Updates and Christmas

Out with the old and in with the new, right? Let's hope 2013 is a better year. We've got a new addition to our family on the way. I can't wait to meet her. After Friday's scan and the Maternal Fetal Medicine doc's recommendation we met with a pediatric surgeon at Primary Children's this morning. So far we've seen 4 different doctors and we've received different information and advice from each one of them. Today's visit gave a little more hope or confidence. Dr Black from Primary Children's told us that rarely will a CPAM cause an issue at birth. He told us we could continue on with our birth plan at Riverton Hospital. They would do a CT Scan a few days after birth, we would follow up with the surgeon a few weeks later and they would let us know what their game plan is. So, being as her CPAM is so small.. things should hopefully go smoothly.

As for the end of the year... Christmas with the kids went well. We had them on Christmas Eve and the first half of the day this year. It was a little harder this year to figure out what to get for the kids. I'm finding that the older kids get the more expensive they want. It's all about laptops, smart phones, iPads, iTouch's, and other electronic devices. One thing I tried to focus on this year were toys/objects that would promote activity or outdoor play. I would say it went pretty well. The kids were happy and were spoiled, especially by grandma and grandpa.

CPAM

As a follow up to the NuMom2B visit #3 post I figured I should fill you all in on what is going on with our little baby B. During our last visit with the NuMom study the Ultrasound tech noticed that there was a bright spot in the right lung. This was a concern but she couldn't give an explanation why because there was not a doctor around at the time. She scheduled an appointment the following day with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Dr at IMC.

I showed up at IMC at 1:00 and had a second ultrasound to evaluate what the tech had found the night before. I was seen by another Tech as well as the Specialist, Dr. Branch. Dr Branch spent a good amount of time in the room with me explaining what he feels is the proper diagnosis. We have been told that Brighton has a small mass of abnormal tissue in her lungs. This is typically known as a CPAM, formally referred to as CCAM. Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation's typically go away on their own before birth. Right now it is a very small mass and is not causing any problems. There is no fluid surrounding the heart or lungs.

The plan of action is to keep watching it. Every 2 weeks I will go into the Maternal Fetal Medicine office and a Dr. will do an ultrasound to check the size of the mass as well as to make sure there is no pressure being put on the heart or fluid surrounding it. If the mass continues to stay the same size I will  be able to deliver the baby as planned at the Riverton Hospital with Dr. England. If the mass grows, I will need to deliver at IMC where there is a NICU available. So, for now it's kind of a wait and see. My last ultrasound things had not changed much. It hadn't grown at all... they felt like maybe it shrunk a wee bit.  I have another ultrasound on Friday to check the status again.

NuMom2B visit #3

It's been a busy few weeks but I figured I'd catch up on the last visit for the NuMom2B study.  On November 29th I went to my third and final NuMom visit. They took me back from the waiting room, checked my weight and vitals, and had me begin the swabs. It was the same as the first two visits as far as lab work goes. 3 swabs, and a blood draw. After the labwork the nurse completed a brief survey with me and had me fill out a little paperwork of my own. I was very excited for this visit. I was told the ultrasound would be a 3D ultrasound.

Soon the ultrasound tech came in and began looking over our baby girl.  It was fun to see her a little bigger. The last time I had an ultrasound was between week 18 & 19. Everything looked great except for her right lung. It was showing up brighter on the ultrasound. The tech had me get up and move around so the baby would move, she checked again... still bright. She said it was a concern but couldn't give me a lot of information at the time. I would have to come back the next day to see a doctor in Maternal Fetal Medicine. They gave me a disc with the ultrasound and pictures. The 3D images were great. It was so fun to see our little bub that way. They also gave me a container that I would need to take to the hospital when I deliver. The container and it's contents are for collection of the placenta and cord blood for the study.

I'm grateful I participated in the study. I would never have found out what I know now about our little girl. Now we (hubs and I) as well as my doctors can be prepared for any possible complications that may arise during delivery. Hopefully, What they have found during this study can help them to learn more about the condition and aid in prevention in the future. I'll follow up with another post :)

NuMom2b visit #2

I had my second visit today at 18 weeks. I've been sick this past week but this visit really gave me something to look forward to. The visit started out with a urine sample and 3 swabs. They drew some blood and then did the ultrasound. They had me strip waist down and under a sheet. They checked the heartbeat and it was strong at 165 bpm. They looked at the placenta (mine is in the front) and listened to the blood flow to the uterus. It took a little prodding but we were able to see the sex of our little one. We are having a girl!!! So excited! She's a stubborn one just like her mommy :) or grandpa Danny. We could say he's pretty stubborn too ;) they also did a vaginal ultrasound to check the cervix length. Everything looked good.

We let the kids watch the ultrasound video this evening so they could see if they could determine the sex. The girls squealed and we got a "Nooooo" from Parker. He said he'd still love her though. We are excited for our new addition!

