So, I'm stuck with a c-section again. Don't want it...mostly. There are a couple of advantages - I know the date and that helps with planning. I won't go overdue by 2 weeks or more again. That's it for the advantages though.
The downsides are much more plentiful. Pain, major surgery, long recovery, pain, risk of infection and complications....it goes on. I don't want to go through it again.
And why am I stuck? Well, stupid *policy*. So many hospitals are refusing to do VBACs now (vaginal birth after c-section...sorry, that's the term!) and there are many doctors who won't do them either. The risk of uterine rupture is too high. Um...it's like 1%, maybe slightly higher because I've had 2 c-sections already. The risk of other complications in birth are higher than rupture. But because I've had 2 c-sections, and one was within 2 calendar years of this baby's birth, I have to have surgery. Blech.
People have suggested that I just refuse the surgery, go into labor on my own and show up at the hospital nearly fully dialated. Not really an option though. Not here. At this hospital, where they can't really handle a fully, emergency c-section. I'm not fully willing to take that risk - it's still my baby we are dealing with, and my life too. Just such a pain that I'm not even given an option, because I'm *high risk*.
Ug, high risk. I'm 30, healthy, with amazingly great pregnancies. Perfect blood pressure, blood sugar levels. I have no real reason to be a high risk pregnancy. Just cranky about this. Very cranky.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Monday, August 29, 2005
10 years ago, I was: not married, but engaged...has it really been that long? Working at Starbucks, convinced that I knew so much
5 years ago I was: contemplating motherhood, but not feeling *ready*. At Kwantlen doing my PR diploma and realising that I was smarter than I had thought, but knowing I didn't actually know much, I could just write good papers.
1 year ago I was: Expectantly waiting Norah's arrival, tired of being pregnant and excited to find out what *brand* of baby we were having. Worried that Rob would be out of work within days and nothing was happening job-wise for him.
Yesterday I was: Enjoying a sermon that my husband was giving at both our churches. Tired of being pregnant, but sad knowing that this baby will actually be on time (they are so much easier while still inside) Amazed that I have a brain that works most days.
5 snacks I enjoy: popcorn, toasted pb& j sandwiches, crackers and cheese, ice cream (especially with caramel in it...just NOT chocolate), fruit
5 songs I know all the words to: ahhh, only 5? Lots of praise songs, all the songs on TMBG's ABC cd, If you're happy and you know it, a couple of hymns, the Backyardigans theme song...a kid theme here for sure!
5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: give the majority away - I have a list of causes, pay off the minivan, take family and friends on a big vacation together, buy a vacation property somewhere, go shopping (somewhere other than here!)
5 places I would run away to: Vancouver, Camp Artaban, England, Fort St. John, even Edmonton is looking good - you can shop there!
5 things I would never wear: underwear that showed above my pants, fur, leather pants, short shorts, or anything with an animal print
5 favorite TV shows: Arrested Development, Backyardigans, Rock Star Inxs, Weather Network, Baby Story...even though it makes me mad!
5 bad habits: procrastination, short temper, not so good at using the leftovers, forgetting laundry, getting agitated while driving
5 biggest joys: my relationship with the Lord, my husband, my kids, unexpected phone calls with good news and time with friends
5 favorite toys: computer, Rob, playing race cars with Isaac, my minivan, Norah and a scarf
5 fictional characters I would date: oh my...should I even answer this one???
5 years ago I was: contemplating motherhood, but not feeling *ready*. At Kwantlen doing my PR diploma and realising that I was smarter than I had thought, but knowing I didn't actually know much, I could just write good papers.
1 year ago I was: Expectantly waiting Norah's arrival, tired of being pregnant and excited to find out what *brand* of baby we were having. Worried that Rob would be out of work within days and nothing was happening job-wise for him.
Yesterday I was: Enjoying a sermon that my husband was giving at both our churches. Tired of being pregnant, but sad knowing that this baby will actually be on time (they are so much easier while still inside) Amazed that I have a brain that works most days.
5 snacks I enjoy: popcorn, toasted pb& j sandwiches, crackers and cheese, ice cream (especially with caramel in it...just NOT chocolate), fruit
5 songs I know all the words to: ahhh, only 5? Lots of praise songs, all the songs on TMBG's ABC cd, If you're happy and you know it, a couple of hymns, the Backyardigans theme song...a kid theme here for sure!
