It has been a crazy week. I'm not sure where July and August have gone? This past week my cousin, Joanna, married her best friend. Yeah for Joanna and James! She found herself a keeper. :) It had to be one of the prettiest weddings I've attended. Keira and Tyler even played a part--flower girl and ring bearer. They had a blast and looked so sharp!
Randy has started making jewlry. He has a serious gift! Check out his work on Etsy under people "DeepRootsCO". He has a promo code out there to get 25% off too! He even made me a wedding band that I've fallen in love with bc of it's lightness and super cool look.
This week has found me back at the gym. Boy oh boy am I out of it! I really want to run a marathon next summer, so I need to get into gear. Thinking about starting w/ the 5K at Garden of the Gods for Breast Cancer. We'll see. I feel completely week and am mentally discouraged because of how far I have fallen behind in fitness. Blah!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Recycled Band Aid
Poor Liam had his 2 month old shots yesterday. He was not a happy camper. The nurse went as far to say, " Wow, I haven't had one get this angry for quite a while!" His screaming got so bad later in the day, that I had to call my mom at work and ask her to rush to the store, buy some infant Advil and infant Tylenol and bring it home. After 3 hours of screaming his head off and a dose of Advil the crying finally eased. He ate a total of 4 times yesterday and slept the rest of the time away. *sigh* I hate vaccinations!
On another note, let me explain the title of this blog entry. Liam had his vaccinations and they put 3 band aids on his little chubby legs. They just happened to be "Captain America" band aids. Tyler went crazy over them.
He asked me first thing this morning, "Mama, when Liam's done using his band aid can I wear it?"
Of course, I just laughed and told him that the sticky side wouldn't work anymore and that he probably wouldn't want them because they had baby blood on them. Oh, the things children say!
On another note, let me explain the title of this blog entry. Liam had his vaccinations and they put 3 band aids on his little chubby legs. They just happened to be "Captain America" band aids. Tyler went crazy over them.
He asked me first thing this morning, "Mama, when Liam's done using his band aid can I wear it?"
Of course, I just laughed and told him that the sticky side wouldn't work anymore and that he probably wouldn't want them because they had baby blood on them. Oh, the things children say!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Randy's Version of His Injury
Below is my husband's experience with his distal bicep tendon being torn this past month. He wrote it for an online forum and apparently used both of his hands for the typing--shame on him! His right hand is suppose to be resting. Enjoy!
I tore my distal bicep tendon on Saturday June 16, 2011. At first I had no idea of what I had done. So like everyone else I got on the internet and started researching it. Mine was done at work so my first concern was that I would be dealing with workers' comp doctors. I first went to the ER here in colorado springs and was given a sling and some ice and was scheduled for a appointment with a workers' comp doctor on Monday.
So I go in for my appointment and the doc has me move my arm up and down and then he has me twist my hand, then he feels around a little and explains that I strained my elbow and he will schedule me some physical therapy. I left the appointment somewhat relieved and went home to research my strained elbow. Everything I was reading seemed like it was possible that I had just strained it, but nothing explained why my bicep looked different. (See picture from previous blog post, notice how the bicep is balled up more toward the shoulder.)
I went in to see my HR at work, to see if I had any options for getting a second opinion and she gave me a number to call. So I called the number and found out that our company hired these people to make sure workers' comp was doing what they were supposed to be doing. They ask what my symptoms were and told me to hold on while they called the workers' comp doc.. She got back on the line and told me to go back ASAP to see the same doctor again. Dreading going back to his office I went back hoping to get an MRI scheduled. Well...in walks the same band-aid doctor saying, "So with your vast knowledge of the medical field you think you need an MRI". Needless to say the conversation went downhill from there. But I did get my MRI and it showed a complete rupture of the bicep tendon.
By the time I found this out I had already been to 2 physical therapies for a "strained elbow". So once I found out that I had a distal bicep tendon rupture I got on a forum. I read for days thinking I was screwed because of the nature of the injury and the fact that I was dealing with workers' comp. doctors. When I found out who my surgeon was going to be, I started researching everything I could find out about him. The only thing left to do was go in and meet him for myself.
Unfortunately everything was scheduled through Concentra (they take care of most worker comp injuries here in Colorado Springs). They had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Simpson at their office on a Thur. (almost 2 weeks after the accident--*note a ruptured bicep tendon must be repaired w/in 2-3 weeks or it's extremely difficult to repair AND you will probably loose 20-40% of your arm's strength).
