I've been thinking about chronicling my journey through the valley (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) so that some women out there might never hear useless suggestions regarding crackers and the like. In the end though there is always someone somewhere who will put his/her foot in their mouth.
I suppose that all women experience some symptom or another of illness while pregnant. And people being people, they assume that what worked to help them through is obviously going to be more than enough to help you through it. I've always wished it were so. Yes, I've tried crackers and flat soda. No, I will not try a spoonful of peanut butter. Peanut butter, by the way, is difficult for my body to digest on a good day. I can not even imagine trying it when I'm choking food down anyway.
Yes, I am venting.
I hate to chronicle all my actual symptoms because I do not want people to think for one minute that I am complaining. Because then it is inevitable that someone will say--well, you wanted more children! In my position it is a bad idea to complain about anything really. After all, a woman with 6 children should have learned her lesson by now and quit torturing herself.
Still venting.
I'll stop now--venting, that is. My sweet babies have been more than worth what I go through. I told someone recently I'd do more. I know ladies who have not conceived that would most gladly do more. I am blessed.
I'm also happy that I've learned what works to get me through. I know that the more I accomplish on the 'to-do' list, the more at peace I am about it all. When at Sam's Club the other day, I asked at the pharmacy about how much the new generic zofr*n would cost. I know zofr*n keeps me home, off the IVs, and relatively able to hydrate myself. The hardest part of Sim's pregnancy was that the pills were $23 a piece and I could not afford enough per week to take it full time. I had to supplement with a drug that does not work as well. And I ended up only sipping--could not think of drinking much at all. So that was a worry. The lady told me how much and I've figured I may be able to get all I'll need for the entire sick time for about the same I was paying per week last time! And I will not need to worry about not taking as much as I need. I can not explain the relief. See, I also did end up needing an IV with Sim at about 13 weeks. Likely, I'll be able to avoid it completely. Praising God!
I want to clarify that having zofr*n, generic or no, does not take it all away. It just keeps me from getting dehydrated. I will still deal with extreme nausea. But vomiting jags will be minimal. In other words, I would never use anything unnecessarily and I pray every time that I can avoid it altogether. I wait until I know there is no other way.
All that said, I'm still functioning ok. I've gotten a lot done tho my early symptoms are increasing nicely. Meaning my hormones are also increasing. A good sign. I'm happy I found out about the baby early on so there is time to be euphoric. Time to look at the pretty clouds and sunshine and smile to myself about another little person to share it all with. Time to place my hands on my still somewhat flat belly and imagine what an incredible thing it is to have another little miracle developing in my unworthy body.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray...and it's been snowing!
Early this morning, I was dreaming of snow--odd, since I really do not care for it. I woke up hearing princess and boy4 preparing to go out to see it! It really had snowed--just a tad and it all melted by mid-morning, but we are still getting flurries now! I checked the weather as the Reformation celebration is Saturday and I was worried. Shouldn't have--it'll be sunny and mid-60s. Hurrah!
I bought a 3 pack of preggy tests last week. The first one was negative. The one I did yesterday was faintly positive. The one I did today left no question. I think I'm due July 7. No wonder my creativity is lacking lately. I can't work on creating more than one great thing at once. ;0)
Likely it'll be surprising to most of you that this is our first surprise baby. We usually have to try really hard. Add to that, my ovulation happened early even tho lately all my cycles have been way longer than they've ever been in my whole life AND add to that the simple fact that my husband wasn't home all that long--this baby is quite a surprise blessing from God! I am amazed. More than amazed.
If I weren't already feeling my usual symptoms, I might doubt it still.
I've been working on a lengthy 'to-do' list in preparation for what might come. Most of you know I have dealt with varying degrees of hyperemesis gravidarum. So it's likely that I will have trouble functioning for at least a few weeks. I have someone I can hire to get groceries for us. I know that our church would help with meals, but my biggest sons are determined to cook. They like having 'our own food.' I confess that when you are battling nausea it does seem easier to be fully aware of what you're eating in advance. I am grateful that they are willing to help so much.
