Thursday, August 31, 2006
MRI~today
okay, did the MRI today. went fine. I did psych myself out a little here and there. Overall it went well though. I'm waiting results, the hard part. After about 20 minutes of testing, the tech tells me that he is going to "show these to the doctor and be back". Does he take me out of the machine?? nope. why does he need to leave right now to show the doctor?? weird. so he comes back and tells me that there is one more test to do and it will be 4 minutes. I can handle 4 more minutes. Then I start to think, why one more after showing the others to the doctor?? Does this mean they didn't find anything but want to do one more angle to make sure? does this mean they did find something and want to see how bad?? the assistant at the office yesterday said that depending on the results the doctor may call me before my appt on Wednesay. Does that mean he'll call to tell me to run or to get cruches, or not call at all??? ahhhh! Please keep me in your prayers, thank you!
possible stress fracture??
so, I went to the doctor today, he is concerned that I have a stress fracture in my sacrum, where the sacro-iliac joint is bothering me. I actually had been having minimal pain and had run saturday and yesterday with little to no pain. BUT when he pushed on that spot, YEEEEOOOOOWWW! It is still hurting me right now several hours later! so after a lot of poking me and pushing on me and stretching me around, he said, "you are right, it is definitly coming from your S-I joint". that felt great to have that confirmation! He also told me that I am really flexible which is good, too keep at the yoga. It sounded like I have some muscle imbalance that could be what is causing the pain in my left leg. The longer your run is the more that gets worse. he told me that the resistance training, stretching/yoga, massage, I'm doing are all great to help fix that. so he sends me for x-rays of the S-I joint which are normal and no signs of arthritis. another good thing.
Then he lays it on the line for me. "HEre are your options, you can keep running, and doing all the other things you are doing, and see if the pain goes away. then you could be fine. You can see physical therapy to help with a more structured plan for what you are already doing. You could have an MRI to rule out a fracture or find out that you have one. In that case I couldnt' let you run until it heals, which could be 3 months." so, I'm mullng over the choices. I asked if I had to take any dye for the MRI, since I'm still breastfeeding. He tells me no, but that since I am extendedly breastfeeding that puts me at a higher risk to have this stress fracture. If I keep running and I DO have one, my hip could break and I could be in surgery and no runnign for a long time.
So he tells me that I have several factors that make me a higher risk to have the stress fracture,
runner
woman
extended breastfeeding
high mileage
He proceeds to tell me that if I were his wife,, that he would give me an MRI. So, I can afford to take 3 months off right now. I may not reach my time goal in May, but at least I have a good chance o fstill running that race. I CAN"T afford to take time off after December. I decide to schedule the MRI. ugh. I'm nervous about it. He said that if it's not too bad (if I have a fracture) that I might be able to do non-impact aeorobic activity (like that eliptical) in a month. If it's real bad, I would be on cruches.
sooooooooo, I must get off of here to go schedule the MRI, and get some final answers.
the other "great news" is that my cell phone broke. not covered under warrenty, no insurance, and not due for an upgrade until March. yup, lookin' at $100 bucks or so. it's what we use for long distance calling, emergencies when away from home, what I use on my long runs (when I can do those again) and for Kyle's school to contact me in case of an emergency.
Then he lays it on the line for me. "HEre are your options, you can keep running, and doing all the other things you are doing, and see if the pain goes away. then you could be fine. You can see physical therapy to help with a more structured plan for what you are already doing. You could have an MRI to rule out a fracture or find out that you have one. In that case I couldnt' let you run until it heals, which could be 3 months." so, I'm mullng over the choices. I asked if I had to take any dye for the MRI, since I'm still breastfeeding. He tells me no, but that since I am extendedly breastfeeding that puts me at a higher risk to have this stress fracture. If I keep running and I DO have one, my hip could break and I could be in surgery and no runnign for a long time.
So he tells me that I have several factors that make me a higher risk to have the stress fracture,
runner
woman
extended breastfeeding
high mileage
He proceeds to tell me that if I were his wife,, that he would give me an MRI. So, I can afford to take 3 months off right now. I may not reach my time goal in May, but at least I have a good chance o fstill running that race. I CAN"T afford to take time off after December. I decide to schedule the MRI. ugh. I'm nervous about it. He said that if it's not too bad (if I have a fracture) that I might be able to do non-impact aeorobic activity (like that eliptical) in a month. If it's real bad, I would be on cruches.
sooooooooo, I must get off of here to go schedule the MRI, and get some final answers.
the other "great news" is that my cell phone broke. not covered under warrenty, no insurance, and not due for an upgrade until March. yup, lookin' at $100 bucks or so. it's what we use for long distance calling, emergencies when away from home, what I use on my long runs (when I can do those again) and for Kyle's school to contact me in case of an emergency.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Two years ago..........
CORBIN WADE’S BIRTH STORY
It started Friday, August 20th, when I was 35 weeks 4 days pregnant. I had about 3-4 hours of regular contractions that were 5 minutes apart or so and more painful than they had been in the past. I kept wondering if "this was it" but didn't get excited or anything as my body tends to work out quite a bit before the real thing (as you all know by my numerous trips to L&D). The contractions died down and I fell asleep.
Saturday, not much out of the normal was going on and I was really feeling like I should stop taking my medication for preterm labor. I was going to be taken off of it on Monday anyway, and just felt that it was time to stop taking it all together two days early. My last dose was at 1pm Saturday afternoon. I took the boys to play at Chik-Fil-A play area and as I sat and watched them, I enjoyed strong contractions knowing this was the last day I was to enjoy being pregnant. I was sad that it was over already and excited to meet this baby. By dinner time I was noticing more contractions that were getting my attention in strength and were giving me a clue that this might be it, but didn't want to get too excited because just the night before nothing had come of it. I also thought that it was good my body was getting ready even if the big event wasn’t tonight. Ben asked me if we had decided on the name and I said that the two girl names we had chosen didn’t’ really sound good for some reason and that made me think it was a boy because I really loved the boy name and we only had one boy name. Ben said he really believed it was a boy.
