In the past Irish and I (okay, mostly Irish) have tossed around the idea of doing a strictly cash budget when it comes to groceries. Each time he brought up the subject I wasn't too excited, not because I didn't think we could do it, but I'm all about the points! With our MC we earn points, which in turn can give us free groceries. My only hang up was loosing out on those points.
It was about the middle of January when Irish finally 'put his foot down' and said that this is what we are going to do. I rolled my eyes, and almost felt like telling him to start doing the grocery shopping, BUT as a good & supportive wife (like I try to be) I said OK. We discussed what we thought would be a reasonable weekly amount for our family, and withdrew that amount.
So here I am, as I drop him off at work, with an envelope 'full' of cash. Off to the grocery store I went. I decided the best way to 'manage' the money would be to write each item I am putting in my cart down on a piece of paper, along with it's price, if it's a weigh-able item...then I would have to weigh it and figure out how much it cost. After all, how am I suppose to know what is in my cart and what my bill is going to be when I get up to the cashier. That was/is my biggest fear of paying with cash, not knowing my total...and then coming up short, then having to ask the cashier to remove items. I could have just kept a running total in my head, but with this prego brain I've got going on, and two little ones in the cart...it was best that I wrote it down!
Before we made the switch from plastic to paper (MC to cash) I would have never described us as people who just bought what ever, or purchased items that we didn't really need. Yes there were times that one of the kids would say "Oh Mom, look at this" or "Could we get _____ please". Every once in a while I would 'indulge', because everyone needs a treat now and then. Plus I didn't always want to be saying NO to my kids.
When you are buying with plastic, it's SO easy to over spend, because 'money isn't an issue'.
I can not tell you the freedom (...is that the right word?) I felt when buying with cash. I knew exactly what was in my cart, there was no surprise at the total when I got to the till & to be able to pay in full right then and there, knowing we didn't owe the MC company for the food we just bought, was AMAZING!
It almost feels like a game, I feel like such a winner when I purchase everything we need for the week (I like to plan my meals a week in advance, so that I know all the ingredients I will need, thus resulting in one weekly grocery trip) and come out UNDER budget! This has happened both times I've gone so far since starting our cash budget. The last time, which was our last shopping trip for the month, we had a nice little amount left over. So I 'treated' us by going to Costco and buying some items that we've been out of for a while, but use on an almost daily basis...plus we had company coming that weekend, so I wanted to be all stocked up! You know what?? I even have $7.50 left after shopping at Costco!! I was so pleased with my self!
In the end, I would recommend doing a cash budget if you are looking for some way to save some money. In the two trips I've taken, I've noticed that we are now spending on average $30 less a week in groceries. Now keep in mind that I haven't had to replace the Tide, or buy more chicken, which are big ticket items, but I'm still fairly confident in my self that I can remain on budget! (we also decided that diapers should not be included in our grocery budget, and have a different amount set aside for those)
Ooh and the bonus of it all, is that with the new program our store has come out with (we shop at Superstore, and they now have their PC Plus Points system), I can STILL earn points on the items I purchase (that have been selected for plus points) even when I pay with cash!! I don't get my points for bringing my own bags...but at least I'm getting points! Yay, happy day!!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Some New Digital LO | 2013 Yearbook
I've been working hard trying to get my 2013 album all finished up. I still have lots to do, but at the same time, I feel like I have a lot accomplished. It's getting exciting though, as this will be my first printed (and complete) album.
I started 'seriously' scrapbooking after Marshall was born & I have a FULL album from just his birth day until he was about maybe 4 months old, haha!! Perhaps I was a little over zealous?! It took me a bit to realize that you can not scrap absolutely every picture you take...and even then, when you 'down size' the allotted pictures you want to print, you should go through and do that process again...and one more time for good measure!
I have fallen in love with digital scrapbooking! Here are some new pages I have completed lately :)
I started 'seriously' scrapbooking after Marshall was born & I have a FULL album from just his birth day until he was about maybe 4 months old, haha!! Perhaps I was a little over zealous?! It took me a bit to realize that you can not scrap absolutely every picture you take...and even then, when you 'down size' the allotted pictures you want to print, you should go through and do that process again...and one more time for good measure!
I have fallen in love with digital scrapbooking! Here are some new pages I have completed lately :)
I had the opportunity to run in the Color Me Rad race in Calgary (so.much.fun)
We had a lot of Court Cousin time this summer, the kids were in Heaven!
Took a day trip out to Writing on Stone with the Fam Jam
Spent Thanksgiving out at 'the Farm' in Rosemary, with our Lilburn Cousins.
I decided to make our announcement for baby #4 a 12x12 page, so that it could be apart of our yearbook!
That's it for now, I better get back at it!!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
I didn't vanish!
My oh my! I have not posted in a WHILE! Let's just say we've been a little busy! Saying that I feel as though appointments have taken over our lives would be an understatement!! We have chiropractor for myself (which for six weeks was THREE times a week, then down to twice a week for I can't even remember how long, and now I am finally able to go once a week. Currently trying to make it two weeks between visits) Chiropractor for the kids (Starting in January, they went once a week for 10 weeks), massage for me (whenever I can fit it in & find someone to watch my kids for an hour and a half), dentist for me...multiple visits (I was having some jaw/clenching issues since the accident, and as a result a tooth on the bottom started to shift/'pop' out of place. I now wear an 'adorable' little splint at night...it is very attractive!).
Then we were seeing a pediatrician for Benson as he has had a partial tongue tie since birth and I was worried that it was getting in the way of his intake of solid foods...back in December. After a feeding assessment done by a Speech Therapist, in March, it was decided that we did not need to take any action regarding his tongue tie as he was managing quite well for his age, with good movement of his tongue. They said that hopefully as he continues to use his tongue, the tie will stretch out even more. (Of course there was a space of 3 months from the time that I went to my family Dr with the initial concern of his tongue tie, to getting in with the Pediatrician, to be referred for the appointment with the Speech Therapist)
Oh, and let's not forget about Marshall's appointments with the Ears, Nose, Throat Surgeon...it has been decided that he needs to get his Adenoids removed! We are still in the waiting process for this one, but it should be a 'fun' two weeks after the surgery trying to get that boy to sit still and not be active!
