Playdate w/ the Kolb Girls

I watched 2 of the Kolb girls for a bit yesterday. Colin had so much fun playing with them! We always enjoy when they come over.

New Template

A HUGE thank you to Casey for the new template! I just love it, and I was wanting a change!

Playdate at the Kolb's House

Colin & I went for a playdate at the Kolb's house today! Colin always has fun with Emma, Madison & Kaetlyn! Thanks, Casey for having us!

Father's Day Brunch

I had to work until noon yesterday, but Karen held a Father's Day brunch at her house for the father's (Roman, Miguel, & Joel). Valerie was kind enough to take a ton of great pictures of the event!

Happy Father's Day to Roman, Felix, Miguel, & Joel!

Happy Father's Day

I just want to wish all of the fathers that I know a very happy and blessed Father's Day. The ladies are so lucky to have you in their lives and you all are so great with your kids! Have a lovely day!

Potty Time

This morning while I was ironing clothes for church, I heard Colin making noise. I asked him what he was doing, and he responded "poop" while patting his diaper. I asked him if he was pooping, and he said "yes", so I took him into the bathroom, put him on the toilet and he pooped in the toilet!

Miguel and I were so excited and proud of him!

Then, later on he started patting his diaper again, and said "poop", so we took him into the bathroom, but it was a little too late that time, he had already gone in his diaper. It seems like he's beginning to be interested in potty training...now if he would only tell us when he has to pee.

Today's Appointment

The results of the appointment were great. Baby Boy is developing well...and yes, definitely a boy. I've lost 2 pounds since my last visit. Whoo-hoo!

Colin and Miguel came along, and I'm thinking that bringing Colin was a bad idea. He was in a terrible mood, and was crying through pretty much the entire sonogram. Then, I realized that I didn't get any pictures of the baby. I brought it up to my doctor afterwards, and it turned out that they ran out of paper...so I'll get the pictures next time.

I can't wait to find out what Casey is having!!!

Sonogram Today

Yup, I'm leaving in 30 minutes to go for my 20 week sonogram. I can't wait to see baby boy moving around!

Halfway There

Today marks the halfway point in the pregnancy...or maybe less if he decides to come early like Colin did!

This pregnancy has been soooo different than my last one. I've been much sicker, I'm peeing like a race horse, and I'm more tired this time around. I'm definitely excited to meet this little guy.

The 1st half seems to have gone by so slow, but hopefully now that I'm feeling better, things will speed up a bit.

I have my "big" 20 week ultrasound on Friday. Miguel and Colin are going to come and watch the baby move around!

I've finally started to feel him move regularly. It started at the beginning of last week. I've been feeling him move here and there since I was about 12 weeks along, but now I'm feeling him every day multiple times a day. Like Casey said in her blog post...it truly is an amazing feeling.

Happy Anniversary Chris & Casey!

Happy anniversary Chris & Casey! May God continue to bless your marriage! I hope that you had a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Christian!

My little nephew turned 1! How exciting! Happy birthday Christian!

San Antonio Weekend

We had a GREAT time in San Antonio! We drove down Friday morning. We stopped in San Marcos to go to the outlets. What a shopping spree we had! We made it to San Antonio Friday evening. Saturday we had so much fun at the San Antonio Zoo. It was soooo hot, but we still enjoyed ourselves. After the zoo we freshened up and met Miguel's mom and step-dad for some lunch (they were also in San Antonio that weekend, but for a softball tournament). We had a great evening with them at the Marketplace. There was live music and food vendors all over the street. We drove back home on Sunday, but we made sure to stop at the outlets in San marcos again before we got here! All in all, it was a great trip!

Happy Birthday Madison!

Happy 3rd birthday Madison! We hope that you have an awesome day!

Mini Vacation

MySpace Countdown

I'm excited to spend Memorial weekend in San Antonio with Miguel and Colin! It's one of my favorite places to visit in Texas. I think Colin will have fun this time as he was only 8 months old the last time that we took him. We leave Friday morning. Yay!

OB Appointment

I had a good OB appointment today. Baby's heart rate was 142. As soon as Colin heard the HB he said "baby". It was quite cute!

Since I am finally feeling better, I will finally be moving to 4 week appointments instead of 2 week appointments.

My next appointment is June 13 (3 weeks) for the "big" sono. I'm excited about it even though we already know he's a boy b/c we'll get to see him move around for a while.

w00t! Over the Nausea?

I haven't thrown up in 7 days now! Yay! AND...yesterday was the first day that I didn't feel nauseated!

Maybe this is finally coming under control, and I can be a normal pregnant lady, and enjoy my 2nd trimester! I'm so excited!

BTW - I had a quickie sonogram done while I was at work the other day, and we are definitely having another BOY! The parts were VERY visible! I'm so excited that Colin will have a baby brother to play with and grow up with!

Defensive Driving

How boring! I spent a good portion of the day yesterday, and this morning taking a defensive driving course. The final test was so easy that I could have taken it without taking the course. What a waste of time.

I'm just glad it's over!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all of my mommy friends a Happy Mother's Day! I had the best day ever!

Miguel and Colin let me sleep in, and when they woke me up Colin was carrying his card for me. He walked over and said "mommmy". We then went to Miguel's mom's house (my mom came too), where all of the boys and the non-mommied girls made brunch for all of the mommies. They did a terrific job! French toast, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, donuts, toast, oatmeal...you name it, we had it. They served all of the mommies first, and even had the mommies eat together at a special table. They watched the kids while we ate! I was so excited to eat HOT food! After brunch we all took family portraits, but Colin was being a stinker b/c he missed his nap, so he's not in any of them :(

I had a GREAT Mother's Day, and I hope that all of you did too!