We finished dinner and I began to chart the contractions, we made popcorn and started a movie about 8pm and I had to really concentrate on the contractions by then. Ben was giving me counter pressure on my back, which was really a big help at this point. I was enjoying being so in tune with my body and being able to “enjoy” these contractions. IT was great to be at home with my family preparing for the “fun” to come.
I started to feel the need to finish packing the boys overnight bag and my hospital bag. I needed to feel ready to go when it was time. Ben was trying to help me time my contractions but I had a rhythm going and wasn’t’ near him every time I had one so it was easier to time them myself. I would call him for some of the contractions to do the counter pressure on my back when I need him too.
By 10:30pm the boys had been put to bed for a while, I had finished packing the hospital and boys’ bag, and feeling like it was time to head into the hospital. Contractions were pretty close together and getting pretty strong. I kept worrying that the hospital would tell me that I was only 3 cm and I would be strapped to the bed for the long haul. I call my OB and told him I thought I should come in and he told me they would check me out to see what was going on (labor!). I called my doula and she was telling me that if I went too early, they would most likely not let me labor as I would if I were home. I agreed, but told her that it was time to head in. Ben tells me that he doesn’t think I should drive myself!! I have to laugh because I never had any intention of driving myself this time (I drove myself all the times I was in preterm labor so that I could have dh at home watching the boys). This told me that he didn’t’ realize how close we were to having this baby and that I must have been handling myself pretty well. Cute! I asked him if he was prepared to deliver this baby at home and I was serious. He told me he would rather be at the hospital in case anything went wrong and I agreed (with our history we have always needed the NICU). I tell him that means we need to go NOW.
I call my friend Wendy to come over and watch the boys for us and she arrives excited and worried. She is worried that we might not make it to the hospital and there is nothing that she can do for my pain. AT this point I don’t really feel in pain but know that my body is working. After giving her the run down, we head out.
We arrive at the hospital and Ben asks if I want dropped off at the door. He wants to wheel me in a wheel chair but I decline the wheel chair and tell him dropping me off at the door is just fine. I just want to get there, and tell him I am going to start walking and he can catch up since I won’t be able to walk very fast. I got to the elevators and he is catching up with me telling me that I am walking faster than I realize. I just want to get there and feel settled as to where this baby will be born.
The nurse takes me to the exam room, I wonder what she is thinking by taking me to an exam room instead of labor and delivery room, but don’t ask any questions figuring I don’t’ care which room I give birth in. I get into the bathroom to pee and change into the lovely gown, and realize that Ben had not brought my hospital bag in with him. In the bag is the camera and extra film. I want him to go get it, but he wants to wait to see what the doctor says. I ask him to get it now, he wants to wait. The nurse comes in and asks some questions getting me hooked up to the monitors. My doula arrives and is great from the get go. Ben sits down beside the bed and his knees are at my knees, perfect for me to lean forward during the contractions and put my hands on his legs. He gives me words of encouragement and rubs my shoulders if I want. The nurse then checks my progress and barely gets out “you’re between 6-7 cm” as she starts running out the door for the doctor. I think, thank goodness, at least I am making progress! Ben asks Paula, our doula, how long it would be now, knowing that every birth is different but just wanting an idea. Paula said that it could be a few hours. I laughed, and said, “No Paula, not a couple of hours! We are talking a half hour here. Ha ha!”
A good friend told me to keep my hands and jaw relaxed during contractions, which was a huge help. I also kept thinking of things opening up. I kept making sure that my body was relaxed so that my uterus could do all the work it needed to. The nurse comes back and tells that we can go to the labor and delivery room and would I like a wheel chair. I declined stating that I would go between contractions which were very strong and very close by now. I needed to stay empowered and in control. I waited out the next contraction and get up and walk very fast down the hall giving directions to the room. Ben was looking for room numbers and I am telling him where to go, I had to get there and feel settled. My doula commented on how well I was walking and I said “I’m on a mission!”
When we get to the room, Paula starts “setting up shop” like a radio with wonderful calm music playing and I remember thinking “why bother, there isn’t time” but that it was a nice thought. The nurse then starts asking me more questions. She is asking me my social security number, address, and all kinds of silly things (silly at the time!). I tell Ben between contractions that he is welcome to shout out any of these answers that he knows at any time. The next question the nurse asks is my age, Ben him haws around thinking about it and finally answers 32. I look up from my contraction with a scowl and tell him “I’m NOT 32 I’m 31!!” Great, he gets the first one wrong!! I soon start ignoring the nurse asking questions thinking that there is plenty of time for this later.
The nurse said that our OB was on his way to the hospital and that he was very supportive of our birth plan. Since they hadn’t done a GBS since 31 weeks, they wanted to give me the antibiotics to be sure. Great. They started an IV lock so that I didn’t have to be hooked up to an IV. By this time, I was having contractions back to back and the nurse was having trouble getting the IV lock in for some reason, even though I was very still. I wanted her to hurry because I hated having my arm still and needed to be in the moment. By this time, it was getting pretty scary for me as the pain was non stop and I couldn’t find a comfortable position. I finally looked at the nurse putting in the IV lock and saw a bunch of blood. That makes me feel good-NOT. I thought that I didn’t’ care if she was done or not I HAD TO MOVE. I felt all kinds of pressure and pain and finally stood up and started pushing. I thought, I guess I should tell someone I am pushing! So I did and they were all like “Whoa!!, we need to check your progress” I thought “no you don’t, it’s time to push here!!” I didn’t move but pushed again real strong and POP! My water broke every where; I guess I didn’t have low fluid after all! LOL!! Ben said it was like a fire hydrant going off! AT this point our OB walks in the door, just arriving at the hospital. The nurse asks Paula if I have delivered all my children naturally because I am doing so well. That makes me feel good! At one point Ben told me that I was his hero, which really kept me going. He also told me that if I could run a half marathon, that I could certainly do this and I remember thinking “that was much easier!” I could hear Paula saying that was why I was feeling all the pressure and pain and that things would let up now and give me a breather, and I remember thinking, “that’s not right, I am pushing this baby out now, there is no breather!! What is she talking about??!!” At this point I tell Ben I don’t think I can do it and I want pain medication. I am really scared that I will be unable to do it. I am worried that I will be so much dealing with the pain management that I won’t be able to push the baby out. He was wonderful in offering me words of encouragement and holding me as he was able. Coming from a man who spoke about 3 words during Jake’s birth and about that or less at Kyle’s he really pulled through for me. Paula asked Ben if he had our camera—ARGHH!!! It was in the van!!!!!
