We seem to be battling a runny nose. That with the combination of the black ice and snow on the roads means we're not going to church. No fever to speak of and very little coughing. Hopefully this doesn't get bad.
We're still missing John. I've gotten to talk to him on Skype a couple of times. It's been great to hear his voice. I can't wait until he blogs about his trip, he's experienced some great things. It sounds like the immersion is really working to. Accoring to the paper chain it's eight days and about 12 hours until we see him again. It's probably too early to start counting down the hours.
I went to a women's meeting yesterday. We had a pot luck brunch and our Pastor's wife spoke to us on Isaiah 61: 1-4. That God is with us during the rough times in our lives, and if we're not the ones going through the rough times then maybe we're the ones to preach the good news to those going through it, for the Glory of God. We broke up into small groups and the moms all got together to reflect on what Ms Lisa said and to bring up anything we might need prayer for.
When the leader of our group asked me if there was anything I needed, I brought up the low placenta issue. I really want a miracle from God. I want Him to move the placenta up so I don't have to have a c-section. I believe that He can! However! If he decides not to, I know that he's Sovereign and he'll be with me through the whole c-section process. I'll keep y'all updated on that.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Shots
Malachi had a fever on Wednesday night that reached 102.4 and a bit of a cough (a very little bit). I called his Dr.'s office and she said that it could very well be a reaction to the shots, but if the cough persists more than a couple days to give them a call.
Yesterday the fever was still there, but not as high. The highest it reached was 101.7. I let him lay in my bed and watch TV for six hours (not something he'd normally do. He can't sit still for a whole movie). And then put him down for a nap. I expected it to be short because of all the nothing he did all day. It ended up being a very sweaty three and a half hour nap. When he got up he didn't feel like he had a temp at all (I stopped taking his temp because he was so miserable during temp taking).
We went out do dinner with a friend and by the time we were finishing up, Malachi looked really tired. I was surprised, but had figured the fever wore him out. He coughed a little bit here and there through the day, but it wasn't an issue. He went to bed easily and I asked him to let me sleep 'til 8 (I was tired too!). He did and when he came in he was his normal self! I've decided it was just an adverse reaction to the shots. He did get four! Thank God it's over with!
He's been great all day so far. He's at play group with a friend now while I wait for the laundry to be ready for the dryer after which I'll join him.
Tonight we're going to watch UP at the clubhouse with a friend of ours. Malachi really liked that movie, so I think he'll be excited.
Yesterday the fever was still there, but not as high. The highest it reached was 101.7. I let him lay in my bed and watch TV for six hours (not something he'd normally do. He can't sit still for a whole movie). And then put him down for a nap. I expected it to be short because of all the nothing he did all day. It ended up being a very sweaty three and a half hour nap. When he got up he didn't feel like he had a temp at all (I stopped taking his temp because he was so miserable during temp taking).
We went out do dinner with a friend and by the time we were finishing up, Malachi looked really tired. I was surprised, but had figured the fever wore him out. He coughed a little bit here and there through the day, but it wasn't an issue. He went to bed easily and I asked him to let me sleep 'til 8 (I was tired too!). He did and when he came in he was his normal self! I've decided it was just an adverse reaction to the shots. He did get four! Thank God it's over with!
He's been great all day so far. He's at play group with a friend now while I wait for the laundry to be ready for the dryer after which I'll join him.
Tonight we're going to watch UP at the clubhouse with a friend of ours. Malachi really liked that movie, so I think he'll be excited.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
4 Year Well Check
Today was his 4 year check up. The nurse called him in and weighed and measured him. And then we went next door and he did a vision test and a hearing test. It was so much fun to see him do those! I was sad that John couldn't witness that. The nurse said that he did perfectly on both.
The Dr. was really impressed by him. She said that some of his skills (I think verbal mostly) were at a five or six year old level. She just really gave him a glowing report. She said we need to bring him to the dentist. She gave me a recommendation for a great (her words) Pediatric Dentist in the area. She said the 4th year is the one for developing social skills, therefore we need to make sure he gets lots of opportunities for social interaction.
