Life with 2 under 3....this one is more about me this time

Tonight on the Current Lifestyle:

Life with 2 under 3......this one is more about me this time

Family hike, little man is under the white hat

I'm back folks! Thank you for being patient with me as I adjust to life with 2 under 3. If your following me on Instagram, you will have noticed that life is pretty jam packed with all sorts of moments and new experiences with little man. As a parent of two now, I can honestly say, I couldn't be any happier. I feel fantastic since my last post so, thanks! I know you totally "mind asked" me just now.

Whats it like now that little man has arrived? Well, I feel like balancing is the key word here. We are learning to balance time and schedules. Since little man has arrived, he has come with his own set of appointments, (doctor visits) and oh yeah, those every 3-4 hour feedings that don't just stop because he is asleep. I literally forgot how much my boobs were going to be out on display for my family until little man showed up. Not that my husband minds, but, well, they're here for feeding and everyone's viewing pleasure I guess. (Everyone meaning Chunky P, Little man, Scott, the cats and myself.) Since little mans arrival, the days start from sometimes 5:30am and don't stop until the kids are in bed at 7:30-8:00pm. I of course am not in bed at that lovely hour, but there's no time for sleeping when the baby sleeps. That's for people with only one kid stuff, or people who send their kids away to other places like school or daycare or a nanny or whatever. I'm not jelly or judging; just saying here, that doesn't exist. It's go all the time and guess what? I LOVE IT!!! I love the whole entire thing. Its like some sick motivator for me. I live off of the thought, you only have 20 minutes to do 50 things and mentally tell myself that someone doesn't think I can do it, and I freaking rock it!

I know, it's sick, but it works for me. Today for example; we went to the library for Chunky P's story time, picked up daddy from a car shop, played outside, I made lunch, cleaned up the house, I washed and folded the laundry, I worked out, both kids napped, I watered the newly planted garden, we played outside some more, Chunky P had school time with me, we took a family trip to the ice cream shop after I made dinner, we read stories and etc. This isn't an everyday schedule but I some how manage this type of thing with 2 kids. If you knew me before I had any children, I was completely lazy and not motivated at all. Its like I needed kids to learn how to ADULT. This is the type of stay at home "momming" (making up my own word) I always wanted.

Soaking up some vitamin D

How do I do it? Well, I think it's a combination of things. First, I think not having post-partum depression this time around makes a difference. Second, I believe my placenta pills which prevent PPD are to thank. Third, this sounds crazy even as busy as we are, but I constantly tell myself to slow down. What I mean by that is, I set aside time for myself to work on myself. Not just physically, but mentally. I meditate, remind myself to really see what is in front of me, to enjoy the moments, to be thankful and go to therapy. Yep, everyone needs some form of therapy or another. For the first time in my life, I can honestly say, this is the happiest I've ever been. (No I'm not on any drugs) Fourth, my kids motivate me to be better. I want to model and be someone they look up too.I'm constantly reading, learning, trying, accomplishing, sometimes failing at new things so that they can have this type of model in their lives. It;s never perfect, but I try and at the end of the day, that's what matters.

Campfire night

Just know,

You are enough,
what you do is enough
and "what someone else thinks about you is none of your business."

Some fantastic reads I've competed and highly recommend for staying mentally fit are:

1) The Power of Know: 30 Days of All-Natural Ways to Heal Mind, Body and Spirit.
By Kathy Ozzard Chism.

2) Vibrational Healing Through the Chakras: With Light, Color, Sound, Crystals, and Aromatherapy.
By Joy Gardner-Gordon

3) How to Heal Toxic Thoughts: Simple Tools for Personal Transformation.
By Sandra Ingerman

number 3 also has an app that can send you transformative reminders on your phone. It's amazing.

And thats all the rambling I'll do this evening. Cheers to your motivated self!

Ryder's birth story...well mine too

Today on The Current Lifestyle

Little Ryder's birth story....well mine too

As I type this, I'm currently still sitting on the post partum unit. Today is discharge day for me. However, and I'll get to it later on, Ryder will be making an overnight and day trip to the NICU.