Soooo, mix all of that in with the daily 'monotony' of house work, school runs, errands, and just trying to be a good mom and wife...I haven't felt like I've had that much time, or energy to keep up on the blog or be creative in any way.
I DID however, the other day, find some time to squeeze in a Digital Lay Out! OH, it felt so good to actually finish a page! I love it, let me share it with you!
The pages that I have finished this year have been for my Year in Review Pages. At the end of the year I try to have one page per month highlighting a little of what we did each month. While it is still satisfactory to have those pages done, it is even more so to do a random page about my kids!!
I love this girl and all of her goofy faces!!
Then we were seeing a pediatrician for Benson as he has had a partial tongue tie since birth and I was worried that it was getting in the way of his intake of solid foods...back in December. After a feeding assessment done by a Speech Therapist, in March, it was decided that we did not need to take any action regarding his tongue tie as he was managing quite well for his age, with good movement of his tongue. They said that hopefully as he continues to use his tongue, the tie will stretch out even more. (Of course there was a space of 3 months from the time that I went to my family Dr with the initial concern of his tongue tie, to getting in with the Pediatrician, to be referred for the appointment with the Speech Therapist)
Oh, and let's not forget about Marshall's appointments with the Ears, Nose, Throat Surgeon...it has been decided that he needs to get his Adenoids removed! We are still in the waiting process for this one, but it should be a 'fun' two weeks after the surgery trying to get that boy to sit still and not be active!
Soooo, mix all of that in with the daily 'monotony' of house work, school runs, errands, and just trying to be a good mom and wife...I haven't felt like I've had that much time, or energy to keep up on the blog or be creative in any way.
I DID however, the other day, find some time to squeeze in a Digital Lay Out! OH, it felt so good to actually finish a page! I love it, let me share it with you!
The pages that I have finished this year have been for my Year in Review Pages. At the end of the year I try to have one page per month highlighting a little of what we did each month. While it is still satisfactory to have those pages done, it is even more so to do a random page about my kids!!
I love this girl and all of her goofy faces!!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Out With a Bang!
It only seems fitting that since we started this year off with some pretty crazy things, some of them pretty major, others not quite as much (a few examples: How it all went down, Phoenix Trip, Re-routed, and the absolute best one He's Here) that we would should "go out with a bang!" Not that we had anything planned!!
I'll just use the statement that I gave to the Police to describe the following:
At approximately 1:30pm on Friday December 28, 2012 I was traveling southbound in the right hand lane on James McKevitt Blvd approaching
162ave. I was in the right hand lane with two vehicles already stopped at
the red light ahead of me. I was slowing down and as I was about 15-20 feet
away from the second vehicle the light turned green. I then signaled and
changed into the left hand lane (as the left lane was open) so
that I wouldn't have to slow down any further.
As I was entering the intersection a vehicle traveling west bound on 162 ave T-boned the driver side of my van, pushing my vehicle into the median and pole dividing the east & west bound traffic for 162ave (on the west side of James McKevitt Blvd)
As I was entering the intersection a vehicle traveling west bound on 162 ave T-boned the driver side of my van, pushing my vehicle into the median and pole dividing the east & west bound traffic for 162ave (on the west side of James McKevitt Blvd)
I've never been involved in a 'serious' accident (I definitely did not get my Mother's genes on that one!!). I've been a passenger in two minor fender benders, in which no one was hurt.
As the accident keeps replaying in my head the worst part of it all was the sound right after the ginormous CRUNCH we heard, was the panic sound of screaming and crying coming from all three of my children, which I was told later by EMS that crying is a good thing...it means they are alive!
I felt so 'stuck'. I so desperately wanted to go back there and comfort them. I could not exit my door, my seat had moved so that it was touching the passenger seat...and there was a pole in the passenger sliding door! There was no way for me to get to the kids.
All I could do was talk to them and tell them that it was okay, and that help would be there soon.
After the impact, and vehicles had stopped sliding everywhere the driver of the other vehicle came right over to us. You could see the look of guilt on his face as he walked over. He opened the passenger side door and asked if I was alright, unbuckled my seat belt, then looked into the back of the van, saw the three kids...and I swear his jaw hit the floor!
I'm not sure who called 9-1-1, but it seems as though Police, Fire & EMS were there in a matter of minutes!!
After Sam, the paramedic got into the van she started assessing me. When I told her I was experiencing pain in my neck & showed her the area she immediately held my head and told me not to move. The fire guys removed all three kids from the rear of the van and took them to hang out in a firetruck. Meanwhile they determined that they were going to have to use the Jaws of Life to get me out of the van. CA-RAZY!
Prior to removing my door Sam explained that I would hear a loud pop, but that it was just the glass breaking. She also told me to tell her if I felt anything on my legs...I immediately moved my legs as far away from the door as I could...I didn't need them to be injured in the attempt of freeing me from my van!
Once the door was off, they put a neck brace on me, and onto the hard, straight board I went. They started strapping me down, when one of the EMS people said that they needed to take my coat off so they could get my blood pressure. One of them tried to get my arm out without moving me too much, and then said "I think we're going to have to cut it" In my head I'm crying NOOOOO! Then I heard Sam say, "No, don't cut it, it's a nice coat, let me try"...and she was successful, Thank You Sam!!
Once in the ambulance, Sam started asking me if I had family that could come and get the kids, where Dad (Irish) was, and if there was someone that could meet us at Foothills Hospital to be with Benson while I was having my X-rays.
It's all somewhat of a blur, but long story short my sister ended up following my ambulance to the hospital. My Aunt (who was in the process of packing to go to Utah for a week) came to the scene to go in the ambulance with Marshall & Paisley. Before she went with them she was allowed to come see me in the ambulance. She reassured me that the kids would be looked after, that I didn't need to worry about them, and that they wouldn't leave (for Utah) until they knew I was going to be okay. My cousin, who is more like my brother drove my Aunt to the scene & was able to take all of our belongings out of the van and back to the house. He also popped his head in to give me some reassuring words. Oh and yes, Irish was called. I made Kristi do that, as I barely made it through the phone call to her...I knew I wouldn't even be able to speak to Irish if I called him!
Once arriving at the hospital it wasn't too long before there was a space ready for me in the trauma center. I was SOOOO happy when they finally took me off of that hard board! I know it's used to help keep you in a stable position...but man oh man does it ever do a number on your tailbone & the back of your head! Talk about numb beyond numb!!
