busy-ness

Today was my day to be on the phone.... First I left message at the OB/GYN about the rhogam fiasco....call returned later by nurse Linda. My favorite there. She said it's impossible, the rhogam hasn't bee taken off the market. Just like I told the insurance company. DU? Ok, so she gave me a bunch of other names to give them, then told me she new a pharmacy in Leesburg could get it. So, I guess I'll try there, but I still haven't received the returned original perscription for it. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhghhhhhhh!

Then I called the dentist to reschedule cleanings for me and girls, since two were sick last night. I was up and down six times!! Couldn't bare to make them get teeth cleaned tomorrow. Fortunately we don't have to wait another six months, but got in in February. Yeah.

Then I called family doctor to bump up Audrey's six year shots...won't she be happy she doesn't have to go tomorrow.

Then I called the sonogram place. Carey thought I should warn them of how many of us there will be for the sonogram. They weren't worried....what a relief, cause I'm do'in it anyway... (No one reads this anyway, so I won't get a million questions right?)

And then the cell phone company. ON hold for 10 minutes at least. All for a $15 discrepancy in my bill for texts and internet purchases I didn't make!!! MAKES ME MAD. Why do we need these dumb phones anyway. Why do we have to be so busy that people should need us at any minute or have it for a million emergencies??? Oh bother.

Ok, I'm off to take the girls temps and make sure all is well for now.....

Rhogam

Today's issue is: the prescription company is telling me the drug rhogam has been pulled from the market and no longer available. I find this hard to believe and impossible. Rhogam has been used for 20+ years for Rh- women, it's a shot that keeps their bodies from rejecting the fetus. An Rh- woman needs this at a certain point in the pregnancy and after the pregnancy if the baby has positive blood. In the past my doctor's office has provided this shot. Now I have to order it and bring it to them. I'm sure that's the reason they can't find it, because it's not an ingested drug. But they have other shot material right? Like insullin? So? I call the doctor's office and due to the holiday they are not open until Monday. So, Monday's problem, but then I only have three days to get it in before the end of the year and the new deductible. Oh well.

On to better news. Tuesday while I was on my way home from piano lessons with the girls I got another call from the OB/GYN? OK, another? This never happens to me....maybe they are really changing how they take care of their patients..........or maybe it's just Sam tells me, I'm OLD now. She said they had the results from my second semester blood screen. (This testing is for abnormalities, and downs.) She said at my age my risk is 1:62 (not exactly sure of the numbers), but after the test my risk went down 10 points 1:72. She said she would be concerned if the risk increased 10 points, but having decreased 10 points she wasn't concerned. So that is good news. Of course nothing is conclusive except the amnio, and were not going there. This was mainly a hurtle to get them off my back. So, maybe things will be better. Next the sonogram, with the WHOLE FAMILY! heehee.

Blood work results

I was surprised to have the OB office call twice today. The first was to return my call from yesterday about (how embarrassing....but??? constipation...) Ok, with that handled, and recommendations made, I got a second call. The second call was to increase my thyroid medicine to which I've been taking the same dosage for eleven years. I asked the nurse why? Were there further results as to what disease or disorder I have other than hypothyroidism? She had no clue, so had to have the doctor call me. So, low and behold, a third call from the OB's but this one on my cell (?) and from a doctor. Yep, this has never happened before. She called it Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. What this means is: somehow my body is producing antibodies to attack against the hormones the thyroid produces. To counter act this you increase the amount of synthetic meds given. So they are actually doubling the medicine I take and will check it again in about 4-6 weeks.

In further research today I found that this disease is related to the enlarged thyroid and goiter. Many other things I've been fighting for years: depression, weight gain, constipation, insomnia plus others I can't think of at the moment. It can also contribute to low intellect in unborn babies, and misscarriage. And it runs in the families. (My mom found out she's low thyroid too, only after I found out.) My friend Debbie has been telling me for a couple of years my "T4" levels have to not be correct...turns out she's right. I can't wait to tell her.

I asked this doctor why all of a sudden was this searched so fully? The only thing she could say without blasting another doctor; (she chose her words very carefully) was that the research was fairly new in such detail in the area of thyroidism. OK, well I guess I can accept that since she did seem a whole lot younger than the oldest doctor in the group. How interesting. She also is not too concerned over the baby's development and as I've read if this is detected in the early months of the pregnancy it should be treated well and the baby should be fine. Needless to say, that's quite a relief. Now I can be thankful for this baby for another reason, fully understanding what's wrong with me from the start....heehee...just my thyroid. Figures it has to be a pregnancy to get the full scoop. Go figure.

Yesterday's OB appointment

As I waited to meet another doctor in the group, I had not met, I again did not anticipate the stress or concern about another un-noticed issue. This doctor harped on my thyroid issue. "Well, what do you have? Why is it low, there is always a reason. We need to get to the bottom of this. It could cause a miscarriage risk, or low IQ, or problems after birth. You should have been followed and seen by an endocronologist (blood specialist)."