When I get there for my appointment they tell me that Dr Simpson is in surgery at his office and won't be coming to Concentra. They ask if I would like to go to his office and speak with his PA. I said of course I would, I needed to know what was going on with this. I arrive to his office and everyone was scrambling to fit me and another guy into Dr. Simpson schedule. (I later found out that Dr. Simpson doesn't do appointments at Concentra and had no plans on going over that day because he is always in surgery on Thursdays.)
So one of his partners came in to talk to me while Dr. Simpson was finishing up in surgery and he spent about 20 min. with me going over my MRI . He was drawing on my x-ray showing how they repair a ruptured bicep tendon. The next thing I know Dr. Simpson comes busting in the room still in his scrubs and a hair net :-\. He starts apologizing and immediately starts going over the MRI. I went over my list of questions that I got from the online forum and felt a lot better about what I was about to go through. Since the 4 of July was that weekend we ended up scheduling surgery for the following Thur., July 7th. I had read a lot of opinions on here about the procedure and the thing that I was nervous about the most was the nerve block. I ask him if he was going to do one and he said yes and that was the end of the conversation :-\.
On the day of the surgery they gave me some happy juice thru my IV before they did the block. After about 20 min. they came in to check on me and was surprised that I was using my arm to adjust the TV. They said I shouldn't be able to do that and the block must not have taken. They told me they couldn't do it again right away and the doctor would have to do a local at the spot of the incision. So they took me into the O.R. and put a mask on my face and told me to take a couple of deep breaths. That's all I remember until I woke up in the recovery room.
As I woke up my arm was burning and throbbing :o. They decided to try the nerve block again to help control the pain for the next 24 hrs. It worked much better the second time. My arm was swinging around in the splint and I couldn't feel a thing. I told my wife the next day that I couldn't wait until it wore off and she said I probably didn't want it to wear off. And was she ever right. I tried to stay ahead of the pain with the pain meds. but I wasn't prepared when the nerve block eventually wore off. I almost went to the ER because it hurt so bad. I called the doctor's office and they told me to take 2 of all my pain meds. (This consisted of about 8 pills.) After a couple of hours it was a lot better and within a couple of days I stopped taking all pain meds.
I had a post op. appointment on Mon. (4 days after surgery) and they unwrapped everything and let me move my arm just a little :D. He said I should wear my splint at night and I should wear my sling around crowds (people tend to give you a little extra room). He told me not to lift anything with my arm. We need to let the tendon attach back to the bone. I go back, in 7 days, to get the stitches out and start the physical therapy. I have had no numbness in my fingers, in fact I've typed this whole thing with both hands without any pain. To wrap this up I feel I was very fortunate to get a very good surgeon. It's worth putting in some extra time to research your doctor. Mine has over 20 years experience in sports medicine and didn't seem at all concerned about the surgery. When you go in to meet the surgeon ask lots of questions.
I tore my distal bicep tendon on Saturday June 16, 2011. At first I had no idea of what I had done. So like everyone else I got on the internet and started researching it. Mine was done at work so my first concern was that I would be dealing with workers' comp doctors. I first went to the ER here in colorado springs and was given a sling and some ice and was scheduled for a appointment with a workers' comp doctor on Monday.
So I go in for my appointment and the doc has me move my arm up and down and then he has me twist my hand, then he feels around a little and explains that I strained my elbow and he will schedule me some physical therapy. I left the appointment somewhat relieved and went home to research my strained elbow. Everything I was reading seemed like it was possible that I had just strained it, but nothing explained why my bicep looked different. (See picture from previous blog post, notice how the bicep is balled up more toward the shoulder.)
I went in to see my HR at work, to see if I had any options for getting a second opinion and she gave me a number to call. So I called the number and found out that our company hired these people to make sure workers' comp was doing what they were supposed to be doing. They ask what my symptoms were and told me to hold on while they called the workers' comp doc.. She got back on the line and told me to go back ASAP to see the same doctor again. Dreading going back to his office I went back hoping to get an MRI scheduled. Well...in walks the same band-aid doctor saying, "So with your vast knowledge of the medical field you think you need an MRI". Needless to say the conversation went downhill from there. But I did get my MRI and it showed a complete rupture of the bicep tendon.