Both my chest and neck were X-rayed. Good news is that there are no broken bones! I was then given 'the road test' as they called it. They did a few motor skill tests, and then finally the last test was to sit up, and be able to walk. The sitting up and walking was actually harder than I thought it would be. I got really dizzy and nauseous, it took a few tries before I was able complete that part. Finally I was able to get dressed and the last thing they did was take the IV out of my hand.
By this point they had paged Kristi back to be with me. Benson had been asleep the whole time and woke up just as I was finishing the 'road test'. Kristi took him out of the car seat and almost immediately he had some nurses 'oogaling' him.
As the nurse was taking the IV out she told me to keep pressure on the area for no less than 3 minutes, or else it would bleed out. I received a little bit more instruction from the Dr, and then we were allowed to leave.
So here I am walking down the hallway, holding my "owie", meanwhile my sister, Kristi, has the car seat in one arm, Benson in the other....and is 30 weeks preggo!! I felt like such a jerk...and probably looked like one too, not helping her out! But I honestly couldn't carry anything at that point.
We took a seat in the lobby to get Benson back in his car seat. I then figured it would be a good idea to call Irish and let him know I was okay & being discharged. Turns out he was just about to the parking lot of the hospital, so we waited inside for him. He came in, we (or maybe mostly me) had a tearful reunion, and I'll tell you, it never felt so good to 'hug' him, as it did right then. I was SO glad I was in as good of condition as I was! He got a phone call from my cousin who had reserved a rental van for us, but Irish needed to be there to sign the papers & it was almost closing time...so he was off!
That night was the worst. My whole head ached, my jaw hurt, all of my teeth hurt, my ears were ringing, I felt like there was an elastic band around my head...and I could barely move my neck...or upper body. I have never had so many hot baths as I did over the next 24 hours.
I am so grateful to everyone who helped us out that day with everything from taking care of my kids, gathering what they could out of the van, finding us a rental, praying for us, supporting us emotionally, as well as physically, sending thoughtful text messages, giving me acupuncture and getting me Advil...etc!!
Once again, I have the most amazing family EVER! I Love all of you!!
Now for what you all read this incredibly long post for....PICTURES!!
By this point they had paged Kristi back to be with me. Benson had been asleep the whole time and woke up just as I was finishing the 'road test'. Kristi took him out of the car seat and almost immediately he had some nurses 'oogaling' him.
As the nurse was taking the IV out she told me to keep pressure on the area for no less than 3 minutes, or else it would bleed out. I received a little bit more instruction from the Dr, and then we were allowed to leave.
So here I am walking down the hallway, holding my "owie", meanwhile my sister, Kristi, has the car seat in one arm, Benson in the other....and is 30 weeks preggo!! I felt like such a jerk...and probably looked like one too, not helping her out! But I honestly couldn't carry anything at that point.
We took a seat in the lobby to get Benson back in his car seat. I then figured it would be a good idea to call Irish and let him know I was okay & being discharged. Turns out he was just about to the parking lot of the hospital, so we waited inside for him. He came in, we (or maybe mostly me) had a tearful reunion, and I'll tell you, it never felt so good to 'hug' him, as it did right then. I was SO glad I was in as good of condition as I was! He got a phone call from my cousin who had reserved a rental van for us, but Irish needed to be there to sign the papers & it was almost closing time...so he was off!
That night was the worst. My whole head ached, my jaw hurt, all of my teeth hurt, my ears were ringing, I felt like there was an elastic band around my head...and I could barely move my neck...or upper body. I have never had so many hot baths as I did over the next 24 hours.
I am so grateful to everyone who helped us out that day with everything from taking care of my kids, gathering what they could out of the van, finding us a rental, praying for us, supporting us emotionally, as well as physically, sending thoughtful text messages, giving me acupuncture and getting me Advil...etc!!
Once again, I have the most amazing family EVER! I Love all of you!!
Now for what you all read this incredibly long post for....PICTURES!!
They put the front door in the back door
The tire must have 'popped' off when we hit the curb. You can see the indent in the passenger sliding door from where we hit a pole
My seat was pushed over, almost touching the passenger seat!
Yikes
This is looking in the driver side sliding door, Paisley's seat. So grateful that her hand was not down beside her car seat at the time of impact!!
Another angle...
...and another
Good Bye Pontiac, you were (mostly) good to us. Thank you for being sturdy, and keeping us all safe!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Bed time snuggles
Tonight Marshall asked me if Benson could sleep with him all night...ALL night (this isn't the first time either!). He even emphasized the ALL part! I told him that tonight he couldn't, but when Benson was bigger, they definitely could have a sleepover. Marshall made sure to clarify that I meant Benson could sleep in HIS bed WITH him. Again I told him Yes, but not until Benson was older.
So, for tonight, he settled for bed time snuggles.
So, for tonight, he settled for bed time snuggles.
...Marshall was ecstatic!
and Paisley got some snuggles "all her self" too...
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Where does the time go!?
I can not believe how fast time has gone! My little baby is six months old! That's half a year (you're thinking...well DUH, when one year is made up of twelve months....half of twelve is six...so YEP six months is half a year!)
It's not fair that time goes by SO much faster after they are born than it does when you are pregnant!
He has grown so much, learned so much, developed and changed...you got it, so much! He started out looking like his "own" little person, a little like Paisley when she was born, but he definitely had his own little look. Now he just looks like a little Marshall!
He started out weighing 6 lbs 14 oz and only 19" long, now he's 16 lbs 11.2 oz and 26.5" long. He can roll from his tummy onto his back and can sit up by himself for a tiny little bit. He LOVES to jump! He can put his own soother in his mouth...and he's pretty good at taking it out too! He can scoot along the floor on both his back and tummy. He knows who is family is and smiles big for his Brother!
Even though he is my third, I'm still so amazed at how fast they grow and change!
We sure LOVE you Mr.Benson! We are so incredibly happy that you came to our family, it just would not be the same without you! It warms my heart to see your older siblings absolutely adore you (even though they sometimes love you a little 'too much')!! I hope that you three will always be such good friends and will be able to work out your differences (because I know they will come).
Thank you for bringing so many smiles, snuggles and giggles into our home! We love you a bushel and a peck!!
It's not fair that time goes by SO much faster after they are born than it does when you are pregnant!
