Two Days in One

    Yesterday was slow and hard. I was alone all morning and then when the kids came home they fought a lot. The best part of the day was visiting with friends when they brought us dinner. I think the hardest part is coming back to the craziness of having 5 kids. After being gone for so long it's something to get use to. ;-)
   Today was more exciting then I wanted. We woke up early and headed to the Dr.'s to take the 3 hour glucose test. Taking this test is hard because you have to fast for 8 hours then come in get your blood drawn and then drink a VERY sugary drink. After a hour they draw your blood again. Then you wait another hour and they draw your blood, you do this a total of 3 times. During this time the only thing you can have is water and ice chips. So with the pills I have to take to keep me from having contraction and to help with the pain, made it very tricky. After I drank the yummy drink, I wanted to throw up. But if I did at anytime of the test I would have to do it again. So the wonderful nurses at my Dr.'s office made arrangements for me to lay down to help with the nausea and sleep most of the test so the time would pass faster.

     I'm happy to say I made it!  After to celebrate, Mark took my to Arby's to get some of the sugar out of my system. Gabe and I needed a nap after our early morning.  My dear friend came and brought me some books and yummy cookies. She is always over the top in everything she does. ;-)
   Drew was able to go to a birthday party this afternoon. Which he had a blast at. He came home and shared his cool hat and treats. Grateful to my neighbor for helping us get Drew home from the party because Mark had an appointment.

   I came down stairs for dinner. Mark's good friends took him out, for a well needed guys night out. So the kids and I had a party ourselves. We had leftover pizza, played a tournament of Connect Four, ate ice cream and watched Wreck-it Ralph.

I'm grateful to say I made it through today! And had some fun doing it!

  Today Mark went to work. He got me all set up and was off. I was pretty woren out from yesterdays appointments so I took a lot of naps. My sister came around lunch time to check on me. She bought me a burger and frosty! It was a great visit, plus she helped clean a couple thing while she was here. She did an amazing job.

I napped more, then the kids started coming home. Which makes the time go a little faster. Tonight Taylor had New Beginnings. It's a meeting for the new girls turning 12 this year and are going into the Young Women's program, to learn about the program. The Young Women that are in the program already, talk about the different things they do. Some of you know that I was just released from working with this group of amazing girls. So it was bitter sweet to be there.  I was grateful  that I could go to see all of the girls that I have missed. But it did remind me of what I'm not a part of anymore because of this new journey that I'm on. I'm excited for those that have replaced me, they are going to love it. The meeting was so well done, as always. The Young Women that spoke did a great job. The song that the girls sang at the end of the meeting was amazing. ( https://www.lds.org/youth/video/come-unto-christ-2014-theme-song?lang=eng ) I truly feel blessed I have been in the Young Women program while my daughter was in it too. What a special time. (Trying to have a good attitude and count my blessing.) At least I'm a mom of a Young Women and still get to come to some of the stuff.

Spoiled rotten!

     I had a rough night. So it was slow going in the morning. But I was thoroughly spoiled today. Mark brought me breakfast in bed.  Then after a little nap he brought me a snack plate of veggies.

      I finally got up and got ready for my Dr. appointment. Today we had the ultrasound. I think that is the appointment that really tells you the most. We didn't hear anything new. But they were REALLY interested in the fluid that is on the right side of my incision. I remember that the first ultrasound, after I got out of the hospital, they seemed interested in it too. But then acted like it was nothing to be concerned about. Today the Dr. told me he was concerned because he wasn't sure where it has come from. He said that the fluid is the size of the tennis ball. He kept asking me if it bothered me at all. It hasn't so I guess that is a good thing. While we were there we were able to get my wheelchair. Which will be nice if I need to go somewhere. Not thinking that I will be going anywhere soon, but good to have.
       When we got home we found Gabe with a burnt hand from touching the fireplace. Grateful for Larissa, my neighbor who came over to check on him while we where gone. She told us that Miles was able to take care of it all. She was impressed with him, she said  "He must be a Boy Scout". ;-)
       My mom helped pick Taylor up from dance, and stayed and helped with the kids for a little while. Mark has been running around the kids and had meetings tonight so it's been me and kids tonight. So help was well appreciated by all of us. I'm done with today. Going out for the appointments are kind of a big deal, especially two days in a row. Here's to a good nights rest!

Just another Manic Monday

This morning I  laid in bed and watch Mark do his magic of getting the kids ready and off to school. After everyone left I got ready for the day. My friend Michelle came for a little visit this morning. It was great to see her. Then a little later my mom and sister came and brought me lunch and visited for a while.

     This afternoon was the highlight of my day. Mark took me to my appointments. Love spending time with him, even if it's a couple hours in a small Dr.'s office. The first appointment was to monitor the baby. The baby did a great job and was moving around well, no napping today. Then we had my appointment with the OB. He wanted to know how the trip home was and if there had been any changes since I had been home. There hasn't so it was a short visit. We did set up my glucose test, which I'm not very excited about. But it's better to know and take care of it than not.
     I came home and rested on the couch. A couple of people from my ward came by to see how our family was doing. It was great to see them. I sure have missed my neighbors. Tonight Drew was charge of Family Home Evening. He taught us about the creation of the world. He did a great job!

