Fall Fun...and other ramblings

I finally made it out to Walmart yesterday to pick up some things I needed. I was able to get some more bottles and nipples, some 'gas' drops for Autumn (really could have used those days ago), some nursing items, and a few groceries. Thanks to a friend and a couple of my aunts, $30 worth of that was at no cost me! Logan came along to help me lift things, such as the case of cokes and the 10 lb. bag of potatoes we purchased. Even thought it was just grocery shopping, it was nice to spend some alone time with my oldest son. :)

Last night was the Fall Fest at our church. It began right after the Saturday night service, which lets out at about 7:15 p.m. Typically, Emma is in bed by then, but we made an exception and all went together....the kids wore their costumes. I'll post pictures of them soon. There were several games to be played with candy as a reward...also a dunking booth, a blow-up slide, and a bounce house. The kids got free popcorn and Karl bought each of them a cherry-flavored Italian Ice...well, Emma shared with Logan. She kept wanting "mo-uh!" from everyone. I think they all had fun...and got some candy. Emma even played one game and got a few pieces. We plan to trick-or-treat tonight, so I'm sure they'll have more 'booty' after that! We're planning to be here for a little while to hand out candy as well...we'll see how many kids stop by.

We have not made our Halloween cookies yet, though I did get the needed ingredients. I think those will have be done after the fact...they'll still taste good, no matter when we bake them.

I see the doctor again tomorrow. I still have a tender spot where they said last week there is a remnant of infection. I have not had any fever, chills, drainage, or redness, so hopefully the tenderness will go away soon as well. I'm not sure if the OB will want me to have more meds for it, but she said previously that the next step, if needed, would be IV antibiotics at the hospital. I'm praying that will not be necessary.

Random thoughts for today....

Several years ago, when we still lived in Central Florida, our VCR finally broke. We had a LOT of VHS movies that we gave away or sold in a yard sale because we already had a DVD player and were not going to buy a new VCR. Amongst those were many Disney movies as well as most of the Veggie-Tales movies that were out at the time. We had LOVED watching those with our kids! My intent was to replace them with DVD's. However, I never did....we have 2-3 that we've been gifted over the years, but that's it. Anyway, I keep saying I'm going to buy them but I never do. Well, now I don't really need to. The library has tons of them that Corbin has discovered. He comes home with two or three each time we visit the library....and Emma enjoys them too. It's fun to watch and remember seeing them with Logan and Hailey....and I'm so glad my next two are getting a chance to enjoy them as well. Maybe by the time Autumn is old enough to watch I'll actually have bought a few more!

Today is a gray day, though the sun is beginning to peek through the clouds. We have all had breakfast, done chores, and are now just lazing around....reading, watching Veggie-Tales, and playing video games. Logan spent some time on the computer at a new web site.........here....that he saw on the back of one of his Lego magazines. After many weeks off he's 'into' his Lego things again. Hailey is still reading through the dragon books she got from the library. Corbin has been playing with Emma, watching the movie, and watching Logan play his video game....alternately. I took Emma outside and let her play in a mud puddle, in her jammies.....gasp! She loved it. ;)

I was thinking of taking the kids to the library again today...but I'm not sure I have the energy. I could do it, but I don't know if I want to. Karl is working in Miami today, and it takes all I have to get everything done here when he's gone...it's not so much the extra child (though sometimes that is hectic) but more that I am still limited in what I can do....no lifting Emma, no heavy cleaning or laundry, etc. And if I do more than I should I get tired and sore...so I try not to do too much at once. Karl has been wonderful...very helpful and accommodating....doing all that he can to make things easier on me. Thanks, darlin'!

A blog post you may find interesting and encouraging....

The link.

More doctor visits...

I had a visit to the OB again today...to re-check my incision. It is much better, though the infection has not completely disappeared yet. I go back on Monday for another look. My round of antibiotics will be finished on Thursday and I can get back to breastfeeding by Sunday morning. I am thinking we'll try nursing again, to see if she does any better, but if not we will just continue to give the breast milk to her in a bottle....supplementing with formula if and as necessary. We've had a few 'gas' problems with Autumn, mostly over night. This has caused her to spit up quite a bit. Otherwise she's doing very well. When we saw the doctor on Friday he didn't say a thing about jaundice...it is gone....and I am amazed. We were told by the NY pediatrician that any future babies would "definitely be Coomb's positive." Guess that goes to show my God is greater!