He has grown so much, learned so much, developed and changed...you got it, so much! He started out looking like his "own" little person, a little like Paisley when she was born, but he definitely had his own little look. Now he just looks like a little Marshall!
He started out weighing 6 lbs 14 oz and only 19" long, now he's 16 lbs 11.2 oz and 26.5" long. He can roll from his tummy onto his back and can sit up by himself for a tiny little bit. He LOVES to jump! He can put his own soother in his mouth...and he's pretty good at taking it out too! He can scoot along the floor on both his back and tummy. He knows who is family is and smiles big for his Brother!
Even though he is my third, I'm still so amazed at how fast they grow and change!
We sure LOVE you Mr.Benson! We are so incredibly happy that you came to our family, it just would not be the same without you! It warms my heart to see your older siblings absolutely adore you (even though they sometimes love you a little 'too much')!! I hope that you three will always be such good friends and will be able to work out your differences (because I know they will come).
Thank you for bringing so many smiles, snuggles and giggles into our home! We love you a bushel and a peck!!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Our little man has arrived
He's HERE!! We couldn't be more thrilled! Of course this is a little bias, but we think he is the sweetest little thing ever :)
After weeks and weeks...and weeks (14 to be exact) of being on bed rest to prevent Benson from being born too early, and then finally making it 'full term' (37 weeks) and trying 'everything' to have this baby by going on walks, attempting to fully take care of my kids...as much as I could anyways, eating hot wings, having my membranes stripped (twice)...it was evident that Benson had his own schedule, and that he would grace us with his presence when he was ready!
Earlier in the pregnancy, I jokingly commented that after all this craziness that we were going through he would be my biggest and longest 'cooked' baby...i'm glad he didn't hold me to that. Benson was born one day before his due date and was in between Marshall and Paisley weight wise.
Paisley was born at 37.5 weeks and so I was somewhat expecting/hoping that Benson would arrive somewhere around that time...because once you go early, any day after that point seems like you're over due!
Now, where to start the labour story!? During Marshall and Paisley's pregnancies I never experienced a braxton hick or false labour. Once I felt cramping it progressed into labour and we had our baby! That was not so much the case this time round. Throughout the pregnancy if I sat upright for too long, or if I walked/stood for longer than 10 minutes, I would experience cramping (Braxton hicks). During this pregnancy I also 'endured' false labour three times!
After we had the ECV on May 8th (External Cephalic Version) to turn Benson into a head down position I would cramp up almost every night. On Mother's Day I woke up with mild back contractions (which is exactly how things started with Paisley) and thought that maybe I was going to have an incredible Mother's day gift. After an hour of being teased, I finally got up to go shower...and everything stopped...Boo!! There were a couple more instances where I experienced mild back contractions while laying down and then presto, stand up, nothin!
So on May 24th, when I had been experiencing mild contractions, both in the front and in my back I didn't really think much of it. As the day went on though I realized that I was still having these random cramps. So Around 3:30pm I texted Irish to let him know about the random contractions, and that I was going to start timing them, and let him know if anything progressed or if it was just another false alarm. By 5:00pm my contractions were 5 min or less apart, with only two exceptions!
I called him up and told him that I thought this was the 'real deal' and that he should head to Calgary. At this time it was only myself, My Mother in Law, Marshall and Paisley at home. So I kept timing a little bit longer, but as soon as my Father in Law arrived home we told him not to take off his shoes, as he would be taking me into Calgary to my Aunt and Unlce's house. I grabbed my hospital bag (that had been packed for nearly 3 months), the car seat, toiletries, kissed my kids good bye and was on my way to Calgary, where I would either wait for Irish to arrive or head to the hospital if my contractions became too intense...which ever came first.
We arrived to my Aunt and Uncle's house around 6ish. I started to 'pace' the floors, trying to keep things going while I waited for Irish. By 7ish my contractions were getting to be 3.5 min - 4.5 min apart and were becoming somewhat intense. If I was back in lethbridge I would not have gone to the hospital yet, but since the hospital was still another half hour drive I was getting a little nervous. Irish arrived to my Aunt and Uncle's around 7:20pm, only to come in, grab my things, load them into the van and be on our way.
As we were driving to the hospital I kept thinking, 'wow, this is really happening, we are actually on our way to have this baby! This day is finally here'. The past couple of weeks I had been creating every type of scenario of how it would happen!
We arrived to the Labour and Delivery triage desk at 8pm and had to wait about 10 minutes for them to get an assessment room ready for us. While we were giving all of my info at the triage desk we found out that my Dr was the Dr on call that night and her shift just started, so she would be the one delivering YAY!!! I was SO happy!
Once we were in the assessment room they checked me and I was 5-6 cm dilated. I thought Oh good, we're 'right on track', because once we arrived to the hospital with Paisley I was 5 cm with her, and she was born 2.5 hours later. Everyone had kept saying that if your second delivery went that fast, your third will be even faster.
Just before the moved me to my labour room another one of the Dr's on call that night came in and started talking to me about my previous history with retained placenta. She said that since I had retained placenta with both previous pregnancies, that she wouldn't be surprised if the placenta was retained this time as well (I was already assuming that it would be anyways...so it didn't shock me when she said that she thought it would be as well).
She then said that it was up to me, but that she would recommend having an epidural. If the placenta was retained then they would manually go in and get it all out, and it would be MUCH more comfortable for me if I had an epidural. Then she started to tell me about some of the risks of having retained placenta/them going in and retrieving the placenta. She asked me how many kids I wanted, because there was a small chance of IF they had to manually retrieve the placenta the uterus could flip inside out, or I could bleed so much that in both cases they would have to give me a hysterectomy...and this baby would then be our last baby...talk about freaking a girl out!!
I opted for no epidural, as I really didn't want one, and they did say that if it came to the point in which they had to help the placenta out, they could give me some sort of local freezing.
We we're finally moved to our labour room around 8:45pm. Right away they hooked me up to an IV & the monitor so they could keep tabs on baby's heart beat and my contractions. At first Irish and I started pacing the hallway, but after about 10 minutes of that I felt pretty retarded and it was a little awkward to be dragging the pole around. So we decided to head back to the room. My nurse was in the room at a table doing paper work and so that felt a little awkward as well. At this point I didn't know that the room had a shower, or that I could go in being hooked up to the monitor and everything...but my nurse didn't inform me of all the 'options' i had either. I was excited when I realized there was a shower and that I was allowed to go in it! I spent about an hour in there and then they wanted to check me. At 10:40pm I was 7 cm. My Dr said she could brake my water if I wanted her to and that we could probably have the baby in about an hour. But I opted against it as at least with both Marshall and Paisley, once they broke my water, my body wanted to push...and there was no way I wanted to push at 7 cm!