By the time I found this out I had already been to 2 physical therapies for a "strained elbow". So once I found out that I had a distal bicep tendon rupture I got on a forum. I read for days thinking I was screwed because of the nature of the injury and the fact that I was dealing with workers' comp. doctors. When I found out who my surgeon was going to be, I started researching everything I could find out about him. The only thing left to do was go in and meet him for myself.
Unfortunately everything was scheduled through Concentra (they take care of most worker comp injuries here in Colorado Springs). They had an appointment scheduled with Dr. Simpson at their office on a Thur. (almost 2 weeks after the accident--*note a ruptured bicep tendon must be repaired w/in 2-3 weeks or it's extremely difficult to repair AND you will probably loose 20-40% of your arm's strength).
When I get there for my appointment they tell me that Dr Simpson is in surgery at his office and won't be coming to Concentra. They ask if I would like to go to his office and speak with his PA. I said of course I would, I needed to know what was going on with this. I arrive to his office and everyone was scrambling to fit me and another guy into Dr. Simpson schedule. (I later found out that Dr. Simpson doesn't do appointments at Concentra and had no plans on going over that day because he is always in surgery on Thursdays.)
So one of his partners came in to talk to me while Dr. Simpson was finishing up in surgery and he spent about 20 min. with me going over my MRI . He was drawing on my x-ray showing how they repair a ruptured bicep tendon. The next thing I know Dr. Simpson comes busting in the room still in his scrubs and a hair net :-\. He starts apologizing and immediately starts going over the MRI. I went over my list of questions that I got from the online forum and felt a lot better about what I was about to go through. Since the 4 of July was that weekend we ended up scheduling surgery for the following Thur., July 7th. I had read a lot of opinions on here about the procedure and the thing that I was nervous about the most was the nerve block. I ask him if he was going to do one and he said yes and that was the end of the conversation :-\.
On the day of the surgery they gave me some happy juice thru my IV before they did the block. After about 20 min. they came in to check on me and was surprised that I was using my arm to adjust the TV. They said I shouldn't be able to do that and the block must not have taken. They told me they couldn't do it again right away and the doctor would have to do a local at the spot of the incision. So they took me into the O.R. and put a mask on my face and told me to take a couple of deep breaths. That's all I remember until I woke up in the recovery room.
As I woke up my arm was burning and throbbing :o. They decided to try the nerve block again to help control the pain for the next 24 hrs. It worked much better the second time. My arm was swinging around in the splint and I couldn't feel a thing. I told my wife the next day that I couldn't wait until it wore off and she said I probably didn't want it to wear off. And was she ever right. I tried to stay ahead of the pain with the pain meds. but I wasn't prepared when the nerve block eventually wore off. I almost went to the ER because it hurt so bad. I called the doctor's office and they told me to take 2 of all my pain meds. (This consisted of about 8 pills.) After a couple of hours it was a lot better and within a couple of days I stopped taking all pain meds.
I had a post op. appointment on Mon. (4 days after surgery) and they unwrapped everything and let me move my arm just a little :D. He said I should wear my splint at night and I should wear my sling around crowds (people tend to give you a little extra room). He told me not to lift anything with my arm. We need to let the tendon attach back to the bone. I go back, in 7 days, to get the stitches out and start the physical therapy. I have had no numbness in my fingers, in fact I've typed this whole thing with both hands without any pain. To wrap this up I feel I was very fortunate to get a very good surgeon. It's worth putting in some extra time to research your doctor. Mine has over 20 years experience in sports medicine and didn't seem at all concerned about the surgery. When you go in to meet the surgeon ask lots of questions.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
A dear friend of mine, Becky, made her weekly menu. One of her days included "Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce", compliments of the Pioneer Woman. Of course, I had to start my "South Beach Diet" today which eliminates all carbs (God forbid!) for the first 14 days. But I do believe, yes....I'm quite sure...I'm digging this for dinner tonight and I'm going to add some grilled chicken to the mix in order up the protein a bit. Nom Nom!
Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
compliments of "The Pioneer Woman"
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 2 cans (15 Ounce Each) Tomato Sauce Or Marinara Sauce
- Salt And Pepper, to taste
- Dash Of Sugar (more To Taste)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- Grated Parmesan Or Romano Cheese, To Taste
- Fresh Basil, Chopped
- 1-1/2 pound Fettuccine
Preparation Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a minute or so. Pour in tomato sauce and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in cream. Add cheese to taste, then check seasonings. Stir in pasta and chopped basil and serve immediately. (Thin with pasta water before adding basil if needed.)