Friday Family Fun...and other stuff

Autumn had her two-week check-up today...a bit early. She now weighs 7 lbs. 10 oz. She isn't gaining fast but is at least gaining. I think our struggle with breast feeding probably had something to do with the lack. Her length is 20 1/2 inches. She received her Hep B shot....and the doctor says most babies have no reaction to it so hopefully that's the case with her...so far, so good. We will go back November 11 for her 1-month check-up and a second round of shots. I fully expect her to be past her birth weight by then, especially since she's on formula now.

We also had to take Autumn to the hospital to have her hearing re-tested this morning. While in the hospital she did not pass the test....most likely due to extra fluid in her ears because of the c-section (babies born via c-section don't get the opportunity to have the mucus squeezed out as those born vaginally do). We were only there for about 20 minutes and she passed with flying colors. We already knew she could hear, but now it's 'official' and the doctors are happy to have their certificate documenting it. The woman who performed the test was very nice...it was a different lady from the one who did it while we were in the hospital(who was friendly as well). We chatted about her kid's school, and how she hates it. She's looking into putting him into a private school but they are very expensive....when she found out that we home school she said "Maybe I could send him to your school! How much would you charge?" ;) We talked some more until we were done, I wished her good luck in her decision, and told her she could call me if she wanted to talk more about home schooling. She said she'd write my number down and thanked me. I can't imagine that anything will come of it, but it was nice to be able to encourage someone who's struggling that there are other options available to her. Sometimes people don't realize that or think "I could never do that!" I was one of those people not too many years ago, and now we're in our fifth year of home schooling. Anything is possible.

We stopped at the grocery store on the way home to pick up a few things and of course came out with way more than I had intended. It's all stuff we needed, it just wasn't on my list. Both of the babies were great at the appointments and in the store, so I'm thankful for that. The other kids stayed home, did their chores, and watched a movie, so they wouldn't have to be dragged back and forth to doctor appointments and suffer from boredom.

Now, we're all relaxing a bit...except for Karl who had to get right back to work, of course...while both babies nap. Tonight is Family Fun Night and we'll be having pizza, semi-homemade (using packaged sauce, packaged pizza dough, and packaged toppings), and playing board games.

An interesting article...

Here's the link.

Some more pics to enjoy....

...since there's not much time to write.

Playing video games with Logan.
Relaxing in her bouncy seat.
Watching baby Autumn sleep.
Enjoying time with Daddy and Autumn.

More news for everyone...

We've made some more changes around here. I am now feeding Autumn by bottle. I was giving her breast milk that way because she was really struggling with nursing and it was getting both of us very stressed. However, my OB called yesterday, after getting the results back from the culture they took when I was in last Friday, and said I need to stop breastfeeding....because they switched my antibiotics to a stronger one and the baby doesn't need that. I needed a stronger antibiotic because the one I had was not working for the bacterial infection I have, which is MRSA. I saw them today (all three actually came into the room to see me) and they said not to worry, this one will work. They all agreed that the incision seems to be healing well, but we just need to knock out this infection. I am to call them if there are any changes for the worse, but I really think I'm over the worst of it. I have not had any chills since last week, no fever, and I am able to get around better every day. Actually, the itching of the incision is the most bothersome for me right now.....and the fact that I still can't pick up my Emma, which neither of us is happy about. I'm afraid she's going to stop wanting me to hold her before I can actually pick her up again. If that happens I will be very sad.

Autumn is doing pretty well with the bottle, and her sleeping patterns are getting better...though she is a bit of a fusser at night. I'm sure we'll soon get that under control. Otherwise she really only cries if she's hungry or has a messy diaper....and she's not the biggest fan of a bath, but I bet that will change as she gets bigger.