5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: give the majority away - I have a list of causes, pay off the minivan, take family and friends on a big vacation together, buy a vacation property somewhere, go shopping (somewhere other than here!)
5 places I would run away to: Vancouver, Camp Artaban, England, Fort St. John, even Edmonton is looking good - you can shop there!
5 things I would never wear: underwear that showed above my pants, fur, leather pants, short shorts, or anything with an animal print
5 favorite TV shows: Arrested Development, Backyardigans, Rock Star Inxs, Weather Network, Baby Story...even though it makes me mad!
5 bad habits: procrastination, short temper, not so good at using the leftovers, forgetting laundry, getting agitated while driving
5 biggest joys: my relationship with the Lord, my husband, my kids, unexpected phone calls with good news and time with friends
5 favorite toys: computer, Rob, playing race cars with Isaac, my minivan, Norah and a scarf
5 fictional characters I would date: oh my...should I even answer this one???
Longest week...
This last week really stunk. Big time. Flooding in the basement that made me want to start building boats, sick kids, trip to the hospital with one sick kid, and a major poop issue. I just had enough. Yelled at God, he took it well I think. I can handle all of the above quite well usually....it's the piling up of things that does me in. Thank God Sunday was better. Great church services with both kids - at both churches. Normally, Loon Lake isn't a great experience for the family. It's nap time, Isaac isn't wanting to sit and would rather be up preaching at the front. It's especially hard when there is nowhere to take the kids. The downside of a church that is literally one room. Praise God that Sunday was better. Norah is still throwing up at night, but the virus seems to be on it's way out.
Well, except for the fact that I seem to have it now. Oh well. I'll be happy if I can catch up on some laundry...so hard to do when I can't take the kids downstairs with me. I miss our playroom when it's flooded. But we are now the owners of a sump pump...yay? and the church is taking out our carpets downstairs (which are starting to get mouldy - ewww) and putting in weeping tile around the house. May this be the last flood...especially with the rainstorm that is called for tonight...but they are only saying 5 mm at most. Please, oh please be less than that!
Well, except for the fact that I seem to have it now. Oh well. I'll be happy if I can catch up on some laundry...so hard to do when I can't take the kids downstairs with me. I miss our playroom when it's flooded. But we are now the owners of a sump pump...yay? and the church is taking out our carpets downstairs (which are starting to get mouldy - ewww) and putting in weeping tile around the house. May this be the last flood...especially with the rainstorm that is called for tonight...but they are only saying 5 mm at most. Please, oh please be less than that!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Corie had her baby!
It seems like the word hasn't really got out yet. Corie and Scott had their baby. August 7th, 9:04 pm. Little boy, Tyler Clifton. Apparently, Clifton is for Scott's grandfather...hope I have that right! He was 8lbs 14 oz and 22 inches long. Great size - bigger than both of my kids! He's cute. Corie totally had the birth she wanted, I'm so happy for her (and a touch jealous...since I don't ever get the birth I want...nor will I anytime soon). The new family seems to be settling nicely into life together, but it's not been totally easy. Then again, like I tell Corie, the first little while is never easy. Lots of nursing, not lots of sleep, lots of poop. Fun days....I kind of miss them actually.
Corie has been keeping in touch pretty often with me. I'm feeling a little glad that she feels like she can ask me the "been there, done that" questions. I've also been asked to be a mentor mom in a local parenting program. Apparently, around town, I'm getting the reputation of being a "caring, loving and good mom with creative ideas" Who knew? There are quite a few moms and moms to be who have asked me for my opinion on things lately. Even my in-laws made good comments on my parenting while they were here! I'm finding it strange to be in the place of experienced mom...since I still feel pretty new to all of this mommy stuff. And with all the people around me who are pregnant or new moms, I finding myself increasingly in the role of encourager.
It's funny, in the last year or so I have been saying that my primary ministry is to my family. The more I find myself focused on that *being* my ministry, the more I'm finding that I'm being led into ministry to others who are learning that ministry too. And here I have been, hiding from leadership in most aspects for the last few years, and more things are falling into my lap. It's great too for me to focus on what I do everyday as being ministry....keeps me much more focused on the long term instead of getting frustrated at the minute details...not that I don't get frustrated sometimes, but keeping my focus on ministering to my family makes the harder bits more managable.
