Simply Sutphin

Charlie Crawling

2011-09-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks, we have had a physical therapist from First Steps coming to help Charlie. She comes every Friday and spends an hour with him. Encouraging him to crawl, helping him stand and learning how to balance on a stool. All things we each take for granted each and every day. But, with Charlie's spina bifida, we take nothing for granted and we are so proud of his progress! Charlie has been moving along so well, picking up on the things she has been showing him and really working to get moving. Well, here is a video of him doing just that!

How Big is your drink?

2011-06-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

Charles and his Egg

2011-06-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Watermelon Boy

2011-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Since I have 5 boys, I figure I can fill up 5 days of the week just by featuring one of them each day...here's Jake! This boy could eat a whole watermelon...two if you would let him!

Charlie's Check up

2011-06-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today Ben took Charlie in for his 15-month check up. Yes, I know I am a month behind, but it's better than being 2 months behind!

In the last 2 1/2 weeks he has gained a whopping 1.5lbs and is now up to 20lbs! This moves him from being less than the 3rd percentile for weight to the 5th percentile! He's moving in the right direction.

He also had an appointment earlier this month at the Spina Bifida clinic at Children's Hospital. The neurosurgery office we use set this up to make it easier on parents. Down side = long day at the hospital with a baby that gets crabby!

First, he has an appointment for an ultrasound of his bladder and kidneys. Then he gets an x-ray of his hips. Then.....they wait. Next up, urodynamics testing. I took him to the one at 6 months old and it was not a fun experience. They test out the bladder's ability to void urine by forcing saline into his bladder......he will have this again in another 6 months.

Then he gets to be seen by the neurosurgeon, the urologist and the orthopedist. All of them passed him with flying colors.

Results:

1) His bladder is "large" but not allowing anything to back up into his kidneys -- we need to keep an eye on it (hence the next appt in 6 months instead of 12 months)

2) His hips are still in their sockets. This is important because if/when he decides to start pulling up or walking, he will rely a lot on his hips to help support his weight.

3)The orthotics were adjusted so he can continue to wear them. This will also help support his weight if/when he decides to pull up or walk. He needs them to help strengthen the muscles that he will rely on.

4)We have a prescription for physical therapy as needed...we are likely going to take him in for evaluation and to get some more ideas for helping him stretch and build the muscles he needs to.

As always, we just take it one day at a time.

I'm Back!

2011-06-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long since I've written on my blog.... but lucky for you-or not so lucky-I've decided to start up again.

To. start back up, here are a few pictures from a recent trip to Galveston with the boys and my mom.

My Parents are from NoCo....

2010-06-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

I got Can- deeee

2010-06-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hanging with Great Grandma

2010-05-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Contest!

2010-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Most everyone who knows me, knows I love to bake! I want to get some business cards made up, but need help coming up with a great, catchy name and phrase!

So, if you have a suggestion for a name, leave me a comment and if your name wins.....$25 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice. If you live out of state...you will get a Visa/Mastercard giftcard!

Make sure to leave your email address as well!

****Contest ends at 11:59 Central Time on Sunday, May 30, 2010****

What I learned...

2010-05-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Purple Mums

Yellow Daffodils

Yellow and Purple Pansies

Pink Daisies...and my favorite....

Roses!!!

I also learned Primroses, Violets & Violet Leaves and Apple Blossoms...but I didn't have any pictures of them!

Cross Cake

2010-05-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Cover your cake with fondant. I use Marshmallow Fondant because I prefer the taste over regular fondant. Your fondant should drape over your cake.

2. Use a fondant smoother to smooth out the tops. Start with your corners, smooth them down one at a time. Then move to the remaining sides.

3. Use a knife to cut off the excess fondant as close to the bottom edge as possible. Smooth these off, but don't be too concerned as you can cover them with a nice piped edging.

4. Cut out the smaller cross and place on the bigger cross. Use a little bit of water to adhere it. This is what it should look like now.

5. Use the #16 tip to pipe a star border around the bottom of the big cross. Use the #14 star tip for around the small cross.

6. Voila! Cross cake! Add additional details if you want.

So Happy It's Friday!!!