First day home!

    What a great night of sleep! We did wake up pretty early. Mark woke up all the kids at 6 am to get them ready for church before he left for his meetings. It was hard to sleep while they were getting ready. So I laid in bed and after Mark left, Luke and Drew played legos and would bring their creations to me to see. I didn't do a very good job at planning out my day. I didn't think to have one of the kids bring me some breakfast. So they all left there I was stuck up stairs with no way to get something to eat out of the kitchen. I was grateful that my mom had packed some snacks yesterday for the Airport and that the bag was up stairs. So I had a peanut butter sandwich for breakfast. Yummy!
     After the kids came home from church I headed down stairs because some Priest from my ward came to give me the Sacrament. I am so grateful to these boys for taking the time to come and give me the Sacrament. After Mark came home he made me some lunch. Then I headed up stairs for a nap. Not sure that doing the stairs two times a day is a good idea. But I didn't want to be down stair for the next couple of hours. So I stayed up stairs until dinner was ready. Then I came down to eat. After dinner, we played a board game. The kids were given a fun game from the Madsens for Christmas, "Beat the Parents". It didn't help to have me on Mark's team. The kids still beat us.

Then Mark's parents came for a visit. It was nice to see them. They have been a big help to Mark while I have been gone. We are truly blessed to have their help. Whenever we ask, they are right there to help. Then our home teachers came over. It was great to see them too.
    Tomorrow I have my first appointments in Utah. We see if all my travels have made any changes. Hopefully not.

A day of Goodbyes (Update on Saturday)

       The morning was full of laundry, cleaning and packing. Heidi and her mom were the only ones left on our floor, besides us so it was pretty quiet. We decided that if we could get packed in the morning. We could take a break and go with Heidi and Yvonne to Jamba Juice for one last time. We headed down to get the family house wheelchair to borrow it for our trip. As we went to get it we found that someone else had already borrowed it. So that kind of messed up our plan. So my mom and Yvonne walked down and got us our drinks while Heidi and I sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air. We really have been blessed to have shared this time with Heidi and Yvonne. I'm sad to leave them but know that they will be home soon too. Our journeys are just beginning. I'm so glad that it started with these two amazing ladies. I will forever be blessed to know them.

     My mom and Yvonne finished up getting our room all cleaned up and ready for us to leave. My Aunt Sonja was so kind to take us to the airport. What a blessing she has been to us. I'm so grateful for all the service her and her family has given to my family. We really have had a lot of comfort from their help.

     It was a great feeling to be sitting in the airport waiting to get on the plane. My fears of something happening that would prevent me from returning home, were slowly leaving me.

     I was nervous that the plane would be full of sick people and I would get sick from the ride home. I was very excited to hear that the flight had only 40 people on it. We were able to have a whole row to ourselves. Which help to make it more comfortable on the ride home.
     Mark, Miles and Drew came to pick us up from the airport. It was so great to see them. Hugs and kisses all around. We took my mom home. It was so funny to see her dog. She was so ExCiTeD to see my mom, running around beside herself, with excitement. Taylor, Luke and Gabe were home when I got home. More hugs and kisses. It was so fun to see them, they all look like they have been growing while I have been gone. I'm not going to lie my bed was one of the best reunions of the day! It was a long but wonderful day! So happy to be home.
 
                                             Goodbye San Francisco!

Journey home

I made it! I will give a full report tomorrow.  So grateful to see my family.  What a wonderful day!

Last full day at the Family House

     Today we started to get ready to go home. :-) As my mom did the laundry, I did some digital scrapbooking. We then headed to the grocery store that we heard about from Heidi and Yvonne. They said that it was much nicer and bigger than the grocery store that we had been going to. It was 3 blocks over and one block up. And everything that they said was true. It was like a normal grocery store. Because we turned my wheelchair into Rachel yesterday we used the one here at the family house. Yesterday Heidi and Yvonne told us that the Family House had free sweat-shirts and bags that they give out. So after our walk we when to the office and asked about them.