Tonight we are hosting our first of a weekly Life Group for Logan's age group. He signed up for this Wednesday night group.....he'll meet with 8-10 kids plus a couple of youth leaders for a bible study each week. Apparently the family who was planning to host cannot do it and Logan volunteered us....which is fine. We've been wanting to get involved in the church in some other way besides Sunday attendance. So now we are the hosts.....only having to provide a place to meet. Karl may need to step in occasionally to help lead, but otherwise the youth leaders cover that. The parents will be rotating each week to bring snacks, but this week (since it's the first) we are providing snacks. I hope we got enough....I really don't know how much 8-10 middle school kids will eat and drink. I'm excited for Logan...this should be a great opportunity for him to make some close friendships....and for us to get to know some folks in the church.....as well as the very important fact that they will be studying the bible.

Some more pics of Autumn...

Before, at 36 weeks:

After:

Bigger sister lovin' on littlest sister...

Autumn

A new kind of busy...

Even though we haven't really gone anywhere or done much of anything this week, it feels like we've been very busy. ;) Keeping track of feedings, messy or wet diapers, making sure baby spends a little time by a window (to get rid of that tinge of jaundice), 3 doctor appointments (2 for me, 1 for baby), and trying to spend some time with all the other kids....I guess that makes for a busy life. And I guess I should have said we haven't done much of anything exciting....well, besides having a baby, of course!

The kids have spent a good amount of time with their nana and pawpaw....shopping, playing outside, etc. It was nice, the three mornings we had to get to doctor appointments, to be able to just get up and leave with Autumn...knowing the others were taken care of by my parents. I'm not sure when they're planning to go home....and they can go whenever they want...but I'm secretly hoping they won't leave anytime soon. It's been a great help having them here, and I'm enjoying our time together.

The kids have been reading a lot of books, using the computer, and playing video games to keep themselves busy. Hailey made brownie bites (from a package) for our Family Fun Night dessert last night, the boys have been acting as 'gophers'....getting diapers, blankets, wipes, the computer....helping in whatever way has been needed. Hailey, Corbin, and I even fit in some game time yesterday...just playing a simple matching card game together for a few minutes. It was nice.

I remember the busy-ness and exhaustion after Emma...falling into bed so tired that I did not hear a thing all night...until Emma was home (since she went back into the hospital for 4 days), then of course it was night-time feedings and sleep that was very deep until the next feeding time. It lasts a few weeks, then we're in a routine and the exhaustion moves to just generally being tired, gradually improving each day. The busy-ness becomes 'normal' after a while and we all can't remember a time when 'the baby' wasn't here. I love it.....as tired as I am and as difficult as things are sometimes, I love my large family. I'm so thankful.

A cute quote...

I have not had time (Imagine!) to blog as much as I would like, but I know I'll get back to it eventually. I did want to get back on though and post this quote for you.....from Tuesday.

Corbin came back to the hospital with Karl to pick me and Autumn up on Tuesday when they discharged us. As we were getting things ready to go, he picked up a plastic bag from the table....

much like this one:
and asked me if he should "get this." I told him to just put it in the trash. He hesitated and then asked, "Is this the bag Autumn was in in your tummy?" I did manage not to laugh at him and answered, "No, she was in a bag of water." His response, "Oh! I thought she was in a bag of water inside that bag."

I just love the things little kids say out of complete innocence...and I'm so glad God has seen fit to bless me with these children to keep my days interesting and full of joy. ;)

A Quick Update....

The days since Sunday have been pretty uneventful...well, compared to Emma's birth, anyway. It's been really nice getting to know Autumn without too much interference from hospital personnel....it was probably our most pleasant hospital stay as far as that goes. She was able to room in with us the whole time, and actually the only time I've been without her was when Karl took he for a walk last night and then when he took her to the truck when we were leaving the hospital today.

Yes, we're home now! It only took us 5 tries to be able to leave the hospital on the actual 3rd day AND to leave with a baby that has no jaundice.

More later....

The birth of Autumn Elle Woerner...