2010-05-21T06:53:00.001-07:00

Here's Charlie!!!

2010-04-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

Eggs!!!

2010-04-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Chillaxin

2010-04-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Love at First Sight

2010-04-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Soccer - George

2010-03-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Soccer - Danny

2010-03-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

Soccer - Jake

2010-03-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

Charlie

2010-03-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's not clear when Charlie will come home. We have gotten the all clear from almost everyone. He just needs to gain some weight back -- he has lost weight and they want him to gain some back, just to ensure that he is eating enough.

Here are a few pictures that I had on my camera:

More Baby Info

2010-03-26T06:11:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we arrived at the hospital and were told that it would now probably be Saturday before Charlie comes home. He has lost a little weight in the hospital (which is normal) but they are keeping him as a precaution to make sure he is still eating enough.

It seems that he has done nothing but sleep since he was born and usually every 4 hours they have to wake him to eat -- once awake, he eats!! We will have to keep him on a pretty good schedule every 4 hours as it includes a catheterization and then eating. I have to say, it was hard yesterday coming home to a box filled with medical supplies.....when I see them and think that I have to do this to my son every 4 hours for AT LEAST the next 3 months, it hurts so bad. But, like all other things, we will get through this and we will make it.

Charlie has a neurogenic bladder. What this means in his case (there are varying degrees of this) is that his bladder is not relaxing to allow him to urinate. Good news is that the urine is not refluxing back out of his bladder into his kidneys. Us catheterizing him helps him empty his bladder and not cause stress/pressure on his kidneys.

We saw the neurologist yesterday that performed his surgery and were told that right now, still no hydrocephalus has formed. Development of hydrocephalus will be a risk for the rest of his life and if it begins to develop, he will have to have a shunt. Today they will be taking a look at his spine on an MRI just to verify if the defect was sacral or lumbar (the area on his back).

He will also require some physical therapy for his legs. His hips are very tight and he prefers to cross his legs with his feet pointed up towards his shins -- almost like he is flexing them at all times. He currently has some little splints that we have to put on and off on a schedule and some exercises for us to do to help loosen his hips and keep his feet flexible.

I will post pictures soon, I promise. I will post a couple from right after birth showing the defect as well.

Thank you for everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Information on Charlie

2010-03-24T14:31:00.001-07:00

I was sent into Barnes for an emergency C-section on Friday around 1pm. Our little boy was born at 4pm, 6lbs 5oz, 18.5" long. He was sent straight over to Children’s NICU for evaluation. He had about a 3 inch opening on his back just above his bottom. During development the base of his spine did not close. The opening in his back contains exposed muscle and nerve which is what we have been expecting, and what prompted the transfer to Children’s. He had surgery first thing Saturday morning to create a protective barrier of muscle around the nerve and close the skin. Surgery went great! Sometimes when a wound is surgically closed the compression of the tissue can force fluid into the skull and cause pressure on the brain. After 2 head ultrasounds everything looks stable and the Doctors do not believe he will require any additional surgery. The other thing Doctors are looking for when the nerves and spinal cord are compromised is paralysis. Charlie has complete control of his upper body, strong hips and mobile legs. He is lacking some feeling in his feet but he is able to move them. He may require physical therapy down the road and we have been given several exercises and stretches that should help him as he grows. The last concern they have is Charlie does not seem to have complete nerve function in his bladder. It looks like we will have to administer a catheter at home until urology can evaluate him again in 3 months. Long story short, it could be better, but it could be much worse. He is already moving around, lifting his head up, and looking for me when he hears myt voice. His big brothers can’t wait to bring him home and seem pretty eager to help out. We would like to thank all of you very much for all of your thoughts and prayers through this difficult but still very happy time for our family.

Countdown to Charlie....

2010-03-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

1 week!!!!

Suggestions

2010-03-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am taking suggestions for my next baking project. Something small as I have a baby coming in 10 days!!!

Leave a comment and let me know what you would like me to try. I was thinking Petit Fours...but what theme???

Super Mario Bros

2010-03-15T07:16:00.001-07:00

Finished product:

Happy Birthday Danny!

2010-03-12T12:40:00.001-08:00

It seems like you were just born yesterday.....Today you are 6!!!