      We also asked if they could give us any info on Ali. But they couldn't. We haven't seen him for a couple days. On Monday Yvonne said that she saw him come in after his appointments. He went straight to his room saying that it was a rough day and that he was tired. I'm sad that I haven't been able to hang out with him these last couple days. He has really become one of my good friends. We have talked about what I can do to help my son in the future when he will have to be in the hospital getting surgeries done. His advice to me was, be there when he wakes up. He warned me that it was going to be hard to see my baby go through it all and I will cry. But be strong for him and always be the one that he wakes up to. I'm so grateful that he would be so willing to share with me. He is such an amazing young man. He told me that he wanted to come back and work at the Family House when he wasn't sick anymore. I think that it would be amazing if he did. He would personally know what the kids that come here are going through. He would be a great asset to this place. I hope that tomorrow I will be able to hear something about him before I leave.
      After nap time we had snack time. That was about the time that  Heidi and Yvonne came home from their appointments. Sounded like their appointments went well ending with a Jamba Juice, how could it not! Im grateful to the sister from the Sunset ward that helped them get to there appointment.
      It's kind of weird to think that today was the last day that my mom and I will be hanging out together all the time. I have really enjoyed the one on one time that we have had. She is so amazing and selfless. I hope that I can be more like her. I am grateful for her example. We have a little joke going that I'm the princess and the pea, and she is my servant. I tried to explain to her that being the princess and the pea wasn't bad. It means that I'm really a princess, because it's hard for me to get comfortable. She thought that it meant that I was a fussy princess. (which maybe I am)

The Servant

                                         The Princess and ALL of my wonderful pillows!


      Larry, Dorthy and their kids were heading home tonight. I'm glad that Ethan is doing so well. Larry is a Pastor in his church and he wanted to leave Heidi and I with a prayer for us and our sweet babies. The way he did it, kind of reminded me of how my church gives Priesthood blessings.(If you would like to know more of what a Priesthood blessing for my church here is a link http://www.lds.org/manual/family-guidebook/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng Look under administering to the sick)
He had his wife put her hands on mine and Heidi's tummies and he touched his wife's shoulder as he prayed. He said a beautiful prayer of how he knows that God has more power than the doctors do and that he wanted God to bless us and our babies with health and our families financially. I was touched that we wanted to bless us and share his beliefs with us.
   

     Tomorrow is going to be a great day. We will be back home with our families.

                                    This is all of us together! I can't wait!!

Last appointments!

This morning as we got up we didn't feel rushed, so we were able to have a yummy breakfast. My mom sure knows how to spoil me.

                                       (Ham, egg and cheese sandwich on our extra large egg bread)

     My Aunt Sonja was so kind to take us to the hospital and spend the day with us again. My first appointment was the baby monitoring. Of course I took a pain pill right before we left so when it was time to monitor the baby he was enjoying the pain pill too and taking a nap. Which made it hard for them to document movement. So after about 20 minutes of the nurse watching him with the ultrasound. She hooked me up to the monitors that listen to his heartbeat and watches for contractions. For the first 10 minutes he didn't do much. But then it seem like he was starting to wake up and move a little bit. Just enough for his heartbeat to get up to the rate that they wanted it to be, showing that he is moving good.
        Then it was time to go see the OB. She asked me how I was doing. Which I answered, well. I have been cutting down on my pain pills and am slowly trying to get off them, if possible. Then she reviewed my blood test from yesterday. It's never good when the Doctors says, "Oh Man". Which in the end means that I didn't pass the glucose test. Now I will need to take the 3 hour fasting test. She wanted me to take it tomorrow. Which at first made me worried because it is so hard to get to the hospital in the first place. I knew we could find someone that would help us. But we had already been there a lot this week. And one more day would be a lot, without a day of rest in between. Then the idea of not eating for 8 hrs and then drinking a very sugary drink and then not eating for another 3 hrs made me nervous, because of the pills that I'm taking. I take a pill at least every 6 hrs. I eat something with every pill to help my stomach. Which I know from pass experience that if I don't eat  something with the pills, I will throw up. (And I don't like to throw up, I know, no one does. But I REALLY don't like it.) How was I going to take my pills that I have to take and do this test that I have to fast for. Then just the thought of one more thing that could be wrong or needs special attention was almost the straw that broke the camel's back. Needless to say that my spirits were down. The other blood test that I had done was to test my iron. Which is very low. So I need to take some extra pills for that. We left the OB and headed to the fetal surgery office to turn in my wheelchair to Rachel. We talked to her about all the things that we just learned and she helped to claim me down.She told me that I didn't need to do the test today or tomorrow. It was something that could wait until next week when it was easier to travel. She also gave me advice about going home and being home. She talked about how easy it is to get caught up in doing one little thing and then another and then another and then you are in trouble. She said let others do your laundry, meals, dishes.... You want this baby to cook as long as possible. Don't ruin everything that you have done so far when you get home. It's easy to think you should do more because there is more to do, with the kids and house.  I promised her I would be good. ( and I didn't cross my fingers)
        I wasn't feeling very well so we went straight home. My mom made some soup and then I laid down and slept for a couple hours. We got up and had dinner and chatted with Heidi and Yvonne. Heidi will be going to her first appointments, after surgery, tomorrow. She was so blessed to have Mark Schoeller help her find a ride to the hospital. She said that it almost brings her to tears how grateful she is to him for being so helpful to someone that he doesn't even know. We are excited to hear how tomorrow goes for her. I hope that she can avoid the hard times that we had at our first appointments. After dinner we watched the movie "The odd life of Timothy Green" What a cute show. We had ice cream and hot chocolate as our treat. I was able to talk to the kids. Everyone seemed to have a good day. They are still excited that I'm coming home on Saturday. ;-)
        Before heading off to bed we were able to talk to Larry, Ethan's dad. He has worked out in the dinning room a couple times. He is an Executive Producer. He has this really cool remote controlled flying video camera that he had taken over by the Golden Gate Bridge. The footage that he showed us was amazing! He told us that he has sold two of his movies to "National Graphic". He even showed us some of one of the movies. I told him that my boys would love to have his job when they grew up. What a cool profession. Watch out for Larry A. Burns Jr. you will see his name soon.

