Back at it . . .

Sorry I've been on a short blogging hiatus, but I'll be back at it soon, I promise. I've been working diligently on my scrapbook for the girls' kindergarten year. I'm well over half done now, so getting closer to being caught up on that. As mothers, don't we live behind? I don't think I'm ever actually "caught up" on anything!

I'm feeling a little better this week - each day gets a little brighter. I sure am ready for some nicer weather though so that we can get outside. I'm getting claustrophobic in this house! And, no, it's not time for a bigger house, just for some nice weather! I'm certainly not ready to tackle that task right now!

I'm happy to report that I am back in the gym - that has really helped my spirits these past few weeks. I was so upset to have to wear my maternity clothes after my D&C, so it was a relief to get back into my "normal" clothes so quickly. I know that it is indifferent & it is only material, but the clothes served as a constant reminder of something that I didn't want to be reminded of. I've lost all of my weight though and the belly is gone again - so at least one thing in our lives has gone back to "normal". Enough about that for now.

Molly started soccer practice tonight and loved it. She was still talking about it at bedtime. Her coach, Aaron McConnell is his name, seems really nice & was really great with the kids tonight. He took the time to teach them all of the rules and procedures of how the game is played. They have another practice on Thursday and their first game on Saturday. I'm really excited to go watch them play.

You'll notice that I only said Molly's practice - the girls have ventured apart for the first time. Rayleigh did not want to play soccer right now, she said she would rather do gymnastics. So she has practice on Thursday nights at the "Y" for that. She seems to love it as well. It was kinda nice to see them take on their own interests and not be scared to try something on their own. They not only weren't scared - they were quite excited!

Tucker is going to start gymnastics on Tuesday nights at the "Y" during the next session (next month). It is the only thing that he is old enough to be involved with yet, and I think that it will help with his coordination and also, mostly, his attention span. As of right now, his attention span is shorter than his pinkie finger, so we are looking to improve that at least a little! He is still just a little too young for T-ball this year, so we will just have to be patient until next summer.

Tyler & I are just working away - same 'ol, same 'ol. I am looking forward to a certain someone's 30th birthday coming up on April 29th, but we won't mention any names! We are also looking forward to our Chicago trip during May. That's about it for now - I have to go because Tyler's singing in the basement is getting a little out of control and I am having a hard time concentrating on typing! Thank goodness he works out in the basement and not at the gym! Too funny - gotta love him!

Back Home From Surgery

Hi Everyone, this is Tyler.  (Thought I should identify myself since Robyn runs this thing)  I actually just asked her a minute ago if it was OK if I sent a blog for everyone who may be checking it, and she did approve. 

 

We met with a new Dr. in Joplin yesterday and felt much relief after our appointment and everything we have been through for the past 7 days.  We finally got an explanation and some compassion, which is all we wanted.  Dr. Lacey did a D&C today at 7AM in Joplin and Robyn is back home recovering today.  She's doing really well, and very happy she hasn't had much nausea from the anesthetic.  She's eating some toast and feeling pretty good so far.

 

We are very thankful that all this has come to some sort of closure (if that's what you call it), and we also want to thank everyone for their support, compassion and kindness though this time for us.  We are blessed to have so many good people in our lives who care so much.  We also want to thank those of you who recommended that we go see Dr. Lacey, because you were right, we did love him.  I'm sure Robyn will add more later, but I wanted to send a quick update to let you know that everything went well with the surgery today.  Robyn is planning on going back to work next week on her normal schedule. 

Things that we never understand . . .

