We're still here!

Hello, yes I am still here - just been busy. Lyndsay is napping peacefully and so far she has done so the last few days at this time for a 3-4 hour period, allowing me to do some other things.... Erin loves her to pieces, but is having a hard time not having my undivided attention. She wants me to carry her out of bed at naptime/bedtime, but can't understand why I can't do it right now even though I have shown her my "owie" - she will just lay there and cry and want momma to pick her up! So, this won't be a long post, either - I am going to go and read to her while we have the one on one time. She gets so excited to see the baby in the morning - she runs over and kisses and hugs her and wants to hold her. She didn't want me covering up her feet this morning - she wanted to hold them while I fed her! Lyndsay had a hard time latching and concentrating with sissy "loving" on her! I'm glad she loves her so much! They are closer in age that Isaac and Erin - more like Isaac and Danielle were (they were 21 months apart). Lyndsay and Erin are 28 months apart. I like that - hopefully they will be close and play well together, etc.

This week has been more like survival mode for us until I feel better and can be on my feet for longer periods of time. It gets better everyday but I find if I push it just a little, I will be forced off my feet the rest of the day due to soreness! The girls have been gone yesterday and will be again today, so the house gets way behind if not kept on top of! I had Curt help me with laundry this morning before school - he takes out the dirty and brings in the clean for me to fold if I have the chance. I have my husband home this week as well and he has been a help - cooking good food during the day and the wonderful ladies from church have been bringing dinner every night and will through Friday or Saturday of this week! So, hopefully by next week I will be feeling much better cuz I will be on my own! I've been trying to lay the baby down more, so she doesn't think she has to be held all of the time. That's hard to do when the kids are home because there is always someone who wants to hold her! I let Isaac hold her last night on my bed - he keeps asking but I'm either feeding her or he's busy doing something with Curt... Curt held her last night for awhile, too - but he's more content to hold her hand and talk to her! Erin, of course gets to hold her for a second or two quite a bit throughout the day because she's always with me! I remember when Isaac was born, Danielle used to sit next to me while I was feeding him and either hold his hand, or put her arm through mine... Precious memories!

While in the hospital, I had an area on my left leg that started swelling a bit and bruised so they did do a doppler on it and found no clots. That's unusual because my left leg didn't bother me this pregnancy at all - it was my right leg. This morning, my right leg started aching a bit, so I grudgingly put my hose back on to see if it would help and it has. I am getting ready to take my nap this afternoon with the baby (I love my naps! - my mom probably never thought she'd hear me say that!) and lay Erin down as well. I have to make her some lunch first, though so I will be going for now but have a great day and kiss and hug your kids - they grow up so fast!

Here they are - pictures!

Curt and Lyndsay
Erin doesn't care is she's crying just loves to hold her!
Isaac and Erin on their computers!
Prescious - enough said!

Enjoy - don't have time to post, just wanted to get the pictures up - going to the Doctor today to have staples removed! Enjoy!

She's Here! Lyndsay Grace Fitch

Well, we made it! Tuesday, the 19th, I ended up going to the Dr. at 3:30pm and they sent me right to the hospital to be monitored for a bit. Amber dropped me off at the hospital on the way home from the doctor's office. I was contracting every 3 minutes or so and the pain in my side hadn't gone away so we decided to deliver that night. Jeremy got there at 7pm and the doctor a few minutes after and Lyndsay Grace made her arrival at 8:07pm, 7lbs 13oz and 19 inches long! It was a very good surgery (thank you for praying), quick and complication-free delivery! Praise the Lord!

She's just beautiful and looks like all of our children wrapped up into one with her own features, as well! We are struggling with nursing as usual for me and are supplementing with formula to keep her hydrated! She sleeps good when her belly is full (I am currently waiting for her to wake up because I "need" to feed right now) and very content! The kids all love her - all want to hold her! Erin sits right next to me and leans her head on the baby and loves to hold her hand or foot, whichever is closer or available! Isaac loves to rub her head, Curt likes to hold her hand and talk to her and the girls love to hold her!