We truly could use prayer to get through the next few months. I do not want a repeat of Simeon's pregnancy--the threatened miscarriage thing for weeks on end was not helpful at a time where I was supposed to be avoiding stress in order to not be as sick.
That's my news. Anyone else have Reformation Day plans?
I bought a 3 pack of preggy tests last week. The first one was negative. The one I did yesterday was faintly positive. The one I did today left no question. I think I'm due July 7. No wonder my creativity is lacking lately. I can't work on creating more than one great thing at once. ;0)
Likely it'll be surprising to most of you that this is our first surprise baby. We usually have to try really hard. Add to that, my ovulation happened early even tho lately all my cycles have been way longer than they've ever been in my whole life AND add to that the simple fact that my husband wasn't home all that long--this baby is quite a surprise blessing from God! I am amazed. More than amazed.
If I weren't already feeling my usual symptoms, I might doubt it still.
I've been working on a lengthy 'to-do' list in preparation for what might come. Most of you know I have dealt with varying degrees of hyperemesis gravidarum. So it's likely that I will have trouble functioning for at least a few weeks. I have someone I can hire to get groceries for us. I know that our church would help with meals, but my biggest sons are determined to cook. They like having 'our own food.' I confess that when you are battling nausea it does seem easier to be fully aware of what you're eating in advance. I am grateful that they are willing to help so much.
We truly could use prayer to get through the next few months. I do not want a repeat of Simeon's pregnancy--the threatened miscarriage thing for weeks on end was not helpful at a time where I was supposed to be avoiding stress in order to not be as sick.
That's my news. Anyone else have Reformation Day plans?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Why I am more than sick of the election
1. The ads.
2. The lying media.
3. (this is a long one) The signs. I'd like to know if there's a study which shows that Betty Jo (yes, I made her up) who works at the diner will definitely vote for the person whose name she's seen on a sign the most. And, if so, does she deserve the right to vote?
When I go into town, I love the view. It's a pretty, well-known historical- tourist trap type place. The sidewalks are stone work or brick. Many of the houses are very old and one can almost imagine ladies in lovely gowns chatting on the porches and horses tied in front of the buildings. Yesterday, as I gazed down the stone-work sidewalk framed with small trees beautifully aglow with fall colors, I thought what a lovely picture.....until my eyes caught the red and blue election sign.
4. The many emails.
5. Does it seem to you that people lay more at the potential president's door than is his due? Isn't a president's power actually very limited?
2. The lying media.
3. (this is a long one) The signs. I'd like to know if there's a study which shows that Betty Jo (yes, I made her up) who works at the diner will definitely vote for the person whose name she's seen on a sign the most. And, if so, does she deserve the right to vote?
When I go into town, I love the view. It's a pretty, well-known historical- tourist trap type place. The sidewalks are stone work or brick. Many of the houses are very old and one can almost imagine ladies in lovely gowns chatting on the porches and horses tied in front of the buildings. Yesterday, as I gazed down the stone-work sidewalk framed with small trees beautifully aglow with fall colors, I thought what a lovely picture.....until my eyes caught the red and blue election sign.
4. The many emails.
5. Does it seem to you that people lay more at the potential president's door than is his due? Isn't a president's power actually very limited?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Stuff
Lucien decided to stay in Maryland this weekend. The poor guy needs sleep. A 7 hour drive last night wouldn't have been good.
A few months ago, a friend told me that a local coffee house/book store now had yarn, etc. I have been meaning to check it out ever since and start a new afghan. Yesterday, I finally did. I was impressed and started on my new project last night. I told the saleslady I need something to do with my hands besides being on the computer. She could relate.
We went to a barn dance last night. Unfortunately, the dances were beyond what princess can keep up with and Elijah was the only one who actually danced at all. It was fun to get out anyway.
Our friend came to check out the remodeling work. The insulation in the attic ceiling was discovered to be wet and slimy. I didn't enjoy hearing that. I'm glad tho, that it can be fixed. Just not sure how soon he can get to it.
