tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22194801384987599172024-03-13T23:07:51.084-04:00Journey of Life and LoveOne couple's dance through the garden of Life.Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-42840166683095059052022-04-20T23:21:00.003-04:002022-05-07T01:41:46.068-04:00Healing...Freedom....Peace....Full CircleI hate that I only get on here once a year...if that. I should be documenting Ava and Pippa's life too. But this IS a pretty sacred place...Rosie's place. SO I guess I will continue to come here and document on occasion. <div><br /></div><div>Today marked 12 yrs. </div><div><br /></div><div>12 yrs since the trajectory of my life took a sudden turn....my plans, my dreams, my goals were flipped upside down. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are friends with me on FB, you would have seen that I posted a short blurb about today. It was because I had to sit with my feelings and figure out how to get them down on paper. FB did not seem like the place to write about those feelings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Leading up to today, I thought I would be emotionally and physically ready for today. You see, I had to work today. Being a L&D nurse on the unit she was born, I am regularly around "her spaces". The triage room we found out she passed, the operating room she was delivered in, the room she was baptized in, the room I spent 4 days in AP holding her and spending time with her. BUT I had yet to work on her day. This year is the first time in 12 yrs I would have to work and not dedicate an entire day to my first born. I also had to work the night of the 19th. Which means my morning and afternoon would be spent sleeping on the 20th. I contacted all the family and told them the celebration would still happen at the cemetery, but it would be short and sweet since I had to leave for work. I ordered mini bunt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and even bought the bundtinis for the hospital staff for the night of the 20th. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was ready. Physically and emotionally to spend Rosie's birthday on the Labor and Delivery floor that she was born on.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I was not prepared for emotionally.....was spending the night BEFORE her birthday on the floor. </div><div><br /></div><div>At midnight on the 20th I realized that at that moment 12 yrs ago I was walking myself from the triage room to the labor room. The walk I mention in some of my <a href="https://journeyoflifeandluv.blogspot.com/2010/05/time-fliesand-stands-still.html" target="_blank">first blog posts. </a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I did something I didn't realize would bring me peace, sadness, overwhelming joy....every emotion under the sun!</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked the events......</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I went to the triage room we found out the news her heart had stopped. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLAvCoaxPBU1aUMHNhK5TRa5x4a68_Lgl-NtbpOoyOgqmEiQr9X0Th7aZp09voubPDFDqJUkkN6AUl8_0eLFw9zEFuvo6qsksKUXp4JX7kQvc5Y1XCzFsT9CRooZe3zK1If6gT8wMrXpXc4aCzyNA9Ri77DkBhFUsMviQzr6QUkKDLIA05RKu8uBzQw/s4624/20220420_053722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLAvCoaxPBU1aUMHNhK5TRa5x4a68_Lgl-NtbpOoyOgqmEiQr9X0Th7aZp09voubPDFDqJUkkN6AUl8_0eLFw9zEFuvo6qsksKUXp4JX7kQvc5Y1XCzFsT9CRooZe3zK1If6gT8wMrXpXc4aCzyNA9Ri77DkBhFUsMviQzr6QUkKDLIA05RKu8uBzQw/w240-h320/20220420_053722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I walked down the long hall that made me feel like I was walking the death row walk 12 yrs ago....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUKS_3b3Fhi9QBioD3_mK8k28XvlCTUQdlqwfNT4OoK8vaho2Gz3lPieLjSRGgDg6H3oxpuuLvzRmqqpju92HUUZhH5fGiPCH21MWGTHZqbu_EErBtQSVc3Y8bL-NM8x4FiQAwuw5Pt6uDsxGoxpAqMXR4148qyb1LZ1p-9E8MslrHCN00ZlYJN-1qA/s4624/20220420_053535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUKS_3b3Fhi9QBioD3_mK8k28XvlCTUQdlqwfNT4OoK8vaho2Gz3lPieLjSRGgDg6H3oxpuuLvzRmqqpju92HUUZhH5fGiPCH21MWGTHZqbu_EErBtQSVc3Y8bL-NM8x4FiQAwuw5Pt6uDsxGoxpAqMXR4148qyb1LZ1p-9E8MslrHCN00ZlYJN-1qA/s320/20220420_053535.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I stood in the OR she was born silently.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoekKz7yWh7BmAdKXtDxuxMvx6oSifQYSoZl7-jEzbWNUJSd0zWJz2TgpFWudynNU7IOHJpHa8pVFvWp0rALBgbYy1TIncBoW4gBZVHW7qAzLHob40lx2ZTTjkFPKbJaLn_YasLq-kujNv8iN3cPsdWSuN4N_qEURy7_r293a8HEpqi7Ws75u0lNNmjw/s4624/20220420_053850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoekKz7yWh7BmAdKXtDxuxMvx6oSifQYSoZl7-jEzbWNUJSd0zWJz2TgpFWudynNU7IOHJpHa8pVFvWp0rALBgbYy1TIncBoW4gBZVHW7qAzLHob40lx2ZTTjkFPKbJaLn_YasLq-kujNv8iN3cPsdWSuN4N_qEURy7_r293a8HEpqi7Ws75u0lNNmjw/s320/20220420_053850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I stood outside the room she was baptized in and sooo many family got to hold and meet her in (there was a patient in the room, so no pictures lol). </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7qtYJrWPJ6suxvASScdxkQV2DTRMJwzGL1yAUoco1b67rqTzsOTpJ4g-xRxMWy16xesDEhDtNDITV8Ueu32dHjgCdcwbHndaggudNe4jAfuo9_PztJq--84Xm6dwY6AsDp0DWrh81l9GWsMkZ0d62akv5JQo53XNa4soFThZcRD1OyMZ3BE6n3XcVw/s3264/20220420_053527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7qtYJrWPJ6suxvASScdxkQV2DTRMJwzGL1yAUoco1b67rqTzsOTpJ4g-xRxMWy16xesDEhDtNDITV8Ueu32dHjgCdcwbHndaggudNe4jAfuo9_PztJq--84Xm6dwY6AsDp0DWrh81l9GWsMkZ0d62akv5JQo53XNa4soFThZcRD1OyMZ3BE6n3XcVw/s320/20220420_053527.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I finished with a moment with the wreath of remembrance in our respite room where her ribbon hangs from. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX6gnZr8SqfoAqM7UupoOvQqkAx4uQ2C9qU5euEWDMsz5e487X5B1QnSxWTfgcpFYem42TWAyLEy-L2i08aOdlXROadHlEOizWHihswAiJwEAPlfEcI0xf2L3W3UEGp2vAy996Y3c5lB7dT-y0Jvc8pVcM3qPgyueBvQvJqWVUOQL-GolN-5125P3Bw/s4624/20220420_054053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX6gnZr8SqfoAqM7UupoOvQqkAx4uQ2C9qU5euEWDMsz5e487X5B1QnSxWTfgcpFYem42TWAyLEy-L2i08aOdlXROadHlEOizWHihswAiJwEAPlfEcI0xf2L3W3UEGp2vAy996Y3c5lB7dT-y0Jvc8pVcM3qPgyueBvQvJqWVUOQL-GolN-5125P3Bw/s320/20220420_054053.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was cathartic. It was freeing. It was peaceful.</div><div><br /></div><div>The nurses let me talk about her last night. They asked questions and engaged and LISTENED. I don't think people realize how IMPORTANT that is. Even 12 yrs later. To tell your story, to speak your name. It means the WORLD to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then of course today was BEAUTIFUL!!! The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. We all gathered at Rosalynn's grave to celebrate. We sang happy birthday, let off balloons and I handed out the mini bundt cakes for everyone to enjoy tonight. It was quick but perfect. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24xcyx6279nCtajXQXKH7e3SI9OH2yPcIaHiS5ZemqQN59orG7GHPJ-KKW5vX97a5USyrcrMGrAF_H4rKHKWLlCiYBK8--pA4KQrDxopessAnbTgWjRJygRp21ORP3tjQPjS3WmBZ3aEt1yo8c0EHyHY3C7V0NXA1WJgAUZ_X2AdPHF36ked9_PIXRg/s4624/20220420_175014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24xcyx6279nCtajXQXKH7e3SI9OH2yPcIaHiS5ZemqQN59orG7GHPJ-KKW5vX97a5USyrcrMGrAF_H4rKHKWLlCiYBK8--pA4KQrDxopessAnbTgWjRJygRp21ORP3tjQPjS3WmBZ3aEt1yo8c0EHyHY3C7V0NXA1WJgAUZ_X2AdPHF36ked9_PIXRg/s320/20220420_175014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KzWhZN14ciAdaFMFF468I-yVlEW7EnOykwgmTqrmZWSk94JXNFH9oDg1JMEgWS9vM_6gz9fDiYfMpzvVWvjuFlPzFoRD_P-uZlOLW6qkU4ccdjYsNISgzd1NHjwb5gHvFQnIuqFqD8aAVMEx2U3WNZ7Egl56vfbGx6ce9njGknTq-Q4z6ZHcdSZPng/s4624/20220420_175159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KzWhZN14ciAdaFMFF468I-yVlEW7EnOykwgmTqrmZWSk94JXNFH9oDg1JMEgWS9vM_6gz9fDiYfMpzvVWvjuFlPzFoRD_P-uZlOLW6qkU4ccdjYsNISgzd1NHjwb5gHvFQnIuqFqD8aAVMEx2U3WNZ7Egl56vfbGx6ce9njGknTq-Q4z6ZHcdSZPng/s320/20220420_175159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jOjIvKh8Ssr8p752QWoP-Z-3kfVJG0yCTBF03dH11rk-0hMZIbvs_IqSevty0X82iTk93FhBisY9E9MKcHZb5chu75UW-32ALdD8tQ_eQ2rPRHrcwdIvXLqja_xQvQImR7d-ghwzf1yzAiiHi3JZTr_Hw8mfmjOvj2-2h-duf3_w_z-wicXix0xVEA/s4000/20220420_175334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jOjIvKh8Ssr8p752QWoP-Z-3kfVJG0yCTBF03dH11rk-0hMZIbvs_IqSevty0X82iTk93FhBisY9E9MKcHZb5chu75UW-32ALdD8tQ_eQ2rPRHrcwdIvXLqja_xQvQImR7d-ghwzf1yzAiiHi3JZTr_Hw8mfmjOvj2-2h-duf3_w_z-wicXix0xVEA/s320/20220420_175334.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I was headed to work, one of my friends/coworkers called to see what type of coffee I would like:-) Made my day! </div><div><br /></div><div>I chose a moment when a lot of people were in the nurse's station to hand out the mini cakes. I stressed to them the importance of their job when working with bereavement cases. That how their care can change someone's life.....for better OR worse....and in my case it brought me full circle 12 yrs later. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAGe075vNL7_o-Y4CffjSMPlyq-smSu9Hj214m2LmGFaj1KmnaHEyDfiRRYE5XoAq7hUNWLKNReLrOOdOgHmnE6alTB9Wguohcu1Td1yp31A-q4pgXGYDKeHfnUdpOhWFu9uDYC1F5nTEJCEJdZkRzWXMsGTlmzFOCSJVGAW8BOABYGKaEX-ygvsZWA/s4624/20220420_214835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAGe075vNL7_o-Y4CffjSMPlyq-smSu9Hj214m2LmGFaj1KmnaHEyDfiRRYE5XoAq7hUNWLKNReLrOOdOgHmnE6alTB9Wguohcu1Td1yp31A-q4pgXGYDKeHfnUdpOhWFu9uDYC1F5nTEJCEJdZkRzWXMsGTlmzFOCSJVGAW8BOABYGKaEX-ygvsZWA/s320/20220420_214835.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Every year I ask for a little sign from Rosie that she is around. I feel her regularly, but it is nice to have a solid sign she is around. Today it was an interesting one. The night we found out she had passed, I had made David and I chicken parmesan. Needless to say, I have not eaten chicken parmesan in 12 yrs. Randomly today the hospital sent us a "thank you" dinner. Unexpected.....what do you think that dinner was? You guessed it. Chicken Parmesan! So today I ate chicken parm for the first time in 12 yrs.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-YwqNkfGmGrBMiHeUBDKTkWghFyGd4g5ytXPqg3JWqAU90SfrP8timBrNVftjelT9SS2p4vsEj5vmNcE9ta3z1Ul31pZ88qEySswXNukE1u4JIcE7AxvgsMmzwE428xGMcMw5NBX_n-SmGMFjUY9XTPeVu1wMzyvLY2jwScqAAglvT_-yUnaPPIyTg/s4624/20220420_213454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-YwqNkfGmGrBMiHeUBDKTkWghFyGd4g5ytXPqg3JWqAU90SfrP8timBrNVftjelT9SS2p4vsEj5vmNcE9ta3z1Ul31pZ88qEySswXNukE1u4JIcE7AxvgsMmzwE428xGMcMw5NBX_n-SmGMFjUY9XTPeVu1wMzyvLY2jwScqAAglvT_-yUnaPPIyTg/s320/20220420_213454.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Healing.....freedom....peace.....full circle. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Thank you baby girl for teaching me so many lessons. For helping me grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally strong. Thank you for sending me down this path I would not have taken. I help other families like ours, and love on them and try to give them amazing memories of their babies. I cannot wait to one day hug you in heaven, but until then, I will continue to carry your memory with me through life. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-65554941683421409532020-08-30T12:08:00.003-04:002020-08-30T12:10:04.087-04:00What are the odds??I truly cannot believe it has been over TEN YEARS since my sweet Rosie went up to heaven. It blows my mind!! This life has been a roller coaster ever since. It has been filled with scary births, wonderful moments with my rainbow babies, Foster and I becoming stronger in our relations ship and closer to Christ.<br />
For those of you who don't know about my latest endeavor...2 years ago I decided to go back to nursing school. It is something I started 20 years ago, life happened, and I never got to finish. I have been attending birth photography sessions over the past 10 years, and the thing i thought every time I was in the delivery room, is how I wanted to experience the miracle of birth every day of my life. How you TRULY feel that is the moment when heaven meets earth and God's love and hope for the human race continues. Any of you who have experienced or witnessed a birth probably has felt a similar rush of hope when the baby comes out screaming and the parents cry and everyone is just overwhelmed with emotion. <div><br /></div><div>So 2 yrs ago Foster and I were sitting in a local Indian restaurant, and I told him I had been feeling restless. Life was normal. House was remodeled, business was thriving, both kids in daycare or school, dinner on the table most nights by 6:30 pm...the "picture perfect" life/family. But I was restless. I was feeling a stirring that my "story" was not done. That God was not done with me and my journey. I wanted to go back to school.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is how the conversation went:</div><div>Me: "Honey, I am bored. I need something. I have felt a restlessness that I feel God has something for me to pursue."</div><div><br /></div><div>Foster: Ever the loving, supportive husband to my sometimes CRAZY ideas, "OK.....what is it you want to do?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "I think I want to go back to nursing school."</div><div><br /></div><div>Foster: "OK...well have you researched schools, how much? How long? What specifically do you want to do?"</div><div><br /></div><div>You see he is always the level headed one. I get a harebrained idea and he pulls me back down to earth to have me do it right....to research what I need to do to accomplish my goal. He is more analytical than me....I just go with the flow and where I feel I am being pulled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "Nope, I haven't looked. BUT I know what I want to do. I want to work where Rosie was born. I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. I want to help other families suffering the same type of loss as we did. I want to be a light in there darkest moments."</div><div><br /></div><div>Foster: "Do you think you would be able to handle it? Emotionally?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "Yes I feel like I am in the perfect place in my life to help instead of it hurting me. It has been 8.5 years, and while I miss her EVERY DAY, I am at peace about it, and know I will get to hold her in my arms eventually. But until then, I want to help. Plus, let's face it, labor and delivery is great unit to be a part of! So much joy with some pain. What better place to be every day for work!!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Foster: "Ok, do the research and lets figure it out."</div><div><br /></div><div>So I started researching. I knew there were some great nursing schools within close proximity. I had a TON of credits from the first round of nursing school I attempted 20 yrs ago, and just prayed the credits would still transfer. I had hear horror stories of credits expiring after 5 yrs and did NOT want to retake all the maths and sciences, etc. I also had experience as an army medic, and although I knew most schools did not offer credits for time served, potentially the classes taken to become an EMT-B would help. So I started my google search. </div><div><br /></div><div>The school I found almost immediately seemed way too good to be true. It typically had a 1-2 yr waiting list to get into their nursing program, but they had just started a new program. One that encouraged paramedics and ARMY MEDICS to attend their nursing school, and they would give you credits towards TWO of their nursing classes, and you would have to take a 2 credit hour bridge course instead. This course is the same course the LPNs take before attending the RN courses. And they were accepting applications for their FIRST GROUP to start that fall! What are the odds? </div><div><br /></div><div>So I immediately submitted an application and started gathering all of my transcripts and such....then I waited.</div><div><br /></div><div>After my application was received, a admissions person called me. He needed transcripts from 2 of my schools and my high school. Which I quickly provided for him. But then he told me it could take up to 6-8 weeks to process the transcripts, and not to expect to start school until January. I was BUMMED. The PERFECT situation....the PERFECT in for a great nursing school, and transcript processing may keep me back from starting in fall. This was July 2nd when I spoke to him. </div><div><br /></div><div>July 5th Foster and I were sitting in the living room enjoying an extra day off for him and I received a phone call. My transcripts had been processed, and I could go talk to an academic advisor to start the nursing school process. HOLY CRAP.....</div><div>I called the advisors office, they said they had a cancellation, so therefore an opening at 11:30 AM THAT DAY to talk and get the ball rolling (it was currently 10:30 AM). I looked at Foster, and he said, "Go for it! I will stay home with the girls." What are the odds?</div><div><br /></div><div>Embarrassing moment from this visit:</div><div>I got in the elevator to head home after my meeting, and a girl in the elevator greeted me and then proceeded to ask if I was an instructor there.....okay, okay, I get it, I am old...lol. (36 at this point).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So now the finances. LUCKILY, the school I chose is a local community college. They are SOOO much cheaper to attend than any huge university. I did the math, since I only had to go 8-9 credit hours a semester because I ONLY had to take the nursing courses (remember all those credits...they transferred and saved me SOOOO much time and $$), and the college took payment plans, the total per month for me to attend would be between $359-379 a month. Fall for my business is BONKERS. I make about 1/2 of my yearly income in the last 4 months of the year. So I knew financially I could swing paying for classes in the fall without hurting our family financially. BUT winter would be much more difficult. Business typically drops off dramatically in January for the first few months. OH....but don't you worry...Foster's car payment fell off in January! $400/ month was going to be opened up RIGHT AT THE RIGHT TIME......what are the odds?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now nursing school was HARD....I mean REALLY REALLY hard. Nursing school while having 2 kids, a full time business to run, and a husband who was gone a LOT for the military.....don't even get me started. But with a LOT of prayer and determination and A LOT of support from family, friends, and fellow nursing school friends, I made it through. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the second to last last semester, the school allows you to apply for a preceptor-ship for your last semester clinical. A preceptor-ship is a 1:1 clinical in a specialized area. You are not guaranteed it. You have to write an essay explaining why you want it, why you would be a good representative of the school, and have good grades. There are a few ICU slots, cardiac, pediatric, and OCCASIONALLY an OB option. Of COURSE I wanted the OB option. So did a few other students in my class. So I got to writing my essay. I talked about my journey over the previous 9 yrs, Rosie, why I wanted OB, submitted the essay and application, and then prayed....HARD. If this is literally what I started school for, I wanted to be 100% sure this was right for me. I wanted to experience it more in depth than our 3 day OB clinical we received. </div><div><br /></div><div>After finals were graded, and last semester was planned out by the professors, we received our clinical rotation for Spring 2020 semester. I scrolled through all of the group clinicals and did not see my name....I kept scrolling. Under Preceptorship label I saw My name:</div><div><br /></div><div>Erin Foster- L&D........</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I scrolled to the right to see the hospital I would be working in.......my heart stopped and leapt at the same time......ROSIE'S hospital!! The same floor I delivered her on and the only place I got to hold her in my arms for 4 days. Funny thing? This is NOT the typical hospital system our school works with. They typically work with one of the other major group her in our city. I was in literal shock! What are the odds?</div><div><br /></div><div>So fast forward to last semester. Everyone is starting their clinical rotations, and I had still not heard from my nurse preceptor from the hospital to set up my schedule. I was starting to get frustrated when she finally responded, "I am sorry, I don't know why they chose me, I am on vacation almost all of Feb and all of Mar."</div><div><br /></div><div>How the HECK am I supposed to get 130 hours in when my preceptor is gone 2/3 months I have to fit those hours into?!?</div><div><br /></div><div>I called my sister (a NICU nurse at this hospital) crying. So upset because if they couldn't find me a new preceptor, I would have to fall in with one of the groups and not get my chance in OB. SO I started praying.....</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, my sister was leaving her shift and was on the elevator. She started up a random conversation about children with a girl she had never met in the elevator. THey rode the bus to the parking lot together and this stranger was telling my sister how she was bummed because she wanted to work up the clinical ladder (a program to help with raises and certifications), and since she worked all 3 departments in OB (L&D, maternal special care, and mother infant), that she couldn't orient a new nurse......this triggered a question from my sister: "Could you precept a nursing student and get the credit for the clinical ladder?"</div><div>This stranger replied: "I don't know, I don't see why not. Why?"</div><div>My sister: "Well, my sister has a problem....." And the proceeded to tell her what happened. </div><div>They exchanged information, and within a week, this RANDOM stranger became my new preceptor.....what are the odds?</div><div><br /></div><div>6 GLORIOUS weeks of working next to Amber. I helped deliver babies in the operating room I had Rosie in, I helped deliver a baby in the L&D room they held me unitl my c-section. I took care of a mom in the maternal special care room I stayed in and held my daughter for 4 days. I opened the fridge that my daughter stayed cool in for 4 days.......and I was in PURE HEAVEN. I get to be near my earthly children every day. I get to hold them, love them, and help them grow. But being on that floor, in those rooms, in that environment...i felt SOOOOO close to my daughter in heaven. Like I could be with her when I was at work, and with my earthly daughters here at home.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Then Covid hit. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was unable to finish my last shift and properly thank the management and my preceptor for the experience. I wanted to hand my resume to the hiring manager before I left and tell her I was very interested if a position opened. But none of that happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>I graduated virtually Cum Laude, and even received a leadership award from the college of nursing. It SHOULD have been the culmination of my nursing school career with my friends and family there to support me, and my sister there to pin me, but it was depressing and anticlimactic. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6yDThguW76wFLiX0zH8K8A3fwAWBWiXfjm5QgQZ_mo25CqISMgUsA9sGhLuky2fZqFn_pSEMt5IpVRl0wCjoRcrw07B7537u8gnGE7XT2RYwajkX-JtRTWD622mc-LXMEzUaRxr3QSVr/s1315/96702577_10116095650639015_8940883757099909120_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6yDThguW76wFLiX0zH8K8A3fwAWBWiXfjm5QgQZ_mo25CqISMgUsA9sGhLuky2fZqFn_pSEMt5IpVRl0wCjoRcrw07B7537u8gnGE7XT2RYwajkX-JtRTWD622mc-LXMEzUaRxr3QSVr/s640/96702577_10116095650639015_8940883757099909120_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I went on to apply for RN to BSN programs, which I got accepted to a phenomenal program....the same program my sister graduated from traditional BSN. I broke my leg (another story for another day) and used that time to study for the NCLEX, and apply for jobs. HOWEVER, most of the hospitals were on hiring freezes. But I kept praying. Foster asked what the cut off for me to get my "dream job" would be before I "settled" for a different job. Most people will tell you they won't hire new grads into L&D. They want you to have your BSN, and 2 yrs of med-surg experience before you can get a L&D job. </div><div><br /></div><div>My response was always: L&D is what I am supposed to be doing, and years working in the ED and as an Army medic, I have a lot more "experience" than a lot of new nurses. So I stuck to my guns. And I am SOOOOOO glad I did. </div><div><br /></div><div>In June, a positon opened in Rosie's L&D unit! I immediately applied. I sent in my thank you card and resume to the hiring manager, and before I knew it I had an interview......the MORNING before I was to take the NCLEX......talk about no sleep. LOL. </div><div><br /></div><div>The interview went amazing, and I PASSED my NCLEX all in the same day, and that next Monday, I was offered the job.......during a pandemic WHILE most of the hospitals were on hiring freezes...what are the odds? I have cried so many happy tears because I know the Truth...</div><div><br /></div><div>When you follow HIS plans for you, when you turn EVERYTHING over to Him, there are no odds....it is His will and it WILL happen if HE wants it to! Rosie's death was so much more than me losing a child. I TRULY feel it was for me to find my path, to connect closer to God, and to finally be able to help others on their journey of baby loss. Some of my baby loss moms started non profits, some write or speak to the public...me? I was supposed to be a L&D nurse.....Just like my Granny Phillippa (Who Rosie is buried with and Pippa is named after.....what are the odds??)</div><div><br /></div><div>So tomorrow I start. I start this next chapter of my life in L&D. Please pray for me. Pray I can be the best nurse for ALL of my patients. Pray I am able to touch others' lives, pray I can be a light in the dark.....and pray for my nerves LOL... I feel like it is the first day of school as a kid LOL. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just wanted to write all of this down so I can see His love for me during times of doubt, and to hopefully inspire someone else to follow their dreams and listen to their hearts!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-59822513667094557332018-01-29T11:00:00.001-05:002019-03-09T17:14:22.551-05:00The Rainbow Baby ProjectOh it has been FOREVER since I have posted here. Mainly because 2 babies are keeping me EXTREMELY busy, and so is my business, <a href="http://irisheyesphotography.net/" target="_blank">Irish Eyes Photography. </a> It has been NEARLY EIGHT YEARS since my Rosalynn passed away. Some days it feels like a lifetime ago, other days it seems like just yesterday!<br />
The 2 things that have kept hope going in my life has been my two rainbow babies, Avaleen and Phillippa (Ava and Pippa). So with that, I have decided to give back to the baby loss community that has blessed me and supported me for EIGHT YEARS!!! Please, go over to my blog on my photography page to read a full story/explanation, and see all the details. If you, family, or friends are in Ohio, or willing to TRAVEL to Ohio, FEEL FREE to share and nominate them for this amazing opportunity!!<br />
<br />
https://www.irisheyesphotography.net/rainbow-baby-columbus-ohio<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxuM9FhjV_rx-CW0iQb40SwhqSPmcGngjkpbY6FfRai3evIMjyvMeZDzaUW6HdobUMT8LoDRBcQYYkbmHRO2-ySQAxp-E2TVuuLKq4AMXZgeSxCc7DDp7Y1EW7mDBdf4XtR8SPcDKfs_i/s1600/13497982_1036125779790186_3398347993012847773_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxuM9FhjV_rx-CW0iQb40SwhqSPmcGngjkpbY6FfRai3evIMjyvMeZDzaUW6HdobUMT8LoDRBcQYYkbmHRO2-ySQAxp-E2TVuuLKq4AMXZgeSxCc7DDp7Y1EW7mDBdf4XtR8SPcDKfs_i/s640/13497982_1036125779790186_3398347993012847773_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-41973779091892054552016-05-05T13:57:00.000-04:002016-05-05T13:57:42.680-04:00Phillippa's Birth Story:: Part 2.......Sorry to leave you hanging. I definitely would not have done that if most of you didn't already know the outcome thanks to facebook;-) LOL<br />
<br />
After finding her heartbeat and being able to at least breath knowing she was hanging in, I waited on the porch, gripping my doppler as Foster took Ava to the neighbor's and I waited for the ambulance. They pulled up a few minutes later, which of COURSE felt like and ETERNITY. They loaded me on immediately and told my husband to follow in the car or hop in if he wanted. He followed in the car.<br />
<br />
I was crying, frequently checking Pippa's heart rate while telling the paramedics my history, and just begging them to get me to the hospital while she was still alive. I never realized how bumpy the squad ride was until every bump we went over I felt little gushes of blood. They took me directly to labor and delivery triage. No waiting, no passing go, no collecting $200. This is another reason I took a squad versus letting Foster drive me. Although after working in an ER for years, a squad doesn't ALWAYS mean direct room/immediate care, in most cases it does. At least until the hospital team rules out immediate threats.<br />
<br />
The nurses and on call physician were ready and quick to start examining me. As soon as the fetal monitor was placed and we were continuously monitoring her heart beat, I was able to relax....a little bit. The doctor fired up the u/s machine while nurses started 2 different IV sites, hooked up contraction monitors, telemetry monitors, blood pressure cuff, and oxygen. I rattled off my history like a novel, told them the current and recent care plans I had been on with Ohio State, and they were definitely concerned and on top of things.<br />
<br />
The u/s wand showed a great little heart beat, perfect amount of amniotic fluid, a good sized baby measuring a little ahead of her due date, and a pocket of blood with a marginal abruption to my placenta.<br />
<br />
Marginal.....marginal is good right? "What side was the abruption on?" I asked. If you remember, Pippa had a marginal cord insertion just like Rosalynn. I was afraid if it was on the same side as the cord insertion, we would be risking an intrauterine demise because of lack of nutrients to that side of the placenta.<br />
<br />
"The opposite side of the cord" The doctor responded.<br />
<br />
WHEW!<br />
<br />
I was having mild contractions every 2-4 minutes apart, and of course by this time my BP was sky high. Now, who knows if this was stress, or the Pre-E. They started fluids, drew labs, checked the bleeding WITHOUT inserting anything into me. They didn't want to check my cervix or anything for fear of causing more bleeding.<br />
<br />
"Have you heard about magnesium?" The doctor asked.<br />
<br />
"Yes," I responded, "I have heard it is a very uncomfortable drug, but it should help with the contractions, help decrease my BP, and hopefully give us more time for her to cook."<br />
<br />
"Yes, however, that is not the reason I want to start it. It is beneficial for baby at this stage. You said you received the steroids in the hospital on Wednesday and Thursday, which will help develop her lungs, but the Mag will help with her brain. Babies born before 32 weeks we suggest getting it because it will help with brain bleeds and neuro function. Of course I would love to stop the contractions and help the BP, but if this baby is coming, she is coming, and we will only be able to hold her off so long. If we can help her long term, that is more beneficial."<br />
<br />
They decided to admit me to antepartum, and start continuous monitoring, magnesium drip, foley cath to monitor urine output (the mag can cause kidney issues), get me through the night, and wait for maternal fetal medicine to review everything and see if delivery or strict bed rest was in order. Apparently there was a mom down the hall who had a marginal abruption. She had been there for 10 weeks, I was at the best place possible (the hospital) to try and cook Pippa a little longer before delivery. Because if we needed to deliver, we could do it quickly, and have her here in a matter of minutes.<br />
<br />
So we started the wait. I tried to relax and rest, Foster slept on the couch close by, and we got through the night with no new excitement and with Pippa's heart beating away nicely on the monitor next to me.<br />
<br />
LUCKILY the mag was not as bad as other people had described to me. It made me feel like I was engulfed in one big fuzzy sock, so I was a bit warm, but not unbearable, and we cranked up the air and added a fan, and I was comfortable. I couldn't really sleep while on it, I don't know if it was because of the Mag, or because of the adrenaline and fear that was racing through me, but I listened to Foster sleep, and prayed, talked to Pippa, talked to my Granny (Pippa's name sake and she had passed away in this very hospital), and talked to Rosie.<br />
<br />
Morning came and Foster left to take Ava to school, grab a bag for me, eat breakfast away from me (since I was on just ice water at this point), and get a few things in order.<br />
<br />
My mom came to the hospital as well to hang out with me. To find out what was going on, and come on.....when you are sick and need someone, who is it you think of first.....your mom. So having her there brought me peace:-)<br />
<br />
We waited most of the morning for MFM to get all the records from OSU for my recent adventures there, updated ultra sounds, past medical records for my history. They wanted the whole story to be able to make an informed decision on delivery vs. bed rest, etc. I was ok with that.<br />
<br />
Around 1130 they came in. A funny, easy going red headed doc came in. After some banter back and forth (including Foster asking how many souls he had stolen, since my freckles mark each one I have), this is what MFM had decided:<br />
<br />
"At this time you are both stable. The Mag has brought your BPs down, have all but stopped the contractions, has given Pippa what she needs if delivery is imminent. HOWEVER. I am taking you off. What does this mean? you could start contracting again, your BP could come up again, etc. So what we will do is keep you on STRICT bed rest for now, and see how we progress. If things stay stable we will talk about potentially transferring to Ohio State if that is what you would like to be close to your doc and team. OR we can keep you here if you prefer. We will determine day by day what kind of food and activity you can do, and continue to test, monitor, and watch closely. IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING happen, we will deliver immediately:<br />
-Fresh Bleeding<br />
-Increased BP<br />
-Contractions start back up regularly and start showing signs of labor<br />
-Pippa shows signs of distress through her heart monitoring, movement or lack there of, etc.<br />
We will not try to stop it again, because there is a REASON why it keeps happening and at that point we will determine it is better for her to be out then in, and will deal with the NICU stay and getting her strong AFTER the fact.<br />
Goal will be 34 weeks, but any extra day will be beneficial."<br />
<br />
HOLY crap. Bed rest. Flat back, little movement bed rest. OK if that is what it takes, I will do it. Then I looked at my nurse after the doctor left "wait, so is the foley catheter coming out?"<br />
<br />
"Yes", she replied, "I have to take it out as soon as the mag is done at 1230. Infection control does not like us keeping it in."<br />
<br />
"Will you do me a BIIIIIGGGG favor?" I asked, "Will you keep it in for just a few more hours so I can sleep? I pee every hour or so, and want to just get some rest before having to start the dreaded bed pan ritual every hour."<br />
<br />
"Well......only if I can be your favorite nurse now," she said jokingly. I agreed, and after the mag was done at 1230, was able to relax and actually start drifting off to sleep.<br />
<br />
Mom and Foster went to get lunch, hung out together, and Foster went to the gym for a bit.<br />
<br />
I was suddenly woken up around 1430 (230pm) by what I could only think was a "REAL" contraction.<br />
<br />
I had experienced "contractions", but mom told me if I could talk through them, they weren't "real". Well, I was gripping the bed rails, couldn't talk, hurt so bad I thought I was going to come off the bed. Right then the NICU nurse practitioner came in. She wanted to go over a few things in terms of a NICU stay for a 31-32 weeker. What to expect (CPAP, possible intubation, tapering down to room air over time, feeding tubes, medications, incubators, etc.) While there, I had another one of these HUGE contractions in front of her. She was surprised it wasn't showing up on the monitor. So called my nurse.<br />
<br />