I will post more later and have Amber post some pictures as well - just wanted to check in real quick before someone needs me and sitting up like this isn't so comfortable after a few minutes. I have committed myself to making sure I rest more with this one so I can get better and on my feet faster without setbacks so I can enjoy the rest of my time off from work. Pray for a quick recovery and everyone to settle in good! Talk to you soon!

2 more days...

Boy oh boy, what a week! Starting Friday night, I have been having a pain in my left side, just under my ribcage and think it is probably a pulled muscle from all the coughing I've been doing. But, is it ever uncomfortable and hurts real bad at times! So, Sunday morning, I did make it to church to sing with the ladies' group and no, I didn't wear my PJ's :) But, I my side was hurting and sitting in the straight pews wasn't helping, so I gathered up Erin and Isaac, who weren't too happy about leaving early and went home to rest. I pretty much got up to do a few things, then laid down for awhile for the rest of the day.

Yesterday, the kids didn't have school, so I thought I'd get a few things done since I had the help and went to Sears for jeans on sale for the boys, then ate at the food court. I felt fine until halfway through Sears and then my side started hurting something awful, so we left without finishing and after sitting in the van for a bit, I felt better, so on to Walmart we went. I went in and got some of the things I knew Amber wouldn't be able to, and then went out to sit in the van again and let Amber and Brooke finish the shopping. I did call my OB office and a nurse said it sounded like a pulled muscle and after resting for a bit, I felt fine.

My husband got home a bit earlier than normal from work due to the paint shop having difficulties, so he took me to dinner at Red Lobster for our valentine's date we didn't get last week! It was delicious -especially since we don't go out to eat at all anymore like we used to! I even came home and took a relaxing bath while the kids were left to their own devices in the living room and Curt and Brooke were ready to tear each other apart by the time I came out! Off to bed with everyone.

I woke up feeling miserable in the middle of the night. My side was hurting again and hasn't stopped. I took a tylenol this morning, we'll see if that helps. I am so ready to just feel better! So, if you think of it, please pray that this side pain goes away ASAP and that all goes well the rest of the week. I doubt I'll update again until after baby comes and post some pictures. I was going to keep the kids home from school on Friday, but they have a field trip to the Grossology exhibit in Midland at the museum and don't you know- that's much more exciting than mom having a baby! That's ok, I just have to find someone who can watch Erin for the day.

Now, I'm off to lay down for a bit to see it that will help and lay on a warm rice sock as well:) The house can wait... Have a great day!

Six more days!!!

Wow, does time ever fly! I never thought I'd make it to the less than a week marker. Sometimes it seems it will never get here and now it seems to have gotten here way too fast! I have been feeling much better - just extremely tired. I never have been much of a nap taker except in the car on long distance trips, but I love my naps now! I'm better at taking naps than Erin is! She and I have gone around a few times the last few days. I wonder if she is sensing that things are about to change in a drastic way!? Oh well, hopefully she will enjoy the new baby and not feel "left out". Jeremy was real good about picking up Isaac and bringing him to the hospital after Erin was born, hopefully he'll be able to do the same with Erin and Isaac this time. Although, this time, Isaac will probably prefer staying home and playing video/computer games vs being in the boring hospital!

I get to sing tomorrow morning in church with the ladies' group. Hopefully I can find something to wear that fits me - Mrs. Jurva said no PJ's:( My husband went out to Millington to cut up a few weeks worth of wood so I'll be driving out there with the 2nd trailer when he's ready for it (he'll call). That way, he won't have to worry about it next weekend!

Amber went to a basketball game last night, Brooke babysat and then they went back to their dad's for the weekend. Today, Amber is "serving" dinner at the Valentine's Banquet at church and Brooke is babysitting for one of the couple's that will be there. So, they are busy no matter what! Curt is at his Dad's playing with his sister, Emilie, I'm sure. So, I won't see them until tomorrow night.

