Many, many apologies for so much time since my last post. I felt the need to give Shad’s letter to Ava on her 1st birthday it’s time to shine. I know, 6 months is maybe a bit much, but my intentions to post a week or two later have been put off by many other things. A lot going on around the Kingston house, but first let me get you all up to speed on Ava.
Her first birthday was great and started with Mimi and Papa Joe bringing her a birthday cupcake from Jeri’s Back Home Bakery. She loved it and had chocolate icing all over her face. She even shared with Shad’s dad. Her party, a few days later, was a lot of fun, mostly family and our closest friends here at the house. She loved all of her presents. I had always imagined her first piece of birthday cake as messy and cake everywhere, like most kids. Not our little one. She was so dainty, almost like she was being careful not to get it everywhere.
In early June, Ava and I traveled to Santa Barbara to visit one of my college roommate, Tara, and her new twins, Aubrey and Colton. They were born the day after Ava’s birthday. Ava was a great traveler and had a blast on the plane. Luckily we didn’t go alone, we also had Sarah, a friend of mine, and Jackson, her 5 year old with us. Jackson and Ava played really well together. Sarah and I even caught the two of them holding hands in the back seat of the car. Ava went to the beach and loved playing in the sand. Sarah, who has taken our Father’s Day and bluebonnet pictures, took some great photos on our trip. I will post those later (I keep forgetting to bring the disk home from work). We waited anxiously in Santa Barbara for Ava to take her first steps, but luckily she waited so Daddy could be there.
Her first steps were on the 4th of July and she hasn’t stopped since. After we returned from Santa Barbara, Ava started 3 days a week at an in-home Montessori school. There she is interacting with other children and getting at least 3 hours of structured learning a day. She loves all the other kids and her teacher. In late July, I made the change back to Kindred, where I was prior to Baylor. I was hired on as the Registered Dietitian and Director of Food Services. It is a job that keeps me very busy, and is definitely a challenge. I have also stayed on at Baylor, occasionally picking up a day or two each month on the weekend. Some say I am trying to kill myself and why would I stay at Baylor, my response, two different hospitals in size, concepts and patient populations. Both help me to keep up with the ever changing field of nutrition and dietetics.
August and September flew by and now looking back I don’t even remember what happened. I do remember Ava finding the dog door and figuring out how it worked for the first time, walking down the walkway with Bandit, stacking blocks on her own, knocking them down and starting over again. She was so proud of herself doing all of these things. October went by in a blur too. Mid October, I was in my friend Ashley’s wedding as her matron of honor. Ashley and I have been friends for 20-25 years. I am proud that I was able to be a part of her special day with Tim. This past weekend for Halloween, we were invited to a Halloween party at a friends’ parents’ house. My first thought when we got the text inviting us was that James and Cassie (the inviters) were getting married and this was their party to celebrate. Both of them played it off and had somewhat convinced me that there was going to be no wedding. Once we all arrived, in costumes for Halloween, we were told that the two of them had been married earlier in the day. So I was right!! Congrats to Ashley & Tim and James & Cassie. Much love to both of you.
For Halloween, I saw a very cute homemade sheep costume online that I ended up making for Ava. On Saturday, I took Ava over to my mom’s so that she could see her in her costume. I put the costume on Ava at her house and within 2 seconds of having it on, she ripped off over half of the cotton balls on the front of the costume. I almost died. It was then that I realized that I should have followed the instructions instead of taking shortcuts to save money and time. I frantically went to the fabric store, rushed home with Ava and took the next 2 hours re-doing Ava’s costume. After it was all said and done, we were an hour and a half late to James and Cassie’s party. Ava had a great time at the party and didn’t pull apart her costume.
Needless to say, this blog entry is only a snapshot of all that we have had going on within the last 6 months. Ava just had her 18 month appointment with her doctor. She is 31” long and 19 ½ pounds. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and look at her now. I have included pictures from the last 6 months. Hope you all enjoy!! Love to you all.
P.S. Congrats to Galen and Chelle on the arrival of their little one last week, Penelope Rae!!
I can remember like it was yesterday, April 27th, 2009. The rain was thumping on the windshield as your Mom and I nervously made the journey to our meeting place. We held hands, the radio was low, and there wasn’t much conversation. Every once in a while she would look up and give me a smile and squeeze my hand a little harder. I was a nervous wreck, but her smile always erased any doubts, and it was certainly calming. We had been planning this trip for quite sometime now, counting down the days. Today was the day, the day I have been waiting for all my life, the day I finally get to meet you.
April 27th, 2010, now you are one. In one short year I have watched you learn to crawl, laugh, and talk in your own little language. Not to mention sharing your food with some four-legged friends that are eagerly awaiting the day you can walk so they can chase you around. I have cherished every nap we share together, especially the ones where you’re curled upon my chest. You have learned not to cry about something when you drop it, but to adapt and find ways to retrieve it. You have a toy that plays music, and the only way to make it play is to press a certain button. You have found that button, again, and again, and again. Trust me, sometimes while I’m at work I’m singing that same song to myself. Nevertheless, I love it. I stop what I’m doing and imagine you doing your best Elvis impersonation, swinging one leg and grinning ear to ear. It makes me realize what wonderful girls I have to come home too, you and your Mom.
Your smile is mesmerizing; over the months you have produced such a smile that will drop anyone to his or her knees. Though recently, you have created a combination punch, the smile with the hand wave. Yes, the smile and the wave, your bread and butter right now. Your innocence will light up any dark day. You smile and wave at people, dogs, birds, stop signs, and even leaves. I have to admit, it makes me smile too. It’s as if you were saying in passing, “Hello birdie, lovely weather were having”. I swear you’ve brightened that bird’s miserable day too, my own little Dr. Doolittle. You were around three months old the first time we heard you laugh. You were grinning ear to ear as I was jetting you up high back and forth in my arms. Then out of nowhere we heard your first giggle. At first we thought you were choking, it sounded like a seventy year old smokers cough, but to me, it was music to my ears. Your symphony of laughter was short lived; we tried several times after that to make you laugh, though you weren’t budging. I waited three long months to hear your laugh again after that, and now it’s a daily routine. Your first words were ma-ma, and that made her day, I’ve never seen your mom glow like that, it was like she was floating. Then you started saying duck, but I think you are trying to say dog. Because you say it when either Frito or Bandit pass by. No worries, they like ducks too, so they’re not offended. Soon after, you began to say da-da, and I soon knew the feeling of floating like your mom. To hear you say that to me is just indescribable.
