2009 has been a very busy year for us. Let me start at the beginning:
January- I quit my job of 5 years to student teach and wrap up getting my teaching certificate. This was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so happy that I decided to do it. As an Alt Cert student I wasn't required to do student teaching (since I already had a Bachelor's Degree) but I wanted to do it anyway. I knew it would be a valuable experience and help me to get a job for the following school year. I learned so much and even made new friends along the way.
February- I celebrated my first annual 29th Birthday in Saint Louis during Mardi Gras. Jay and I had a BLAST and would love to do it again (just not this year of course). Even though it was super cold we had a wonderful time and got to catch up with some good friends of ours that live in Saint Louis. We don't get out there much but when we do we always have a good time.
March- I got to experience High School all over again and I did NOT like it. The kids were sassy, sneaky, mouthy and mean not to mention much much bigger than me. I don't think it helped that my Co Operating Teacher was such a nightmare. (I was so lucky to have found Lorel at my elementary placement!)
April- I officially started looking for a teaching position. I really, really, really wanted the elementary position in Lee's Summit but did not get it. Instead, I got a more fitting elementary position in Raytown. I know now this is where I was meant to be. For the first time in my life I can say that I love my job.
May- Went to the doctor to see what we could do about having a baby and was told we couldn't have babies unless I had three operations (or more).
June- Made a baby. On our own. With no surgeries. Happiness
July- "Took the summer off" and had a great time hanging out with my son. We made regular trips to the library, planned trips to the zoo and other play dates and made art projects at home. He is so much fun!
August- Threw a baby shower for my best friend, started my new job, Baptised Caiden and celebrated Jay's 30th birthday (in that order). This month was full of all kinds of crazy events that I planned so unfortunately it was a little stressful. Everything turned out fine and all parties were a big success.
September- I'm pretty sure we were here for that month and did lots of interesting things but I really can't think of any of them.
October- We found out we were having another boy! I thought for sure I would be disappointed that we found out instead of choosing to be surprised but so far I am okay with it. Since money has been a little tight this year it is comforting knowing we already have everything for a little boy and the seasons seem like they are going to work out as well. We have bought a few things that are not hand-me-downs and are special to this little boy.
November- I was put on bed rest. Ugg! Only for a week but it felt like it was much longer. I don't know how women who are on it for months at a time can do it. I still found myself cheating by doing things around the house or even leaving the house. Everything turned out fine though and I got to go back to work.
December- We had one of the best Christmas' ever. I have no idea what made this one so much better than any of the others but I think it has to do with Caiden and his age. There is just something about Christmas when you are a parent. You really start to understand what the season is all about. The older he gets the more he understands and gets excited for Santa to come too. Funny story- He woke up the morning after Christmas and asked me if I thought Santa came again. Too funny!
I hope everyone has had a fantastic 2009! Be careful tonight and enjoy the start to a new year!
Welcome 2010!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
5 Generations of Awesome
Last weekend we had our Marshfield Family Christmas. Since we are so spread out, we don't get many chances for us ALL to get together so it is always special when it happens- not to mention crazy! My Great Grandpa Turner lives in Iowa so we don't get to see him much. We are always very thankful of my Uncle Michael who brings him down so we can visit with him and get lots of 5 generation pictures. For those of you who don't know, this is my Grandma Ginny's Dad, my Dad's Grandpa, my Great Grandpa and Caiden's Great Great Grandpa. Whew! Caiden is actually named Caiden Turner Cummings after him. It is not every day that a kid gets to hang out with his great great grandpa you know?! At 95 years old my Grandpa is an amazing person full of spunk (as you can tell by the goofy pictures we took!). We had such a good time! Here are just a few shots we took of the 5 generations.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
30 Weeks!
WOW !
It has been awhile since I compared my old pictures with my new pictures. What a huge difference in the two bellies!? Both pictures were taken at 30 weeks. The top one was with Caiden and the bottom one was today. I could tell I was carrying this one higher than Caiden but in the pictures you can really tell the difference. I am more uncomfortable when sitting this time and have a hard time breathing. With Caiden, not only did I carry him low but I he was more of the watermelon shape versus the basketball shape this one seems to be in.