Back to the shower it was. It felt like this labour was taking so long to progress, I'm not sure if being on bed rest for so long is the reason for that...but that is my thought! My contractions were getting pretty intense. I was too dilated for any morphine or an epidural, so my only option was to try the laughing gas....which was absolutely pointless. I didn't feel like it did anything, except make me feel light headed. Needless to say I stopped using it.
I was feeling pretty weak as the last actual meal I ate was lunch. By the time I realized I was really in labour it was dinner time, but I didn't want to eat. I layed on the bed for a little bit, listening to some calming music. I then decided I would try the birthing ball. By this time I knew...well I guess I hopped it wouldn't be much longer. My contractions were really intense and I was starting to feel some pressure.
It was midnight, and I asked my nurse when my Dr would come and check me again. She said it wouldn't be until 12:40 (as they check every two hours). I knew I couldn't wait that long. I just felt that if they broke my water, everything would progress and we would have our little boy. So I asked my nurse if my Dr could come and break my water, she said "Oh yes, of course, it's what ever you want"...to which I replied "okay, yes, I want them the brake my water"
My Dr came in, broke my water at 12:16am and the pushing began. Instead of pushing I tried to "breathe the baby out" for a little bit like it talks in the book Hypnobirthing....but I really had no idea what I was doing...even though I did practice doing what the book said. Looking back I think I just felt like that would take too long, and since I have never done it before, I had no idea how to gage my progress. SO I 'gave' up and started with the pushes!! There were times that I thought it felt like I had pushed his head out...but no one said anything soooooo I kept pushing.
I sat (reclined) on the bed with my eyes closed, one hand holding onto the bed and the other squeezing the life out of Irish. I somewhat zoned everyone out and tried to focus on working with my contractions. It felt like it was taking forever and this was by far the most painful part! Then all of a sudden I heard my Dr calling my name and telling me to look down. It took her at least three times to "snap" me out of my concentration.
I looked down and there I saw head and shoulders of our little one! She then asked me if I wanted to help deliver my baby. I was confused! How can I help deliver the baby...I'm up here...and the baby is down there. I just stared back at her with a blank look on my face. She asked me two more times, and still I had no idea what she meant by it. So I finally just said Yes, and then I was told hold onto him and push. I did just that and before I knew it they were clamping the cord, Irish got to cut it and I was able to pull his warm little body up onto my chest. Our little man was born at 12:23am weighing 6lbs 14oz and 19" long
As I held him close, I couldn't help but replay the last four months in my mind (in extreme fast forward, because honestly, I hope I never have to experience bed rest again!!!). I was so thankful to finally be where I was. I was so incredibly thankful to a Heavenly Father who had watched over and protected me and this sweet little spirit. I was thankful to be entrusted to care for, teach and watch over yet another sweet little baby!
Maybe it was because I was feeling a little weak or maybe it was the hat they put on him...but I thought he smelled like popcorn!!
My Dr then sat at the end of the bed and told me that she wasn't going to rush the placenta. She was just going to sit there and let it do it's thing. I LOVED this. It made me feel like she was there for ME, and not just trying to "get the job done". I pushed for a little bit, and maybe after 10 minutes it came all by itself...AND ALL IN ONE PIECE!! I was a little shocked when she said that it was all there, bus OH SO HAPPY!
After inspecting the placenta she did find something interesting. Instead of the umbilical cord implanting itself into the middle of the placenta, mine had imbedded itself into the side of the sack and then into the placenta (I forget what the medical term for it is). She did say that the sack around the area where the cord had imbedded itself was pretty weak, and that if it had burst there, Baby would have "bled out"....and there was my 'answer' as to why I was on bed rest. As hard (and frustrating) as being on bed rest was, I would do it again just so we could have our little Benson in our family.
After weeks and weeks...and weeks (14 to be exact) of being on bed rest to prevent Benson from being born too early, and then finally making it 'full term' (37 weeks) and trying 'everything' to have this baby by going on walks, attempting to fully take care of my kids...as much as I could anyways, eating hot wings, having my membranes stripped (twice)...it was evident that Benson had his own schedule, and that he would grace us with his presence when he was ready!
Earlier in the pregnancy, I jokingly commented that after all this craziness that we were going through he would be my biggest and longest 'cooked' baby...i'm glad he didn't hold me to that. Benson was born one day before his due date and was in between Marshall and Paisley weight wise.
Paisley was born at 37.5 weeks and so I was somewhat expecting/hoping that Benson would arrive somewhere around that time...because once you go early, any day after that point seems like you're over due!
Now, where to start the labour story!? During Marshall and Paisley's pregnancies I never experienced a braxton hick or false labour. Once I felt cramping it progressed into labour and we had our baby! That was not so much the case this time round. Throughout the pregnancy if I sat upright for too long, or if I walked/stood for longer than 10 minutes, I would experience cramping (Braxton hicks). During this pregnancy I also 'endured' false labour three times!
After we had the ECV on May 8th (External Cephalic Version) to turn Benson into a head down position I would cramp up almost every night. On Mother's Day I woke up with mild back contractions (which is exactly how things started with Paisley) and thought that maybe I was going to have an incredible Mother's day gift. After an hour of being teased, I finally got up to go shower...and everything stopped...Boo!! There were a couple more instances where I experienced mild back contractions while laying down and then presto, stand up, nothin!
So on May 24th, when I had been experiencing mild contractions, both in the front and in my back I didn't really think much of it. As the day went on though I realized that I was still having these random cramps. So Around 3:30pm I texted Irish to let him know about the random contractions, and that I was going to start timing them, and let him know if anything progressed or if it was just another false alarm. By 5:00pm my contractions were 5 min or less apart, with only two exceptions!