I hope you always dance with enthusiasm like you dance now. Anytime you hear music, you start that little body of yours gyrating. You could be half asleep, drinking a bottle and hear the rhythmic beats of the latest car commercial on television and instantly start bouncing. Your determination consumes me. Spongebob Squarepants is a cartoon you like to watch with your Daddy every morning while your mom is getting ready for work. Actually, I don’t think you really care for the cartoon, but the song they sing at the beginning takes your breath away…literally. From the instance you hear the birds chirping until the end of the song, your swinging those hips like Kevin Bacon in footloose. You take a heaping breathe of air in and hold it while your cheeks turn to rose. Then start flopping both hands in the air like nobodies business, exhale, and you there you go. Bouncing around like a flag on a windy day, one of Mom and Dad’s favorite things to watch. As a matter a fact, the dogs even perk up to watch the Ava show.
In the last couple of months you have you have learned to kiss, by far Daddy’s favorite thing. Although, I think you learned you technique from the dogs. Leaning in with mouth wide open, you approach ever so gently, then extend tongue and lick. Once your taste buds are satisfied, you retract, clasp your hands, and break into a smile. I love it. Just tonight we were counting the coins in your piggy bank, or Daddy’s loose change over a years time, 158.00 dollars, lots of coins. I was sliding the coins one by one back through the slot and you seemed somewhat intrigued. I handed you a quarter, and said “put it in your bank”. Without hesitation, you reached over and dropped it right in the slot. So I gave you another, and another, and another, after about a hundred quarters, I helped. I am so impressed with your ability and willingness to learn, I can’t wait to see the all the ways you’ll amaze me.
I promised myself I would write you a letter every year for your birthday, and I plan to keep my promise. It may not seem like much, but soon you’ll learn the little things are what make memories, they will find a place in your heart forever. Ava, I promise to never let you down and to always be there for you. I will do anything in my power to provide and support you with all my heart. Never did I know such a little being could knock a grown man to his knees, never did I know I could love as much as I do. You and your Mom are my inspiration, my determination, and my world. I love you both more than words could ever explain. Happy birthday little one, the journey has just begun.
I love you,
Daddy
I have been horrible about updating this lately...I think my last entry was around New Years. Lots of stuff going on in the Kingston house. Shad is busy with work and of course having a blast with Ava. I am busy with work and am studying to take the CNSC exam at the end of April. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, an additional certification dietitians can get in addition to being registered & licensed dietitians. It will be a hard test, so keep your fingers crossed, pray, whatever you think will help me to pass. Lord knows I can use the extra help.
Ava is growing up too quickly. Since I last wrote, she has started crawling and now cruising along the furniture. She now has 8 teeth, most of which popped up one right after the other. Twice she has had a fever over 102, but no other symptoms. Although she hasn't ever had a fever that high while teething before, I attributed the fever to teething. It resolved within 24 hours. Her personality gets stronger everyday. She will wave, assuming she is comfortable where she is. It's amazing how someone so little and so new to everything associates certain words with actions. She will wave if we ask her to say hi, bye bye or to wave. She also knows how to high-five, thanks to Shad. It was one of the first things he taught her. Last time I wrote, she was only saying mama, but has now added dada to her vocabulary too. This past weekend she has started clapping and will do so if we ask and if we say "Yeah Ava" (to which she claps for herself). As of right now, my mom is still watching her, but in mid-June she will start at a Montessori school in a woman's house. I am excited for her to socialize with other kids on a regular basis and for her to start learning too.
For Valentine's Day, Ava and my gift to Shad were photos of the two of us. I have added some of the many great photos to the blog (Thank you Sarah). If you get a chance you should check out Sarah's website. www.photographysjb.com Sarah is a long time friend of mine who is a teacher and photographer. She does great work.
This past week, my step-sister and her family were in town. She has 2 boys, 3 and one that is 2 weeks younger than Ava. Ava really enjoyed playing with the boys and it was fun to see her with another baby her age. We also went to a going away party for my Aunt Marcy, who is moving to Maryland at the end of this week. It was a great time with family, but we are excited for her and her new venture. We will miss her tons!!
Not much else going on other than preparing for Ava's first birthday party. Only 5 weeks away. Hope all is well with each of you. Love you all!!
First of all...Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a safe and fun Christmas and New Year. We had a great Christmas (crazy as it was) and a fun New Year w/friends. The week of Christmas, I had most of the week off work and was lucky enough to spend some quality time with my #1 guy and girl.
When we woke up Christmas Eve morning, it was snowing!! Not just flurries, big honking snow flakes. The snow continued and Ava and I went to Popo's to help with our annual tamale making. It was a bit harder than usual with a baby to take care of between spreading masa on the husks. We left there mid afternoon to head home and then onto Shad's parents for our Christmas with them. It was still snowing and the temperature outside was continuing to drop. We left our house at about 3:30pm to be at the in-laws by 4pm. The roads were already starting to ice over and cars were getting stuck on the side of the road along the way. (Shad's parents live 5 miles from us,about 10 minutes) About 5 minutes from the house, Shad and I had decided we weren't going to make it to Fort Worth later for tamales at Popo's and the Willman annual gift exchange. We also decided that we would be staying the night at his parents house if/when we made it there. The roads were only going to get worse and we preferred to be safe rather than sorry. We made it about a mile from his parents and were promptly stopped by the barrage of cars in front of us, stuck on the hill. Some facing the wrong way on the opposite side of the street, in the ditch on the side of the road. The longer we sat there, the more people got stuck. We tried to keep moving so we wouldn't have the same fate, but eventually we got stuck too. After sitting there for what seeming like an eternity, we decided to turn around and go back home. Once we made it back safely, we had been gone 2 hours to travel 10 miles. I was a bit upset as the night went on because we weren't getting to do our regular Christmas Eve things with family, but I was glad to be with our little family and not alone.