I spring myself onto the bed so that the darn nurses can check me, but before they can I am crying for Ben because I was afraid he left me for some reason. I am shouting Ben’s name because he is standing up talking to the nurses and Paula about me and I can’t get his attention. I don’t’ want him talking to them; I want him talking to ME!! I start pushing and grunting with my legs together. The nurses are yelling at me to breath and spread my legs to be checked (how nice!). They check me and I hear the nurse say “she’s at 10” and I think “DUH!! I have been trying to tell you that!!” They all start scampering around the room getting everything out and breaking down the bed. They are shoving my feet into stirrups, which I thought would really bother me, but at this point, they could have been stringing my ankles from the ceiling and I wouldn’t have cared or noticed. All I knew was that I was going to be pushing with or without them.
The doctor and Ben tell me that Corbin is crowning and I look into the mirror and all I see are my knees!! I tell them “I-Can’t-see!!” and they quickly fix the mirror. I see Corbin’s head and am very excited and ready to go. I push once and his head is coming out. I push again and it’s out! I notice that the doctor is pulling the umbilical cord from around his neck and I worry for a split second about that but soon think that things must be okay or they would have told me differently. I take a breather and look at his head out of my body thinking that was really fast. I get the urge to push again and out comes his body. 12:32 AM, August 22nd (35 weeks, 6 days) As the doctor is handing him to me I notice his privates and think BOY !!They put him on my belly and let the cord pulse. The nurse immediately starts rubbing Corbin’s back to make him cry and I am very irritated. Just give me a second to look at him for crying out loud and give Corbin a chance to adjust!!! I was in shock that this was my baby already since everything happened so fast. They then take him from me after about 30 seconds and Ben gets to cut the cord and they take Corbin to check him out. The NICU team tells me that they need to take him to the NICU because he is making grunting noises and they want to make sure that he is breathing okay. They also need to check him for the GBS since they only got one dose of the antibiotics in me. I was VERY upset that they needed to take him to the NICU but after about 20 minutes he returned everything fine.
The nurses were asking his name and I told them baby Akers, that we had decided the boys would be the first to learn of his name before anyone. The nurses were really wanting to hear his name but we just couldn’t do that. When Kyle was born, we decided his name just then because he had surprised us by coming so early. When Jake was born, we had decided his name right when we knew we were expecting but he was the first to hear his name just like Kyle. This time we told Corbin his name in private , just Ben, Corbin and I and it was very special. When the boys came several hours later, it was just us as we announced his name to the boys and the boys told Corbin his name and held him. A very special moment.
Back to the afterbirth, they later showed me the placenta, stating that it was very healthy (another thing I had worried about after my last PTL scare). I asked how long it had been since I joked to Paula about this taking a half hour and it had been a half hour. Corbin was born 40 minutes after getting to the hospital, 30 minutes after my comment.
Corbin nursed for the first time for about 40 minutes, and it was heaven. The nurses were much more supportive than I could have imagined, which was a wonderful thing. They all offered me words of encouragement through the labor as well.
The OB and Paula both separately made the comment that by talking to me on the phone they would have never thought I was as far along in labor as I was. My OB said that I sounded so in control on the phone. This coming from a man who does this all the time, I felt like that was a compliment.
It was a great experience, one that I am so glad I was able to have. I felt bad that I got freaked out at one point and even asked for drugs but know that is common. Looking back I know that going through the back to back contractions, the pressure of the bag of waters, and transition all at the same time, it was difficult to handle, but I did it. It will always be a wonderful memory for me!!! Thanks for letting me share this special time with you!!
Happy Birthday dear son!!!!!!!
Lisa
It started Friday, August 20th, when I was 35 weeks 4 days pregnant. I had about 3-4 hours of regular contractions that were 5 minutes apart or so and more painful than they had been in the past. I kept wondering if "this was it" but didn't get excited or anything as my body tends to work out quite a bit before the real thing (as you all know by my numerous trips to L&D). The contractions died down and I fell asleep.
Saturday, not much out of the normal was going on and I was really feeling like I should stop taking my medication for preterm labor. I was going to be taken off of it on Monday anyway, and just felt that it was time to stop taking it all together two days early. My last dose was at 1pm Saturday afternoon. I took the boys to play at Chik-Fil-A play area and as I sat and watched them, I enjoyed strong contractions knowing this was the last day I was to enjoy being pregnant. I was sad that it was over already and excited to meet this baby. By dinner time I was noticing more contractions that were getting my attention in strength and were giving me a clue that this might be it, but didn't want to get too excited because just the night before nothing had come of it. I also thought that it was good my body was getting ready even if the big event wasn’t tonight. Ben asked me if we had decided on the name and I said that the two girl names we had chosen didn’t’ really sound good for some reason and that made me think it was a boy because I really loved the boy name and we only had one boy name. Ben said he really believed it was a boy.
We finished dinner and I began to chart the contractions, we made popcorn and started a movie about 8pm and I had to really concentrate on the contractions by then. Ben was giving me counter pressure on my back, which was really a big help at this point. I was enjoying being so in tune with my body and being able to “enjoy” these contractions. IT was great to be at home with my family preparing for the “fun” to come.
I started to feel the need to finish packing the boys overnight bag and my hospital bag. I needed to feel ready to go when it was time. Ben was trying to help me time my contractions but I had a rhythm going and wasn’t’ near him every time I had one so it was easier to time them myself. I would call him for some of the contractions to do the counter pressure on my back when I need him too.
