Trying to stay positive...

Today has not been an easy day. Our four year old Springer/Lab mix, Patrick is sick. This is nothing new. He's had these health problems for a long time, but it's only been in the last year that they have escalated. Patrick has a congenital kidney disease. He is unable to digest proteins. Because of the disease, he requires a special, VERY expensive diet. This diet provides him with all of the necessary nutrition that he needs, but has 1/2 of the normal protein levels in regular dog food. Patrick's symptoms include vomiting (up to three times a day), lethargy, and flank pain. My biggest issue was the vomiting. When I first found out I was pregnant, he was up to three times a day (his record). Everyday, I'd come home from work (extremely nauseous and fatigued I might add) and find vomit all over our basement floor. Thank God it's pergo and it's cleanable. The vomiting lessened when we switched foods, but this only lasted for a few weeks.

Finally, a few months ago, the vet diagnosed him with his disease. He was placed on his special diet, and the vomiting ceased...for 6-8 weeks at a time. I could totally handle that. I mean, going from a few times a day or a few times a week to once every 6-8 weeks is do-able. I was seriously thrilled, despite the $85 a bag food he was on.
This lasted until three weeks ago. We are sadly back to the vomiting at least once a week. Today, I swept, steam mopped, and mopped our floors. No more than an hour later, Patrick had vomited ALL over the kitchen. I was so upset and I have to admit, angry. I mean, after putting up with this for so long, it does wear on my nerves. I had to re-mop everything.

Micah and I have talked, and we decided a few weeks ago that we would find someone to take him. Someone volunteered, and we backed out. I just can't imagine not having him around. After today, I just think it's best for all of us, including him, if we find him a new home.
With Hannah "walking" either in her walker or holding onto our hands, I just don't want remnants of dog vomit on the floor. I clean it up, and scrub the floors, but I never feel like I can get them clean enough. Not to mention the expense. The dog food, new carpet in our bedroom from the MULTIPLE times he's thrown up in there, and trips to the vet. He's also been shedding WAY more than he ever has, and I can't keep dog hair off of the floors. There are days I sweep three times, and Hannah still ends up covered with it.

I don't know how we are going to part with him. He's been our "baby" since he was 10 weeks old. The Humane Society won't even take him because of his health problems. They told us they would euthanize him for $30. I just can't bear the thought. So, we're back to the drawing board. I e-mailed a friend who may know someone who would take him, despite all of his problems.

It's been a rough day. I know he's "just a dog" and we'll "get over it quickly", but it's still a difficult decision. I'm okay now, but I know when we either drop him off, or his new family comes to pick him up, I'll be a mess. I know he'll be better off with someone else. Maybe there is someone out there with a farm or several acres who will take him. If he could be outside, it wouldn't matter if he threw up. There is, after all, no cure for him. He will continue to get worse, regardless of what we do to help me. Maybe he is in the end stages. Ugh. I just don't want to think of it.
Thank goodness for Hannah and the joy she brings to us! I know she will be there to make us laugh when we say a sad farewell to our "pinkie man".

"Patrick"

Hannah in her walker

In her PJ's this morning

After Patrick threw up this morning, my Dad came over to help me with Hannah while I re-cleaned the floors. Thank goodness he was off from work today! When this happens, I usually have to leave Hannah in her crib while I clean up. It's horrible, because she screams and cries, and I get even more worked up. He kept her occupied while I cleaned, then we headed to Target for diapers and baby wash.
I decided to buy the Pampers Cruisers this time in a size 3!! The size 2-3's only came in a little pack, and the 3's were way cheaper. They say for 16-28 pounds. Hannah was 15 lbs 2 oz at her 9 month checkup, so I'm assuming she's right around 16 lbs now. If they're too big right now, I know we'll need them in a few months. I figure it's better to buy too big than too small!