Today at noon we got some news that brought us to our knees. That is often the position that we find ourselves in whenever life throws something at us that we cannot handle ourselves, isn't it? Dr. Shaw called Tyler at his office and had to explain to him that our baby did not have any heart tones today on the sonogram. Tyler then left his office and came to my work to tell me. I knew when I saw him walk through the door that something was wrong. It's just that news like that is never supposed to happen to YOU, is it? There are so many scenerios that have been so much worse for many of our readers, so I am certainly not having a pity party tonight. I am just really, really sad, that's all. I didn't lose a baby full term or lose a child after years of raising it - my sorrow could never compare to that. But after having a baby taken from you that you have been carrying, I now understand how deep love runs, even within the womb. It's so very true that we love our children from the moment of conception, and that there is nothing stronger than the love of a parent for their child. It is in this understanding that I find some comfort this evening as well, because I know that my Father loves me unconditionally as one of His children! How fortunate we are to have such a loving God. I have to trust in Him that there is a reason for this, and that even though we may never understand, this is all part of His ultimate plan. Perhaps Molly is right. She says that God wanted our baby so that Grandma Irene could hold it. We lost Grandma in early September this year. She thought that it was nice that Grandma Irene would be the first person that would get to hold our new baby. So do I.

For tonight, I just want to say THANK YOU for all of the kinds words that have been sent to us today, and for all of the prayers for our family. The girls asked why our phone had rang so much tonight, and I told them because we are so lucky to have so many people who love us. So we thank each of you for being a part of our lives and for being so supportive whenever we need it most. Each of you have a special place in our hearts!

It's just ONE baby!!  Yea! Not that we would have been disappointed with twins again, but this keeps our lives a little more in check! I'll send more later on the blog but for now I'm headed back to work!!

 

harrellpics.blogspot.com

 

 Love to all,

Robyn

1st "Dr." Appointment

Today was my first Dr.'s appointment. Well, actually, it was my "intake" appointment (something new for me, but I guess it's the Pittsburg way?). I only met with a nurse today, there was no Dr. there. She had me pee in a cup, took my weight & blood pressure, and asked a million family history and pregnancy history questions. We left the appointment after 45 minutes knowing nothing more than we knew when we went in today. We have no better idea on our due date than we did when we went, and we have to go back on Thursday when there is a person there to run the ultrasound machine for our sonogram to determine due date and number of baby/babies. I was a little disappointed with the appointment, because I felt like if I didn't ask a question, then the information wasn't going to be offered to me. I don't like directing my care - that's why I go to a professional - I don't want to have to read all of the information myself and guide my care - I want them to do that for me. OK, so I'll get off of my soapbox, but I'm just a little discouraged at this point.

It has been 9 weeks. Today was the first that I saw of anybody (I called at 3 weeks pregnant) and today was the soonest that they could get me in. That was fine and understandable. However, they did have me in at 3 weeks to draw a blood test that told us absolutely nothing (apparently), because my hormone levels came back twice as high as they should have been. When that happened, they told us not to worry about it because that blood test wasn't reliable anyway. If it's not reliable, then why did we do it?! Then today (at my first "appointment" they had to draw blood again - it's routine to get a CBC at the first appointment). Did they not know that was routine when we drew blood six weeks ago? Oh well, another stick & another bill - just pay it and move on, right?

Also, it dawned on them today that Dr. likes to see patients for the first time around 10 weeks (that's next week for those of you having trouble doing the math 1+9=10). Apparently 3+7=10 didn't make sense to the staff 6 weeks ago when they were scheduling the sonogram with a technician instead of the Dr. Now she is booked for Thursday, and can't do my appointment then (I'll have the sono with a tech, not the Dr.), so now I have to go back on Monday for a "Dr.'s appointment"! That will make Tuesday, Thursday, and Monday back to back appointments! I should be a pro at hitting the cup by next Tuesday! I'm just a little frustrated (in case you can't tell) by the lack of communication going on in the office. Right now, I feel like I am being followed by a poorly trained office staff instead of a well trained physician. I'm not sure what they are going to find out differently within a five day span other than how much my weight fluctuates with meals!

