Countdown to kindergarten ..

Just short of 5 and a half years to the day, my 2nd true love will enter the unknown. He will walk into a place where the world will be in his hands. He will have everything he needs to climb to the top of any "mountain" he desires.
I will have the normal anxieties as any momma but the biggest thing to remember is this is fun, awesome and exciting.

So, for the next week leading up to the "First day story" I'm going to blog some Evan stories. I hope you enjoy!

On February 21, 2007 due to deathly high blood pressure, Evan Michael was brought into my world. Weighing 4 pounds and 13 ounces and 18 inches long, he was 5 weeks premature. My little boy, who I finally held 24 hours after birth, was perfect. Tiny, but perfect. After 9 days in the NICU he was allowed home. I hugged and held and loved this little boy so fiercely that nothing else mattered.
But something else did matter. Not known to a young man living in Auburn, Alabama, did he know that he was going to become a hero, become the secret keeper, become the warm chest on a cold day and become whole.
Evan Michael brought a whole new world to his birth. He brought love and life and a complete total love me and my family, and in due time, with a whole other family that he now belongs.

Signs I Should Pay Attention To

I think the good Lord told me, "Megan, at 27, your body is done having babies!"

Why do I think this???

In early April I started physical therapy for severe hip pain. Three days a week at work and two at therapy. Their solution was give birth.
Miraculously they were right!!!

End of May I was put on bedrest. Due to blood pressure that I honestly believe was due to hip pain and still working a physical job 3x a week.

Mid June my blood pressure kept a steady low high. *sigh*

Delivered a week early. I was a good girl on bedrest.

In hospital had severe reaction to dilauded. That stinks because its the good stuff. Finally got pain control the last day.

Saturday the 30th, my Bells Palsy started.
By the 2nd I was numb on my right side. No muscle movement and no taste. I'm STILL numb.

Cameron stopped gaining weight and was sent for ultrasound for Pyloric Stenosis. Negative. Its reflux.

Today I was diagnosed with De Quervains. Its a form of tendonitis that pretty much causes you pain when you use your thumbs. I received a cortisone shot in my right wrist today and I will have surgery tomorrow.

Do we think that's enough signs? Even if you don't believe them, aren't those enough signs???????
I have been blessed to have the extremes in my two boys.
Evan is my tender heart. He was born 5 weeks early at 4lbs 13oz and 18 inches long. He never looked back. He was my quiet baby.
Cameron is my spit fire. He was 9lbs 5oz and 21 inches long. He came out screaming mad. He's been my opinionated critter that keeps us on our toes. I knew when he was trying to hold his head up on day 1 that he was my curious and active baby.

With Evan Michael, I was close to losing my life with him. I like to think my high BP was just pouring my heart into him. I think Cameron Alexander has taken my ailments as a challenge to drive ahead full force!

I love my babies, my husband and my family. I still think I may need to watch the signs.

And for those of you wanting a girl from us, good luck! !!!!

Cameron Alexander!

On June 26, 2012 our newest guy was brought into this world. He was greeted by laughing and joking and of course tears!
I was scheduled for the 29th but due to my "blood pressure" she moved it up! I was miserable and hurting so bad. This was a blessing in disguise.
Christopher and I, well I, was up at 3am. I couldn't sleep so I woke him up. We headed off to the hospital at 5:30 as I was scheduled for 8:30.
We got called back by our awesome nurse Jordan. She really was awesome and made us feel comfortable and at home. She took us to triage at start my fluid and get all the details. As she hooked me up to the fetal monitor she said are you having contractions? No. She said that I was.. great, maybe we could have gotten this over with sooner!
My doctor stopped by and asked Jordan if she could move mine up. Alas, no they couldn't.
After getting my bag and a half of fluid we had to wait, as someone needed the vacuum. My parents and Christopher's parents took turns visiting. I met the anesthesiologist and dad and Chris made jokes about numbing my mouth. Evan was distraught. Finally they came in and sent me onto the operating room. Late, mind you. Jordan sat Chris in his chair and told him she would be back for him in 15 minutes.
When I got in, I was blessed to know the nurse in the operating room. Lindsey and Jordan were a blast, we were talking and laughing. Why? Because they lost the anesthesiologist. Seriously. They couldn't find him. I was asking questions and looking around. I found out they grounded me to the cauterizing machine. That look on my face made Lindsey bust out laughing. I hear them calling the anesthesiologist, as I'm sitting with my bare butt facing the open door. Oh yeah! They kept calling in passing nurses to show them my beautiful toes. Christopher had painted them like american flags. He was a hero!

