Close Call...

"Record setting rainfall has hit Harrisburg area in past 24 hours, forecasters say"

This post has nothing to do with my baby. He or she is still safely inside of me, and I don't expect to be at the hospital today (although I really do feel like labor could start any second...but, I've had these feelings five times before and it hasn't happened!). 

Rather, this post is about historical rainfall in Harrisburg, PA. I can't even believe that just this past Monday was when I posted pictures of the kids with their umbrellas and saying that we really needed rain! Crazy to think that we just got over 9 inches on Thursday and Friday!

A year ago, this wouldn't have bothered me. Because, at the time, we were living in our old house which did not have a basement. So, while it was a bummer when our backyard flooded and the kids couldn't play outside for a week (and this happened pretty much every time it rained!), we didn't have to worry about potentially ruining a very valuable part of our house!

We actually know the people who lived in this house before us. I blogged about that last November...how divine Providence put us together so we could both end up in the right houses for our families! They are a wonderful family. Currently, my daughter Cecilia is in class with their youngest. And, the mother has offered her support and help with carpooling and play dates when this new baby arrives! I will definitely take her up on it!

Anyway, the basement in this house flooded two years ago during another "historical rain fall"...kind of weird that history happened two years apart, no!? The repairs were made properly...a bigger, better sump pump and a gorgeous new wall-to-wall carpet! The whole beautifully finished basement is the playroom for our children...and, they literally live down there. I (we) would be so lost without this blessing!

So, when we heard yesterday morning that our next door neighbors got water in their basement, I started to panic! There are obviously much worse things that can happen and it was completely out of our hands, but I was praying that our basement would be saved. There's no way we could afford to replace the nice carpet...not to mention all the stuff that is on the floor that could be lost (my husband was at work and my pregnant body wasn't about to start rearranging the storage room, toy bins, etc...that probably would've ended me in the hospital!).

Long story short (usually too late!), our basement was spared (this time...that's not to say that a storm in the near future couldn't do harm because the water table is so high now!). Our trusty sump pump is still running constantly (even though it's a beautiful sunny fall day out there now!). 

I am very grateful to have been spared the hard work, drama, and cost of repairing our basement (many of my friends were not so lucky...sigh!). Ironically, Gianna's library book this week was about Noah...so I could confidently tell my kids that the rain would stop...eventually...because of God's promise! This was reassuring...to all of us!

Enjoy your weekend! I am really hoping this baby stays put until my parents arrive on Friday (and then I will have childcare and I will be at peace to go into labor!). But, when it rains, it pours! So, God's will be done :).

 

 

Jitters...

No baby news yet! My levels are all rising slowly...and being watched very carefully.  I really am grateful that everything is happening very slowly so that the baby and I stay safe. Of course, being patient is hard...especially when I know my blood pressure must have been way off today because I felt SO jittery all day. It was like I had 10 cups of coffee. I normally have at least 2 a day (yes, even when pregnant!), but I didn't dare have any in fear that the caffeine would push me over the edge :).

I am concentrating on all my blessings as I know gratitude to be the answer to so many worrisome emotions! After we finished Joseph's homework tonight, he asked me for a blank piece of paper. He wanted to write a note to his teacher (above) telling her that he loves her. How sweet is that!? I'm sure it will make her day! I couldn't help but think ahead...perhaps some day (hopefully not too soon!), he'll be saying it to another special woman in his life. And, he'll probably have a lot more jitters than he did tonight (sorry, sticking with the jittery theme!).

This afternoon I decided to do some remodeling in my bedroom. I have a friend with a great blog, and she often shows how she is decorating her home and making the case for your home being a cozy, inviting space...especially for yourself and your family. I would absolutely love to go out and buy some nice artwork/matching accessories for my bedroom...but, on a tight budget, that just isn't happening!!

So, I decided to decorate with all of the artwork that is made for me daily (see a small sample above). At least 10 times a day, a child comes up to me and says, "Mommy, close your eyes!" Then I am presented with a masterpiece upon opening them. Even Justin (age 3) is creating special scribbles (and I have explained to the other kids that I make a big deal out of scribbles because I did the same for them when they were 3 and just learning to color!).

My husband is on board with putting up the kid's artwork (plus, he reasons that it is better upstairs in our room than all over the house!). What a special place our bedroom is becoming...the kids won't be young long so I'm trying to appreciate all the little things that make life with small children so worthwhile!