I woke up this morning at 5:25 a.m. to go to the bathroom....I have been making multiple trips a night.....and ended up having some 'real' contractions. I stayed awake and timed them. They were anywhere from about 4-10 minutes apart. After about an hour and a half of moving around without the contractions stopping, I woke Karl up and told him I was going to call the doctor. Normally, if I was going to labor naturally, I would probably not have called in yet, but since we were planning a c-section I wanted to find out if they wanted me to go ahead and go in to be checked out. She did...so by about 7:45 a.m. we were heading to the hospital, which is only about 4 miles from our house. We were put into triage and I was started on I.V. fluids. When the nurse checked to see how dilated I was, things were the same as they had been when I was in the office last. However, after that my contractions seemed to get more constant and a bit stronger. The doctor was on her way and though I don't really know what made them decide to go ahead and do the c-section today, she said we were just going to go ahead. So, they admitted me, had me fill out paperwork, and we were heading into the OR by about 9:10 a.m. Karl joined us after the spinal was given and they had me prepped, and by 9:35 a.m. our baby girl had made her entrance into this world. It was strange...the sensations that are felt during the procedure....but I have to say it was much less unpleasant than I expected. I barely felt the 'pinch' when they numbed my back and when the spinal was administered there was no pain...though I could tell that he was working back there. It was the same with the actual surgery. I could tell by their movements that they were working and even what they were doing, but felt no pain. It went quickly, besides the sewing up when the baby had been delivered. My doctor was kind enough to tell me she was going to sew my incision twice (for reinforcement) so that "with your next one, if it's a 35/36-weeker, you have the choice to have a VBAC." ?????? I thought it was funny, but it really was nice of her to think of that, because you never know what a person may decide to do....if they may change their plans. ;)

Oh by the way, we have named her Autumn Elle Woerner, she weighed 8lb.4oz. and is 19 inches long. Smaller than expected but still a good size.

We have spent the day getting to know our newest daughter. She's beautiful, and knows how to nurse well already, which is a wonderful bonus! She is such a little peanut, even though she is a bit bigger than Emma was at birth....only just. She has not cried too much, seems pretty content, but we'll find out over the next days, I'm sure. She sleeps well so far too...but we'll see how the night goes.

Karl brought all the kids and my parents up to see her. Emma was sad that I couldn't hold her, but she did okay. She was enthralled with her sister, as we expected, and wanted to "hab it" when she saw me holding the baby. It will be a challenge, I know, but I'm looking forward to getting home and figuring out the logistics of it all.

An awesome quote...

Here is a quote from a Facebook friend...who is actually a 10th grade girl that I had in after care when I worked at the kids' school in 2006 (she was a 5th grader then!). All I can say is "Wow!"

I had to place it here because it goes with what I blogged about this morning....

"Play your position, not God’s."~Erin Beck

DO or DIE

I often lie in bed at night, or in the wee hours of the morning, when I can't sleep...'blogging' in my head. I am up numerous times a night right now and sometimes I just have a hard time getting back to sleep, so then my mind begins to churn and I will worry about things. About the birth mostly. I worry that the baby will not be healthy, that we won't get to the hospital in time to have the very strongly recommended c-section, that the baby is not actually as big as they say and that the c-section is not really necessary, that she is actually as big as they say and that there will still be complications because of it...worry...about things that truly are not within my control. So, I blog. It helps me to get my thoughts out. I think more clearly when I am writing...I can explain my self WAY better on paper (or cyber-paper) than in real life.

Some phrases, or sayings, have been coming to mind this morning......

"Do or die"

"The proof is in the pudding"

"Put your money where your mouth is"

This is what I must do. I need to go back to the beginning...to what I actually believe....and put it into practice. Do I truly believe that God is in control....do I trust Him? Am I going live in peace with His way or am I going to continue to struggle with His plan? When the doctors first began talking about a c-section early on, I had one prayer.....that God would make it painfully obvious, if I should go with that plan, that it was absolutely necessary. I did not want to make such a big decision out of convenience for me or because of fear (either mine or the doctors'). I think at this point He has done that....it does seem to be necessary. Now, I need to just trust.

I recently heard a radio personality on a local station say something that has been sticking in my head. He said something along the lines of, "Being a christian is not really about what you say, it is about what you DO." Now, that could be misconstrued as him saying that deeds are the important thing and if you just do enough then you're a real Christian. However, that is not what he meant. He was talking about "putting your money where your mouth is". He was saying "the proof is in the pudding", that our testimony and the true test of what we believe as Christians, and really just as people in general, comes when we must put what we say we believe into action. It's time for me to do that. I have been saying that I believe God gave us this baby (He did), that He will get us through this birth (He will), and that I trust Him (I do). Now, I need to stop talking and worrying and just DO.