Countdown to Charlie.....

2010-03-12T05:12:00.000-08:00

2 weeks!!!

Cupcakes

2010-03-11T06:13:00.001-08:00

In case you didn't know, I love to bake...and I just had to share that yesterday I bought a book titled "500 Cupcakes." I can't wait to start baking some of them!!!!

Thoughts

2010-03-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

So, I am having 2nd thoughts about attempting a Super Mario Bros cake this weekend for Danny's birthday. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE baking, I LOVE making the boy's cakes. This, is the biggest feat yet in my opinion....I am totally going to try it and hope it turns out, but I have to admit, I am scared it's going to turn out bad!!!

I can't wait to start going to the classes that Michael's offers and that some of the other bakeries offer so that I can get better.

For those that don't know....I would love to make cakes, cupcakes, chocolates, sweets, desserts, etc....for the rest of my life!!! I would love to be good enough to sell my stuff.. That is still some time away, but hopefully I can find people to test out my products on!

Finally......

2010-03-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Soccer

2010-03-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

This is my first video clip attempt.

Future Mechanic?

2010-03-06T11:50:00.001-08:00

Countdown to Charlie.....

2010-03-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

3 weeks!!!

Mmmmmmmmmmm

2010-03-03T04:33:00.000-08:00

It has begun

2010-03-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

Danny at his first practice with the new team (Jake's team).
Jake at the first outdoor practice. Games begin the weekend of March 13th!!!

Monday?!?!?!

2010-03-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

I don't like Mondays either Maddie!

Jenna Lee

2010-02-28T18:10:00.001-08:00

Better late than never............Jenna just turned 1!

All I have left....

2010-02-26T08:15:00.001-08:00

is 4 weeks!!!

Lost in Translation

2010-02-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

I thought I would translate some 2-yr old language today.

2yr old: Mommy, my tummy huuuuts; I sit in your wap.

Translation: pick me up and prepare to be puked on... A LOT!!!

Update

2010-02-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

We had what will probably be our last ultrasound this pregnancy. It seems that Charlie is holding steady which is good news. He has gained a pound in the last week and is estimated to be at 4lbs 6oz.

Oh, and it's officially only 5 weeks from my c-section and Charlie's birthday!!!

I didn't eat the icing.....

2010-02-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

Crash Landing

2010-02-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

We see hot air balloons quite often over the skies in Wentzville...but this one crash landed right in the court near ours. The boys got to watch them pack it up and put it away.

Too many snow days???

2010-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

It's almost that time again

2010-02-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Baby

2010-02-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have gained 5lbs in 3weeks...blood pressure is good, baby's heart rate is good and I am measuring in just fine.

Next appointment is an ultrasound, so maybe I will have more detail then. For now, just 6.5 weeks lefts!

Challenge to the girls

2010-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Two of my best girl friends are upset about my last 2 blogs featuring pictures.... so l say to them..... bring on your worst or most embarrassing pictures of me. Leave a comment on this post linking back to your blog and we can see who has the "best" picture.... this challenge is good through Friday.

Doctor update

2010-02-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

We visited the pediatric neurosurgeon today and found out that we are definitely having a c-section on march 26th. Charlie will have his first surgery within the first 72 hours of birth and will likely be hospitalized for 2 weeks.

They mentioned today that he has slight clubbing on his feet which will likely result in him wearing braces on his legs in order to walk.

He likely will have some bladder issues which could result in the need for some catheterization to help him fully empty his bladder. This probably won't be known for sure until after he is born.

On a positive note, Tucker had his 2 year check-up and all is going well. He will go back to see Dr. Smyth every year.) Hard to believe its been 2 years (in April) since he had his surgery. I've grown so fond of his "extra" butt crack!

Our next appointment will be once again with the high risk doctors. I'll update once we have more information.

I'm a Tiger Baby!

2010-02-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

More Wine???

2010-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Bachelor

2010-01-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Charlies Birthday

2010-01-28T08:08:00.001-08:00

It's official, Charlie's birthday will be on March 26th.

Out of the mouth of babes...

2010-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

....well, my 8 year old. He seems to say some of the strangest things.