Mother's Day Portraits 2008

We've decided that I am going to take pictures with the kid(s) every year for Mother's Day. Colin and I started the tradition last year for his very 1st Mother's Day. Today was the day that we had them done. I enjoyed the special time that him and I got to spend together, and he was such a good boy during the session!

OB Appointment

I had another OB appointment today, and things went well. Baby's heart rate was 150. Since I'm still sick, I'll go back in again in 2 weeks. I'm still hoping that the morning sickness will go away soon!

Prayers for Courtney

Courtney ended up going to the ER on Monday night. She had been running a high fever for a few days, has had a constant headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They admitted her into the hospital for a few days b/c her liver enzymes came back elevated and her spleen and liver are enlarged. They've called in a liver specialist to help identify the problem, but they are thinking Hepatitis A (the one that you get from food). Along the way, they've figured out that she has Mono...yuck. Please keep her, Richie, and Rachael in your prayers as it is so hard for a child to be without their mommy. She was supposed to get out today, but she still wasn't feeling well, and was still running a fever the last time that I had talked to her, so I'm not sure if they let her go or not.

Is the Morning Sickness Going Away?

Well, yesterday I didn't get sick at all, and the day before I only felt nauseous for a little while. I wonder if it's finally turning a corner...

Edited at 9:30 am - So, I spoke too soon...just finished throwing up. Darn it.

New Look

Hey everyone...I decided to make a new layout for my blog. what do you think? If you find anything that needs tweaking, please let me know...I spent a ton of time trying to find everything, but I may have missed something!

Colin's 13th Tooth

I noticed that Colin cut his 13th tooth sometime this week. He really looks like a little toddler now with all of those teeth in his mouth, his thinning face, and his hair!

The Sweetest Words

Last night when Miguel and I were putting Colin to bed, I said "I love you, Colin", just like I do every night. Last night Colin said it back for the first time.

Hearing your child tell you that they love you are the sweetest words I've ever heard. I left his room and cried. My baby told me that he loves me.

I definitely look forward to more of it!

OB Appointment

I had my OB appointment yesterday. Things are looking good for the baby. He had a great heartbeat, and was moving all over the place. Colin got to hear the heartbeat and was mesmerized by it. He kept pointing to my belly and saying "baby, baby." It was adorable!

My morning sickness is still pretty bad. I'm taking different medicines multiple times a day, with minimal relief. My OB said that if it doesn't get better in a few weeks, she wants to hospitalize me for a couple of days and have a Zofran Pump inserted into my leg. Though that will probably give me relief, I really really don't want to have to go into the hospital. I'm asking for everyone's prayers! I'm officially in my 2nd trimester now, so the nausea should go away soon (it lasted 14 weeks with Colin), but please pray that I start feeling better soon. My OB wants to see me every 2 weeks until things get better.

The blood results for the First Trimester Screen (the test that I had done last week) came back, and everything looks great. All 3 trisomy's were ruled out (the best that they can be with the test). Praise God!

Pictures & More

I finally uploaded a few 12 weeks pregnancy photos, though I haven't scanned in the sono pics yet...sorry. Follow my smugmug link (to the right) to see them.

I've had been thinking that I was feeling the baby move last week. I started feeling flutters, and then I would feel sick...which is what I remember from last time, then yesterday I know that I felt him moving. I was sitting down at work, and all of a sudden, he just started moving all over the place. I did feel sick after :(.

It's definitely sinking in that Colin is going to have a baby brother, and though I was disappointed, I am very happy now. I know the boys will love growing up together!

Baby BOY Pacheco

Today I had my sono done, and the doctor is guessing that it is a boy. Miguel and I are very excited to have a 2nd boy in the house...whew am I going to be outnumbered...we even have a boy dog!

Thank you Bianca and Valerie (and baby Christian) for coming to the appointment with me. It meant a lot that you guys were there.

Thank you Casey for watching Colin during the appointment and for helping me keep my surprise! I'm glad that you were one of the first people to know!

I'll get my sono pics up soon...I promise! I know I've been saying that since I was 7 weeks pregnant, but I really do mean it!

We got a DVD of the sono, so as soon as I can figure out how to upload it, I will add it!

OB Appointment

I had my monthly OB appointment today, and everything is going well so far! I got to hear the baby's heartbeat...167.

On another note, they have changed the way that they test for certain abnormalities. It used to be the quad test in the 2nd trimester, but now they test between 11-14 weeks. I am currently 11 weeks, so I'll be having the test done at a high risk OB on Monday (I'll be 12 weeks then), and if the baby cooperates, we'll get a 95% accuracy to the baby's sex.

I'm so excited that we may find out whether we are having a boy or a girl so soon! I'm feeling that it's a girl this time.

If you haven't had the time to take a guess please do so before Monday!

They Are Here...

Courtney, Richie & Rachael arrived safely last night at midnight. I got to spend the day with them, and have dinner with them. We had a great time. Colin and Rachael had a blast playing together. Rachael is so small next to Colin, it's just so cute!

On Their Way...

Courtney, Richie, & Rachael packed up their bags today, loaded the moving truck and said goodbye to NY. They are headed here to TX and should be arriving sometime tomorrow evening. Last time I talked to Court, they were in Penn. I can't wait to see them!

New Look

Thanks to Casey for the new look of my blog! I just love the colors! Thanks Casey!