By the time all was said and done on Christmas Eve (it snowed all day!), we had 6 inches of snow at the house. Frito and Bandit loved running and chasing eachother through the snow. Frito loved sticking her snout in the snow. I have added some pics to the blog of the dogs in the snow and (some of my favorites) of Ava and I in the snow.
Christmas Day wasn't as hectic and we were able to sleep in (maybe the last time for a while). After feeding Ava, we let her open her gifts. She was surprisingly good at tearing the wrapping paper even if it did go straight to her mouth. She loved all her gifts (you can see some of our pics of her opening and playing with her gifts). Later in the afternoon, we headed to Shad's parents on the way to my moms. Since we had missed Christmas at their house the night before, we had presents to open there and wanted to spend some time with them. We headed to my moms after that for more presents and dinner.
On the 26th, we headed to Brady, TX with my mother-in-law to see Shad's grandmother, Gingi. It was really important to us to see her at Christmas since we didn't make it at Thanksgiving. I think she was glad to see us and Ava too. Even though it was a day trip there and back...it was definately worth it. Ava did really well in the car, but was tired of the carseat by the time we made it home. The next day, onto my dad's for Christmas with him too. We had a great meal and good quality time with Daddio and my brothers with their families.
Christmas was great for us, even with all the drama on Christmas Eve. New Years was good too. We have a lot to be thankful for in 2009 and are looking forward to what 2010 has to bring. The most exciting to us....experiencing everything for the first time through Ava's eyes. Oh, to be a kid again. We hope the new year brings much joy to each of you. Love you all!!
With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas on the brink, I thought we had better update the blog with some newer pictures. Just before Thanksgiving, Shad and I went into the backyard and took pictures of Ava. In the leaves, in the American flag and on the logs in just a diaper. They turned out really cute and most I have shown them to think some are professionally done. My favorites are the flag and leaves. She enjoyed the whole shoot, mostly because we were outside, but also because she experienced new things and sensations.
Shad has had a few sales at the store, the first went fairly well and the second is going on now. He also has a good bit of his furniture on exhibit at the Doss Heritage Center here in Weatherford. They are showcasing a handful of local artists, wood carvers and furniture craftsmen. Shad was one of the ones chosen. Two weeks ago we went to "Meet the Artist" night and had a great turnout.
Just after Thanksgiving, Weatherford had their annual Christmas on the Square. We took Ava and had her picture taken with Santa for the first time. He was a great Santa too!! She didn't cry or even wimper. As Shad took Ava from Santa, after the picture was taken, Santa pulled Shad close and told him "It won't be this easy next year". The photographer muttered the same words to me too.
We celebrated my 30th birthday the first weekend in December with a group of friends who also share December birthdays. It was a lot of fun and nice to have a night out without Ava. We really missed her!!
We are so grateful for the great year we have had in 2009. It brought us Ava and all the joys that parenthood has to offer. Like most this year, we have struggled with the economy, but are making ends meet. Because we are trying to save some money, we will not be sending out Christmas cards this year. Not because we don't love each of you, just to save some dough. We are looking forward to what the new year has to bring and our new experiences as well as Ava's. We are excited about the new babies coming into our lives from our family (Cindy & Bernard) and friends (Tara & Justin w/twins!!). We hope that 2010 brings many joys to each of you. Take a look at the new pics I posted and I promise to post more from Ava's first Christmas soon. Love you all!!
It's been a few months since I last updated you all. Lots going on. Ava is growing up fast, sometimes I think a bit too fast. She is getting really strong and most times prefers to stand, with our assistance, instead of lay or sit. She is starting to sit up on her own, although at times she is still a bit unsteady. The first week of October she cut two teeth. The first was with Shad, I was at a conference in Frisco. She cried for about an hour and a half and ate on and off during that time, never really finishing the bottle he was trying to give her. By the time I got home, she had cut her first tooth. Hats off to Shad, he handled it like a champ. By the next morning she had cut her second tooth, but without a wimper or cry during the night. No new teeth since then, but am expecting some more teeth soon.
Everything is going in her mouth. From toys to paci's to even my hair, which she loves pulling. She is starting to get a bit more attached to me and Shad and is more reluctant to go to others. For Halloween we dressed her up. Once in a cute halloween dress she got as a gift from my childhood Girl Scout leader and then in her costume, a chili pepper. I have included pictures of both. From the minute I put her in the dress, she felt like a huge girly girl. You could immediately tell a difference in her demeanor. She loved playing with all the layers and absolutely loved being in that dress. My mom and I didn't even have to try to get her to smile. The next day was Halloween, so into her chili pepper costume. We didn't take her "trick or treating" persay, but did take her to a few of the neighbors houses so that they could see her.
For months now, I have been looking forward to the fall and have been yearning to take pictures of her in a pumpkin patch. By the time Shad and I got around to it (Halloween Day) the pumpkin patch in town was down to a minimal number of pumpkins. To get a good pic of her with the pumpkins, we would have had to move a ton of them. We opted to go to the Farmer's Market in town. I had seen their great pumpkin displays as I drove by before. All we had to do was move 1 pumpkin and place her in its spot. She did really well, at least until she found the hay she was sitting on. That's when the photo session ended. She was grabbing the hay by the fistful and trying to get it into her mouth.