By 10:30pm the boys had been put to bed for a while, I had finished packing the hospital and boys’ bag, and feeling like it was time to head into the hospital. Contractions were pretty close together and getting pretty strong. I kept worrying that the hospital would tell me that I was only 3 cm and I would be strapped to the bed for the long haul. I call my OB and told him I thought I should come in and he told me they would check me out to see what was going on (labor!). I called my doula and she was telling me that if I went too early, they would most likely not let me labor as I would if I were home. I agreed, but told her that it was time to head in. Ben tells me that he doesn’t think I should drive myself!! I have to laugh because I never had any intention of driving myself this time (I drove myself all the times I was in preterm labor so that I could have dh at home watching the boys). This told me that he didn’t’ realize how close we were to having this baby and that I must have been handling myself pretty well. Cute! I asked him if he was prepared to deliver this baby at home and I was serious. He told me he would rather be at the hospital in case anything went wrong and I agreed (with our history we have always needed the NICU). I tell him that means we need to go NOW.
I call my friend Wendy to come over and watch the boys for us and she arrives excited and worried. She is worried that we might not make it to the hospital and there is nothing that she can do for my pain. AT this point I don’t really feel in pain but know that my body is working. After giving her the run down, we head out.
We arrive at the hospital and Ben asks if I want dropped off at the door. He wants to wheel me in a wheel chair but I decline the wheel chair and tell him dropping me off at the door is just fine. I just want to get there, and tell him I am going to start walking and he can catch up since I won’t be able to walk very fast. I got to the elevators and he is catching up with me telling me that I am walking faster than I realize. I just want to get there and feel settled as to where this baby will be born.
The nurse takes me to the exam room, I wonder what she is thinking by taking me to an exam room instead of labor and delivery room, but don’t ask any questions figuring I don’t’ care which room I give birth in. I get into the bathroom to pee and change into the lovely gown, and realize that Ben had not brought my hospital bag in with him. In the bag is the camera and extra film. I want him to go get it, but he wants to wait to see what the doctor says. I ask him to get it now, he wants to wait. The nurse comes in and asks some questions getting me hooked up to the monitors. My doula arrives and is great from the get go. Ben sits down beside the bed and his knees are at my knees, perfect for me to lean forward during the contractions and put my hands on his legs. He gives me words of encouragement and rubs my shoulders if I want. The nurse then checks my progress and barely gets out “you’re between 6-7 cm” as she starts running out the door for the doctor. I think, thank goodness, at least I am making progress! Ben asks Paula, our doula, how long it would be now, knowing that every birth is different but just wanting an idea. Paula said that it could be a few hours. I laughed, and said, “No Paula, not a couple of hours! We are talking a half hour here. Ha ha!”
A good friend told me to keep my hands and jaw relaxed during contractions, which was a huge help. I also kept thinking of things opening up. I kept making sure that my body was relaxed so that my uterus could do all the work it needed to. The nurse comes back and tells that we can go to the labor and delivery room and would I like a wheel chair. I declined stating that I would go between contractions which were very strong and very close by now. I needed to stay empowered and in control. I waited out the next contraction and get up and walk very fast down the hall giving directions to the room. Ben was looking for room numbers and I am telling him where to go, I had to get there and feel settled. My doula commented on how well I was walking and I said “I’m on a mission!”
When we get to the room, Paula starts “setting up shop” like a radio with wonderful calm music playing and I remember thinking “why bother, there isn’t time” but that it was a nice thought. The nurse then starts asking me more questions. She is asking me my social security number, address, and all kinds of silly things (silly at the time!). I tell Ben between contractions that he is welcome to shout out any of these answers that he knows at any time. The next question the nurse asks is my age, Ben him haws around thinking about it and finally answers 32. I look up from my contraction with a scowl and tell him “I’m NOT 32 I’m 31!!” Great, he gets the first one wrong!! I soon start ignoring the nurse asking questions thinking that there is plenty of time for this later.
The nurse said that our OB was on his way to the hospital and that he was very supportive of our birth plan. Since they hadn’t done a GBS since 31 weeks, they wanted to give me the antibiotics to be sure. Great. They started an IV lock so that I didn’t have to be hooked up to an IV. By this time, I was having contractions back to back and the nurse was having trouble getting the IV lock in for some reason, even though I was very still. I wanted her to hurry because I hated having my arm still and needed to be in the moment. By this time, it was getting pretty scary for me as the pain was non stop and I couldn’t find a comfortable position. I finally looked at the nurse putting in the IV lock and saw a bunch of blood. That makes me feel good-NOT. I thought that I didn’t’ care if she was done or not I HAD TO MOVE. I felt all kinds of pressure and pain and finally stood up and started pushing. I thought, I guess I should tell someone I am pushing! So I did and they were all like “Whoa!!, we need to check your progress” I thought “no you don’t, it’s time to push here!!” I didn’t move but pushed again real strong and POP! My water broke every where; I guess I didn’t have low fluid after all! LOL!! Ben said it was like a fire hydrant going off! AT this point our OB walks in the door, just arriving at the hospital. The nurse asks Paula if I have delivered all my children naturally because I am doing so well. That makes me feel good! At one point Ben told me that I was his hero, which really kept me going. He also told me that if I could run a half marathon, that I could certainly do this and I remember thinking “that was much easier!” I could hear Paula saying that was why I was feeling all the pressure and pain and that things would let up now and give me a breather, and I remember thinking, “that’s not right, I am pushing this baby out now, there is no breather!! What is she talking about??!!” At this point I tell Ben I don’t think I can do it and I want pain medication. I am really scared that I will be unable to do it. I am worried that I will be so much dealing with the pain management that I won’t be able to push the baby out. He was wonderful in offering me words of encouragement and holding me as he was able. Coming from a man who spoke about 3 words during Jake’s birth and about that or less at Kyle’s he really pulled through for me. Paula asked Ben if he had our camera—ARGHH!!! It was in the van!!!!!
I spring myself onto the bed so that the darn nurses can check me, but before they can I am crying for Ben because I was afraid he left me for some reason. I am shouting Ben’s name because he is standing up talking to the nurses and Paula about me and I can’t get his attention. I don’t’ want him talking to them; I want him talking to ME!! I start pushing and grunting with my legs together. The nurses are yelling at me to breath and spread my legs to be checked (how nice!). They check me and I hear the nurse say “she’s at 10” and I think “DUH!! I have been trying to tell you that!!” They all start scampering around the room getting everything out and breaking down the bed. They are shoving my feet into stirrups, which I thought would really bother me, but at this point, they could have been stringing my ankles from the ceiling and I wouldn’t have cared or noticed. All I knew was that I was going to be pushing with or without them.
