Pregnancy Portraits

Frances took some awesome pregnancy portraits of me last Thursday. The rest are on my smugmug.

This Describes Me Perfectly...

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have low extroversion. You are quiet and reserved in most social situations. A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you. You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people. Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have low agreeableness. Your self interest comes first, and others come later, if at all. In general, you feel that people are not to be trusted. And you're skeptical that anyone else really feels differently. Neuroticism: You have high neuroticism. It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed. You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully. You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is low. You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable. You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea. While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Colin's Second Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Colin's 2nd birthday with a Little Einsteins themed party. The Little Einsteins are currently his favorite show and he was amazed and excited to have so many Einsteins things around him. Some of his very best friends attended as well as most of his family. He got tons of gifts and is so grateful for each one! Everyone was so generous! Here are a few pictures of the day:

Colin's awesome Rocket cake!

Colins sitting on his "Rocket" chair. Thanks Nanny!
Colin & Mommy
Colin blowing out the candles!

Happy 29th Birthday Miguel!

The sexiest husband in the world turns 29 today...

Yup, that'd be my Miguel! Happy birthday sweetie!

Colin's 2 Year Check-Up

Today was Colin's 2 year check-up...

I'll start with the positives...He weighs 29 pounds and is 35 1/2 inches tall. His pediatrician expects him to be between 5'11" and 6'0" tall. He's gonna be a big boy! Colin's social and verbal skills are right where they need to be...actually, his verbal skills are a little advanced for his age.

The pediatrician suggested waiting to potty train for a while longer since baby #2 is on the way. He said that most boys aren't ready until at least 2 1/2 anyway. I mentioned that he was showing interest for a while and then completely stopped, and he just said not to push the issue.

Now the negative...in the car on the way to the office Colin started crying for no apparent reason, and nothing I said or did made it any better. It wasn't his "normal" cry, but more of a whiny cry. Next thing I knew, he vomited all over himself, and started crying again. Then he vomited again, and once again. We were about 5 minutes from the pediatrician's office, and when I got to the parking lot, I stripped him down to his onesie and socks. He just laid on me looking all pitiful. We then got into the office and into the exam room, and poor Colin lost his breakfast again. Good thing I brought a blanket for him...I was able to catch all of the puke in the blanket and not make a mess. The pediatrician saw him and we ended up holding off on a vaccine today b/c he' sick. We left the office and I got him back into the car, and poor Colin started dry heaving but nothing came out. The pediatrician gave me a prescription for zofran to help with the nausea, so we were headed to the pharmacy and then home. Colin vomited 4 more times in the car on the way home...all over himself and the car. I have some major duty disinfecting to get started on right now while Colin is napping!

My Sweet Sweet 2 Year Old

I can't believe that Colin is 2 today! How time flies...I mean, just yesterday (it was just yesterday, right?) he was a baby blob that I was holding in my arms, that needed me for everything. He needed me to feed him and to change him, and hold him. Now the 2 year old version feed himself, helps change himself, puts his own shoes on and talks to me...telling me what he wants. It's an amazing transformation to watch...and it's bittersweet. I miss the days of baby blob, but I also love the new days of semi-independent Colin.

Here are a couple pictures of Colin:

Colin at birth

1 year old Colin

2 year old Colin

30 Week OB Appt.

I had my 30 week OB appt. yesterday. Everything went well. I've gained a total of 25 pounds so far...which is much better than with Colin by this point! Baby's heart rate was 132, and he is measuring appropriate for his gestation. My glucose tolerance test came back ok, as did my thyroid test. At my next appt. in 2 weeks she'll be checking my thyroid again (it's checked monthly due to family history). At my next appt., I'll also be meeting the new doctor in the practice.

So, everything is going well with baby! We just can't wait to meet him!

Welcome Baby Bryson!

My neighbor/friend Kelly, had her baby boy Bryson today! Both mom and baby are doing well, and we can't wait to meet the little guy!

Congratulations Luke, Kelly & Joey!

30 Weeks

Today I am am 30 weeks along with this little baby boy! Only 10 more weeks to go! I'm hoping that he decides to come a few weeks early just like Colin did!

I have my next appointment on Wednesday, and I've started going every 2 weeks again. I'll update after the appointment.

Another Nanny Update

Well, since my last update, Nanny has improved sooo much!

She's been extubated, has been out of bed and walking around. I talk to her every day and she sounds better and better each time! She's still in a lot of pain b/c of the extensive abdominal surgery, but other than that she seems to be in high spirits.