Apparently thanks to this bicorunated uterus I have, it is sometimes difficult to pick up contractions on the monitor because there is a sweet spot to pick them up on most uteri, and mine doesn't necessarily have that "sweet spot".<br />
<br />
SO as she fiddled with the monitor, I had another one.....maybe 4 minutes later. "Oh Crap" I exclaimed.<br />
<br />
"What?" My now favorite nurse looked up at me.<br />
<br />
"I think I just gushed blood."<br />
<br />
She looked in the pad under me to examine, "Looks like it is dark red blood, not bright. It was probably old pooled blood that was sitting in there that came out with the contraction. I will get you cleaned up, and if it happens again, call me and I will check again."<br />
<br />
I looked at mom and told her she should probably call Foster, we may be delivering sooner than later since the blood was coming back, the contractions were coming back, and my BP was elevating (probably stress related, but who knows).<br />
<br />
Foster showed up a few minutes later, my nurse was finishing cleaning me up, and then stepped out. As SOON as she stepped outside, another HUGE contraction came, and then another HUGE gush.<br />
<br />
"Foster, get the nurse NOW," She came in, and lifted the sheets again.<br />
<br />
"I think it is time to get the doc. This is bright red, fresh blood."<br />
<br />
I looked at mom and Foster, "This is not good. There is something really wrong. I feel like we need to get her out."<br />
<br />
I had that feeling of dread. I knew in my heart if we didn't get her out soon, I would be burying another child.<br />
<br />
I just kept my ear on her heart rate. She still seemed content. So I knew we still had time. It felt like FOREVER for the doctor to show up, in reality it was probably 5 minutes. He came in with 3 nurses with a speculum. "He is going to take a peak and see what is going on," my favorite nurse said. I let him, and it took him literally half a second to respond.<br />
<br />
"We are going now."<br />
<br />
Then everything turned into a scene out of Grey's Anatomy or ER. The nurses jumped into action, the papers were signed for a repeat c-section, the anesthesiologist was there checking my pallet, throat, back, Foster was given the bunny suit to wear in the operating room. This all started going down around quarter till 3pm.<br />
<br />
The nice thing is that because of the precautions that were taken earlier, and the fact that Pippa wasn't showing signs of distress, they opted for a spinal instead of general anesthesia, and Foster was able to be in the OR with me. We were ready to go within minutes, and the few minutes they took Pippa off the monitor to scrub me for surgery were the most deafening moments of my life. It took the nurse a few moments to get her back on the monitor when they were ready, and for a minute of two I thought maybe we were too late. Luckily she found her, and by 3:18pm, Pippa came out CRYING!!!! She was PERFECT!!!!!<br />
<br />
The NICU team assessed her while the docs finished on me, and I would later find out that as they were pulling out my placenta, it was in pieces. It was shredded and looked like if we had waited much longer, or had I been home when this happened, the outcome would have been very different.<br />
<br />
After a few minutes, the NICU team brought Pippa over. She was holding her own on room air, and got to visit with me and Foster before they would take her away for further testing and assessments. Foster cried, I cried, we had made it. SHE had made it. SHE had held on and was a strong cookie.<br />
<br />
31weeks and 5 days. the most premature out of all 3 girls, and she came out crying, breathing room air, and proving to everyone she is as strong as all the strong women in her life. She was ready, and she thinks she is a full term baby....I won't be telling her otherwise;-) LOL.<br />
<br />
WHEW!!! So there you have it. Pippas GRAND entrance into the world. Once again...wouldn't be a Foster pregnancy without a bit of drama. I love her so much already, Ava is obsessed, she has her daddy wrapped around her TINY finger already, and our family is complete.<br />
<br />
And we are DONE!!! That was enough drama and fear for a lifetime. So our family is complete. I will never again put my family, husband or one of my children OR myself through that again.<br />
<br />
I will continue to keep everyone updated on Pippa's NICU stay and hopefully sooner than later graduation. prayers are always appreciated:-) Please be patient if I am slower to answer emails, texts, calls. I have a very important job to do: help a little girl get stronger and get home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-74390703463463755712016-05-04T23:38:00.001-04:002016-05-04T23:38:48.586-04:00Phillippa's Birth Story:: PART 1<div dir="ltr">
Where do I even begin? It has been such a whirlwind the past 40 hours that I may leave something out, but want to write this down before I start to forget. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As mentioned in my last blog post, I was on modified bed rest. I was allowed to do certain things, as long as my blood pressure was kept under control, and any signs of pre eclampsia stayed away (nausea, headaches not cured with Tylenol, right upper quadrant pain, changes in vision). Saturday was uneventful. I stayed at home most of the day and left just to have a nice dinner with my family. Low key, low bps most of the day. Sunday is when I woke up feeling like yuck.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It started off with just slightly elevated blood pressure. (140s/80-90) nothing to be concerned about. Nothing to call the doc about because I had been hanging out around that range the past 2 weeks. But I felt "off". Went to church with the family. This literally required me to sit in a car, then sit through service, I didn't stand, didn't dance in the aisles lol, just sat. But I had a feeling of "restless body syndrome" if you have ever had restless leg syndrome, it is that feeling but all over my body. I wasn't comfortable sitting, standing, walking, didn't want anyone touching me. Just REALLY restless. <br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We headed home and my bp was still 140s/80-90. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Foster had a few errands to run, grocery shopping, ref a rugby game, etc. So while he did that I napped. I took TWO 1.5 hr naps. NOT like me, but once again, I wasn't feeling well. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Woke up at 530pm to get ready to go to small group. Which required me to sit in the car, walk to a couch and sit on a couch for 2 hrs. No big deal. Plus I figured with everything going on, it would be a nice thing to hang with a group that would be praying hard for all of us. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
After small group, I got home, Foster went to bathe Ava while I made a late dinner of sandwiches and Mac and cheese. After putting the pot on to boil I decided to take my bp because I still didn't feel well. It read 160/100. I was a bit shocked, but did what Dr P told me: lay on your left side, rest for 10 mins and retake. If it doesn't go down, call. Retake: 138/85, the best it has been all day. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
So we ate and then headed to bed. Yes, I was headed to bed at 9pm even after 2 naps. The one thing I noticed is my tummy was tight. Not contraction tight, but more just overall tight. Tender to the touch. Even Ava wanting to kiss the belly goodnight was a bit painful. I chalked it up to mild contractions like I had had on and off since 28 weeks, and figured I would chug some water and lay down. It would go away like it always did. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Why didn't I call my doc? I don't know. I thought about it multiple times through the day, but I had a non stress test scheduled that next morning and figured as long as I was keeping things under control, I would be fine till then. Nothing seemed major, just had that "off" feeling all day.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was out like a light by 9:30p. But just like every other night, I woke up about 1.5 hrs later because I had to pee....oh the joys of pregnancy. I shuffled into the bathroom, sat down and before I got the chance to start peeing, I felt a huge gush. I stopped. Oh crap. I think my water just broke. I flipped on the bathroom light, not knowing what to expect because my water has never broken, and was terrified when I looked in the toilet and it looked like a massacre had taken place. I froze. When I think of the most devastating moment in my life, it is when we found out Rosalynn had no heart beat. When I think of the most terrifying moment of my life, this was it.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am too versed in pregnancy. I know the good, the bad and the devastating. I know that that much blood in the third trimester could mean 1 of 2 things:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
1) My csection scar was opening, which is a risk with any pregnancy after csection, and when contractions have been manifesting themselves, increase this risk if they are strong enough/productive. This is one reason why docs don't like doing vaginal births after csection (VBAC).</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
2) A placental abruption. Any of you who watch Grey's anatomy, they JUST had an episode of a woman experiencing one of these. Both her and baby died. VERY dangerous, very scary, and happens quickly.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I yelled out to Foster, "HONEY.....wake up we need to go to the hospital NOW". </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
All I kept thinking is I had lost her already. That I was hemorrhaging and Pippa was gone. I honestly thought I had lost another baby. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Foster sprung into action, grabbing Ava and getting her to the neighbor's house, grabbing my bag that was still partially packed from Thursday's stay at OSU, and getting the car ready.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I called 911 and grabbed my Doppler. I didn't want to risk bleeding out and dying in a car my husband was driving on the way to the hospital. I wanted to make sure I had medical care on the transport to the hospital. But I also knew this meant 1 bad thing: they would take me to a hospital I was not familiar with, with docs who didn't know my case, and my doc had no delivery rights to. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
While I was on the phone with 911 I had my Doppler in hand. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Mrs Foster, can you feel your baby move?"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"No, I haven't felt her move since the gush. I have a doppler in my hand but I am terrified to put it on my belly" I told the operator. "What if my daughter is gone already?!". </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Ma'am most squads don't have a way to check fetal heart tones. So if you want to check it would be best to use it."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
As I placed the doppler on my belly I held my breath.......and THANK THE LORD Pippa was there. It was the first time the entire pregnancy I didn't have to search for her or chase her with the doppler. Thank God for small favors!! I knew she was at least alive.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
TO BE CONTINUED........</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am exhausted, my pain meds are kicking in, and I need to head to bed. Sorry lol. I will finish typing her story tomorrow:-) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-8815852057013096902016-04-29T19:48:00.000-04:002016-04-29T19:53:50.945-04:00Bed Rest Chronicles Day 1So when discharged yesterday, I read the instructions for "modified bed rest". Things I CAN do:<br />
<br />
- Light House work (is there any way I can take this off the list? lol)<br />
- shower, bathroom, daily grooming/dressing activities. Yay for being clean and dressed;-)<br />
- Short errands (i.e. short trips to the grocery) So I figure I can put trips to the studio in this for minor errands.<br />
- Short walks 2-3 blocks. TWO TO THREE BLOCKS. LOL Now, is this a NYC block? a country block? If it was my block, I might as well not leave the house, it isn't worth it.<br />
- Easy outings like out to dinner or a movie that takes little to know effort.<br />
<br />
OK. So my biggest challenge is going to be seeing how much I can do without my blood pressure raising. I am hanging around the 130/80-140/90 resting. I want to keep it as close to that as possible.<br />
<br />
So I woke up this morning feeling like this is my first official day as a "stay at home wife". But the problem with stay at home wife/mom is that I would want to be the BEST one I could be.: food made, house clean, etc. At this point it would take 3 days straight of cleaning to make my house the standard I would expect from myself if I was a SAHM/W so I know it may take all 3 weeks to get to the standard if I do "light house work" every day.<br />
<br />
Ava went to school, Dave woke her up, got her dressed and took her in. While getting her ready, I noticed there were 2 baskets of her laundry that needed put away. And about 3 baskets of laundry of ours that needed to be done. Laundry I would consider "light housework" (minus the carrying of heavy baskets). So Dave took the baskets downstairs so I could work on laundry.<br />
<br />
Morale: High<br />
Pippa: Active<br />
Naps: 1<br />
TV watched: probably around 3 hrs<br />
<br />
645 AM: BP 137/78<br />
- Put Ava's laundry away.<br />
-Go downstairs have breakfast<br />
-Watch a little news.<br />
-Start getting antsy<br />
-Put first load in laundry<br />
<br />
1030AM:<br />
-switch laundry, fold first load<br />
-put dinner in the crockpot<br />
-clean a little of the kitchen<br />
<br />
BP: 148/89 OK I get it, I did a little too much "Light housework"<br />
<br />
Sit down for 15 mins and retake: 138/78 great!! back down!<br />
<br />
Rest, watch TV, fold more laundry.....come on, admit you are jealous;-)<br />
<br />
3pm:<br />
Time to test "short errand trip"<br />
Went to studio to meet client to drop off products.<br />
Headed to Ava's school for parent teacher conference.<br />
Office max for electric converter for a nightlight I bought for Ava that has a European plug.<br />
<br />
5:30 BP: 146/89 OK.....so maybe they truly meant ONE short errand. But retested and it came back down:-)<br />
<br />
6:45: Dinner with family, hang out on porch while Dave mows and Ava plays with Dinos. Now writing blog. BP: 136/80<br />
<br />
So what did I learn today?<br />
Spread the house chores out a little more, and ONE short errand at a time. Mom would be mad at me for testing the limits today, but I had to check what would bring up my BP vs what wouldn't, and my doc said as long as it came back DOWN after resting, which in all cases it did, that I could do SOME things. Just no crazy photo shoots, or moving furniture, etc.<br />
<br />
I didn't go TOO crazy today, but then again it is only day one, and when you are as busy as me on a regular basis it is nice to have a light day from time to time. We will see how morale is next week.<br />
<br />
I do have this great photo to keep me motivated on "taking it easy":<br />
<br />
<img src="https://scontent.fhsv1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/13124663_10107438053962155_6565398934118699032_n.jpg?oh=7cee92aa0ac2af6ed189dddb0507cccd&oe=57B54540" /><br />
<br />
On the list for tomorrow: Boss Dave around for things I wanted done before Pippa got here but won't get to do myself now.<br />
Family Date to dinner and MAYBE a movie if my BP is behaving:-)<br />
Editing on the couch!! :-)<br />
<br />
Don't worry, I won't bore you EVERY day with the happenings of the Bed Rest Chronicles....maybe just every other day;-)<br />
<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-19763611105104546872016-04-28T11:01:00.000-04:002016-04-28T11:01:22.777-04:00Pre-Eclampsia and "Modified Bed Rest"Ok, So we have a plan, and HOPEFULLY this plan will keep little missy in for another 3 weeks 6 days. BUT there has been some talk of as early as 34 week delivery.<br />
<br />
According to my 24 hour urine collection, I do indeed have pre-eclampsia. Mild, but there. My BPs have been "behaving" around 140s/80s with rest. But they have definitely creeped up over the course of the 3rd trimester. Pippa is passing her non stress tests, and we are getting a growth scan to make sure these BPs are not effecting her growth, and will be getting our second round of steroid shots JUST TO BE SAFE. But she is behaving and seems content.<br />
<br />
So what now? They want to send me home. They feel like as long as I rest and relax, I can hopefully keep the BP levels down and keep other symptoms at bay. For now I am ok with this. I have an amazing support system of family, neighbors and friends who will be helping with Ava, and I SHOULD be able to keep my feet up and rest for a little over 3 weeks. I have a REALLY bad issue with sitting still, but at least I will be sitting still in the comfort of my own home. I will have time to get caught up on all client sessions, album designs, and maybe even catch up on some online workshops and such that I have purchased but been unable to watch due to being so busy. Pippa is MAKING mommy slow down and breath for a few weeks. So far I have had some AMAZINGLY understanding clients (helps a lot of them are doctors and nurses). I think that was one of my biggest stressors I was dealing with when trying to get my head wrapped around any form of "rest".<br />
<br />
As far as treatment and care plan:<br />
<br />
2 day a week non stress tests with Dr. P with 1 day week lab draw to watch my liver enzymes, creatinine, and platelet levels. If these go up they are indicative of liver problems, and reasons to deliver earlier. As of right now they are all within normal range. My only abnormal levels are my BP and my proteinuria (Protein in my urine) which these two alone are enough for a Pre Eclampsia diagnosis. So no need to retest my urine, BUT I will be doing BPs frequently through the day at home. Any indication of increased readings, symptoms getting worse (swelling, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, headaches that don't go away with tylenol, vision changes, etc) I am to call the doc or go directly to L&D triage.<br />