     Getting ready this morning was CrAzY!! One of the bathrooms on the floor above us flooded. It ended up flooding the bathrooms that were right under it all the way to the main level. So when we woke up this morning one of the three bathrooms were out of order. So there were people coming down to our bathroom to use it. (I think there was a lady that wasn't even on our level trying to use our bathroom.) So it made it really hard to get ready for our appointment this morning.
     My wonderful Aunt Sonja spent the day with us at the hospital. The ultrasound was a full ultrasound. Last week they were only looking for 3 things. If my cervix was long, baby was moving and if my incisions looked good. Today Dan the radiologist was looking for much more. He was so nice to us and very comforting. I asked him at the beginning of the appointment if he would let me know if he saw the baby's legs move. While he was measuring the baby's femur he told me he saw it move. Then he started to look at the feet to see if they are clubbed and we both saw the baby move it's ankle and then his toes. I can't tell you how exciting it was to see. I know that it doesn't mean that he is going to be able to walk, but the idea that he can move his feet give me hope. It was one of the highlights of the day.

     After the ultrasound I had to get a glucose test done. I drank the yummy drink and then headed over to visit with Rachel, while I wait the hour to get my blood drawn. She told us that the ultrasound looked great. The things that they were watching from last week look the same so that is good. She then gave me two packets. One for my doctors in Utah and one for myself. The one packet for me have info about doctor appointments on Monday in Utah. Which means that they are planning on me going home this weekend. I'm so excited! I'm a bit nervous about the plane ride home but once there it will be soooooooo nice to be home.
   

                                                             Janice, me and Rachel
               (These are the ladies that are over my fetal surgery appointments. They are life savers!)

     After we were done at the hospital we decided to go out to lunch with my Aunt Sonja, Cousin Deb and the cute little girl that she nannys.I can't tell you enough how wonderful these two women have been to us. We are so grateful to them for sacrificing their time to help us out so much. We truly have been blessed.
  I had heard that Crepevine was a great place to eat, and it was. So nice to be able to visit and eat some yummy food!

      We came home and I passed out. It was a big day for me. Dinner was yummy, chicken, pasta and spinach. Then I laid down again. We decided because this morning was so crazy that we would take our showers tonight so we didn't have to fight the crowd. Here's to another day of appointments tomorrow. Hope it goes as well as today!

Watch out Rocky, here I come!

     Today was the last time we could sleep in for a couple days. So we took advantage of it. ;-) After we did decided to get up and get ready, we headed to the store to get some bread. The first grocery store was selling bread for 99 cents, which if you were me you thought, "Man this is a great deal". Because all the rest of the bread was $4.00.  So after looking at the bread we noticed that they were selling it for such a great price because it was already 3 days pass due. So we decided that the wheat bread that was still full price that didn't have a due date on it, wasn't worth the risk. So we went to the bakery down the street, which is a pretty fancy bakery. We got "egg bread" It looks good, we hope it tastes good.  We will see tomorrow! While we were out we HAD to go to Jamba Juice, it was just across the street. ;-)
     When we got back to the family house I decided to try some stairs. When I get home I will hopefully be able to climb about 18 stairs to my bedroom. Hoping that I get to go home this weekend. I thought that I better try them. I tried 5 stairs, up and down. It was very slow going, but I did it!!

 When looking at this picture you have to think of the "Rocky" theme music. Cause I was!

      Then we headed home for craft time. My mom had brought some cards to make for a fun activity to do while we were here. But at the end I was falling asleep so we decided it was nap time!

     Ali came back while we were gone. It was great to see him. He didn't have any news to share today. He has appointments tomorrow to review his test from this last week while he was gone.
     Dinner was healthy and yummy, chicken and broccoli. While we were eating, we did hear news about Faith. Her MRI showed that the tumors on her kidney we getting smaller. So they are excited and just waiting to hear when surgery will be.
     We decided with Ali back that we would have a fun night of games. We played 5 crowns with Heidi, Yvonne, Ali, my Mom and me. I'm very sad to say that my title was ripped away from me. Yvonne says that she has never played before, but I'm not so sure. She was VERY good with only 37 points, at the end of the game. So I had to hand over the title to her. Hopefully we can play again and I can win it back.