So, I'm back from Target, Hannah is napping, and Patrick is locked in the basement (he threw up all over himself as well and he STINKS and needs a bath...which Micah will be giving him when he gets home in the 32 degree weather). :o(
I guess that's it for my day off. Micah will be home soon, and I haven't even started the pasta or the sauce for dinner tonight. I hate working two days a week. I have so much to do the night before I work, that I don't feel like I get to spend time with Micah and Hannah.
I have to iron my clothes, make sure all of my pump parts are washed and in my pump bag, get my lunch together...okay, it doesn't sound like that much now that I type it, but these things take time!!
This is probably the most random, all-over-the-place blog I've written yet! It's just been one of those days!
Here's hoping for a better night! ;)

Trying to stay positive...

Today has not been an easy day. Our four year old Springer/Lab mix, Patrick is sick. This is nothing new. He's had these health problems for a long time, but it's only been in the last year that they have escalated. Patrick has a congenital kidney disease. He is unable to digest proteins. Because of the disease, he requires a special, VERY expensive diet. This diet provides him with all of the necessary nutrition that he needs, but has 1/2 of the normal protein levels in regular dog food. Patrick's symptoms include vomiting (up to three times a day), lethargy, and flank pain. My biggest issue was the vomiting. When I first found out I was pregnant, he was up to three times a day (his record). Everyday, I'd come home from work (extremely nauseous and fatigued I might add) and find vomit all over our basement floor. Thank God it's pergo and it's cleanable. The vomiting lessened when we switched foods, but this only lasted for a few weeks.

Finally, a few months ago, the vet diagnosed him with his disease. He was placed on his special diet, and the vomiting ceased...for 6-8 weeks at a time. I could totally handle that. I mean, going from a few times a day or a few times a week to once every 6-8 weeks is do-able. I was seriously thrilled, despite the $85 a bag food he was on.
This lasted until three weeks ago. We are sadly back to the vomiting at least once a week. Today, I swept, steam mopped, and mopped our floors. No more than an hour later, Patrick had vomited ALL over the kitchen. I was so upset and I have to admit, angry. I mean, after putting up with this for so long, it does wear on my nerves. I had to re-mop everything.

Micah and I have talked, and we decided a few weeks ago that we would find someone to take him. Someone volunteered, and we backed out. I just can't imagine not having him around. After today, I just think it's best for all of us, including him, if we find him a new home.
With Hannah "walking" either in her walker or holding onto our hands, I just don't want remnants of dog vomit on the floor. I clean it up, and scrub the floors, but I never feel like I can get them clean enough. Not to mention the expense. The dog food, new carpet in our bedroom from the MULTIPLE times he's thrown up in there, and trips to the vet. He's also been shedding WAY more than he ever has, and I can't keep dog hair off of the floors. There are days I sweep three times, and Hannah still ends up covered with it.

I don't know how we are going to part with him. He's been our "baby" since he was 10 weeks old. The Humane Society won't even take him because of his health problems. They told us they would euthanize him for $30. I just can't bear the thought. So, we're back to the drawing board. I e-mailed a friend who may know someone who would take him, despite all of his problems.

It's been a rough day. I know he's "just a dog" and we'll "get over it quickly", but it's still a difficult decision. I'm okay now, but I know when we either drop him off, or his new family comes to pick him up, I'll be a mess. I know he'll be better off with someone else. Maybe there is someone out there with a farm or several acres who will take him. If he could be outside, it wouldn't matter if he threw up. There is, after all, no cure for him. He will continue to get worse, regardless of what we do to help me. Maybe he is in the end stages. Ugh. I just don't want to think of it.
Thank goodness for Hannah and the joy she brings to us! I know she will be there to make us laugh when we say a sad farewell to our "pinkie man".

"Patrick"

Hannah in her walker

In her PJ's this morning

After Patrick threw up this morning, my Dad came over to help me with Hannah while I re-cleaned the floors. Thank goodness he was off from work today! When this happens, I usually have to leave Hannah in her crib while I clean up. It's horrible, because she screams and cries, and I get even more worked up. He kept her occupied while I cleaned, then we headed to Target for diapers and baby wash.
I decided to buy the Pampers Cruisers this time in a size 3!! The size 2-3's only came in a little pack, and the 3's were way cheaper. They say for 16-28 pounds. Hannah was 15 lbs 2 oz at her 9 month checkup, so I'm assuming she's right around 16 lbs now. If they're too big right now, I know we'll need them in a few months. I figure it's better to buy too big than too small!