Overwhelmed and Looking for the Finish Line
I am sitting here sipping my coffee and looking outside and I just realized, this is the first time in months that I have been able to sit in silence (except for the baby swing ticking away) and take a deep breath! Too bad it ends in about 5 minutes.
Life has been absolutely chaotic the last 2 months. Not necessarily bad, just chaotic. Liam was welcomed into this world the last of May. We painted and readied the house for my second Mom, Kathy, the first week of June. We entertained Kathy the second and third week of June. The third week of June, I started watching the Watz children again and my Nana had a massive stroke. The fourth week Nana decided she wanted to dance with Jesus and Gramp Art. Randy ruptured his distal bicep tendon and worker's comp decided to be difficult. July came. The first week of July family from California and Indiana flew in for Nana's Memorial--beautiful celebration of life that lasted 4 days! How I miss her voice. Confirmed with an MRI, Randy completely ruptured his distal bicep tendon and needs surgery ASAP. July 7, Randy has his surgery. Tendon is fixed, but he is in a splint for 10 days (at the least). He has no use of his right hand--yes, he is right handed.
Yes, this 5 minute break is much needed and I regret that it ends soon. I will be plunged back into the craziness shortly, but first a few pictures for my "journal entry" and loyal followers.
Life has been absolutely chaotic the last 2 months. Not necessarily bad, just chaotic. Liam was welcomed into this world the last of May. We painted and readied the house for my second Mom, Kathy, the first week of June. We entertained Kathy the second and third week of June. The third week of June, I started watching the Watz children again and my Nana had a massive stroke. The fourth week Nana decided she wanted to dance with Jesus and Gramp Art. Randy ruptured his distal bicep tendon and worker's comp decided to be difficult. July came. The first week of July family from California and Indiana flew in for Nana's Memorial--beautiful celebration of life that lasted 4 days! How I miss her voice. Confirmed with an MRI, Randy completely ruptured his distal bicep tendon and needs surgery ASAP. July 7, Randy has his surgery. Tendon is fixed, but he is in a splint for 10 days (at the least). He has no use of his right hand--yes, he is right handed.
Yes, this 5 minute break is much needed and I regret that it ends soon. I will be plunged back into the craziness shortly, but first a few pictures for my "journal entry" and loyal followers.
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| Washing the chairs for Mommy. They had a blast! More to come on this project. |
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| My little Rock star, Tyler. He is my precious miracle baby and is always smiling. |
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| Randy's bicep before surgery. Notice the 2 inch gap between his bicep and his elbow? Yeah...that's not normal. It should be connected at the bend in his arm, not spaced. |
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| Watching Sam's video slid show of Nana at her memorial. Great memories and many laughs. |
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| Did I mention that Keira learned to ride her bike during this month? She was one determined little girl! We are very proud of her and her commitment to learn! |
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Yogurt Popsicles
We a very simple project today during daycare: Yogurt Popsicles! Yogurt has high protein keeping bellies full longer and lots of vitamins making bodies healthy. I highly recommend this project for children of all ages!
Supplies:
Yogurt--I used Organic French Vanilla
Fruit--Optional, but really makes it fun! We used bananas sliced in small pieces
Popsicle Sticks
Small Paper Cups
Freezer
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| Grab paper cups (the small ones work best) at your local grocery store. |
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| Layer your fruit and yogurt in the cups: fruit, yogurt, fruit, yogurt...I'm sure you get the idea. Then place the Popsicle stick in the middle until it touches the bottom of the cup. |
Place the cups in the freezer for five or more hours until solid. Peel the paper off the yogurt like a "Push-up Popsicle" and enjoy!
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| Chloe (in pink) and Paige (in purple) enjoying their Popsicles. Chloe went on and on about how "yummy" the "ice cream" was. |
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| Ms. Keira and Mr. Miles |
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| Keira pretending to lick Tyler's Popsicle. |
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Thursday, June 30, 2011
Liam Alexander's Birth Story
5/16 I had a routine follow up with my midwife Jana who said that she wouldn't be surprised if we met "Baby Culver" this week. Yeah! I was two cm dilated and not really effaced, but since Keira and Tyler both came early, this baby would probably do the same!
5/19 "Ouch....that hurt a little. Ouch another one...maybe it's time? It's probably just a few Braxon Hicks", I thought to myself.