Tomorrow we are going back to the hospital for my weekly appointments. They are split up between Wednesday and Thursday so I'm kind of happy about that. Tomorrow will be the ultrasound and glucose test. Thursday will be baby monitoring and OB visit. We are hoping on Thursday to be cleared to go home. Then we will be able to book our flight home this weekend. Praying hard that tomorrow and Thursday's appointments go well! Wish me luck!

Preggo's on parade!

       Today we cleaned up our room and did some laundry. (Now when I say we, it really means my mom. It just makes me feel better to say we.) After our morning chores we took a nap. We talked to Heidi and Yvonne about going out today together. We decided to go to Jamba Juice. (The last one I had didn't stay in my tummy very long, so I didn't feel like that one counted!) So after lunch we got already to head out. It was pretty chilly outside, I was glad that I grabbed my sweatshirt, maybe 60 degrees. ;-) It was very nice to be outside in the fresh air. We did get the looks. It almost felt like we were in a parade. I didn't know if I should wave or not. Maybe I've been in too many parades in my life, so it just come naturally to me that if you are in the middle of the road and people are staring at you, you smile and wave at them. I'm just teasing everyone was very kind and helpful with doors and such.

      We came back and watched some HGTV. The other families on our floor went to the Zoo or shopping for some fun before their week of appointments start tomorrow. After visiting for a little bit it was time to go back to our room and put my feet up. I really haven't read while being on bed rest. My eye have been not seeing straight because of the medicine so the thought of reading hasn't been there yet. But the last couple of days it has been better. I started reading "The Peacegiver" by James L. Ferrell before I came out to San Francisco. So I was excited to get back into reading it. It really has great insight to the Atonement and why we need to for give each other.
 

     For dinner we had a feast! Lasagna and salad. It was so warm and yummy! Then we chatted with Heidi and Yvonne while they ate. Heidi shared with me that she is an amazing Photographer. She specializes in baby photography. She was able to show me some of her pictures. She is amazing, I wish she lived closer to me, I would take advantage of her.

       I got to FaceTime with the kids tonight. They all seem to enjoy looking at themselves and making funny faces more than our conversation. But that's okay it makes it a little more real of how they really act when I'm at home. It seems like our neighbors are taking great care of our family with watching Gabe and bringing dinners in. We are truly blessed. I also found out that Grandpa and Grandma Spencer took the boys to the movies and Taylor went skiing with friends while Mark was at work today. Sounded like they all had a great time today on their day off of school.

Full House!

     This morning we had a slow start. Brother Mark Schoeller and Brother Craig Berry came and gave us the sacrament. Today was their Stake Conference. They shared with us some of the messages that were in their meetings. Even though we didn't hear the whole message it was nice to hear bits and pieces of it to be spiritually fed. Plus just having them here brought a great spirit. We sure like those guys!

      The rest of the day we hung out and watched the movie "Bee Season". It turned out to not be what I thought the movie would be about. Not sure I would watch it again. But at least I got to work on the blessing blanket. :-)
      I talked to the kids.They all seemed to have a good day at church and a nap after wards. Mark is amazing to get 5 kids to church on time, with 9 am church. What is more amazing is that he does it and goes to his Bishopric meeting. He wakes them up at 6 am has them get already. Then he leaves for his meetings at 7 am. Then comes and picks them up at 8:40 am. I have to say he is one amazing single father. I can barely get them there on time when church is at 1 pm let alone 9 am church. What can I say he is awesome!    
     We have been blessed again with a full house! There is something about having others around to talk to and share in their excitements and their sorrows.We have two new families. The first family came here two weeks ago. They are moving from up stairs to a bigger room on our level. Larry (Dad), Dorthy (Mom), Symphony (4 yr old sister) and Ethan (2 yr old brother). Ethan was a twin. But his twin passed away in the womb 10 days before he was born. Which some how damaged his kidneys. He was put on an active waiting list for a donor in Nov. He received his new kidney two weeks ago. He is doing very well. Acting as normal as any happy, energetic 2 yr old. They couldn't be happier. They have two more weeks of being monitored and then they can go home.
     The other family is here until Wednesday. DJ (Dad), Andrea(Mom), Emily (Aunt), Destiny (4 yr old sister) and Faith ( 2 yr old sister). They found out that Faith had kidney cancer, a couple days after her second birthday. She is here to get chemotherapy and some other test done. They are hoping for good results so they can have surgery next week.
     It was very nice to chat with Heidi and Yvonne (her mom). Sharing feelings of having the surgery to finding out that your unborn baby has Spina Bifida. We both have other children, so we are seasoned mothers, and have similar thoughts and concerns of what it will be like adding a special needs baby to our families. It's so nice to have a friend to talk to about things like that. I'm so grateful to have them here.

Opposite day!