Next weekend is Reformation Day celebration. We're all getting excited and hope Lucien will come home for it. I believe there is a barn dance planned then also. And I know there'll be at least one dance princess can enjoy!
A few months ago, a friend told me that a local coffee house/book store now had yarn, etc. I have been meaning to check it out ever since and start a new afghan. Yesterday, I finally did. I was impressed and started on my new project last night. I told the saleslady I need something to do with my hands besides being on the computer. She could relate.
We went to a barn dance last night. Unfortunately, the dances were beyond what princess can keep up with and Elijah was the only one who actually danced at all. It was fun to get out anyway.
Our friend came to check out the remodeling work. The insulation in the attic ceiling was discovered to be wet and slimy. I didn't enjoy hearing that. I'm glad tho, that it can be fixed. Just not sure how soon he can get to it.
Next weekend is Reformation Day celebration. We're all getting excited and hope Lucien will come home for it. I believe there is a barn dance planned then also. And I know there'll be at least one dance princess can enjoy!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
About losing steam
I'm sorry for not posting much lately. Life is a tad overwhelming.
With Lucien out of state so often, I've done fairly well not complaining. This past week wasn't horrible but somehow there was enough little stuff to break the camel's back--and I boiled over. My husband's response was to want to sell the house. He even had me send out an email.
Now, all of you know this house is his dream home and not mine. I can't get dsl, at times it feels isolated, and there's been so much remodeling to do--maybe our biggest project house yet. I was ready to jump right on board. God was not giving peace though. After the littles were asleep, we had a family meeting. A reasons for and against list was made and although we had more reasons for, they seemed petty and insignificant compared with the against reasons. It is so hard to vote against yourself, isn't it?
The truth of it is that when you are nearly at the end of a long race, or say near the end of a workout, you lose your steam and must force yourself to complete it. I think that is where I'm at. Once I made a list of what really needed to be done, I realized financially--it wasn't much. Certainly much less than starting over.
I also realized, after 16 years of marriage, that if I complain about the house, my husband hears that I'm unhappy with the house. Yet what I am really saying is that I am unhappy that we are without him the majority of the time, and I am overwhelmed. I wonder how much of our moving may have been avoided if I had realized it sooner? Whether it would or wouldn't, it's time to accept that I'm not about to change the fact that his work involves travel. Yes, he may be able to work closer at times and we are still hoping he will be transferred to the job 1/2 hour away, but maybe, just maybe, God wants me content and happy and accepting of what He's given me. Any attempt to change his work has ended miserably. That's a pretty good sign, isn't it?
So all that said, we've moving ahead with the remodeling. The list has narrowed some. I was going to go for a full kitchen, but I'm settling for a new sink, new plumbing, new dishwasher, and new floor. I don't absolutely hate the cabinets. So I will re-paint them. I might get a pantry cupboard at some point. Lucien wants the light/ceiling fan changed. It will be enough.
In the attic, we still want it stripped and insulated and then new dry wall. Lucien also wants some sort of vent in the attic floor so heat can rise. Between the insulation and vent, my guys should be much warmer.
Will it make me happy? Likely. Until I decide the basement needs gutting...... (I'm being sarcastic of course. Happiness should not depend on material things.)
With Lucien out of state so often, I've done fairly well not complaining. This past week wasn't horrible but somehow there was enough little stuff to break the camel's back--and I boiled over. My husband's response was to want to sell the house. He even had me send out an email.
Now, all of you know this house is his dream home and not mine. I can't get dsl, at times it feels isolated, and there's been so much remodeling to do--maybe our biggest project house yet. I was ready to jump right on board. God was not giving peace though. After the littles were asleep, we had a family meeting. A reasons for and against list was made and although we had more reasons for, they seemed petty and insignificant compared with the against reasons. It is so hard to vote against yourself, isn't it?
The truth of it is that when you are nearly at the end of a long race, or say near the end of a workout, you lose your steam and must force yourself to complete it. I think that is where I'm at. Once I made a list of what really needed to be done, I realized financially--it wasn't much. Certainly much less than starting over.