The doctor and Ben tell me that Corbin is crowning and I look into the mirror and all I see are my knees!! I tell them “I-Can’t-see!!” and they quickly fix the mirror. I see Corbin’s head and am very excited and ready to go. I push once and his head is coming out. I push again and it’s out! I notice that the doctor is pulling the umbilical cord from around his neck and I worry for a split second about that but soon think that things must be okay or they would have told me differently. I take a breather and look at his head out of my body thinking that was really fast. I get the urge to push again and out comes his body. 12:32 AM, August 22nd (35 weeks, 6 days) As the doctor is handing him to me I notice his privates and think BOY !!They put him on my belly and let the cord pulse. The nurse immediately starts rubbing Corbin’s back to make him cry and I am very irritated. Just give me a second to look at him for crying out loud and give Corbin a chance to adjust!!! I was in shock that this was my baby already since everything happened so fast. They then take him from me after about 30 seconds and Ben gets to cut the cord and they take Corbin to check him out. The NICU team tells me that they need to take him to the NICU because he is making grunting noises and they want to make sure that he is breathing okay. They also need to check him for the GBS since they only got one dose of the antibiotics in me. I was VERY upset that they needed to take him to the NICU but after about 20 minutes he returned everything fine.
The nurses were asking his name and I told them baby Akers, that we had decided the boys would be the first to learn of his name before anyone. The nurses were really wanting to hear his name but we just couldn’t do that. When Kyle was born, we decided his name just then because he had surprised us by coming so early. When Jake was born, we had decided his name right when we knew we were expecting but he was the first to hear his name just like Kyle. This time we told Corbin his name in private , just Ben, Corbin and I and it was very special. When the boys came several hours later, it was just us as we announced his name to the boys and the boys told Corbin his name and held him. A very special moment.
Back to the afterbirth, they later showed me the placenta, stating that it was very healthy (another thing I had worried about after my last PTL scare). I asked how long it had been since I joked to Paula about this taking a half hour and it had been a half hour. Corbin was born 40 minutes after getting to the hospital, 30 minutes after my comment.
Corbin nursed for the first time for about 40 minutes, and it was heaven. The nurses were much more supportive than I could have imagined, which was a wonderful thing. They all offered me words of encouragement through the labor as well.
The OB and Paula both separately made the comment that by talking to me on the phone they would have never thought I was as far along in labor as I was. My OB said that I sounded so in control on the phone. This coming from a man who does this all the time, I felt like that was a compliment.
It was a great experience, one that I am so glad I was able to have. I felt bad that I got freaked out at one point and even asked for drugs but know that is common. Looking back I know that going through the back to back contractions, the pressure of the bag of waters, and transition all at the same time, it was difficult to handle, but I did it. It will always be a wonderful memory for me!!! Thanks for letting me share this special time with you!!
Happy Birthday dear son!!!!!!!
Lisa
kids playing
This was Kyle's idea, the dual bike riding. This second week at school has been much kinder to him and he has really been in a great mood in the afternoons. He has enjoyed playing with his brothers, which is a great time for us all! I love that Kyle is happy!!
Riding on the back of the bike was sooooo neat and fun to watch them do together.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Creepist spider
Okay, I've lost sleep over this creepy thing. I hate spiders and this one takes the cake. Have you ever seen something soooo nasty?? yuck!!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Picking up Kyle
is so exciting for Jake! I have a picture of Jake sleeping that just won't load. argh!!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Where's "Not Me"
Okay, I really need to talk to this person, "Not Me". They have obviously moved in without the knowledge of Ben or myself. Even Corbin knows who it is.
"Who took the cookies?"
"Not Me"
"Who left out the milk?"
"Not Me"
I can't seem to find him/her, I don't hear or see him /her. I just can't catch up with this little squirley nut. This "Not Me" is responsible for everything around this house, from messes, to laundry, to food, open doors, lost things, you name it and "Not Me" has done it/taken it/made it/etc. This is one tricky litte one in our house!
"Who took the cookies?"
"Not Me"
"Who left out the milk?"
"Not Me"
I can't seem to find him/her, I don't hear or see him /her. I just can't catch up with this little squirley nut. This "Not Me" is responsible for everything around this house, from messes, to laundry, to food, open doors, lost things, you name it and "Not Me" has done it/taken it/made it/etc. This is one tricky litte one in our house!
"Let's talk Mom"
Yesterday, Kyle came up to me while we were all outside playing. He said, "Mom, will you sit on the swings with me so we can talk about my day?" WHAT???!!! Would I??? OF COURSE!! Usually "we" (society) are nagging at our kids to talk to us, to tell us what goes on at school. Here he is asking me to sit and talk with him. Wow, this kid always amazes me!! Melt my heart!
Monday, August 14, 2006
First day of First Grade *sniff*
It looks like Kyle has a white spot on his shirt, but it's just the camera.Kyle walking up to his friend.
Kyle and his friend walking into school.
I'm happy for Kyle, I really am. I know things will be fine. It's just hard for me to say good bye to my little boy. He is such a cutie. I do worry about his high energy, but just keep praying that things will work out okay. He was happy and upbeat today. He got up on his own and dressed on his own. He seemed in a good mood (usually it takes him a while to wake up). We pulled in line to drop him off at the school, and my anxiety kicked in. We ended up being right behind his good friend from Kindergarten, Austin, who is also in his first grade class. He was thrilled to see his friend and to walk in with him. Although, my wonderful little man still remembered (without being asked) to give me a kiss and tell me good bye. * sniff*
I thought about him at 11am eating lunch. I thought about sitting in the parking lot at 11:30 to see him get outside for recess but decided to restrain myself. I'm really excited to pick him up at 3:40pm and hear about his first day. I love you Kyle!!
(Jake was really having a rough morning so he chose not to get his picture taken with Kyle.)
Sunday, August 13, 2006
New long distance for me
Okay, I started this last night when it was still a little fresh in my mind, but somehow the post got lost. So, I’ll try again!
