I don't have any pictures uploaded to this computer yet....and I really don't have the energy to make a long post today. I just wanted to let everyone know that we made it to the wedding and back safely. It was a wonderful (but VERY busy) week. My feet and back hurt and I'm really tired....but I'm SOOOO thankful that we were able to go! It was lots of fun. I'll be sure and tell you all about it (along with pictures) in the days to follow.
On a sadder note....we arrived home to find that one of our cats had been hit by a car (he was in the middle of the road by our driveway). People always talk about how farm cats aren't pets and I guess it's because of how many you go through! This is the 3rd one we've lost! Now we'll have to get another 1 or 2 so that Tex isn't all by himself :( Maybe I should stop naming them so I don't get so attached!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Lesson for the day
This post is for Caleb. Seeing as he hasn't lived with a pregnant woman before...he asked a very common question. "What are Braxton Hicks contractions?" Like many he thought contractions only happen when you're in labor. I figured I'd help him learn a little before he actually has to deal with them (via Audria). So....here's a pretty detailed explanation of BH ctx.
It all started in 1872 when an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, described the contractions that occur before real labor. Can you imagine constantly thinking,"This must be it," and then it wasn't. Doctors and pregnant women have Dr. Hicks to thank for clearing up all the confusion. The following information will help you determine when you are having “the real thing” or Braxton Hicks contractions.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, however they are most common in the third trimester. The muscles of your uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds or as long as 2 minutes. Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing and you can practice the breathing exercises you are learning in your childbirth classes.
Braxton Hicks are described as:
Irregular in intensity
Infrequent
Unpredictable
Non-rhythmic
More uncomfortable than painful
They do not increase in intensity, or frequency
They taper off and then disappear altogether
If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
There are a few speculations for why women have these contractions. Some physicians and midwives think they may play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not believed to have any connection with dilating the cervix, but may have some effect on the softening of the cervix. However, as Braxton Hicks contractions become more intense closer to the time of delivery, the contractions are considered false labor, which can help in the dilation and effacement process.
What triggers Braxton Hicks contractions?
The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:
When you or the baby are very active
If someone touches your belly
When your bladder is full
After sex
Dehydration
What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?
Change positions; lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying
Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less
Drink a couple of glasses of water, because contractions may be brought on by dehydration
Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk
If doing any of these does not alleviate your contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider.
It all started in 1872 when an English doctor, John Braxton Hicks, described the contractions that occur before real labor. Can you imagine constantly thinking,"This must be it," and then it wasn't. Doctors and pregnant women have Dr. Hicks to thank for clearing up all the confusion. The following information will help you determine when you are having “the real thing” or Braxton Hicks contractions.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions can begin as early as the second trimester, however they are most common in the third trimester. The muscles of your uterus tighten for approximately 30 to 60 seconds or as long as 2 minutes. Braxton Hicks are also called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing and you can practice the breathing exercises you are learning in your childbirth classes.
Braxton Hicks are described as:
Irregular in intensity
Infrequent
Unpredictable
Non-rhythmic
More uncomfortable than painful
They do not increase in intensity, or frequency
They taper off and then disappear altogether
If your contractions are easing up in any way, they are most likely Braxton Hicks.
What causes Braxton Hicks contractions?
There are a few speculations for why women have these contractions. Some physicians and midwives think they may play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. They are not believed to have any connection with dilating the cervix, but may have some effect on the softening of the cervix. However, as Braxton Hicks contractions become more intense closer to the time of delivery, the contractions are considered false labor, which can help in the dilation and effacement process.
What triggers Braxton Hicks contractions?
The following are triggers of Braxton Hicks:
When you or the baby are very active
If someone touches your belly
When your bladder is full
After sex
Dehydration
What can I do to alleviate Braxton Hicks contractions?
Change positions; lie down if you have been standing or go for a walk if you have been sitting or laying
Take a warm bath for 30 minutes or less
Drink a couple of glasses of water, because contractions may be brought on by dehydration
Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or milk
If doing any of these does not alleviate your contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Monday, July 24, 2006
In all things....
I was reading a post the other day on Patrick's blog in which he reminded us that we can praise God in everything. His example was that instead of complaining about the temperatures being over 100 degrees outside that we can give up our concerns about being sweatless and praise God for a beautiful day. It was a good reminder that rather than complain we can always search to find something in a trial to praise God about.
Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep I've ever had. I'm in the process of fighting off a cold (stuffiness and sore throat) and found myself waking up coughing and with a very dry throat. The coughing would bring on more Braxton Hicks contractions and then every time I turned over I felt the pressure of the baby on my already squished bladder. On top of that I began hearing a rustling in the trash can by my bed. Come to find out it was a grasshopper trying to get out of the trash can...but it took me quite a while to figure that out and of course it kept me awake thinking that it was gonna jump out of there and attack me (I'm not alone in that fear...see Megan's blog on lizards.)
I finally remembered that I had a choice. I could lay in bed and complain to myself that I couldn't sleep...continually watching the minutes tick by on the clock OR I could choose to praise God. So I spent much of my night in prayer (of course some of that prayer was me pleading with God not to let the BH contractions become real ones...and to keep the baby inside me until AFTER the wedding!). I have a choice this morning too. I can choose to complain all day about my lack of sleep....or I can choose to praise God for the life growing inside me (one of the causes of my sleepless night). I can praise God that I have a wonderful husband and family and a great job.
I can also praise God that I have a comfortable couch and pillow that will be calling my name as soon as I walk in the door after work :)
Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep I've ever had. I'm in the process of fighting off a cold (stuffiness and sore throat) and found myself waking up coughing and with a very dry throat. The coughing would bring on more Braxton Hicks contractions and then every time I turned over I felt the pressure of the baby on my already squished bladder. On top of that I began hearing a rustling in the trash can by my bed. Come to find out it was a grasshopper trying to get out of the trash can...but it took me quite a while to figure that out and of course it kept me awake thinking that it was gonna jump out of there and attack me (I'm not alone in that fear...see Megan's blog on lizards.)
I finally remembered that I had a choice. I could lay in bed and complain to myself that I couldn't sleep...continually watching the minutes tick by on the clock OR I could choose to praise God. So I spent much of my night in prayer (of course some of that prayer was me pleading with God not to let the BH contractions become real ones...and to keep the baby inside me until AFTER the wedding!). I have a choice this morning too. I can choose to complain all day about my lack of sleep....or I can choose to praise God for the life growing inside me (one of the causes of my sleepless night). I can praise God that I have a wonderful husband and family and a great job.
I can also praise God that I have a comfortable couch and pillow that will be calling my name as soon as I walk in the door after work :)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Birthday Week
I can't believe how many birthday's there were in our family in the past 10 days. Mike's mom's birthday is the 9th, Caleb's birthday is the 13th, Mike's Grandma Knowlton's birthday is the 14th, Grandma's birthday is the 16th and Grandmommy's birthday is the 19th! Wow! I didn't realize October was such a busy baby-making month! ;)
There are now only 10 more days until Tyler and Ann's wedding! I know they are both so excited! Mike and I are excited for the wedding and all the festivities associated it! Not much longer now. It's still hard to believe that my baby brother is going to be a husband! I know he'll be a wonderful husband...and he's found a wonderful wife in Ann! Don't worry...I'm sure I'll have TONS of pictures to show you of the wedding/festivities :)
I'm to that point in pregnancy where you're sooooo tired! For that reason, that's all I can think of to post about right now. Sorry!
There are now only 10 more days until Tyler and Ann's wedding! I know they are both so excited! Mike and I are excited for the wedding and all the festivities associated it! Not much longer now. It's still hard to believe that my baby brother is going to be a husband! I know he'll be a wonderful husband...and he's found a wonderful wife in Ann! Don't worry...I'm sure I'll have TONS of pictures to show you of the wedding/festivities :)
I'm to that point in pregnancy where you're sooooo tired! For that reason, that's all I can think of to post about right now. Sorry!
Monday, July 17, 2006
SEBC Shower
Rene was put in charge of hosting a shower for me at church. She enlisted the help of Angi and together they did a wonderful job! There were over 30 people who attended and we feel so blessed with all the wonderful gifts that we received. Rene had a really neat book for people to sign in and write down some parenting advice for us! She also read a wonderful story about motherhood that makes me cry just thinking about it!
I can't belive how close it's actually getting! Saturday Mike and I used our Target gift cards to purchase a pack-n-play. It is now set up in our bedroom. Trevor thinks the stuffed animals on the mobile are his toys that we have intentionally put out of his reach. For a long time he was just laying by the pack-n-play staring at the mobile and whining! I think he's finally over it, however, everytime we get a new toy from someone he thinks it's for him.
The log crib is still being built by the guy in Montana. I told him that we only had another month before the baby's born and he said, "Don't go early!" LOL! At least we don't have to have the crib right away. I'm still very excited to get it and set it up in the baby's room. Hopefully not much longer :)
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Head Butt
I'm sure all of ya'll have seen the replays of the French soccer player, Zidane, head butting the Italian soccer player, Materazzi, in the World Cup Finals.