I did some cleaning and stuff yesterday morning and was really sore last night, so I am taking it easy today besides keeping Erin out of trouble. I really have to watch my TUMS - she thinks they are candy. She doesn't bother any of that stuff during the day when we're alone so at night is the time she decides I must not be watching her as closely (thinking someone else might be), and she gets into everything! As I sit here, she walked out and shut my bedroom door and is probably causing great trouble somewhere - about ten minutes ago, she bit Isaac in the back which resulted in a swat to the bottom and she had to hug him and apologize. We just finished watching Daddy Day Camp together about 1/2 hour ago.

That's all the new news anyway - hope you have a great day!

Doing better...

Good morning! Well, I did go to the doctor yesterday - my family dr. told me to go to my OB, so I did. Erin and I left a little early and got the grocery shopping done. I always make the mistake of getting the 5 gallons of milk I normally get (we go thru 1 gallon a day) first and by the time I was done, the cart was pretty heavy for the whole trip thru the store! That's one nice thing about bringing the kids, but going alone far outweighs taking them because when I take them, it ends up costing me more money! Anyway, the doctor said my lungs were clear, but would give me some medicine anyway, just in case... (he didn't check my sinuses, etc.), so I was grateful because I really think it's a sinus infection turning into more! Then, around 4:45pm, the OB office called and told me my lab tests for UTI came up with a "bug" and they didn't necessarily need to give me medicine for it. I said I would like the medicine, and told them what the doctor had given me earlier that day. She said it wouldn't cover the UTI, so they called in an antibiotic that would cover both. I have taken 2 doses so far and feel sooooo much better already! Thank you Jesus! I have been feeling crampy all morning, though but hopefully a hot shower will take care of that. My chest and belly hurt so bad yesterday from coughing and blowing my nose, I couldn't imagine a surgery on top of that and trying to breath, etc. I just wish they would've called me sooner...

Last night, while brushing Isaac's teeth, I noticed the loose tooth was on it's side and tried to encourage him to pull it out so he didn't end up swallowing it in the night. Now, I am not a good tooth puller - daddy is, though. So, after putting some ice on it for our ever sensitive boy, daddy tied some floss around the tooth and pulled it out fast! Isaac still panicked and cried for about 10 minutes, but once the bleeding stopped and he was sure he wasn't going to have to go to the doctor, he was fine and kept looking at it in the mirror! He even got out of bed a few times to check it out! He took the tooth to school to show it off today. I'll post a picture after this!

I slept so much better last night as well - I didn't even hear the kids get up and get ready this morning - I slept til 7:45am! Erin actually came in and woke me up!

Have a great day!

Christine

Monday morning,,,

Finally asleep after a rough night/morning!

Good Morning - don't know what's so great about it yet, but hopefully it will get better! Erin decided to wake up at 12:30am, 4am to go potty and a bug was biting her, she said (I didn't find a bug or a bite - bad dream maybe?). Anyway, Jeremy left for work 4:30am and she decided to fuss again at 5am so I brought her to bed with me which was very uncomfortable! She didn't fall asleep but for 5 minutes at a time and finally got up when she heard Amber get up at 6am. So, no sleep for me again! She's already been in trouble a few times this morning so I know it will be an early nap day for both of us! She has been pretty mouthy lately, yelling and talking back, so I'm trying to get that under control before I go to the hospital!

I have a couple of ladies from church who have been so gracious and kind and have brought a meal every other day or so for us! What a blessing! They have been delicious as well! No wonder I gained 3 pounds in one week! I think the baby may have "engaged" over the weekend. Saturday was a really good day - I felt good, could breathe better, and had no heartburn, etc. We went over to my sister's for Carly's 11th birthday party for a few hours. Sunday was very cold, but we went to church both services, taking a nice long nap in between! Saturday night wasn't as great as the day, but it seems a bit better! Only 11 more days to go! I know I will miss being pregnant once it's over, but right now...!

That's all the new news as far as I can remember on what sleep I did get! I'm hoping to get some things done today - we'll see! Have a great day!

Let it Snow...