Then we discussed shots. He was eligible for four boosters. I decided to do them all and get them over with. When the nurse came in with the needles he got really scared. She had to go out and get another nurse. I had been discussing shots with him and reminded him that it hurt for just a little bit and then stopped hurting. Apparently our talks didn't seem to help. The only thing I didn't try was singing with him. The crying, rage, and fighting actually calmed down during the shots and he didn't need too much calming after they were done. Poor guy!
Then he peed in a cup! That's right...peed in a cup! I had him sit on the toilet and put the cup under him. It was a little awkward, but it worked out pretty well. Then he accidentally spilled it when getting his hat, which was near the cup, from the back of the toilet. Almost all of it spilled, but I told him it was my fault because I told him to get the hat while the cup was still up there. The nurse said there was enough left. Whew! I felt really bad.
We've done well so far with keeping busy since John left. I made two paper chains today. One to countdown John getting back, and one to countdown until Christmas. I have to get off the computer now though, and play Uno Moo with Malachi - I promised. :)
The Dr. was really impressed by him. She said that some of his skills (I think verbal mostly) were at a five or six year old level. She just really gave him a glowing report. She said we need to bring him to the dentist. She gave me a recommendation for a great (her words) Pediatric Dentist in the area. She said the 4th year is the one for developing social skills, therefore we need to make sure he gets lots of opportunities for social interaction.
Then we discussed shots. He was eligible for four boosters. I decided to do them all and get them over with. When the nurse came in with the needles he got really scared. She had to go out and get another nurse. I had been discussing shots with him and reminded him that it hurt for just a little bit and then stopped hurting. Apparently our talks didn't seem to help. The only thing I didn't try was singing with him. The crying, rage, and fighting actually calmed down during the shots and he didn't need too much calming after they were done. Poor guy!
Then he peed in a cup! That's right...peed in a cup! I had him sit on the toilet and put the cup under him. It was a little awkward, but it worked out pretty well. Then he accidentally spilled it when getting his hat, which was near the cup, from the back of the toilet. Almost all of it spilled, but I told him it was my fault because I told him to get the hat while the cup was still up there. The nurse said there was enough left. Whew! I felt really bad.
We've done well so far with keeping busy since John left. I made two paper chains today. One to countdown John getting back, and one to countdown until Christmas. I have to get off the computer now though, and play Uno Moo with Malachi - I promised. :)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Ultrasound
Yesterday at my appointment I got to see my baby boy. He's growing perfectly! He's really doing great. He's going to stay in until we want him out! That was my biggest concern. The secondary concern was the location of the placenta. It hasn't moved. This is no danger to the baby. He's going to grow and develop fine. It does mean that I'll most likely be having a c-section. It's the last thing I wanted for delivery, but the risks in c-section are much less than the risks if I start to dilate.
Overall I feel very positive about it! I have a very cute profile picture of the baby. I have to find it again. Once I do, I'll scan it and get it online. He's so cute!!
Overall I feel very positive about it! I have a very cute profile picture of the baby. I have to find it again. Once I do, I'll scan it and get it online. He's so cute!!
The Weekend
Wow! What a weekend! John's parents got into town on Thursday morning. The turkey was in the oven, and before noon the whole Roy family was together for an awesome Thanksgiving dinner. It was a chill day with eating and hanging out at our apartment. The grandparents offered to babysit while their kids went sight seeing on Friday.
And that's what we did. John and I took the metro down town and met Ben and Sarah at the National Gallery of Art. We took our time going through, with a break for lunch. Shortly after lunch I wasn't able to walk around anymore so I made my way quickly through the Photography exhibit and then spent about a half hour sitting in the lobby while John, Ben, and Sarah finished and saw most of the famous stuff. It's too bad I missed it, but I could always go back.