I was on my way to grocery store to grab a few groceries when my belly started cramping. I decided on take out from Chic-fil-a (one of our favorites) and to kick my feet up at home. I wasn't feeling so hot anyways. It has been a long day of watching five children. Running around after Mr. Miles (2 yrs) had exhausted me and I was ready to kick up my feet. On the way home from ordering our dinner, I noticed a that the contractions were coming every 5 mins and lasting about a minute each. I called Randy and decided that after a shower, if they were still coming, I would call him and we would head to the hospital. Two minutes in the shower and they completely stopped.
5/21 "Hmmm....that feels like a contraction...I wonder? Na, it's probably just Braxon Hicks again. Why worry Randy when they are just going to be a false alarm again? Plus, he's taking me to dinner tonight! Woo hoo! Alone time!"
I was at my mom's house this time working as an admin.. The other two children were playing in the back toy room while I was quietly creating my mom's address book in Microsoft Outlook. I didn't say anything to Mom because I didn't want her to get excited and start making a big deal. Instead, I breathed quietly and waited for Randy to pick me up for our hot date.
Sitting at Black Eye Pea (yum yum!) the contractions started getting stronger and stronger with a sharp stabbing pain. We walked to the car, pausing a couple of times, and headed home. At home, I jumped in the shower before heading to the hospital. The contractions stopped. (Boo!)
5/23 Randy was ready to meet Baby Culver, so he gathered the family to go on a walk down Cottenwood Creek Trail. Walking helps right? When we got home I had a few contractions here and there....then they got stronger. "Randy, it may be time....", I hopefully share with my husband.
"Are you sure? Let me get a few things together and use the bathroom and if they are still going on, we'll go...", he says.
"Sounds good", I replied.
"Hmmm..maybe this could be it? I think I'll take a shower"
I turn on the shower and suddenly hear Randy dashing up the stairs and yelling, "What do you think you are doing?!?!"
"Taking a shower!"--Me
"Are you crazy?"--Randy
"What do you mean? I'm gross and don't want to go to the hospital nasty."--Me
"Every time you take a shower, the contractions stop. Do you want to meet this baby or not?"--Randy
"Yes, I do! But if they are real contractions then they won't stop and we can still go to the hospital..."--Me
"Don't do it, Chris." -- Randy
"I'm taking a shower Randy" --Me
Guess what people! Yup. They STOPPED!
5/24 I tossed and turned the entire night. There was no way that I could watch 5 children. I'm not one to "call out" of work, but I could barely keep my eyes opened and I just felt "blah". After much discussion with my husband about how horrible I felt for thinking about "calling out", I broke down and called. It came down to the fact that I was exhausted, felt ill and the safety of the children were a concern of mine--I didn't think I could move fast enough to keep up with all five children.
The day passed by and besides feeling tired not much happened. When Randy returned from work, he told me to take a shower and then we were going to go to the mall to walk. (It was a little chilly outside to hit the Cottenwood Creek Trail again). I took a long shower and climbed into the car. We had a nice walk and dinner then headed home for the night. Still no contractions. I decided to continue working on my mom's address book and filing system. Around 10 pm, I noticed a few contractions, pretty mild and decided to go to bed, the entire time trying to decide if I was going to "call off" again the next day. At 11 I woke up to a sharp pain, which quickly subsided, and went back to sleep.
5/25 It was a dark and stormy night.....somewhere in the Midwest. It was 70 degrees and clear in Colorado Springs, at least, that's how I remember it.
Midnight.
"Ouch! Argh, am I ever going to sleep? That hurt." Rolling over, "Ah, man! I have to pee! Maybe I can just hold it."
12:45 a.m.
"Dang it. Nope, can't hold it. OUCH! That's not helping my bladder any...." Waddling as quickly as I can to the bathroom now...."Ouch, that really hurts...Maybe if I lay down for a minute I'll feel better."
12:50 a.m.
"Hmm...I can't remember how long and how close until we are suppose to go to the hospital. Oh well..."
1:15 a.m.
"What is my midwife's phone number? I'll call and talk to the triage nurse."mins apart. "Hmm...answering service...oh wait they give a number...remember the number...remember the number..." Dialing the number...."OUCH! Ah great another answering service..." Hanging up.
1:30 a.m.
"Well maybe I should wake...oh yeah, OUCH, definitely waking Randy!"
"Randy...."
*Grunt*
"Randy....."
*Moan....*
"RANDY!"
"Yeah?"