Example: Yesterday at school there was a note in his folder from the Gym teacher. They have started a new section that is dancing. Apparently, he didn't want to participate (not shocking since Gym is the one area we seem to struggle with for him). When asked why he was so upset about it, he responded "My body doesn't dance." Hilarious since that is how he get's Lucy's attention at home......he dances around to get her attention and then runs off so she will chase him.

I also found out yesterday that previously he refused to run during Gym a couple weeks back. He told the gym teacher that day "My legs don't run on Thursdays"

Hope you got a good laugh at the expense of one of my children...I know I did.

Snow Boarders

2010-01-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

All of my boys (except Tucker) ventured down the hillside on the snowboard.....the one that fell the most? Daddy!!!

Snow Angels

2010-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Update on MRI

2010-01-25T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well...there really isn't a lot of news...we had the MRI and we will have to make an appointment with the neurosurgeon to read the results. When we make that appointment, we will also be taking Tucker for his 2 year follow-up.

MRI

2010-01-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

Today I have a fetal MRI down at Children's Hospital. The hope is that this will give the Pediatric Neurosurgeon a better look at exactly what is going on with Charlie. We don't expect to have results today, but hope to have them and meet up with Dr Smyth soon to go over them.

Baby news

2010-01-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

If you are sick of baby news, stop reading now. You will see a LOT of baby news in the coming weeks.

Today, I met with the Maternal Fetal Medicine group at the Center for Advanced Medicine down at Barnes-Jewish (wow that was a mouthful!). I met a wonderful OBGYN who may or may not be the one to do my c-section. You see, with a group of doctors, especially high-risk, one never knows who they will see for an appointment much less which will be doing the c-section.

I also had an ultrasound this morning (at the same place). Here is what we found out:

1) Charlie is growing at a normal rate. As of today, they estimate him to weigh around 3lbs 6oz. No information as to what size he will be when he is born.

2) They are sure he DOES have a club foot on his right side (not a major issue). We last heard this can be good news as it would mean he has some neural signals going to his lower extremities! That is good news!

3) His ventricles in his brain are still only slightly enlarged. This is good for now-- I say for now, because this means that the defect is most likely open and allowing the spinal fluid to drain out instead of build up into his head. Once the defect is closed after birth, it could begin to build up and require a shunt.

4) I will be having a c-section (unless Monday's MRI shows that the defect is closed--which COULD change their minds, but most likely, will not) at around 39 weeks. I should hopefully have a date for this by mid-week next week.

5) I am gaining weight at a rate of about 1lb/week.....

6) For the next 6 weeks I will be going to the doctor every 2 weeks....then every week after that.

Today is actually the first day that I didn't cry at a doctor's appointment. I am not sure if it's me starting to accept what is going on or just the AWESOME bedside manner of the ultrasonographer (who talked about what she was doing and seeing the entire time vs just sitting in silence wondering what she was doing) and the OBGYN. But, today was about good news. Nothing today came as a shock, in fact it was everything we expected.

Computer

2010-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

So, my desktop computer at home went crazy. Apparently, we ended up with some spyware on it..who knew??? Yes, I have a virus scan, but apparently, I didn't have what we needed to catch spyware.

Never fear, I borrowed a laptop from a friend (he has plenty of computers) while he fixes my desktop....oh, and I bought a new laptop for myself. I am sad to say though, that it won't ship until February 1st.

This will give me plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of the laptop before trekking it to the hospital with me in March. I hope to blog more and upload lots and lots of photos of my newest little man once he arrives!

What kind you ask? I bought an HP TouchSmart!! Can't Wait!

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Okay..not all of them, but some.

1) Spend less by not eating out.

2) Involve the boys more in meal planning (kinda goes with #1).

3) Get garage cleaned out so that next winter (have to bypass the current one) we can get at least 1 car in the garage during winter. Specifically, the one I will be driving. :)

4) Re-paint in the areas where Tucker has graciously drawn on them (After I get pictures of his artwork of course!)

5) Hang pictures. We have NO pictures up in our house....sad, I know.

These aren't all "personal" goals, and they may not be fancy, but hey, they are ones I feel I can accomplish!

After I have Charlie, I will do my half-year goals.