Baby Scare

While on vacation on Friday and then again on Tuesday, I started bleeding...again. I called my OB, and had a sono done yesterday. Thank God, the baby is doing great, and my subchorionic hemorrhage is getting smaller! Yay. I got another picture of the baby, and it looks a little more like a baby this time, and less of a blob. I'll upload when I get a chance.

We're Back From Puerto Rico

We got home on Tuesday evening. I'm glad to be home, but we had a GREAT time while we were there. We visited family, ate AWESOME Puerto Rican food, saw San Juan, visited El Yunque (Rainforest), El Morro (Ruins), and witnessed Frances and Felix re-new their wedding vows on Easter Sunday on the beach. It was absolutely beautiful! I took TONS of photos, and am in the process of uploading them, so check often for more pictures!

Getting Ready for Puerto Rico

Miguel, Colin and I are so excited for this year's family vacation! We are going to Purto Rico, the island that Miguel is from. I've been there once, a long time ago, and only for a few hours, and Miguel hasn't been there since he was 17. We plan on visiting the rainforest, shopping, laying on the beach, visiting family, and most of all...eating some YUMMY Puerto Rican food!

We aren't quite done packing yet, but will be done soon...just finishing up the last few items.

I'm hoping that my morning sickness doesn't get the best of me, and that I am able to make this a memorable (in a good way) trip!

We leave tomorrow morning...early, and I pray that Colin does well on the plane! It's 4 1/2 hour flight.

First OB Appointment

I had my first OB appointment today, and the official due date of Baby Pacheco #2 is October 27.

I had a sonogram, and they noticed a subchorionic hemorrhage...which is basically a tear/bleed in my uterus. It is a pretty big one...the sono tech. looked pretty concerned, but the doctor said that if I'm not bleeding or cramping, it's nothing to worry about. I did bleed a little on Sunday, and I told her that, but she isn't too worried. She says that they are common in the first trimester and that they usually heal themselves.

We are only having 1 baby this go around...darn! I was hoping for twins!

I am 7 weeks 5 days pregnant today, but the baby was measuring a week small at 6 weeks 5 days...so maybe a girl this time? We still have a long time before we know that!

I did get a picture of the baby blob, and I'll post it when I get a chance.

Dinner Re-Visit

Don't you just love when your dinner from the night before re-visits you the next morning?

Poor Colin was rubbing my arm and hugging me while I was hugging the toilet bowl this morning. What a good little boy.

The Sickness Started...

I thought that I was going to get off easy this time, and not have the morning sickness. Well, I thought wrong!

It all started Sunday morning...I was sick all day long, and had to work on top of it. I also spotted a little in the morning.

Monday, I was sick on and off all day.

Tuesday, I was sick all day long, and had a migraine...had to work, but got off early.

Today, I was sick a little in the morning, but it went away, and I've had a pretty good day. I also had a first peek at the peanut. One of the sono techs that I work with wanted to sono me. The peanut is sooo tiny! The sono tech noticed that I have a subchorionic hemorrhage. She said that it is a pretty large one, and that I should let me doctor know. So, I called my doctor to let them know, and they will be seeing me and doing a sono on Friday.

Colin's Vocabulary List at 18 Months

At Colin's 18 month check-up, the doctor asked me about how many words Colin can say. He said that 8-10 for a boy is normal, and the question caught me off guard, so I said probably around 8-10...but I got to thinking about it, and his vocabulary is quite extensive for his age. Here is his vocabulary list:
1. mommy
2. papi
3. nanny
4. titi (aunt in spanish)
5. bee
6. teeth
7. no
8. hi
9. hello
10. baby
11. food
12. doggy
13. dali (our dog's name)
14. oliver (my mom's dog's name)
15. ball
16. book
17. yeah
18. more
19. uh-oh

He doesn't get out all of the syllables in all of the words, but he sure tries!
If I can think of any more, I'll add them.

Colin's Thoughts About Being a Big Brother

Colin just woke up, and as I was changing his diaper:

Kristen: Colin, you are going to be a big brother soon!
Colin: Yeah
Kristen: Are you going to be a good big brother?
Colin: Yeah
Kristen: Do you want a sister or a brother?
Colin: No!
Kristen: What do you mean no? You are going to have one or the other...we aren't having a monkey for a child!
Colin: No!
Kristen: Do you want a sister?
Colin: Nooooooooooooooo!
Kristen: Do you want a brother?
Colin: Nooooooooooooooo!
Kristen: But, you're going to be a good big brother?
Colin: Yeah
Kristen: So, you don't want a brother or sister?
Colin: No, no, no, no (shaking his pointer finger at me)

That's what my precious 18 month old thinks about having a sibling. Hopefully he'll change his mind soon enough!

First Week Coming to a Close

So, as the first week of us knowing that we are pregnant is coming to a close, I am thinking back to a few weeks ago...when I was so tired and just slept all day...I couldn't drag myself out of bed, and I just wondered to myself "what is wrong with me?" Well, now we know!

I've experienced a little more tiredness, but I would much rather have that than morning sickness (which, knock on wood, I haven't had any of yet), and I'm super thirsty! Peeing more frequently, though not like the "normal" pregnant person. I have a pretty well trained bladder, being a nurse and all. And, what I thought was "pre-menstrual bloating", is actually my little pouch forming. I think it's going to peek out a little quicker than with Colin.

So far so good! No complaints. My first appointment is March 14, and we will have our "official" due date then, though we think it's between October 26-28.