So, I'm back from Target, Hannah is napping, and Patrick is locked in the basement (he threw up all over himself as well and he STINKS and needs a bath...which Micah will be giving him when he gets home in the 32 degree weather). :o(
I guess that's it for my day off. Micah will be home soon, and I haven't even started the pasta or the sauce for dinner tonight. I hate working two days a week. I have so much to do the night before I work, that I don't feel like I get to spend time with Micah and Hannah.
I have to iron my clothes, make sure all of my pump parts are washed and in my pump bag, get my lunch together...okay, it doesn't sound like that much now that I type it, but these things take time!!
This is probably the most random, all-over-the-place blog I've written yet! It's just been one of those days!
Here's hoping for a better night! ;)

A TON of pictures!!

So I *think* I've figured out my new camera. There is still so much I don't know how to do, but I have an idea of how to make the pictures turn out decently. Micah played around with it last night and it's clear he is definitely more camera literate than I am!
We took over 300 pictures this weekend (most of which were blurry or just plain bad) so I thought I'd share my favorites of the group!


I LOVE this one! Her eyes look gorgeous! Ignore the remnants of lunch on her face!


The lighting in this one isn't the best, but I love the expression on Micah's face! He absolutely loves his baby! :)


Hannah's new hobby = walking with Daddy!


She definitely looks like her Mommy! This could have totally been my baby picture!

Micah took this picture while I was at work yesterday. Apparently this is how they play while I'm gone!

...and now the *in my opinion* beautiful pictures Micah took last night!


There were several, but these were my favorite! I know they are just pictures of hands, but I think they are works of art! ;)
Well, that's all for now. Hannah didn't sleep well last night, so neither did I. She was up extremely early, and is now napping. This would all be great if not for the construction crew outside. I never would have thought that four weeks later they would STILL be replacing the gas lines on our street. It never fails that at nap time, they bring out the jack hammers and every large piece of machinery they own!
Have a great day!

Hannah is 10 months old!

Today is Hannah's 10th Monthday! I can't believe it's been 10 months already! Where has the time gone? I totally forgot to get a picture of her today, so I'll have to fudge one tomorrow and pretend!
Speaking of pictures, Micah got me a new camera!! I have been complaining about my little Olympus Stylus 810 for a while now. I feel like I always miss what Hannah is doing because it takes SOOO long to take the picture! Forget getting a series of pictures of anything, because it just doesn't work that fast.
We went to Best Buy tonight and Micah picked out a Canon SLR. I'm really excited about it and I can't wait until I know how to use it!
I spent about an hour and a half tonight trying to familiarize myself with all of the buttons and features. Right now I'm just working on the point and shoot aspect. I can't wait until tomorrow to snap a ton of pictures of Hannah! I totally feel like I need to take a class on photography to really reap all of the benefits of the camera. I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun practicing!
For Hannah's 'monthday' today, my Mom and I went to Kohl's to pick up a few small things for her. We found some adorable outfits on clearance! I got her two pairs of stretch pants and tops. I can't wait for her to wear them! Can you imagine? Chubby little legs in strech pants will be precious! I also found this cute touch and feel sensory book which she LOVES. It kept her busy while we finished up our shopping today. And of course, I bought her the boardbook, "I Love You Through and Through". I've been wanting to get it for a few months, so I finally had the chance to snatch a copy up today. She really liked the pictures and was very interested as I read it to her. I, of course, teared up a little. It's so true! I really do love her through and through!
Well, that's all for tonight! Micah is passed out on the couch, and I'm starting to feel a little sleepy. I'm going to head up to bed and see if I can wake up Micah so he'll come up to bed as well.
Good night! ;)

So, it's been a while!

I'm finally writing another blog! I can't believe it has almost been a week since I've written. We've been keeping pretty busy here, so there just wasn't much time!

Friday, Hannah and I hung out most of the day watching the construction on our road. Apparently our gas company is replacing ALL of the gas lines on our street. I'm just waiting for them to start digging an enormous trench in my front yard like they have done to most of my neighbors. Hannah likes to watch them move all of the big machinery around. Mommy likes to watch them pack up and leave at the end of the day! Starting a jack hammer and unloading tons of gravel on our quiet, little street at 7:30AM makes for an early morning.