I find out that Jordan went out and told my husband that they were running behind and she would be back to get him. He panicked. He knew the 15 minutes was past and worried that something was wrong. He wasn't told I was mooning everyone waitng for my spinal.
Finally they found him, chatting at the nurses desk. After quite a while he finally got my numbness to where it was supposed to be. They brought Chris in as my doctor (standing on a stool) had already started. The whole time everyone was chatting and talking. I was very proud of myself for staying calm and relaxed. I kept telling Lindsey I ordered a boy! Chris was a little more quiet but that's understandable. All at once I felt Lindsey laying across my abdomen and the anesthesia guy push down and then relief! I heard him cry once and I started crying. Lindsey laughed and said its a boy! Chris took off to take pictures. Cameron screamed and screamed and screamed. You could tell it was an angry scream. Loud and mad. They put him on the scale and the nurse said 9.5. WHAT!?!!?!?!?!?!?!  Are you serious!? Evan was early and 4.13 but I wasn't prepared for 9+ lbs. I was shocked. Christopher also. We all laughed. I said that at least I would get sympathy for the hurting and pain I had because he was huge. As he and Christopher left you could still hear Cam screaming bloody murder!
It took them 30+ minutes to finish sewing me up. All the while my doctor and nurses were gossiping and laughing. If at all possible, it was enjoyable.

Cameron Alexander Morris was born at 9:20am weighing 9.5oz, 21 inches long. Apgars were 9/9.

While on bedrest, let me "teach" some hospital etiquette!

I see all kinds of things working as a tech. There was a Guy who had spoonfulls of potato salad in his suitcase or the one who had 800 bouquets of roses in her room. They come in all shapes and sizes. Literally. One thing, or many, get on my nerves and this post is to explain the proper way to not only be a visitor, family member but also a patient.

1. This is NOT a hotel. There is no reason to pack 3 massive suitcases for a 2 night 3 day stay. You don't need 45 pairs of matching satin PJ's for a joint replacement surgery. Pack some loose pants and loose t shirts. Sleep in a hospital gown, make us do laundry you wont meet your next husband in therapy. ;)
2. Do NOT request a razor for your husband who isn't a patient... really?!?! The supplies are there for you. If he comes to visit you just bring his stuff.
3. Linked with #2, our snack room is not a meal replacement for said husband and 20 guests. Its for the recovering patients. And as a courtesy snack for family's. Not meals.
4. When having your vitals done, the number 120/80 has not shown up on my BP machine in 6 months.. I laughingly told one family if it ever does I will buy the person lunch.. BP is affected by meds, stress and overall surgery. In no way will it be that number. Please don't panic we have your best interest at heart and will let you know if it is a problem.
5. Please as a family member take the time to know the floor, maybe where the towels are, where ice is and snacks.. we try our BEST to get to you in time but sometimes taking care of 40 people, we can't get u a washcloth at the drop of a hat.

I have recently had a discussion with Christopher about #5. As a tech I sure as hell will not be bothering those busy people with petty things that maybe he or my family could grab while the staff works on someone in need.