I also realized, after 16 years of marriage, that if I complain about the house, my husband hears that I'm unhappy with the house. Yet what I am really saying is that I am unhappy that we are without him the majority of the time, and I am overwhelmed. I wonder how much of our moving may have been avoided if I had realized it sooner? Whether it would or wouldn't, it's time to accept that I'm not about to change the fact that his work involves travel. Yes, he may be able to work closer at times and we are still hoping he will be transferred to the job 1/2 hour away, but maybe, just maybe, God wants me content and happy and accepting of what He's given me. Any attempt to change his work has ended miserably. That's a pretty good sign, isn't it?
So all that said, we've moving ahead with the remodeling. The list has narrowed some. I was going to go for a full kitchen, but I'm settling for a new sink, new plumbing, new dishwasher, and new floor. I don't absolutely hate the cabinets. So I will re-paint them. I might get a pantry cupboard at some point. Lucien wants the light/ceiling fan changed. It will be enough.
In the attic, we still want it stripped and insulated and then new dry wall. Lucien also wants some sort of vent in the attic floor so heat can rise. Between the insulation and vent, my guys should be much warmer.
Will it make me happy? Likely. Until I decide the basement needs gutting...... (I'm being sarcastic of course. Happiness should not depend on material things.)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Our Playground in Fall
Ethan's a nut!
She didn't jump from the top--don't worry!
He did! 
I think I'll frame this one.
More child labor.
Simeon the worker. He pulled a heavy object on a high place down on his head today--less than an hour before we went out. Being a head wound, it bled like crazy and just long enough to make me woozy. But he is absolutely fine. Likely not the last time he'll manage such a feat. Boys.Sunday, October 12, 2008
Child Labor and other Snapshots
He's 20 months and dusting already.
Looks good, huh? 
Princess and the Queen (yes, I mean me.)
Princess' savage look.
Boy4's new hat. Wears it always--not to bed tho. Wednesday, October 8, 2008
updates of sorts
It was great to have Lucien home from last Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon. On Friday, princess talked him into taking us to DQ for ice cream. An interesting trip. Let me back up a little. At some point in the last 2 months, Lucien broke a tooth--his teeth are false teeth. So picture him with a broken tooth and dressed like a redneck.
We walked into DQ and the manager was trying to talk people into singing Happy Birthday to a young guy on break. She offered 1/2 off your meal. Y'all can guess what my man did. And, tho most of us had Blizz*rds, our total was under $10. I suppose saving money totally made up for any amount of embarrassment any of us might have felt. OTOH, we'd all better be used to this sort of thing by now.
Some time last week, I was afflicted with an ailment that attempted to steal my voice then began to give me muscle aches in my rear and legs. My response was to take brisk walks, and play soccer with the boys. Wrong response apparently. I've been aching and on ibu. ever since. Made it doubly hard to have Lucien away again this week. He is back in Maryland and is doing well. He is still training/testing. He is planning to be home late Fri.-Sunday. Major improvement over being away for months at a time. I am thankful.
There's a small airport across from where I drop the 2 oldest for writing class. Today, after I left them, as I was accelerating, there was a small plane just ahead/above me. Just right for imagining that I was gaining altitude also. I wonder what a bore life would be had God not gifted us with imaginations.
We walked into DQ and the manager was trying to talk people into singing Happy Birthday to a young guy on break. She offered 1/2 off your meal. Y'all can guess what my man did. And, tho most of us had Blizz*rds, our total was under $10. I suppose saving money totally made up for any amount of embarrassment any of us might have felt. OTOH, we'd all better be used to this sort of thing by now.
Some time last week, I was afflicted with an ailment that attempted to steal my voice then began to give me muscle aches in my rear and legs. My response was to take brisk walks, and play soccer with the boys. Wrong response apparently. I've been aching and on ibu. ever since. Made it doubly hard to have Lucien away again this week. He is back in Maryland and is doing well. He is still training/testing. He is planning to be home late Fri.-Sunday. Major improvement over being away for months at a time. I am thankful.