I have no real news to report but no news is good news right!? Tomorrow is a half day at school and then we get a two week break before heading back January 4th. I just thought I might throw that in for those of you who will be working those days. Ha ha! I love my job!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
YAY!!
My baby is healthy.
I am healthy.
I am off bed rest.
Everything looks WONDERFUL!
We saw every inch of this little man's body and he is absolutely positively perfect.
What they found was actually a lake. These are common and completely normal to have. It is basically blood pooling in your placenta and my lake happens to have a large area- no big deal.
It was actually an amazing experience. The first few minutes were intense because I wasn't sure what the perinatologist was looking for and she was asking me all the scary questions. Before long Baby Boy was showing off the goods and kicking her as hard as he could. I have been saying all along that he is feisty but it was nice someone else got to see him in action too! They couldn't believe how active he was!
Since he is growing normally and we have determined I DON'T have a hemorrhage, they aren't concerned about my weight anymore. At first they were worried that I wasn't gaining enough and that it might be affecting his growth somehow. Boy were they wrong! He is measuring right at 28 weeks 2 days. Technically I am 27 weeks 5 days so he is right on target. He has chubby cheeks (like me) and tons of hair (like Jay). I couldn't see it but they kept trying to point it out. They said it is unusual to have that much hair this early on.
I had to reschedule my follow up doctor's visit because she got called out on a delivery. I have it rescheduled for next Monday. The Perinatologist told me I should be able to go off of bed rest though because I had a completely healthy and normal pregnancy. I plan on going back to school tomorrow and I am more than ready! In fact, after my appointment I couldn't bring myself to go back to the house. I drove around town and did a little window shopping in some stores.
Thanks for everyone who has had us in their thoughts and prayers. It paid off! We appreciate everything everyone has done for us.
This has been a fantastic day and I hope yours has too!
I am healthy.
I am off bed rest.
Everything looks WONDERFUL!
We saw every inch of this little man's body and he is absolutely positively perfect.
What they found was actually a lake. These are common and completely normal to have. It is basically blood pooling in your placenta and my lake happens to have a large area- no big deal.
It was actually an amazing experience. The first few minutes were intense because I wasn't sure what the perinatologist was looking for and she was asking me all the scary questions. Before long Baby Boy was showing off the goods and kicking her as hard as he could. I have been saying all along that he is feisty but it was nice someone else got to see him in action too! They couldn't believe how active he was!
Since he is growing normally and we have determined I DON'T have a hemorrhage, they aren't concerned about my weight anymore. At first they were worried that I wasn't gaining enough and that it might be affecting his growth somehow. Boy were they wrong! He is measuring right at 28 weeks 2 days. Technically I am 27 weeks 5 days so he is right on target. He has chubby cheeks (like me) and tons of hair (like Jay). I couldn't see it but they kept trying to point it out. They said it is unusual to have that much hair this early on.
I had to reschedule my follow up doctor's visit because she got called out on a delivery. I have it rescheduled for next Monday. The Perinatologist told me I should be able to go off of bed rest though because I had a completely healthy and normal pregnancy. I plan on going back to school tomorrow and I am more than ready! In fact, after my appointment I couldn't bring myself to go back to the house. I drove around town and did a little window shopping in some stores.
Thanks for everyone who has had us in their thoughts and prayers. It paid off! We appreciate everything everyone has done for us.
This has been a fantastic day and I hope yours has too!
Oh Yeah Baby!
This is what I woke up to in my inbox this morning. Things are looking up!
Jennifer-
Your paperwork was checked by me then processed to Dr. Williams many weeks ago. Dr Williams then processed your materials to the Graduate School. Based on my conversations with Dr. Williams, all materials are in order for your graduation.