Speaking of harder bits, wish my kids would nap better. On the bright side, Isaac is doing a great job in his swimming class. I'm thinking tomorrow we won't even use the lifejacket and see how he does with his floating and bubble blowing.
Corie has been keeping in touch pretty often with me. I'm feeling a little glad that she feels like she can ask me the "been there, done that" questions. I've also been asked to be a mentor mom in a local parenting program. Apparently, around town, I'm getting the reputation of being a "caring, loving and good mom with creative ideas" Who knew? There are quite a few moms and moms to be who have asked me for my opinion on things lately. Even my in-laws made good comments on my parenting while they were here! I'm finding it strange to be in the place of experienced mom...since I still feel pretty new to all of this mommy stuff. And with all the people around me who are pregnant or new moms, I finding myself increasingly in the role of encourager.
It's funny, in the last year or so I have been saying that my primary ministry is to my family. The more I find myself focused on that *being* my ministry, the more I'm finding that I'm being led into ministry to others who are learning that ministry too. And here I have been, hiding from leadership in most aspects for the last few years, and more things are falling into my lap. It's great too for me to focus on what I do everyday as being ministry....keeps me much more focused on the long term instead of getting frustrated at the minute details...not that I don't get frustrated sometimes, but keeping my focus on ministering to my family makes the harder bits more managable.
Speaking of harder bits, wish my kids would nap better. On the bright side, Isaac is doing a great job in his swimming class. I'm thinking tomorrow we won't even use the lifejacket and see how he does with his floating and bubble blowing.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
famous last words...
So, the other night, I say to Rob "hey, do you know that we've made it to almost 3.5 years of parenting without a night up with vomiting kids?" (smacks self on forehead).
Well, you can probably guess what happened next.
1:30 am. I wake up to hear Isaac in his room saying something about "needing a clean up. I need some wipes" Poor little guy, threw up all over his bed. No big deal, I clean him up, Rob deals with rounding up the laundry. Then Norah wakes up, to get in on the action I guess. No throwing up here though, thank goodness! We bring the kids into our bed to settle back down...then I think about it more. What if he is sick again? So, I get Norah's mattress from her room and put Isaac down on it at the side of my bed. We all sleep well.
Morning comes...and he's still not well. Won't elaborate, but let's just say he wasn't well, either end. Big mess. Actually went voluntarily for a nap - that has NEVER happened before. He was sick. Poor little guy. Better today. Last time I hope to say something stupid like that though!
Well, you can probably guess what happened next.
1:30 am. I wake up to hear Isaac in his room saying something about "needing a clean up. I need some wipes" Poor little guy, threw up all over his bed. No big deal, I clean him up, Rob deals with rounding up the laundry. Then Norah wakes up, to get in on the action I guess. No throwing up here though, thank goodness! We bring the kids into our bed to settle back down...then I think about it more. What if he is sick again? So, I get Norah's mattress from her room and put Isaac down on it at the side of my bed. We all sleep well.
Morning comes...and he's still not well. Won't elaborate, but let's just say he wasn't well, either end. Big mess. Actually went voluntarily for a nap - that has NEVER happened before. He was sick. Poor little guy. Better today. Last time I hope to say something stupid like that though!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
so it's been ages
Wow, haven't been here in ages. Getting bugged by a few people to update...so here goes:
- expecting baby #3 in November, November 1 to be exact.
- bought a minivan...out of necessity. Rob loves to say that "nothing says virility like buying your wife a minivan". It's a gorgeous 2004 Toyota Sienna. Got an amazing deal on it - and it was even here in town! It's white, and I love it, even though I never thought I would want a white vehicle. So now we are a fully Toyota family with our his and hers cars.
- There are babies everywhere! I can think of 6 people in my circle (of sorts, long distance circle that it is) who are expecting, or just had a little one. Must be something in the water....
- Had a visit from Rob's parents, Jenny and the kids...all at once. Went really well, despite our basement FLOODING an hour before they got here...hate our basement.
- My mom and sister were just here for a weekend visit - I had no idea they were coming! I am rarely surprised, so this was fun.
-We're turning into a real crunchy family. We are now cloth diapering. I'm an AP pusher (ask if you don't know what that is). We are really working on being the kind of parents that we feel God would have us be, and modelling Christ's love and sacrifice when dealing with our kids. I could go on about this, but I won't!
- We went to camp for a week. I miss Artaban, this was not Artaban at all. Not bad, but made me homesick.