There's a small airport across from where I drop the 2 oldest for writing class. Today, after I left them, as I was accelerating, there was a small plane just ahead/above me. Just right for imagining that I was gaining altitude also. I wonder what a bore life would be had God not gifted us with imaginations.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Adventures in Coffee
I've never been a good sleeper. Just ask my mom. She talks about how I gave up naps before age 2. I like naps now--had a short one yesterday.
As long as I can remember, there have been nights where I watched the numbers on the clock advance while I became more and more frustrated. In my teens, I could relate these nights to 2 things: caffeine and what time of the month it was. I gave up Mt. Dew early on and talked my parents into caffeine free sodas shortly thereafter.
When I married and had children, I noted that many around me just had to have coffee. So I've tried. It seemed the adult thing to do. People have said I'd get used to it eventually. I've still been trying.
A few weeks ago, oldest made some coffee for us before church. I'd not had a lot of sleep and was thinking for once this could be a good thing. I drank about 3/4 of a cup. Apparently it wasn't enough since when we returned home, I checked the package to see if it was not actually de-caf. The following Sunday morning was Lucien's first Sunday home and we ended up not going anywhere as the 2 youngest of us were ill. I used pianoman's Jeff G*rdon mug. That thing holds at least 2 cups. Maybe a little less. I was awake until 1:30 Monday morning. And I was a complete spazz the entire day. Complete. I have witnesses.
Last time I ordered from vitacost . com (the place that fills my herbs and vitamins obsession), they offered a free subscription to Preventi*n magazine. I do not refuse free stuff. I read once that even if you are not sure that you can use whatever free thing someone is offering you, you should not refuse it since you can always pass it on to someone who can use it, but if you refuse it then that person may not offer the next free thing to you. That's my little bit of wisdom for you today. Take it or leave it.
So the free magazine has an article on sleep. And it addresses caffeine (and having warm feet--another issue I inherited from my dear momma). It says that if you are sensitive to caffeine, it's half life (time to break it down) can be as long as 7 hours. IOW, after 7 hours exactly 1/2 the amount ingested is still working. Add to that, the fact that a woman, between ovulation and menstruation, can take about 25% longer to eliminate the stuff--no wonder I was a spazz.
And that is why if you invite me over and offer me coffee, I may politely refuse depending on what time it is and whether or not you have de-caf......
As long as I can remember, there have been nights where I watched the numbers on the clock advance while I became more and more frustrated. In my teens, I could relate these nights to 2 things: caffeine and what time of the month it was. I gave up Mt. Dew early on and talked my parents into caffeine free sodas shortly thereafter.
When I married and had children, I noted that many around me just had to have coffee. So I've tried. It seemed the adult thing to do. People have said I'd get used to it eventually. I've still been trying.
A few weeks ago, oldest made some coffee for us before church. I'd not had a lot of sleep and was thinking for once this could be a good thing. I drank about 3/4 of a cup. Apparently it wasn't enough since when we returned home, I checked the package to see if it was not actually de-caf. The following Sunday morning was Lucien's first Sunday home and we ended up not going anywhere as the 2 youngest of us were ill. I used pianoman's Jeff G*rdon mug. That thing holds at least 2 cups. Maybe a little less. I was awake until 1:30 Monday morning. And I was a complete spazz the entire day. Complete. I have witnesses.
Last time I ordered from vitacost . com (the place that fills my herbs and vitamins obsession), they offered a free subscription to Preventi*n magazine. I do not refuse free stuff. I read once that even if you are not sure that you can use whatever free thing someone is offering you, you should not refuse it since you can always pass it on to someone who can use it, but if you refuse it then that person may not offer the next free thing to you. That's my little bit of wisdom for you today. Take it or leave it.
So the free magazine has an article on sleep. And it addresses caffeine (and having warm feet--another issue I inherited from my dear momma). It says that if you are sensitive to caffeine, it's half life (time to break it down) can be as long as 7 hours. IOW, after 7 hours exactly 1/2 the amount ingested is still working. Add to that, the fact that a woman, between ovulation and menstruation, can take about 25% longer to eliminate the stuff--no wonder I was a spazz.