Hannah peeking through the rails of her crib...

Silly girl!

Saturday afternoon, Micah SOLD THE JEEP!! Hallelujah!! Finally! It feels like it took forever! A really nice couple drove all the way from Indiana, Pa (about an hour a half from Hopewell) and signed the papers right after they saw it! I'm such a sap, and cried a little when they drove it away. Micah and I have such fond memories in the Jeep, and although it had to be sold, it will be missed.

Our 1986 Jeep CJ7

Sunday was also busy for us. I met up with Rachel at the mall for a few hours. The Children's Place is having their semi-annual "Monster Sale" and Hannah was in desperate need of new pants! Everything she owns seems to have become "floods". I got her a few really cute outfits! I have to say, I used to be partial to Gymboree, but after shopping at The Children's Place, I don't think I'll go back!

Sportin' one of her new tops along with her hat and mittens!

Carter's brand really fits Hannah well, but there isn't always a huge selection. I LOVE that The Children's Place brand fits her well and that they have SOOO many styles to choose from! I got her three outfits and a top for under $40. I definitly stayed within my budget!

This week has been pretty slow. Micah, Hannah and I all headed out to Costco on Monday night to replenish our cupboards and refridgerator. We literally had nothing left to make for dinner or lunches. Thankfully, it wasn't busy, and we were able to get in, get all of our groceries, and even stop for a bite to eat. You've gotta love Costco! Two of us can eat for under $5! Hannah even sat up in a highchair (with our Boppy cover, of course!) like a big girl while we ate our meal. She even managed to almost finish half a jar of babyfood!

While at Costco, Micah and I looked at a few cameras. I've been wanting something better than what we have. I feel like I miss so much with Hannah because our camera takes what seems like forever to snap a picture and "reload" itself. The one I want is upwards of $600, so I know it'll be a little while until I own one...but it never hurts to browse!

So, here we are in Wednesday. Half-way through the week! I've enjoyed being home with Hannah today. I have actually sat back and enjoyed myself instead of rushing around the house trying to clean, and "red up". I swept and vacuumed the floors last night, and bathrooms were cleaned on Monday. Although I should be dusting, I feel much more like blogging right now.

I have a roast pulled out and thawing for dinner, and I read quite a few chapters in a new book I picked up this week. I think it's been a pretty good day!

Hannah's been great, too! She's currently taking her second nap and has been so pleasant all day. We sang and danced together, emptied her odds-n-ends basket under her crib, then refilled it, got a bath, played with pretty much every toy she owns, and spent a little time cuddling. I love my days off with her. They are so precious to me! I can't believe that in just about eight short weeks, my precious baby girl will be a year old. How the time has flown by.

This time last year, I spent a good part of my time worrying about fluid levels, kick counts, non-stress tests, and extra doctor visits. This year, I spend my time with my perfectly healthy, beautiful daughter. I thank God for His most precious gift of children. How dull and seemingly meaningless life would be without them!

Well, it's Friday...

...and there is so much to do this weekend! It is rare that Micah and I have plans, let alone a whole weekend full of them!

Tonight we are heading over to our friend's house. They have two little girls, Loralai 2, and Danica 2 months. It'll be nice to get Hannah around "babies" close to her age. It's rare she sees anyone her size nowadays!

Saturday will be busy as well. I was scheduled to work a six hour shift at the geriatric center, but as usual, they called me off for tomorrow...then called me back in for just two hours. It almost doesn't seem worth it to spend 40 minutes driving two and fro and only working for two hours. I said yes of course, because at least it's something.

Speaking of hours worked and paychecks, my check from the school went in today. I thought it seemed like a bit much, but I didn't have the time to figure out if I was right. As luck would have it, they called to tell me that they overpaid me by $593. So as of next Wednesday, they will be debiting it out of my account. I know it wasn't my money in the first place, but it'll still be hard to watch that money be taken away! I can not wait until this season of financial struggle is over!!