Let me take  you back to Friday, March 3rd 2017. Around 1pm, dear husband and I made our way through the OBGYN office for yet another NST (Non-stress test) BPP (Biophysical Profile). My due date was March 7th and if you've been following along on our journey, little boy has been monitored since week 32 in utero for a low heart rate and low amniotic fluids. So, as expected, his heart rate remained unchanged, though we were informed that my fluid levels had dropped yet again and this time I would be sent over to the hospital to be induced. We were told to go home and grab our hospital bag, shower, secure Chunky P with a sitter, eat then head on over to the hospital. Dear husband and I arrived around 6pm in labor and delivery. I should have known that this was going to be such an adventure when the nurse at the desk said, "I don't have you scheduled for an induction." In fact, this was the second time today this had happened to us. The OBGYN office didn't have me scheduled for my regular appointment earlier that day but squeezed me in anyway. The nurse made some calls and well, I was given a room. The nursing staff at our hospital are really fantastic. My first nurse made sure I was comfortable and asked her list of questions before starting my blood draw and IV. Either she was new or the cards still weren't in my favor because it took Two IV sticks to get one placed. It has never taken someone more than once to place an IV in my arm before so I was quite taken aback when she asked if people always had a difficult time getting my blood.

Around 9pm, I was given my first med to dilate my already 2 centimeters cervix. The med lasted 4 hours and then around 1am I received another dose and check. This time I was at 3 cm and was starting to feel crampy. A new nurse had been assigned to me due to shift change and I should have taken her advice for some sort of sleep aide but, I felt that I could sleep though till the next dose............dear lord was I wrong. Around 2am, the contractions started to get longer and stronger and pretty soon I was not sleeping. I could see on the monitor how strong they were and because of the giant clock in my room, I could tell you they were always 2-3 minutes apart. I went like that till 4:30 am just painfully breathing my way though till my nurse came in to check on me. I did ask her for some IV pain meds which were offered, but when Ryder's heart rate didn't accelerate like they had hoped it would, I was told I could either remain as I was, or get an epidural placed. I was exhausted, so I decided an epidural it was.

The adventure continues. The nurse checked my cervix and prepared me for the epidural. I was now 4 cm. The nurse asked Scott to wait outside the room or go get a coffee while I was given the what should have been amazing drugs. The anesthesiologist was super sweet and fun, though, the first epidural was placed wrong. Not only was this the first painfully injected epidural I have received, I also had a list of "no no" symptoms. Symptoms were: a metallic taste in my mouth, along with the shock pain down my right leg and then my heart rate dropped and I became dizzy accompanied by a heavy chest feeling. The anesthesiologist apologized repeatedly and told me he'd place a second one for me. So, out the catheter from the first injected epidural was pulled and a second but much less painful one was placed in a new spot. This one took away my contractions, or so I thought, but I could still very much move my toes, legs and feel every touch. It didn't matter to me at that point because I was able to sleep for one GLORIOUS hour. That hour was AMAZING!!! Until life returned and I was checked at 6:30 am. At 6:30 my OB said I was 5 cm and she then attempted to break my water although she had previously told me we were trying to figure out what day my water had broken at home. Confused, yep, I was too. Turned out, my water broke sometime between Tuesday and Friday and I had no idea. But to be safe, she wanted to make sure it truly was broken. Turned out it already was. From the time she left contractions were coming on stronger and I was beginning to feel them. WAY more than I knew I should. I also knew that I should not have felt my catheter (the foley) being placed with an epidural.

45 minutes was all it took for me to dilate from 5 to 10 cm. I also did it all without Pitocin. My body was physically taking over control and I was unable to stop myself from pushing. My newly assigned nurse was so excited and ran to get the doctor. In came both the doctor, my nurse and a nursing student. By this time, I was clawing at Scott to make the pain stop and get him out. This was not how my last labor went and I was DONE! I was in tears and would say no over and over again when a new contraction started. Some how, some way, my nurse and doctor got me through it. 3-4 pushes after I profusely apologized for not being able to control the urge to push, little Ryder was born and that pain was gone. Ring of fire they call it. I actually don't think that was the worst part. I also didn't tear. Ryder was perfect. He cried for about a minute or less and has been amazingly quiet ever since.