OK, well this all sounds good and appropriate right? My question is why now? I'm 16 weeks pregnant. Wouldn't this have been RIGHT to do and test at 4 weeks or even 8? Why now? Why not 11 years ago when I was diagnosed, and not at all with the last three pregnancies.

So, I have to believe yet again, it's just hoops to jump through. So I go for the second time yesterday and had more blood drawn. Like I couldn't get it right the first time and have to go back for more. So we can find out next month the results from that thyroid workup, and the AFP test, and the sonogram. The AFP will surely be positive for something since it's compared to a 35 year old. (Isn't that the stupidist thing? Can't possibly be accurate, but yet they still recommend it.) They sure don't seem like they want us to beat the odds and have a healthy baby.

Again, I wish I could have, would have, switched doctors. With my history, I know in my heart the Lord has His best interest for me and our family. But my head believes I am destined to have some sort of challenged child. I'm scared to death. I'm just afraid. Feeling so ill and tired doesn't allow any kind of joy. My girls are excited and give me joy through them learning and anticipation of the baby. But the physical and emotional challenges of this is taxing and waning my strength. There is great wisdom in this scripture:

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them" (Psalm 127:4-5a)

I have however seen many older women have healthy babies and delivered successfully. I'm sure I will, it's just hard baring these doctor visits on my own and staying strong emotionally. I only have one doctor left in the group to meet for the first time. Yipee. Then I can start the rounds all over again. I just need prayer. This is a very lonely place to be.

Clarksburg Gig

Glamour shot

Here is my Glamour shot from 1994. It was my wedding gift to Carey. I got so many comments on it on my face book, I had to put it up here. Did you find yours yet Donna?

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat...........a mile and a half long....























































It's been about 8 years at least since we've trick or treated. It was very relaxed...although tiring. All the girls had a blast.

Webkins

Thank you Grandma and Grand-dad for sending the girls a surprise. They love their new webkins. For those of you who don't know of the webkins craze, they are stuffed animals who come with a code where you can go online and create rooms and collect things for them. Plus play games. The purchase allows them to play with their pet for one year from the day they log them in. With each addition they can interact with previous pets plus other online friends. They all love them.

First OB appointment

I went for my first apt yesterday and came home very overwhelmed by the crap they served me about all the genetic testing and options to terminate prior to 12 weeks. About made me puke.Then they told me they needed to do a sonogram to make sure the fetus is "viable". Then went on to say I'm not as far along as expected and normally she would be alarmed and would expect a miscarriage by 12 weeks, but the heart rate was high 160, so she wasn't worried. I understand giving all the options etc. BUT? Then she went on a birth control kick, tubal verses IUD. Insurances opinion about it all etc.

This doctor has delivered four out of my five and I value her as a doctor. But due to my age, which shouldn't be anyone's freakin business what I do, I have do deal with all the liberal rehearsed talk. This BABY may be a surprise to me, but not to GOD. HE does have a plan of him OR HER. Who are we to stand in HIS way. Coming to terms with His plan for my life is hard enough, I don't want to deal with this crap from healthcare givers whom I am going to be paying for their services. Is this too much to ask? If it is, I don't want to hear what you have to say about it. For once I'm not going to appologize for my opinion.

What's that?

Hee hee. This one's a real surprise!!!

Due date June 2, 2009.

Finally toothless

Saturday at the Big Night I had to pull Ainsley's first top front tooth, then yesterday the other nearly fell out itself. She's handling it well. She nursed those teeth forever, I thought they'd never come out. First person she had to tell was Mason. He'd lost his first upper too, on Friday. We called left a message. When he called back, he said "cool" when she told him. (That was her first phone call from a boy... ahhh). Next is Mrs Peggy, and Mrs Joy.

Evidence of Giants in the area

Carey had the delight of taking Ainsley to soccer practice this past Monday while I worked at the dance studio. As practice wasn't necessarily so productive the ride home was entertaining. He said on the way they encountered a really foul smell. When it happened Ainsley said, "EWEEE it smells like a giant just tooted on the land". She's 7, how can she think so broadly? I just laughed and laughed....no sightings though....heehee.

Grief shared with Rotruck family

My sincere grief is shared with the Rotruck family. Sherry and Mark lived up the street from us in Spring Valley I. Last Tuesday their 18 year old son Andrew was killed in a car accident traveling to or from Potomac State in Keyser, WV where he was a freshman. I can't believe where time has gone, and he's already graduated from high school. I fondly remember him coming to the door asking if he could mow our grass or shovel our driveway free of snow. My prayers will continually be with your family. I can't seem to shake this from my thoughts, it's very sobering.

Rod + VW bug = "I don't want to work..."

My new number one song. Rod this is for you.... My brother and I use to listen to this on the way to school (HS) in our little yellow VW bug. I'm so-- in that rebellion state of mind lately.....


ps: we start school Monday...........woohoo..........weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Photo Shoot

The girls and I went to our friend Stefanie's (Zaylei's mom, as many of you know her) to do a photo shoot of the girls. We went sooo many places. They cooperated so well, I was so proud of them. Stefanie did a great job, it had to be her, I know they wouldn't have let me take 720 photos!!! Thank you so much Stefanie!! You're awesome. I don't know how I'll ever choose a Christmas card let alone which ones to print for us????