I called him up and told him that I thought this was the 'real deal' and that he should head to Calgary. At this time it was only myself, My Mother in Law, Marshall and Paisley at home. So I kept timing a little bit longer, but as soon as my Father in Law arrived home we told him not to take off his shoes, as he would be taking me into Calgary to my Aunt and Unlce's house. I grabbed my hospital bag (that had been packed for nearly 3 months), the car seat, toiletries, kissed my kids good bye and was on my way to Calgary, where I would either wait for Irish to arrive or head to the hospital if my contractions became too intense...which ever came first.
We arrived to my Aunt and Uncle's house around 6ish. I started to 'pace' the floors, trying to keep things going while I waited for Irish. By 7ish my contractions were getting to be 3.5 min - 4.5 min apart and were becoming somewhat intense. If I was back in lethbridge I would not have gone to the hospital yet, but since the hospital was still another half hour drive I was getting a little nervous. Irish arrived to my Aunt and Uncle's around 7:20pm, only to come in, grab my things, load them into the van and be on our way.
As we were driving to the hospital I kept thinking, 'wow, this is really happening, we are actually on our way to have this baby! This day is finally here'. The past couple of weeks I had been creating every type of scenario of how it would happen!
We arrived to the Labour and Delivery triage desk at 8pm and had to wait about 10 minutes for them to get an assessment room ready for us. While we were giving all of my info at the triage desk we found out that my Dr was the Dr on call that night and her shift just started, so she would be the one delivering YAY!!! I was SO happy!
Once we were in the assessment room they checked me and I was 5-6 cm dilated. I thought Oh good, we're 'right on track', because once we arrived to the hospital with Paisley I was 5 cm with her, and she was born 2.5 hours later. Everyone had kept saying that if your second delivery went that fast, your third will be even faster.
Just before the moved me to my labour room another one of the Dr's on call that night came in and started talking to me about my previous history with retained placenta. She said that since I had retained placenta with both previous pregnancies, that she wouldn't be surprised if the placenta was retained this time as well (I was already assuming that it would be anyways...so it didn't shock me when she said that she thought it would be as well).
She then said that it was up to me, but that she would recommend having an epidural. If the placenta was retained then they would manually go in and get it all out, and it would be MUCH more comfortable for me if I had an epidural. Then she started to tell me about some of the risks of having retained placenta/them going in and retrieving the placenta. She asked me how many kids I wanted, because there was a small chance of IF they had to manually retrieve the placenta the uterus could flip inside out, or I could bleed so much that in both cases they would have to give me a hysterectomy...and this baby would then be our last baby...talk about freaking a girl out!!
I opted for no epidural, as I really didn't want one, and they did say that if it came to the point in which they had to help the placenta out, they could give me some sort of local freezing.
We we're finally moved to our labour room around 8:45pm. Right away they hooked me up to an IV & the monitor so they could keep tabs on baby's heart beat and my contractions. At first Irish and I started pacing the hallway, but after about 10 minutes of that I felt pretty retarded and it was a little awkward to be dragging the pole around. So we decided to head back to the room. My nurse was in the room at a table doing paper work and so that felt a little awkward as well. At this point I didn't know that the room had a shower, or that I could go in being hooked up to the monitor and everything...but my nurse didn't inform me of all the 'options' i had either. I was excited when I realized there was a shower and that I was allowed to go in it! I spent about an hour in there and then they wanted to check me. At 10:40pm I was 7 cm. My Dr said she could brake my water if I wanted her to and that we could probably have the baby in about an hour. But I opted against it as at least with both Marshall and Paisley, once they broke my water, my body wanted to push...and there was no way I wanted to push at 7 cm!
Back to the shower it was. It felt like this labour was taking so long to progress, I'm not sure if being on bed rest for so long is the reason for that...but that is my thought! My contractions were getting pretty intense. I was too dilated for any morphine or an epidural, so my only option was to try the laughing gas....which was absolutely pointless. I didn't feel like it did anything, except make me feel light headed. Needless to say I stopped using it.
I was feeling pretty weak as the last actual meal I ate was lunch. By the time I realized I was really in labour it was dinner time, but I didn't want to eat. I layed on the bed for a little bit, listening to some calming music. I then decided I would try the birthing ball. By this time I knew...well I guess I hopped it wouldn't be much longer. My contractions were really intense and I was starting to feel some pressure.
It was midnight, and I asked my nurse when my Dr would come and check me again. She said it wouldn't be until 12:40 (as they check every two hours). I knew I couldn't wait that long. I just felt that if they broke my water, everything would progress and we would have our little boy. So I asked my nurse if my Dr could come and break my water, she said "Oh yes, of course, it's what ever you want"...to which I replied "okay, yes, I want them the brake my water"
My Dr came in, broke my water at 12:16am and the pushing began. Instead of pushing I tried to "breathe the baby out" for a little bit like it talks in the book Hypnobirthing....but I really had no idea what I was doing...even though I did practice doing what the book said. Looking back I think I just felt like that would take too long, and since I have never done it before, I had no idea how to gage my progress. SO I 'gave' up and started with the pushes!! There were times that I thought it felt like I had pushed his head out...but no one said anything soooooo I kept pushing.
I sat (reclined) on the bed with my eyes closed, one hand holding onto the bed and the other squeezing the life out of Irish. I somewhat zoned everyone out and tried to focus on working with my contractions. It felt like it was taking forever and this was by far the most painful part! Then all of a sudden I heard my Dr calling my name and telling me to look down. It took her at least three times to "snap" me out of my concentration.
I looked down and there I saw head and shoulders of our little one! She then asked me if I wanted to help deliver my baby. I was confused! How can I help deliver the baby...I'm up here...and the baby is down there. I just stared back at her with a blank look on my face. She asked me two more times, and still I had no idea what she meant by it. So I finally just said Yes, and then I was told hold onto him and push. I did just that and before I knew it they were clamping the cord, Irish got to cut it and I was able to pull his warm little body up onto my chest. Our little man was born at 12:23am weighing 6lbs 14oz and 19" long
As I held him close, I couldn't help but replay the last four months in my mind (in extreme fast forward, because honestly, I hope I never have to experience bed rest again!!!). I was so thankful to finally be where I was. I was so incredibly thankful to a Heavenly Father who had watched over and protected me and this sweet little spirit. I was thankful to be entrusted to care for, teach and watch over yet another sweet little baby!
Maybe it was because I was feeling a little weak or maybe it was the hat they put on him...but I thought he smelled like popcorn!!
My Dr then sat at the end of the bed and told me that she wasn't going to rush the placenta. She was just going to sit there and let it do it's thing. I LOVED this. It made me feel like she was there for ME, and not just trying to "get the job done". I pushed for a little bit, and maybe after 10 minutes it came all by itself...AND ALL IN ONE PIECE!! I was a little shocked when she said that it was all there, bus OH SO HAPPY!
After inspecting the placenta she did find something interesting. Instead of the umbilical cord implanting itself into the middle of the placenta, mine had imbedded itself into the side of the sack and then into the placenta (I forget what the medical term for it is). She did say that the sack around the area where the cord had imbedded itself was pretty weak, and that if it had burst there, Baby would have "bled out"....and there was my 'answer' as to why I was on bed rest. As hard (and frustrating) as being on bed rest was, I would do it again just so we could have our little Benson in our family.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
28 week update
I had my second appointment with my Obstetrician here in Calgary this past Tuesday (March 6th). My blood pressure was normal, babies heartbeat was good...but when the doctor measured my tummy, it was measuring small for how far along I am. She decided it would be best if I had an ultrasound just to check up on baby and make sure he was growing. She said she wanted me to have an ultrasound within the next two weeks and come back for another appointment with her in three weeks.
When the receptionist was calling to book my appointment for the Ultrasound the clinic had an opening that afternoon, so I took it.
The Ultrasound technician and the Doctor (who looks at the results afterwords right in the clinic) both said that he was right on target for where he should be at this stage. The Doctor even had a graph with my last ultrasound results and this ultrasounds results on it, showing the growth in babies head, stomach and thigh bones. Seeing this gave me some peace of mind.
For now my Obstetrician wants me to stay in Calgary until i'm 32 weeks (April 1st). She would rather be on the safe side incase something does happen, as stated before in previous posts the Foothills Hospital is better equipped to handle premature babies. I guess in the last week four of her patients had their babies before 32 weeks.
It's getting to the point where I can't sit upright longer than an hour or else I start to cramp up. If I walk for longer than 20ish minutes I start to cramp up, as well as I can feel the baby getting lower and there's some tightness and pressure. Once all this starts I go lay down for a while and the cramping start to go away.
The way I look at it is, No it's not fun being away from my kids and husband and only seeing them on the weekends. I can't wait for the day that we are able to be a family all under one roof again! But at the same time, I am willing to make this small sacrifice for (possibly) the next three months so that this baby has the best possible chance of "cooking" as long as possible and being as strong and healthy as can be. I want to do all I can to give him the best possible start in this life.
I know that everything happens for a reason, and there is a lesson to be learned. Right now I'm not sure what the reason for this all is, nor have I figured out the lesson. I DO however have faith in our Lord, knowing that he knows what is best for me and my family, and I am willing to accept whatever he puts in our path.
When the receptionist was calling to book my appointment for the Ultrasound the clinic had an opening that afternoon, so I took it.
The Ultrasound technician and the Doctor (who looks at the results afterwords right in the clinic) both said that he was right on target for where he should be at this stage. The Doctor even had a graph with my last ultrasound results and this ultrasounds results on it, showing the growth in babies head, stomach and thigh bones. Seeing this gave me some peace of mind.
For now my Obstetrician wants me to stay in Calgary until i'm 32 weeks (April 1st). She would rather be on the safe side incase something does happen, as stated before in previous posts the Foothills Hospital is better equipped to handle premature babies. I guess in the last week four of her patients had their babies before 32 weeks.
It's getting to the point where I can't sit upright longer than an hour or else I start to cramp up. If I walk for longer than 20ish minutes I start to cramp up, as well as I can feel the baby getting lower and there's some tightness and pressure. Once all this starts I go lay down for a while and the cramping start to go away.
The way I look at it is, No it's not fun being away from my kids and husband and only seeing them on the weekends. I can't wait for the day that we are able to be a family all under one roof again! But at the same time, I am willing to make this small sacrifice for (possibly) the next three months so that this baby has the best possible chance of "cooking" as long as possible and being as strong and healthy as can be. I want to do all I can to give him the best possible start in this life.
I know that everything happens for a reason, and there is a lesson to be learned. Right now I'm not sure what the reason for this all is, nor have I figured out the lesson. I DO however have faith in our Lord, knowing that he knows what is best for me and my family, and I am willing to accept whatever he puts in our path.
Truly Blessed, Eternally Greatful
First, let me just start off by saying "I have the most AMAZING family EVER!!!!!!!" Seriously, not even joking!
My in-laws have had my children for the past 31 of 42 days. I can guarantee its no picnic! Not saying that my children are a handful, but they are full of energy and I'm sure it's been quite the adjustment on both ends. They have been kept busy with the plethora of games that Grandma has, puzzles that Grandpa does with them, books there are to read, baking cookies, having movie nights, going to the park, being taken to the Parent Link Center in High River and participating in the programs they have there, playing with cousins, and I even heard that Marshall helped Grandpa clean all three bathrooms!!...Basically doing all the things that I wish I could be doing with them.
My Sisters-in-laws have helped out by watching the kids at Grandma and Grandpa's or by having the kids over at their house to play (so Grandma & Grandpa can continue with their planned outings...and have a much deserved break I'm sure!)
My Aunt & Uncle have "put me up" for the past five and a half weeks, and my entire family on the weekends. Not only have they provided a place for me to be so that I can be closer to the Foothills Hospital (just in case) they, once again, are providing for me emotionally & physically. They truly are a great support system for myself and my family at this time.
My sister has graciously given up the bed she was sleeping in and has since moved to the futon in the same room (it brings back memories of when we were younger and shared a room)
My other sister has driven me back and forth between all the Dr appointments and Ultrasounds that I have had.
and MULTIPLE people have been here to help me out with the kids if they get dropped off before Irish is able to be here. Because of my family helping out, the kids have been able to go to 'Tommy K Play Place' which is an indoor playground for kids here in Calgary with big slides, plasmacars and roadways, a little gymnastic area, and tonnes of tunnels for the kids to crawl around in. We've had a 'gym day' at the church and the kids had a blast running around with their cousins playing basketball, pushing babies in strollers, driving plasmacars, and just burning a whole bunch of energy. My sisters had a movie night with the kids, followed by taking them swimming at the leisure centre the next day.