Even after last week’s long run of 15 miles went fine, I was a little intimidated by the sound of “17 miles”. One of the things that I kept thinking about was how to carry everything. I need water, my phone for emergencies, my gps watch, my gps receiver, money and ID, Gatorade and multiple gels. It’s a lot of stuff for a gal who just likes to walk out her front door and run, ya know? The other thing that was concerning me was my route. I don’t like having a preplanned route that I have to stick to. I thought I might, but I found out I just like to run where the whim takes me and it saves on the head games. When I did 14 miles, I ran an out and back course, and boy I was hard on my self. My pace showed it too. I’m not really worried about my pace at this point, just seeing if I can do the mileage is where I’m at right now.
So, last week, my gps lost signal, and I had to guess on my mileage. It ended up being all I though about once I didn’t know where I was in my mileage. Where do I turn? Which route to take? When to head for home? Will I be short? You’re getting the idea.
I did a couple maps to figure out a general idea and to have something to go off of if the gps lost signal again or the batteries die on me (add that to the list of things to carry). I woke up Sunday and started getting ready. Corbin actually let me sleep all night long (well I got up once for ME to eat, but he didn’t), so I felt ready to wake up and not tired. I fixed coffee and Gatorade, and enjoyed my energy bar with some coffee. I donned my running clothes, gps, and tucked two dollars under my watch strap. I filled a 12 oz sipper with water and packed three gels in the pocket on the back of my running shirt. I continued to putz around for a while wondering if I should wake Corbin to nurse. I knew he would be fine, but I was worried about my sports bra fitting through another three hours. So, it was already after 7am, so I did wake him and that turned out to be a good idea.
All the boys (except Ben) were awake by now, so I gave my instructions and said my goodbye’s and off I went. I ran twice around my neighborhood before heading anywhere to loosen up and kind of decide which way I wanted to go. I was having very mild shin pain and wanted to make sure that’s all it was. It also was good to know I was down to 15 miles remaining just as I left the safety of home.
After becoming neurotic about my pace a few weeks ago, I decided to just run what felt right and not worry about doing the 10%-20% slower than race pace. I had kept fighting with myself to slow down and it was just becoming miserable. So I was running faster than I thought I should, and started to become a little worried about what the final few miles would bring. I quickly dismissed that to just be able to enjoy this beautiful day and great run.
I decide to eat my first gel at mile 5, second at mile 10 and if needed the third at mile 15 to help me get home. Although I only have enough water to eat two gels and no sipping in between. This is why I seriously need a fuel belt! As my friend Eksmom can attest, I can seriously perseverate when I am thirsty. Poor woman had to run with me at dingofest as I constantly talked about and searched for water. She should have told me to hush up since neither of us had anything to drink and I am sure she was just as thirsty as I was, but that just shows how darn nice she is!
Gel at mile five, I am happy that my pace is continuing to linger around 8:30 minute miles. Occasionally I’ll look and fine 7:47 and 9:13, but mostly 8:30. I’m really wondering how the miles 15-17 will be but keep trying to just stay in the moment. Mile 10 comes so I take the second gel and the last of my water. I seriously start thinking of ditching the water container and calling Ben to bring me something, but hold onto to it so that I don’t’ have to drive back out to get it and maybe some one will have their hose on.
A few miles after 10, I start to really get thirsty, and that’s all I can think about. Right about mile 12 Ben calls me asking if I want some Gatorade and that they are just sitting down to breakfast. I tell him that would be heavenly but to call me when they would be ready to leave and see if I have made it to a gas station to buy something to drink yet. That way he won’t have to bother. He agrees and I come to an intersection where there is a school on the corner. I see another runner go into the parking lot and behind the school. It looks as though he has been running a while and I figure he knows where to find water. When I run around the building I find him stretching by a cold bottle of water. I ask him if there are any fountains on the outside and he said no. I told him to have a good run and decided I had to check for my self (perseveration).
As I am running around the school, Ben calls back and asks where I am and if I want him to come out. I ask him to come since I am further from the gas station than I thought and really thirsty. Please bring Gatorade and water (the water to take the final gel). Right after hanging up, I found a water pump but couldn’t’ get any water out, drat! So, knowing he was on his way, I kept running and left the school grounds. I know that I only have 4 miles left now, so I start to head for home. I kept looking for Ben thinking that he should have found me by now and boy was I thirsty. I pass a lady putting her kids in the car and really think about asking her for water. I figure that’ll be the time Ben finds me and won’t that be dumb. So I keep running. Finally Ben calls me again (glad I brought my cell phone!). “Where are you??” he says. He thought he knew a short cut, and now he has to turn around to find me. So, by the time he gets to me, I’m at mile 14 of the run and so darn thirsty. I know I shouldn’t’ but cant’ help but chug some Gatorade, then take my gel with water, then fill my container with Gatorade. Ben is telling me something but I only hear about three words. I tell all of them thank you and hand out the rest of the drinks to the kids, and take off for home. Only three miles to go and I feel fine.
Although, I took so much fuel at that stop (I was stopped for maybe 3 minutes), that now it feels like I have a brick in my stomach sloshing around. I figure there really isn’t’ anything that I can do about it now, and that I am going to buy the darn fuel belt no matter what it costs so I can have a drink when ever I want. As I am getting closer to home, I start thinking that I have already run twice around the neighborhood, that I really don’t’ want to get stuck running through my neighborhood any more so I’m going to run through this neighborhood about a mile from home and I know it will give me a mile and a half. Okay people, I obviously could not calculate at that time as I was at 15.5 miles already!!! Add another mile and half and what do you get, 17 miles!! I don’t’ realize this until I’m mostly through this other neighborhood that I’ll still have that mile to get home. I contemplate walking it as a cool down, but I’m so ready to be home and celebrate that I did it. I decide I’m happy that I already did the 17miles that I set out to do at a much faster pace than I thought I could do the whole time, that I’ll run as much of that extra mile as I feel like to get me home faster. If I decide to walk some that’s fine too. I end up running it at 6 something pace and 7:15 pace not even realizing it. I figure if I still have the umph to do that good on an extra mile I can pat myself on the back about now.