Colin's 18 Month Check-Up

Colin had his 18 month check-up today. He's doing great! Growing fast, big and strong! He weighs 26 lbs. 7 oz. (50-75%), and is 32.8 inches long (75%). The doctor thinks that he's going to be around 5 ft. 10 inches, but we'll have a better guesstimate when he turns 2.

The doctor was very happy that Colin finally started walking. That means that we don't have to start ECI. Yay! He also noted that Colin is "very social". He says that's a good thing!

We are glad that he's a healthy boy, and growing strong! his next appointment is at 2 years.

Place Your Bets...

I've set up a Baby Pool guessing game! Place your guess!

A New Journey

Miguel, Colin and I recently found out that we'll be going on a journey together, and in anticipation of it, I decided to get directions for it on Google Maps. I found the directions to be pretty interesting, and so I'm posting them here for you to see as well. What do you think? :)

Not So Little Anymore!

Well, besides the fact that my baby is going to be 18 months (*tear, tear*) next week, we converted his crib into a toddler bed. We've been meaning to do it for a while now, but just haven't found the time until this past weekend. Colin slept in it for the first time last night, and he did great. We knew he would!

Also, Colin finally started walking yesterday...for real walking. He did it all day at my mom's house and when Miguel and I went to pick him up, he refused to walk. Today he didn't want to walk until this afternoon. Then, he just picked himself up and walked all over the house this evening!

What a big boy he is! Miguel and I are so proud of him!

Hail

I was awakened at 6:40 in the morning by the loudest sound Ive ever heard. I thought that my windows were going to break. The hail lasted about 8 minutes. 2 hours later, I decided to take a couple pictures of the hail balls...look how big they were...after having 2 hours to melt!

Colin at the Park`

I took Colin to the park today! It was sooo beautiful outside...a bit windy, but the temperature was great. Colin posed for a few pictures for me. The rest can be found on my smugmug!

I Hate Ebay!

I found a really cute outfit for Colin and I was the high bidder all day long. I was watching the auction as it was ending...and it got down to 8 seconds...and someone outbid me. I hate Ebay!

How Sweet...

The Kolb's attended a playdate at our house yesterday, and Madison was in such a loving mood! She went over to Colin and hugged him.

When Casey and I "awww-ed", Colin got excited and decided to hug her back:

Isn't that the sweetest thing you've ever seen?

Miguel and the Broken Arm...

Imagine having a really hard, long, physically draining day at work. You are tired and so ready to go home and just rest your feet from the long 12 hours you just spent on them with out a potty break, and barely a lunch break.

Your evening is looking good...your mom is at your house, and she even made dinner for the family! Wow! You get home to your loving husband who, also, just got home from a long day at work.

You walk in the house and smell yummy meat sauce. You can't wait to eat dinner...and pee!

Your son is in a really good mood, your husband is home, your mother is over visiting...with dinner...the evening couldn't get any better...that's absolutely correct...but it can get worse...and it does!

You don't even have your shoes off yet when your husband decides to play the "Let's run from mommy and have her catch us game." You are tired, but you go ahead anyway...they start running (son in father's arms), and you start to chase them. Your husband looks back to see how close you are, and in that split second your dog runs under his feet, gets him tangled and you see (in slow motion, of course) your husband falling to the floor while holding your son.

Son doesn't cry until he realizes that mommy's face dropped 10 feet. You pick him up to make sure that he's ok...and, thank God, he's fine. A bit shaken, but fine.

Your husband, on the other hand, is still laying on the floor. He's holding his arm, saying that he can't move it. You go into nurse mode...check to see if there is a deformity...nope, that's good. Next you check his pulses in that arm...good pulses...that's great. You do start to see some swelling around the elbow area. You tell husband that we need to splint the arm, and you go find something to splint it with (cardboard and a few ace wraps). Husband doesn't want you to touch it b/c it hurts so bad,and you realize at that point that you definitely need to make a visit to the doctor.

You go to an urgent care facility...where there are a bunch of people waiting. Before checking in you ask the receptionist "If his arm is broken will you guys splint it or will you send us to an ER?" She calls back to the nurse who gives us a run around answer. It was an easy question...you either splint or you don't. Well, since they couldn't give a a straight answer, you decide that you guys had better not waste time sitting there...that it would probably be quicker of you just waited in an ER.

You call your job to tell them that you were coming...but they were jammed packed, so you decided not to go there either. Off to Centennial you go (which is actually a really nice hospital). You walk into the ER lobby...and there isn't anyone there! Yay! You are so excited!

You see the triage nurse, who takes you guys back to a room right away. About 5 minutes later you see the nurse. 2 minutes after that the doctor comes in, and 5 minutes after that the X-ray tech shows up! Now that is quick service! Maybe 15 minutes later the doctor comes back to tell you that your husbands elbow (radial head) is broken. 10 minutes later the tech comes in to splint the arm and then the nurse comes back to discharge you.

You finally get home again to find your son asleep...so you only got to see him for about 45 minutes that day, your mother asleep on your couch...who you are so thankful for b/c she watched your son ALL day long, and your husband who is in incredible pain...but acting loopy b/c of the pain meds that the nurse gave him.

You had a crappy day at work, and then a crappy evening at home...but, you love your husband, son, mother & life...so you wouldn't change a thing.

That was my day on Tuesday!

2 More Teeth, and All Better!

Well, I just wanted to say that Colin is doing much this week than last. His fever finally broke on Tuesday evening. Since then, he's been back to his old self!

I noticed today that he is cutting 2 more teeth on the bottom making his count: 12 total (6 top, 6 bottom). they aren't all the way in, but they have cut a bit.