After that we headed over to the National Archives. The line to get in was pretty long and very slow moving. Then an employee came to tell us that the line was stopped for the next 15-20 minutes. It was very, very cold outside and we didn't feel like sitting outside for what could be 45 minutes waiting to get in. So instead we headed over to the Natural History Museum because Ben and Sarah were interested in the Hope Diamond. After seeing it, they went through the rest of the gems, and after that we sat in a stairwell resting our feet and trying to figure out our next move.
After some weird looks and some deliberation, we decided that John and I would go home, change, pick up the car and then head back downtown and meet them for dinner. Since it was still freezing outside when we got home, I fixed myself some hot chocolate...it was so tasty! John changed, and we took the car downtown to pick up Ben and Sarah and head to the restaurant. They chose one that served organic, natural, and/or local foods whenever possible. Unfortunately when I read the menu the only thing that looked tasty was one of the most expensive things on the menu and I didn't feel like spending that much that day (even though my husband told me I should (I think something inside me is becoming more frugal, which is weird since John's job provides plenty for us)). I ended up ordering a pasta and a side of carrots. Both of them were really tasty!! The menu said that the pastas were served at a moderate portion. I thought that I would be getting a small portion, which is fine since I'm pregnant and can't eat American sized portions anymore. When I got my pasta I was taken aback by what their definition of moderate was. I felt like I got a big bowl of pasta. I may have eaten too much of it. :)
We headed to a movie, that I ended up not liking, so I walked out and got a refund. I didn't expect anyone else to come out, so I hung out in the lobby, journaling (it's been FOREVER since I've done that) and making lists. I made a pretty comprehensive list of what we need still for the baby.
Saturday we as a whole family went out to Mount Vernon. What a beautiful place! We have lots of great pictures from that, and they're on my facebook. Everyone enjoyed that, and since it's the holidays we got to see the third floor where Martha Washington slept after George died. So many important people visited that house and stayed with the Washingtons, and it's supposed that's where General Washington found out he was voted in as our first president (not what he wanted to hear by the way). It was really great to step back in time and see the house the way it was when the Washingtons lived there.
After we got home I had to nap. I was so exhausted from the weekend so far and I hadn't slept all that great either. When I woke up the in-laws were being taken to the airport by John and Ben and Sarah were watching Malachi. Saturday night was another chill night at our apartment with a movie.
Sunday was church followed by naps and Christmas tree shopping! That's right! John and Malachi went and found us an awesome real Christmas tree (and supported the Boy Scouts too). John set up the tree while I went downtown and picked up Ben and Sarah. We headed back to our apartment to get John and Malachi and all went out for a Peking Duck dinner with some of John's coworkers. It was a tasty meal and it was fun to have Ben and Sarah meet some of our friends. I even made a new friend there with one of John's coworkers that I'd never met before. She and I clicked very quickly.
Yesterday John left at 4:30am for his two week trip to Guatemala. I haven't heard from him since he was in Atlanta. Hopefully he's enjoying his time. I had mom's group with church in the morning, and an ultrasound in the afternoon. The day really went by pretty fast.
Right now I'm going to get off the computer and get ready to pick up Ben and Sarah again. We may be going to a museum by the Dulles Airport, we may not. Either way, I'm taking them to the airport. After that Malachi and I are going to the store to get some things (including Christmas tree lights!).
I'll blog again about my ultrasound appointment, and about Christmas decorating this year.
And that's what we did. John and I took the metro down town and met Ben and Sarah at the National Gallery of Art. We took our time going through, with a break for lunch. Shortly after lunch I wasn't able to walk around anymore so I made my way quickly through the Photography exhibit and then spent about a half hour sitting in the lobby while John, Ben, and Sarah finished and saw most of the famous stuff. It's too bad I missed it, but I could always go back.
After that we headed over to the National Archives. The line to get in was pretty long and very slow moving. Then an employee came to tell us that the line was stopped for the next 15-20 minutes. It was very, very cold outside and we didn't feel like sitting outside for what could be 45 minutes waiting to get in. So instead we headed over to the Natural History Museum because Ben and Sarah were interested in the Hope Diamond. After seeing it, they went through the rest of the gems, and after that we sat in a stairwell resting our feet and trying to figure out our next move.