<br />
Goal is still May 25th delivery, but we are preparing for anything at this point. We obviously don't want any NICU stay, and especially don't want an extended NICU stay, but the girls over there are already calling dibs on who gets to admit and take care of Phillippa, so I know regardless she will be well taken care of if she does get a short stint with them.<br />
<br />
I have gotten asked NUMEROUS times in the past 24 hrs if there is anything anyone can do for me. So....what can you do to help? Well, I HATE asking for help, so even this is hard for me. If I had any requests, it would be food. Foster and I both cook, but I typically do the majority of the meals in our home. SOOOO it is going to be really hard for me to NOT want to cook for my family every day especially since the kitchen is RIGHT THERE. So anything would help, premade meals I can pop in the oven easily, freezer style or crockpot style meals that can be made easy, gift cards for food, etc. I HATE feeling useless, and one of my biggest ways of feeling like a true mom and wife is by feeding my family. So this will be my hardest challenge to the "resting" issue.....because lets face it, no one REALLY likes cleaning;-) lol. If you are interested text, private message, etc and I will give you more details. We have no allergies, and the only food Foster won't eat are mushrooms.<br />
<br />
Now, I am also up for company. Because we are going to be TRYING to maintain some normalcy in Ava's life so she will still be going to school so I will be home twiddling my thumbs Mon, Weds, Fri. So company is always welcome:-) I can't promise I will be showered or the house will be clean LOL, but I am still good company.<br />
<br />
And of course last but most importantly, PRAYERS. If you are too far to visit, don't consider yourself a chef and afraid you would poison my family, above all else we need prayers! Prayers my BP behaves, prayers my labs remain normal, prayers Pippa behaves, prayers for my sanity as I take this much needed rest, and prayers my hubby and daughter survive this "Jabba the Hut" mommy LOL. Because if I don't shoot myself from boredom, My hubby may kill me out of annoyance;-) (JUST KIDDING, I am having NO thoughts of harming myself and Foster would never hurt me...don't call the police;-)<br />
<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-78362064724090913052016-04-27T15:51:00.001-04:002016-04-27T15:51:42.791-04:00Problem Child: 31 Weeks and In the HospitalSO it looks like Miss Phillippa is going to be my problem child. She has been lovingly dubbed "little stinker" by me:-)<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was watching my niece and Ava but felt "off". I decided to nap while the girls did, and still didn't feel very good. So before leaving Bug's house for the day, I had her take my BP. I purchased a manual BP cuff because I don't completely trust digital cuffs, and my years of taking BPs I figured I would trust my own ears better than the digital readings. Well, my sister, the NICU nurse got the following readings:<br />
<br />
160/90 Left arm<br />
155/95 Left arm 10 mins after "resting" on the couch<br />
150/95 Right arm after resting.<br />
<br />
Yeah......not good.<br />
<br />
So I called my doc. I just wanted to go to their office and have my BP checked and maybe a urine dip to check things out, but instead she sent me straight to L&D.<br />
<br />
First few readings at L&D showed high (140s/90s) but with resting they quickly started going into normal range (120s/70s). Of course they would. All I was doing was laying around. They drew blood, monitored Pippa for 2 hrs, and she behaved this time, gave me a 24 hr urine to go home with and instructions to return today around 5pm to turn in urine, monitor Pippa again, and recheck BPs.<br />
<br />
I had originally had a regular prenatal appointment set up for this morning at 8:30 with Dr. P. I was getting Ava ready for school, getting myself ready for my day, and started feeling "off" again. Nauseated, dizzy, head ache. So I sat down and took my BP digitally. It came to 170/95. Then I threw up. Waited a few mins and then took it again but manually this time: 170/100.<br />
<br />
GREAT. So off to my appointment I went.<br />
<br />
My doctor came in VERY quickly. Checked my BP, rechecked my BP and both times were high. So we started talking.<br />
<br />
OBVIOUSLY when in the hospital and doing NOTHING my #s start looking great! But how is that going to work outside of the hospital? How am I to keep my BP in check when just doing normal activity gets it to skyrocket?<br />
<br />
Dr. P wanted to send me to the hospital for 24 hr observation again. First starting in triage. If my BP didn't want to come down while being monitored there, then we would be talking delivery sooner than later. If it DID come down, then we would be monitoring me on antepartum floor with frequent checks on Pippa, frequent BP checks and more blood work to find out if this is pregnancy induced hypertension or the dreaded Pre-Eclampsia.<br />
<br />
So here I sit. My BPs were not critical like some of the readings we were getting earlier today, but they are still higher than normal. So no delivery today THANK GOD!! But we are monitoring and waiting for labs and my 24 hour urine to be done tonight to determine if A) this is Pre-E or B) if this is pregnancy induced hypertension.<br />
<br />
What happens if Pre-E? Most likely admittance till delivery (hopefully still 4 weeks from today instead of sooner) but they will need to keep close eyes on my BP and blood work and if either becomes critical, it will be a quick delivery via c-section.<br />
<br />
If Hypertension? HOPEFULLY it is something that can be treated with some BP meds and "taking it easy" for the rest of the pregnancy with the hopes of making it till May 25th.<br />
<br />
I am praying for the hypertension, but JUST IN CASE, they have administered my first steroid shot for Miss Pippa's lungs, which would hopefully equal a shorter NICU stay. But I am also praying for it for my own sanity. Although I will do ANYTHING to get this child here safe and sound, and I know some people, like my mom would rather me be admitted till delivery, I would go INSANE. Any of you who know me in real life know I am busy all the time. Have a zillion things going on, and i THRIVE on that. So sitting still for 4 weeks would be killer. BUT I will do ANYTHING for Pippa, just like I would do ANYTHING for Ava:-) But man oh man will I miss home.<br />
<br />
So if you are the praying type, I have always been told by my mom that pray specific and you have a better chance at getting those answered:-)<br />
<br />
Pray for NO pre-E<br />
Pray for med controlled hypertension<br />
pray for sending home and resting<br />
pray for delivery at 8am on may 25th like planned:-)<br />
<br />
I will keep updating as I can.<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-24110906000107415592016-04-12T18:06:00.003-04:002016-04-12T18:06:56.446-04:00First AND Second Trip to the HospitalWell I was all ready to post an entry about the fun trip to Cincinati that Foster and I had for our baby moon, but then 2 times in 4 days I have ended up at the hospital, so I thought it may be a bit more important to update everyone on Phillippa and I.<br />
<br />
Thursday evening I was finishing up dinner with the family, when I had the worst tightening, take my breath away, pain in my abdomen. I was nauseated, felt like I was going to pass out, poop, and throw up all at the same time. I looked at Foster and said "I have never had a contraction in my life, but if I had to guess what one felt like, I think that was it. With 2 csections, and only being 28 weeks, I knew it was dangerous for me to be going into labor at this point. I called my doc.<br />
<br />
The "contraction lasted about 3-5 mins, and according to my doc sounded more like a braxton hicks since they weren't coming multiple at a time, it was only one, and it was a little abnormal in terms of length. She wanted me to rest and hydrate and see if it helped and if I had more than 4 in an an hour, call her back. Well, we spoke too soon. I started having similar feelings every 8-10 mins, then 6-8 mins, then 3-4 mins apart. Dr. T decided I needed to head in to make sure I wasn't in full blown labor, dilating, or risking my c-section scar.<br />
<br />
While waiting for my sister to pick me up to take me into L&D while Foster stayed home with Ava, I was packing a bag and taking a shower JUST IN CASE, and the contractions were coming every 1.5 mins. I was starting to get a bit anxious.<br />
<br />
LUCKILY, they were able to make them stop after a few hours. After testing everything they could to make sure I wasn't in active labor, they administered a bolus of fluid, and some magic pill by 5am I was released with the instructions to take it easy, keep hydrated, and i may experience more contractions, but at least I know what they feel like, and know when they get fast and furious to call or go in.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to yesterday. I was at the office editing, and left to head to a routine doc appt. Well, if there is anything we have learned from my pregnancies, is they are NEVER "routine". OF COURSE this time I didn't pack a bag, I didn't even lock up the studio before I left because I was headed back after the appointment.....or so I thought.<br />
<br />
When they took my BP it was a bit elevated. They wanted to send me over to L&D to monitor my BP and test for Pre-eclampsia. If you remember I mentioned that with Ava my protein count in my urine was only 3 points short of being positive for Pre-E at 34 weeks. I never had to address it, because we ended up delivering before any issues came up. So to be on the safe side they sent me into the hospital. I figured, no big deal, they will hook me up, monitor for an hour, and send me home by dinner time.<br />
<br />
Best way to make God laugh? Make plans;-)<br />
<br />
I had about 15 mins left before the labs came back to let me know how things were when the doc walked in with an u/s machine. MOST people would be ecstatic to see their baby. Well I knew it was not a good sign. LOL. Sure enough, little stinker had a decent drop in her heart rate while I was having a bit of a contraction. (These are known as decelerations, aka decels). It automatically got me 2 more hours of monitoring. They did the u/s to make sure the amniotic fluid was still up to par, because one reason for decels is low fluid.<br />
<br />
Fluid looked great, so I just figured, no problem, she accidentally sat on her cord, and will be fine in the 2 hrs. The first 1.5 hrs she did GREAT!! The last THIRTY MINS of the monitoring she dropped 3 times. Great!! That got me 24 hrs of monitoring in the wonderful ante-partum unit.<br />
<br />
I am officially 1hr from busting out of here now. We are finishing up my 24 hr urine to make sure my protein levels are ok and I am not pre-eclamptic, Phillippa behaved over night, and they were able to take me off the monitors aroun 11 this morning which was nice because I got NO SLEEP thanks to the belts and beeps and every time Pippa moved the nurse had to come and find her on the monitor again. LOL.<br />
<br />
I was on a clear liquid diet last night "Just in case" they had to take me back for a c-section last night. I was opening my apple juice and looked down at the container:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv55EE4eKNaAONKVdU8V_ff0sU0k015BHP2b2lKvjWsPw7NTjEYbJmb5a2TTpGN1WO-kLRQ_qidqbiCslJtI8nrOHin_aZ7K2cQ3PBI6BGmmvj-Hd44_XjE5csGs4fW9kXt5YkXS-PFZ2A/s1600/13000325_10107370838941595_5431158737485648637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv55EE4eKNaAONKVdU8V_ff0sU0k015BHP2b2lKvjWsPw7NTjEYbJmb5a2TTpGN1WO-kLRQ_qidqbiCslJtI8nrOHin_aZ7K2cQ3PBI6BGmmvj-Hd44_XjE5csGs4fW9kXt5YkXS-PFZ2A/s320/13000325_10107370838941595_5431158737485648637_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes Stinker!!! May 25th is your scheduled c-section date. That is the day you are best by!! Don't even think about coming early!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is to praying that this was the most excitement we have between now and May 25th. I am willing to do whatever it take to get her here safe and sound, but after 24 hrs in the hospital, I have NO CLUE how women do bed rest for MONTHS. I am ready to bust out of here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look forward to posting about the baby moon soon:-) </div>
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-88842588755922020612016-03-04T11:54:00.002-05:002016-03-04T11:54:30.017-05:00Gender Reveal and Update: A Bit AnxiousIf you missed the announcement on my facebook page, or don't happen to follow me, we did a sequel Short film to our pregnancy announcement video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JJl_ySY9IkY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JJl_ySY9IkY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Needless to say, we are thrilled!!! Ava is so happy, and cannot wait to be a big sister. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for the anatomy scan. I can't believe it has been 3 weeks already!! For the most part everything looks ok. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was one point of concern. Babe has a marginal cord insertion just like Rosalynn had. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is a marginal cord insertion? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Without boring you with all the medical jargon, a normal umbilical cord is inserted in the center of the placenta. In this case, the cord is inserted at the edge of the placenta. It happens in around 7% of pregnancies, usually when dealing with multiples. I guess I am just the lucky one who it has happened in 2/3 pregnancies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course this makes me incredibly anxious. I TRY not to think about it, but in the autopsy of Rosie's placenta, it was dead ON THE SIDE OF THE CORD INSERTION. Placentas dying towards the end of a pregnancy is not uncommon, but the center insertion allows the cord to draw from the rest of the healthy placenta. She didn't stand a chance because of the insertion point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
According to the high risk doctor, it is a common occurrence, and and usually causes no issues. I begged her not to quote statistics and tell me everything SHOULD be ok. I am one of the people that makes a statistic a statistic.....I HAVE BEEN THE STATISTIC.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what are we doing? Nothing different. We were already doing extra monitoring in the 3rd trimester, so we are just staying the course: U/S at 28 weeks and then every week at 30, then we have non stress tests starting at 30 weeks. Delivery at 35. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Went in this past Weds, and baby still sounds great!! We get another u/s this next friday, and plan on bringing Ava, so she can see her little sister again:-) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-60574252684101595282016-02-04T12:44:00.001-05:002016-02-04T12:57:47.830-05:00Anatomy Scan Tomorrow!!!<p dir="ltr">This past week has been the time in pregnancy that I wish I didn't know everything I do. Being in the baby loss community, and photographing babies who have a terminal diagnosis, I have seen and heard it all. </p>
<p dir="ltr">In my pregnancy groups, everyone is so excited about finding out the sex. Of course I am excited about that, but if it were up to me, I would wait till birth to find out (but I will explain this later). Instead of being focused on the sex, I am praying for a healthy baby. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This whole week I have had nightmares about the scan tomorrow. So far, my baby has had Limb Body Wall complex, no kidneys, CCHD, hydrops, and a stroke in utero. (Do not Google these things if you don't know what they are, some will scare you). Like I said, I have seen and heard to much!! I know the statistics are in my favor to have a healthy baby, but my anxiety and history of loss has me terrified. Please, if you think about it around 11:30 tomorrow, say a little prayer that everything is OK:-)</p>
<p dir="ltr">As for the sex. The reason I am finding out tomorrow is kind of morbid. We kept Rosalynn a surprise. We wanted to find out the day she was born. Well, I found out I was carrying a girl the day we found out her heartbeat stopped. The one thing I regret is she never heard my voice call her by name. So for Ava and this baby, I needed to find out so that if anything happened to them, they would hear me call them by name even if only ever through my belly. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I warned you: morbid. Ahhh how I wish I was naive through pregnancy again!! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Unfortunately for all of you, you won't know the sex of the baby for about another two weeks. We need to film and edit the pregnancy reveal video. Hopefully Foster, Ava and I are able to keep the secret;-) lol<br><br></p>
Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-67956878484617291412016-01-25T10:41:00.001-05:002016-01-25T10:42:14.327-05:00Past the Halfway Mark!!!It is so strange having as close to a "normal" pregnancy as possible. I haven't written much because, well, there isn't much going on. As of today, I am past the half way mark in my pregnancy!! Delivery date set for May 25th, which puts that 17 weeks, 2 days away, and I am officially 17weeks, 5 days today:-)<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, we started planning for our October trip to Disney for Ava's 5th birthday, and it has taken my mind off of being pregnant, which I think is helping the time go a lot faster!!<br />
<br />
I have felt slight movements. I can feel "FitzPippa" pushing when he/she don't like how tight my waistband is, if I am too far on my belly while laying down, and when Ava sits on my lap and puts too much weight on my belly.<br />