The doctor concluded that I had an epidural that was placed too high. Also, there was barely any blood or fluid and she called that a dry birth. So in conclusion, I had a natural birth totally unprepared and lived through it. Believe me when I say NEVER AGAIN! And yes, women who choose to do that, deserve a cookie or a metal or a freaking beer! That's an insane amount of pain when you have drugs as an option. Damn it I still haven't had my beer!!!

Back to Ryder, since this is his story. He's beautiful. 6 pounds 10 oz blue eyes and so alert. He completes our family and I'm so happy he's here. Chunky P came to visit him along with his Oma and everyone is in love with him. I can't get enough of him and I don't think dear husband can either. Chunky P loves to pet him and say, "oh, he's so little or cute." then she kisses him and tells me when he's crying.            

As for Ryder spending time in the NICU, this has been a fear of mine. Earlier in our pregnancy journey, we notified the pediatrician and OB that my heart condition is genetic and with each baby we plan to have, he or she stands a 50% chance of inheriting it. Ryder was given an echocardiogram and an EKG yesterday morning looking for signs of my condition. His cord blood was also drawn and sent off for genetic testing for confirmation. Well, the EKG showed a longer heart QT interval. Instead of being discharged with me today, he is spending time up in the NICU and receiving a much lower dose of my heart medication as a precaution till confirmation of the diagnosis. If the blood test comes back negative, then he can stop the meds. However, we will have to wait 2 weeks for the results. So, the NICU is monitoring him as they start him on the meds to make sure he is stable when he comes home with us and the meds, which is hopefully tomorrow.

I had prepared myself for this. And since his heart rate had been so low and unchanged and different than Chunky P's I think I've always known. Though, it didn't sink in till I had to send him to NICU and call my husband and relate the news. That's all that I can type on the subject for now. I'll update more as we go along.

Wish him well and enjoy his cute pics.  

We are almost at "go" time

Tonight on The Current Lifestyle:


We are almost at "go" time


Ah yes, the famous last words I'll type before succumbing to painful contractions that I can't remember from my first labor experience. This week, has literally been the best week in a LONG time. I had some epiphanies if you will;

Hubby at the doc too

1) just because my kid watches TV, doesn't make me a bad mom. (IPad or whatever)
2) I can spend time teaching my child and it doesn't have to be ALL day
3) When I'm finished teaching and playing with my child, I don't have to feel guilty that it wasn't enough, because she needs independent play and I have my own life and house work to do. 4) I don't have to do it ALL

This week, I have actually accomplished more than I have in a long time. I was able to teach Chunky P about the letter P. Yes, she could already recognize it and the sound, but I as a teacher, wanted to give her more and incorporate other skills such as; math, money, gross and fine motor skills, and writing to name a few. Each morning, (I have her M,W,Th she's in day care the other days) while my chunk o love watched her favorite shows, I would print ideas from pinterest or think of some fun activity to do with her that involved the letter P. Why the letter P? Well, Monday was Presidents' day for those of us in the states. I wish, we had monthly family days like in Canada, but that whine, is for another time. So, I thought, okay, Presidents' day starts with P, President Lincoln is on the penny, penny is counting which equals math....etc you get the idea.

The more I thought about it, the more I could always find a way to come back to my original goal of teaching Capital and lower case P's and the sound to Chunk. We even had a letter hunt which involves placing all items we can find that start with the letter P into a bag. She then pulls out each item, names it and I write the item on our easel board for her to see the word. There are plenty of teachable moments you can have with your child. Don't make it complicated. Simple is

best. I have only just started to post pictures on my Instagram what we do and people are amazed and can't believe I have the time. Teaching a toddler or child doesn't have to be lengthy and boring and stressful. I literally spent a hour or a littler more with her one on one. That's it. The rest of the day, we did our normal routine. I was still able to feel accomplished because I realized finally, that I didn't have to do it all and/or do it all in one day. I now know, that my husband doesn't think I'm a slob and lazy wife because I can't get everything on my list finished. I put this thinking upon myself and he is always willing to help. He understands that I have little energy left and lots pain from being 38 weeks pregnant. Hello, we have less than 2 weeks now till little boy arrives. Excitement is in the air for everyone. I guess this post is more of a realization point than anything else, however, if it helps other moms too I'd be just as happy.