And that is why if you invite me over and offer me coffee, I may politely refuse depending on what time it is and whether or not you have de-caf......
Friday, October 3, 2008
TGIF
I usually don't care what day of the week it is, but today I really am glad it's Friday. What a week!
On Monday, Lucien went to start his job in VA Beach. Did I mention we had no idea what the terms were? They finally told him near the end of the day. It was about $4 less per hour than he'd been getting in Maine, and no travel pay. I said please come home. He said not till I have something else. I cried. I knew he would be sleeping in his van at Walm*rt, that he'd have no shower, that they also told him it was 5 regular 8 hour days--maybe OT maybe not. So from 3:30 every day until 7 the next morning--he'd be sitting in his van. I prayed for peace. It always comes.
The next day I checked the local job situation and did find something which he called after work but they said the job was on hold and they'd call later on. Shortly after that, however, the company that Lucien wants to work for (has a big job 40 minutes from us) called. They asked if he could be in Maryland on Monday. The terms are a big improvement over the other job. Praise God. So Lucien came home Wednesday evening. Also good since we had so little time together last weekend. Our hope is that eventually he will be transferred to the close by job and we'll live happily ever after. For a few minutes anyway...
The dog had continued to bring home smelly, dead animals over the last weeks, but the killer came a few days ago. A small dead deer smells much much much much worse than a dead groundhog. Much. Terrible. Disgusting. The boys were able to put it in a trash bag but the smell would not be contained. Lucien took care of it when he got here and then decided we couldn't keep the dog. Apparently there is no way to get a dog to stop doing this once she's started. We all should be sad, but the smell destroyed any affection my boys had left I guess.
We continue to have some sort of cold running through the house. I am very hoarse but feel ok otherwise. I just can't yell at anyone. ;0) Hard to call boys in from outside!
When we go out on weekday mornings, we like to listen to public radio. This morning a very intense piece started and princess said, "Don't be scared. It's only the credits, mom. Only the credits."
I'm not certain exactly what 'only the credits' means other than perhaps the girl has watched one movie too many? Lucien and I were cracking up. She's so funny.
We're hoping to host a hymn sing here tomorrow night. Anyone interested? Let me know.
On Monday, Lucien went to start his job in VA Beach. Did I mention we had no idea what the terms were? They finally told him near the end of the day. It was about $4 less per hour than he'd been getting in Maine, and no travel pay. I said please come home. He said not till I have something else. I cried. I knew he would be sleeping in his van at Walm*rt, that he'd have no shower, that they also told him it was 5 regular 8 hour days--maybe OT maybe not. So from 3:30 every day until 7 the next morning--he'd be sitting in his van. I prayed for peace. It always comes.
The next day I checked the local job situation and did find something which he called after work but they said the job was on hold and they'd call later on. Shortly after that, however, the company that Lucien wants to work for (has a big job 40 minutes from us) called. They asked if he could be in Maryland on Monday. The terms are a big improvement over the other job. Praise God. So Lucien came home Wednesday evening. Also good since we had so little time together last weekend. Our hope is that eventually he will be transferred to the close by job and we'll live happily ever after. For a few minutes anyway...
The dog had continued to bring home smelly, dead animals over the last weeks, but the killer came a few days ago. A small dead deer smells much much much much worse than a dead groundhog. Much. Terrible. Disgusting. The boys were able to put it in a trash bag but the smell would not be contained. Lucien took care of it when he got here and then decided we couldn't keep the dog. Apparently there is no way to get a dog to stop doing this once she's started. We all should be sad, but the smell destroyed any affection my boys had left I guess.
We continue to have some sort of cold running through the house. I am very hoarse but feel ok otherwise. I just can't yell at anyone. ;0) Hard to call boys in from outside!
When we go out on weekday mornings, we like to listen to public radio. This morning a very intense piece started and princess said, "Don't be scared. It's only the credits, mom. Only the credits."
I'm not certain exactly what 'only the credits' means other than perhaps the girl has watched one movie too many? Lucien and I were cracking up. She's so funny.
We're hoping to host a hymn sing here tomorrow night. Anyone interested? Let me know.
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