece, Kallie's, Christmas program, which was the cutest! And then after, we headed over to the in-laws for some family time. We noticed his little nose was stuffed up. Again, I thought he was just teething because that's exactly what happened when he started teething a couple of months ago. We got home, and he went straight to sleep after his nighttime bottle. He slept all night. Not a regular occurrence in our house lately... He woke up at 5am to eat. And he had dried green snot. all. over. his. face. EWWWW!!! While I was completely grossed out, I fed him and then cleaned his face off with a warm rag, which he completely hated. I was a little concerned when he fell back asleep almost immediately, so I called the on-call nurses at our pediatrician's office. She told me that green snot did not necessarily mean there was an infection, that it was most likely stages of a cold,which is viral, and that he was at the middle to end of it. But to definitely keep an eye on him, as it could turn bacterial, and very quickly could turn into an ear infection.

I ended up staying home from work to be with him. He seemed better as the day wore on, so I ran to the grocery store to get out of the house for a little bit. He played and slept for most of the day. That night, as I was putting him down to sleep, he started screaming, and he ended up doing that for almost an hour and a half. And it was the high-pitched "I'm hurting" cry. I was certain it had turned into an ear infection. My poor baby finally wore himself out and fell asleep. He slept till about midnight and woke up screaming again. He didn't want to eat, just wanted his paci and to be held. When he woke up for the day at 7am, I noticed he had what looked like wax leaking out of his left ear. Yuck, and man, did it look like he'd ruptured an eardrum. I called the nurse, and she said it sounded exactly like an ear infection.

We went in that afternoon, and sure enough it was. A double ear infection. The left one had, in fact, ruptured, and the right was close behind. His doctor heard a wheeze when she was listening to his lungs. She wanted to do an RSV test just to make sure it was negative. I think that was the longest 15 minutes of my life. Thank the Lord above, it was negative. We were sent home with an prescription for Amoxicillan and a scheduled 2-week check-up.

I felt so bad that he was sick, but I must say that I am proud of myself for "diagnosing" Trent, and that I paid attention to what the nurse said and kept an eye out for the symptoms. I know, it's my job as a mother to do that, but still. I've had many friends tell me to go with your gut when it comes to your kids. And I've found that to be too true.

In the beginning, when Trent was having so many tummy troubles, I just knew it had to be the formula. I kept pushing the doctor to change his formula. I would give each kind the obligatory 3 weeks, and then change again, because I just *knew* that's what it was. Finally, when we started the soy, everything was better. Not to toot my own horn, but TOOT TOOT!!

Grandpa and Grandma Mann

Sorry it's been so long! I've been busy working. Yep, remember when I said I was working 33 hours per week? That's been changed to almost 40. I know, you all work that much with more kids than me, but dang, I'm still getting used to this!

Anyway, the above picture is of my sister, Abby, my brother, Brian and me. We were at my Grandma and Grandpa Mann's house here. It was in December 2000 right after my Grandpa had died. He was 86 when he passed, and he lived a lot longer than we thought he would after Grandma passed in 1995. To tell you the truth, I didn't know my grandpa all that well, or my grandma for that matter. We would see them at least twice a year, but I never really spent that much time with them. Now, of course, I wish I would have. He and my grandma were just always the older grandparents, compared with my dad's parents. I think we kids just felt like we could relate more to Grams and Gramps Smith. We just felt closer to them.

A few days before we'd pack up and leave for Arizona to visit them, my mom and dad would ship a big box of toys there so we would have something to do while we were there. There was always the obligatory, "I love you, and have missed you!" And then we were off to do whatever there was to do that day. And then at night before we went to bed, "Sleep well, I love you. See you in the morning." Of course we spend mealtimes together, but other than that, we just did our thing, and they did theirs.

I do remember talking to my grandma about her childhood and Mom's childhood. She had pictures of all of her children and grandchildren, and she would always have a story that went with each picture. My grandpa, it seemed, was pretty gruff, and I have to say that I was a little timid around him. I was a shy kid, so I'm sure that had something to do with it. I feel strange because I cried at my grandma's funeral, but not at his. I feel very mixed emotions about this.