When I chose a name for this blog, I did so with the thought that I wanted to convey my belief that God is the ultimate designer and that no matter how things may look to us, He has the most wonderful, perfectly designed plan. Will I trust Him?

Will you?

A tragedy....

Many of you probably already know about the tragic accident that took place this week with Brooke. However, if you don't know who I'm talking about, just know that a precious life was taken this week and the family will need lots of prayer. She was a mama of two young children, and though they have wonderful, loving grandparents and great-grandparents, plus their father, to take care of them....it will be such a struggle. I cannot imagine losing a child or having to leave my children behind...even with the joy there must be in being with Jesus. My human mind just can't comprehend. This was a woman who is a bit younger than me, whom I babysat for as a teenager, and who later took part in my wedding. I haven't seen her much in recent years, but I do have sweet memories from our years together in church, etc. She will be sorely missed by many. I am praying that God, our healer and comforter, will surround the entire family with His love in the coming days and weeks..would you join me?

Newest ultrasound results..

I had yet another ultrasound today...at 37 weeks...and it showed that baby is about 8 lb. 12 oz. I know the technician can be off by around a pound either way, but I have to admit I am amazed that she seems to be so large. Obviously, as already stated, we will be having a c-section. I wouldn't be comfortable trying it any other way at this point, just in case she is bigger than estimated! We've been there....done that......and have no need or desire to revisit that experience. I think the only thing bothering us now is the fact that they will not schedule a c-section before 39 weeks...which is fine if I go into labor on my own soon. (though we are a bit concerned just because my deliveries tend to move quickly) I just can't imagine that it is good for any baby to wait that long....when it is probable that she will be pushing 10 lbs. or more by then. But, I am not a doctor, so I have to trust that they know what they are doing. I can't imagine that I'll go that long anyway, since I never have, but only God knows.

All prayers are coveted for the safety of mama and baby when delivery does happen, as well as the steady hands and minds of the doctors involved. We can't wait to see her. That's one of the fun things about having all of these ultrasounds lately....we have seen her face several times and it makes me long to meet her now more than ever. We are told she has lots of hair, and besides being so large, looks fantastic. I'm hoping all those cute little baby clothes I have will fit, since she's going to be so 'grown' at birth. ;)

A link to an interesting devotional....

Something to think about...

Surprise visitors (not!)...and a doctor visit

Today my parents arrived. They were supposed to have left their house in AL this morning, but I was not a bit surprised when my mom called at about 8 this morning to tell me they were almost here....typical of them to change their plans, which is just fine with me! ;) After some help navigating to get them on the right track (they had taken a wrong turn) they were here within the hour. The kids were thrilled, as was I, and we spent the day just hanging out together. Emma warmed up quickly to both Nana and Pawpaw...and absolutely loved spending time outside with her PawPaw. It's gonna be a great time for her, and all the kids, to have two extra adults to lavish attention on them. And it will definitely be a bonus for Karl and I as well....who couldn't use some extra help with the kids? I think Mom and Dad will be happy to hit the hay tonight though, as they drove all night to get here....so it will be kind of any early night for them. I'm looking forward to talking and visiting some more tomorrow. I've missed my mama.

I went to my weekly doctor visit today. The baby's heart rate was great. I was actually having a contraction while my doctor was listening to the baby and she said it's a great sign to hear such a strong heartbeat during a contraction...as that indicates baby is handling things well, which we love. I am dilated a bit more, 2cm, but still not 'in labor'. I haven't really had any other regular contractions like I did last week...just a few here and there. But, things are starting to happen. Now that my parents are here I'm happy to go anytime....no worries now except the birth itself. I am 37 weeks tomorrow, which means I'm considered full term. They will not schedule me for delivery before 39 weeks (let's hope I don't go that long!) but they will go ahead with the c-section if I end up going in with real contractions or if my 'water' breaks. Having someone in the house now to be with the kids, so we can just leave as soon as needed, eases my mind A LOT. I was worrying quite a bit about leaving them all here for an extended period of time without an adult present. Karl's parents would have been on their way but we didn't really know how long it may take them to get here....so, now things are settled. We will definitely let people know once the baby makes her arrival...and I'm sure my mom will make some calls once we even head to the hospital. Just waiting now.....God knows the perfect time, so I'm trying to wait patiently. ;)

That's MY King!