"Can you call the nurse and ask her the time for contractions please?"
"Are you having contractions?"
"Yeah"
"What's the number?"
"You'll have to call the midwife's office, there's a message that gives the triage nurses number and then call that number..."
"What? Okay.....There's no answer. Are you sure it's time?"
By now, I'm pacing and pausing for the contractions.
"Yeah, it's time, call Kim!"
Randy jumps up and gets into gear. He calls Kim who says she'll be there in 20 mins. Then he calls Mom who says she's on her way to our house. Randy runs down the stairs and starts throwing everything into the car. I take my time down the stairs, stopping two times to breath.
1:45 a.m.
I finally make it to the car. Leaning against the car I see a mini van speed down Covington and stop in front of the house. I vaguely remember my dad jumping out of the car and asking if I need help into the car. I decline and say, "just get inside so we can leave...ppplllleeeeaaasseee". He runs inside and Randy is out the door. We are on our way.
1:46 a.m.
Randy calls Mom, who says she'll meet us at the hospital.
1:47 a.m.
Randy calls Stephanie.
"Randy!" --Me
"What?" --Randy
"My water broke!"
"What?!?! Are you sure?"
"Yes! Please hurry!"--Me
"Steph, I have to go."--Randy
1:49
We pass two cops. Both praying that they don't turn around!
1:50 ish.
Hospital. Thank goodness!
Randy asks if I want him to grab a wheel chair, I decline. Walking helps move things along right? So he parks by the ER entrance and we walk. No one greets us, except for a security guard who comes around the corner and asks if I want a wheel chair. Randy informs him that I want to walk as I double over in a contraction. The guard quickly jumps into action. He runs ahead of us "prepping" every elevator and door before we reach it. He informs the triage nurse that I am in labor and need to check-in.
How did he manage to find her so easily and we couldn't reach her when we needed her earlier? Stupid answering service.
"Oh no! Randy I left my driver's license in the car..."--Me
"Where? I'll send Stephanie to get it..." --Randy
Stephanie? When did she get here?
"Ma'am....Ma'am...I need you to sign here. We will worry about your ID later. Did you pre-admit?"--Nurse
Yes. Yes I...oouuuccchhhh...
"Yeah, she did that a couple weeks ago..." --Randy
2:00 a.m.
The next few minutes flew by. I managed to change into a gown and climb into bed. When they checked me out they found that I was 7 cm and fully effaced. I was whisked to a birthing room immediately.
"Ma'am, I need you to put your arms in...I'm not a very good driver and tend to run into walls. I don't want your arms to get hurt while we are moving you."
Arms....down....ouch.....gotcha. Where are we going? Birthing room? Ouch....This is starting to get unbearable.....ouch....
"Ma'am, we need to move you to a different bed."
What's wrong w/ this bed? Seriously, I have to move? "Okay, give me one....second....Okay. Now! Let's move, I can move..." Ouch!
Randy was amazing standing next to me and holding my hand. Mom was helping with the breathing. Nurses were running everywhere...One nurse checked me again....
"10 cm...no 9...Did someone call the mid-wife? Is there another Dr available?"--Nurse
"Oh no! I have to poop!"--Me Obviously, I did not have to use the bathroom, it was the baby. He was coming, coming quickly and wanted me to push!
"Do NOT push! We need to wait for the doctor." said the Frantic Nurse while holding my baby's head "in".
"DO NOT PUSH!" --Mom and Randy
This baby is coming and it's not stopping for anyone!
"They are delivery nurses! THEY can deliver my baby. I'm okay with it....really!" -- Me
"DO NOT PUSH" --Frantic Nurses (Yes plural), Randy and Mom
As I was looking into Randy's face, all I could think was "Kegel, Kegel, Kegel, hold it, hold it, hold it..." His eyes were HUGE...and he was saying "don't push, don't push, breath, don't push"
2:32 a.m.
I just couldn't hold it any longer. I relaxed for half a second and felt a warmth start to slip from my body. I sat up just in time to see "my baby, my beautiful baby" slide onto the table. "Ma ma's hear!" The doctor walked into the room right around that time. The nurse picked up my baby boy and placed him in my arms. I was able to rub him down and cuddle him immediately for about 10 minutes. Baby Liam Alexander Culver was in my arms and was absolutely perfect in every way.
5/19 "Ouch....that hurt a little. Ouch another one...maybe it's time? It's probably just a few Braxon Hicks", I thought to myself.