Random Thoughts

2010-01-13T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today I have decided to put in writing some of the random thoughts and questions I have been having.

*Why do men/boys fail to put the lid down AND fail to change the toilet paper roll? Is this something in their genes?

*Why do I feel guilty that I want to purge a ton of FB friends...I mean they are still my friends, but I don't want to see all the stuff that I see when I log in? This is the reason I still have so many....guilt is keeping me from getting rid of them and from not accepting new requests!!!

*Recently, my 2 year old wants to be held ALL the time...am I a bad mom for making him hold my hand while he walks with me? This causes him to cry the entire time I am walking with him.

*In about 10-12 weeks I am going to be off for at leat 8 weeks, why do I feel like I need a vacation now?

*My sons seem to think it's entertaining to Lucy to stand in front of her, make noises and dance like they are having a seizure, then run away to see if she will chase them....I find it amusing.

*I am enjoying meal planning, and we are doing well at staying on track to not eat out. I am having issues with my kids eating what we make. They are so used to the same things, that they aren't happy with new dishes. Ben and I are the opposite. (I'll admit, it's hard to convince the boys to eat something that we don't like either- this was our experience with a casserole I made the other night)

*My only resolutions for the new year were to spend less money on eating out. So far, so good, but I feel like I should have made others...so I am making half-year resolutions. I want to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight, but that's not even possible to start until April...eating better (already sort of doing that)....should I have more or just be satisfied with the one I KNOW I am going to stick with?

What we know from today's Appt

2010-01-11T20:31:00.001-08:00

For those that haven't heard, we are expecting our 5th son in late March/early April. We also know that he has spina bifida (our 4th son had it as well, but this time it's more sever for Charlie).

My husband and I met with the pediatric neurosurgeon we used for Tucker as well as the neonatologist today to get more information. Here is what we found out:

1) The neurosurgeon has said a c-section is in order as he feels that the defect is either open or if it's covered, it is only covered by a membrane. A normal delivery could cause additional trauma to the area-- a c-section avoids added trauma. I have not had a c-section before, but if it's what is best for the baby, then I will not fight it. The down side to this is that I want to deliver at Barnes-Jewish and my OB/GYN doesn't go there.

I talked to him today and he is going to give me the name of a high risk doctor at Barnes and I will start seeing that person in the next few weeks. I am having more issues with the fact that my OB/GYN won't be there than I am having with the c-section. I have made this choice though so that I can be wheeled next door to Children's to visit my baby boy.

2) Right now, prognosis is that Charlie will be having surgery within the first 72 hours of his life. This will be to repair the open neural tube defect...then we wait and watch. Right now, he only has slight hydrocephalus, but repairing the defect can cause that to rear it's ugly head. It is suspected that he will spend the first 1-2 weeks of his life in the NICU at Children's Hospital.

3) No date is known for the c-section and probably won't be known until I see the high-risk doctor at Barnes.

We got a lot of information today and it still feels like we know as little as we did before. We have a lot more "what-ifs" and worse case scenarios. Having so many unknowns is killing me....I feel like I have no control and that stresses me out tremendously.

Well, I hope to have more information in the next couple of weeks....for now, I am stressed, ticked, tired and scared.

All Bundled Up

2010-01-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Who needs a sled........

2010-01-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

My Namesake

2010-01-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

Well, really, this is from my 8-yr old. We got a TON of papers in his bookbag today from the 1st half of the school year. It's always cool to see their work....and even better when they write something that makes you laugh your butt off. While looking through his work, my husband found the following "note", as written by my son:

"My name is Ben and I would like to tell you how I got my name.

I was named after my dad. My middle name is after a price sign.

My parents got my name from my dad."

His name is.............. Benjamin Clarence (not CLEARANCE) Sutphin III

Is this an indication that I take him shopping too much?

Letters to Santa

2009-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2009-12-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Charlie

2009-12-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

Good news!!! Everything is stable with the baby. This means, nothing has gotten any worse than before. He of course still has the meningeocele and a possible club foot, but the slight hydrocephalus he had before hasn't gotten any worse.

Still no decision on whether I will be induced or have a C-Section, just that one of those 2 are my only options.....no going into labor on my own (yet again!).