A video shown at church this morning. I had seen it before and loved it! Hope you all enjoy....what an awesome reminder of WHO HE IS.

Early morning, sewing sorrows, and date night...

I woke up at 5-something this morning. When I couldn't get back to sleep I got up, went downstairs, and began cleaning the floors. The whole main floor needed to be swept and mopped, so that's what I did. After that, I de-cluttered the kitchen counter...we had lots of 'stuff' sitting on one end that just needed to be thrown away or put away. Now, we just need to finish the island and the bar, and get the box of photos off the breakfast table that has been sitting there FOREVER.....we'll be good to go. I'm planning to do that tomorrow. We also need to rearrange a few things to prepare for my parents' visit. They are planning to arrive Monday evening sometime. Part of our play area is going to serve as a bedroom for them while they're here because it's a bit much for my mom to try to go upstairs several times a day. So, we will move the craft table over near our dining table...we'll need it there anyway so we can seat everyone during meals....then we'll put Logan's queen bed in the spot where the table was. Logan will sleep on an air mattress in his room while they're here. It's fairly comfortable so he won't mind. I also need to get some diapers and wipes into a decent spot downstairs. That way no one will have to trek upstairs several times a day to change Emma while I'm in the hospital. I'll do the same with some clothes for her. I still want to make at least a couple more meals for the freezer but I don't think I'll get that done tomorrow...possibly Monday morning.

Tonight I made a dress for one of Emma's dolls...she got a new one at Goodwill the other day and it had no clothes. So, I took some old fabric scraps and threw something together. I am not a good sew-er by any means. I do know how to hem fairly well, but I haven't tried to make much so I am very inexperienced. It definitely does not look good, but it's good enough to satisfy Emma. Of course, she probably would not have cared had I left it without any clothing. ;) It took me about six tries to get it right....I spent some time cutting and re-cutting, sewing and re-sewing. And that was AFTER I had to get Karl to help me figure out the directions for threading the machine and inserting the bobbin! Apparently I did not have the upper thread done correctly, even though I was looking at written directions as well as a photo of how to do it....takes a bit for me sometimes. Anyway, he finally got it figured out for me and I was able to accomplish something....no matter how pitiful. My hope is to begin trying to fit in some sewing time regularly...several times a week maybe. That way I can learn my machine's ins and outs and gain the experience I'm lacking. I really wish I had taken the time to learn from my mom when I was living with her. My stubbornness back then is causing me problems now. Live and learn, I guess. :{

Karl and I had our date tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow evening. I just wanted to get out tonight. We went to Outback and it was incredibly busy. The wait was going to be 50-60 minutes. However, they had a lot of outdoor seating overlooking the lake and fountain, so we sat out there and were able to be served immediately. Many of the patrons did not seem happy to be sitting outdoors, but we were thrilled. It was a beautiful evening, cool, and we had a nice view. It was a nice time together, and we were still home in time to tuck the kids into bed, which they love.

Ramblings.....

Well, still no baby...it is a bit early but you know me, I am always one to be early (well,when it comes to birthing babies!). Who knows when things will really happen? I'm just trying to prepare as much as possible and enjoy the time with Emma as 'the baby', though she will still be "one of the babies". I can't make her let go of that status quite yet. ;) Each time I put her to bed I think, "This could be the last time I put her to bed before I have the baby." So bittersweet...she's growing up really fast, but still a baby in so many ways. I can't wait to see how she interacts with her little sister.

I just ordered a sling from www.diapers.com. I have never ordered diapers from them, though they are supposed to be cheaper than what you find at the store. I had no idea they even sold things other than diapers, but there you have it...they had the lowest price AND free shipping for the kind of sling I wanted. Here is what I ordered, and it should arrive Tuesday. I already have two baby carriers, but this is the brand I wanted and could not find the right size after I had Emma....even better, now they have an adjustable one! I used the ones I have for Emma off and on but I feel I'll need to use a sling even more once baby is here since Emma is still so young too, so I wanted to get the one I've really been wanting. I think it will be great. Plus, it's prettier than my other ones....I'll save those other ones for the times Karl needs to carry her, that way he can have a more 'manly' sling to use. ;)

Well, not much else to tell. You can check here for details about our school day. I'll post again soon.