After some weird looks and some deliberation, we decided that John and I would go home, change, pick up the car and then head back downtown and meet them for dinner. Since it was still freezing outside when we got home, I fixed myself some hot chocolate...it was so tasty! John changed, and we took the car downtown to pick up Ben and Sarah and head to the restaurant. They chose one that served organic, natural, and/or local foods whenever possible. Unfortunately when I read the menu the only thing that looked tasty was one of the most expensive things on the menu and I didn't feel like spending that much that day (even though my husband told me I should (I think something inside me is becoming more frugal, which is weird since John's job provides plenty for us)). I ended up ordering a pasta and a side of carrots. Both of them were really tasty!! The menu said that the pastas were served at a moderate portion. I thought that I would be getting a small portion, which is fine since I'm pregnant and can't eat American sized portions anymore. When I got my pasta I was taken aback by what their definition of moderate was. I felt like I got a big bowl of pasta. I may have eaten too much of it. :)
We headed to a movie, that I ended up not liking, so I walked out and got a refund. I didn't expect anyone else to come out, so I hung out in the lobby, journaling (it's been FOREVER since I've done that) and making lists. I made a pretty comprehensive list of what we need still for the baby.
Saturday we as a whole family went out to Mount Vernon. What a beautiful place! We have lots of great pictures from that, and they're on my facebook. Everyone enjoyed that, and since it's the holidays we got to see the third floor where Martha Washington slept after George died. So many important people visited that house and stayed with the Washingtons, and it's supposed that's where General Washington found out he was voted in as our first president (not what he wanted to hear by the way). It was really great to step back in time and see the house the way it was when the Washingtons lived there.
After we got home I had to nap. I was so exhausted from the weekend so far and I hadn't slept all that great either. When I woke up the in-laws were being taken to the airport by John and Ben and Sarah were watching Malachi. Saturday night was another chill night at our apartment with a movie.
Sunday was church followed by naps and Christmas tree shopping! That's right! John and Malachi went and found us an awesome real Christmas tree (and supported the Boy Scouts too). John set up the tree while I went downtown and picked up Ben and Sarah. We headed back to our apartment to get John and Malachi and all went out for a Peking Duck dinner with some of John's coworkers. It was a tasty meal and it was fun to have Ben and Sarah meet some of our friends. I even made a new friend there with one of John's coworkers that I'd never met before. She and I clicked very quickly.
Yesterday John left at 4:30am for his two week trip to Guatemala. I haven't heard from him since he was in Atlanta. Hopefully he's enjoying his time. I had mom's group with church in the morning, and an ultrasound in the afternoon. The day really went by pretty fast.
Right now I'm going to get off the computer and get ready to pick up Ben and Sarah again. We may be going to a museum by the Dulles Airport, we may not. Either way, I'm taking them to the airport. After that Malachi and I are going to the store to get some things (including Christmas tree lights!).
I'll blog again about my ultrasound appointment, and about Christmas decorating this year.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
On the mushy note:
I have so much to be thankful for this year.
I love and am loved by a God who saved me.
I have an amazing husband who has an awesome job that's going to give our family so many great experiences over the years. I have a wonderful four year old son who has survived so much in his short life thus far, and has given me so much joy.
We've been through a lot in the last 28 1/2 years, but love is still present in our family. I'm thankful that I have a mom, dad, and sister that love me and I love back. Also, who can forget the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Cousins-in-law that fill my life with joy whenever I see them. For the last eight years I've had a family-in-law that I love.
I'm thankful for my friends. I've made many friends over the years. Some of them I still have. One of my friends I've known since I was about three years old. Some of my best friends I've known for only two years.
All of you put joy into my life. I hope I do the same.
On the practical note:
My brother-in-law and his wife came into town late Tuesday night and we got to hang out with them yesterday. My mother and father-in-law arrive in about three hours and we'll have the whole family together. It's pretty rare for us to have this. In fact, we remembered last night that we were together at the end of January, beginning of February. It's really, really rare for all of us to be together two times in a year.