We find out the 5th what we are having, and going to have the anatomy scan!!! Prayers for a healthy baby!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Symptoms: Nausea still first thing in the morning if I don't eat within the first 30 mins of being awake. But for the most part, the majority of 1st trimester symptoms have eased up. Some heartburn if I eat spicy foods.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Food cravings/aversions: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!! YUMMMMMM</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Gender: next friday we find out if we are having a Fitz or a Pippa</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Belly button in or out: Still in </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Stretch marks: TONS of old ones from Rosalynn and Avaleen, Really can't tell if there are new ones. I LITERALLY look like a zebra from my 2 girls. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">What I miss: sleeping without getting up 15 times to pee:-) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I am looking forward to: feeling stronger kicks and movements!! Next friday to find out the gender!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will do a few more gender prediction tests before Friday...just for fun:-) </span>Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-46036777327684384362016-01-04T14:32:00.000-05:002016-01-04T14:32:16.905-05:00HELLO 2nd Trimester!!Wow!! Got really busy through the holidays!!<br />
Christmas was amazing, spending time with family, resting, taking a break from work, spending extra time with Ava. It was so mice, I didn't want reality to start back up today.<br />
<br />
I am OFFICIALLY in the SECOND TRIMESTER!!! This past Wednesday I hit 14 weeks. Another milestone passed. It is a big step for most moms. The risk of miscarriage goes down, some moms start feeling baby move, the heartbeat becomes easier to pick up the heartbeat on doppler, etc. I live my pregnancies one milestone at a time, celebrating a new day, a new occasion in the pregnancy. Thanking God for another day/week/month with this sweet baby!!<br />
<br />
It has been a little rough, because I was HOPING the symptoms would start easing up. Instead, I still throw up almost every day, and the migraines have started back up. I am trying to figure out what is causing them: hormones? certain foods? bad sleeping position? I have a chiropractic apt coming up, a massage apt next week, and TRYING to stay away from drugs to help them. I have been using peppermint oil which has been helping a LITTLE bit, but they are still pretty debilitating. Migraines are no joke, and I have always felt bad for my friends who suffered chronically from them, and this is why. It put me OUT. I can't play with Ava, can't be on my computer for work, barely want to talk to anyone, and have to stay away from lights:-(<br />
<br />
I also started a "diet" (more eating habits) that is supposed to level out my blood sugars. Since headaches can be a sign of diabetes. The new eating schedule should help maintain my glycemic index. Hopefully this will help me feel better, but ALL I have craved this pregnancy is carbs: cereal and peanut butter sandwiches!! lol. (sweet cravings point towards girls right lol;-)<br />
<br />
ANY suggestions will be taken into consideration, so please, lay it on me.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas season, and spent quality time with family, since that is truly what is most important!!!Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-82801543720192822862015-12-18T10:24:00.000-05:002015-12-18T10:24:40.610-05:0012 Week Appointment and First MFM MeetingAs the U/S tech prepared the wand my heart started pounding. I always get so nervous that there won't be a heartbeat. But sure enough, a few seconds, and there it was!! Flickering away!! Baby jumped and and moved all over the place. It still blows my mind how much detail is seen when baby is only 2 inches long. Big forhead just like Ava, skinny arms and legs with hands and feet. It was hanging around upside down when we first started watching, so we got ot wait a while until he/she decided to lay on their back so the tech could get the measurements for the trisomy testing.<br />
<br />
So far all the major issues that could be picked up this early are in the clear. Baby has a brain, all arms and legs, etc:-) The neck and nose measurements point towards no Trisomy problems. Next in depth scan is on Feb 3rd (where we will also find out the sex.<br />
<br />
NOW.....you know me, I have all sorts of tests and theories on sex prior to finding out. I had the tech zoom in a bit to examine the "nub". She says she is really good at guessing gender with it. So she was 85-90% we are having a............<br />
<br />
You will have to wait and see;-) LOL. (Adam and I are planning the gender reveal sequel to the pregnancy announcement). And we will confirm for sure sex here in a couple weeks.<br />
<br />
I will post a picture, and you are all welcome to guess if you are good at reading nubs;-)<br />
<br />
So after talking with the High Risk Doc, here is what we know, and our plans for this pregnancy:<br />
<br />
Looking back at old labs, I was FOUR POINTS from having pre-eclampsia with Ava (My #s were 296 and Pre-E is 300). I turned in my 24 hour urine for analysis the day we gave birth to her. So the odds are if given a few more days, I would have developed Pre-E with her. In order to help prevent this from happening again, I have been put on a low dose aspirin, and will be getting a baseline 24 hr urine now.<br />
<br />
We already did a gestational diabetes test at 10 weeks and I tested negative. But because I had it with Ava, we will be testing again around 18 weeks, then again at 24 weeks.<br />
<br />
I will have an U/s every 4 weeks between now and 28 weeks, then every week to monitor amniotic fluid levels, since that was our reason for delivering Ava so early.<br />
<br />
We will start non stress tests around 28-30 weeks twice a week.<br />
<br />
DELIVERY AT 35 weeks (End of May).<br />
<br />
I might as well set up a cot at my doctor's office;-) lol<br />
<br />
I thank God every day that I have a team that is truly willing to do EVERYTHING possible to have this baby here and alive.<br />
<br />
Here is my adorable, tiny babe:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkmmerPx_HlzC69gpnxzJJzpVltVmkn1vd__DAbVAaS7FubbxJWx3JnoQ3PGBL6VNJvKfk35C-PcVLdttjG-2Ey8aC6e9PqbbS044m999AYEa8QGdEB7gnoeV063VUtkBIaqLaUHQzHVe/s1600/1239381_10106873605157085_7895166905628525579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkmmerPx_HlzC69gpnxzJJzpVltVmkn1vd__DAbVAaS7FubbxJWx3JnoQ3PGBL6VNJvKfk35C-PcVLdttjG-2Ey8aC6e9PqbbS044m999AYEa8QGdEB7gnoeV063VUtkBIaqLaUHQzHVe/s640/1239381_10106873605157085_7895166905628525579_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-6655122051979000452015-12-16T10:09:00.004-05:002015-12-16T10:09:47.586-05:00Nerves are Setting In: 12 weeks<span style="font-family: inherit;">12 weeks:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Symptoms: Nausea in the morning with vomiting most mornings. Exhaustion, sore boobs, and need to pee ALL THE TIME. My gums have started bleeding again while brushing (I had this issue with both girls)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Food cravings/aversions: The problem is nothing sounds good. I eat for my health and the baby's, but i am having no real cravings, and I will cook something, then only take a few bites. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Gender: Won't know for a while, but finally have names picked out: Fitzgerald Rose or Philippa Rose</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Belly button in or out: Still in </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Stretch marks: TONS of old ones from Rosalynn and Avaleen, Really can't tell if there are new ones. I LITERALLY look like a zebra from my 2 girls. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">What I miss: My wedding rings. I had to take them off a lot earlier this time. I miss wine and sushi. lol but those things are easy to give up when you think of the end result. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What I am looking forward to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The scan tomorrow to see little bit is ok, and thriving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SOOOOOO close to the end of the first trimester! I know we have seen this babe 3 times, twice with a strong heartbeat, but I get soooo nervous before each ultrasound. Tomorrow we go in for the 12 week scan.The one where they take measurements to decide baby's risk for Downs Syndrome and other Trisomy disorders. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course genetic issues are a worry. I help with a WONDERFUL ministry that assists perinatal hospice pregnancies (fatal diagnosis pregnancies)<a href="http://sufficientgraceministries.org/support-sufficient-grace/" target="_blank"> Sufficient Grace</a>. I have seen it all. I am ALL too aware of all the problems that can arise. Neural Tube defects, anomalies there are no cures for, heart and kidney defects. UGH! Sometimes I wish I DIDN"T know so much. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But then there is the fear that they will put the wand on my stomach and there is no HB. I have unfortunately heard those words when gestationally the odds were in our favor. This past week there have been NUMEROUS girls in my support group go in for their 12 week scan and baby had passed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We get to meet with the High Risk doctor tomorrow as well and discuss the care plan. I am excited about this, and will update you all when we have information. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please just send prayers for peace in my heart, that baby is ok and healthy, and that we make it to the next milestone (2nd trimester). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-6" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline; line-height: 28px; outline: none !important;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,</span></div>
<div>
<div class="verse font-helvetica" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline; line-height: 28px; outline: none !important;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">present your requests to God. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 28px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="verse font-helvetica" id="v-7" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline; line-height: 28px; outline: none !important;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">7</span> <span class="verse-7" style="box-sizing: border-box;">And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7</span></span></div>
</div>
Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-73107828559174056702015-12-12T12:22:00.004-05:002015-12-14T21:11:24.314-05:00What is in a Name?!?! Boy and Girl Name Revealed!!Oh what is in a name? It is a HUGE decision a parent has to make for their child. Unless they go through the legal process of changing it, a child has to live with their name for THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. ----No Pressure;-)<br>
<br>
Foster and I put a lot of thought into the names we choose. We want them to be strong names for adults, but have a cute nickname for when children.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: magenta;">Rosalynn Patricia</span> (Liam David had she been a boy): We wanted an Irish name, but I have ALWAYS loved my sister's middle name (Rose). Even though she HATED IT! Patricia is my mother's name. Rose in Gaelic is "Roshin", or "my little Rose", but the English translation is Rosaline. We liked Rosalynn better:-) Nickname: ROSIE<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;">Liam </span>we just really liked, and being the gaelic shortened version of "William", it means "Protector". Fitting for the oldest son.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: magenta;">Avaleen Rose</span> (Would have been a Declan Rose if a boy); OBVIOUS where we got the middle names from.<br>
Avaleen is the pheonetic version of the Gaelic name Aibhlinn, but i figured NO ONE would know how to properly pronounce it, so we spelled it phonetically. It means "Much Prayed for Child" Which if you followed this blog through the pregnancy with her, you know she was VERY much prayed for by all!!<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;">Declan Rose</span>: Liam had started to really take off as a popular name, so we opted to change the boy's name. Since I didn't give Foster a choice on the girl's name, I let him choose the boy's. This was before Revenge ever aired, and he chose it because there was a rugby player with the name. LOL. I looked up the meaning: Man of prayer, Full of goodness. I loved it:-) And although Rose was the middle name, "Declan Rose" had a very masculine, strong sound to it. My family wasn't THRILLED with the name at first, but then it grew on everyone. I STILL love it, but thank you Revenge for making it the fastest rising name for boys in 2012-2015.<br>
<br>
So what are we naming this little one? Well if she is a girl, she will be named after my Granny who Rosalynn is buried with.<br>
<br>
Granny and I were EXTREMELY close. She was my soulmate, my best friend, my right hand woman. We were two peas in a pod. I have always wanted to name a girl after her, BUT she HATED her name. She threatened me that if I ever named a daughter after her, she would haunt me till the day I died. Not only did she hate her name, she HATED the nick name everyone called her. BUT thanks to one very famous British sister, I found an appropriate nickname that Granny would have LOVED.<br>
<br>
<span style="color: magenta;">Philippa Rose</span>: Phillippa was Granny's name, and there was a whole story behind how she received it. Her friends called her Phil. She HATED both. But THANK YOU Pippa Middleton!! If anyone wasn't aware, her real name is Philippa. So when I read that in People magazine, I was about 7 months pregnant with Ava. I WANTED to change her name sooooo bad, but had already become attached to Avaleen. So I vowed over 4 years ago, that if we had another girl, we would name her Phillippa, and call her Pippa for short.<br>
<br>
Foster and I had SUCH a hard time picking a name for a boy. We loved Philip in honor of my Granny, I don't think we plan on having anymore children, because it is SOOOOO difficult on me. With so many losses, and hard pregnancies, I am not sure I can go through it again. But we haven't decided if we are going to make it permanent. If my docs advise after 3 c-sections that it is unsafe for me to have more, we will make it permanent, and he will be named Philip David. If they say we can have more, we will see, and then I don't want to use Philip, because if the next one is a girl, she will obviously be Phillippa. So we had to have another name lined up. We went back and forth, back and forth. But FINALLY settled on a GREAT name!! I actually love it, and it makes me excited to have a boy. (I get excited when I have a name picked out, but am anxious for the sex I don't have a name for until then).<br>
<br>
<span style="color: blue;">Fitzgerald (middle name TBD: Rose is top contender): </span>We would call him Fitz for short!! I LOVE IT!! LOL. I love it more than Liam and Declan!!<br>
<br>
This is such a fun part of being pregnant, but truly a stressful part. I am glad Foster and I were able to agree on both names with no big arguments;-)<br>
<br>
SO what will this baby be?!?!?! A Pippa or a Fitz?!?!? Now I am truly excited to find out!!!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-11851276453901022852015-12-11T18:03:00.002-05:002015-12-11T18:03:47.267-05:00Gender Predictor #2Another fun gender prediction test people look at is the Chinese calendar. I did this one for Ava, and posted it <a href="http://journeyoflifeandluv.blogspot.com/2011/04/military-spouse-magazine-article-and.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> Obviously, from her post, the calendar said she would be a <span style="color: blue;">boy</span>, yet it said Rosie was going to be a <span style="color: magenta;">girl</span>. <div>
I entered in my info to this website: </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/pred.html">http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/pred.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is hard because we physically conceived end of September/beginning of October. So for the sake of the test, I said October because if the typical woman ovulates 14 days into her cycle, I would have conceived in October. </div>
<div>
So according to the site, I am having a <span style="color: blue;">BOY. </span></div>
<div>
So as of right now, the odds remain 50/50 between the 2 tests. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Boy: 50%</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;">Girl: 50%</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-47425109625472197582015-12-04T10:15:00.000-05:002015-12-04T10:15:38.711-05:00Baby Nora, Ava Gets Practice for Being a Big SisterI mentioned in a previous post that my sister, Bug had a BABY!! Yep, that's right, my little, baby sister is a mom. And I am TOTALLY IN LOVE!!!!<br />
<br />
I feel a special bond with little Miss Nora because I was able to be IN the OR when my sister had her c-section. Kate was there for me when Ava was born, and I was able to be in with her!! I was the 4th person to hold Nora, and she looked at me like she recognized my voice when I said "Hi" for the first time:-)<br />
<br />
Ava is OBSESSED. She asks regularly when we get to see "Baby Nora" and talks about how she is going to be baby Nora's best friend. Ava has really stepped up to the plate of being a big cousin, and getting a lot of good practice on what is to come. We watch Nora every Tuesday so my sister can sleep after working the night shift. She lays on the play mat with Nora, and makes her stop crying by singing "OOO EE OOO AHH AHH TING TANG WALLA WALLA BING BANG". LOL We are convinced those will be Nora's first words because Ava has been singing them to her since birth, and it actually makes her stop crying and smiles at Ava every time. She will read to Nora, and play with her toys with her. It is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. It makes me SOOOO excited to see Ava as a big sister.<br />
<br />
Ava and this baby will be about the same age difference as Bug and I. We are a little over 4 years apart. I remember the day Bug was born. I loved her from day one, and I cannot imagine my life without her. I pray that Ava and this baby have the same bond!<br />
<br />
So without further ado, here are some pictures of my beautiful niece! For the record, she was one of the most difficult newborns I have ever photographed. She has not liked to sleep since the day she was born!! LOL<br />