Update on Colin

Colin wasn't feeling well. As soon as we got home yesterday afternoon I put him down for a nap, and 4 hours later, he wasn't awake. I went in to wake him up, and he was burning up. Temp. was 103.6. I gave him tylenol.

We put him to bed at 8, but re-checked his temp. right before and it was 102.9. Great, fever is going down. I just didn't have a good feeling and decided to wake him up at 10 to check again, and it had spiked to 104.8! Scary...even for me being an ER nurse. I gave him some motrin and called the pedi after hours nurse. She had us give him a sponge bath and re-check in an hour. Temp was still 103.9 after all of that. The nurse told us to go to Acute Kids in Frisco.

We got there at 11:30, and they close at 12:00...so they were only able to run a flu screen and a rapid strep. Both were negative. It's not an ear infection either. The doctor there wanted to take blood and urine but it was too close to close to closing time, so they referred us to the ER.

Next stop...Presby Plano. We never saw a doctor, just a PA. He said he didn't feel it was necessary to draw blood or urine. So all they did for us was give more tylenol...which I could have done from home, and a chest x-ray that was negative. His fever spike again to 103.9 while we were there, but they decided to send us home saying it's a virus. I've never seen a virus cause a fever that high...but I'm just a lowly nurse.

We got home at 4:00, put poor Colin to bed with a 103.7 temp. and woke up at 7:00 to check again...

this time it was 105.1 and I started freaking out! I called the after hours nurse again who wasn't much help. Finally after more motrin, we have his temp. sitting at a comfortable 102.9.

We saw the pedi. this morning and he concluded that Colin has a high fever virus. Says he'll probably have the fever for another day or so, but if he starts showing other symptoms or seizing...he needs to be seen right away. Way to make me feel ok. He did another flu screen, which was negative and drew blood to check his count. That all came back fine.

He is acting a little more like himself today, but still not eating or drinking his normal amount.

Please keep poor Colin in your thoughts today. I hate seeing him like this. Obviously I called into work...I just couldn't leave him like that.

Fever

So, is fever going around or what?

Colin woke up today with a low grade fever. He wasn't acting right all day, and took a 4 hour afternoon nap! When I woke him up a little while ago, he had a 103.6 fever! No N/V/D as of yet.

I hope that he feels better soon. I have to work tomorrow, and I hate being away when he's not feeling well.

Colin Walking?

Has the time arrived? Will Colin actually walk?

On Saturday Colin took about 12 steps all by himself. He stopped midway through, looked around and started walking again. It came out of the blue! Miguel and I were amazed! Colin did that like 4 times through out the day, but not since.

We are going to continue to work on walking, but we think it will be very soon!

Sammy

I just wanted to update that Sammy's dad did pass away last Monday. Thanks for all your prayers, I know they are helping Sammy and his family through this.

Cousin Patty

My cousin Patty flew in from NY to visit us for a few days. Her flight was delayed due to snow in NY, which made her trip a day shorter, but we still had a great time while she was here!

We did lots of shopping! We also took her to eat at a bunch of places that NY doesn't have.

Patty and I have a great relationship. We don't get to see each other very much. We don't even talk on the phone or over the internet very much due to our busy schedules, but whenever we do see or talk to each other, it's like we pick up right where we left off. She is an amazing person, and I love her dearly!

Sad & Happy

My favorite cousin Patty was supposed to be here right now visiting us from NY. they had a snow storm blow through and her flight for this morning got canceled. I'm happy b/c the weather cleared up, and they booked her a flight for tonight. She'll be arriving in about 1 1/2 hours! Yay! I'm so excited!

Prayers for Sammy & His Family

I just found out today that Sammy's (my step-dad) father is in the hospital dying. He took him to the ER yesterday b/c he was having stomach pains. Sammy got a call early this morning...the nurse said that the whole family should come right away b/c it didn't look good. When Sammy got to the hospital, his father had been put on a ventilator. His liver was bleeding, and there wasn't anything that they could do about it.

They are planning on taking him off of the ventilator tomorrow...they are just waiting for some family to fly in before they do so. I've never really seen Sammy cry before, but when I talked to him today he was pretty hysterical. It made me cry. I hate to see him like this.

Hi dad is going to die when the vent is turned off. I ask that you keep Sammy in your prayers during this tough time. I know God will see him through.

Happy Birthday Kaetlyn!

Happy first birthday Kaetlyn Kolb! Colin blows a kiss your way!

Cutting Another Tooth!

So I just noticed that Colin is cutting another tooth! This one is on the bottom. Now, when they are all fully in, he'll have 6 on top, and 4 on bottom.

10 teeth! Whoo-hoo!

Poop in the Potty!

I know I'm crazy for being excited over poop in the potty, but Colin did it!

I sat him down and a few minutes later, I smelled it!

We are slowly working on potty training...very slowly...but I want him to start getting used to the idea of the potty.

Merry Christmas!

We hope that everyone had a safe and blessed Christmas. We surely did! Colin actually enjoyed the day a bit this year, and helped to tear into his gifts.

2 More Teeth

Colin cut 2 more teeth the other day. I just happened to see them when he was hanging himself upside down. They are the top molars. They aren't fully in yet, just little white dots...but they are coming!

1 month Body for Life

I didn't mention it when I first started, just in case I didn't last on it...but I've been doing Body for Life for 1 month. I'm very pleased with the program. It's not a fad diet, but a total lifestyle makeover.

Anyway, After 1 month I have lost 9 pounds and several inches!

Thank you Lisa for telling me about that life changing book!

Colin Used the Potty

We are so proud of Colin!