Today was the opposite of Thursday!! We feel like today couldn't have gone better. I had an appointment to monitor the baby's heart beat today at 11 am. We had made arrangements with Chris and Annalise to take and pick us up. Annalise came about 10:50 am and apologized about being late. Last night her and Chris had gone out to dinner to celebrate his birthday, he turned the big 29. After they got home Annalise started to not feel well, then Chris got sick too. They said that they had gotten food poisoning from the restaurant, and were up all night. She felt better this morning, but as she was getting ready to come get us. Chris said that he didn't feel good enough to watch their son. So she had to find someone really fast to watch their son before she came. I am so grateful that she was willing to take us even though she had such a rough night. The monitoring took longer than we thought it should. Not totally sure why, the Dr. may have been busy and we were in line and she came as soon as she could. Everything seem to check out good. His heart beat was about 130 bpm. Because we were there so long, I was given a lunch tray. Which was such a wonderful surprise. On Thursday everything took longer, but we didn't plan a head so I took some of my pills on an empty stomach which ended up being a very bad idea. So even though I brought some crackers and a sandwich with me this time, it was so nice to have a real meal and no tummy ache. After we were all done with our appointment, we went and visited my friend Heidi. She had her fetal surgery on Tuesday. She has had a rough couple of days. Today wasn't much better because of the nurse that was taking care of her. When we visited with her she was almost in tears because the nurse wasn't being very nice. We had told her that we were blessed that a member of our church was helping us get to and from the hospital today. After talking to her and her mother, it sounded like they might need some help too. I asked Heidi if she would be okay if a made arrangements for someone to help her too. She said that would be great. So when we got back to the family house. I called one of the brothers that has been bringing us the Sacrament the last two weeks. He was willing to pick them up and bring them to the family house. When they got here they kept telling us how wonderful he was to help them out. It really had been a hard day and to have that part go so well,  was a true blessing. I really can't say more about the members in this area. They are amazing! I'm so grateful for their willingness to serve.
     We had a light dinner and laid down for the rest of the night. We truly felt blessed that the appointment went well and everything looked good with the baby. And that our new friend Heidi and her mom are here now! ;-)
     I have had a couple of people say that they would like an update on my Mom. So I would like to let you know that she is amazing! She has had a couple of days were here knees and back were bothering her, because of pushing me in the wheelchair. But she is a champ and tough as nails and doesn't complain unless she can't walk anymore. Then we end up sleeping the day away, because I'm worn out on those days too! She has been a little home sick. But it has help when a friend calls to check on her. She is missing Lizzy, her dog and calls to talks to her over the answering machine every couple days. I have to say that she is one amazing Mom. To drop everything jump on a plane and wait hand and foot on a pretty bossy pregnant lady. Brownie points in heaven!! I really couldn't have done this without her and am so grateful for all that she does for me. I HAVE THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!!!

Fetal Surgery

Here is a link to a video that explains the surgery that the baby and I had. I hope it helps you understand it a little better. I know it, for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRtspxmhYnA

Right on Target!!

     After yesterday we slept in.... for a very long time! I think we both needed the extra sleep. Mark told me last night that when he was here and went to church with my cousin, a man named Chris introduced himself. He told Mark that he didn't live too far away and that if we needed anything while we were out here to give him a call. So he said, " You are in need. Call him and ask him if he can help you get to the hospital and back." (Tomorrow we will be going to the hospital to do a stress test for the baby.) So this afternoon I called and talked to his wife, Annelise. She was very kind and said that she would love to help us get to and from the hospital tomorrow. We feel very blessed that we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I feel like wherever you go in the world there is a support system. We are grateful for their willingness to help us out, even though they don't even know us. Annelise told me today, " Isn't that what the sisterhood of the Relief Society is all about." Yes, I think it is!
     I was able to start our baby's blessing blanket today. Very excited to get going on some of the things that I brought to do while on bed rest. So while we were watching "The Time travelers wife" I planned it out and got started.

      We talked to my cousin Deb about taking us to Target to get some new lounging bottoms for me. All of the bottoms that I brought with me would fit, if I could wear them lower on my hips. But because the incision is right there, it isn't working out. So that was on our list and food for the rest of the week. We are so grateful that Deb was able to come take us to the store! Target is a one stop place. That's not normal around here. The street behind us just has little stores. One for fruits and vegetables, another for meat, another is a bakery and then there is the pharmacy. So to be able to go to one store and get it all, was awesome!! Today was WAY better than yesterday!! Thank you for your prayers and love!

Today was Rough!