We have started on rice cereal and hope to move onto fruits and veggies soon. She loves eating from a spoon and often thinks she has watched Shad and I enough to just do it herself. I can't wait to introduce her to new foods, textures and tastes. It's like we are experiencing it for the first time again, through her. Oh, to be a kid again. There's something special about watching her experience something for the first time, watching her facial expressions, listen to her coos and seeing the way it impacts her.
Even though I feel she is already learning how to test our nerves and tempers, there is not a day that goes by that Shad and I don't thoroughly enjoy being parents. She has truly changed our lives in a way that only another parent can begin to comprehend. Neither of us ever imagined how having a child would change us and our lives. She really is our little blessing from above.
Hope all is well with each of you. I will post more just after Thanksgiving, with more pics of course. Hope each of you have a great Thanksgiving and have plenty to be thankful for. Love to you all!!
Ava is getting too big too fast. She is cooing and smiling up a storm. She will be 5 months on the 27th of the month. Three weeks ago she had her first laugh...I should say laughs. Shad was playing with her and she laughed at least 10 times. We were able to catch some of them on video. We haven't been able to get another laugh out of her since. I uploaded the video above. Since then Shad has had his first experience with Ava without anyone else to help.
It was a few weeks ago. My grandfather had surgery and my mom was busy helping him. My aunt Sylvia and my mom-in-law both helped out watching Ava on days mom my wasn't able to. There was one day though that Shad decided he was going to be the one to watch her. Aside from watching Ava for an hour here and there, Shad has not spent that much time just him and her. I got to work at 7:30am and by 8:30 had a text message saying "She hasn't stopped crying since you left." I immediately picked up the phone and called to check on him. I am pretty sure she was tired and fighting sleep, but she settled after a while. He fed her without incident and she was a happy girl from that point on. He sent me a few pics during the day...one saying "Don't worry I will figure this out" with Ava smiling and being happy...the other...a mohawk. That's right. Daddy gave Ava a mohawk during his day with her. That's when I finally knew that he was going to make it through the day. Mid day I called to check on them again. At one point during the conversation, Shad said if he had hair (it's buzz cut right now) he would have already pulled it all out. My response to him was "Welcome to my world. Everyday isn't the same and some are harder than others." When I got home from work, I found Shad passed out on the recliner. I couldn't resist the urge to take pictures of Daddy after a day taking care of Ava. I think he developed a new found respect for moms and realized just how hard it is to take care of a baby day in and out.
Lots more going on...Shad had an MRI on his knee. We are waiting on the results to find out what comes next or what the options are. My grandfather is still recovering from his surgery, but is doing better each day. Shad's grandmother scared us last weekend with a trip to the hospital for a possible heart attack. Turned out she had blockages in the main artery going to her heart and needed stents placed. She is back home now.
In the coming weeks we have a few birthday parties (Nicholas' and Jeremy's) and a wedding (Nick & Jessica's). Needless to say, things are going well and we are truly blessed. I have included the pictures I mentioned in this entry and a few more. Love you all and hope all is well.
Lots going on...Ava had her 4 month check up yesterday. I can't believe it has been that long. The doc says she is doing great. She is 11 lbs. 0.5 oz and 24 1/4 inches long. She is plotting on the growth chart at 5% for weight, and 50% for length and head circumference. Our little baby is growing up. She was happy to be at the docs office until they gave her 4 immunizations. Luckily, she didn't cry for long. No solids just yet per the doc. In fact he doesn't really want us to start any until she is 6 months old, but says we can try rice cereal once she is able to sit up on her own. We are working on that. Today I put her in her Bumbo and well...she passed smooth out. I took some pics and have put them on the site today.
Developmentally she is doing really well. Putting her hands together, changing hands when she is playing with rings, holding her head up at 90 degrees when she is on her belly. Shad and I are really loving talking to her and seeing her smile. Her favorite person to talk to....her daddy. I videotaped her while Shad was playing with her and he made it into a video. He was making her dance and put it to the song "Boogie Woogie Mamacita" by the Tejas Brothers. It has been posted to You Tube with the permission of the Tejas Brothers to use the song. He also sent the video to the group and has already received a response from them after they watched it. Shad is definately a proud papa.
Shad twisted his knee on a ladder at work several weeks ago and has been nursing the knee since. I made him an appointment to go see the orthopedic doctor, but wasn't able to get him an appt until September 1st (this Tuesday). Of course, now that the time is here for him to go, his knee is feeling better. This is not a new problem, just an old one that was aggravated again. Hopefully we can find out what is wrong and get it taken care of. As far as work is concerned, he is staying busy. Currently they are working to restore a house here in Weatherford. The owner is really into rustic decor and loves the work that Shad and Chris do.
I think that is all for now. So, check out the pics and video. Take care and love to you all.
Meredith and Derek, congrats on your newest addition, Benjamin.
I would like to start this off by saying I'm sorry. So, sorry for waiting so long to post an update. Things have been a bit hectic since I last posted. I have been back at work for a month now, although being away from Ava makes it seem longer. I spent several hours after my first day back at work, hugging her and telling her "I missed you sooo much". I am sure she got tired of hearing it. She is really enjoying her days with Nana, and I am positive Nana loves having her.
Her development has, well developed a ton over the past month. She is now 3 1/2 months. Her head control is even better than before. She will look at you when you say her name and she has started to talk back to you when you are talking to her. She especially loves spending time with Shad after he gets home from work. They gab back and forth. She is really getting strong and loves to push up on you when you are holding her, many times to a standing position.
Her smile is contagious and very hard to catch on camera. So, the picture above of her smile, well it was just luck that we caught it. Most times, if you ask her if she's going to smile for you...she does.
We are been busy as usual over the past month. We celebrated Shad's 30th birthday in late July and visited Gingi in early July for a family reunion in Brady. Peach Festival, although turnout was much less than the city expected (10,000 vs. 40,000 probably directly related to the 104 degree heat that day), was great for Country Pine. Lots of potential customers and sales off the showroom floor. Shad is staying busy with work and luckily surviving the 100+ heat.