Enter to Win Lightroom 2

2009-12-20T16:50:00.001-08:00

Want a chance to win LightRoom 2???? Go to Mckmama's website to enter!!!

Go to to this website to enter for a chance to win Lightroom 2.

Newest Addition

2009-12-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

I am no longer the only female under this roof!!! Yay!!!

Meet Lucy. She is our 9-week old Havanese puppy. She just joined our family yesterday and so far is doing wonderfully! The boys love her and she loves them. She looks big in the picture above, but just to show that she is tiny (about 1.5lbs right now) I put up the picture of her with me last night.

Yes, I fell asleep on the couch with her.....Ben gave her a bath and she was shivering, so I was holding her close and keeping her warm...and I was tired!!!

Who Knew?

2009-12-15T10:55:00.001-08:00

Baby #5 and my body has managed to find a place (or more than one) to put new stretch marks!!!

Another Baby Update

2009-12-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well, we got the final genetic test results!! Yes, they came in earlier than we expected.

We have found out that there are no genetic issues with Charlie so our only obstacle to overcome is his spina bifida.

Who Has The Best Christmas Present Now?

2009-12-07T07:20:00.001-08:00

Good news

2009-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

We received a call today from the genetics counselor at the Perinatal unit. Preliminary test results ruled out Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. We are still waiting for the full genetic test results.

I am so happy for our baby Charlie, but am thinking and praying for those families that do not receive the good news that we have on this day. Even though I know none of them personally, please think about them and their struggles.

Update on Charlie

2009-12-01T07:33:00.001-08:00

We had another appointment at the perinatal center yesterday at St Johns -- this included an ultrasound and an amniocentisis. Here is what we know:

1) Charlie is growing at a normal rate; he has grown from 9oz at the last appt to 1lbs 3oz at yesterday's appt. This is good news.

2) The bubble on his back (mylomening0cele) which contains his spinal cord and spinal fluid is down very low. Closer to the saccral area versus higher up on his spine. This is good news.

3) He has not developed any heart problems so far. We will keep checking - this is good news.

4) The doctor yesterday didn't seem to think he had a club foot on either side. We will keep watching it - this is good news.

5) He has slightly enlarged ventricles in his brain. This is where the cerebrospinal fluid is kept in the brain. With Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus (aka water on the brain, aka increased cerebrospinal fluid on the brain) is very common. So far, they are only slightly enlarged. We will watch this VERY closely as it could result in shunting* when he is born. This is currently OK news...not good, not bad.

*Shunting would be the "cure" for the hydrocephalus. It drains the extra fluid on his brain and allows the cerebrospinal fluid to flow correctly. This can be a continuous "cure" - meaning, one time would not correct it.

6) We had an amniocentisis to check for genetic disorders. For Ben and I, this is an informational test. We want to know if there are other issues that we need to be prepared for. We should have preliminary results (for Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18) by the end of the week and within 2 weeks have a full genetic analysis back.

No matter what the outcome, we are prepared to do whatever it takes to give our baby boy as full of a life as we can....we will attempt to embrace all obstacles.

Today, I see my regular OB/GYN and find out how "fat" I have gotten since my last appointment, hear Charlie's heartbeat, ask about the results of the AFP test and find out if I will have to have a C-Section. Lots of information....my brain feels like it might explode!

Baby Collin

2009-11-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

I know he is much bigger than this now (well, not too much)...but which do you like better? Ben suggested I do the bottom picture since it's more common to do the top.....did that make sense?

Thankful for you...

2009-11-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

I don't say it enough. Thank you for being in my life...

It's Gotta Be Someone's Birthday....Somewhere

2009-11-25T09:39:00.001-08:00

These pics go way back....

2009-11-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

CORRECTION: You will see my nephew Collin tomorrow...this posted prematurely!

To June 23, 2007 when my Sister in law, Becca got married to Brandon.... 2 years later they have a handsome little boy (Collin who was in the other post today).

To June 23, 2007 when my Sister in law, Becca got married to Brandon.... 2 years later they have a handsome little boy (Collin who was in the other post today).