1st NuMom2B visit

I had my first numom2b visit tonight. It was a lot of fun. The staff there are great and so welcoming. The first thing they did was ask a few questions and had me sign a consent form. They then did the ultrasound which was SO much better quality than in my OB office. I am measuring at 13 weeks and 4 days. It was fun to see the little peanut move around in there. Very active little baby. They took several pictures, checked the heartbeat and area around the uterus then printed off the pictures for me. After the Ultrasound they had me give a urine sample and three vaginal swabs. They drew some blood and started with the interview process which was mostly just health related questions. Very fun staff to work with. Before leaving they asked if I would be willing to also participate in the sleep study for pregnant women. This checks to see if pregnancy causes sleep apnea. I agreed and they set me up with a kit that monitors my breathing. I'll do that study tomorrow night and again in the third trimester. It overall seems like a great study and I hope I can in some way help out moms to be in the future.

Surprise?!?

Yes, I have been a slacker with the blogging. With good reason though... My life has been anything but normal lately. If you have read my previous posts you know that I am a fairly recent newly wed. I was married the end of 2011 to a man with 4 kids. 4 really great kids btw! It's been a learning experience/curve to go from 1 to 6. Overall, I would say I have adjusted fairly well to it all. I've also been the main financial supporter for the past 5 months which hasn't been easy. Our lives have been a little stressed to say the least but we're getting through it.
It hasn't really been announced yet but I am 11 weeks pregnant with my first baby. I had my first ultrasound with my OB a week ago. It was such a fun day. I didn't know what to expect and was a bit nervous but I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My Dr is really great and I feel very lucky to have him help me through this pregnancy. The ultrasound went well. The baby's heartbeat was a strong and fast 165 bpm. Looks like a little peanut. They also drew some blood and collected a urine sample. I'll be participating in the NuMom2B study and will write about that 1st visit soon.

Taking Care of Business!

The past 2 months and possibly another 2 more my husband has been away and out of town. I've come to realize just how much work a family is especially when you are doing it alone. Thursdays are busy days. I have the kids. The boys have soccer and Ella has gymnastics so it's quite a bit of run around. There is a pastry shop next to Black Diamond gymnastics called Swirly Girls. The kids and I like to wander over there for a treat once in a while. People ask me all the time why I still take the kids while Andy is away. Well, the kids are great and I am lucky to have such great relationships with them. We sure know how to have fun!

Every Other Weekend Mom

So as you know, or I would hope you would know by know... I am step mom to 4 fabulous kids and I love my CHAOTIC "every other weekend" with them. I do have them on Thursdays but right now Thurs nights are just a busy run around. The boys have soccer, Ella has gymnastics, and kenz.. It varies. I do love to watch the gymnastics though. As a kid it was something I loved to do. Ella is quite good at it and has advanced several times the past 3 months.
I've been getting the kids ready for summer and it's been quite fun for me. I love getting them things... Shoes, T-shirts, socks, undies, swimsuits etc. I love to see how happy they are. Ella can retire her converse with the holes in the bottom. Yay! Every other weekends are sure hectic but I love it. I love spending time with the kids!

It's a small world after all...

Well we took the kids out on our first getaway. It was a short trip but very special. We headed down to Vegas, stopped for a short while then decided to just keep on going to California. The kids were great the whole way there. There was no fighting and they kept themselves pretty entertained. In Vegas we stopped at the Denny's on the strip and the kids were able to watch the volcano show across the street at the Mirage. I think that's who puts the show on anyway. After the show we let them walk around for a bit to check a few things out. We took a few pictures with the wax figures in front of the wax museum.

We ended up staying in the Irvine area. So beautiful there. It reminded me a lot of Hawaii. I think we ended up staying at a Marriott. Don't remember :) that wasn't the highlight of the trip. The next morning we woke the kids up, had some breakfast and headed over to the Happiest Place on Earth - Disneyland! 

Wakey Wakey

On the Tram ride over to the park. They are so cute!

And we are here!!

The weather didn't exactly cooperate with us. In fact, about 2 hours into the day it started pouring and continued to rain the rest of the day. The kids were great though. Soaking wet but no complaints, just smiles. It was so great to see the kids so happy and excited about each ride. Probably one of the best feelings in the world. It reminded me of being a kid and arguing over who got to ride with my dad on the ride or my mom on the ride. It was a new experience to be on the other end of the spectrum. It was a great day and I will definitely remember it for a very long time!

Cutest Kids Ever! 

Kenzie Lou Magoo & I on Main Street 

He wouldn't go on the ride but he'd hang out and watch with me

It took a while but they finally came around 

We were also able to spend part of the day in California Adventure. The kids loved Soarin' Over California. While there we were able to see what they have built thus far on the Cars Land. That looked pretty awesome. We also went through the sourdough bread factory, hit all the rides that were open and caught the It's a Bug's Life show.

He loved this!  

And look what the cat dragged in... 

Our little Bugs!

We sold them.Expect to see them in the next movie :)

Not a roller coaster rider either

5..4..3..2..1..

They are full of terror... you can see it on their faces!

Some of my favorite memories of the trip were the cups of hot chocolate. The kids expressions and excitement after riding Indiana Jones. They were just so happy to be there... they didn't care that it was raining. They actually said "Gaddafied" (yes we are proud parents for teaching them that haha Please see Tosh.O for reference )on the jungle ride and the tour guide had to turn around and compose himself because he was laughing. Oh, and I also loved love loved the Disney Bakery in the Downtown Disney. They have the best peanut butter cookies ever!

Kade isn't impresseed

They were so disappointed because the teacups were closed due to the rain

Yeah... he can't do it either

Ella boo and Buzz

I can't wait for the next trip! Next time I will take oodles of pictures!