Pretty sure that is all for now. Next big thing to look forward too...teething. We are expecting it sometime very soon. Mom says, Chad and I teethed before we were 4 months and my dad at 3 months according to Popo. So, we will see. Many more exciting moments to come and for you all to hear about. Love and prayers for you all.
Things are just moving along and now I think I truly understand the meaning of "time flies". Ava is getting too big too soon and I feel like we can't enjoy her enough. This past Monday, the 29th, she was 9 weeks old and had her 2 month check up with the pediatrician. She is healthy and growing a lot. She now weighs 9 lbs. 1 oz. and is 23 inches long. Her development is great as she is doing everything she should be at this point.
Her head control has improved dramatically as has her strength. She is tracking objects with her eyes, grasping anything that hits her hands (including my hair), cooing, etc. She truly is a joy to have.
I go back to work on July 8th, and although I can't wait to have real adult conversation again I am reluctant to leave our baby girl. I am so used to being home with her. Unfortunately, I am not able to be a stay at home mom right now. We are fortunate to have great family support and my mom is going to watch her for a bit once I am back at work. This will give us some more time to find just the right place for Ava to be during the day and will help us to save some money in the mean time. Thanks so much mom.
So in the mean time, I will enjoy the next week at home with Ava and try not to think about what next Wednesday will be like when I drop her off on my way to work. I know she will be in good hands, but it will still be hard. Hope all is well with each of you. Love to you all!!
So sorry it has been so long since our last entry...parenthood has kept us a bit busy. I have added just a few more pictures of Ava since she first arrived. There are more to add, but I will have to add them later. Thanks so much to all of you who have called, e-mailed, visited us since we returned home. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.
Even though it feels as though it has been less than a month, believe it or not, Ava is going to be 7 weeks old this coming Monday. At 3 weeks old, she changed herself to feedings every 4 hours. Believe me...the extra hour was great to have for sleep, even though it doesn't seem like much. I have finally adjusted to parenthood, well at least the lack of sleep. Shad is a great help and Ava already has him wrapped around her little finger. We know we haven't experienced all that parenthood has to bring, but we have started to make our own memories. We have had spit ups, projectile vomiting, days without a dirty diaper (there were wet ones). Then we had the opposite...poop halfway up her back and all over her clothes. She wasn't too happy with this one. Shad changed a particularly stinky diaper...with the aid of his respirator mask. I did get pictures of this and will post them later.
This week Ava got to meet two friends of mine, who live out of state and came to visit. Tara and Leigh Ann, thanks so much for all your support and for visiting. So glad we have you both.
Our next task....figuring out what we are going to do for childcare once I go back to work. We have looked at daycare's and found one that we like, but would prefer to keep her out of daycare if we are able. At least for a while. So if you know someone who does in home childcare or would be willing to watch her, let me know.
Father's Day is next Sunday...still haven't figured out what we are going to do for Shad. His first Father's Day...we want it to be special. Hope all is well with each of you and I promise to upload other pictures very soon.
Not much has changed since my last entry. Baby Kingston continues to grow and gets bigger every day. I feel about as big as a cruise ship, but feel great from my knees up. My feet/ankles/calves on the other hand...well they seem to have a mind of their own these days. The swelling started about 2 weeks ago and was just during the evenings, after work. Now the swelling starts from the time I get out of bed. My toes look like sausages and I tell Shad that looking at my feet reminds me of The Nutty Professor.
On to the more important stuff...the stuff you all probably would rather hear about. 2 weeks ago they measured the baby again and have estimated that she was about 5 lbs. 5 oz. at that time. Right where she needs to be for that point in her development. I am still going to the perinatologist twice a week for BPP's and my OB every two weeks. Not to mention my endocrinologist about every month and a half. Last week I asked my perinatologist if he had any suggestions to help keep the swelling down in my feet/ankles...his response..."Yeah." I really paid attention thinking it was going to be something I hadn't thought of. "Have your baby." I felt like saying, "Well, no s**t Sherlock" or calling him a smart a**, but bit my tongue and just laughed at him. He was just giving me a hard time and said it would get better once I had the baby. This week I have already seen him once and have my amniocentesis planned for Friday when I see him for the second time.
Monday, my day didn't start out so well. On the way to work my low tire pressure light came on. By the time I got to work, it wasn't completely flat, but had lost quite a bit of air. Shad offered to come change my tire, but I told him it was ridiculous for him to drive an hour round trip to change a tire in just a few minutes. Long story short, I ended up calling road side assistance to come change it. Security at the hospital doesn't change tires...they only air it up for you to take it somewhere to have it fixed. I called a few others, who were all working or asleep from working the night shift. I was a a frantic because I had an appointment at 1:15 that day with my OB. She checked my cervix for the first time and I showed her my lower extremity swelling. She said I was 70% effaced and dilated to a 1+. At that point she said, "I want to induce you on Monday." This Monday!! She couldn't be serious. Oh but she was. So for now I am tentatively scheduled at the hospital to be induced on Monday, April 27th at 6am. Of course all of this is pending the results of my amniocentesis. So on Friday morning I will go and have my amnio and should have preliminary results of the test and final results by Saturday. If the results come back that the baby's lungs are mature, then the induction goes on as scheduled. If not mature, then the induction is cancelled and I continue on with my MD appts, perinatologist twice a week and OB once a week.
Thank you to everyone who has sent us gifts for the baby or attended one of our showers. We are very grateful to all and are glad that you are all a part of our lives and will be part of our baby's life soon. I will update the blog on Saturday as soon as we hear the final results of the amnio so that you all will know whether or not we will be at the hospital on Monday or not. Hope all is well with all of you. Love you all.