Have a good night, friends! I'm hoping for a peaceful end to this jittery day (although Lucy was up with a fever for a good portion of last night, so not quite sure what's in store for tonight!).

Making the most of it...

 

It's pouring today in Harrisburg, PA. We REALLY need the rain. It's been beautiful (although much too humid the past few days...we actually had the sprinkler on for the kids yesterday!) for weeks on end. 

Still, I was bummed as I tried to go about my morning routine. I stopped at Target to buy some birthday presents, and when I was trying to get my golf umbrella opened, I got completely drenched from head-to-toe. I quickly decided to leave the kids in the car...why have three miserable, soaked people in Target!? So, we headed home.

The weather was actually matching my mood. After feeling pretty awful all weekend (despite going to an awesome retreat and enjoying a nice Sunday with my family), I was sure that my OB appointment this morning would bring me closer to having this baby! 

Rather, I was told that everything is pretty much the same. Blood pressure is high, but holding steady. My labs show no progression (although I haven't heard about the blood work that I had done this morning yet). And, my cervix is exactly the same as two weeks ago. So, "collect your urine again for the next 24 hours and....hang in there!" ER!

Of course, I know that everything is GOOD!!! The non-stress test showed a happy baby; and of course, I am grateful that there is nothing seriously wrong!!! I am just extremely uncomfortable, anxious to know how this is all going to play out (not good at SO many things out of my control), and ready to start the next phase of my life! Patience has never been a strong attribute (although many people tell me that not finding out the gender requires way more patience that they have...so maybe I'm alright!?!).

As usual (for better or worse!), the kids helped change my mood! All the way home from preschool, Cecilia was so excited to go home and use her princess umbrella (like I said, it hasn't rained in a long time!). And, I just happened to have two more for Justin and Lucy.

While Lucy never quite got the hang of the umbrella (see above!), the other two were absolutely delighted. I sat on the porch for a 1/2 hour as they marched up and down the driveway in the rain. And, they were SO happy! It was contagious.
 
I started feeling more positive about my situation and saying prayers of gratitude instead of "woe is me!"

My mood will change again ...but, hopefully the kids will do something else to remind me of my blessings.

Have a great day, friends! Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. :)

Breathing...

 

I saw something so cool on my ultrasound this morning. I could see the baby breathing! Thank God, I have seen many heartbeats and movements over the years, but I've never had an ultrasound this late before (just about 37 weeks), so I've never seen the diaphragm go up and down! Miraculous. I'm so happy that my baby's lungs are developed and God willing, he/she will take his/her first breath of air soon!

I'm still hanging in there! My labs are holding steady, so it's kind of a wait-and-see what happens game! I go back for another non-stress test and more blood work on Monday.

I did have protein in my urine (but not enough to induce immediately), and my blood pressure is still high and I'm very sensitive to it...not a good feeling. I try to come up with words to explain it, but the feeling that "something is just not right," is probably the best descriptor. At times it feels like I've had 6 cups of coffee, other times like I'm very hungover, others like I'm in a "fog", and sometimes quite lightheaded or like I need to hold onto something for balance. Hopefully it'll all pass when baby comes. Luckily, there are moments when I feel completely fine too (and I've been told that some people don't even realize when their blood pressure is up...hard for me to believe!).

I've learned a ton about pre-eclampsia. It's quite fascinating, actually. For centuries women and babies died of this mysterious illness, so I feel very blessed to be watched so attentively!

Tomorrow I am getting my birthday present...yes, my birthday is in August! Johnette Benkovic of EWTN's Women of Grace is coming to my parish to give a day retreat for women. I am going with two good friends (and we're even going to go out to lunch....without kids!), and I'm so excited for an opportunity of renewal and grace.

If you haven't seen Johnette's show Women of Grace or attended one of her Women of Grace bible studies, I highly recommend it...so empowering and supportive of women! I attended my first program when Gianna was just three-weeks-old, and it was perfect timing for a woman dealing with postpartum depression/the biggest changes of her life! I met one of my closest friends there (who just agreed to be this new baby's godmother...thanks, Andrea!), and I thank God for that experience (not a coincidence that I went...even though I very well remember standing in my garage that morning contemplating whether or not to go because I would afraid a baby would distract the women! She didn't...and, many women thanked me for giving them their weekly "baby fix!").