Wow, 15" of snow Wednesday! No school for the kids Thursday or today! Very nice to kind of sleep in! Although, everyone but the girls are still up at 7:30am! Even Isaac! I see another inch out there this morning and we're supposed to get 2-4" more tonight! I've been feeling miserable in the night and not sleeping well (that's normal for me right now), but it makes for a terrible day of not feeling like doing anything! At my appointment this week, she told me the baby's head isn't engaged yet which is unusual for me - usually all my babies have engaged at 35 weeks! So, she is still up high in my chest which might explain the extreme pressure, ill feelings. Baby, please engage soon! They called yesterday to give me my pre-op instructions - have to be at the hospital 6:30am and surgery scheduled for 8:30am. I asked the lady if I could come tomorrow and she said no:( I spent most of last night sleeping in the recliner in the living room with a pillow on either side of me. I measured 38cm at Wednesday's appoint (37weeks). It will be interesting to see this wee one (maybe not so wee?) She'll probably come out needing size 2 diapers! I'm praying for my water to break early!!!

The kids have enjoyed no school the last 2 days! Amber helped get the house in order for me - looks very nice yet this morning! Curt and Brooke helped Jeremy clear off the van and shoveled while he plowed the driveway and made a path out to the woodstove and woodpile. Isaac and Erin played outside (not much help). Erin went through 3 pair of gloves/hats before she decided to finally come in! She wanted to go out again after naptime when she saw Curt and Daddy out there bringing up firewood! But, we had to go for haircuts for the guys, so I wouldn't let her. I snuck out, leaving her home with the girls. I didn't feel like keeping an eye on her at the salon... The roads in the city/township were terrible! Jeremy didn't go to work on Thursday, either. He tried - noticed our road was plowed at 4am, but after heading out, discovered the snow plow was stuck at the end of our road but he kept on, pushing snow with the bumper of the Suburban, until the van driver called and said the van was stuck, he wasn't going anywhere, so he turned around, came home and called in personal day to work. He spent most of the day outside, plowing, shoveling, etc. The dog drags stuff out into the yard as well as the kids leaving stuff where it shouldn't be, so we did have to go to Tractor Supply to get a new belt for the snowblower after it broke after finding the binder twine to the dog's straw bale in the snow. Oh well, never a dull moment!

My goals today are to keep the house clean, catch up on laundry while I have help:), and do a few other little things I've been noticing (dirty ceiling fans, bulbs burnt out, etc.) We will run into town to get a birthday present for niece, Carly and some more milk. We go thru a gallon a day and I buy 5 at a time, but we're down to the last one, so that means a store run! Maybe I'll buy 6 today! Ok, better get started - I need breakfast first so here we go!

Have a great day!

It's Monday!

HI there - just a quick note - got lots to do today and need to get started before I lose all my get up and go! The house always seems very out of order after Sunday and I can't wait to fix it come Monday morning!

Erin has been fighting a cold the last few days, but last night she slept much better (Thank You Lord!). Saturday night was a little rough - I woke up feeling especially ill in the night as well and then having to help her out as well... So, yesterday I did not go to church and stayed home in my PJ's (my most comfortable outfit now) all day which felt wonderful! I was wiped out from all the stuff I did Saturday so I didn't do anything yesterday besides make meals! This baby is just taking up all my room! That might be why I'm feeling ill at night. I'm trying not to eat too much food at once, etc. and that seems to help. Usually, centimeter-wise, I never measure according to my weeks, always 2 less. This time I am measuring right on which means a bigger baby more than likely - maybe I should rejoice I'm having a section!

I will try and put up some more pictures a little later. We are still waiting for the van to come back from the repair shop. Erin and I need to go to the store today for milk, bread, etc. (I'm not looking forward to it - we got another 4 inches of snow last night!). Please pray for me not to be too anxious about my upcoming surgery - the end result is way more than worth it, but I still get nervous and don't need to have a panic attack on the table - there is already enough pressure going on inside my chest at that time! Apparently, we do have a name - according to my husband, he just doesn't want anyone to know until she is born! So, maybe even I will be surprised when we hear the name! He loves to make Amber wait in the dark! It just drives her nuts!