I was on my way to grocery store to grab a few groceries when my belly started cramping. I decided on take out from Chic-fil-a (one of our favorites) and to kick my feet up at home. I wasn't feeling so hot anyways. It has been a long day of watching five children. Running around after Mr. Miles (2 yrs) had exhausted me and I was ready to kick up my feet. On the way home from ordering our dinner, I noticed a that the contractions were coming every 5 mins and lasting about a minute each. I called Randy and decided that after a shower, if they were still coming, I would call him and we would head to the hospital. Two minutes in the shower and they completely stopped.
5/21 "Hmmm....that feels like a contraction...I wonder? Na, it's probably just Braxon Hicks again. Why worry Randy when they are just going to be a false alarm again? Plus, he's taking me to dinner tonight! Woo hoo! Alone time!"
I was at my mom's house this time working as an admin.. The other two children were playing in the back toy room while I was quietly creating my mom's address book in Microsoft Outlook. I didn't say anything to Mom because I didn't want her to get excited and start making a big deal. Instead, I breathed quietly and waited for Randy to pick me up for our hot date.
Sitting at Black Eye Pea (yum yum!) the contractions started getting stronger and stronger with a sharp stabbing pain. We walked to the car, pausing a couple of times, and headed home. At home, I jumped in the shower before heading to the hospital. The contractions stopped. (Boo!)
5/23 Randy was ready to meet Baby Culver, so he gathered the family to go on a walk down Cottenwood Creek Trail. Walking helps right? When we got home I had a few contractions here and there....then they got stronger. "Randy, it may be time....", I hopefully share with my husband.
"Are you sure? Let me get a few things together and use the bathroom and if they are still going on, we'll go...", he says.
"Sounds good", I replied.
"Hmmm..maybe this could be it? I think I'll take a shower"
I turn on the shower and suddenly hear Randy dashing up the stairs and yelling, "What do you think you are doing?!?!"
"Taking a shower!"--Me
"Are you crazy?"--Randy
"What do you mean? I'm gross and don't want to go to the hospital nasty."--Me
"Every time you take a shower, the contractions stop. Do you want to meet this baby or not?"--Randy
"Yes, I do! But if they are real contractions then they won't stop and we can still go to the hospital..."--Me
"Don't do it, Chris." -- Randy
"I'm taking a shower Randy" --Me
Guess what people! Yup. They STOPPED!
5/24 I tossed and turned the entire night. There was no way that I could watch 5 children. I'm not one to "call out" of work, but I could barely keep my eyes opened and I just felt "blah". After much discussion with my husband about how horrible I felt for thinking about "calling out", I broke down and called. It came down to the fact that I was exhausted, felt ill and the safety of the children were a concern of mine--I didn't think I could move fast enough to keep up with all five children.
The day passed by and besides feeling tired not much happened. When Randy returned from work, he told me to take a shower and then we were going to go to the mall to walk. (It was a little chilly outside to hit the Cottenwood Creek Trail again). I took a long shower and climbed into the car. We had a nice walk and dinner then headed home for the night. Still no contractions. I decided to continue working on my mom's address book and filing system. Around 10 pm, I noticed a few contractions, pretty mild and decided to go to bed, the entire time trying to decide if I was going to "call off" again the next day. At 11 I woke up to a sharp pain, which quickly subsided, and went back to sleep.
5/25 It was a dark and stormy night.....somewhere in the Midwest. It was 70 degrees and clear in Colorado Springs, at least, that's how I remember it.
Midnight.
"Ouch! Argh, am I ever going to sleep? That hurt." Rolling over, "Ah, man! I have to pee! Maybe I can just hold it."
12:45 a.m.
"Dang it. Nope, can't hold it. OUCH! That's not helping my bladder any...." Waddling as quickly as I can to the bathroom now...."Ouch, that really hurts...Maybe if I lay down for a minute I'll feel better."
12:50 a.m.
"Hmm...I can't remember how long and how close until we are suppose to go to the hospital. Oh well..."
1:15 a.m.
"What is my midwife's phone number? I'll call and talk to the triage nurse."mins apart. "Hmm...answering service...oh wait they give a number...remember the number...remember the number..." Dialing the number...."OUCH! Ah great another answering service..." Hanging up.
1:30 a.m.
"Well maybe I should wake...oh yeah, OUCH, definitely waking Randy!"
"Randy...."