When I'm at my retreat tomorrow, my husband gets to take all five kids to Joseph's soccer game! I know this is no easy task!!! Part of me feels guilty (and worried for everyone's safety when there are parking lots, balls rolling, etc.). But, I know my husband is quite capable of taking care of our children (thank God!), and I really think this day will be beneficial for me in many ways.

My husband will need lots of deep breaths! I find myself taking lots of deep breaths when my children are all in the same room (my blood pressure shoots through the roof...pre-eclampsia or not...when they are all fighting and/or whining...ha!). And, after today's ultrasound, I am even more excited to meet our latest breather! Thank you God for all your many blessings.

Johnette Benkovic, Women of Grace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You'd think...

 

That having only one adorable toddler to take care of on Tuesday and Thursday 

mornings would make my life easier, right!? 

In truth, Lucy and I were both missing Justin (he hasn't been too keen on preschool lately and he'd be happy with us) this morning. We did a few errands and then came home...and Lucy went from room-to-room looking for her siblings (I assume!). As the youngest of five, she doesn't seem to know what to do when it's just Mom (although she did plant tons of gooey, open-mouthed kisses on me...gotta love those toddler displays of affection!). 

 

That when I said, "Teething," that I'd be talking about my toddler, right!? 

Both Gianna (7) and Joseph (5-1/2) have woken me up for teeth issues in the past month. 

Gianna woke me up at 4:30 a.m. a few weeks ago because...her tooth was GONE, "but the tooth fairy didn't come"!!! I knew for a fact that the tooth fairy had left her last dollar bill under her pillow, so I was much more upset about being woken up out of a deep sleep (especially when sleep isn't coming very easy to me these days!). I was quite angry and sent Gianna back to bed.

She came down around 7 a.m. with a huge toothy grin...and her dollar. Instead of being happy for her, I snapped at her that she must never wake up Mommy again for something like that (I had an awful time falling back to sleep)...only emergencies!

About an hour later, Gianna came up to me to apologize...and offered me her dollar to buy some coffee since I would be tired that day. It was one of those moments that melts your heart and makes you realize that your young child is pure goodness...and you are...not!

Joseph woke me up two mornings ago at 5:30 (again, out of a deep sleep) to tell me that one of his front teeth was wiggly! I wasn't AS upset (my alarm goes off just after 6 anyway) because he was really excited (and he will look mighty cute without front teeth!).

 

That my body would be able to finish this pregnancy no problems 

(after doing it five times before!), right!?

I know that I have been incredibly blessed with relatively easy pregnancies. I am extremely grateful and I do not take this for granted. I am, however, thrown for a loop when I start having complications in the 36th week of this pregnancy!

I was at the hospital last night for monitoring. It started last Thursday at the cafe (yes...we have a real cafe...it rocks!) at preschool. I was happily chatting with friends and pouring Lucy some juice...and out of nowhere I felt very dizzy and lightheaded. Luckily, my husband was able to come and pick us up and we went to the doctor so I could have my blood pressure checked.

Long story short, my blood pressure is quite high these days (140/90ish), and I am walking around feeling very strange (my blood pressure normally runs low)! My blood work was okay last week, but not as good when they repeated it yesterday. For peace of mind, I went to hospital last night to go on the monitor (I was told it was an option). 

Thank God, baby looks great! And, my blood pressure came down after resting for an hour (which is good!). I am currently doing a 24-hour urine collection (sorry for details). How fun when you have little ones who follow you in the bathroom all day!!! The above picture has nothing to do with this (except it is a picture of all my children entertained with Daddy in the backyard...how I wish they would do every time that I had to go to the bathroom today...ha!).

I have been told that this test will give them much more information about how my body is doing...if they need to induce or just let me go until the 21st (when I am set to be induced...although I'm already 3 cm!). A little nerve-wracking, but God's will be done! I'm feeling pretty good today...so hopefully my advanced maternal age (AMA) body will hold out!

I'm going to get off computer and try to rest (recommended) when I have the chance...ya think!? :)

Feeling like a man (I'm guessing...)

This picture has nothing to do with this post...except I remembered that pregnant women aren't supposed to be in petting zoos (as I was taking this picture)...woops!

I am 36 weeks pregnant now. And, I'm SO ready to have baby next to me and not in me!