I went to use the bathroom, and decided to sit him on the potty while I was there. He sat nicely for a bit then he stood and as soon as he stood up he started to pee, so I sat him back on the chair, and he pee-ed in the potty!

Yay Colin! He got so excited when Miguel and I praised him. He kept looking into the potty and smiling!

Colin's First Haircut

Colin got his first haircut yesterday. He wasn't a happy camper! He cried from the minute he sat in the chair until I put him back into his stroller.

The end result: NO MORE CURLS!

I teared up while she was cutting away. I know the hair will grow back, but Colin just doesn't look like Colin without the curls!

After waking him up this morning, I am a little more used to his "bald" head.

Happy Birthday William & Robert!

Today Colin & I had a great time celebrating William & Robert Clarks birthday party. William turned 3, and Robert will be turning 1.

The theme was "ABC", and all of the kids looked like they were having a blast.

Colin is Standing...ALONE!

It's kind of hard to tell in the picture unless you look very close...but Colin is standing up all by himself!

He has been doing it for a few weeks now, but this was the first time that I've caught it while the camera was handy.

He was cruising around the chairs with that toy in his hand. He decided to stop and play with the toy, so he let go of the chair!

Christmas Blog

A huge "THANK YOU" to Emily for designing my blog title. I love the Christmas theme, and think that Em did a great job!

Thanks again...now I'm in the Christmas spirit!

Colin's 7th Tooth

The pediatrician was right...

Colin cut his 7th tooth last night and was there in the morning. It's still pretty tiny, but it's there!

It's on the bottom...so the count is now 4 on top, 3 on bottom.

Christmas Portraits

Miguel's mom took our Christmas portraits this year. I think that they turned out great! The rest are on my smugmug.

Colin's 15 Month Check-Up

Wow! 15 months already? The time is flying!

Colin had his 15 month check-up today. He's growing strong and healthy. Colin weight 24 lbs. 6 oz. (50%) and is 34 inches long (90%). So, tall and average weight.

He's hitting all of the milestones that he should, except walking. The pediatrician isn't too worried about it right now, and says he's pretty sure he'll be walking soon. The doctor also noticed that Colin has a bulging tooth on the bottom, and his molars are bulging as well...here we go again with the teething.

Colin got 3 shots, and wasn't too happy about them...but he handled them like a champ!

All in all it was a great visit. Our next check-up is at 18 months.

Thrice Show

Miguel, Danny, Rossilyn and I went to see Thrice last night at the House of Blues. What a show...even though they weren't headlining!

First Me Without You played. The music was pretty good, though the singing was pretty bad.

Then Thrice cam on, and played probably the best that I've ever seen them play! They played a bunch of older songs...which I loved, and quite a few new ones. I'm not too familiar with the new ones yet, but it all sounded awesome!

After that Brand New played. They were okay, but definitely not as good as Thrice. I think that the crowd ruined it for me. There were these psychotic girls in front of us that were totally obnoxious...spilling beer and turning around screaming at the crowd.

What I had fun watching was right before Thrice came on a row of old people were seated in the special seating area. I was worried at first, and also thinking to myself 'why in the world are these old people here?", but when Thrice started playing, the old people were bopping their heads and singing the songs! it amazed me! I think that they must have been family or something. Some of the songs were pretty hard and the old lady was bopping away!

Tonight we are heading back to the House of Blues to see Coheed and Cambria, another favorite band of mine. Thrice & Coheed always seem to tour this area around the same time...but I'm not complaining about that!

Standing

Yesterday Colin stood up by himself for almost a minute! He did it a few other times throughout the day. I wonder if he'll be walking soon!

No More Toothless Grin

Not sure if I posted about this or not, but Colin has 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom. His smile looks so different with teeth!

Run of Bad Luck...

Poor Colin. I thought it was bad when he had the viral rash & fever before we left for NY, but now he's got another virus. This time he isn't running fever, but he is vomiting. I don't think I've ever seen a kid vomit as much as he did today. I took him to the pediatrician's office, and he told me that he hopes it's not the roto virus. Colin did get his immunization for that, but you never know.

He's seems to have stopped the vomiting (for now...he hasn't had any food since before he vomited the first time), but the pediatrician said that once the vomiting stops, the diarrhea will kick in.

Colin is very contagious, so we are steering clear of everyone so as to not get anyone sick, and I am actually in the process now of disinfecting my house. Miguel and I will probably get sick since we've been around Colin, but I'm hoping that Miguel doesn't.

Anyway, Colin can use some prayers, and hopefully he will be feeling back to himself sometime soon.

Happy Fall

Well, Emily, you've inspired me to change my blog...again. This layout is for the fall. It's not perfect yet; I still have some tweaking to do, but I wanted to get it up tonight.