*Grunt*
"Randy....."
*Moan....*
"RANDY!"
"Yeah?"
"Can you call the nurse and ask her the time for contractions please?"
"Are you having contractions?"
"Yeah"
"What's the number?"
"You'll have to call the midwife's office, there's a message that gives the triage nurses number and then call that number..."
"What? Okay.....There's no answer. Are you sure it's time?"
By now, I'm pacing and pausing for the contractions.
"Yeah, it's time, call Kim!"
Randy jumps up and gets into gear. He calls Kim who says she'll be there in 20 mins. Then he calls Mom who says she's on her way to our house. Randy runs down the stairs and starts throwing everything into the car. I take my time down the stairs, stopping two times to breath.
1:45 a.m.
I finally make it to the car. Leaning against the car I see a mini van speed down Covington and stop in front of the house. I vaguely remember my dad jumping out of the car and asking if I need help into the car. I decline and say, "just get inside so we can leave...ppplllleeeeaaasseee". He runs inside and Randy is out the door. We are on our way.
1:46 a.m.
Randy calls Mom, who says she'll meet us at the hospital.
1:47 a.m.
Randy calls Stephanie.
"Randy!" --Me
"What?" --Randy
"My water broke!"
"What?!?! Are you sure?"
"Yes! Please hurry!"--Me
"Steph, I have to go."--Randy
1:49
We pass two cops. Both praying that they don't turn around!
1:50 ish.
Hospital. Thank goodness!
Randy asks if I want him to grab a wheel chair, I decline. Walking helps move things along right? So he parks by the ER entrance and we walk. No one greets us, except for a security guard who comes around the corner and asks if I want a wheel chair. Randy informs him that I want to walk as I double over in a contraction. The guard quickly jumps into action. He runs ahead of us "prepping" every elevator and door before we reach it. He informs the triage nurse that I am in labor and need to check-in.
How did he manage to find her so easily and we couldn't reach her when we needed her earlier? Stupid answering service.
"Oh no! Randy I left my driver's license in the car..."--Me
"Where? I'll send Stephanie to get it..." --Randy
Stephanie? When did she get here?
"Ma'am....Ma'am...I need you to sign here. We will worry about your ID later. Did you pre-admit?"--Nurse
Yes. Yes I...oouuuccchhhh...
"Yeah, she did that a couple weeks ago..." --Randy
2:00 a.m.
The next few minutes flew by. I managed to change into a gown and climb into bed. When they checked me out they found that I was 7 cm and fully effaced. I was whisked to a birthing room immediately.
"Ma'am, I need you to put your arms in...I'm not a very good driver and tend to run into walls. I don't want your arms to get hurt while we are moving you."
Arms....down....ouch.....gotcha. Where are we going? Birthing room? Ouch....This is starting to get unbearable.....ouch....
"Ma'am, we need to move you to a different bed."
What's wrong w/ this bed? Seriously, I have to move? "Okay, give me one....second....Okay. Now! Let's move, I can move..." Ouch!
Randy was amazing standing next to me and holding my hand. Mom was helping with the breathing. Nurses were running everywhere...One nurse checked me again....
"10 cm...no 9...Did someone call the mid-wife? Is there another Dr available?"--Nurse
"Oh no! I have to poop!"--Me Obviously, I did not have to use the bathroom, it was the baby. He was coming, coming quickly and wanted me to push!
"Do NOT push! We need to wait for the doctor." said the Frantic Nurse while holding my baby's head "in".
"DO NOT PUSH!" --Mom and Randy
This baby is coming and it's not stopping for anyone!
"They are delivery nurses! THEY can deliver my baby. I'm okay with it....really!" -- Me
"DO NOT PUSH" --Frantic Nurses (Yes plural), Randy and Mom
As I was looking into Randy's face, all I could think was "Kegel, Kegel, Kegel, hold it, hold it, hold it..." His eyes were HUGE...and he was saying "don't push, don't push, breath, don't push"
2:32 a.m.
I just couldn't hold it any longer. I relaxed for half a second and felt a warmth start to slip from my body. I sat up just in time to see "my baby, my beautiful baby" slide onto the table. "Ma ma's hear!" The doctor walked into the room right around that time. The nurse picked up my baby boy and placed him in my arms. I was able to rub him down and cuddle him immediately for about 10 minutes. Baby Liam Alexander Culver was in my arms and was absolutely perfect in every way.
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