Day 2 at LBI

Well here it is the second day of vacation and I have successfully avoided the ER, unlike last year! However, my morning sickness kicked in with a headache, so, I stayed home while Emily went to the beach with Jim, and my parents.

Emily had fun when she was on the blanket and off the sand! We were doing well until the tide started to come in. Jim picked up the stuff and moved it once, but it was futile... After we got comfortably moved, the tide came in more and SOAKED us and all of our stuff. When they came home, I found this way to funny!

We all got ready and went out for a nice dinner. After that we went to Bay Village for a little bit, did some shopping and got some of the yummiest fudge in the world!

We are having a lot of fun!

Leaving for Vacation and Day 1 at LBI

Today, Jim is dropping "Ed" off at the kennel and we're meeting my parents. down in LBI for a relaxing vacation! We can't wait!



When we got there, ate lunch and got the car unloaded, all five of us decided to take a walk to the beach. It was so, so close to our house (we were one house off the beach).



We got to the sand and Jim put Emily down in it and.....she HATED it!! She did not like walking in it and sure didn't want to have anything to do with it. Since Jim loves, loves, loves the beach....this did not make him too happy.


Everyone figured she would be better when we got down to the water...NOPE! Didn't care for that either! Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow!

4th Doctor's Appointment

Overall, another good appointment. Although, I lost another pound. Doctor wasn't concerned about the weight loss.

Anyway, Baby's heartbeat sounded good. My Mom went with me again and was treated to another steady heartbeat!

Doctor said results of the AFP turned out great, so no worries there!

Next appointment....August 7th

Cheese!

Emily has decided when she wants her picture taken. She will smile and say Cheese! This is our clue to take a picture of her and this is one of the results.

Happy Fourth of July!!

We were running around trying to finalize all the things we needed for our vacation. My parents, Emily & I all went shopping. Jim was happy to have all this time to himself! So, he mowed the lawn and got outside things ready to leave.

We were supposed to go to fireworks, but it was raining and they were all cancelled. I hope we'll get to see some soon!

Emily got to see her baby.....

BROTHER!!! She was so excited to go with Mommy & Daddy for the "Big" ultrasound today. As soon as they put the wand on my tummy, she kept saying, "Baby"! Jim, the technician and I all thought this was the cutest thing!

Finally, Father's Day is celebrated!

We finally got to celebrate Father's Day with Jim's Dad. We were supposed to go the night of Emily's birthday (see 6/19 journal entry), but things did not work out.

We went to the Olive Garden and had a lot of fun!

Pictures and Bloodwork...

Well, today we went to Babies R Us to get Emily's Birthday pictures done. We got her to give them some smiles!

After that we went to get Emily's bloodwork done. Jim took her in by himself (I waited in the waiting room!) and she didn't even cry or flinch! The phlebotomist said she was such a good girl and got 2 stickers! One said "No Tears Today" and the other said "I was good, I held still. We were so proud of her...we took her for french fries!

Emily's 2nd Birthday Party!

Unlike last year...we had a beautiful day! We did still rent the tent, just in case!

Emily had a wonderful time playing with all her friends and family! She didn't stop until way, way past her bed time.

2 Year Doctor's Appointment....

Overall everything went well.

She is now 33.5 inches and 26lbs. She's in the 50th percentile for height and weight. She's right on target as far as talking and skills.

She had to get a shot for Hep-A. She was so good with the shot...she didn't even cry. Actually, she cried when her band-aid came off. Unfortunately, she has to get blood work done. At her 1 year, her lead was slightly higher than they like so they want to retest. They also want to check her cholesterol, since high cholesterol runs in both our families.

Her doctor was impressed that she has only been in for 1 sick visit! And it was just for a rash! Now, barring any sick visits, she doesn't have to go back for another year.

Emily's 2!!!!

Wow, I can't believe that 2 years have passed! Time sure does fly.... Overall, I had a pretty good birthday. I can't wait for my party on Saturday!