So, Saturday I'll work my two hours, try to get to Costco to grocery shop, and then we have a prayer meeting at my Mom and Dad's. It's kind of an all-day thing, so we'll be there for several hours. It's fun, though. Hannah really enjoys praise and worship. It's so cute when she dances to the music and claps her hands! We bought her a leapfrog drum and maracas for Christmas, so we whip those out for her to use during worship. She knows what to do with them and joins right in!

Sunday, we're supposed to hang out with our friends Dana and Jared. They have three kids, Dane 7, Ana Sophia 4, and Eva 2. We haven't spent time with them for months, so it'll be nice to reconnect. I'm just a little paranoid...Dan and Ana are both in school and have both had the swine flu this winter, and they are both in sunday school classes at the church. I failed to mention that there are two little boys in sunday school that are ALWAYS sick with thick, green, snotty noses, sniffles, and coughs. As it usually turns out, Dane and or Ana will be sick with whatever these boys have within a few days. I'm just hoping and *praying* that if the kids are exposed to anything, that Hannah does not get sick.

We've all done so well this season and none of us have had so much as a sniffle. I'd like to keep it that way! W

A few pictures...

I don't have much to say today...I worked, came home, we ate dinner and then I put Hannah to bed. I feel like I have so little time on these days. I got a few really cute pictures of Hannah yesterday, so I'm posting them today!

Biggie girl smile!

I love her expression in this one!

Have a great night! :)

Just a quick note...

So, I didn't have a chance to post yesterday. With me working, then trying to rush home, nurse Hannah and get her down for a nap, it just gets crazy here. Work went well, though, so I can't complain. Almost all of my students participated with their therapy session. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do about my job. I know it's a burden on my Mom to be here all day with Hannah two days a week. With her crazy work schedule and long hours, I know she's feeling the squeeze. I know we couldn't do without my income, and with Micah losing his part-time job, it's just his salary and the little bit I bring in.
I know things will straighten out. We had a long talk last night, and Micah may be going back to school. It's such a shame that all of the time and effort he put into college seems wasted. Who would have thought that terrorists would have attacked on 9/11 and completely destroyed the airline industry? It's horrible. And to think we have a leader, ahem, who is apologizing to the countries responsible. Unbelievable. That, however, is an entirely different subject and one I probably shouldn't go into. ;)
Micah looked into Air Traffic Control (ATC) and it appears that he only needs four more classes to be certified. With his flight experience, pilot's license, and all the other classes he's taken toward his Business/Aviation degree, it shouldn't be too difficult for him. The only scary thing is, you aren't always sure where they are going to place you. I guess Micah would have to give three locations of choice, and then his company would place him where he was most needed. This could be anywhere in the US. I just can't imagine picking up and leaving my home, family, and friends with a 9 month old and future children in the plans. It would be so difficult on all of us.
With his business courses, he's also very close to having a bachelors in Accounting. That's another option I feel is worth looking into, but with him doing construction for the last five years, he doesn't think he could go from that to "just sitting behind a desk". To me, that would be a nice break!
So, we have a lot to think about. Is there time to go back to school? Can we swing it financially? Lot's of questions.
Onto better things:
Hannah tried scrambled eggs for the first time last night! She only gagged once, and managed to not vomit all over the place. I know I have to relax, but it seems like everytime we try table food, she ends up choking on it, and more often than not, throwing up everything. Even Gerber Puffs...she's choked too many times on those for me to feel comfortable feeding them to her.
She's also been picky with her baby food. It takes me a lot of bribing and distracting to get her to finish the two tablespoons of food that she used to eat with no problem. I tried "forcing" her to eat everything, and that also resulted in vomit. I am to the point, I'll let her eat what she wants, when she wants, and how much she wants.
If she wasn't in the 3 % for weight, I'd fee l a little more relaxed about the whole thing. I don't know why it bothers me. According to my baby book, I weighed 28 pounds when I started kindergarten. I guess Hannah is following in my footsteps and will also be on the petite side.
Mealtime isn't always horrid. The other night, Hannah had a few potatoes and a small piece of ham from a bowl of my Mom's homemade soup. She loved it! Afterwards, I gave her a bit of the pumpkin pie Micah had baked. She has a sweet tooth! She smiled and was "Mmmmm 'ing" the whole time! Only a little gag toward the end. It was so cute! She is also trying to hold her sippy cup during meals. Most of the time she ends up throwing it on the floor or sucking on the handle, but we're making progress:

Bear with me! I'm still figuring out how to upload photos to the right spot on my blog. Hopefully soon I'll be a pro!