Anyway, the good news is that my urine was clear, my blood pressure was 106/72 (seems a little low - that nurse always gets a low reading on me - but good, none the less), and I have gained 5 pounds so far. I was pleased, actually, with the weight gain, because I was afraid it would be more. I have been very nauseated, and the only thing that seems to help is to keep food in my stomach. I have been trying to snack on healthy snacks, but it still seems that I am constantly eating! My waist already measures at 36" around at the biggest point. That's depressing that it already takes an entire yard of fabric to go around me! Also, we tried to hear a heartbeat today with the Doppler, but I am not quite far enough along to hear anything yet, so we just heard a bunch of movement in there.

I went to eat lunch with the girls at school today after my appointment. That relieved all of my stress from the appointment and allowed me just to enjoy some time with them. It was a nice way to break up my day, and it is always good to see their smiling faces during the day!

Stay tuned for Thursday's update for more info on the whole baby/babies scenerio!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Danny Manning getting the boys all warmed up . . .

For all of you non-KU-types (weirdos) the man on the right is Lew Perkins, KU Athletic Director, standing right in front of us. All of these pictures were taken from the actual seats that we got to sit in for the game! We sat 3 rows off of the floor behind the visitors bench. It was quite the experience!

Baby Jay and Big Jay - the girls' favorite part of the game!

The game ball - waiting in anticipation for the game to start. Usually the game ball looks like a speck on the floor from where we're sitting!

Mark Mangino sat right in front of us

And the students go wild . . . The Kansan had a big picture of a steak on it that they were holding up . . . I also saw a shirt that day that said "You call it a mascot - We call it a hamburger!"

Cole Aldrich towering over everyone

Brady Morningstar setting up for an assist

Sherron Collins sinking yet another THREE . . .

Markieff Morris, one of the twins, teaching Texas how to BOXOUT! As a mother of twins, I can't think of anything cooler than having them play on a team together for a division I school!

Aldrich wasn't intimidated by Pittman's size at all . . .

Bill Self preparing to win yet another Big XII Championship

A little post game show . . .

Take note of all of the years posted on the scrolling board in front of the announcers table! These are the years that the Jayhawks have been XII Champions!

52 Conference Championships!

Max Falkenstien, "The Voice of the Jayhawks", introduced the seniors after the game for each of them to give their farewell speeches.

Matt Kleinmann brought tears to my eyes talking about his experiences as a Kansas Jayhawk

It's a jungle in here!

Our neighbors came over for some playtime tonight. The kids love it when Emma and Olivia get to come over so this was quite the treat (as evident by the pictures) . . .

The Lion King (Tucker), Tiger (Emma), Rayleigh, The Animal Trainer from Hollywood (Molly), and the Trapeeze Artist (Olivia)

Roar . . .

"And that's the show . . . Thanks for comin' folks"

Rayleigh showing off the new stunt that our neighbor, Brandon (yes, an adult), taught the kids with the dart gun darts . . .

Tucker

Molly Ann

SMC All School Skate Party

Tucker wearing his "big boy" skates

Finally, we all have our skates on and are ready to go

Aunt Carrie got to join us too - she is doing her student teaching at St. Mary's this semester in 2nd Grade, Mrs. Harris's classroom. She looks good in SMC blue, don't ya think?

Mom & Molly making our way around the rink. Mom being extra careful, as no one was too thrilled with me being on skates when I'm pregnant.

Molly making her own way around the rink. Madyn, the other little girl, latched on to Molly early on in the evening - she is in Molly's class in school.

Rayleigh getting better at scooting herself along - this became her preferred mode of getting around for the evening

Stop for a quick pose . . .

Molly got pretty good by the end of the evening. She barely needed to hold on to anyone's hand, and got to where she was just holding Madyn's hand. She probably won the "most improved" award for the evening.

Tucker cried the whole way around the rink the first time out. Tyler took him around, holding on to his hands and talking to him. (Tucker was crying) and Tyler was trying to comfort him, "See buddy, this is fun!" Tucker piped back, "Your skates may be fun, Daddy, but mine are scary!" It was so funny. However, once Aunt Carrie took him out on the carpet and worked with him a little bit, he gained his confidence and was ready for the "real thing" again. By the end of the night, he didn't want to go home.