My Trip To CT & NY: The Good & The Bad

Tuesday: I was due to work last Tuesday before my flight to NY. I went in and got called a little after 10. My friend who was watching Colin called to tell me that he was running a little fever and that he had a rash all over his body. Great. I left work and made an appointment to see the pediatrician at 11:45. Didn't leave the pedi.'s office until 12:30.
I had to leave for the airport by 3:00. After a slight turn around and some traffic, I made it to the airport 1 hr & 15 mins before my flight was to take off. I decided to check in at the desk instead of curbside, just b/c I feel that my luggage is safer that way. At the counter, the lady told me that I was early enough to catch the flight right before the one that I was scheduled to take, and that was pretty empty. So, I was all excited about the earlier flight, but didn't realize that they would be boarding that flight in about 10-15 mins...and I hadn't even been through security yet. I was moving like a mad woman to get through security and get to the gate. I did make it in time, and was very pleased to see that I got an entire row to myself, the row next, behind & in front of me were all empty as well. Well, good thing that the plane was almost empty...Colin was horrible. Granted, he was teething, and ended up cutting 3 teeth that night, but the flight was just terrible. He cried for the first hour, then fell asleep. Right as he was falling asleep, he pooped...but there was not a chance that I was going to wake him up to change his diaper, so the plane smelled like poop the whole way. Then, he woke up about 30 mins before we landed, and cried until we got off of the plane. Some lady was frustrated (understandably), and tried to make me feel like I didn't know what I was doing as a mother, but it was 11:30 pm, and I had had a really long day, so I didn't feel like arguing with her. I met up with my mom and Sammy and we drove into Connecticut. We stayed at a hotel about 30 mins away from my aunt's house (where my grandmother lives). Colin didn't want to sleep. Bad night for us.

Wednesday: We woke up pretty early and hit the road for my aunt's house. I think that we for there by about 10ish. I got to eat breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts, a northeast favorite. We lazied about for the rest of the day. It was very pleasant and relaxing. My grandmother looked great! I was so surprised. I got to eat dinner with 2 of my cousins, and play with my aunt's 4 dogs and 8 cats!

Thursday: My mom & Sammy went back to NY, and I stayed with Nanny. We went out shopping, and had a blast! Just like old times, only a tad bit slower. Nanny did great, and I was very surprised at her stamina. We ate breakfast at a quaint diner, and lunch at Friendly's. Friendly's was something that I missed about the northeast, but after eating there this time, it just didn't seem as good as I remembered. After we got back, I took Colin outside to play in a leaf pile, and got a few cute pics of him. Autumn in the northeast is so beautiful! I never appreciated it while I was there, and now I can say that I miss the leaves changing colors and falling off of the trees. Colin loved playing in the leaves!

Friday: We woke up early and I drove Nanny's car to New York. We got there around 10. The drive really wasn't as bad as I was thinking it would be. We met up with mom & Sammy at the hotel, and Courtney came around 11. It was supposed to be a surprise that Colin & I were there, but she didn't really act all that surprised. I think she knew. She claims not to have known, but I think she did. We did some shopping for the rest of the day.

Saturday: Court & I drove to New Paltz to pick up one of her friends. Miguel went to SUNY New Paltz, so I got him a t-shirt and jacket. What a pretty little town! I met up with my favorite cousin Patty for dinner. After Colin & Rachael went to bed, we started preparing food for Rachael's birthday party the next day.

Sunday: Colin & I spent the morning in the hotel room with Nanny while mom and Court decorated the hall for the birthday party. The birthday party was fun! My cousins from Long Island came. I hadn't seen them in years! I also saw family from my biological father's side, and I saw my biological father or the first time since my wedding. Awkward to say the least. Rachael looked beautiful, and had so much fun eating cake!

Monday: Another hectic day. I drove Nanny and her car back to CT. Mom and Sammy followed. We then turned around and they drove me to Queens, NY to the airport so I could head on home! Colin was much better on this flight. He slept almost the whole trip, waking up about 30 mins before landing. Thank God that he was good this time b/c the flight was packed full!

While we were there we had some family portraits taken. We got a nice generations photo with my grandmother, mother, sister, niece, Colin, & myself. I'm glad that we got it b/c in all honesty, this was probably the last time that all of us will be together at the same time (until heaven). As soon as I get them back I'll post the pics.

All in all, I had a great visit with my family, but I'm so happy to be home. I missed Miguel like crazy, and I know that Colin missed him too! It is so true that there is no place like home.

I'm Back...

I have all of my photos up on smugmug, and I'll be posting about my trip shortly!

Off to NY I Go!

Tomorrow, that is.

I work until 3, then I have to come home, get Colin, get the car packed and get to the airport to take off at 7.

Colin was still running fever today, and was very fussy. I am so thankful that Miguel stayed home to help me take care of him. He was soo difficult today, and I definitely needed the help.

I tried putting Colin down for bed at 8 (his normal bed time). He normally goes to sleep right away with minimal or no fussing...but not tonight. Tonight he SCREAMED until 9. Miguel tried holding him for a bit. He was fine, but the second that he laid him back in his bed he screamed again. We let him cry for a little bit more, then it was my turn to do the same. He was fin while I was holding him, but the minute that I put him down, he screamed some more. It's now 9:10, and he is still screaming. If this goes on all night, and I don't get any sleep, I'll have to call in to work tomorrow, which I don't want to do.

Please pray for a good night for all of us, and for traveling mercies tomorrow.

Poor Colin

My poor Colin has been running a fever all day while I was at work. Miguel kept it controlled with Tylenol. It didn't get any higher than 100.5. When I got home from work I took it again, and it was 100.6. I put him down for a nap, and he slept for a little over 3 hours. I finally had to go in to wake him up, and he was steaming hot. I took his temperature again and this time it was 102. More Tylenol and a few sippy cups of pedialyte later, he is feeling better at a comfortable 99.6.

I think it's him teething. I posted that he cut his third tooth the other day, and I looked into his mouth last night, and it looks like 3 more are coming in on the top. I didn't even get to see the bottom. Poor kid, he's getting all of his teeth within like 2 months, and multiple coming in at the same time.

My New Toy

Today I got the new iPOD Touch. It's really cool, but the thing that I like most about it is that it has WI-FI. That will be helpful during my trip to NY b/c I'm not bringing my laptop.