But, as much as I would like to have baby out as soon as he/she is full-term (God willing) next week, I need to worry about childcare. I told my husband that he could just drop me off at the hospital if need be (if the baby comes unexpectedly before family arrives to help). He really didn't like that idea!

Truth be told, I hate it too...but, I would have much more peace of mind knowing that my children at home were okay and no one was being inconvenienced for too long (I am blessed with amazing friends who I know will help in any way that we need...but, they all have their own families, so we certainly don't want to burden anyone!).

It's so out of my hands! I need to trust that everything will happen exactly as God wants...even though I'm terrible at letting go of control...especially when it comes to my kids (aren't we all, moms!?).

So, when I say I'm ready to have baby out...I'm definitely talking about physically. I am excited to get my body back! Of course, it won't look like I want it to for quite some time...but, at least I will be able to bend over, get off the couch without a big fuss, and sleep (I actually sleep much better...even feeding baby every few hours...than I do in the third trimester!).

I am NOT talking about emotionally. I know that a lot of women are MORE emotional when they are pregnant. And, hormones are to blame. But for me...for whatever reason...it is the complete opposite. 

When I am pregnant, I am very steady emotionally. There are no cycles to mess up my hormones and moods, impulses, etc.! I joke that I feel "like a man" must feel all the time! And, I love it. I am not overly emotional about things at certain times of the month...and everyone in my life really benefits!!! It is something that I am very sad to see go...because, even though I receive progesterone injections which are life-saving for me emotionally during the postpartum phase, my cycles are soon to return because of this (despite breastfeeding).

And, cycles mean dealing with myself as less than the person, wife, and mom that I want to be...once a quick month for at least a week. Hormone profiling has been invaluable (anyone interested should look into Naprotechnology created by Dr. Hilgers) to help me...so, I can function. But, it's not perfect and I still miss that aspect of pregnancy (of course, I haven't had to miss it long yet...ha!).

I bet you've never heard a 9-month pregnant woman say that she feels like a man before, huh!? HA!

I pray that God will safely deliver this baby into our family...and that I will not be anxious about all that is out of my control. As we all know, worry adds nothing fruitful to our lives. I would appreciate any prayers!

St. Gerard, please pray for me and my baby, and for all women (especially those suffering from loss of a child or infertility). 

St. Pumpkin...

We are still deciding on a name for this baby (and not knowing the gender isn't helping!).

We have only a few names that are in the running for each gender. The main thing that we agree on is that we would like to choose a saint's name (all of our children have saint's names for both first and middle names). So, I am re-reading all of my books about saints to see if any names jump out at me (even though this is pretty useless at this point...my husband vetoes a lot of my favorites...and has for five previous babies!).

One of my favorite books (well worth the read even when I'm not trying to pick a name!) is 'The Incorruptibles' by Joan Carroll Cruz. It is "a study of the incorruption of the bodies of various Catholic saints and beati." Meaning, it is a book about the known saints whose bodies did not decay (even centuries) after their deaths.

It is completely fascinating to me! And, if you are having a "down" day when it comes to your faith in God, this book will help you believe again really fast...because, this incorruption thing is completely unnatural and miraculous!!!

Anyway, I was "reading" (more like scanning a couple of saints) this book one afternoon last week. One thing that came up for multiple saints was a "heavenly aroma" surrounding their dead bodies. It is described as the "best scent they've ever smelled"...and they're talking about dead bodies. I'm no expert, but I don't think they're supposed to smell that good :).

I was contemplating this "heavenly scent" as I went into the family room to snuggle with Cecilia (her movie had ended and she was debating what to do next). Suddenly, I smelled something...heavenly!?! So strange.

It was definitely coming from my daughter...but, I was at a loss as she hadn't showered since the previous night. I asked why she smelled so tasty!?! She said, "You know that new soap in the bathroom...I just washed my feet."

OH...I had forgotten about the new soap (a good friend had given it to me for my birthday...gotta love little thoughtful gifts!). My husband must have found it and put it in the bathroom for my playdate this morning. Mystery solved...

Too bad Pumpkin Cupcake isn't a name in the running :).

God Bless the baby inside of me...whatever his/her name is! I'm going to get off the computer now and browse another book!

I didn't realize that Cecilia was into washing her feet in her spare time!