This time of year though, I remember the good times we had. I loved to sit in the front seat of their car and "help" him drive. I remember him always picking us up from the airport and smelling his cigarettes while he smoked. I remember the cocktail hour at their house, and how Grandma would always make me a Shirley Temple or sometimes, a Roy Rogers. Yum! We kids would sit on the fireplace hearth and drink them.

I would love to say that they're in Heaven, but I'm just not sure about that. They never went to church with us while we were there. which doesn't mean they weren't Christians, but they never talked about it either. I remember my mom praying for them at dinnertime and at bedtime. Only God knows where they are, and I pray I will see them when I get to Heaven.

The Kid Popping Out(Or Not)

So, in a previous post, I had mentioned that Trent popped out. And then I took it back and said that he didn't "pop" out. That it was a very long story for a different post. This is that post! There will be nothing gross, so don't be scared. More of a trip down memory lane for me.

Let me start at the beginning of June...

So, I went in for my 9-month appointment, which started my weeklies. I saw my doctor's NP because she was out of the country. Anyway, she checked me and said I was at a 1 and that she could feel Trent's head. Weird and awesome at the same time! My mom had gone with me since Chris had to work, and I was so glad to have her there. It was a little strange that she was there when Janet was checking me, but whatever. After my appointment, we went to Panera for breakfast. Yum! We talked about my grandpa, who was not doing well at all. A few years ago, he'd had quadruple bypass surgery, with great success. The past year or so, he'd been declining, and the hospice people had been called in. Not sure if you know what that means, but to us, it meant he didn't have much longer to be in this world. :(

The next week, after much discussion with Chris, I told my OB that I did not, under any circumstances, want to be induced. I'd just heard too many horror stories that resulted in cesareans. Not that I was opposed to that, I just wanted to do things as naturally as possible. That was a Wednesday.

Enter, the next Tuesday, when my mom called me at work(she really tries never to do this, because she just never knows when we'll be busy). She told me that Grandpa was REALLY bad, but that the hospice nurse told my grandma that he should make it to the end of the next week. My mom also told me that after he died, they would wait to go to Indiana so that they could spend extra time with the family. Since my due date was still 2 weeks away, and we all know first babies take their time, it seemed like everything would be fine. Well, the more I started thinking about it, the more I really felt God tugging at my heart. I asked Chris if, after we prayed about it, and I still felt the same way, would he be opposed to inducing? He said it was completely up to me. My thoughts here were that we could induce, and then since my grandpa would make it to the next weekend, my parents could meet Trent and then head out of town. Right then and there, I prayed for some sign to let me know it was alright to induce. I have to tell you that I did not get the sign right then. But I did call my mom and tell her we would induce if it meant they could leave sooner.

The next day was my 37 week appointment. Imagine my doctor's surprise when I told her I did, in fact, was to be induced! She was confused at first, but completely understood when I told her the situation. She wanted to check me to see where I was, and then gave the OK. We set up the induction date for June 24th.

Once I told people what we were doing, we got a lot of flack for it. Why not let the baby come naturally? Why do that to yourself? Why pump yourself full of synthetic hormones? I was a little miffed, but I knew that my doctor would not have OK'd the induction if she didn't think everything would be fine. I must also say that at my 36 week appointment, she told me that I may want to take back some of the newborn things we received because this baby was going to be big!

A couple of days later, my sister and her family were at our house painting the kitchen, when my mom called. She sounded very sad, and she said that my grandpa had passed away. What? I thought he was supposed to make it till the next weekend! She also told me that he'd said that he was going to leave this world so Trent could come in. Whoa, there's my sign! I must say here that my gramps was a Christian, and the closest person I know to being like Jesus. Never once did I ever hear him say a cross word about anyone. He always looked for the best in everyone, and often, that's what he got. He was a sweet, sweet man. Chris and I talked, and we decided to keep the induction date. I told my parents to go to Indiana, that Trent would be here when they got back. That is the hardest decision I've ever had to make, telling my family to go. But I knew that I would have the support of Chris, my sister, and Chris's family.

At my 38 week appointment, we got everything set up to come to the hospital on a Tuesday night to start Cervadil(something that thins out the cervix). They would start the Pitocin on Wednesday morning, the 24th.

Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon: Chris and I were getting everything packed, and then it hit us that this would be our last time in our house, just us. Never again would we not be parents. Never again would we be making decisions for just us. It was all very overwhelming. I was so antsy and excited though! We went to eat my "Last Supper" at Lemongrass Asian Bistro, my favorite Asian restaurant. Yum!!! Then we left like 2 hours before we even had to be at the hospital. We took the long way, and got there at 4, a full hour early. We headed to Barnes and Noble, where both of us looked at our watches continually for the next 45 minutes.

Finally, we got there and checked in. I had the Cervadil in all night and it was removed early Wednesday morning. Thirty minutes after the Pitocin was started, my contractions began. Yowzer! I made it through 2 1/2 hours of pretty hard contractions before I got my Epidural. Then I felt nothing. Wonderful drugs! When my doctor broke my water, she found Meconium in my amniotic fluid, meaning that Trent had pooped inside of me. If we'd waited until I'd gone into labor, Trent would have been a very sick little boy since he would have aspirated the meconium. Another sign!!! We had many visitors throughout the day, including Chris's parents, his brother and his family, and then his sister and her family. My sister was there also.

Around 5 pm, I started pushing. And I can say that I watch too much TV, because I honestly thought I would have 3 big pushes, and Trent would be in my arms. Yeah, not so much... Once I finally got the "pushing" down, we were good. I pushed till about 7:30, and Trent Rayner Mata made his entrance into our world at 7:32pm on June 24th. That morning, they'd buried my grandpa. So he really did leave this world so my sweet baby could come in.

You'd think We'd Learn By Now...

So, last Sunday, we ran out of the RTF Isomil we give to Trent. And being the broke parents that we are, figured we'd just try him on the powder Isomil we can a crap-ton of... And he was fine for a few days. And then he was fussy and running fever. Well, heck, we thought he was just teething or had a slight infection. That was Wednesday. We alternated Motrin and Tylenol, and the kid was good as new. Then Thursday (Thanksgiving), we had similar problems, only the fever was very low-grade. More Tylenol, and he was good. Then, that night, he lost his mind while we were visiting Chris's parents, he lost it again. Teething rings and Tylenol for him then. Friday was much of the same, with fussiness, unwillingness to eat, etc. Then Saturday, OhEmGee!!! It was bad, and to make matter worse, I was by myself all day since Chris had to work. It was so crappy at one point, I was strongly considering taking back what I'd said about wanting another baby! Oh yeah, totally forgot to mention the fact that all during this, he is spitting up like he's in a spit-up competition and the prize is college tuition to UT-Austin. He does have reflux, but give me a break...

Then, a lightbulb went off in my head: It's the freaking formula!!!! So, I packed up Trent and my niece, Kallie, who I was watching while her parents were on a date, and booked it straight to Walgreens and bought 2 big containers of the RTF stuff. SO glad I did that! Within the first hour, he was back to his normal, drooly, silly self. Thank the Lord!!!! Never again will we subject Trent (and ourselves) to that ridiculous-ness. We have learned our lesson!!!

In other news, Chris's mom wants to watch Trent one day a week. This means, I can work on Mondays now! Yea, more hours for Mommy and less for Daddy to have to work(hopefully). Also, Granny will get to see Trent more than just the one day a week we can get over to see her and Papa.

I will post about Thanksgiving another time. Got to finish laundry and sweep the floor.

Blessings!

Everything's Changin'

I was thinking this morning of all of the things that have changed in my life since Trent was born.

1. Shower time. I cannot believe how fast I can shower now. I can do it in 5 minutes! With the door open and the heater off. I leave Trent in the swing while I'm in the shower, and I can see him. But I leave the heater off so I can hear him, too. I LOVE Sunday mornings because that means Chris is home, and I can have a warm, closed-door shower with the heater on. And I can shave without the hair growing back almost immediately because of goosebumps.

2. Sleep. Obviously, this was a total nightmare in the beginning. You know, where you think you may never sleep again? Or never again in increments longer than 2 hours? Well, that was our life in the first 6 weeks Trent was here. Oh Em Gee! The poor kid had formula problems for 6 weeks. Bad news, because once the gas had left the building, it was usually time for another feeding. But, heck, you have to feed them. Thank the Lord for soy formula. It smells to high Heaven, but it sure does the trick.

3. Money. Back before he was here, We would spend whatever on whatever. It didn't matter the price. If we wanted it, we got it. Now, we have daycare, formula, diapers, rice cereal, clothes, etc to pay for. And the baby comes first. Can I tell you that I am a coupon queen now? If there is a coupon, this momma knows about it. I used to cut them and then by the time I got to the store, I had forgotten them. Nope, not anymore. I make a list and note if I have a coupon for the item. I saved over $15 last week at Target with coupons. I know it's a pain to the people behind me, but I don't care.

4. Time. Well, I knew he would "change my life." But oh my gosh, I didn't know it would be as drastic as it had been. Before he was here, I would just go on my merry way, living day to day. Didn't matter if I didn't get the laundry done over the weekend because I could just finish it the next weekend. It didn't matter whether we ran out of something, because I could just wait till the next time I went to the store to get it. And I could spend my evenings watching TV and reading magazines. Not anymore. I make sure I get the next day's formula made the night before, the dishwasher run, Trent's bag packed, and the coffee maker ready to go. Now I make sure to get the laundry done over the weekend so I can have ample time to spend with Trent on the weekday nights. I make sure we're home around bath time(or at least pack bath and bed items if we're not going to be home) so he can get to sleep on time. Planning is key.

I would not change a thing though. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again. I have memories of what life was like before Trent, but I cannot imagine my life without him. Thank the Lord, He saw fit to give us this angel. Words cannot express my love for this sweet, sweet baby.

Work, Work, Work!

So, I started back to work almost full-time last week. Somehow, in my feeble attempt to be a SAHM(stay at home mother), I thought we could make it with me working only 20 hours per week. Ummm, yeah, that lasted about 4 months before I got my head on straight after I got it yanked out of my rear. Anyhow, last week, I worked 33 hours! *GASP* I know! Craziness all around! No, really, I haven't worked that much since before Trent was born. I mean, heck, I worked 40 hours a week up until 2 weeks before the kid popped out. Just kidding, he didn't "pop" out. I actually worked really hard at delivering that 8 pound, 14 ounce kid. Youch! That is another very long story for another day.

I literally thought I would be able to go back to working just like I had. Not even! It's strange what pregnancy will do to your body. I have worked at Sonic for over 4 years now, and very rarely did my feet ever hurt. Now they hurt every single ding-dang day! It started when I was about 5 months pregnant, and it hasn't stopped yet. Weird. Even on the days I don't work. Anyway, I have really been feeling the effects of working this past week. It's really making me feel like I'm less than I used to be, as far as endurance and stamina go. I used to work 13-hour shifts and be tired. Now, I think I'm dying if I work a normal 8-hour shift. I'm sure some of it has to do with the fact that I'm away from Trent. I'm also constantly thinking of the things I need to do when I get home. Play with Trent. Feed Chris, Trent and myself. Bathe and put Trent to sleep. Get some one-on-one time with Chris(someday we'll have time for one another again, right?). It seems like the list is never- ending.

I now see why mothers are stressed out a lot. There is a ton that goes into making sure everything runs smoothly at home and work. The good news here is that I have my husband to lighten the load, God to lift my spirit and take my burdens, family that loves us and will do anything to help, friends to listen to my woes and my son to remind me why I do what I do!

Blessings,
Korree

Poor, Teething Baby Boy

This will be short, but I just had to say my baby is teething! So sad! Most of the time, he is fine, but nighttime is the worst time. Although, I will admit the homeopathic teething tablets from Walgreens are a God-send. Love them! Here's to hoping Trent has a better day today.

P.S. Someday I will figure out how to put pictures on this blog...

Have a beautiful day!

Korree

Cranky Baby=No Fun

So, Trent has been super cranky lately. Maybe he's teething, maybe it's because I ran out of the ready-to-feed formula, so I decided to use the powder(which we have SO much of!). Maybe that upset his tummy. Maybe he's gassy. Maybe not. Who knows? I do know, however, that he was not happy at all today with the babysitter. Normally he loves Brittany. But not today. Apparently, he cried almost the entire time she was here with him. She tried everything, and nothing was keeping him happy. He wouldn't eat, he wouldn't sleep. Well, I take that back. When he did fall asleep, it was never for more than 20 minutes. So that made for an even crankier baby. Needless to say, fun times abounded tonight at our house. Or not...

I finally gave him a bath around 6:30. Which of course he loved. And then we played. He loved that, too. Then it was time for him to eat. That wasn't fun. For either of us. He wouldn't eat it warm, he wouldn't eat it cold. Maybe he would've eaten it with mold? Sorry, Dr. Seuss moment. After none of that was working, I took him into his room and read to him. Snuggle Puppy and Goodnight Moon were on the agenda. He did great for both of those. Then, when I started reading Mr. Doodle Had a Poodle, he wigged. Normally, he's all about that book, but not tonight. So I rocked and rocked and sang and sang. And rocked some more. And then he fell asleep. By this time, it was 7:30, almost an hour and a half before him normal bedtime. And I was totally okay with it. He may be waking up sooner than he normally does, but for now, I have some peace and quiet.

Fun and Busy Weekend!

We had a wonderfully busy weekend! It was so very nice. We saw friends and family. Friday night, we went up to my parents' house. They live in Edmond, and that is about half an hour from our house, so when we go up there, we're there for awhile, at least 3 hours. We got up there around 6:30 and ate a yummy dinner that Mom had prepared. And then there was pumpkin cake for dessert. Yum! Trent was living it up, as everyone was paying attention to my little man. He was really hamming it up. Sweet little baby! He loves his Mimi and Granddaddy, and they adore him!

Saturday, Chris didn't have to open the drive-in, so we got to spend the morning together. It was so nice. We ate breakfast and played peek-a-boo. Chris had to work that afternoon, so Trent and Mommy played and ate lunch. Around 4, we went over to Granny and Papa's to say hi to everybody before Trick or Treat time came. Kyleigh was Princess Jasmine, Dawson was a gangster, Miriel was a kitty-kat, and Lily was her mouse. Too cute! Hopefully, Aunt Lindsay will post some pictures I can steal and post on here. Ha!

Later that evening, we went to John and Lisa's to hand out candy and eat a yummy dinner. We had chicken and steak fajitas and mojitos. Yummy! Owen and Trent had a great time checking each other out. I think Daddy got some pics, but we'll have to post those later. It was pretty darn cute.

Then on Sunday, we went to church and had lunch at a great place in Norman called Slim Chicken's. That was amazing! Then we helped move some furniture and other items into an apartment for homeless women. It was our first extra-curricular activity with church members at Cornerstone. We had a very nice time helping out and meeting new people. I really cannot wait to become more involved there. I miss being a part of a church community. It really lifts the spirit and renews the soul to see the same people every week, and to know that they believe what you do. Praise the Lord, we found a place we both love!

Blessings,

Korree

Note I Posted On Facebook Before Trent Was Born

I posted this in a note on Facebook before Trent was born. Just thought I'd share it with you.

As Chris and I lay in bed talking last night, it occurred to me just what a miracle this baby really is. When we first began talking about starting a family, adoption was what we were going to do. My medication and the effects it would have on both the baby and me were pretty staggering, it seemed. We were actually all set, and had moved as far as making an appointment with DHS to start filling out paperwork, and then something made me question it. That "something", I believe, was God.

As the women in my life started having their children, it made me think, maybe I can, too! If my sister-in-law, who had had a still-birth at one point could have another, why couldn't I? If my two great friends had gone through IVF and conceived, why couldn't I? And if my sister and mother, and the rest of our family had, why couldn't I? I thought about it for a few months, even going so far as to tell Chris that I may want to try to have one of our own. We both had decided that maybe it was the fact that my other sister-in-law had just had a baby, that made me want one so badly at the time. Then one of my sorority sisters had just given birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl at the end of May. Bekah, it turns out, also has epilepsy, and was on a far stronger dose of the same medication that I was on. I thought, OK, Lord, is this it? I prayed quietly about it for some time, and kept it to myself, only because I knew that Chris was so set on adopting, and I didn't want to take that away from him.

Well, finally, I got the "guts" in June to tell Chris that what I really wanted more than anything in the world was to try to have our own child. He was a little confused, as we had just been talking about adoption the previous week, but I felt I could held it in no longer. I told him how I had been feeling, and that I believed God had more in store for us, including being biological parents. He was a total trooper and said if that's what I really wanted, that he was all for it. Thank Goodness! I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders as we held one another and cried. He, I think was crying at the prospect of maybe not getting his girl, and I was crying, thanking God that I had such a wonderful, supportive husband.

We first decided that we needed to talk with both my OB and my neurologist to get their opinions before we started trying to get pregnant. Would the risks outweigh the benefits? Would we be able to handle a possibly disabled child? Would we be able to financially shoulder all of the expenses that went along with prenatal care and raising a child? Well, we definitley have been blessed with the resources and the wonderful families to support us emotionally, that is for sure.

After speaking with both my doctors in August, we decided it was time. And thankfully, it only took 2 months. And you know what? The timing could not have been more perfect: school will be out, which means more help during the summer months at the Sonic. Business is better then, so money will not be as much of a worry. Our family members will have vacation time that they are willing to use to help us after he is here. I mean, it just really all worked out! And I know it's all because of God, and His faithfulness to us. Where we falter, He picks up the slack. What an amazing Father is He! Since we have no OB coverage, we are having to pay cash for all of my prenatal care, and even through the slim months of winter, God has somehow allowed us to be able to find the money and make our payments.

This pregnancy has been been completely textbook, even down to the annoying stretching my belly-button is doing at the moment. We've had absolutely no complications whatsoever, and we are blessed for it. Every birth defect the medication could have caused for now, we can't see that it's had any effect on Trent. His neural tube closed, which was the main thing we were worried about. His lip is not cleft, which was another. And next month, we will go for our ultrasound to look at organ development. We have complete faith that everything will be just as God meant for it to be.

I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember, growing up in church, participating Youth Group and Youth Choir, being blessed with Christian friends, whose parents are all still happily married, meeting and marrying a man with a love for Jesus. It's just now that I am really noticing how much that all means to me. And the wonderful thing about our Lord is, He will wait until you're ready. He might nudge you along in certain places, and give you challenges to make sure you're paying attention, but when you put your faith and trust in Him, everything just falls into place.

Thank you to all for your prayers. They mean so much to us and can be felt no matter the distance. Thank you, also, to our beautiful families. You mean so much to us, and your support has been unwavering, your love unfaltering. Friends, thank your for your words of encouragement and times of just listening to me. I cannot wait until little Trent meets all of you, and knows the love we do.

A Little of Everything

So, this morning I went see my OB for a follow-up to my possible postpartum depression appointment last month. At first, I didn't want to go to that initial appointment. I felt like I was admitting defeat. Chris pushed me to go, and so I did. I decided that I owed it to myself to be the best I can be. Of everything. And if that meant talking to someone, then so be it. You see, I've always been the "happy girl." The one people came to and could depend on. And that worked for me. For a long time. And then it didn't anymore. It is really hard work always being happy and not wanting people to worry about you. I think that's why it's hard for me to verbalize what I'm feeling. Good feelings? Easy squeezy! You will know I am happy before I do! :) Bad feelings? Yeah, those stay locked inside, only to come out at inappropriate times, mostly to Chris. And unfortunately, Chris was on the receiving end of a lot of crappy feelings. He basically said he couldn't take it anymore, and he wouldn't be my whipping post. That kind of opened my eyes. Poor husband.

After determining that I was possibly depressed because of my inability to get my feelings out, my epilepsy medication has a possibility of mild depression for a side effect, and the fact that my hormones were all over the place since I just had a baby, my doctor gave me some samples of an estrogen patch. Basically, it's a twice a week patch that delivers estrogen. I was sooo excited to start it. And why wouldn't I be? I was doing something great for me, my baby and husband. I made a follow-up appointment for today since it took about 3 to 4 weeks to really see any results from the patch. At first, I felt great, with little side effects. Of course I felt great: I had a great attitude about it, and I really wanted the patch to work. So for 3 weeks, I felt awesome. Then I got my period. Oh. My. Sweet. Jesus. Talk about hormone imbalance! Seriously, if this didn't work because Aunt Flow came to visit, I didn't even want to try it for another day.

So today I went, and she gave me some samples of Lexapro, an antidepressant. I requested it. I am only taking half the recommended dosage, which Dr. E said I could do to start with. Hopefully I can stick with that dose, as I am SO tired of taking medication. That will make 4 pills per day that I take. Two of them being my anti-convulsant, a multi-vitamin, and then the Lexapro. Please, Lord, let this work.

Ode to My Pregnancy Hair and Skin

Dear hair,

I realize that the pregnancy hormones have left my body, but do you really need to come out in multi-increment strands throughout the day? I mean, really, you were some beautiful while I was "with child." And even for the first few months after. Now I feel as though I may go bald if you continue to fall out so steadily...

Now for you, skin: What is the deal with all of the breakouts? Pretty sure I'm not a teenager anymore, and haven't been for awhile now. Please, please, please stop breaking out! I look gross and feel like it, too...

Love,

Korree

No really, it is getting old. I may start taking prenatal vitamins again just to keep up the hair and skin... Wonder if the brand I used during PG is still around? Hmm.

Blessings

A Few Things About Diaper Changes

So, in my vast knowledge of diapers changes, I have come to some pretty astute conclusions, if I do say so myself. First, I never thought I would smell someone else's rear end. But oh yes, now I am a total believer in doing so. How else are you supposed to tell if there's actually poo in there, or if your kid just has gas? That is my job(one of the many) around here. Apparently, Chris will never put his nose near his own kid's butt.

Anyway, that brings me to another point. DO NOT, under any circumstances, put your finger under the band of your kid's diaper to lift up to see if there is poo. I speak from personal experience. As a matter of fact, I violated my own rule just yesterday afternoon when it comes to this. Trent had just awoke from his nap, and he was a stinky boy. So, to see if there was indeed poo in there, I lifted the band and ended up with crap under my fingernail. Neato... And totally disgusting. But here's the thing: You cannot leave your child unattended on the changing table. What if he should decide that is the time he wants to roll over? For the record, he still hasn't rolled over yet, but who's to say he would try at that time? Anyway, so I had poo under my nail, and I couldn't to anything but get as much of it out as I could with a wipe. Of course the sound of my voice during all of this was cracking him up. "Eww, stinky!" "Eww, mommy has poopy under her nail!" Apparently poop is funny to him, too. Fun stuff.

Today, Chris changed one of the stinky diapers. Yea for Daddy!

One more thing: If you have a boy-child, please make sure you put a wash-cloth over the pee-pee, or you'll end up with a wet changing pad cover, and if he's really an over-achiever, a wet wall, too.

Blessings,

Korree

Baby Products and Gear We Love

So, I was thinking this morning about all of the baby items we received and just thought I would say which stuff we loved and why.