I get to my street, having run the full extra mile and walk the 10th of a mile home to loosen up. I promptly jumped into an ice bath to relax, took a shower and ate a grilled cheese sandwich while playing with the boys in the back yard. I did a little stretching and some massage and actually felt really good for keeping such a fast (for me) pace the whole time and not needing to stop and walk.
I had trouble taking a nap, and sleeping last night, I’m not really sure why. I have had more shin pain and some pinching in my left SI joint. I also have had pain on my left foot bunion (I have really bad bunions; have had them all my life). I never had bunion pain due to running before, so a little worried about that. The rest of it I think is manageable with stretching/yoga, massage, and if needed ibuprofen. This week my mileage is 10 miles less, so looking forward to working out the kinks of those little pains.
Thanks for making it this far!!
Lisa
Even after last week’s long run of 15 miles went fine, I was a little intimidated by the sound of “17 miles”. One of the things that I kept thinking about was how to carry everything. I need water, my phone for emergencies, my gps watch, my gps receiver, money and ID, Gatorade and multiple gels. It’s a lot of stuff for a gal who just likes to walk out her front door and run, ya know? The other thing that was concerning me was my route. I don’t like having a preplanned route that I have to stick to. I thought I might, but I found out I just like to run where the whim takes me and it saves on the head games. When I did 14 miles, I ran an out and back course, and boy I was hard on my self. My pace showed it too. I’m not really worried about my pace at this point, just seeing if I can do the mileage is where I’m at right now.
So, last week, my gps lost signal, and I had to guess on my mileage. It ended up being all I though about once I didn’t know where I was in my mileage. Where do I turn? Which route to take? When to head for home? Will I be short? You’re getting the idea.
I did a couple maps to figure out a general idea and to have something to go off of if the gps lost signal again or the batteries die on me (add that to the list of things to carry). I woke up Sunday and started getting ready. Corbin actually let me sleep all night long (well I got up once for ME to eat, but he didn’t), so I felt ready to wake up and not tired. I fixed coffee and Gatorade, and enjoyed my energy bar with some coffee. I donned my running clothes, gps, and tucked two dollars under my watch strap. I filled a 12 oz sipper with water and packed three gels in the pocket on the back of my running shirt. I continued to putz around for a while wondering if I should wake Corbin to nurse. I knew he would be fine, but I was worried about my sports bra fitting through another three hours. So, it was already after 7am, so I did wake him and that turned out to be a good idea.
All the boys (except Ben) were awake by now, so I gave my instructions and said my goodbye’s and off I went. I ran twice around my neighborhood before heading anywhere to loosen up and kind of decide which way I wanted to go. I was having very mild shin pain and wanted to make sure that’s all it was. It also was good to know I was down to 15 miles remaining just as I left the safety of home.
After becoming neurotic about my pace a few weeks ago, I decided to just run what felt right and not worry about doing the 10%-20% slower than race pace. I had kept fighting with myself to slow down and it was just becoming miserable. So I was running faster than I thought I should, and started to become a little worried about what the final few miles would bring. I quickly dismissed that to just be able to enjoy this beautiful day and great run.
I decide to eat my first gel at mile 5, second at mile 10 and if needed the third at mile 15 to help me get home. Although I only have enough water to eat two gels and no sipping in between. This is why I seriously need a fuel belt! As my friend Eksmom can attest, I can seriously perseverate when I am thirsty. Poor woman had to run with me at dingofest as I constantly talked about and searched for water. She should have told me to hush up since neither of us had anything to drink and I am sure she was just as thirsty as I was, but that just shows how darn nice she is!
Gel at mile five, I am happy that my pace is continuing to linger around 8:30 minute miles. Occasionally I’ll look and fine 7:47 and 9:13, but mostly 8:30. I’m really wondering how the miles 15-17 will be but keep trying to just stay in the moment. Mile 10 comes so I take the second gel and the last of my water. I seriously start thinking of ditching the water container and calling Ben to bring me something, but hold onto to it so that I don’t’ have to drive back out to get it and maybe some one will have their hose on.
A few miles after 10, I start to really get thirsty, and that’s all I can think about. Right about mile 12 Ben calls me asking if I want some Gatorade and that they are just sitting down to breakfast. I tell him that would be heavenly but to call me when they would be ready to leave and see if I have made it to a gas station to buy something to drink yet. That way he won’t have to bother. He agrees and I come to an intersection where there is a school on the corner. I see another runner go into the parking lot and behind the school. It looks as though he has been running a while and I figure he knows where to find water. When I run around the building I find him stretching by a cold bottle of water. I ask him if there are any fountains on the outside and he said no. I told him to have a good run and decided I had to check for my self (perseveration).
As I am running around the school, Ben calls back and asks where I am and if I want him to come out. I ask him to come since I am further from the gas station than I thought and really thirsty. Please bring Gatorade and water (the water to take the final gel). Right after hanging up, I found a water pump but couldn’t’ get any water out, drat! So, knowing he was on his way, I kept running and left the school grounds. I know that I only have 4 miles left now, so I start to head for home. I kept looking for Ben thinking that he should have found me by now and boy was I thirsty. I pass a lady putting her kids in the car and really think about asking her for water. I figure that’ll be the time Ben finds me and won’t that be dumb. So I keep running. Finally Ben calls me again (glad I brought my cell phone!). “Where are you??” he says. He thought he knew a short cut, and now he has to turn around to find me. So, by the time he gets to me, I’m at mile 14 of the run and so darn thirsty. I know I shouldn’t’ but cant’ help but chug some Gatorade, then take my gel with water, then fill my container with Gatorade. Ben is telling me something but I only hear about three words. I tell all of them thank you and hand out the rest of the drinks to the kids, and take off for home. Only three miles to go and I feel fine.