Sorry Tiff...I couldn't resist

2009-11-23T03:37:00.000-08:00

I LOVE my niece Jenna and I LOVE the fact that she always has her tongue out.....so I couldn't resist this photo....

I hope the picture below makes up for the one above!

My 15 minutes (or seconds of fame)

2009-11-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

Arrrrgh...we be pirates!

2009-11-22T03:25:00.000-08:00

Dancing Queens

2009-11-21T03:15:00.000-08:00

Young Love?

2009-11-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

Kathy & Travis

2009-11-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

Kathy and Travis Wunderlich; Married on October 24, 2009

Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

UDPATE: Since I set this to post....1 thing has changed. I am now going shopping on Black Friday. I feel like a crazy person for doing it...but I'll be out there.

I can't believe that next week is Thanksgiving...this year is going by so fast. I am excited to be off the day after Thanksgiving...not to shop, but to put up Christmas decorations at my house!!!

I know I have had a house before, but for some reason, this year is WAY more exciting....can't wait. I'm just glad that I know where all the Christmas decorations are!!! I think this year, a new Christmas tree is in order -- but I am not going to get it until it's on clearance after Christmas.

Feeling Blah

2009-11-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

**Warning: This post is me complaining and feeling sorry for myself. Stop now if you don't want to read about that!!! And it's a long post, so if you don't feel like reading....****

I have been feeling Blah a lot lately and think I have finally figured it out. I generally have been feeling like we've been screwed. I feel sorry for myself and I feel sorry for my poor baby who doesn't have a choice in all this. He is just going to be born with this birth defect. I didn't want this for another baby..... Isn't it bad enough that we have had to go through something like this before???

I have already had a baby born with a birth defect (unknown to me, my husband or the doctors until after he was born). I have had to deal with getting the news alone -- Ben was getting the older boys to school and the babysitter-- that my baby would be taken from my side and whisked away to Children's Hospital and possibly have to have surgery within the first 24-48 hours. I have spent days crying so much that I have gotten a migraine. Why should we have to do this again?!?!?! Isn't once enough?!

I have seen my precious bay boy, less than a day old strapped to monitors being worried each time they take him away for a test, not knowing what the verdict would be and what the future would hold for my son. Will he have surgery now or later? Will he have problems walking or pooping or peeing? These things that we take for granted every day...he doesn't have a choice as to whether he has to deal with not being able to do them.

Now, I have another baby boy coming into this world without a choice about his future. Granted, we all don't know what our future holds, but most of us don't have to worry about if we can walk or poop or pee or learn at the same rate as everyone else. We don't have to worry that other kids are going to look at us funny and say mean things to us. We don't have to worry that those things continue into adulthood, because, let's be honest....just because you age doesn't mean you mature and people can be cruel.

How fair is it to my child? Frankly, right now I am feeling that it's not fair to my family....I am sick of being positive. Sometimes, I can be positive, but mostly I just want to scream, shout, cry and ask Why.

Mostly, I feel like we have been screwed and it pisses me off.

If you read all of this, thank you for listening.

Cookies

2009-11-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

Usually each year my sister, my mother, my BFF & I get together when the guys go hunting to make cookies. Unfortunately this year both my BFF & I were EXTREMELY busy and weren't able to join my mother and sister......but I have made 2 batches of gooey butter cookies. (which are almost all gone since I took some to work and sent some with Ben to his work) Next up, Chocolate Chip cookies!!!!

I love fresh baked cookies with some milk..........makes me want to go home and bake now!!!

Hunting

2009-11-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just a hunting update...slightly late....and for those that are squeamish, I won't post the pictures of the kill!!!

Each of the 5 guys that went down were lucky enough to shoot a deer this past weekend!!!! Of course, they want to go back for more. I am not complaining because that means more jerky and sausage in my house!!!

Less Stress

2009-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

I am excited to say that last night I finished ALL of the laundry in my household! This means that when I get home today, the only dirty laundry in my house should be the pjs from last night and the clothes on my kid's, myself and my husband today!!!

My husband and I went through ALL of our clothes, sorting, getting rid of and hanging clothes and filling our dresser drawers...we are officially organized as far as our clothes go! We have 4 bags of clothes to donate and those are going into the box at the school tonight!!!