Thanks again for all of your prayers!

Update on Nanny

I just got news that Nanny is out of surgery. It was 4 hours long with no complications. Praise God! She is on a ventilator, like we were told, and she is in the ICU. She ended up having a small bowel resection b/c there were lots of adhesions from scar tissue. The pulmonologist will be in tomorrow to determine when to start weaning her off of the ventilator (the sooner the better b/c the longer you are vented, the harder it is to wean).

So, so far, so good. She still has a long road to recovery...but for now, she is alive and that's what I asked everyone to pray for.

Praise God!

Colin's 2 Year Portraits

Well, we had nothing better to do today, so I took Colin in to have his 2 year portraits done. They turned out really well! I'm so happy with them! The rest can be seen on my smugmug!

Prayers for Nanny

My grandmother (Nanny) is having surgery as we speak. She's been in the hospital for over a month now.

The surgery is to remove a blockage in her intestines. It's a very long, complex surgery, and with her being 81 alongside of all of her other medical conditions, it's very risky for her.

When she comes out of surgery, she will be in the ICU on a ventilator (a breathing tube).

Please pray that she makes it through ok, and that there aren't any complications. I can't lose her right now.

27 Weeks

Whitney came over for a bit and took a few pregnancy pictures of me while the kids were napping. 27 weeks...only 13 more to go! The rest are on my smugmug.

Colin & Kolb Girls

I got to watch Madison and Kaetlyn Kolb today for most of the day. Colin had a great time playing with them!

I'm HOT!

And I don't mean that in a sexy way....I mean it in a I'm sweating my butt off kind of way!

We got home from Arlington this afternoon, and the house was 84 degrees. It's now 8:00, and the house is 86 degrees...I'm so hot! We may end up having to sleep somewhere else tonight.

Scare

So today when I was bringing in groceries, Dali followed me outside, like he usually does. He normally just stays in the yard and follows me back in. Today...he ran away! :(

I called him and kept an eye out for him for over 2 hours. Colin was napping, so I couldn't go searching for him until he woke up. When he finally did wake up and loaded up the van and headed out on a mission to find Dali.

We got to the end of our street, near the house that Miguel's mom used to live in and I saw a brown blob by the front door. I backed up a little and realized that it was Dali!

I called him and he got all excited! He up to me and got into the van. I felt so bad b/c it was sooo hot out, and he was panting like crazy.

Colin had no idea what was going on, but was still very excited to see Dali jump into the van.

I thank God that we found him b/c Colin is so attached to him, I think it would break his heart if he never saw him again.

New 'Toys'

I got a few new toys this weekend!

1. My minivan!!! I'm so excited about it. It's a 2007 Honda Odessey with only 15,000 miles on it. It has leather seats, DVD player, power sliding doors, and so many more features! I'll take some pictures tomorrow and post them.
2. New iPhone! Yay! Miguel got one too, and we are just loving them!

Yay for new toys!

OB Update & More...

It's been a bit since I last updated. Not too much going on these days...

Dali has a yucky bacterial infection in his mouth and is very stinky right now, He also has a double ear infection (he has chronic ear infections, so I wasn't surprised). He's been on antibiotics for 7 days now, and he isn't smelling any better, so we have another vet appointment this afternoon to check on things.

Colin is learning new words every day...it amazes me! He'll hear something, and then just start saying it.

I had my 24 week OB appointment yesterday. Things are looking good for Baby Boy Pacheco. Heart rate was 160. My OB had a hard time finding him yesterday b/c he was hiding under my belly button. Gross! I haven't gained too much weight yet, so that is another plus! I'm also carrying a lot smaller this time around. My next appointment is in early August. It's my last 4 week appointment...I'll then move to 2 week appointment. How exciting! That means the end is near!

I am on the search for a minivan. I've been looking for a bit, but what I want is a tad out of reach right now. I found something yesterday, and am awaiting a call back from the dealer, but I really don't think it's going to work out. The van I found is EXACTLY what I want, but I just don't think that the dealer is going to be willing to come down enough for me. I'll keep you updated on that.

Miguel got a new to him car last week. A really nice one! I'm so excited for him. He got an 2005 Infinity G35 sedan. He probably would have preferred the coupe, but with a 2 year old and a baby on the way, that just didn't seem practical. The mileage s low, and the car is in excellent condition. It drives so smooth! I'll have to post some pictures soon.

There is my update!

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.