        We woke up bright and early this morning. I was a little anxious and woke up an extra hour earlier than I thought I was. We had our first Doctor appointment at 8 am. So that meant that we needed to call a cab to be here to pick us up at 7:45 am. So at 7:40 am we received a phone call from the cab company saying that they would be here in 1 minute. So we started heading down. While in the elevator I received 4 more phone calls with the same message within 1 minute. Which I thought was kind of weird but just thought maybe there was a mistake and it kept calling us on accident. But no, when we got out to the car the cab driver was there waiting. When my mom asked him to help put the wheelchair into the back of the car he looked at her like, really? It didn't fit at first, so after a minute or two of him just trying to cram it in by shutting the trunk. I said that maybe if we put one of the seats down it would fit better and my mom could sit in the front seat. So after he put the chair down and we got everyone into the car, he started to complain that we were late. I looked at my phone and told him that my phone said that it was only 7:47 am. He said yes you asked to be picked up at 7:45 am. And I said yes we were out here by then. It took you some time to get the chair in. In the end he told us that he was charging us $3.50 to start out with because he had to wait. Good thing my mom was paying this morning cause I don't think I would have tipped at all! I'm a pretty grumpy pregnant lady!!
          Our first appointment was with a OB. She was very kind. She was in charge of making sure that all my normal pregnancy things are being taken care of. She was close to the best thing that happen, today. We then headed over to have a stress test on the baby. This is were they put monitors on my tummy and listen to the babies heart beat and look for contractions. At one point of the test the baby's heart beat went down to 90 beats per minute. His normal was 150 bpm. So they came in and started moving me around to see if they could get his heart beat up. It worked. But she did say that she might have to send me to a different place to have more monitoring done. At the end of the test she said that they would like me to come back on Sat. and do the stress test instead. So we will be on another fun adventure on Sat. Hopefully it will be much better than today!
       

 It was now passed time to go up and get an ultrasound. We were a half hour late because of the heart beat issue. So while I waited in the waiting room which was full, my mom ran down to the pharmacy to fill some of my medicines. Because we were behind already and the OB wanted me to do the glucose test after I got done with all of my appointments. (which would keep us there at least another hour longer) I was going to need my medicine sooner than later.We were suppose to be done and back home before noon, I didn't bring any extra medicine.
        During the ultrasound he found some fluid that has built up on my lower right side. Which had to have extra attention. So they took extra pictures and the (real) ultrasound Dr. came in and took some more pictures. She wasn't very helpful and wouldn't answer any of my questions. Which made me worry. She said, "I will review everything and let the fetal center tell you what I have found." :-/ I was not very happy with her. So by this time it's getting passed lunch time. I was getting worried that I still need to take the glucose test on an empty tummy. So we hurried down to get in line. We sat in the waiting room for a half an hour. I really started not feeling well, so I went and asked someone if they could just give me the drink so I could start the test. As they looked into it there was no order for the test just an iron test. At this point I was so tired and  hungry, and the idea of waiting another half hour while they tried to figure out why the test wasn't ordered was too much.  We left and went to the fetal center, where my nurse, Rachel, that is over me for the surgery is. She was able to claim me down and we made a plan that I would come back next week and get it done.
          Now it was time to go get some of my pain medicine from a different pharmacy, because the one my mom went to early was out. At the new pharmacy we waited for 15 minutes for them to tell us that my health insurance didn't do business with this pharmacy, so the medicine could not be filled using my insurance. So for $30 more, my mom decided that it was worth just having the pills now and not waiting to come back and get them when the first pharmacy had more. With the day we were having it was totally worth the extra money and be done with it.
          We then headed over to the food court and had  Panda Express. It was good and I was very hungry, but I wasn't really feeling very well so I only eat half. We decided to get a Jamba Juice and spit it for the ride home. We called the cab company and waited out in front of the hospital as we drank our drinks. He came about 20 minutes later. My mom went over to ask him to help with the wheelchair. He told her that he thought that his car was to small and that the wheelchair would not fit. So he left. Now maybe it's just me but I would think that he would call into his company and say, " My car was too small for their wheelchair, send someone with a bigger car to pick these cute ladies." But you know what that's not how it works. Instead they cancel your ride. So we sat there for another 20 minutes waiting for them to come. I called and asked them if they were coming. They said, "They haven't picked you up yet? We will look into and have someone out there in 5-15 minutes. So 20 minutes later I call back to let them know that we still hadn't been picked up. Which they said that it is busy right now but we will have someone there in 5-15 minutes. Then almost 20 minutes later we got a call message from them that said that they were very busy at this time and to push 1 if we would still like to keep your ride and 2 if we would like to cancel. So after waiting an hour and  1/2 we decided to give up on them. We weren't sure how we would get home but we knew that it wasn't going to be with them. By this time I was at my breaking point again. It was 4 o'clock and time for some pain medicine. So I took it and and we decide that we would walk home. It was only 11 blocks! We really hadn't thought of this as an option because my mom has had both of her knees replaced and pushing a pregnant lady in a wheelchair 11 blocks is a big deal. We were very grateful that the streets were all down hill. We made it home and said a prayer of gratitude that my mom was willing and able to do it. Nothing that a nice big pain pill and nap can't fix, right?!   ;-)