We're having a turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, stove top (a family fav), corn, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries, and the must have, olives and pickles. It's nothing fancy, and I hope I do it right. My mother-in-law is bringing her pecan pie (John's favorite), and I'm going to ask her to make the gravy. I don't eat gravy, so I've never made it, and I don't want to wreck it for those who do enjoy gravy with their potatoes.
Anywho...Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
I have so much to be thankful for this year.
I love and am loved by a God who saved me.
I have an amazing husband who has an awesome job that's going to give our family so many great experiences over the years. I have a wonderful four year old son who has survived so much in his short life thus far, and has given me so much joy.
We've been through a lot in the last 28 1/2 years, but love is still present in our family. I'm thankful that I have a mom, dad, and sister that love me and I love back. Also, who can forget the Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Cousins-in-law that fill my life with joy whenever I see them. For the last eight years I've had a family-in-law that I love.
I'm thankful for my friends. I've made many friends over the years. Some of them I still have. One of my friends I've known since I was about three years old. Some of my best friends I've known for only two years.
All of you put joy into my life. I hope I do the same.
On the practical note:
My brother-in-law and his wife came into town late Tuesday night and we got to hang out with them yesterday. My mother and father-in-law arrive in about three hours and we'll have the whole family together. It's pretty rare for us to have this. In fact, we remembered last night that we were together at the end of January, beginning of February. It's really, really rare for all of us to be together two times in a year.
We're having a turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, stove top (a family fav), corn, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries, and the must have, olives and pickles. It's nothing fancy, and I hope I do it right. My mother-in-law is bringing her pecan pie (John's favorite), and I'm going to ask her to make the gravy. I don't eat gravy, so I've never made it, and I don't want to wreck it for those who do enjoy gravy with their potatoes.
Anywho...Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
4 Years
Today we celebrate four years of Malachi's life. What an interesting year we've had. I saw someone else do this and thought it would be a great idea. So here's my letter to Malachi.
Dear Malachi,
Today you turn four years old. You've grown and matured so much this year. You grow so often that people frequently say that you've grown since they last saw you - even if it's only been a couple of weeks. The transition to 4T clothes happened before your birthday which is a first in your life.
We've had some adventures the last few months of your life. On May 23rd while you were visiting Grandma and Grandpa in MN you had your first seizure. After a trip to the ER, some blood work and a CT they couldn't find anything wrong. After coming home and following up with your pediatrician we decided to not worry about it. 10 days later you had another one while my good friend Melissa was babysitting. Another trip to the Dr's office and we decided you needed to see a Pediatric Neurologist. But by this time we were three weeks away from our move to North Virginia for daddy's new job as a Foreign Service Officer.
After our three day drive to our new home (you were a champ by the way) and settling in you had three more grand mal seizures. You also had three partial seizures where you would throw all limbs out and your head back. It would only last a few seconds and the grand mal ones lasted 1 1/2 minutes to 4 minutes. We did finally get in to have an EEG done but I couldn't get in to an actual appointment with a Neurologist.
On July 8th after the four minute seizure I called 911. It was the longest one you'd ever had, plus your post-ictal period was 30 minutes long instead of the normal 5 with vomiting and blue around your lips. Neither of those things had happened before.
We got to the hospital and by the time we were in the ER the Dr's and Nurses were very confused because you were acting like a normal 3 1/2 year old boy. The on call neurologist requested you be admitted, so you were sent up to the Children's floor at the hospital. You were treated very well, the Dr's were very thorough, and you had quite a bit of testing done. You had an over night EEG. The application of the leeds for this test took three hours and was quite traumatic for you. To this day you still get sensitive when people touch your head. You also had an MRI which you were put under general anesthesia for. You had an EKG which was normal. All of your tests were normal. You passed everything with flying colors. Even when the neurologist did her exam she couldn't find anything wrong.
You were prescribed some medicine, Keppra, that we give you two times a day. You were released and we came home. That seizure on the 8th of July was the last one you had. We're now celebrating 4 1/2 months of you being seizure free!