Wish us luck in the upcoming weeks. The last doctor visit was the best it had ever been. Fluid levels returned to what is normal for us and his heart rate remained unchanged. The doctor said I'm leaving you alone. So, repeating tests all next week and that my friends, I'll take. That's the most positive news I've had in a while. Now, If only I could get rid of this sinus infection, I'd be unstoppable!!!
Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!!!

Final weeks and sickness

Today on The Current Lifestyle:


Week 6 of NST testing

Final Weeks and sickness:

Today marks week 37 and 4 days into my 2nd pregnancy. (According to my baby center app which tracks my progress.) Please don't assume I'm nuts-o and calculated that myself. lol. I am so glad to say that we are on the home stretch and almost through this pregnancy. I'm excited to meet my son despite what family and friends believe. This has been the most difficult pregnancy and I guess when you look miserable everyday or give truthful answers to how you're feeling people assume you aren't excited about a new addition to your family and then believe that all you do is complain. This is where I will state, then walk in m shoes for a day.

I'm not going to apologize for the stressful environment I face every Tuesday when I go to the OBGYN. They have been monitoring little boys heart rate for weeks now. Then, to top off with a beautiful cherry, (cuz we all love cherries!) the ultrasound tech and the doctors last week discovered that I have very low amniotic fluid, also known as Oligohydramnios. This is now more concerning than his heart rate I was told. There are two ways amniotic fluid is measured. One way is to measure the fluid in the biggest pocket in the sack and the other way is by measuring the sum of the deepest vertical pocket of fluid. The first way is how I was measured. The normal range is 2-8cms. Little boy is at 3.24cm. This level is lower than when I was at 40 weeks and induced with Chunky P. According to an article I've read, the way I was measured is the best way to determine more accurate fluid levels. I was told by the doctor that next Tuesday I will repeat the same tests I have been given since week 32 and if the level is at 2 or below, then they will discuss what to do next. They really want me to make it to 39 weeks as that is considered full term. To add insult to injury, factors affecting fluid levels can be sickness. Yes, I'm currently battling; congestion, runny nose, inability to breathe, sore sinuses, cough, night sweats, ear pain with ringing and a constant headache. As it turns out, Chunky-P and dear husband are just as sick. Though, they both have been prescribed antibiotics and either a nebulizer or puffer treatments; I was told by my primary care doctor that she didn't want to jump to conclusions of a DX and prescribe medications because I'm pregnant and my mucus isn't green like the other two germies in my family. I can safely continue flushing my sinuses with the Neil Pot or saline sprays and drink as much water as possible. (if only someone could feel my eye roll)

So back to how friends and family assume I'm not excited to meet my son. This journey has been rough, since day one; since I was admitted to the hospital in July with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. I am so excited to meet my son, to see his face, to have him be his own person and to allow me to heal and be my own person. I'm excited to see him grow and become a member of this family. I've given him everything I have in his short 9 month life. People who assume I'm not excited to see or meet him have never even asked me, though I've heard about it from phone conversations with my husband. I'm not sorry that when I tell the truth to the asked question of "how are you feeling" people aren't happy with my answer because it's not what they wanted to hear. As mommies on the BabyCenter app in chat rooms say, "stop getting butt hurt over my response to you." Life isn't a bunch of pretty roses and pregnancy is assumed way too often by society to be a happy time.

some of my favorite new quotes.....
 

To my friends who call to check on me, trust me when I say, I am not ignoring your calls. I know when you do and I appreciate the time and effort you took to dial my number. As of right now, I can barely speak due to my sickness. I promise to call you back as soon as I'm feeling able.

Here is a link to amniotic fluid levels: http://www.bellybaby.com.au/pregnancy/amniotic-fluid-levels/