Dr. Zelazek 12/1
Jennifer-
Your paperwork was checked by me then processed to Dr. Williams many weeks ago. Dr Williams then processed your materials to the Graduate School. Based on my conversations with Dr. Williams, all materials are in order for your graduation.
Dr. Zelazek 12/1
Monday, November 30, 2009
Have I ever told you....
I love my job?
With everything going on in my life right now I have found myself crying more than usual. The surprising thing about this is it's not the typical I'm-mad-and-I-don't-know-what-to-say-or-do-yet-so-all-I-can-do-is-cry. Instead I have found myself tearing up over the amazing amount of support that revolves around us. We have been reminded over and over that people are here for us and willing to help in any way they can.
I think the most surprising amount of support I have gotten has been from fellow teachers at my school. Even though they've only known me for a few short months, many have taken time out of their day to call, email, text or facebook me and let me know they can help. Just today I got 2 phone calls and 4 emails from teachers all asking what they can do for me.
I knew before I even took this job that this was where I wanted to be. I could tell just by walking into the building that is was a good fit for me. Everyone supports everyone and we work as a team. Wow, what a concept huh? Sure not everybody gets along but really, you would never know it. There is no real drama with the staff, only camaraderie.
I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this team. I was kinda bummed that I didn't get to say goodbye to my kiddos but they are in good hands. I was able to get the "old" art teacher to come in for me while I am gone. She left this job two years ago to become a faux finisher and subs in the district on her days off. How lucky am I? Someone who knows my school, knows he teachers, knows many of my kids and can teach art better than me! Having her there to take care of things has really put my mind at ease. It is hard to plan long term when you have never done something like this before.
I will let everyone know what happens tomorrow. I still believe in the power of positive thinking and I am ready to get more answers. Keep us in your prayers!
With everything going on in my life right now I have found myself crying more than usual. The surprising thing about this is it's not the typical I'm-mad-and-I-don't-know-what-to-say-or-do-yet-so-all-I-can-do-is-cry. Instead I have found myself tearing up over the amazing amount of support that revolves around us. We have been reminded over and over that people are here for us and willing to help in any way they can.
I think the most surprising amount of support I have gotten has been from fellow teachers at my school. Even though they've only known me for a few short months, many have taken time out of their day to call, email, text or facebook me and let me know they can help. Just today I got 2 phone calls and 4 emails from teachers all asking what they can do for me.
I knew before I even took this job that this was where I wanted to be. I could tell just by walking into the building that is was a good fit for me. Everyone supports everyone and we work as a team. Wow, what a concept huh? Sure not everybody gets along but really, you would never know it. There is no real drama with the staff, only camaraderie.
I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this team. I was kinda bummed that I didn't get to say goodbye to my kiddos but they are in good hands. I was able to get the "old" art teacher to come in for me while I am gone. She left this job two years ago to become a faux finisher and subs in the district on her days off. How lucky am I? Someone who knows my school, knows he teachers, knows many of my kids and can teach art better than me! Having her there to take care of things has really put my mind at ease. It is hard to plan long term when you have never done something like this before.
I will let everyone know what happens tomorrow. I still believe in the power of positive thinking and I am ready to get more answers. Keep us in your prayers!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Still 26 weeks
and now on bed rest.
As you can tell, things weren't what I thought they would be at my doctor's appointment today. Not only has the hemorrhage not resolved itself but it has grown. It is now covering 5 inches of my placenta. My little man is in the 58% for his size and still none of the other symptoms are present but somehow this thing has grown. I go in for a level 2 sonogram on Tuesday as well as a follow up with my doctor. I know for sure I am on bed rest until next then but it could be even longer depending on what they see.
If at any time I start to bleed Jay is to take me directly to St. Mary's and they will deliver him. This is such a scary thought. He only weighs 2 lbs 6 oz right now and I will only be 27 weeks tomorrow. As excited as I am to meet him it is too early! I can only hope that bed rest will do it's part in keeping this baby healthy. He's got some more cooking to do until he is ready to come out of the oven!