- It's cold here - we had to turn the heat on last night. Where did summer go??? Apparently, it's supposed to be warm this weekend. Eh, I'll believe it when it shows up.
- I am starting to like living here. Really. Doesn't mean I don't miss Vancouver...because I really do, but there are really great things about living here. Too bad our basement isn't one of them!
- Isaac is talking up a storm these days...makes me almost long for the days before he was talking. He is so funny though, he's really discovering what humour is.
- Norah is so sweet, if only she would learn that she doesn't need to use her teeth when she kisses. Soon she will be walking....and talking too. She's starting to use signs, especially *more*. The kid loves her food! I've never seen a baby get so excited to see a banana or an apple.
- Rob has been pretty busy over the last 2 weeks, we did a VBS at both churches. It's good that most of the summer has been quiet otherwise. I think he's really doing well here, and people seem to like him enough...or they fake it!
- Rob gets priested in October. It will be busy that month, the ordination, an ordination retreat, a clergy retreat and synod. All in 3 weekends. Oh ya, and add in that I'm going to be hugely pregnant by then...this should be fun. Or not.
- Met some of the other clergy wives in our diocese. Too bad they all live so far away. Quite a few of us have lots in common, kid-wise. Quite a bit of breastfeeding, slinging, cloth diapering out there! One couple even is expecting their third 4 days before we are...and their kids are almost the same age (and are the same genders) as ours. Too bad they live, literally, on the other side of the province from us! 6 hours to drive for a visit....not fun.
Anyhow, that's it for tonight. I'm sure I'm forgetting lots....but I'm tired.
- expecting baby #3 in November, November 1 to be exact.
- bought a minivan...out of necessity. Rob loves to say that "nothing says virility like buying your wife a minivan". It's a gorgeous 2004 Toyota Sienna. Got an amazing deal on it - and it was even here in town! It's white, and I love it, even though I never thought I would want a white vehicle. So now we are a fully Toyota family with our his and hers cars.
- There are babies everywhere! I can think of 6 people in my circle (of sorts, long distance circle that it is) who are expecting, or just had a little one. Must be something in the water....
- Had a visit from Rob's parents, Jenny and the kids...all at once. Went really well, despite our basement FLOODING an hour before they got here...hate our basement.
- My mom and sister were just here for a weekend visit - I had no idea they were coming! I am rarely surprised, so this was fun.
-We're turning into a real crunchy family. We are now cloth diapering. I'm an AP pusher (ask if you don't know what that is). We are really working on being the kind of parents that we feel God would have us be, and modelling Christ's love and sacrifice when dealing with our kids. I could go on about this, but I won't!
- We went to camp for a week. I miss Artaban, this was not Artaban at all. Not bad, but made me homesick.
- It's cold here - we had to turn the heat on last night. Where did summer go??? Apparently, it's supposed to be warm this weekend. Eh, I'll believe it when it shows up.
- I am starting to like living here. Really. Doesn't mean I don't miss Vancouver...because I really do, but there are really great things about living here. Too bad our basement isn't one of them!
- Isaac is talking up a storm these days...makes me almost long for the days before he was talking. He is so funny though, he's really discovering what humour is.
- Norah is so sweet, if only she would learn that she doesn't need to use her teeth when she kisses. Soon she will be walking....and talking too. She's starting to use signs, especially *more*. The kid loves her food! I've never seen a baby get so excited to see a banana or an apple.
- Rob has been pretty busy over the last 2 weeks, we did a VBS at both churches. It's good that most of the summer has been quiet otherwise. I think he's really doing well here, and people seem to like him enough...or they fake it!
- Rob gets priested in October. It will be busy that month, the ordination, an ordination retreat, a clergy retreat and synod. All in 3 weekends. Oh ya, and add in that I'm going to be hugely pregnant by then...this should be fun. Or not.
- Met some of the other clergy wives in our diocese. Too bad they all live so far away. Quite a few of us have lots in common, kid-wise. Quite a bit of breastfeeding, slinging, cloth diapering out there! One couple even is expecting their third 4 days before we are...and their kids are almost the same age (and are the same genders) as ours. Too bad they live, literally, on the other side of the province from us! 6 hours to drive for a visit....not fun.
Anyhow, that's it for tonight. I'm sure I'm forgetting lots....but I'm tired.
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