Thrird Tooth!

Colin cut his third tooth today. I knew it was coming b/c he had been pretty fussy for a few days. I think the 4th is on it's way too....

Colin at the Park

Colin, myself and Whitney went to the park after the Kolb girls left our house. He had fun on the swings, but was a little scared of the slide.

Colin's Day with the Kolb Girls

I had the pleasure of watching 2 of the Kolb girls today. Colin had so much fun playing with them. I was surprised at how easily things went with 3 kids!

Emergency Nurses Week

This week is Emergency Nurses Week, and today is Emergency Nurses Day!
I hope that all of my ER RN friends have a great week!


Some ER humor. Some sick, some funny, but all true!

• Discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal to you…

• You have the bladder capacity of five people...

• Your idea of a good time is a full arrest at shift change...

• You find humor in other people's stupidity...

• You believe in aerial spraying of Prozac...

• You have your weekends off planned for a year in advance...

• You automatically assume the patient is a drug seeker when presented with the complaint of migraine, lower back pain, chronic myalgia (choose one of the above), a list of numerous allergies to meds (except Demerol).

• You encourage an obnoxious patient to sign out AMA so you don't have to deal with them any longer...

• You have discovered a new condition that you call "hypo-xanax-emia"...

• You believe that the government should require a permit to reproduce...

• You debate which is worse, spaghetti and meatballs or pizza and beer, while performing gastric lavage...

• You plan your dinner break while lavaging an overdose patient...

• You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if the phrase "wow, it's really quiet" is uttered...

• You threaten to strangle anyone who even starts to say the "q" word when the ER is even remotely calm...

• Your diet consists of food that has gone through more processing than most computers...

• You believe chocolate is a food group...

• You take it as a compliment when someone calls you dirty name...

• You say to yourself "great veins" when looking at complete strangers...

• You refer to someone in severe respiratory distress as a "smurf"...

• You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled "Suicide...Doing It Right"...

• You have ever had to leave a patient's room before you begin to laugh uncontrollably...

• You have ever referred to the E.R. Doc or triage nurse as a "shit magnet"...

• You think that caffeine should be available in I.V. form...

• You have ever restrained someone and it was not a sexual experience...

• Your most common assessment question is "what changed today to make it an emergency after 6 (hours, days, weeks, months, years)?"...

• You have witnessed the charge nurse muttering down the hallway "who's in charge of this mess anyway?"...

• You believe the waiting room should be equipped with a Valium fountain...

• You want lab to order a "dumb shit profile"...

• You are totally astounded when someone from a nursing home is understandable...

• You have been exposed to so many x-rays that you consider radiation a form of birth control...

• You have ever had a patient look you straight in the eye and say "I have no idea how that got stuck in there"...

• You know the phone number to the local Detox Center by heart...

• You have ever had a patient say, "but I'm not pregnant; I can't be pregnant; How can I be having a baby"...

• You have ever had a patient control his seizures when offered some food...

• Your bladder expands to the same size as a Winnebago's water tank...

• Your immune system is so well developed that it has been known to attack squirrels in the backyard...

• You get an almost irresistible urge to stand and wolf your food even in the nicest restaurants...

• Your idea of fine dining is anywhere you can sit down to eat...

• You have a special shrine in your home to the inventor of Haldol...

• You have recurring nightmares about being knocked to the floor and run over by a portable x-ray machine...

• Your nursing shoes have been seized and quarantined by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

• You've been chipping away at your BSN for longer than most people take for a Ph.D....

• Your idea of thawing the holiday turkey consists of an IV and warmed saline (the holiday turkey you usually see has arms instead of wings and is sauced instead of basted)...

• You have every referred to subcutaneous air as "Rice Krispies"...

• You have thought OD instead of BBQ when asked to get the Charcoal...

• You always try to schedule days off around phases of the moon...

• You think that Prom tickets should have coupons good for one free gastric lavage

• Your alcoholically challenged patients know you by your first name, and can point to "their room"...

• You've ever hung a "banana bag", "yellow jello", or a "rally pack" for an etohlic...

• You believe things would go much quicker if everyone would just get a head CT, Roc and Doxy, narcan, D50, ativan, and a loading dose of Dilantin at the ED entrance..

• You believe that the sight of a full moon can ruin a perfectly good day...

• You find yourself avoiding an unhealthy looking "COPD"er in the grocery store in fear that he'll drop near you and you will have to do CPR on your day off...

• Your family members have to have a fever of at least 105 or be missing a limb with active bleeding in order to receive your sympathy...

Shindig

The Shindig was a blast! All of the hard work and preparation paid off! The band played awesome, the line dancing was fun (even though I couldn't get it), the food was yummy, and we had tons of guests! I was taking pictures of the event, but my head was killing me...migraine. So, I didn't get as many photos as I would've liked.

The only bad thing was that they weren't expecting that many people to show up, and ran out of food. Over 150 people more than expected came! Praise God! What a ministry this event has turned out to be!

I ended up with a migraine. It was actually the worst one that I've ever had. It started at 2:00 pm in the afternoon, and by the time that the Shindig started it was full blown. I had taken my medicine (twice), but it didn't help...at all. Finally, I told Miguel that I needed to go home, and that I was thinking about going to the ER to get some pain medicine to help. We drove separate cars there, and now I needed to drive from Crowley, home with a migraine. I saw nauseous, and dry heaved a few times. I ended up driving home with my sunglasses on at 11:00 pm. It was horrible. The headache finally went away around 4:00 am...so I got up at 6:00 and went to work!