Can anyone explain to me how our baby saw it? We didn't watch the World Cup. I know that he saw this story in the news....I'm just not sure how he saw it through my tummy! Why do I think he saw the story? Because last night he was doing some serious head butting to my cervix! Can you say "OUCH"!?!?
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
No Pool Needed
Sitting at my desk and looking out the window it looks like a beautiful summer day outside! In fact, I don't even imagine it being hot (since it's a cool 74 degrees in here). It looks more like a spring day. I can imagine it being 74 degrees with a slight cool breeze.
Until...I look up and see that the trees are PERFECTLY still (very unusual in Kansas). Then I watch people as they walk INTO the gym. They are already drenched! So I go step outside to get a better perspective on the weather of the day (remember I haven't been outside since I came in at 4:30 this morning). I suddenly realize why there is not a need for swimming pools today. The air is so full of moisture you feel like you should have a bathing suit on just to venture out the door!
I came back inside and looked at the weather online. We are currently at 88% humidity on a bright, sunny, July day. I don't think I'll venture out to the pool this afternoon. When I get home I think I'll RUN (I know...I just made you laugh with that visual image!) from the car to the house and lock the door behind me!
Until...I look up and see that the trees are PERFECTLY still (very unusual in Kansas). Then I watch people as they walk INTO the gym. They are already drenched! So I go step outside to get a better perspective on the weather of the day (remember I haven't been outside since I came in at 4:30 this morning). I suddenly realize why there is not a need for swimming pools today. The air is so full of moisture you feel like you should have a bathing suit on just to venture out the door!
I came back inside and looked at the weather online. We are currently at 88% humidity on a bright, sunny, July day. I don't think I'll venture out to the pool this afternoon. When I get home I think I'll RUN (I know...I just made you laugh with that visual image!) from the car to the house and lock the door behind me!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Beached Whale
This is a picture of a beached whale. I think we may be related. Have you ever watched rescue workers try to get a beached whale back to sea? They can't even roll the thing over! They have to use lots of equipment, tug boats, etc to even move it!Well...every night I feel like a beached whale. I'll wake up and need to turn over and feel like I need a crew of people to help me accomplish my goal! I'm sure Mike feels like he's in the ocean with how much my movements rock the bed. I flail myself onto my back and then somehow pull myself over to my other side while at the same time trying to keep the pillow between my knees. Then I have to resituate my pillows and covers. By the time I get turned over...I'm wide awake.
All this to say that the next time I see a news story about a beached whale...I will have empathy for the whale and sympathy for the rescue workers!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Fun in the Sun
Tina (one of the LRC aerobics instructors) is married to a doctor who is associated with the Hutchinson Clinic. They received a bunch of tickets for the US Senior Open thru the Hutch clinic and gave Mike and I tickets for Saturday and Sunday! They also gave us passes to go to the Hutch Clinic hospitality tent and skybox. Let me tell you that the hospitality tent was a lifesaver! Not only did we get free food/drinks...it was air conditioned! They also had nice bathrooms for people with passes to use (rather than the port-a-pots everyone else used)!
You can take a virtual tour of the course at Prairie Dunes at http://www.prairiedunes.com/course_tour.shtml I took the tour and you can tell how beautiful the course is, however, you'll need to imagine over 100,000 people milling around and add in some tents and grandstands to the pictues of the holes :)
We had sooooo much fun at the Open! It was neat to see all the golfers up close along with watching how they play in person. I have to say that golf is THE quietest sporting event I have ever attended! When the golfer was getting ready to putt...you could hear a pin drop! All you could hear was the sound of the birds, the leaves rustling in the trees...and the occasional motor from the MetLife blimp.
Mike is going to play in a tournament at Prairie Dunes on July 31st. He is VERY excited! He said he'll take the camera and take lots of pictures (since they didn't allow cameras at the Open on Sat/Sun). I'll be sure to share them.
I know some of you will...so yes...it was an experience going to the Open 34 wks pregnant! I had lots of unique looks and comments from people. Some of the course was hilly and I remember commenting to Mike that it would be impossible for me to climb a 14er right now. I was getting out of breath just walking up the short hills! Even though it was tiring...I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
You can take a virtual tour of the course at Prairie Dunes at http://www.prairiedunes.com/course_tour.shtml I took the tour and you can tell how beautiful the course is, however, you'll need to imagine over 100,000 people milling around and add in some tents and grandstands to the pictues of the holes :)
We had sooooo much fun at the Open! It was neat to see all the golfers up close along with watching how they play in person. I have to say that golf is THE quietest sporting event I have ever attended! When the golfer was getting ready to putt...you could hear a pin drop! All you could hear was the sound of the birds, the leaves rustling in the trees...and the occasional motor from the MetLife blimp.
Mike is going to play in a tournament at Prairie Dunes on July 31st. He is VERY excited! He said he'll take the camera and take lots of pictures (since they didn't allow cameras at the Open on Sat/Sun). I'll be sure to share them.
I know some of you will...so yes...it was an experience going to the Open 34 wks pregnant! I had lots of unique looks and comments from people. Some of the course was hilly and I remember commenting to Mike that it would be impossible for me to climb a 14er right now. I was getting out of breath just walking up the short hills! Even though it was tiring...I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Back to Work
Dad & Mom left yesterday around 10:30 am. I was sad to see them go. Mike and I really enjoyed having them here for a week! We accomplished a lot...and had a lot of fun doing it! Dad brought Andy Griffith Season II with him and we had a lot of laughs watching the old shows. Dad and Mike stayed up late every night watching Andy Griffith :)
After they left yesterday, I did some laundry and took a much needed nap. Today it's back to work. It's nice only have 2 days left in this work week!
This weekend Mike and I are going to the US Senior Open (golf) in Hutchinson! Tina (one of the LRC aerobics instructors) gave us their extra tickets! I'm sad about one thing about the tourney...they don't allow cameras! Oh well...gotta follow the rules.
I better get back to the pile of work on my desk. I'll post more pics of this past week later.
After they left yesterday, I did some laundry and took a much needed nap. Today it's back to work. It's nice only have 2 days left in this work week!
This weekend Mike and I are going to the US Senior Open (golf) in Hutchinson! Tina (one of the LRC aerobics instructors) gave us their extra tickets! I'm sad about one thing about the tourney...they don't allow cameras! Oh well...gotta follow the rules.
I better get back to the pile of work on my desk. I'll post more pics of this past week later.
Monday, July 03, 2006
MIA
I'm starting to have people ask why I've been MIA for so long! We've been super busy! Dad & Mom came up for a visit (arrived last Wednesday). We've been busy working on the house! It has really helped having them here to give Mike a hand. I just seem to poop out really quickly lately.
Today Mike and I had to go back to work...but Dad & Mom stayed busy at our house! It was fun to come home to completed projects (that we didn't have to do!). Work was VERY busy today getting ready for the annual Freedom Run (a race the rec. puts on each year on July 4th). It was Mike's first day at the new job and he was busy moving into his new office and setting up the new office furniture!
Julie, Lauren, Katelyn, & Collin came by for a visit this afternoon. Julie & Matt are visiting some friends and family that live in Wichita...so while Matt was playing golf, Julie came up to see us! It was sooo fun getting to see the girls and especially the new baby, Collin! (This is a picture of me, Collin, & Julie in the baby's room.)
Dad & Mom will be heading back to TX on Wednesday :( We should have fun tomorrow (July 4th). Mike, Dad, & Mom are all going to help me with the race and then we'll enjoy some time at Sterling Lake. Every year Sterling puts on an "Old Fashioned 4th of July". It's lots of fun. Then we'll get to see the big fireworks show tomorrow night.
While Dad was here....I wanted him to take a few pictures of me and Mike. This is one of my favorites. We're standing out in front of our house after church.
Today Mike and I had to go back to work...but Dad & Mom stayed busy at our house! It was fun to come home to completed projects (that we didn't have to do!). Work was VERY busy today getting ready for the annual Freedom Run (a race the rec. puts on each year on July 4th). It was Mike's first day at the new job and he was busy moving into his new office and setting up the new office furniture!
Julie, Lauren, Katelyn, & Collin came by for a visit this afternoon. Julie & Matt are visiting some friends and family that live in Wichita...so while Matt was playing golf, Julie came up to see us! It was sooo fun getting to see the girls and especially the new baby, Collin! (This is a picture of me, Collin, & Julie in the baby's room.)
Dad & Mom will be heading back to TX on Wednesday :( We should have fun tomorrow (July 4th). Mike, Dad, & Mom are all going to help me with the race and then we'll enjoy some time at Sterling Lake. Every year Sterling puts on an "Old Fashioned 4th of July". It's lots of fun. Then we'll get to see the big fireworks show tomorrow night.
While Dad was here....I wanted him to take a few pictures of me and Mike. This is one of my favorites. We're standing out in front of our house after church.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)