Tuesday, May 22, 2012

"Well you send my life a whirling/ Darling when your twirling/ On the floor"


Life really hasn’t slowed down and I don’t know that it ever will. These last few weeks have drained me quite a bit with all the travel. Yet, we have had some wonderful moments.

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We were able to visit with KayKay and Bob, Ben’s grandparents. It was wonderful to spend time with them.

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Charlotte took to KayKay right away.

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We attended SB clinic May 9. I was trying not to be anxious but at our last visit we received the shocking news that Charlotte’s shunt was malfunctioning. She seemed to be doing so well but I worried any way. God is so good. In fact, we received great reports at Clinic. The best news was from her Ortho doctor, Dr. Khoury. As you may remember, Charlotte has had issues with her right hip (the ball and socket weren’t well formed). He warned us of the possibility of surgery. At the last visit her hip had improved enough that surgery did not seem necessary. At this visit, Dr. Khoury told us her hip x-ray was normal and that this does not typical happen. Thank you so much for your prayers. God hears them all and this time He saw fit to restore Charlotte’s hip!!!

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 The following week we had good reports from Urology as well. Charlotte’s kidneys are continuing to grow and we do not need in and out catheterization at this time. I know that in and out cath’s will most likely be in our future but I was so grateful to hear we are good with diapers since I will have two in diapers very soon.

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We did have a bit of a scare last week. Margaret decided to be still all day Monday and worked me into a nervous panic. I ended up heading to the hospital for monitoring. Of course, once we decided to sign in she started to kick up a storm. I think she thought “well my sister has all these special doctor visits, I need one too.” Monitoring showed she was fine and my visit to the OB informed us that she is head down and dropped. This was encouraging to me because I am trying to avoid another C-section. In fact, I’m going to try to avoid drugs all together.

A drug free birth is not exactly common these days; especially in a state where home birth is actually illegal. I am choosing this rout not because I’m tough (honestly, I’m a wimp) but after much research, prayer, and consideration I feel it is my best option. Of course, if complications arise and I have to have another c-section, I will try to accept it joyfully. My end goal is a healthy little girl!

Newest pic:

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I’m 38 weeks pregnant and about to bust.

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Like most women at this point I am ready to deliver. NO, I have NO CLUE how to raise two kids but I’m ready for the next challenge. I know that you don’t get sleep with a newborn and that they require mountains of work. Those first few weeks with Charlotte were very tough. Still, I am not a fan of being pregnant, but I’m a huge fan of swaddling, nursing, kissing, rocking, and loving on a newborn. Yes, it is tough but there is the joy of holding your child in your arms. There is the immense pleasure of seeing their sweet little face for the first time. There is the heart stopping love you experience as they wrap tiny fingers around your finger. I am in love with Mary Margaret but I know how it abounds ten fold when they finally arrive. I am ready and excited to meet this child who will carry another piece of my heart. 

5 comments:

Susan B. said...

Ess the Mess---Wonderful post! You're always uplifting to me. Charlotte's news is such a blessing; a testament to answered prayer. God is so good! Praise the LORD for his lovingkindness. His mercies are new everyday! I look forward to meeting Baby Margaret. She'll be a little pistol! You look beautiful as always and not very big at all. You're very smart to keep your weight down! Hi Ben! I love you very much! You're a wonderful Dad!

Love always!

Aunt Choo Choo

Meghan said...

I am so glad that you have great news for Charlotte!! What an answer to prayer. =)

That would terrify me if Josey had been still all day one day. Glad that MM was just fine!! I can't wait to meet her!

I have also been thinking about VBACs more and more....I just really don't want to do a c-section again. I am worried that I will continue to have mammoth babies and need them though. lol But MM seems pretty tiny, if you are any indication, so I don't see that being an issue for you! I hope this birth experience is exactly what you want!

Mimi said...

Esther, love the new blog but very jealous of Kay Kay and Bob getting to see and hold Char Char (Ha Ha). She is growing like a little weed and so "beautiful". OH how we are looking forward to Mary Margarets arrival. And oh yes we will all forgive you if you change your mind about the drug free birth. Ben and Esther, God's blessings on you all 4 in the days ahead.

Anonymous said...

We were so glad to hear the news of Charlotte's recovered hip!! Praise God! I keep telling Lia that she will have a new cousin to meet very soon! I hope we can work out a time to come visit you all in between Canada trips and Lexie's arrival. Praying, praying, praying for your delivery!!!!! Love y'all!

Vicky said...

I'm the ultimate wimp and I had 4 babies without taking any medication...there is no shame in changing your mind though. The epidural seemed to make labor so much better for Lisa and Meghan.