<br />
**all photos taken by me:-)**<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9azA_eaj4tAMRfeH54oTiAvejVY1ruufgq21mMT9Mdp87caGYo7tfpJqSR7N6ykT87-RzGsfybAke3sTcyWr3ehAAgu1hs6TPRtZwcNsD8cpzXoaXdVymMcx_oZ9DvQ8SRtKXOAys6mk/s1600/norabirth-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9azA_eaj4tAMRfeH54oTiAvejVY1ruufgq21mMT9Mdp87caGYo7tfpJqSR7N6ykT87-RzGsfybAke3sTcyWr3ehAAgu1hs6TPRtZwcNsD8cpzXoaXdVymMcx_oZ9DvQ8SRtKXOAys6mk/s400/norabirth-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpES6ZiGOL453tOCYNArONofbLfwu1XDKuZOMxWndxcOxWsJrw16pda1KxTMA6jzsImJ_O4CUC1iSNJaeOaHp-zRXQVmm2CJZRWabSTkGPpGZQrMBQc6TKni9RkQVnH6P6B4o9GCJls-I/s1600/norabirth-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpES6ZiGOL453tOCYNArONofbLfwu1XDKuZOMxWndxcOxWsJrw16pda1KxTMA6jzsImJ_O4CUC1iSNJaeOaHp-zRXQVmm2CJZRWabSTkGPpGZQrMBQc6TKni9RkQVnH6P6B4o9GCJls-I/s400/norabirth-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoFHXlPfEk5Vygdf_yiBbd8N-mS3GCCoNQpQP8yBXJ8b9TULel8tSwlaHcuOW471b75vJYC_EQvWuiU8nvuzUPVTu06X2OdRg4luDY9gHEvbAJ7CUM4AyjqA-G1yhnR0-JndGMTS-kxvs/s1600/norabirth-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoFHXlPfEk5Vygdf_yiBbd8N-mS3GCCoNQpQP8yBXJ8b9TULel8tSwlaHcuOW471b75vJYC_EQvWuiU8nvuzUPVTu06X2OdRg4luDY9gHEvbAJ7CUM4AyjqA-G1yhnR0-JndGMTS-kxvs/s400/norabirth-42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKapKul4JO5ULPS4uUjXeC23D3TV9alzXLpSYw0gaf0SvNukx3J5AiQSaLAlEQyqIR0a_tqoPtYX7cGNHrzSK1O3FTPqX7REuAI-tbO5tUiJ6PBfB3SB6WICHhvTXe00E2wmndKIK_8Sdf/s1600/norabirth-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKapKul4JO5ULPS4uUjXeC23D3TV9alzXLpSYw0gaf0SvNukx3J5AiQSaLAlEQyqIR0a_tqoPtYX7cGNHrzSK1O3FTPqX7REuAI-tbO5tUiJ6PBfB3SB6WICHhvTXe00E2wmndKIK_8Sdf/s400/norabirth-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDb34fo6HI3BMd4ZUaft2sHu2kFzN79r1B8dfzFBa7wXjL6_JMH3CZapWiTqqK3yEMidBpHQFkpqlnKCJXuwGwnmgW-lHEJfQJcF11vX0AAqHFMn3SRb9wMtCiuM2HH17AM0Rqv2ury28/s1600/norabirth-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDb34fo6HI3BMd4ZUaft2sHu2kFzN79r1B8dfzFBa7wXjL6_JMH3CZapWiTqqK3yEMidBpHQFkpqlnKCJXuwGwnmgW-lHEJfQJcF11vX0AAqHFMn3SRb9wMtCiuM2HH17AM0Rqv2ury28/s400/norabirth-56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuA3Ve0ssMVqDc4xf5k1RHd53NLN4jzu2Dt5CMPqaj1nR9LsFofly_xygvclkCA3IYxLSqBogmKvB-B81-CvczMUCai6GsGHVkHf5KXJqfKjz9mhHCm6NfuYO83oDA9ISx7KOHNgpSxJx/s1600/norabirth-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuA3Ve0ssMVqDc4xf5k1RHd53NLN4jzu2Dt5CMPqaj1nR9LsFofly_xygvclkCA3IYxLSqBogmKvB-B81-CvczMUCai6GsGHVkHf5KXJqfKjz9mhHCm6NfuYO83oDA9ISx7KOHNgpSxJx/s400/norabirth-60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcMO0wA0UnL4TQFfalY069v7Wdj2Owb4N5xaelfPhAikhRcSmRC7ICsokgZViMkEb8OqyPNdas3UD_KaDhIn1JZxvJFrSKEhYjemkAzo0ywvInIwZXAqk3mq2xOZPlQO2S3TvFtrJNaym/s1600/norabirth-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcMO0wA0UnL4TQFfalY069v7Wdj2Owb4N5xaelfPhAikhRcSmRC7ICsokgZViMkEb8OqyPNdas3UD_KaDhIn1JZxvJFrSKEhYjemkAzo0ywvInIwZXAqk3mq2xOZPlQO2S3TvFtrJNaym/s400/norabirth-66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYdbX6Ttz1jlcP5IxWkEbbPd_NcDnhZ1qaE67PdVpNbpvWSTzvn5FKyEFISZEJHKcFBBKtL5vg6cGM1ou29EBokIdy7cIM2Sg2lgYvNUFFNkR-r0tOlfTFWfD0gle1s_4sAzGn5lWqUdO/s1600/norabirth-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYdbX6Ttz1jlcP5IxWkEbbPd_NcDnhZ1qaE67PdVpNbpvWSTzvn5FKyEFISZEJHKcFBBKtL5vg6cGM1ou29EBokIdy7cIM2Sg2lgYvNUFFNkR-r0tOlfTFWfD0gle1s_4sAzGn5lWqUdO/s400/norabirth-70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JpaPl6cFZOpqMzQK_6f2a23Df1kiMFMb4mUitTrGFUerqwVVC0SyOYX5u20eyxORynYl_-1X2RbKyJLuTl4QnoGSQ2tJaCdTx4YvAtaJUq4-kAtjFOOqvJVJXtemGm6winM0fZ207HS/s1600/norabirth-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0JpaPl6cFZOpqMzQK_6f2a23Df1kiMFMb4mUitTrGFUerqwVVC0SyOYX5u20eyxORynYl_-1X2RbKyJLuTl4QnoGSQ2tJaCdTx4YvAtaJUq4-kAtjFOOqvJVJXtemGm6winM0fZ207HS/s400/norabirth-92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPPUtqn017ku59Tpo02bCuC8Z-jj76KzrXpdlFfDc6DrvkZApkF6swotI95XYDYDerXhxub6Kni547vbQjcjdt4IlVi-GPU5UFEje5Ip-OvHWKmRrS-kf6yOc_ZCW7qBHDWUHz4jjs4Rl/s1600/norabirth-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPPUtqn017ku59Tpo02bCuC8Z-jj76KzrXpdlFfDc6DrvkZApkF6swotI95XYDYDerXhxub6Kni547vbQjcjdt4IlVi-GPU5UFEje5Ip-OvHWKmRrS-kf6yOc_ZCW7qBHDWUHz4jjs4Rl/s400/norabirth-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WrRhNCPO_T0etHiOZnSnYz-yjxOlmkHUy2mALNJlr4dnEYu6BLgLZInWEVFJUlQkD940oqeL0pIpvx-2vi-22jiRUGwolxrUboySXkbuL-ABq7U4UWLOqDqJLKXIK-rh1NfVA3-sMhn-/s1600/norabirth-120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WrRhNCPO_T0etHiOZnSnYz-yjxOlmkHUy2mALNJlr4dnEYu6BLgLZInWEVFJUlQkD940oqeL0pIpvx-2vi-22jiRUGwolxrUboySXkbuL-ABq7U4UWLOqDqJLKXIK-rh1NfVA3-sMhn-/s400/norabirth-120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt1qn5PVJqeXNIsXrGFK6w9xHMDY7UDefs9G5ezY44cPH8SJQuhEkCgZWdSha4Un3xQslqelEyTBpAO8AMcfT-YYJR3WXYCisic9htxHN1b2SqjrlS704y05tL7Ppl7JYbXobSg9rvYtC/s1600/norabirth-126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt1qn5PVJqeXNIsXrGFK6w9xHMDY7UDefs9G5ezY44cPH8SJQuhEkCgZWdSha4Un3xQslqelEyTBpAO8AMcfT-YYJR3WXYCisic9htxHN1b2SqjrlS704y05tL7Ppl7JYbXobSg9rvYtC/s400/norabirth-126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62AYUtTmDBfw92n1pH84oe93FremDvMfKtu9OGAMe-wQBLLzd8ffMOLvg2Vskwhn-X6n4SQfyvql74RFtFmgsHNCcoL47m8_rSJSYUiaI1-rUCXKOMYsApNtxUeiNUr3Cv89XIl5TA7Cj/s1600/norabirth-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62AYUtTmDBfw92n1pH84oe93FremDvMfKtu9OGAMe-wQBLLzd8ffMOLvg2Vskwhn-X6n4SQfyvql74RFtFmgsHNCcoL47m8_rSJSYUiaI1-rUCXKOMYsApNtxUeiNUr3Cv89XIl5TA7Cj/s400/norabirth-136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy__kkXJuODY-n91L_xz80sdRw8q6kcvGGG1p-gTEZo8eDjCr_SOGqIkM3P26_zIlu0yGnEFwqtjnpAs_PwnVaGg8I30iLP_1CZ-zg0u6ksExfhB4KAjQrHDypFO-SKS-F4gr3IxsKOrmd/s1600/norabirth-170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy__kkXJuODY-n91L_xz80sdRw8q6kcvGGG1p-gTEZo8eDjCr_SOGqIkM3P26_zIlu0yGnEFwqtjnpAs_PwnVaGg8I30iLP_1CZ-zg0u6ksExfhB4KAjQrHDypFO-SKS-F4gr3IxsKOrmd/s400/norabirth-170.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW6K0Mm0P_XWU67Nt2dZoxGXcY89CNpURsTT0YH9TBWDfL4FmFOYvna_2zDU3SrlkBFA3EvkCyXoKJVqaqGv7qbISKZGb-d8TGgbQYjJdwgbWIXk5oFPVYjpm0rvQ8jb6iqtQX9wptJW4/s1600/norabirth-178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW6K0Mm0P_XWU67Nt2dZoxGXcY89CNpURsTT0YH9TBWDfL4FmFOYvna_2zDU3SrlkBFA3EvkCyXoKJVqaqGv7qbISKZGb-d8TGgbQYjJdwgbWIXk5oFPVYjpm0rvQ8jb6iqtQX9wptJW4/s400/norabirth-178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtANmr7sOkHhOL2rKuC80ISP1sqkm0eXnKS3_zWLdQtZ_JFMHGd8h-MzCobbDYa3bLJ0KAa0T8B6eGkmbX29_Nf6mJ2Ny3gXW3_DKM5cYwKBq9lmgldBObgHlxSaprORLFHJGL5XRB0xvw/s1600/norabirth-222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtANmr7sOkHhOL2rKuC80ISP1sqkm0eXnKS3_zWLdQtZ_JFMHGd8h-MzCobbDYa3bLJ0KAa0T8B6eGkmbX29_Nf6mJ2Ny3gXW3_DKM5cYwKBq9lmgldBObgHlxSaprORLFHJGL5XRB0xvw/s400/norabirth-222.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9nwEWQMRF1g0NnxQWwIUAnIKxDT0tgGdb-XLHppgdUCtwlNp28BvH0rSvjQCJIRn5uSwJNSZQ7QFeYyaCewJtqxGQc6o-h5jbWuQa3i48I5QgXYDo3_XuEEMInfklYLbP3HFlifct4Lk/s1600/norabirth-249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9nwEWQMRF1g0NnxQWwIUAnIKxDT0tgGdb-XLHppgdUCtwlNp28BvH0rSvjQCJIRn5uSwJNSZQ7QFeYyaCewJtqxGQc6o-h5jbWuQa3i48I5QgXYDo3_XuEEMInfklYLbP3HFlifct4Lk/s400/norabirth-249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdaxnLW3B0jt7FFBTGepCtCbtKQC8Vgel6enPBn_u-hBS5TsTbIvfFuFgYlqCMnX7hGuAHaety7T2BqjKmQxPtSciGCnHcbOesK_peUe3M4sQe6dclMJeOODMs6C_o2aBXev3dXcF4ULF/s1600/noraNB-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdaxnLW3B0jt7FFBTGepCtCbtKQC8Vgel6enPBn_u-hBS5TsTbIvfFuFgYlqCMnX7hGuAHaety7T2BqjKmQxPtSciGCnHcbOesK_peUe3M4sQe6dclMJeOODMs6C_o2aBXev3dXcF4ULF/s400/noraNB-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl4c0OI69faSsAIAAWjLvNnUxM7fMU6-BNV3SKfX53AHRhGtxSrTJWMdqDNWh1XwHidIJRei6fFGBHXrqwgRjVeBb0JJcQT1208hqBbnOda1KhGy-BJbY_c_tdRg5gd23E28zTOC3vrau/s1600/noraNB-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl4c0OI69faSsAIAAWjLvNnUxM7fMU6-BNV3SKfX53AHRhGtxSrTJWMdqDNWh1XwHidIJRei6fFGBHXrqwgRjVeBb0JJcQT1208hqBbnOda1KhGy-BJbY_c_tdRg5gd23E28zTOC3vrau/s400/noraNB-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JUSAvn8Si1tz2yxOucYSsFYE2t5Cdzo0RsvFjvM7rafnMQ0ll2evTQz6HOWZOLRRPLAlnMILCbBkOMtx_2l66rC3lx_n1gxf4ZRVQaC1KpywRyq0a2fxhf8FxZTDlo3FqRb7rwwOyzWG/s1600/noraNB-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JUSAvn8Si1tz2yxOucYSsFYE2t5Cdzo0RsvFjvM7rafnMQ0ll2evTQz6HOWZOLRRPLAlnMILCbBkOMtx_2l66rC3lx_n1gxf4ZRVQaC1KpywRyq0a2fxhf8FxZTDlo3FqRb7rwwOyzWG/s400/noraNB-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15O0gKVSxsAhPJOx_MLheyKdhAcg7AdraLvKw83mcW_te1JH2ufweP0cJbmfuQ0VXUQs8i_xnk5bDD9RgobqWSzLxheseaNl0u_iO1v7Hz9WWFB3Oapeo1_oAT4N8PkGq3vvLQkC2nZAX/s1600/noraNB-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15O0gKVSxsAhPJOx_MLheyKdhAcg7AdraLvKw83mcW_te1JH2ufweP0cJbmfuQ0VXUQs8i_xnk5bDD9RgobqWSzLxheseaNl0u_iO1v7Hz9WWFB3Oapeo1_oAT4N8PkGq3vvLQkC2nZAX/s400/noraNB-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcPZRmu1zW1Dt9-4Hk2H1EApG08mXFbbhzA-XATP_JU30E3tjfWGKtfnmLS2r5fvog2UTIuyWwFfcViF4q6KWNchHY9ed4T7e112rKCyG8LOzDHLj0pXsImPznr0GUK9t5CwcdlQawmoq/s1600/noraNB-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcPZRmu1zW1Dt9-4Hk2H1EApG08mXFbbhzA-XATP_JU30E3tjfWGKtfnmLS2r5fvog2UTIuyWwFfcViF4q6KWNchHY9ed4T7e112rKCyG8LOzDHLj0pXsImPznr0GUK9t5CwcdlQawmoq/s400/noraNB-32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9wgwWEPd5lxOAHxCnhlUkzfVZEeblS0MagWIRn6EOTr0FBV3hePQiVBsXCLxnOOpn27eQcZe3AuDLn6PJi5pYsTmR1pzqspVKqR-d_1OipENgO-ACnxCOzYto8ZaxnevoAhoDCUDTEA5/s1600/noraNB-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9wgwWEPd5lxOAHxCnhlUkzfVZEeblS0MagWIRn6EOTr0FBV3hePQiVBsXCLxnOOpn27eQcZe3AuDLn6PJi5pYsTmR1pzqspVKqR-d_1OipENgO-ACnxCOzYto8ZaxnevoAhoDCUDTEA5/s400/noraNB-36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74U_OnN6S_2_iKPrR74KPJMrq-laKhcBeb2l9Be7ugIWOPZHnlgOPvpxp186zVO9d9H5v7bmpIYiF5wt2eiQW_UmXoWg9p9lNVSjaLod3n-45DASzRo9dyhvV__Qmmz-sN_VsGKc6TAG/s1600/noraNB-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74U_OnN6S_2_iKPrR74KPJMrq-laKhcBeb2l9Be7ugIWOPZHnlgOPvpxp186zVO9d9H5v7bmpIYiF5wt2eiQW_UmXoWg9p9lNVSjaLod3n-45DASzRo9dyhvV__Qmmz-sN_VsGKc6TAG/s400/noraNB-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kf-gSYaKcfp5ECkIpen8oZ_0QNDEP73_8uawAcOC7d_j3XAOOsk3CEfUGzER28VnOtbY3YN5xIxmM027zsq0pY92KILfHmiQt26MhFbNF1RlD_YXDCMYzgovPa4HC_m3Nn5FO19ujwNl/s1600/noraNB-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Kf-gSYaKcfp5ECkIpen8oZ_0QNDEP73_8uawAcOC7d_j3XAOOsk3CEfUGzER28VnOtbY3YN5xIxmM027zsq0pY92KILfHmiQt26MhFbNF1RlD_YXDCMYzgovPa4HC_m3Nn5FO19ujwNl/s400/noraNB-59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hpppM7dd7phRnJub_4FaZbV2vtB-WhkXPO4pjIQrCx-YQWwMdGG3yDLiCzXmcyh7Tkcn_HFH5pLMwiBlZHedUYqKBGKmZnq8UN9d8JtjDpIKc6irVn9rern2I3lAglFgP4w1UzZvRgib/s1600/noraNB-73-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hpppM7dd7phRnJub_4FaZbV2vtB-WhkXPO4pjIQrCx-YQWwMdGG3yDLiCzXmcyh7Tkcn_HFH5pLMwiBlZHedUYqKBGKmZnq8UN9d8JtjDpIKc6irVn9rern2I3lAglFgP4w1UzZvRgib/s400/noraNB-73-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ke8ez-8wcFCQc9jRDIUiCgG9mYt_VWeS9-LC5bJaRVba0Kc1iV5nMdEahIvo0c5TNTq5q41w5RM6mmEUXeDNt40SsR3brg1VfReHvDLR7fl83V4e5dwuUKCXW7SwUBvXgFm150g7_aN8/s1600/noraNB-76-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ke8ez-8wcFCQc9jRDIUiCgG9mYt_VWeS9-LC5bJaRVba0Kc1iV5nMdEahIvo0c5TNTq5q41w5RM6mmEUXeDNt40SsR3brg1VfReHvDLR7fl83V4e5dwuUKCXW7SwUBvXgFm150g7_aN8/s400/noraNB-76-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3NDCeeHW1u0AIIoXyGSkApY9Pt9MvUiUAi6aqZoY5qpFQrgdYLmLRa4j8W90B5Q-F_3szkjIGK_k_t7ML68vrHYIkHXDkX1UhjCBj70T-M_UaQ5kajeaZtdR5dMCKbs4HYID1mkfFdy7/s1600/noraNB-80-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3NDCeeHW1u0AIIoXyGSkApY9Pt9MvUiUAi6aqZoY5qpFQrgdYLmLRa4j8W90B5Q-F_3szkjIGK_k_t7ML68vrHYIkHXDkX1UhjCBj70T-M_UaQ5kajeaZtdR5dMCKbs4HYID1mkfFdy7/s400/noraNB-80-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l7gaRUezEzZb5f_ou_uaLi_tqDtTQcToJavul-fdWnnJgzyyX5v-hgOsVR7lQgDoVEIC2gIRA4rwbDV5hLkOWJmzghuESbvgjegLRxeE53FJXUa10QAYt_X18_KFBwaE9rdsef0cdxq2/s1600/noraNB-84-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5l7gaRUezEzZb5f_ou_uaLi_tqDtTQcToJavul-fdWnnJgzyyX5v-hgOsVR7lQgDoVEIC2gIRA4rwbDV5hLkOWJmzghuESbvgjegLRxeE53FJXUa10QAYt_X18_KFBwaE9rdsef0cdxq2/s400/noraNB-84-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vOJuhUFjjuDhdX5gcGYDQ2M19PdwcJDwDwIILV8mAjZRtPyV583kbE5RtS-4Gh9DvqTafU_S2LMi1K_JyFM3iO_GbxSTKHeaoY0U9liGHw_zjm9zlA54yJnvKU0y6ipRooqTuZdONh1A/s1600/noraNB-87-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vOJuhUFjjuDhdX5gcGYDQ2M19PdwcJDwDwIILV8mAjZRtPyV583kbE5RtS-4Gh9DvqTafU_S2LMi1K_JyFM3iO_GbxSTKHeaoY0U9liGHw_zjm9zlA54yJnvKU0y6ipRooqTuZdONh1A/s400/noraNB-87-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqtKH7MPZtoGMcIGNK_rkMGCpaXkgOBmXdrtvlq0VUvU7DHDDggf29P07ILvjVKWfYwi4zOqS32HyGhslUSAFOwyoADTh-W6loo-p64jHoKRSttJ9U_AqB33BJ1-zmzk77oehNCOgm5qn/s1600/noraNB-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqtKH7MPZtoGMcIGNK_rkMGCpaXkgOBmXdrtvlq0VUvU7DHDDggf29P07ILvjVKWfYwi4zOqS32HyGhslUSAFOwyoADTh-W6loo-p64jHoKRSttJ9U_AqB33BJ1-zmzk77oehNCOgm5qn/s400/noraNB-92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBj-lhebGzs_DKXs2dI83PJmZtTv925SSDKBOro76BHb1IbGPYT4qm7TKUpbKlAAF_jbzG3uAvCIGC1LlvtsHWYyUd-Cae5kQ2rTTPt3Wo1rHYaKbb6KvxGBQPBQ0xYheIiRAHWg3gfXa/s1600/noraNB-100-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBj-lhebGzs_DKXs2dI83PJmZtTv925SSDKBOro76BHb1IbGPYT4qm7TKUpbKlAAF_jbzG3uAvCIGC1LlvtsHWYyUd-Cae5kQ2rTTPt3Wo1rHYaKbb6KvxGBQPBQ0xYheIiRAHWg3gfXa/s400/noraNB-100-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJUnD0u0Mnwopv-NEMiglWjm9yTMyEwdG2d0ur38M9UIMjptLcmAbPfI517hfWiON9m_lcccYMsmePUGVA7wUcPv5CZUOukHA36xVvuQ12_YP1Ee5rUJVz9lLHIxN5tTbpS20VFpUf6NT/s1600/noraNB-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJUnD0u0Mnwopv-NEMiglWjm9yTMyEwdG2d0ur38M9UIMjptLcmAbPfI517hfWiON9m_lcccYMsmePUGVA7wUcPv5CZUOukHA36xVvuQ12_YP1Ee5rUJVz9lLHIxN5tTbpS20VFpUf6NT/s400/noraNB-106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-59027310319618000502015-12-02T12:56:00.001-05:002015-12-02T12:56:17.132-05:00Gender Prediction Test #1: Ramzi MethodIf you all followed me through Ava's pregnancy, I did about 8 of these. They were a lot of fun, and between the tests and old wives tales, Ava was 87% girl;-)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This one is fun, because it can be done EARLY in pregnancy. Best done with the 6-8 week u/s. It is based off of the theory that you can tell the sex by the placement of the PLACENTA in the uterus. The theory is if a boy, then the placenta will form on the right side of the sac, and if a girl the left. Now, you have to remember, if you get an abdominal u/s, the image is mirrored, so left is right and right is left. If you get a baginal u/s then it is true to what you see on the screen, right is right and left is left.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWQBoKYIujPjJW29NhWf4-C9wpnbRphNVyb7_f-jU4LhSc2zQvt7cxZWSwWebhJxMEJi76IT5ZuPiFxtS0swjgSOqk0ZMvb0Agq9vrB2oKtptoxvB82AxnDQnbVcDcTNW_4Ts7p2RSLkZ/s640/blogger-image-462311528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWQBoKYIujPjJW29NhWf4-C9wpnbRphNVyb7_f-jU4LhSc2zQvt7cxZWSwWebhJxMEJi76IT5ZuPiFxtS0swjgSOqk0ZMvb0Agq9vrB2oKtptoxvB82AxnDQnbVcDcTNW_4Ts7p2RSLkZ/s400/blogger-image-462311528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">If you see the u/s picture, you can see a dark thick part right outside the sac bottom right. Since this was an abdominal u/s, left is right and right is left. So by Ramzi method, little bean is a GIRL.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkncjTI0SAMZulVoXCsTups0dH809MkXJUFPZ_AJaF5KqYs4WIilW7thOEcQGpKH1IeC5u_6CSmsOZpwurwNKlDoEBycpdZhBAUosQBRSNrHMr6qrXMRg7fHW10pwsOHpYKpcQqw7OA_D/s640/blogger-image--1591460798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkncjTI0SAMZulVoXCsTups0dH809MkXJUFPZ_AJaF5KqYs4WIilW7thOEcQGpKH1IeC5u_6CSmsOZpwurwNKlDoEBycpdZhBAUosQBRSNrHMr6qrXMRg7fHW10pwsOHpYKpcQqw7OA_D/s400/blogger-image--1591460798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
** remember, these are done strictly for fun, I don't hold much in these theories, and I will be thrilled with whatever we have!!!**</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
Boy: 0</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">
Girl: 1</div>
Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-6800231121768137632015-11-30T18:29:00.001-05:002015-12-01T14:42:50.848-05:00It Wouldn't Be A Foster Pregnancy If it Was Normal- Here We Go Again