On a side note: I wish I would have put up all our decorations last weekend when I really wanted to. My tradition of waiting until Thanksgiving weekend kept me from doing this and now it is too late. I will be barking orders at Jay from the couch on where and how I like things set up. Sounds fun huh? It will be interesting too because I got some new things on sale last year that even I don't know where to put. Poor Jay! He has to do EVERYTHING now. Yes, EVERYTHING. Pick up Caiden, bathe him, feed him, play with him, clean the house, grocery shop, cook. I don't have a clue what we will do about Christmas shopping. We might have to do that together online this year. Thank goodness he is such an understanding person, a wonderful husband and an awesome Dad. I know it will be a lot for him to take on but he is the kind of person that will do it with a smile and lots of humor.
I will also have to miss my final presentation for my Masters class. There is one thing left that I was supposed to do before completing this class and that was video tape myself teaching. I don't know how that is going to happen on bed rest. I am hoping I can turn in what I have and be done with it. It is my last class and at this point, I just want to be done. I would hate to see all my hard work from this semester go down the drain because of a 15 minute video.
I'm sure that you can tell I am completely stressed out and shocked by this news so I am going to quit typing for today. The more I type the more I realize how busy I was and how hard it is going to be to just stop everything without warning and veg out on the couch. I'm sure some of you are thinking I am really crazy to complain about this! I did make one quick trip to the library today to grab a Jodi Picoult book to keep me from driving myself crazy. Ironically, the only book they had in of hers was Handle with Care. Sort of fitting don't you think?
I will keep everyone posted on all the craziness that seems to be happening. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
As you can tell, things weren't what I thought they would be at my doctor's appointment today. Not only has the hemorrhage not resolved itself but it has grown. It is now covering 5 inches of my placenta. My little man is in the 58% for his size and still none of the other symptoms are present but somehow this thing has grown. I go in for a level 2 sonogram on Tuesday as well as a follow up with my doctor. I know for sure I am on bed rest until next then but it could be even longer depending on what they see.
If at any time I start to bleed Jay is to take me directly to St. Mary's and they will deliver him. This is such a scary thought. He only weighs 2 lbs 6 oz right now and I will only be 27 weeks tomorrow. As excited as I am to meet him it is too early! I can only hope that bed rest will do it's part in keeping this baby healthy. He's got some more cooking to do until he is ready to come out of the oven!
On a side note: I wish I would have put up all our decorations last weekend when I really wanted to. My tradition of waiting until Thanksgiving weekend kept me from doing this and now it is too late. I will be barking orders at Jay from the couch on where and how I like things set up. Sounds fun huh? It will be interesting too because I got some new things on sale last year that even I don't know where to put. Poor Jay! He has to do EVERYTHING now. Yes, EVERYTHING. Pick up Caiden, bathe him, feed him, play with him, clean the house, grocery shop, cook. I don't have a clue what we will do about Christmas shopping. We might have to do that together online this year. Thank goodness he is such an understanding person, a wonderful husband and an awesome Dad. I know it will be a lot for him to take on but he is the kind of person that will do it with a smile and lots of humor.
I will also have to miss my final presentation for my Masters class. There is one thing left that I was supposed to do before completing this class and that was video tape myself teaching. I don't know how that is going to happen on bed rest. I am hoping I can turn in what I have and be done with it. It is my last class and at this point, I just want to be done. I would hate to see all my hard work from this semester go down the drain because of a 15 minute video.
I'm sure that you can tell I am completely stressed out and shocked by this news so I am going to quit typing for today. The more I type the more I realize how busy I was and how hard it is going to be to just stop everything without warning and veg out on the couch. I'm sure some of you are thinking I am really crazy to complain about this! I did make one quick trip to the library today to grab a Jodi Picoult book to keep me from driving myself crazy. Ironically, the only book they had in of hers was Handle with Care. Sort of fitting don't you think?
I will keep everyone posted on all the craziness that seems to be happening. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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