You've adjusted very well to being in North Virginia. You always make friends quickly. You're very outgoing so you'll walk up to kids and ask them to play. You've also won the hearts of many of daddy's classmates being voted the unofficial class mascot of the 146th A-100 class.
I'm pregnant with your little brother right now and you're already a sweet older brother. You talk to him, "pet" him, and love on him already. You have a very tender heart, you're so sensitive. Usually your sensitivity is directed towards the people you love. If you're told that some one's coming over and they end up having to cancel it brings you to tears. It also makes you cry when people don't sit next to you in the car.
You are so, so smart Malachi. I have to give daddy the credit for this. He's always teaching you. At this age though, your curiosity is quite apparent. You very, very frequently ask us why or how something works. You'll ask us to explain it a couple of times even. Then a couple of days later, you might explain to us how that thing works. Everyone who knows you, knows you are smart.
Life with you is amazing. We love being your parents and I love being your mom. You are amazing Malachi and I love you so much.
Dear Malachi,
Today you turn four years old. You've grown and matured so much this year. You grow so often that people frequently say that you've grown since they last saw you - even if it's only been a couple of weeks. The transition to 4T clothes happened before your birthday which is a first in your life.
We've had some adventures the last few months of your life. On May 23rd while you were visiting Grandma and Grandpa in MN you had your first seizure. After a trip to the ER, some blood work and a CT they couldn't find anything wrong. After coming home and following up with your pediatrician we decided to not worry about it. 10 days later you had another one while my good friend Melissa was babysitting. Another trip to the Dr's office and we decided you needed to see a Pediatric Neurologist. But by this time we were three weeks away from our move to North Virginia for daddy's new job as a Foreign Service Officer.
After our three day drive to our new home (you were a champ by the way) and settling in you had three more grand mal seizures. You also had three partial seizures where you would throw all limbs out and your head back. It would only last a few seconds and the grand mal ones lasted 1 1/2 minutes to 4 minutes. We did finally get in to have an EEG done but I couldn't get in to an actual appointment with a Neurologist.
On July 8th after the four minute seizure I called 911. It was the longest one you'd ever had, plus your post-ictal period was 30 minutes long instead of the normal 5 with vomiting and blue around your lips. Neither of those things had happened before.
We got to the hospital and by the time we were in the ER the Dr's and Nurses were very confused because you were acting like a normal 3 1/2 year old boy. The on call neurologist requested you be admitted, so you were sent up to the Children's floor at the hospital. You were treated very well, the Dr's were very thorough, and you had quite a bit of testing done. You had an over night EEG. The application of the leeds for this test took three hours and was quite traumatic for you. To this day you still get sensitive when people touch your head. You also had an MRI which you were put under general anesthesia for. You had an EKG which was normal. All of your tests were normal. You passed everything with flying colors. Even when the neurologist did her exam she couldn't find anything wrong.
You were prescribed some medicine, Keppra, that we give you two times a day. You were released and we came home. That seizure on the 8th of July was the last one you had. We're now celebrating 4 1/2 months of you being seizure free!
You've adjusted very well to being in North Virginia. You always make friends quickly. You're very outgoing so you'll walk up to kids and ask them to play. You've also won the hearts of many of daddy's classmates being voted the unofficial class mascot of the 146th A-100 class.
I'm pregnant with your little brother right now and you're already a sweet older brother. You talk to him, "pet" him, and love on him already. You have a very tender heart, you're so sensitive. Usually your sensitivity is directed towards the people you love. If you're told that some one's coming over and they end up having to cancel it brings you to tears. It also makes you cry when people don't sit next to you in the car.
You are so, so smart Malachi. I have to give daddy the credit for this. He's always teaching you. At this age though, your curiosity is quite apparent. You very, very frequently ask us why or how something works. You'll ask us to explain it a couple of times even. Then a couple of days later, you might explain to us how that thing works. Everyone who knows you, knows you are smart.
Life with you is amazing. We love being your parents and I love being your mom. You are amazing Malachi and I love you so much.
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