Unfortunately, Jim's Dad ended up in the hospital. We did go to the hospital to spend some time with him in the ER. He hopes to be released in time for Emily's party on Saturday. We just hope that he's okay! Thankfully, he is okay.

Emily asked to use the potty...

and did!! She went and told Daddy who called me to bring her into the bathroom. Since I wasn't really trying to train her, I didn't think she'd go. Well, she surprised me!

3rd Doctor's Appointment

Overall, another good appointment. Although, I lost 3 lbs. See what happens when you cut out soda!

Anyway, Baby's heartbeat sounded good. My Mom went with me again and was treated to another steady heartbeat! I had the bloodwork done for the AFP test, which screens for Spina Bifida.

As of 6/26/07 ~ Doctor hasn't called with news from the AFP...which is good news! They only call when there is a problem with the bloodwork.

Next appointment...July 6th

Emily's Professional 2nd Birthday Pictures

Well, Emily & I went with my parents to get pictures taken for her birthday. Again, she was all smiles....until she got in front of the camera! Overall, we got some cute shots.

Emily goes to the zoo!

Today we took Emily to the Turtle Back Zoo! We had a lot of fun and it was a beautiful day!


She loved all the animals especially the penguins! This made Mommy happy! She really enjoyed herself and we all had such a wonderful time!

Some very sad news....

Today, we found out that our brother in law Tony, has Stage 4 lung cancer.

He had been having back problems and was finding it difficult to do many things. He used to golf a few times a week and even that diminished. He kept going to the doctor and they just kept prescribing medication for him.

Unfortunately, they found out that it had progressed to this level.

If you could keep him, my sister in law, Michelle and their beautiful daughter Laura, in your prayers and thoughts it would be appreciated.

Fluttering....

Starting to feel some soft movement! Pretty soon, baby will be keeping me up at night!

3 Hour GTT Results....

Short and sweet....

I just heard back from the nurse.....I PASSED!

3 Hour Glucose Test

So today Jim & I went to have the 3 hour GTT done. Its not bad, just incredibly boring! Anyway, they do a blood draw. Then they make you drink the yummy orange stuff. Starting an hour after you finish the drink, I had a blood draw done every hour. Hopefully, I'll be passing this one!

Ultrascreen Results

Doctor called...the baby looks good. Prior to the test, based on my age, the chances of down syndrome was 1 in 350. After the test, the chances went to 1 in 7,000! So, great results!

Storytime!!

Today I took Emily to her 1st Storytime! We had a lot of fun, read books and sang songs! We get to go for the next 6 weeks. Emily can't wait!

First Trimester Ultrascreen done

So today we went in for another ultrasound. This combined with a finger prick would be able to determine if the baby had Down Syndrome or two other Trisomy disorders.

It was so nice to be able to see the baby again. The technician and the doctor said that everything looked fine, but they wouldn't be able to tell until the bloodwork was back. The heartbeat was 161.

2nd Doctor's Appointment

So today I went for my 2nd doctors appointment. I only gained 1 pound, so not too bad! My mom went in with me and heard the heartbeat. It registered at 135. Overall, another good appointment.

Next appointment.....June 6th

Baby #2's First Ultrasound

Today we went in for our 1st ultrasound to evaluate the dating. The room was really cramped, so Jim & Emily stayed out in the waiting room. Anyway...the baby was bouncing around all over the place. The heartbeat registered at 171. I measured at 12 weeks, so 1 week ahead. Everything looked good!

Happy Birthday!

Today Jim, Emily, my parents & I all went to the Black Forest for my Dad's birthday! We had a lot of fun and the food was wonderful!

GTT Results....

Well big surprise....I failed! I needed less than a 135 to pass. So, what did I get...138! I only failed by 3 points, but now I have to take the 3 hour glucose test. Hopefully, Jim will be able to take off and come with me for company!

Glucose Tolerance Test Taken

My doctor wanted me to do the glucose test early. So today, on Friday the 13th, I had it done. The orange stuff tasted yummy as usual. We just have to wait for results. The irony is that I know I will fail this test. Then I will have to sit through the boring 3 hour glucose test.

Wish me luck!

Emily's 2nd Easter, but....

we were all sick! So, we had to cancel Easter. We did dye eggs though and make the most of it!

Emily visits the Easter Bunny!

Today we took Emily to the mall to meet the Easter Bunny! She was such a good girl and loved meeting the Easter Bunny!

1st Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our first doctors appointment.

We met with a new doctor, Dr. Shah. She is going to be our contact through this pregnancy. She seems really nice...we like her. She just went over family and pregnancy history. Confirmed our due date (11/19/07) and wanted to send me for a dating ultrasound. Also, I had 10 vials of blood taken! (I guess I better get used to this again!)

Overall, things went well. We can now officially spread the good news!

Next appointment...May 2nd

Easter Bunny Train Ride!

Today we took Emily on a train ride! This wasn't an ordinary train ride...the Easter Bunny would be there!


She got to meet Sylvester & Tweety, Snoopy and the Easter Bunny! Got an adorable little stuffed bunny, some candy and a coloring book!

She was so excited and we all had so much fun!

We're having another baby!

Today, on a whim, I decided to take a home pregnancy test. It was positive! Baby#2 should arrive around November 19th, 2007!

A Very Sad Day...

Absence and death are the same - only that in death there is no suffering. - Theodore Roosevelt

On 2/23/07, we received a call with some very heartbreaking news. Sam, Jim's best friend and the best man at our wedding, died at around 9:00am. He was 40 years old. Way too young to have to endure all he did for many years, but he kept fighting as long as he could.

You see Sam had diabetes, was on dialysis twice a week, was blind and had double amputations below the knee. This all happened within the 5 years that many of you saw him give a heartfelt toast at our wedding.

Sam was one of those people who, at the drop of a hat, would go out of his way to help a stranger. That's just the way he was. He was one of the most kind and generous people you could ever meet.

He didn't ask for much from life. All he wanted was a wonderful wife, a happy marriage and kids. Boy did he adore kids. Unfortunately, he got none of those.

So in conclusion...Sam I hope you are at peace at last. I know that you can finally see Emily, which you wanted to do more than anything. You can now see how much she looks like her Daddy. I also know that you have your legs back and you are complete at last.

I hope you know how much we miss you. You will always remain such a part of our lives. We've had some good memories and we will treasure those until the day we meet again. God speed my friend, we love you!

Uh oh...

What happens when you leave a 2 year old alone with a box of tissues?

I'm glad you asked! Well, I can say I have the answer...

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

Since we can't party like we used to...we are staying home for another New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve has always been sort of a depressing holiday for me. I have no idea why. I guess I get sentimental about the years that have passed.

Overall, I'm very lucky. I have a beautiful daughter, wonderful husband and a loving family.

Anyway...

Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.

Since Emily was only 6 months for her first Christmas, she really didn't understand what was going on.

Well, she is 18 months now and she got so excited when she saw the toys Santa left for her Christmas morning.

Later my parents and Jim's parents came for dinner. Then we got some more wonderful presents! It really was a wonderful Christmas!

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

Once we all got up and got ready, we went up to Michelle & Tony's to celebrate Christmas Eve. Jim's parents were there too. As usual, Michelle & Tony were wonderful hosts and we had some yummy food!

We had so much fun. Emily got to play with Laura. And we all got some beautiful gifts!

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

Today we made our annual trip to get a Christmas tree. We packed up the car and headed to Max's. It was really cold, but we got a really nice tree. Emily can't wait to decorate it!

Bob the Builder worked!

Since I had no luck getting Emily to smile for Christmas pictures, I took Jim with me in a last ditch effort for a Christmas card picture.

We got to the Picture People and Emily was all smiles...until the camera came out. Then, that was all she wrote.

In an attempt to get a smile, Jim started singing the Bob the Builder theme song and.......it worked! We got a smile!

Freeze Frame!

Today Emily & I went to the mall to meet Michelle & Laura for our picture. We had it taken to give to Jim's parents and Grandma for Christmas.

We had fun playing and then we went to McDonalds for lunch.