I am now officially 33 weeks along and am starting to get uncomfortable in my own body...never thought I would think that. Since my last blog a lot has happened. We tried another 4D ultrasound a week after my first one...again unsuccessful. She had her arms in front of her face and when she opened her arms...her umbilical cord was in front of her face too!! We couldn't believe our luck. The tech was able to give us a few picks even though none of them gave us her whole face. We were glad to at least get a small sneak peak of her cute face. I posted our favorite and best one from that session.
We finished her room, at least the painting stuff is done. I have posted those pics. Classic Disney and a few Lion King characters. The best part is that in the Lady and the Tramp painting, we took two other dogs out...and added Bandit and Frito. I think they are my favorite.Shad sent out an e-mail to those he has addresses for and got many responses back. The funny thing is that he didn't explain in the e-mail that he drew all of the characters and I just painted them. My job was the easy part...like coloring a coloring book. Just stay in the lines. Majority of the responses he received said "Your wife is sooo talented", "She should start her own business", "Your baby is going to be so talented with your talent and your wife's talent". We laughed about it...well at least I did. I think he probably felt a bit under appreciated. We have the crib and changing table combo together and now are working on filling the drawers to the combo and getting bedding for the crib. We are definately nesting now.
I have decided, a very crazy decision, to make her bedding set. Mom helped me pick out the complementary fabrics, after I chose the main one. Now for the sewing part. I can handle the blanket, but am a bit unsure about the skirt and bumper pad. Guess we will see how it turns out. As long as I don't screw it up too bad...I am sure mom can fix it. Last weekend I had my first baby shower. It was great and a ton of fun. Mandy, Charla and Ashley did a great job planning it. Thanks again girls!! (I posted a pic of me with mom and mom-in-law Sharon, me with the hostesses and a newer belly shot. The belly shot is at 32 weeks.) We got lots of great stuff and are excited about getting to use it soon. This coming weekend we are having a family shower at our house. My mom and mother-in-law are co-hosting it. We are excited that more than just our immediate family are going to see the house, after 2 years, and the baby's nursery.
I have had more MD appts since my last entry...of course. My perinatologist has decided that I am in the part of my pregnancy where he needs to start doing twice weekly BPP's for monitoring. Nothing is wrong, just part of being pregnant and an insulin-dependent diabetic. Only bad thing, he told me on a day where I waited 3 hours to be called back for my BPP. Good thing he's the best there is. My second appt with him this week, I had a great surprise. One of my favorite sono techs told me that they had just got a 3/4D sono machine in the office that day. I had already told her about my frustrations with the other 2 we tried. She offered to let me stay after my appt and try again for me. We got a few more shots, but still no full face. This time her face was in the placenta. Looks like she is eating it in most of the shots...after all it does supply her with her groceries (sono techs words, not mine). I have posted those also.
Hope all is well with all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, just as I know we are in all of yours too. Will update you all again soon.
It's been 2 weeks since my last entry...no big changes, except my growing belly. The docs say all is going well and to continue what I am doing. Shad and I continue to work on painting the nursery. It's a work in progress and don't worry we will post pictures when we get done. No sneak peeks here.
We attempted to have a 4-D sonogram this past Monday, but to no avail...the baby did NOT cooperate. She was sleeping facing my spine. Guess she is already stubborn, like a Willman. Try #2 on March 9th.
Shad has been busy along with his parents. They have found a great new location for the store. It is on York Street on the Weatherford town square. Needless to say, the place needed a lot of work, but the landlord said they could do whatever they wanted. So after having to get several permits, inspections and getting the electricity turned off (the previous renter didn't pay his bill) and back on again they are now making some headway. The building is in a great location and will get better foot traffic. Did I mention...it's twice the size and 1/2 the rent of the current location. We are all very excited.
Not much else going on. Will update you guys in another week or two. Hope all is well with all of you.
I can't believe we are almost there...Still lots to do, but closer to actually seeing,touching and holding our baby. A ton of stuff has happened since my last entry. Ordering of baby furniture (still yet to be delivered, hopefully will be here next week), pre-registering at the hospital, drawing/painting the walls in the baby room, parousing through baby stuff that Lara and Chad no longer need for Jeremy, doctors appointments, etc. There was a recent engagement announcement in the family too...Congrats Nick and Jessica. We love you both and wish you both the best.
This past Thursday, we had more MD appointments. Blood pressure's still good. Weight gain is where the doc wants it to be...although it is still weird to me to see 15-20# more when I step on the scale. I know that number will only get bigger. The baby is growing well and not too quickly, as that can be a problem in diabetic mothers. The more out of control the blood sugar levels...the more and bigger the baby grows and the bigger the potential for complications with the pregnancy. Earlier in my pregnancy, I thought that it wasn't as hard as I anticipated to control my blood sugars....All I needed to do was wait. It seems the further along I go...the more difficult it is and the more insulin I require, regardless of what I eat. So I continue to fax my blood sugar logs to my endocrinologist weekly and he makes adjustements as he sees fit.
Like I was saying before, my OB seems quite pleased with how my pregnancy is progressing. My perinatologist the same. Luckily, I have been able to, up to this point, have both appointments on the same day. That helps...less time I have to take off work to go to the docs. That has now changed. My OB appointments are now every 2 weeks until I reach my 36th week and my perinatology appointments every week from this point on. Each week they will do a BPP test or biophysical profile of the baby. The BPP measures the baby's heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing, and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. They say it is common for high risk pregnancies to have them throughout the duration of the third trimester. We got more pictures of the baby at this past appointment...I have added them to the album. I also asked them to confirm the sex of the baby so there would be no confusion later if it turned out to be the opposite. (You laugh...but I know people this has happened to). We also found out our baby already has hair on her head...the ultrasound tech got a good picture of it. Good to know our baby won't be bald at birth. Good genes I guess...I was born with a full head of hair.