One big happy family (all 6 of us!)

Tucker's 1st Trip to the Dentist

Tucker getting ready to get his teeth cleaned . . . He got to sit on Daddy's lap for his first visit!

Daddy was thrilled to be getting his picture taken as well - he loves that Mom brings her camera to EVERYTHING and that EVERYTHING is a milestone! I think a FIRST trip to the dentist IS a milestone! (I think he was jealous that he didn't get a balloon too for being a good boy in the chair!)

Everyone else got balloons though - check out all of the strings! Tucker got a new Carz toothbrush . . . pretty big stuff!

Dr. Jill checking out Tucker's teeth - all looks good! She sings the ABC's as she touches each tooth. She is really awesome with the kids and they all love her.

Tucker did a really good job today for his first visit. He was really calm and didn't seem to hesitate at all the have the girls clean his teeth or for Dr. Jill to take a look in his mouth. The girls also did a stellar job today getting their teeth cleaned, as well. They both have to go back to have some work done on a little cavity, but both have said that they would like Dr. Jill to fix them. Rayleigh has already had Jill fix one tooth, so I was excited to hear that she wasn't scared to go back. Jill is great, though, with the kids, so I am not surprised that they want her. She "casts as spell" on their tooth and "puts it to sleep" with her magic when she fills a cavity. She does the whole ABRACADABRA thing - it' quite the production (and the kids love it)! I am so thankful for such a wonderful dentist and great office staff as Saia Smile Center! Thanks Dr. Jill!

Impressive . . .

This was Molly's page that she brought home from school the other day. They did these papers during "centers", which is their own time to be creative with whatever is provided to them. They love stencils, so they particularly enjoyed this day of centers. As you can tell, the time is "self-guided" as they were forced to sound out the words as they wrote them, because there was no teacher stading over their shoulder to ask. I was very impressed by how well they sounded out each shape, as some of the sounds they haven't even covered yet during class. They are learning to read, and I just can't believe how much thier little brains have absorbed just this year!

Rayleigh's paper . . . I was particularly impressed with "moon" as we have not done the "oo" sound except for in one "star word - look". I also liked "ice cream" on each of thier papers and "star". "Clown" was also cute on Rayleigh's paper.

Mt. Carmel Gala

Here we are - all dressed up for the evening. My dress still fit - despite the little "baby bump" out front!

Tyler & I had a great time this weekend attending our first Mt. Carmel Gala. It's basically an adult prom that the proceeds are used to fund the Mt. Carmel Foundation. This was the silver anniversary (25 years) of the gala, so it was a good one to attend for our first year. I'm sure that this will become something that we look forward to attending each year now, as it was such a good time.

We got dressed up and headed out for the evening around 6:30. First were cocktails (well, for those that aren't expecting a baby anyway) and appetizers. Then they served a delicious dinner - salad, shimp & 6 oz filet, mashed potatoes, asparagus, dinner rolls, and an awesome dark chocolate little piece of heaven for dessert. There was also all of the wine that you wanted and a champagne toast. Dinner was followed by an open bar and dance floor, with entertainment provided by KC Prime, an excellent band. There was also a silent auction that Tyler and I won Chicago CUBS tickets for May 12 at! I can't wait to go to Chicago!

Mostly, though, I enjoyed seeing everyone there. We were in such good company all evening. Brian Sullivan and his wife, Laura, were the ones who invited us and we sat at their table. Also, Dr. Bill Sullivan (Brian's brother) and his ARNP, Dr. Brad Wimmer & his wife, and Kevin & Megan Fry also sat at our table. I got to visit with old friends and many of mypatients from the pharmacy, so it was just a really enjoyable evening. We closed the place down, and could have stayed longer because conversation was so good.

The kids stayed with Grandma Nita and Papa Gail, so they had a great weekend as well.