1. Pack and Play: Right now, Trent still sleeps in our room in the pack and play. For one, it's so nice to have him in there with us. I know he's fine. I can look over at him any old time I want to, too! Also, rather than let him get super awake in the middle of the night, I can just get up when I hear him stir and make his bottle. This makes for a faster feed and faster falling back asleep.

2. Boppy: We LOVE the Boppy! When we first brought Trent home, he was pretty jaundiced and had to be in the "tanning bed in a suitcase" during the day, and then be wrapped in the biliblanket when he was being bed or swaddled. We also kept him wrapped in the biliblanket, swaddled in his blankie, and then he laid in/on the boppy in bed with us. This made for a much nicer experience with all of the lights. We also use it for feeding him and tummy time.

3. Bumbo Seat: This little seat has really helped Trent with being able to hold his head up well. He's just now 4 months, but has been holding his head up for a good 3 weeks. We feel it's because of the Bumbo that he's able to do that. Also, right now, he's really into sitting up, even going so far as to do "crunches" when he's eating.

4. Dr. Brown's Bottles: These bottles have a unique venting system that prevents air from getting into the nipple. They are WONDERFUL! They are kind of a pain to wash, but I just rinse them out and then put them in the dishwasher basket to sanitize them.

That's all I have time to write for now. I will come up with some more later on. What are some of your favorite baby items?

Blessings everyone,

Korree

What's this all about, anyway?

So, since I blog-stalk on a ton of other blogs, I thought to myself, "Self, why don't you just start a blog. I mean, you're an interesting girl with an interesting life. Maybe people will want to read about you, too?" So, here goes nothing...

I am a thirty-something wifey with a beautiful new son and sweet, cute hubby. We have a nice little house in a nice little city (Moore, OK), where not too much happens, but it's just enough for our taste.

Earlier this week I had made plans with my girlfriends (Sarah, Kim and Julie)to go out to dinner with no kids and no husbands. This was all working out very nicely, when one of the girls' daughters got sick. Okay, one down 3 more to go. Three out of four ain't bad! So then another one said she may have to bring her son. Then I thought, well heck, I'll just bring my kid and then we'll have a mommy-kid date. What the heck? NO!!!! What was I thinking? I needed time, with no kids to think about and no times to be home. Plus, Chris really needs to learn how to put Trent down without my help. I normally do these things, but it's been brought to my attention (um, by myself), that T, as well as C, is really getting used to this, therefore making it impossible for me to EVER enjoy an evening out.

Anyway, so then I thought we'd just shoot for another night. I sent out a collective email(the easiest way to connect with these women) detailing my woes. Then my friend Lisa, who had a baby, Owen 5 weeks after T, decided she needed some non-husband, non-kid time, and was I game? Why yes, I'd just had a cancellation! Momma's night out will commence once again! Except for this morning when I threw up unexpectedly... Almost on the baby, as I was feeding him at the time. The good news is, I did make it to the bathroom. The bad news is, I wasn't going anywhere that night! I felt crappy for about 2 hours after that. During those two hours, I called Lisa to tell her the great news, who, as it turns out, was feeling less than stellar herself. Alright, no harm no foul. We will also shoot for another night.

I ended up going to work since I felt better. Not sure what the deal was, although it could've been the massive amount of sinus drainage that's been plaguing me lately that gave me an upset tummy. Hopefully, I'll feel well enough to go An Affair of the Heart at the fairgrounds with my sister-in-law and the kids tomorrow morning. LOVE that show!

So, tonight, here I sit. We had yummy Burger King for dinner after I fed T his rice cereal, which he freaking loves! He looks so darn cute in his new highchair. Okay, when I say "new", I mean "new to us." We are both big believers in Ebay and craigslist. Most everything we've gotten for the baby has been from either place or consignment stores. Really, what is the point in spending big bucks on stuff they won't use for a long time. As long as there are no recalls, we are good to go.

Chris just got Trent out of the tub, so my duties as mommy will resume.

Blessings,

Korree