           We took a nap and then about 6 pm it was time for more medicine for me. So my mom got up and made dinner. As I was sitting at the table eating, I was telling her how my stomach was not feeling very well. It really hadn't felt well all day. With being up and moving around more than normal I just thought it was that. I didn't make it more than 4 bits of dinner before throwing it up. (I hate throwing up. I know no one likes it, but I can normally hold it in and avoid it.) Not this time. So to sum up today it was both physical and emotional hard. I think the hardest day since I left the hospital. I'm looking forward to tomorrow being better! I'm grateful that although the appointments took longer because they were finding things that didn't look right at first. That they all panned out and we got a good report. The true highlight of the day was to talk to my kid and tell them how much I missed them and love them. Today the homesickness was not easy to control. I really wanted Mark to be able to hold me and tell me that he would make it all better. It's the little things, like having a child come to you and tell you they love you out of no were with a big hug. That would have made this day some much easier. I'm grateful that I have my mom. Her hugs come in at a close second to Mark's.
             I just found out that the family that came yesterday is leaving tomorrow. Their son's test came back and the tumor is not growing to for now they will be watching it closely. Truly a blessing!

Mom's day to choose

Today I let my Mom choose what we did. Earlier today my side was hurting a lot. I could barely walk to the kitchen. So most of the morning I laid around. As we were laying in our beds with the window open. The yummiest smell came through our window. (The street behind us is full of stores and restaurants) So my mom decided because I was feeling better that we would go out for lunch in search of the yummy smell. We found it! So we ate at Jenny's Burger. It was delicious.

The weather was beautiful today, almost hot. The Golden Gate park is just across the street. So we headed over to the park to check it out. It was very beautiful. The trees were so tall. It was so nice to be outside.

     

This is my mom pushing me down the street.

 

 Here is the view from my wheelchair.






This is what the outside of The Family House looks like.

 We came back home and ate dinner. A new family came today while we were gone. A family of 7. Mom (April) Dad (Albert) and then two girls and three boys. They have three more kids that are grown up, so these 5 are the ones still at home. It's a family of his, hers and ours. They are here because their 14 yr old son had brain cancer. Now they have found a new tumor and are here for some test. They kept talking about how The Family House is such a blessing to their family. What a neat thing it is for families to have when under such great stress. They will only be here for two days for the tests. So hopefully we can enjoy them during their short time here.
    For movie night we watched "Les Miserables".  One of Mark's favorites.
Mark called to updated me on his day. He is amazing.  He has been able to work here and there while getting the kids to the places they need to be. I'm so proud of all his hard work . I know how hard it is to do alone. With the help of neighbors he has been able to get it all done. Thank you Mark! I love you! And thank you again to those that help him.

A quiet day at The Family House

It was a sad morning as some of our friends prepared to leave. My mother took one last chance to make cookies for them. And of course they were will received.
Marcos and I

 After lunch we were able to hold Xavier. Xavier and his mom Stephanie are headed home tomorrow. He was born with many deformities. And after being here for a couple months they have been cleared to go home. :-)
 
 We then headed off to the grocery store to pick up some needed items. We had the opportunity to have the Missionaries Elder Larman and Elder Cheung, that are serving in this  area, over for dinner. Because we are two women, they needed to have another male with us. They invited a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, John Schaftner. We had a lovely time. It was very nice to hear his story. John told of how he had some health issues, and had stopped doing some bad habits that he had acquired over the years. During this time he had also wanted to have God in his life more. He said that he had always felt like he was spirital but was missing something. When the missionaries found him he welcomed them into his home and enjoy the message that they shared with him. He is now the gospel essentials teacher in his ward and this Sunday will be receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. He then shared with us his testimony that he shared this past Sunday. It was about how special this Christmas was to him. In the past he knew about the true meaning of Christmas. But this Christmas was different because he had the gospel, to add to what he already knew. He was taken by the part of the story where the angel Gabriel comes to Mary to tell her that she will be the mother of the Christ. He felt like we are all like Mary. That we take upon the things that Heavenly Father needs us to do here on earth, our mission. As we do what he ask of us we become more like Christ. John's testimony was so pure and sweet. We were truly blessed that he came for dinner. The conversation turned to healing. I shared with them my testimony I have gained the last couple of months.  I have faith that God can make my baby whole. I also have faith that he can guide the surgeons in fixing his body to work better than it would have without the surgery. I also have faith that he could do nothing to change our situation. If he took this trial of health problems away, we may not learn what we need to, to be more like him. Because he has a plan for each of us, and the reason we are all sent here to learn. In Mathew 26:39 it reads "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt". Jesus is teaching us by his example hat we should ask the Lord what we want but in the end our hearts should say "not as I will, but as thou wilt." As we know and trust God we start to understand, that what he has planned is better then what we could ever hope for. We had some dessert. It was a wonderful night. We truly feel blessed that they could come and be with us tonight.
            After they left we had movie night. We watched "The Count of Monte Cristo". My mom's new favorite show. ;-) I was so grateful to talk with my kids and hear the highlights of their day. I miss them like CrAzY!