So know we continue to work on her room. We mutually decided on Disney characters on the walls...most classic Disney. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Jungle Book, etc. Shad has already drawn several on the walls and we started painting them this weekend. Kinda cool to say "We did this ourselves" to our daughter. I will get Shad to take another belly shot of my since I am considerably bigger than I was in the last picture. I will post it when we get one.
Thanks to all of you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers...we couldn't be more blessed to have each of you in our lives. Congrats again to those of you who have recently told us that you too are expecting. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all!!
We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. Ours was wonderful and filled with lots of love from our family. We have also recently finished renovating our inclosed patio into our office/2nd living area. Now we move onto the nursery.
We have officially surpassed our 6 month mark in this journey with our baby. After another very long afternoon in MD offices, all is well. The baby is growing at the right pace and all organs "look good". My mother-in-law was able to meet Shad and I at one of the appointments. Bless her heart for waiting soooo long with us. I think she would probably say the wait was worth it. She got to hear the heart beat and see some pretty good images of the baby during my sonogram. I have included 2 of the images as well as my 5 month belly photo that many of you have been asking for in the photo album above. We will get more belly pics soon and I will post them as we take them.
My blood sugars have been changing, more highs than usual. It is normal in diabetic pregnancies. Every week I fax my blood sugar logs to my endocrinologist office and await a call from his nurse for any changes to my insulin regimin. All of my docs ask about my blood sugars at each visit. This past appointment at the perinatologist office he asked and I told him the truth about my recent highs in the morning. He then asked if I was experiencing any low blood sugars, my reply...sometimes at night, but we have a dog that wakes me up if I am sleeping and have a low blood sugar. It was at this point that the doc perked up and asked what kind of dog it was. I think he thought we had Bandit trained to wake me up. We quickly told him that Bandit was a mut from the pound and had no training. He seemed intrigued.
So its back to the docs in another month and then every two weeks after that. I have preregistered at the hospital and am looking into childbirth classes. The great name search of 2009 continues, although we are pretty sure we have it narrowed down to 2-3 names with a backup name for a boy,just in case. 7 months is just around the corner.
Sorry it has been a while since our last entry...two months and two different appointments. All has been good. At my 16 week checkup, we were told what the gender might be...but no definite boy or girl words. They said it was still kinda early. Last week I went to see a friends sister, who can do sonograms. She too told me what the gender probably was, but told me it would be best to find out 100% from the docs.
After waiting for several hours in two different doctors offices today I am now home for the night. My appointments were at 1:50 and 3:30. Needless to say I didn't get out of my first one until 4:45 and my second one at 6:15pm. Today my appointments were for my 20 week checkup...half way there. All is well with me and the baby too. The sonographer barely had the instrument to my belly before he said he already knew what we were having. There it was as big as day on the screen...a girl!! We are ecstatic although from the beginning we have said we don't care either way. Boy or Girl...all we want is a healthy baby.
We didn't get any really good sonogram pics today, but did have a few from 16 weeks that we will add above. Hope all is well with everyone and that you all have a great Christmas and New Year.
Feel free to send us any name suggestions you may have.
I know, I know...its been a while since my last entry. Especially since my last appointments were on October 27th. I took the day off since I was working the following weekend and was lucky enough to have both my OB and perinatologist appts on the same day. Needless to say a day off for appointments was spent mostly in waiting rooms. Words cannot explain how much anxiety I have had since finding out we lost one of the twins, so these appts were kind of like my ray of hope. My worst fears were put to rest within the first 15 minutes of my first appt. The nurse, after getting my vitals, placed a doppler to my belly and I was able to hear the baby's heart beat. I was able to get 2 ultrasound pics at the second appt and have posted both of them. One is a profile pic and the other the baby is looking out with one hand sort of waving. Both appts went well and no worries for now.
Fast forward 3 days and my grandfather arrived. He moved from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Fort Worth. We are very excited to have him close. Thankfully, Shad and Gabe (my cousin) were able to unload his stuff and place it all in his new apartment. His place is really nice and I think he is adjusting well. Hopefully he will continue to enjoy it here.
I worked all weekend, a busy one at that and Saturday night Shad and I had a Halloween party to go to. We had fun hanging out and seeing everyone in costume. I think Shad's costume shocked everyone...a bearded lady. I went as a pregnant nun, thanks to mom's help constructing a very realistic preggo belly. Sunday night we met at mom's house for dinner for her birthday, even though she wouldn't just say it. It was great to have all of us there. Mom, Stuart, Grant, Gene, Jeri and the kids, Chad, Lara, Jeremy, Shad and I. I am so lucky to have such a great family.
We have had a very busy week and a half full of lots of good things, but unfortunately one heartbreaking event. Wednesday morning I got news from Shad that his parents were having Zeus put down. Zeus, several months back, was diagnosed with a large tumor in his throat. The vet said it was inoperable...all of our hearts broke. I truly believe that now Zeus is in a much better place. No more tumors, able to run and play as much as he likes. I cannot imagine how my in-laws feel, to lose 2 dogs in one year. Really makes me appreciate Bandit and Frito that much more.
Shad started guitar lessons last night and is enjoying them so far. Today was my 10th day in a row to work and now, tomorrow, I will enjoy a much needed day off. Here's to a 3 day weekend.
My OB called me back today to check on me. Very reassuring to talk to her and ask her questions that I have thought of since my appointment yesterday.
I received an e-mail today from one of my cousins. All it contained was a few words of wisdom...to live by. He had no clue that it was sent at the right time.
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Today was my first appointment with the perinatologist (a high risk pregnancy specialist). Mom went with me since Shad is busy at work. After getting my vital signs and weighing me, I was put in an exam room fully equipped with an ultrasound machine and several monitors around the room. The tech came in and performed the ultrasound and measured each baby 3 times crown to rump. We were then told the doctor would be in soon to see me and talk to us.