Ok, off I go, have a great day and God Bless!

Saturday night

This is different - posting at night instead of in the morning! Well, the kids were lucky enough to have 2 days of school off this week due to the wonderful Michigan winter weather! The first day, I didn't get to sleep in. The wind was so bad in the night, I got a little worried and put Erin downstairs to sleep with Amber at 1am and the boys down on the couch in the basement. I figured better safe then sorry (it sounded like a tornado to me!). Then I laid on the couch for a bit and watched the local stations to see if there was any info about the weather - none. I dozed on the couch til 3am then woke up sore and went to bed to wake up at 4:15am to take Jeremy in to Bridgeport to catch the van to work! So, I got home, was just getting sleepy (5:30am) and I heard Amber and Erin coming upstairs - she had to go potty. But, she also thought it was time to wake up for good:( So, needless to say, I didn't get to go back to sleep. It's funny because everyone is so hard to wake up for school, but yet when they don't have school, they wake up wide-eyed and bushey-tailed at 7:30am no problem!!!

So, Friday morning after getting up 5+ times in the night with Erin (Cold, I think) - Wednesday night she did the same thing and complained about her nose "being stuck" (vick's solved that problem!), I got home from running Jeremy in to Bridgeport and Curt and Erin were in my bed! So, I told Curt thanks and he could go back to bed. Amber came in at 6:15am to tell me no school and Erin decided to try and wake up 10 minutes later for good. No, no, no - mom's not ready to get up! So, after a little persuasion, she decided she was better off going back to sleep and we slept in til 8:30am! That felt good and she was in a much better mood! She slept much better last night, praise the Lord! I don't know what I'll do when I have to get up at 4:15am and stay up to go to work again!

Today, Erin helped me clean my laundry area in the garage and wipe everything down, then we vacuumed out the Suburban and wiped it down inside. Got the laundry caught up and the kids' bathroom cleaned and Erin's bedding washed as well. Do you think I could be nesting??!! She's slept in the baby's crib the last few nights and naptimes. Wonder what she'll do when the baby has to use it! I had a doctor appt. on Wednesday and he checked me out good, said I was good for atleast another week. He also checked to make sure I haven't been leaking water and for UTI. I won't know about that until Monday. If that's why my back's been hurting, I'll be mad at myself for not saying something earlier!! Brooke, Erin and I also went to Mt. Morris and had Grandma Reid's 81st birthday dinner at Baldwins. That was fun getting to see everyone for a few hours. Erin was funny - they brought out Grandma's birthday cupcake and Erin kept saying, I like your cupcake, Grandma. Yes, Grandma did finally share (she also ate the croutons from Nana and Great Grandma's salads)! She also got Grandma's birthday balloon and wanted to sleep with it! She was holding the string and I kept checking on her, not wanting her to wrap the string around her neck and took it away from her after she fell asleep! She woke up in the night asking for it!!

Isaac came in and asked me if something was wrong with one of his bottom teeth - for those of you who don't know, he's had a few incidents where he had seriously done damage to his upper gum area by falling and hitting his mouth on 1st the playground at school and 2nd, he slipped on a rug on our ceramic tile floor in the kitchen and fell onto the tupperware drawer he was getting into... So, we are paranoid about his teeth - the last fall did some damage to the nerves in the upper front teeth which have turned a little gray. We are just praying it doesn't affect his permanent teeth. Anyway, I knew his bottom teeth were getting ready to be loose by the way they looked (spacing, etc.), so sure enough, one is very loose. He took it well, though and didn't freak out like he normally does and worry. He seemed excited about the fact that he'll get some money for the tooth after it falls out. Of course, I then had to to check out Erin's teeth as well! She told me we had to go to the doctor as well! She just loves going to the doctor - complete opposite of Isaac!

That was about all the excitement for the week - enjoyed the extra time with the kids and rest as well. So, I'm off to bed for some rest tonight and will post more later.

Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday!