Memory Box Monday

I have been reading a blog from a family that lives out in Colorado. She does a posting on Monday about things that are memorable. This Monday does have several things that are memorable. Two years ago on Sunday, we received our call from the agency about Emma. I remember the mix of emotions that I was going through. I had a 3 week old baby that I was talking about leaving for 2 1/2 week and the anxiety and sadness of that experience of that. Also the excitement of finally getting Emma and going to China.

These are her referral pictures at we received that night.

This is her now with her new tattoo!!!

Today I went to talk with the Pediatric Cardiologist about the baby's extra heartbeat. The baby is fine. We think that is was due to caffeine. I guess no more chocolate for 18 1/2 weeks. :(

John is feeling alot better. He is back to work fulltime now and only has one more week of the meds. He is very tired, but the all of the aches and pains are pretty much gone. I am very happy for that.

Ultra sound today

It's a Boy!!!!

All looks good with the baby. The doctor wants a second ultrasound in two weeks to check his heart. The baby has a premature atrial contraction, which is an extra beat. The doctor indicated that it is common and can be caused by chocolate (ugh!!!).

We will have pictures scanned soon.

Daddy's home from the hospital

Last Monday, mommy and daddy headed off the the doctor's again to see if they could help with the headaches. Their doctor put him back on antibiotic and decongestant thinking it was a sinus infection. She also wanted to him to get a bunch of blood work done the following morning.

Tuesday morning we were about ready to head off to school and mommy and daddy were going to get the blood work done - yuck!!! when mommy noticed that daddy's face looked a little funny. He had a very crooked smile and his left eye would not shut. So they decided to head to the hospital instead.

Tuesday afternoon - after a MRI, a lot of blood work, and a spinal tap, he was diagnosed with viral menigitis due to lymes disease. The doctors decided that he had to stay for more treatments. Mommy and daddy were finally relieved at someone found out what was the matter.

Daddy had to stay in the hospital for two days. He came home on Thursday evening. He now has to have medicine in a picc line - I am not sure what that is - it looks like a booboo on his arm and he has something called Bell's Palsy on his left side of his face. The funny face will go away in 2-6 weeks and he needs the medicine for 4 weeks.

He is feeling better, but is still tired and has a few headaches. He did play outside with us on Friday. He keeps telling us that he went to see Elmo's doctor. Elmo's doctor is a good doctor to make our daddy better.

Thank you for all of the prayers for daddy.

Emma and Jessa

Jessa's 2nd Birthday

Today was Jessa's birthday. I can not believe that she is 2 already. I still look at her as a little baby. Our plans have changed with our vacation. We were suppose to be up in NY from last Saturday until next Saturday so John could play in a golf tournament and we could visit with family. Unfortunately, John has been suffering from a very bad headache for over three weeks. After a few different meds and a CAT scan, we know nothing more than when we started. We are trying another dose of antibotic and thinking maybe it is a sinus infection. If this does not work, we head to a beta-blocker and hope for the best.

The interesting way that God works is I just found out that a couple of family members in NY are sick. Maybe it is a good thing that we were not exposed to those bugs. I am taking advantage of the time off and relaxing a bit and getting some work done that I have not been able to do.

We had a very nice birthday party for Jessa at the house this evening. I think she knew that she was special today. She would say a very cute "2" when you asked how old she was.

I will post some pictures later from the party.

Can I please ask that you pray for John and for his headaches for be gone.

Summer vacations

Two weeks ago we headed to Lake Ontario for four days. The weather was fair. We played among the raindrops, but the girls did not seem to mind. They had a great time with their cousin, aunt and uncle and grandparents. It was great to see the three of them together.

We arrived home on Sunday and the girls were very tired. Sleep was not a high priority for them over the few days away. The transition back to school was not an easy move. Jessa had a tough time on Monday. We ended the week by getting ready to head to the beach on Saturday for the week.

We had a great time at the beach with my family. John had to work for the week, but returned on Thursday night for a day and half. The girls loved the water and the beach. Jessa just kept asking to go to play in the water. Emma became an expert at sand drip castles. She spent hours playing in the sand. We arrived home on the 4th of July and had a very quiet day.

We are heading to either Rochester or the Lake again on Saturday for a week. John will be golfing on Tuesday and Jessa will be turning 2 on Monday, July 13th. I can not belief that she will be 2.

The pregnancy is going very well. My blood pressure has been great. We go for our next ultrasound on Monday, July 20th. We are going to try to find out what we are having. I will keep you informed.

Here are some pictures for both of our trips.

Lake Ontario, NY

Ocean City, NJ

Our new bug

We had our 8 week ultrasound today. Everything looks great. The baby's heartbeat is 160. If you believe the old wives tale, that means a girl. Poor John. Mom is very tired and sick. I am wanting Mexican Food all the time.

The girls are doing great. Emma is visiting the older class, she is have a blast. I think she is liking the challenge. Jessa is as crazy as normal, but we love her just as much.

We have scheduled next Monday to put our house on the market. Our kitchen is almost completed and we only have to finish our bedroom. I really hope our house sells quickly so I am not 6 months pregnant packing our house. I would rather be 6 month pregnant and unpacking.

John is doing well. Working hard and playing hard with the girls. Boy does he love those girls.

Thankful Thursday

I thought this would be a great time to explain what my clues mean. For all of our readers that have not guessed, we are going to have a baby. Surprise!!!! Yes it was very much a surprise-a wonderful and exciting surprise. We are expecting the baby to be arriving around Dec 12th. My mom and John both think that it is a boy. My midwife joked that it is twins. Right now I am feeling great other than very, very tired. I only feel nausea when I have not eaten, so I am trying to do several small meals during the day.

Jessa loves to look at little babies, but I think she is not going to be happy when this baby comes home to stay. Emma wants to have a baby boy, but I think she would be happy to have either. I will keep you informed about all the excitement.

I have to say that I am very thankful to God for the opportunity to be pregnant again and give birth again. As John says, "I am getting my three children" and John's dad now only needs one more grandchild to fill his quota of 7.