6. Please pack writing utensils. PLEASE!!!! nuff said.
7. This is not the Ritz, I am obligated 3 times a shift to check your vitals, even if I have to wake you up. I'm sorry I know it's a pain but I HAVE to do this.
8. Your nurses and assistants don't cook. I'm sorry. Food management is handled by hospitality. I can't go fry you 2 eggs over easy with whole wheat toast and organic grape jam.
9. As nasty and as mean as it may sound you aren't the first person to ever have surgery.. grab a Snickers...
10. Please don't forget your manners.. I love my job, I love my patients.. but please and thank you go a long way to a 12 hr day..

I can think of a million more things like please don't let the room phone ring 20 times. The person just had surgery they need the R&R. I promise you I know what I am doing and I'm pretty good at it.
I love getting to know new people and letting them heal and get back to normal, but sometimes, potato salad in the suitcase is just the way it goes...

It's a... a... A...?!?!?

Baby. Yes we are having a baby. Lets start with a back story so everyone can understand.

When I was pregnant with Evan, my dad did not want to know what "brand" he was. I decided nope, I will NOT find out. When I hopped on the table the tech said, "Do you want to know what....?" She stuck the wand to my belly. "The sex is?" There it was. Loud and proud. Evan Michael's manhood in blurry black and white. I guess that was a yes. Well, momma is not the best secret keeper and lord knows I try, but we had to tell dad.

Once we announced we were pregnant with numero dos we made the decision not to tell anyone. Christopher and I would find out and keep it quiet. We want to surprise my dad. So all the begging in the world will not have us tell you. : )

Friday we went to the doctor for my 17 week check up. It was your basic pee in a cup, bp, and yadda yadda. The tech was kind of a Bee-yatch. Who expects a pregnant lady to stand still to balance for 5 seconds to get your weight. We have to try to pee in a cup! Reaching around the big belly to PEE IN A CUP. Hahaha! Name me one pregnant woman that has not had a cup episode! A lot of you have probably had them, or at least, heard them. Turns out I have lost 3 lbs since I became pregnant. My doctor said it was totally fine since i started a job where I get more exercise than normal pregnant ladies. She said as long as I was eating fine, feeling fine and not being sick, the weight loss was just ducky. My blood pressure was great, 113/70. As far as the Toxemia I developed with Evan my doctor said that my chance of having it again is WAY less since I have already had it, but it is still a higher chance than a normal pregnancy. Great news thus far.

I had made a joke/question to the tech wondering if I could get a peek and see if we could see the sex. I got shot down. In a blaze of glory. After we met with Wendy my NP, who I adore, and now Christopher does, he decides to ask her. She told us to hold on a minute and disappeared. We chatted for about 2 minutes and she came back and said to grab our stuff. Needless to say she snuck us in for a 10 minute scan with my new hero Laura, the sonographer. Peanuts head is by my belly button and its feet are tickling my bladder. This totally makes sense since I have been feeling some weird pressure on my bladder. Little monster. As she got down to the "area in question" it had its feet crossed. My husband promptly said it was a family trait and Evan and I are always working our crossed feet when we sleep. After a few jiggles and wiggles Peanut took a huge stretch and showed ALL.

Like stated before, we aren't telling. The pictures are locked away. We totally appreciate the well wishes and guilt trips, and now bribes, but this is kind of a special thing. I hope you all enjoy the reveal when I deliver just as much as we will enjoy sharing it with you!


Now a few other things. In light of gender being a secret, we have had some questions on gifts, if there are any brand specific, color, size etc. Here is a rundown of what we know thus far.

Bottles are Playtex Drop In
Diapers are Luvs
Bedroom theme is monkeys, the colors are shades of green and brown

We do have a registry at Babies R Us, and I am working on one at Wal-Mart. I have had some questions on if we have to get the stuff on BRU registry at BRU. NO NO NO NO NO. LOL I am a frugal momma, if you can find the same thing elsewhere and it saves ya some, have at it!!!

We have the BIG Ultrasound on February 17th, so we will have a TON of pictures to post!


Lots of LOVE,
Megan, Christopher, Evan and Peanut

1+1=2+1=3+1=4?!?!?!?

I look at that equation and wonder, what in the whole wide world of snow are/were we thinking. Yes, most of you know, Christopher and I are expecting our second child. This little bundle of indigestion, mom narcolepsy, and psycho mood swings will make his or her appearance on or around the fifth of July. Did we impeccably time that or what?! No we didn't actually. They only plan was to try to have this kiddo when Evan started school. We REALLY did NOT want to have to pay for two children in daycare. Gas breaks us as it is, don't add two daycare bills. Sure the great state of Alabama has a low cost of living, but it seems that employers forget to adjust an increase in pay. Rant over. Back to "Peanut" as we have started calling it.

Have any of you moms read Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs? It is basically a look at the ungraceful things that women go through in a pregnancy. She takes an honest look inside the strange-ness that we mothers go through while we harbor a fugitive for 9 months. A few months ago when Chris and I started talking the "baby" word, I pulled this book out and read it to him. In that one simple movement I cursed myself. I am now just shy of 14 weeks pregnant and I can start a checklist of the things in that book that are happening to me. There isn't much pleasant in that book, most is gross and uncomfortable, and NOTHING I experienced while carrying Evan. Don't most mothers say, "Every pregnancy is different?" Yes, Yes they do.

I knew, immediately I was pregnant. I haven't felt normal since I saw those two blessed lines on that extremely expensive stick I had peed on. Food became an enemy. There was a constant state of yuck not quite enough to call morning sickness. I lived with this strange feeling of ick sitting in my chest that only two Tums and a Gas-x could begin to abate. My Obstetrician could not, correction, would not, see me until I was eight weeks. What came with that glorious appointment? A cute little ultrasound of Peanut and a prescription of Zofran and Phenegren. Did you hear the angels sing? I did. The first weekend I took one, I ate. When I say ate, I ATE! I felt human.

As a result, I turned into one of the women that have to constantly eat something. If I didn't, that rock in my chest would return. JOY!
I can proudly say, since about 11.5 weeks I have been Zofran and Phenegren free and food is my friend. The hotter and spicier the food, the better.
Pregnancy with your second child makes you appreciate your first pregnancy so much more. With Ev I never got sick, had heartburn, took nausea medicine, hurt, ached, pained or really complained. With this one I feel like a simpering pile of WAAHH's! Just ask my adoringly wonderful husband. He is a trooper. I think excitement and anticipation has blinded him for the whiny, psycho, whimpering, puddle of mush that his once strong willed wife used to be. Am I a wimp this time, yes, yes I am.

So, I had a visit to the doctor on Friday. Actually, I saw the NP (Nurse Practitioner) since I work all day Tuesday-Thursday. I personally find it a lot more comforting and more personal that actually seeing my doctor. She doesn't seem to be in such a rush, and I feel she cares more than my doctor does. Plus, maybe it's just me, but, I am a lot more comfortable with my NP. Hopefully I get to have her a lot throughout this pregnancy. She is pretty awesome.
Peanuts heart rate was 157 and everything with me was perfectly fine and dandy. I even LOST a pound. What I don't understand is why my high tech OB-GYN doesn't have a digital scale. My scale at home says I am 6lbs lighter than their ancient slidy one. But, I guess a pound is a pound? My next appoint will be at 17 weeks on January 27th. I doubt they will do the big ultrasound, but they may. If not, that one will be last week of February.
On THAT topic, those of you that do not yet know, we will be finding out the sex but will NOT be sharing the information. With Evan my family wanted to be surprised. Evan wanted us to know and showed it proudly at 20 weeks. *eye roll* This is a personal choice and I don't think we can be persuaded otherwise. (please make all checks out to us, we don't at this time accept major credit cards as a bribe)

That is all for now, continue to wish us luck, and check back often!