Part IISo of COURSE it wouldn't be a Foster pregnancy if there weren't some bumps. <div><br></div><div>Since we had had 2 early losses, my Dr. Wanted to keep an eye on the pregnancy as early as possible to give us a heads up of impending m/c or to ease our minds. With Ava we did the same thing. I had my first u/s at 6w4d and saw her tiny heartbeat. So when my doc wanted me to have my first u/s at 6w2d, I was hopeful to see SOMETHING. If no heartbeat yet, at least a fetal pole, yolk sac, something. Well, unfortunately, there was only a sac. No yolk, no fetal pole, no heartbeat. And I was only measuring 5w5d. </div><div><br></div><div>We were a bit devastated. We had been down this road twice already. Empty sacs, and measuring behind. Both ended poorly. My doc wanted me to come back in 7 days to check if it was another loss, or if baby grew. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be in town in 7 days, and the first date we both had available was nov 17th, my birthday. </div><div><br></div><div>My doctor was hesitant. She wanted to know if I really wanted to risk bad news on my birthday. I thought about it, and realized Nov 17th had been a lucky date. It was Ava's original due date. It was also the date we found out my sister was pregnant with baby Nora (I will do a separate post about my beautiful niece). So I figured let's do it. It would either be the best birthday gift ever, or a really bad day, and Foster could take me out for dinner and drinks after. </div><div><br></div><div>Immediately after the appointment, I had to head out to South Carolina to celebrate a friend of mine as she got married to the man of her dreams. 8 hr drive I almost didn't do after the not so great news. I sat in the parking lot in the midst of an internal struggle with myself:</div><div><br></div><div>Not go, and crawl into my bed for the next 12 days. Surely Amber would understand if I didn't come. But then again she may be sad if I didn't show up. I tend to get anti social and want to hide when things get tough. I honestly think it is a habit I acquired after losing Rosie. I could escape reality into the safe place of my home, and not have to face life.</div><div><br></div><div>Or I could suck it up and go, see some old friends, make some new ones, get my mind off the situation, and hope to have fun. </div><div><br></div><div>I sat in that parking lot for about 1.5 hrs. Until the clock ran down to the minute I HAD to leave in order to make the rehearsal dinner. </div><div><br></div><div>I went. The ENTIRE 8 hours I prayed. I had the radio on Christian radio stations (thank you XM) and rotated between music and scripture. Praying, crying, singing, pleading, and even accepting His decision if this baby was not going to make it. It was cathartic and exactly what I needed. </div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to a major traffic jam 20 mins from my destination, I was about 15 mins late for the rehearsal dinner, but ended up making it! The food was great, and the company was even better. If you remember me talking about my friend Laura in this post: http://journeyoflifeandluv.blogspot.com/2013/09/virginia-beach-mini-vaca-photos-photos.html?m=1</div><div><br></div><div>She was there, and it had been forever since we had seen each other. And of course in true Erin fashion I met a new friend, Crystal who is also a photographer and we hit if off. After chatting with her, it came out very early that Crystal has experienced a lot of loss as well, and we were able to connect. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall the weekend was a success. It was a beautiful wedding, I got to geek out a little with my photographer friends, and it kept my mind off of the stress for 3 days. But something interesting happened the first night I was sleeping. </div><div><br></div><div>I has a VIVID dream. We went to a u/s tech place that had better machine. They were able to zoom in really far, and there was a little peanut waving at me. As clear as day, a little voice said "I am ok mommy". I woke up from my dream with a sense of peace. Like it was the sign I had begged God for in the 8 hour trip. </div><div><br></div><div>Sure enough, on Nov 17th, at 1:30 in the afternoon, my doctor started the u/s, and the first thing she saw was a heartbeat!!! It was the most amazing feeling!!! And to top it off, we were measuring exactly on track at 7w6d! It was indeed a VERY happy birthday!!!! </div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmQkJUDPAToooRtnqZyAe61DoKA0TGiyOCbLU1u010LG1b_rVnhyphenhyphenC_wOqz-IUn-ut0jQnrdmqBx_3sLjA9n4BTt3VToeFGQXuHkdKgyDN9lhMm9nDEhyWbEdSLOC4wtyrArQqNqMkqGl/s640/blogger-image-1917560721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmQkJUDPAToooRtnqZyAe61DoKA0TGiyOCbLU1u010LG1b_rVnhyphenhyphenC_wOqz-IUn-ut0jQnrdmqBx_3sLjA9n4BTt3VToeFGQXuHkdKgyDN9lhMm9nDEhyWbEdSLOC4wtyrArQqNqMkqGl/s640/blogger-image-1917560721.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">lean not on your own understanding;"</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Proverbs 3:5</span></div></div>Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-74927480741460915402015-11-30T13:25:00.000-05:002015-11-30T13:30:41.069-05:00Here We Go Again!!! And A COOL Video!!PART 1Wow!!! It has been a while!!! Life is life, it gets busy, especially while running 2 businesses, and raising a child.<br />
Avaleen is doing amazing,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXINJFJESkFyxiM98ieoogZmY9XmcYgvDkQjUsNGE9XZ_z96SBdrMfxtUNmC5pZIOCuWmfKqbzrtyMoiQHXMZidqfiUwvihtEazTYXPbJ_a-c6SLFn_nPG4J-FIgJkzx44hA0rxhuasjDD/s1600/A%2526E-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXINJFJESkFyxiM98ieoogZmY9XmcYgvDkQjUsNGE9XZ_z96SBdrMfxtUNmC5pZIOCuWmfKqbzrtyMoiQHXMZidqfiUwvihtEazTYXPbJ_a-c6SLFn_nPG4J-FIgJkzx44hA0rxhuasjDD/s400/A%2526E-3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
and I hope to be sharing LOTS of pictures and updates over the next 9 months. Why 9 months?!?!?!<br />
<br />
WE ARE EXPECTING!!!!!<br />
<br />
After 3 years of trying, 2 miscarriages (one Christmas of 2013, and one this past June 2015), meds that did more harm then good, and lots of prayer, Baby Foster #5 is on his or her way.<br />
<br />
I used to write on this blog almost daily, and my long time friends and family will be familiar with this blog, but for those of you who I have met over the past couple years while this blog stayed dormant, browse, start at the beginning if you want to see why this little slice of personal space was started. But I warn you, bring tissues. It is sad, happy, dark, difficult, but through it all, there is hope, faith, love, and rainbows.<br />
<br />
For those who have followed for years, and missed my ramblings, I am glad to be back, and will be doing the same for this baby as I did for Ava. Using this space to keep track and document this all too scary ride called pregnancy.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, as a baby loss mother, I know too well that a positive pregnancy test does NOT equal a living, screaming baby. Rosie taught me this, but she also taught me to embrace every moment, and be grateful for the time I DO have. This little nugget is already loved, and will be loved for every moment of its life weather that is for 10 weeks, or 80 years!!<br />
<br />
So, how far?<br />
10 weeks this Wednesday. We found out we were pregnant on Rosalynn's half birthday (Oct 20th).<br />
<br />
How am I feeling?<br />
<br />
Like utter crap. Pregnancy is not glamorous. This time I have morning/all day nausea and sickness, exhaustion, and OH migraines. This is a new symptom I have never had with either of my girls. I think it is a way for God to laugh at me and force me to take it easy. I am at the tail end of busy season for my photography business, and the migraines have put me a bit behind. I cannot do anything when i have one, much less stare at a computer screen for hours, and while most think the life of a photographer is glamorous, 80% is spent in front of the computer.<br />
<br />
BUT although I feel like crap, I will take it!! Because the last 2 pregnancies I had very little symptoms, and they dissipated quickly, and the pregnancies both ended before I ever got to see a heartbeat.<br />
<br />
What is the plan?<br />
<br />
With Ava I was strictly with High Risk/Maternal Fetal Medicine. This time we are going to keep them as consulting and stay with my regular OBGYN. But the plan so FAR is to still deliver around 35 weeks. We will see how that goes.<br />
<br />
Well, this is a long post, and I could go on further, but I will leave you with this, our video short film pregnancy announcement!!! Starring miss Avaleen;-)<br />
<br />
On our next update: first U/S pics, first gender prediction test, and pictures of the soon to be big sister:-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x3VSbsLyYmE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3VSbsLyYmE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
PS: waiting to get my old blog template back, so please disregard the temporary one:-)Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-35036149725815826812013-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:002013-12-31T12:30:02.459-05:00Two Beautiful Lives Have Gone to Heaven It has been such a long time since I have posted an entry on my little slice of Internet heaven. I was getting soooo excited, because we were a few short weeks away from making a big announcement, and I was going to be on here a lot more through the next 9 months. But then things started to come crashing down.<br />
<br />
Rewind to a few weeks ago: Foster, Ava and I were in Cinci for a class Foster had to take for the Army. We visited Santa:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmYaqsScC3Eu-CiozHg8y36DFPDEVLNjv-tTB9PiOMpIH6dyW2zH01OXeNjSbuDniBcDOxaHf2OOPy_zjTtV74yLsm1olx_hMY_QvfCL8tTwnX3g9uy48UKaq83f1YFe5Qc8PXKctdNgB/s1600/santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmYaqsScC3Eu-CiozHg8y36DFPDEVLNjv-tTB9PiOMpIH6dyW2zH01OXeNjSbuDniBcDOxaHf2OOPy_zjTtV74yLsm1olx_hMY_QvfCL8tTwnX3g9uy48UKaq83f1YFe5Qc8PXKctdNgB/s400/santa.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And did A LOT of Christmas shopping. However, on our way home, we received a phone call we were not looking forward to. Foster's 98 yr old grandmother had passed away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y6Ghd22tG6hagIThqBee4TXvwgO1s5_TedsEz15dcjcjmtKd5R2w67xFNLDewU_CY5jaRJUsxqJAGXsw63PtiKyXWsL0M-hr6Jgn4ib_7BYIRqxV0-AR1sORSE3dl0XtPRIMhPF9Com2/s1600/gma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y6Ghd22tG6hagIThqBee4TXvwgO1s5_TedsEz15dcjcjmtKd5R2w67xFNLDewU_CY5jaRJUsxqJAGXsw63PtiKyXWsL0M-hr6Jgn4ib_7BYIRqxV0-AR1sORSE3dl0XtPRIMhPF9Com2/s400/gma.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had expected it for some time, but I don't think it is EVER easy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Surprisingly, a day later, we found out we were expecting Foster baby #3. We were ecstatic, and took it as a sign from his Grand mother (who LOVED children), that this baby was meant to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We planned fun ways of telling our family members on Christmas, and we were thrilled to start rearranging our home to accommodate another bundle of joy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took EVERYTHING in us not to spill the beans the 2 days of Foster's Grandmother's funeral. And I even let it slip on accident in conversation with his sisters. However, they promised to keep it a secret until we could surprise his mother.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We celebrated my family's Christmas on the 21st, where we packaged up a pregnancy test and my mom opened it. She was sooooo happy to be having another grandchild. But we were all bummed, because Ava didn't seem to be feeling well, and wasn't excited about Christmas AT ALL.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next night is when things in our life started to flip. Ava had been showing signs of being sick for a few days. Sunday the 22nd her temp spiked to 103.8 and couldn't be controlled w/ Motrin or Tylenol. So we brought her into the ER. 10 hrs later we were sent home with antibiotics and albuterol treatments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tuesday, Christmas Eve, we attended mass with my mom, dad and aunt. When we got home to have an AMAZING dinner Foster prepared, I went to the bathroom and I had started bleeding. With it being Christmas Eve, and the bleeding not being AWFUL, I decided to wait to call the doctor until the bleeding either got worse, or they opened on the 26th. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Christmas morning should have been magical for Ava! Instead she was MISERABLE. One of the signs the nurse mentioned to look for was dry diapers from dehydration. Sure enough, Ava had gone almost 24 hrs w/o a wet diaper by 5pm. It was time to bring her back into the ER. This time they admitted her. Their diagnosis was RSV and Pneumonia (most likely bacterial).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The 26th I decided to call my OB. They were still closed for the Holidays, so it was time for ME to go to the ER, since the bleeding had increased significantly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Quant (HCG levels) were drawn, and were only 689 at 7 weeks. The U/S showed I was only measuring 5 weeks w/ a gestational sac visible, but no baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just had my follow up blood draw yesterday, and it looks like I am in fact miscarrying. The levels are only 696. they are supposed to double every 24-52 hrs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The good news, is Ava is doing great!!! She is home after 4 long days in the hospital, and starting to feel like her old self again! She makes me smile sooo much. The bad news, it doesn't look like she will be getting a sister or brother in the next 9 months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been an AWFUL Christmas, and I am just praying that this new year brings better things. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and be safe and enjoy this New Year!!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HUGS!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-11177201723426506722013-09-02T10:56:00.000-04:002013-09-02T10:57:14.136-04:00Virginia Beach Mini Vaca! :-) Photos, photos and more photos!!It has been a while since I have shared anything on my blog:-( Part of it is because I stink at editing and uploading my personal photos because I am so busy with my client photos, and part of it is because I seriously have very little time to blog lately. I hope to change this, and plan on getting caught up on personal images and posts. I recently went to visit my friend Laura, from <a href="http://www.lauraenrightphotography.com/" target="_blank">Laura Enright Photography in Virginia Beach</a>. Anyone looking for a Virginia Beach photographer, I HIGHLY suggest her!!<br />
<br />
We took our 3 children to the Beach...the best part of having 2 friends who are photographers: two different perspectives of the same event:-) I LOVE the photos she and I captured of my baby girl and her two new friends!!! Here are just a few I took:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaC-6y-bYGCOtF3bKtBPWjBprGqwkMDrLhvfxkC1K1oZ_ZbKjrB-gf0go_HXNB9K96PdPLFge6wmY6r3SxWuDoEu_E-OMHuTINXDTxF-uwiPK8Uv1fiqYkuhUiQLJQoGpqebwcW3hpVOR/s1600/MG4A0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaC-6y-bYGCOtF3bKtBPWjBprGqwkMDrLhvfxkC1K1oZ_ZbKjrB-gf0go_HXNB9K96PdPLFge6wmY6r3SxWuDoEu_E-OMHuTINXDTxF-uwiPK8Uv1fiqYkuhUiQLJQoGpqebwcW3hpVOR/s400/MG4A0122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrOfLdQIOaZXZnxPVt4cUkkmDq5l0ji8cNtddFV6flAWz4J_6Bj-GHPYiIoZIZZeqsctGSxAwODlpJj8bB_wJxp09wvuxflPPngvffxIMRP3qS15QA5X_OpZFzU3fdpcF0Ux8W6fpdF2f/s1600/MG4A0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrOfLdQIOaZXZnxPVt4cUkkmDq5l0ji8cNtddFV6flAWz4J_6Bj-GHPYiIoZIZZeqsctGSxAwODlpJj8bB_wJxp09wvuxflPPngvffxIMRP3qS15QA5X_OpZFzU3fdpcF0Ux8W6fpdF2f/s400/MG4A0171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQwryRaIFjMUntMyZHUJ9W4Jc7RYSoxg7zqOZboToYmH25FCak0U3arKoUQcsd7ZHA6gxXbeVZmvv53ZDvEgQSGvuCb1ByjboKZNuzly3NaJRxgSx_wZCZ0wUd2LVAJucLiMUJ8t6idu/s1600/MG4A0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQwryRaIFjMUntMyZHUJ9W4Jc7RYSoxg7zqOZboToYmH25FCak0U3arKoUQcsd7ZHA6gxXbeVZmvv53ZDvEgQSGvuCb1ByjboKZNuzly3NaJRxgSx_wZCZ0wUd2LVAJucLiMUJ8t6idu/s400/MG4A0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU2CHOQnZbP58-MQ1L-7cd66x80S-k825T5ssGDCLuNaRbbXIRWMzayZsygO-FAeowcKCDIU_X9FHtWYdjfSbAcdWznxQJ9kLcHT3DnOBks5M2xLYE2zUr5m925-kU-mBDpTwRgqiP6-t/s1600/MG4A0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU2CHOQnZbP58-MQ1L-7cd66x80S-k825T5ssGDCLuNaRbbXIRWMzayZsygO-FAeowcKCDIU_X9FHtWYdjfSbAcdWznxQJ9kLcHT3DnOBks5M2xLYE2zUr5m925-kU-mBDpTwRgqiP6-t/s400/MG4A0259.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz3LgHjQMJw_awGxRqqganSsNN-d0x8EmtPTZLJcgAHgR4SKiAb2JIC1JaY2lu-0F1w1TNUg5XSKLfqsJAMklhSU8qrNj4Dqs3LsTMBFVGDmlBDPqYzf-IZY_74oPNE9rc1i5PWeShZMC/s1600/MG4A0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz3LgHjQMJw_awGxRqqganSsNN-d0x8EmtPTZLJcgAHgR4SKiAb2JIC1JaY2lu-0F1w1TNUg5XSKLfqsJAMklhSU8qrNj4Dqs3LsTMBFVGDmlBDPqYzf-IZY_74oPNE9rc1i5PWeShZMC/s400/MG4A0261.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolLRLO2_jJ17mnRRE0GIdHhhxjHwkQYvo4XuVFG33N2pUQpdj-Fug-4G4Ac2LdrR0io1W_Sl0lkUcHhWJvxP-ywyBW8M95FjIIN97p6ZCJI6jlrNqObmlkPWanx4MwvWaoNtFgf6UZP0C/s1600/MG4A0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolLRLO2_jJ17mnRRE0GIdHhhxjHwkQYvo4XuVFG33N2pUQpdj-Fug-4G4Ac2LdrR0io1W_Sl0lkUcHhWJvxP-ywyBW8M95FjIIN97p6ZCJI6jlrNqObmlkPWanx4MwvWaoNtFgf6UZP0C/s400/MG4A0269.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQfEEL_-bWKsV5O8lOcXD6YaKt7FimCYR6_fWEuXDEuTGvbMDdJJ5pT_YDDVP-A4PaH1qV5IFU18w2BNQIGpETao8OKiU-HUiuqdn3Es1-JUF-OACvJNycbl4Ig2_3vz_vXSi-JgljKUx/s1600/MG4A0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQfEEL_-bWKsV5O8lOcXD6YaKt7FimCYR6_fWEuXDEuTGvbMDdJJ5pT_YDDVP-A4PaH1qV5IFU18w2BNQIGpETao8OKiU-HUiuqdn3Es1-JUF-OACvJNycbl4Ig2_3vz_vXSi-JgljKUx/s400/MG4A0312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6apIG_UGBETLmbirG6_TOpt96s3ww7AN88wVDDz0r5ozmgxJiVEJkhNr1GgJtPKxkJ9kUq6glIXrDb4xgnLa2IQ0WIcOwk9O6c5hfYpmb4ztMnkGHDg3sDo29NatPn7hyphenhyphen1UiHPDo6jNU/s1600/MG4A0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6apIG_UGBETLmbirG6_TOpt96s3ww7AN88wVDDz0r5ozmgxJiVEJkhNr1GgJtPKxkJ9kUq6glIXrDb4xgnLa2IQ0WIcOwk9O6c5hfYpmb4ztMnkGHDg3sDo29NatPn7hyphenhyphen1UiHPDo6jNU/s400/MG4A0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDAbUry8-rwzUu9PlwD3EoYkFs7mi-8KmUCgjkqGMzEQBBseez8qd46BkxGmCFsPznV4KVvdt3qBmgUMdQ-Dzy7SOM_K0Y-mDjfostBbD3pfIkB-ZxZdrnjG6qw2dsfPCbhUprl-WfhvQ/s1600/MG4A0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDAbUry8-rwzUu9PlwD3EoYkFs7mi-8KmUCgjkqGMzEQBBseez8qd46BkxGmCFsPznV4KVvdt3qBmgUMdQ-Dzy7SOM_K0Y-mDjfostBbD3pfIkB-ZxZdrnjG6qw2dsfPCbhUprl-WfhvQ/s400/MG4A0329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2s7w_XChyAtwsXzU7tcwQPF3FaIxw_hbLzM0_ishZ-fcIoAxcCyP1pxW_cUgefRZIa6_fM0-EF0d7fleRcZuXzpgkYv73Aew1WXhu7dDsZek8DnAy5QMpCQ6udOems_DjuoNEeJn11XO/s1600/MG4A0155-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2s7w_XChyAtwsXzU7tcwQPF3FaIxw_hbLzM0_ishZ-fcIoAxcCyP1pxW_cUgefRZIa6_fM0-EF0d7fleRcZuXzpgkYv73Aew1WXhu7dDsZek8DnAy5QMpCQ6udOems_DjuoNEeJn11XO/s400/MG4A0155-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW0OxRveifA8_rn0BiAs407vwHc3IDWI4H2vX2KBAHLwyAPeXlmYkYHfVtRHtyZOA2wBD6j8Fb5QNvVpXjzgYdWENCECpdrUgesaNndCfVDOE6_DLsS8uDKZUZ-h1m7-vN9yJdWo3e1-R/s1600/MG4A0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW0OxRveifA8_rn0BiAs407vwHc3IDWI4H2vX2KBAHLwyAPeXlmYkYHfVtRHtyZOA2wBD6j8Fb5QNvVpXjzgYdWENCECpdrUgesaNndCfVDOE6_DLsS8uDKZUZ-h1m7-vN9yJdWo3e1-R/s400/MG4A0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And here are a few of my favorites of Laura's:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5QYa1jTDoHmF7X6soIjV1hz238g0RZ7uDKUtbNFay9O41h76QM5WboKjMWOUiM4SK6K-ZTo0O4A9S8zMJxVCoqc7nOQmOnqRc-6XEZiG7YcYaXYxROhKJLAvFLGeiq4XjH2liJzqiOv/s1600/3G8B1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou5QYa1jTDoHmF7X6soIjV1hz238g0RZ7uDKUtbNFay9O41h76QM5WboKjMWOUiM4SK6K-ZTo0O4A9S8zMJxVCoqc7nOQmOnqRc-6XEZiG7YcYaXYxROhKJLAvFLGeiq4XjH2liJzqiOv/s400/3G8B1036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tL0jRiJfOLgM1huzBLF2P8sM9W6RNMSSUQuhCV0jAFjQiKXF5eBuUw2Z_O9suA6y7vCXuqnYvlDmzdhroepuUahEwJLlVfnYOrnneZjCOvtkH98zWAYu2aPb_3Wfxev_KbtFEp8_drOT/s1600/3G8B1236+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tL0jRiJfOLgM1huzBLF2P8sM9W6RNMSSUQuhCV0jAFjQiKXF5eBuUw2Z_O9suA6y7vCXuqnYvlDmzdhroepuUahEwJLlVfnYOrnneZjCOvtkH98zWAYu2aPb_3Wfxev_KbtFEp8_drOT/s400/3G8B1236+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTl1q2a-_4fvuH6pdAMYA_oPJKi5LZIiJDwL_Mwf7u0hj9saPPFMmPIHNwCb9hHQ8BnqIeEPyTdJB_DQB4i_QeL2zIn6M2uegibORK6JknBJ2BrtL98ltcSVDerAD7rrcTWJyn3nlgwRY/s1600/3G8B1191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTl1q2a-_4fvuH6pdAMYA_oPJKi5LZIiJDwL_Mwf7u0hj9saPPFMmPIHNwCb9hHQ8BnqIeEPyTdJB_DQB4i_QeL2zIn6M2uegibORK6JknBJ2BrtL98ltcSVDerAD7rrcTWJyn3nlgwRY/s400/3G8B1191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2Jezj17ml1TFtCjj242JZQzYIJe80Qgio7efVz-qRogtg-lRHo3-Fo49-VY_6k5E89HCjOyRpY7urqAT6ZTLALeb7CbkfixuOu7H5tr5moluNVqYYD5360ZZw5fp8jUAhMn1PM7mJ_k9/s1600/3G8B1211+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2Jezj17ml1TFtCjj242JZQzYIJe80Qgio7efVz-qRogtg-lRHo3-Fo49-VY_6k5E89HCjOyRpY7urqAT6ZTLALeb7CbkfixuOu7H5tr5moluNVqYYD5360ZZw5fp8jUAhMn1PM7mJ_k9/s400/3G8B1211+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We had so much fun, and I LOVE having some amazing photos to remember our trip by!!! Thank you so much Laura for the hospitality, and entertainment!!! :-)Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-25037943739741847922013-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-09T09:00:06.416-04:00Happy 3rd Heavenly Birthday Rosalynn Patricia!!! Once again, my beautiful Rosalynn's birthday has come and gone. I am at least writing about it this time:-)<br />