Next up, sort through the boys clothes..they are clean and sorted by type of clothing. All the shirts are hung up in Charlie's closet, the jeans in one basket, underwear in another, socks in another, pants (not jeans) and pjs in another. They are waiting to be sorted by who they belong to.....and we are NOT keeping all of those clothes!!!!

Then toys...and maybe off to my garage. I would LOVE to be able to get it sorted and organized enough to get a car in it this winter for when the snow comes!!!

1st Day of School

2009-11-12T04:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, this was back in August...I am behind. I admit it...

Help with the Birthday cakes

2009-11-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

Since Tucker's and Benny's birthdays are only 1 day apart, they share a family party. Right now, Benny picks the theme because Tucker doesn't really mind what it is. Here are some pictures of my birthday boys helping with the icing.

Okay...they did more eating than helping........

Nature delivered to your door

2009-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when I opened the mailbox to..............

Punishment

2009-11-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

It just breaks my heart....

Pictures

2009-11-09T14:06:00.001-08:00

.....are going to be coming soon to my blog!!!

I know, I have posted pictures before...but I realized that I hadn't even downloaded my camera since September!!!

All pictures are downloaded and saved to my hard drive, so not to worry...they will be coming agian soon!

Praying for Stellan

2009-11-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

Go to Mckmama's website to read and keep up with Stellan and his ablation today in Boston. He just turned 1 year old.

Today, I sit and pray and think about not only him and his family but about all the families out there that need love and support.

Baby Charlie

2009-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Most of you already know that on Thursday we found out that we were having our 5th baby boy. I know to most it's not shocking given our current brood.

Unfortunately, we also found out that our baby boy is not healthy. He, like Tucker, has spina bifida. Right now, we don't know how serious it will be for him at birth. With Tucker, surgery corrected what few issues he had and today he is healthy, growing and developmentally on track. Except for his scar, you would never know.

Here is what we do know about Charlie :

1) He has a bubble at the base of his spine, low enough that hopefully it won't affect his ability to walk, etc. We do not know yet if the bubble is closed without exposing his spinal cord or open exposing his cord.

2) He will have to have surgery at some point. Until he is born, we don't know if it will be able to put off until he is older (like we could with Tucker) or if he will have to be taken directly to Children's for surgery. We are going to find out about in-utero surgery as well and whether or not that is an option.

3) So far, there are no signs of hydrocephalus (water on the brain), but this could develop and we will keep a close eye on it.

4) His heart looks good, but because it is early in the pregnancy, it is a small heart and hard to see if there are any underlying issues

5) He possibly has a club foot on the right side. This is the LEAST of our concerns as that can be corrected with a brace or surgery to relieve tension

6) We will continue to visit Dr Jewell and the perinatal center at St Johns. We will also be contacting the pediatric neurosurgeon who took care of Tucker to see what he would like to do. As we have more information, I will share it.

Right now, we are just needing everyone to keep Charlie and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

It's a............

2009-10-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

....................boy!!!! The baby cooperated and we were able to see CLEARLY that this is indeed a boy. There was no doubt about it and he showed it to us several times.

I guess I was meant to have a basketball team.

Tomorrow

2009-10-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

.....is the big day. Keep your fingers crossed that this baby cooperates!!! In less than 24 hours we get to find out (hopefully) if this time is a boy or a girl!!!!!!!

Not Me! Monday

2009-10-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

'This is my first time doing one of these, so hereI go (or try)!!This weekend, I certainly did not tell my 7 year old that he would have to wait to go to the bathroom while we were taking photos for a wedding I was in. I certainly did not send him to the woods with my hubby to get cleaned up, only to throw away his underwear because I had "forced" him to have an accident by making him wait.I did not choose to only take my oldest son with me Saturday morning to the hair salon, although 2 others were up, simply because I knew he would be able to sit still while I had my hair done.I did not wish for the rain to come sooner so that we would not have to get 2 boys ready for soccer and pack everyone up for the day.I did not (persuade) convince my son to pick a different place for dinner because what he chose was too expensive -- although it was his choice since it was his birthday dinner.Head on over to MckMama to see more "Not Me Moday" posts and to post your own link or comment to her blog.