Although, I took so much fuel at that stop (I was stopped for maybe 3 minutes), that now it feels like I have a brick in my stomach sloshing around. I figure there really isn’t’ anything that I can do about it now, and that I am going to buy the darn fuel belt no matter what it costs so I can have a drink when ever I want. As I am getting closer to home, I start thinking that I have already run twice around the neighborhood, that I really don’t’ want to get stuck running through my neighborhood any more so I’m going to run through this neighborhood about a mile from home and I know it will give me a mile and a half. Okay people, I obviously could not calculate at that time as I was at 15.5 miles already!!! Add another mile and half and what do you get, 17 miles!! I don’t’ realize this until I’m mostly through this other neighborhood that I’ll still have that mile to get home. I contemplate walking it as a cool down, but I’m so ready to be home and celebrate that I did it. I decide I’m happy that I already did the 17miles that I set out to do at a much faster pace than I thought I could do the whole time, that I’ll run as much of that extra mile as I feel like to get me home faster. If I decide to walk some that’s fine too. I end up running it at 6 something pace and 7:15 pace not even realizing it. I figure if I still have the umph to do that good on an extra mile I can pat myself on the back about now.
I get to my street, having run the full extra mile and walk the 10th of a mile home to loosen up. I promptly jumped into an ice bath to relax, took a shower and ate a grilled cheese sandwich while playing with the boys in the back yard. I did a little stretching and some massage and actually felt really good for keeping such a fast (for me) pace the whole time and not needing to stop and walk.
I had trouble taking a nap, and sleeping last night, I’m not really sure why. I have had more shin pain and some pinching in my left SI joint. I also have had pain on my left foot bunion (I have really bad bunions; have had them all my life). I never had bunion pain due to running before, so a little worried about that. The rest of it I think is manageable with stretching/yoga, massage, and if needed ibuprofen. This week my mileage is 10 miles less, so looking forward to working out the kinks of those little pains.
Thanks for making it this far!!
Lisa
Friday, August 11, 2006
a good neighbor
My neighbor and I were talking about aloe plants. He said he had a huge plant and would love to give me some if I wanted it. I said sure! This is PART of his plant, the part he gave me. He said the portion he kept is even bigger than this. Imagine all of that together!! Thank you Joe!!!
Baby blanket
(sorry about all the clutter in the background of the first picture) I found a new pattern at the request of my mother in law a couple of months ago. I thought I shoudl try it out for a few crochet stitches to make sure I understood it before teaching anyone else. My mother in law, Sandy, and her sister Aunt Sharon, were wanting to learn a zig zag afgan pattern. So I picked one of the many free ones that I found online, and started it. I found that it was so easy, fun and pretty that I should just go ahead and make the entire blanket. The size with the yarn that I had turned out perfect for a baby blanket. Although the picture can't do the texture justice, it really is super soft yarn (something to buy again in the future). So I am actually ahead of the game of baby gifts. I am not down to the wire like I am every other time, which is good, since I have 4 friends having babies and more talking about it, in addition to what I need to get started for Christmas!!
how does this work?
Kyle has this great need to find out how things work, which is wonderful. Except when you want said thing to actually work again. Ha ha! Really though, I want to nurture and support his desire to figure how things work and learn from all that. So, I needed to vacuum the other day, and this is a sample of what I picked up off the floor. Twice more since this picture was taken, found as many if not more.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
longer than ever
Okay, you all know I love to run. I started using a marathon training plan to increase my mileage in preperation for decreasing my times for the half marathon. I'm also seriously contemplating the Chicago Marathon in October of 2007. I wanted to do the training plan without the pressure of completing the marathon to see if I could even do this kind of mileage (if my body would hold up) and if I had the time to commit to it. The trainign plan has been challenging and fun. Today was my longest run to date. I completed 15 miles and felt good doing it. I didn't have pain or stiffness (during or after), I didnt' feel like I was dragging in the end, I just ran. I didnt' have to think about quitting during the run, nor did I feel the need to stop to walk (although I had to several times due to gps issues, which was maddening).
So, this Sunday, I'm scheduled to run 17 miles. Only two more miles, but boy does that sound intimidating. I may ask Ben to bring me supplies on the run and just to come check on me. It gets a little weird being out there for 2 1/2 hours or three hours running by myself. I've been wistled at from cars, had motorcycle stop after passing me and watch me run, I've been beeped at, I've been almost run over, I've been approached by dogs, I passed the same police car 5 times last week(and I wasnt' running a loop), I've ditched drinks in peoples yards (by road signs), I've been stared down from guys in cars/trucks. Some of these things make me a little nervous.
Which brings me to why I love running on the treadmill so much (TM).
So, this Sunday, I'm scheduled to run 17 miles. Only two more miles, but boy does that sound intimidating. I may ask Ben to bring me supplies on the run and just to come check on me. It gets a little weird being out there for 2 1/2 hours or three hours running by myself. I've been wistled at from cars, had motorcycle stop after passing me and watch me run, I've been beeped at, I've been almost run over, I've been approached by dogs, I passed the same police car 5 times last week(and I wasnt' running a loop), I've ditched drinks in peoples yards (by road signs), I've been stared down from guys in cars/trucks. Some of these things make me a little nervous.
Which brings me to why I love running on the treadmill so much (TM).
- It's a consistent temperature.
- There is always a steady breeze (from my fan).
- I dont' have to worry about traffic not yielding to me.
- I dont' have to worry about holes/cracks/rocks/poison ivy.
- I remain at a steady pace.
- I can pee/get drink/fix what ever any time I need to.
- I dont' feel the need to "rush" home to tend to the kids and relieve Ben.
- I can run in the dark and feel safe.
- I don't have to worry about which route to take.
- I dont' have to worry about my gps batteries or losing signal (losing track of miles).
- I can wear what ever running clothes I want.
- I don't have to carry anything.
- I can watch my favorite shows that I don't have time to watch at night.
- I don' t have to feel guilty asking Ben to watch the kids because he is so busy.
- No bugs.
So, I do love to run outdoors, and it's good to keep my legs trained to run outside for races, my TM is a trusty friend.
Run on friends!
Lisa :)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Ben's new hobby
Okay, I started talking about wanting to get the kids into some sort of racing, and Ben brings this home not long after. A go cart. It needs work, and Kyle's the only one old enough for lessons. I wanted a bigger yard to drive it in before we got it, but hey, that could take a long time to happen (maybe never). So, he and the boys are working on it little by little. 
Jake
Here are some cute random pics of Jake from a few weeks ago. He is getting so grown up, yet he is "only" four. Still a little boy, but growing up so fast. Where does the time go?
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