Mom and I sat and talked for a bit. Mostly about the ultrasound and the babies measurements and due dates. We noticed one baby was smaller than the other and had a week later due date. I was also telling her how each day I was feeling better about having twins and how the anxiety I originally felt had faded. The doc entered the room and introduced himself to us. He also did an ultrasound and then came the news. One of the babies heart stopped and it had stopped growing. That was why the one looked and measured smaller and its due date later.
It was at that point that I pretty much became a blank slate. The doctor kept talking about it and my care, how my pregnancy would probably be managed. I didn't hear a thing he said and thats when I was extremely glad that my mom had come with me. She immediately began taking notes. I asked the doctor a few questions, but after each just kind of slipped back into my state of surprise. It was reassuring that there was nothing I could have done to prevent this and that my diabetes had nothing to do with this. The doctor said that it is a pretty common thing to lose one twin in the first trimester. I had read this too, but never did I think that it would happen to us.
After the appointment was over and mom and I were back in the car, I called and gave Shad the news. Upset, disappointed, sadness...the best words to explain how he and I both feel. We are very grateful though to still have one healthy baby growing and are definately keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't change.
Later in the afternoon I had a message from my OB. It was that message that solidified with me that I am in her good hands. She had left a message saying she had just heard our news from the doctor I had just visited and that she was very sorry. She was just calling to check on me...no other reason. Something I don't think every doctor would do. She encouraged me to call her in the morning and if I didn't that she would call and check on me again the next day. What a great thing to have such a great doctor.
So, time will heal our wounds. It will take some time. I guess everything happens for a reason...only time will tell what the reason is.
Today was our first "real" appointment with my OB. We both really like her and think she is great. After initially introducing herself to us, she proceeded to tell us that we needed to break her pattern today. Her last 5 patients, all in having ultrasounds today, had all found out they were having twins. I quickly reassured her that we were not having twins and would be happy to break the chain. Shad has been wishing for twins, in hopes that we can "get it all over with in one pregnancy."
After breaking the ice with the doc we then proceeded to the consultation part of the appointment. She was very straight forward with all aspects of my care, including how my diabetes will be effected by my pregnancy. Because of diabetes she also suggested that I be followed throughout my journey by a specialist for high-risk pregnancy. We finished our discussion with the doc and then it was off for some lab work and our first ultrasound.
Words cannot explain how excited, yet aprehensive we were to see the heartbeat of our baby. It really solidifies the whole experience. As we entered the ultrasound room, the tech asked me to lay down on the table. He then asked if it was our first pregnancy and ultrasound and assured us that all would be ok. Sheer joy was all I felt as I saw our baby on the screen and its little heartbeat beating so fast. After measuring the baby, the tech asked if we could see the heart beating. I quickly replied yes and asked Shad if he could see it. He then came from his chair and stood between the table and wall and leaned across me slightly. As he asked where he could see the heartbeat the tech stated "And here is your other baby." I turned and looked at Shad with, I am sure was a "What the hell did he just say" look. Shad's jaw dropped and he asked "Excuse me?". The ultrasound tech then replied that we were having twins. TWINS!!
Neither of us believed him, especially after the doc had told us that several today were having twins. I thought for sure that he was tricking us or that he had someone else's ultrasound up as a joke. No joke. He showed Shad and I the heartbeat of the 2nd baby and then said he would show us both of the babies next to eachother. We still were in shock...couldn't believe it. Neither of us thought there were even twins in our families. It wasn't until later that we found out Shad has great-uncles that are twins.
As we walked out of the office and into the parking lot, Shad said "High-five man!! That's exciting." I was still in shock, as was every person we called to tell them our news. Now the journey begins to take off.
Today it was confirmed...We are expecting. I suspected earlier this week, but know now for sure after confirmation at my doctor's appointment today. Shad and I are very excited, but are going to try to keep it quiet for a bit longer. I am only 4 weeks along and know the statistics of miscarriage in the first trimester. I'm just not sure how long I can keep it from my parents, in-laws and closest friends. Guess we will see.
Shad is excited, even though I think it is overshadowed by his worry for me as well as the baby and my health. I keep assuring him that all will be fine as I have a great doctor following me. I too, am a little worried about being pregnant. Mostly a fear of the unknown, of what's to come and how it will all go. Only time will tell.
In the midst of all that is going on and all the "free time" Shad and I both have, we have decided to start a blog. We hope that through this we are able to keep everyone better informed with our journey.
We just had our first child and just like anything else that is new, learning as we go.
So, read and enjoy and feel free to ask if there is anything we aren't talking about.
There is no way you can deny that's a girl from the ultrasound pic. haha Good thing there is no second guessing though. I can't wait to see her! I need a baby to hold. :) Love you guys!
DADDIO LOVES YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND
SENIORITA GENITA KINGSTON.....CONGRATES ON YOUR BABY.....ANOTHER JUST FOR YOU THIS SONG I'M SINGING...LOL
MY KIDS HAVING A KID...LIFE IS GREAT ISN'T IT. DADDIO
Becky,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was excited to hear your news about becoming a mother.
Hello beautiful. I hate to hear about your loss. You and Shad are always in my thoughts.
Hi Shad & Becky,
There's really not words that can express my sympathy for you. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm also praising God for one healthy baby. Our lives truly are in His hands...and they are mighty capable hands. Just think, this baby will never know pain or sorrow. This baby was ushered straight from your womb into the loving arms of Jesus.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Love ya!
I just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you and Shad! Only the Lord knows what is in store for you both and Sean and I will keep you both in our prayers!!
We are so sorry to hear about the loss. Keep your head up and Paige and I will keep you, Shad and the munchkin in our prayers. Let us know if we can help.
We are all very sorry to hear about the loss of one of the babies. I always prayed that if something like this happened to our family, that it would happen to me and not my baby cousin. But the quote that Nick sent you is very true, and the baby you have will be a beautiful and healthy baby that will recieve all the love in the world. I love you and Shad both very much, and if there is anything I can ever do for you please let me know. Hope to see you both soon.