<br />
Foster, Ava and I headed out to the big, windy city of Chicago to celebrate and spend time with friends!! Let me tell you, April is COLD AND WINDY in Chicago!! Foster went to a Cubs game...by himself because it was raining and cold, and I was NOT making Ava sit through that. However we DID venture out in the cold to visit the aquarium...one of Ava's favorite places to visit. She had a blast sitting through Ice Age 4D, looking at the Sharks and Dolphins, and of COURSE the Jellies (my personal favorites).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx0bRw9KQ6yLAQIuAqmJe6vOf29CPZkUMwWKhSmX87NMansUYiWge1oUTagT67pEI4Bun5ZTEbIA7c42TxRFPIu9e2cdOu38XmQ_7K16FL6LXrGPjY3NU-BcHFCheYKRHkQ0Vy9ghEKos/s1600/MG4A8000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx0bRw9KQ6yLAQIuAqmJe6vOf29CPZkUMwWKhSmX87NMansUYiWge1oUTagT67pEI4Bun5ZTEbIA7c42TxRFPIu9e2cdOu38XmQ_7K16FL6LXrGPjY3NU-BcHFCheYKRHkQ0Vy9ghEKos/s400/MG4A8000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj736ET-a2hKABEAs9mv0omTajl4OUwpY3r0wGH9eG4NhkwbzJBRgB4ZKCa7TlEguIqZiSoeyjnvodxPVUJFgPozG-Kv2EbrgnonsBoY825S__ZuZzuWBVarlLH_7-PQjFgJSTQZXOpE0H/s1600/MG4A8005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj736ET-a2hKABEAs9mv0omTajl4OUwpY3r0wGH9eG4NhkwbzJBRgB4ZKCa7TlEguIqZiSoeyjnvodxPVUJFgPozG-Kv2EbrgnonsBoY825S__ZuZzuWBVarlLH_7-PQjFgJSTQZXOpE0H/s400/MG4A8005.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OOtHTRyvNQsuYsunr94rVM75QxktCxnKKSQcN6-uwmlKfhGjsSLwTMBNMyJKooewGdTZaEraMDJBPmEku906QmtY6Gy-Rzj_XLPtL-C1TiZUY-wfedYe3jak7xyxjrubk1WpMMsDYtEa/s1600/MG4A8018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OOtHTRyvNQsuYsunr94rVM75QxktCxnKKSQcN6-uwmlKfhGjsSLwTMBNMyJKooewGdTZaEraMDJBPmEku906QmtY6Gy-Rzj_XLPtL-C1TiZUY-wfedYe3jak7xyxjrubk1WpMMsDYtEa/s400/MG4A8018.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMO_kezzhnzEn4pMQYoUF1q6tWnm2AL7uBnYv3U7fa_Vkojr_eABHDlk5SoZ5jh1Wsui_1yv0NGbHc0x_8djLvsQo_cUK962kmfwAoE-lq4LUkbNM6A2rLCJc48taSbivWdqANcC7Qc2B/s1600/MG4A8022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMO_kezzhnzEn4pMQYoUF1q6tWnm2AL7uBnYv3U7fa_Vkojr_eABHDlk5SoZ5jh1Wsui_1yv0NGbHc0x_8djLvsQo_cUK962kmfwAoE-lq4LUkbNM6A2rLCJc48taSbivWdqANcC7Qc2B/s400/MG4A8022.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZnjuB0KTCFLSU4dl46PLJFB8qXFBOtXBh7Yn7Uaar-qtTCH148bbcxlBXODX6O3zmFf96wNvxzkBEgpDXjEOmwBVcnU7An7Y_uft9WhLgEXcesX5xwDsjpMCf280cz_qVP6nlGtoSwy8/s1600/MG4A8024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZnjuB0KTCFLSU4dl46PLJFB8qXFBOtXBh7Yn7Uaar-qtTCH148bbcxlBXODX6O3zmFf96wNvxzkBEgpDXjEOmwBVcnU7An7Y_uft9WhLgEXcesX5xwDsjpMCf280cz_qVP6nlGtoSwy8/s400/MG4A8024.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Later that night, we met up with one of my best friends, and fellow photographer, Laura from <a href="http://www.lauraenrightphotography.com/blog/" target="_blank">Laura Enright Photography</a>, and her family for dinner. The kids had a blast, and my husband and hers got a chance to bond and swap their military stories:-)<br />
<br />
We had to leave and get to bed early, however, because we had an early morning full of pictures with Laura!!! She did a phenomenal job at capturing my family....all 4 of us!!<br />
<br />
It was April 20th. We chose to have our photos done ON her birthday in tribute to Rosalynn. We picked up 3 balloons the night before to represent her 3 years in heaven. We took a few shots with the balloons included, and then I tied them to Laura's VERY heavy camera bag to make sure they didn't fly away while we took a few pictures without the balloons and before taking photos of us releasing the balloons. We were having fun, and then all of the sudden I turned around and the balloons were flying into heaven on their own!! I always knew my daughter was strong willed, but taking balloons that were securely tied to a heavy bag...now that takes some talent! LOL. Later in the week, when we arrived home, I asked Laura to check the time stamp on the photo she took of the balloon flying into heaven: 7:27AM.....Rosalynn was born @ 7:29AM....little stinker couldn't wait 2 more minutes:-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2LiSjvid0NKOY7BOxUlvyz1rFi8EFAVG9aTcmVnIcS8Jd6nMX-S6wXuLEbLJ63wbh7Zw8zGcpRHOqf5VsHrGF-MdD2RSl15c9Q9wZ75rXsxFKa47iv0I3bZsbaJ89R2JUkdaZrdtlxyV/s1600/2013-05-09_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2LiSjvid0NKOY7BOxUlvyz1rFi8EFAVG9aTcmVnIcS8Jd6nMX-S6wXuLEbLJ63wbh7Zw8zGcpRHOqf5VsHrGF-MdD2RSl15c9Q9wZ75rXsxFKa47iv0I3bZsbaJ89R2JUkdaZrdtlxyV/s640/2013-05-09_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH8M2GHkvYt7dowRnhbTMFYfz1Z9wu3PlEQIyYUw3kW-0P5vWjq8h1P8pGDfNyBPP_4VUxBa1jTAbPpFjHkD0iaVAquFfl6MmcG3i8-D1upu0KwhRc-7yIyMQ1paak783Imst38FDOl7r/s1600/2013-05-09_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH8M2GHkvYt7dowRnhbTMFYfz1Z9wu3PlEQIyYUw3kW-0P5vWjq8h1P8pGDfNyBPP_4VUxBa1jTAbPpFjHkD0iaVAquFfl6MmcG3i8-D1upu0KwhRc-7yIyMQ1paak783Imst38FDOl7r/s640/2013-05-09_0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSc0SKq64c3B9KyZBOLhVGDmH4AcEEK4tqdNhLOb89cwPwzLO-rB7fzTLc-v0Dq7Assq5A5mpYl7vdtTS-DUYN8nNReEIIsxeIm0ZSxglnv5MHMU9G68X6TRpupoVS7awz8oAcSg-xrF7/s1600/2013-05-09_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSc0SKq64c3B9KyZBOLhVGDmH4AcEEK4tqdNhLOb89cwPwzLO-rB7fzTLc-v0Dq7Assq5A5mpYl7vdtTS-DUYN8nNReEIIsxeIm0ZSxglnv5MHMU9G68X6TRpupoVS7awz8oAcSg-xrF7/s640/2013-05-09_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholVPyGWPdMnyrn-UqqXWRrwjXBm5Kqv5qC9NKrpcss82QkTsff4Pp1uc478NJVgaob4zxClNTVIqEjZRmNap56nT8g2IZTHYA8NDvEw9KwHH91gSRcrr0pPZtW-S19IaorvDy1SNJ5s-_/s1600/2013-05-09_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholVPyGWPdMnyrn-UqqXWRrwjXBm5Kqv5qC9NKrpcss82QkTsff4Pp1uc478NJVgaob4zxClNTVIqEjZRmNap56nT8g2IZTHYA8NDvEw9KwHH91gSRcrr0pPZtW-S19IaorvDy1SNJ5s-_/s640/2013-05-09_0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vS_sPRFBTsn4nKpo62SfQEqH715UCsR1YG7jOKRBmyHnrlI9Zos3vzDGBvQbV0Ylrx978Zy2-J0orzpwkVvO2_LJJDPlR15yhAYzhb96-hYJOPr0NYCX7_g1sFdBl-nTkimYM_BMGq28/s1600/2013-05-09_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vS_sPRFBTsn4nKpo62SfQEqH715UCsR1YG7jOKRBmyHnrlI9Zos3vzDGBvQbV0Ylrx978Zy2-J0orzpwkVvO2_LJJDPlR15yhAYzhb96-hYJOPr0NYCX7_g1sFdBl-nTkimYM_BMGq28/s640/2013-05-09_0005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we stopped into Panera for a little bit to get warmed up...it was 34 degrees out!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR9hGxxkYS4akxbSou8e5yUmfqryiQ42Zg9Fx-_6kqTB5Wp5wscWi87jeGpuDXge0H4JOyNadqB_tO_Ld2w5QxBOSDYzb-X-rtYgXp5g8wVrmjroZKdP4XmI76FCQZzouORvXj7i0osOl/s1600/2013-05-09_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicR9hGxxkYS4akxbSou8e5yUmfqryiQ42Zg9Fx-_6kqTB5Wp5wscWi87jeGpuDXge0H4JOyNadqB_tO_Ld2w5QxBOSDYzb-X-rtYgXp5g8wVrmjroZKdP4XmI76FCQZzouORvXj7i0osOl/s640/2013-05-09_0006.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY8DX2Zk3ExbWYvdvZKPlkGfczmpWf850g-MnXVhNyBT5LDYkmwaU5b1TCugJV2FawMC2oNtDYgBgZie9kGIx98sDMtl0768fT4bOy6uXEA-RfFZVI9_QqRfUv7UXUSExtulle7DB9C6a/s1600/2013-05-09_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY8DX2Zk3ExbWYvdvZKPlkGfczmpWf850g-MnXVhNyBT5LDYkmwaU5b1TCugJV2FawMC2oNtDYgBgZie9kGIx98sDMtl0768fT4bOy6uXEA-RfFZVI9_QqRfUv7UXUSExtulle7DB9C6a/s640/2013-05-09_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY0pD1x4lAiry3rVJpgUkCQEAV_QRSGfO-IR6-TRVjFhPngPghSFHPiDsCUpXPqQH4IWlHxq2wXFTbEk5AYPXhpXwSUDfpTd2E-KRLNzE4iye0xBJYut7QB5urTwlzJy9nQcbUdfumdkC/s1600/2013-05-09_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVY0pD1x4lAiry3rVJpgUkCQEAV_QRSGfO-IR6-TRVjFhPngPghSFHPiDsCUpXPqQH4IWlHxq2wXFTbEk5AYPXhpXwSUDfpTd2E-KRLNzE4iye0xBJYut7QB5urTwlzJy9nQcbUdfumdkC/s640/2013-05-09_0008.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qe0Ntl2m0MzJqfiECyAd0_pTLjY8vIBZTE7HrzD8YSnwYzOqeJgIoSPzFC1Y8xk-Yus1HTJncgJKCePYlgcKC037GWNMk41NGDu83mqK5_ArO_lJUe4iUK1lGUsBXxs1FKTj-gfsEvSx/s1600/2013-05-09_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qe0Ntl2m0MzJqfiECyAd0_pTLjY8vIBZTE7HrzD8YSnwYzOqeJgIoSPzFC1Y8xk-Yus1HTJncgJKCePYlgcKC037GWNMk41NGDu83mqK5_ArO_lJUe4iUK1lGUsBXxs1FKTj-gfsEvSx/s640/2013-05-09_0009.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this little girl?!?!?!? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mVo72vgmMgUA_hd6BXKz3Xypx4rfDJxm239Y5KNIGDWE65M_sDjoQi1j3SoB4C2B4n1hzR5Wer7jxpz2XKVgH4T_sjqjgfXhm-F9y33fa3hjeTCsRbznpgE6dc8t4g4L43D10S0FTe5e/s1600/2013-05-09_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mVo72vgmMgUA_hd6BXKz3Xypx4rfDJxm239Y5KNIGDWE65M_sDjoQi1j3SoB4C2B4n1hzR5Wer7jxpz2XKVgH4T_sjqjgfXhm-F9y33fa3hjeTCsRbznpgE6dc8t4g4L43D10S0FTe5e/s640/2013-05-09_0010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Bgp8w05oi-IZS_iT4mBYnIqO1AGgbjiWJqJsR5AGYRlxGtwYRUyaA6A9inBGNEy41mi19RUba8sFgX75vnJcXtV0JeBV2evsSNmNy1cj9C83ftmnKepoFPvDpTqEYkr862LusP6hzUH1/s1600/2013-05-09_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Bgp8w05oi-IZS_iT4mBYnIqO1AGgbjiWJqJsR5AGYRlxGtwYRUyaA6A9inBGNEy41mi19RUba8sFgX75vnJcXtV0JeBV2evsSNmNy1cj9C83ftmnKepoFPvDpTqEYkr862LusP6hzUH1/s640/2013-05-09_0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So as if the balloons weren't enough of a sign that Rosalynn was all around us that day, my mom and her friends were releasing balloons later that night in Ohio, and just as they started flying through a clearing in the clouds, a shooting star streamed through the sky!! They all saw it, and all freaked out with excitement:-)<br />
<br />
We had out own little birthday celebration that night with Joe and Joe, candle, cupcake and balloons all included:-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXMRgj9KIsZIPju7Z-HyYbGBRM6-vUgLhg_H4eIIQLvSn2LVjFGb41ih2PBjb5bZTc-fMZHNIg0opNQawDlb4g4Cb1HONesCQSw5QNVZPotZk8jXLtAOiSzL93QZxUI1EC4tQVg0mUZNk/s1600/MG4A8070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXMRgj9KIsZIPju7Z-HyYbGBRM6-vUgLhg_H4eIIQLvSn2LVjFGb41ih2PBjb5bZTc-fMZHNIg0opNQawDlb4g4Cb1HONesCQSw5QNVZPotZk8jXLtAOiSzL93QZxUI1EC4tQVg0mUZNk/s400/MG4A8070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how much Ava ADORES uncle Joe! :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPm9sScjzSY5s-M5jSwK8KnSPfyku5TxY-ulIU30AOUGW7265wXG1hhyN6Gh8Vq9sFSvqjh2wsKDhf0BvwdGO-DwajObZT_OQjtTC4psUWTlqfsN0KnLM-6hguazqe1ds7-KLoRj1LKv4/s1600/MG4A8075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPm9sScjzSY5s-M5jSwK8KnSPfyku5TxY-ulIU30AOUGW7265wXG1hhyN6Gh8Vq9sFSvqjh2wsKDhf0BvwdGO-DwajObZT_OQjtTC4psUWTlqfsN0KnLM-6hguazqe1ds7-KLoRj1LKv4/s400/MG4A8075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo0mhGlEp0nVWvRjEDYb-8Tozt7EgRtVvZOlSl3ZhMXvxt5hvTZi1MYFKx5D4gMKbh7EtgRV4ooxIAZyDmfrtlRPjlG8DzXC3FiqCLUdE4IczjYIJcl8wzX16EXMMStZagk0EPPiwZvrC/s1600/MG4A8082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo0mhGlEp0nVWvRjEDYb-8Tozt7EgRtVvZOlSl3ZhMXvxt5hvTZi1MYFKx5D4gMKbh7EtgRV4ooxIAZyDmfrtlRPjlG8DzXC3FiqCLUdE4IczjYIJcl8wzX16EXMMStZagk0EPPiwZvrC/s400/MG4A8082.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG67Bmx0dzcWyVdoGpWGZ2ESvGwHZd3X4Zg_SZejEC5jrhkBeDrwtKRW3xfRNavX4X2fdT1M53BMvamG-QQIYN2Mb88fSHi06VV3rC3JwLYMq1hk7ubUcdPyojxCyFQ3Q0iQVeLgQ9l1X/s1600/MG4A8092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG67Bmx0dzcWyVdoGpWGZ2ESvGwHZd3X4Zg_SZejEC5jrhkBeDrwtKRW3xfRNavX4X2fdT1M53BMvamG-QQIYN2Mb88fSHi06VV3rC3JwLYMq1hk7ubUcdPyojxCyFQ3Q0iQVeLgQ9l1X/s400/MG4A8092.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although ideally we would be celebrating with screaming 3 year olds running around and cake, ice cream, and presents, I couldn't have asked for a better 3rd Birthday celebration for my heavenly daughter:-) I think we may need to make these trips a new tradition for her birthday....and we can send her balloons from different parts of the country each year....next year, I am thinking Virginia may be a good state (right Laura??) :-)</div>
<br />Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2219480138498759917.post-71485293065293385182013-04-17T12:08:00.001-04:002013-04-17T12:14:08.669-04:003 Days To 3 YearsI am writing this now, because in less than 12 hours Foster, Avaleen and I will be on our way to Chicago to celebrate the life of our sweet Rosalynn with friends, and I am afraid I won't have time to write on her birthday.<br />
<br />
I think this time of year has so many mixed emotions, it is sometimes hard for me to put it into words. April 20th 2010 was the day that made me a mother, which should have been the happiest day of my life, but was the most devastating instead. There are days that it just feels like it happened yesterday, but in 3 days it will be 3 YEARS.<br />
<br />
It baffles me that I would have a three year old running around the house. We would be planning what theme to have her birthday in, what outfit she was going to wear, and what flavor cake we would have Stephanie make for us (my amazing cake lady). But instead, my family is getting ready to spend some time together and honor her short life here on earth. It is heartbreaking. I miss her!<br />
<br />
I have missed her since day one, and even though my blogs have gotten fewer and farther between, it is not because I miss her any less. I have just immersed myself in the gifts that Rosalynn, and God, has blessed me with.<br />
<br />
My beautiful Avaleen, my "much prayed for child". She keeps my days filled with smiles and laughter, and she is getting more and more personality by the day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssQPEhDioEYujh006bxFAkSpTB6OGdw-sue3QuXtlQRdWqwfmAOSp_7aqmfjL0Thhs2bdIDGkZ4kep8PpymD9tMzs2XDtmWyJ_-d1adU3zBvQuaJrZRURW1MV0L_ARqxN0MY5hiG0ly1Z/s1600/MG4A7018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssQPEhDioEYujh006bxFAkSpTB6OGdw-sue3QuXtlQRdWqwfmAOSp_7aqmfjL0Thhs2bdIDGkZ4kep8PpymD9tMzs2XDtmWyJ_-d1adU3zBvQuaJrZRURW1MV0L_ARqxN0MY5hiG0ly1Z/s400/MG4A7018.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv9DNNwLXcuJcclCmU60uDQmNbQOxu-CKokSyy2ZOAK3lWW9E9WsOrWBly7RWvIx20TswY6VLYq9mEigw4FXs4592BgPEnhOKl_6drJMHlE53MyQvnzWSUwpQjukKIolJbXhjKIS5R98c/s1600/MG4A7252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv9DNNwLXcuJcclCmU60uDQmNbQOxu-CKokSyy2ZOAK3lWW9E9WsOrWBly7RWvIx20TswY6VLYq9mEigw4FXs4592BgPEnhOKl_6drJMHlE53MyQvnzWSUwpQjukKIolJbXhjKIS5R98c/s400/MG4A7252.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_igR2dV3x5UwGis8LQ1MC-w0jLJ4xYunW2KvW8EMYsvLLqtgXJqvnratob9mSwZ8DZf1wVj8wq1x_uiKz_zTNRyFlm8fmL8zJ975ndOde3LfnYOyAvWIXi73MOfvFpoOtpAcZgX8qNQi4/s1600/MG4A7265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_igR2dV3x5UwGis8LQ1MC-w0jLJ4xYunW2KvW8EMYsvLLqtgXJqvnratob9mSwZ8DZf1wVj8wq1x_uiKz_zTNRyFlm8fmL8zJ975ndOde3LfnYOyAvWIXi73MOfvFpoOtpAcZgX8qNQi4/s400/MG4A7265.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/irisheyesphoto" target="_blank">photography</a>. Rosalynn's death has reaped some amazing results. I would give it all up in a heartbeat to have her here on Earth, but EVERY DAY she touches and enriches someones life!! And that makes me a proud mom!!<br />
<br />
I will be bringing on a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/IrishEyesMedia?fref=ts" target="_blank">Media guy to my business</a>....this is his dream. And although I believe he would have still gotten the chance to eventually fulfill his dream, my daughter, who inspired me to start my photography, is helping him BECAUSE I have a great business I can incorporate him into. She has also touched a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cupcakesbymichelledell" target="_blank">cupcake business owner</a> as well!! Every time I produce a photo that a parent loves, it is Rosalynn, because she is my muse, she is who I think about every time I pick up my camera! I can name quite a few people Rosie has touched...even if they don't know it;-)<br />
<br />
So how are we celebrating Rosalynn's short life? I am finally getting in FRONT of the camera. Laura Enright, from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LEphotographyLE?fref=ts" target="_blank">Laura Enright Photography</a> has offered to give Rosalynn the best birthday gift she could think of....family pictures of her mom, dad, and sister. We will be using red balloons, and bringing the Rosalynn bear to represent our first born. We will be enjoying a nice birthday meal with Laura and her family, and <a href="http://journeyoflifeandluv.blogspot.com/2010/09/foster-and-i-really-needed-this-past.html" target="_blank">Joe and Joe</a>:-) <br />
<br />
Joe and Joe have been so kind as to put us up for a few days, so we can see the sites of Chicago, and enjoy a little family time. I LOVE Joe, she has such a tender heart. EVERY year on April 20th she has sent a balloon up to Rosalynn. This year she will actually get to take part in the festivities WITH us.<br />
<br />
It still crushes that this is the type of celebration we are having instead of a bunch of 3 year olds running around my house, playing and laughing. It crushes me and does not get any easier each consecutive year. But it is how I know how to celebrate Rosalynn's short life.<br />
<br />
Please, on April 20th, hug your children a little tighter, smile at someone, or even send up a red balloon, because it is one VERY special little girl's birthday:-) (and send me a pic if you do;-) erinfoster@irisheyesphotography.net.Radiant Readheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467915589102902588noreply@blogger.com2