It's been great to feel all of the Love and Support we have received from our immediate family and how much everyone is just willing to 'pitch in' and help out! With everyone helping out, it makes the situation that we are in not so bad.
So Thank You family for being there for us in our time of need! We really, truly are SO very grateful and appreciate all that you are doing for us!!
My in-laws have had my children for the past 31 of 42 days. I can guarantee its no picnic! Not saying that my children are a handful, but they are full of energy and I'm sure it's been quite the adjustment on both ends. They have been kept busy with the plethora of games that Grandma has, puzzles that Grandpa does with them, books there are to read, baking cookies, having movie nights, going to the park, being taken to the Parent Link Center in High River and participating in the programs they have there, playing with cousins, and I even heard that Marshall helped Grandpa clean all three bathrooms!!...Basically doing all the things that I wish I could be doing with them.
My Sisters-in-laws have helped out by watching the kids at Grandma and Grandpa's or by having the kids over at their house to play (so Grandma & Grandpa can continue with their planned outings...and have a much deserved break I'm sure!)
My Aunt & Uncle have "put me up" for the past five and a half weeks, and my entire family on the weekends. Not only have they provided a place for me to be so that I can be closer to the Foothills Hospital (just in case) they, once again, are providing for me emotionally & physically. They truly are a great support system for myself and my family at this time.
My sister has graciously given up the bed she was sleeping in and has since moved to the futon in the same room (it brings back memories of when we were younger and shared a room)
My other sister has driven me back and forth between all the Dr appointments and Ultrasounds that I have had.
and MULTIPLE people have been here to help me out with the kids if they get dropped off before Irish is able to be here. Because of my family helping out, the kids have been able to go to 'Tommy K Play Place' which is an indoor playground for kids here in Calgary with big slides, plasmacars and roadways, a little gymnastic area, and tonnes of tunnels for the kids to crawl around in. We've had a 'gym day' at the church and the kids had a blast running around with their cousins playing basketball, pushing babies in strollers, driving plasmacars, and just burning a whole bunch of energy. My sisters had a movie night with the kids, followed by taking them swimming at the leisure centre the next day.
It's been great to feel all of the Love and Support we have received from our immediate family and how much everyone is just willing to 'pitch in' and help out! With everyone helping out, it makes the situation that we are in not so bad.
So Thank You family for being there for us in our time of need! We really, truly are SO very grateful and appreciate all that you are doing for us!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Little Moments
Today was such a good day! It started out wonderfully as neither Irish or I had to work (in the morning) so there was no hustle and bustle. Just a taking it easy, being lazy, enjoying each others company kind of morning! (it also helps when the kids wake up at a descent time and play so well together in their room, which they did today!)
We all went and had breakfast together, when Marshall was finished we asked him to clear his dishes and then go up stairs to get dressed. He obediently cleared his dishes & went upstairs.
A few minutes later he comes down the stairs saying
"Momma, check this out!"
He then walks into the kitchen dressed like this...
...Yes you are seeing correctly...he came down wearing PAISLEY'S Skinnies!! What a character!! Irish and I just about busted a gut laughing!!
It's little moments like this that make me love this little guy so much!!! It's little moments like this that make me so happy to be a Mom to the wonderful children I have been blessed with! It's little moments like this that forewarn me of the future 'funnies' we will have together as a family!!
We all went and had breakfast together, when Marshall was finished we asked him to clear his dishes and then go up stairs to get dressed. He obediently cleared his dishes & went upstairs.
A few minutes later he comes down the stairs saying
"Momma, check this out!"
He then walks into the kitchen dressed like this...
...Yes you are seeing correctly...he came down wearing PAISLEY'S Skinnies!! What a character!! Irish and I just about busted a gut laughing!!
It's little moments like this that make me love this little guy so much!!! It's little moments like this that make me so happy to be a Mom to the wonderful children I have been blessed with! It's little moments like this that forewarn me of the future 'funnies' we will have together as a family!!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Big Time Slacker
I can't believe I have not posted anything, anything since February!! Goodness!! Perhaps I have been busy!? Let me check...umm Yep, I was busy! Here is our past little while, Readers Digest Version!
One Sunday before Church we were actually ready BEFORE we had to go and I had some time to take some pictures...I don't know why, but I just LOVE this picture of her!
One afternoon Marshall asked to play my iPod...and then 'shared' it with Daddy :)
Irish and I actually went OUT on a date!! We went out for Wings and then to a Movie!
Started making 300 of these pretty little things for my Sisters wedding at a craft weekend my Sister in Law put on! I had some much APPRECIATED help from my Mother In Law, Father In Law, a few of my Sisters In Law...and believe it or not, Irish and his brother even helped out a little too!! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!
Some of the Cousins Visiting Great Grandma
Mini family shot...with a husband who was 'MIA' as he had to work this weekend
A cute little picture I got of Miss P walking down the hall, holding hands with her Great Grandma!
My baby sister got Married on April 08th, and at the end of March she went through the Temple for the first time! She spent that weekend with us!
Miss P with Auntie Kristi
Auntie Kristi with the Kids
After the afternoon session of General Conference we had some really great family time, and snapped this fun little picture!
THE WEDDING!!
...and as I was a bridesmaid I didn't carry my camera with me...so I had to rely on others for these pictures...and for some reason I don't have any with Kristi and Curtis together!! Lol!
We took this opportunity of us all at the Temple and dressed up to snap some family pictures!
Having a little fun with Auntie Lacey on our way to High River after the wedding
On their way down to Kalispell, the newlywed couple stopped at our house for a quick visit!! The kids LOVED it!!
Marshall and Paisley have started to play hide-and-seek together...SOOOO CUTE....and their only hiding spot right now is under the table!!
We went to Curtis and Kristi's gift opening and Miss P was quite amused by this nerf gun!
Ohh la la, cupcake cookbook! Kristi will be baking up a storm!
Sharing some cake with Auntie Kristi
Later that same day was Grandma Koltuns 60th birthday, Marshall enjoyed playing Tile Rummy his own way!!
Auntie Kaly taking advantage of the situation! P is finally starting to not be such a "mommas/daddys girl"
My Mr taking a cat nap after church
M with a moustache like Grandpa :)
The brains behind the glasses!
M, giving the Glasses a try!!
So as you can see the last little while has been a little busy for us! Hope you enjoyed the little update!
I'll be back sooner that later :)