Action Heroes: Music & Drama

Charles Town Baptist hosted a Music & Drama camp last week titled Action Hero's. It was quite good. Alley had a first time role as Carla, a youth camper.


























Alexa was in a gang, and also had a solo. Ainsley was in the support chorus.





Our niece Cara had a solo, and Nick was gang leader and soloist.

Queen Annes Lace

Queen Anne's Lace was my grandmother's favorite wild flower. Her favorite domesticated flower was the pansy. But every time I see them I think of her. This time of year they are everywhere.

Thistle, Grandpa and Grandma

My Grandfather use to grow thistles and sold them at the local florist. They were not these wild ones, they were a more dark purple and not sooo prickly. Usually these are cut down or sometimes can be seen along the side of the road. I have an are of garden one plan has gotten away and grown high, about four feet high. I find the flower absolutely fascinating. Look of the intricacies and the magnificent detail. In such a thing as a wild flower you can see, and just can't deny a creator. I just had to clip a couple and bring them inside to enjoy the beauty. There's something delightful that occurs with a few flowers around the house, wild flowers are even better. Lord, these are so beautiful, your creations leave me in awe. Thank you for giving us a simple taste of your love and splendor.

My Beautiful Mermaids

As the girls continue in their imaginative play of mermaids, I struggle to be energized and motivated to educate my young this fall. In my search for strength I've been reminded the whole venture of being home with my girls can be stripped away from me. Financially, things aren't good. But job opportunities aren't prevalent out of the house (I have searched), and the thought of school for the girls....well, just isn't an option. We've made a sacrifice to be home this long, why give up now? So? I venture to say I need to pull myself up by the boot straps, dive into murky and joyous depths of living life with my girls and educating them home. In addition, I'll have to continue babysitting here and laying life out in the Lords hands to provide our daily needs, as we've done since the day Carey and I decided that I stay home 13 years ago. Lord, I beg you to give me the strength, endurance and the ability to do this all in a manner worthy of you. At the very least to "dive into the love" I see in their eyes, (this was my quote back 7 years ago when I began homeschooling with Abbey as a kindergardener, and I struggled then with the obedience to the calling.) and experience the your love for us, as we set out on the education endeavor together. I thank you for allowing me to be home with them, I just ask that in my obedience that you will be found here.

Constant Co-op

Some days I feel like I'm in a constant co-op situation. I'm trying to have my summer break--vacation! But I'm constantly splitting embroidery floss, and rethreading needles endlessly..... OH the joys of having girls. At least they will be educated in some of the lost arts..... One day we'll make big things together. Maybe for missions....cool idea hu?

Shepherdstown Carnival

Allegro School of Dance had the opportunity to dance at the Shepherdstown Carnival last week. Abbey and Alley did their ballet dance in the yellow and orange, and Alley and Alexa did their tap dance in the black. It's always to difficult to photograph the dance, but it's fun seeing them so graceful on stage. Somehow it always seems worth the stress of searching for costumes, shoes, tights, hair etc., which one out of four almost always has forgotten something. (Ainsley does soccer now not dance, although she would be an especially talented hip-hop dancer.)

Power Lab Professor

We were blown away to see Carey's dad play the professor at CT Baptist's VBS Power Lab program. We had to get a picture. Cheryl played the music professor with white mustache and green hair. We were too taken with this role and forgot to get pictures of anything else....heehee. Good job dad!

CD is here

The CD is here. You can now buy your own copy.....woohoo!

Swim Lessons

When the girls were little I was nearly religious about taking them to swim lessons in the summer. We always went to Clark County pool in Berryville, it's just a beautiful well maintained pool. I have always wanted my children to know how to swim so they would be safe. But also, swimming was "my thing". When Audrey was a baby, I gave up. Not because of her, she never had the chance. It was Alexa. Some of you will remember for the first year of her life she screamed at the sight of water either the tub or a pool. So this particular year, even at 4 she refused to get in the water and screamed the whole time. Oh, and I think they all ended up sick from hand foot and mouth disease (sounds worse than it is, common childhood illness). So, now she's 8. Many years have gone by.....no lessons. Now would you believe they asked for lessons? It was actually Ainsley who initiated it. She wants to learn to swim underwater, with plans to get baptized. I was amazed. I'd hung up my swimming heart since dance has taken over our lives. BUT we signed up for lessons. They have all done AMAZING. Little fishes, and proud moma fish...heehee. Alexa and Alley showed their teacher Bev how they pretend they are dolphins and had half the butterfly stroke down. They've done all, and getting good. Almost makes me consider swim team for next summer. Abbey's the only one that has competed. She was young then, maybe about 8. We'll see. For now we'll continue to enjoy our little backyard 13' investment. The birds killed our first pool by popping the air ring. So we got this one. We love it. I'm sure more pic and fun to come.