So thankful...

So I woke up this morning grumbling and complaining that I had to get up, go to work and leave Hannah. There is just so much stressing me out right now...finances, having to work more than I thoilugh

Lazy Monday...

So I finally figured out how to get back into my blog! Silly I know. I was a little concerned that I didn't save it and it somehow was deleted, but alas, I am back!
Today has been fantastic! I feel like the days I'm home, Hannah is at her worst. My Mom always tells me how absolutely wonderful she is for her. She eats well, doesn't fuss, takes good naps, etc. Usually when I'm home, she refuses to eat, is fussy and whiny, and is hit-or-miss with her naps. Not today! We have had such a good time together!
She woke up this morning at 7:45 *sigh* and thank God, because Micah left for work at 6:30. Our wooden floors are so creaky and squeaky, that he usually wakes her up on his way down the steps in the morning. If not then, when he shuts the basement door. I don't understand how our basement door causes her door on the second floor to move. Anywho...
We both hung out in bed for a while and played, and then we headed down to the kitchen and I made us both some breakfast. Hannah ate great!
We just had so much fun playing! She's really into her one baby book and she squeals and giggles as she turns the pages. It's adorable!
Naptime came around, and I decided I was going to try to get her to nap in her crib. Hannah sleeps wonderfully in her crib at bedtime, but wants to be in the swing for naps. This wouldn't be a problem if our swing didn't eat batteries weekly! Not only that, but it dies without warning...usually in the middle of a nap.
She fought it for a few minutes, but eventually fell asleep and stayed asleep...until a telemarketer called an hour later and woke her up..:/
Since she had only slept an hour, I cuddled with her for a few minutes, and then she was wide awake and ready to play. I have been trying to encourage her to crawl, but she is just more interested in sitting and playing, or having us hold her hands and "walking". Today, I positioned her in front of her new car toy from Pappy and Grammy and helped her stand up holding onto it. She pushed it a few inches, but didn't move her feet in time to catch up to it. I caught her.
She's just getting cuter and cuter by the day. She was so excited to be able to stand and push her car. She now wrinkles her nose and breathes in and out really fast when she's excited. It's so funny, and it's something I apparently did at this age, too! My Mom and Dad have pictures and it shows how much Hannah resembles her Mommy! :)
Well, this post will have to be short and sweet. Micah just came home and is on his way to show the Jeep...I hope this is it! :)

...And so it has begun...

Well, I'm now an official "blogger". I'm not too sure who will actually follow, but it will be nice to have an account of the day to day.

For starters, I'm Rachel, wife to Micah and new mommy to Hannah. I quit my full-time job as a Physical Therapist Assistant when Hannah was born. I am currently working a part-time job at a special needs school and PRN (as needed) at a geriatric center.

It's been quite an adjustment for us to go from two full-time incomes and a small part-time income down to just Micah's full-time and my part-time. The PRN job isn't always reliable for a paycheck. We're making ends meet, and it's worth everything to be able to stay home with Hannah.

For a little bit of background, I'll give a re-count of the last *almost* five years!

Micah and I met in 2001 at a youth group. He had taken the worship leader position at the church and I spotted him his first night!

We began dating in August of 2002. I knew right away that he was "the one"! He proposed a little over a year later on December 22, 2003 under mistletoe in the snow. :O)

We got married May 28, 2005 at my home church. It was a beautiful ceremony and an awesome reception! We had sooo much fun!

We were married for seven months when we decided to begin house hunting. We started out in a converted two-stall garage, so the space was limited!

After looking at almost 30 homes, we decided to purchase a cute cape cod style home in Hopewell. It was (and still is!) the perfect house. It's very quaint, cute, and cozy! Every Christmas, after all of the lights are up and a dusting of snow has fallen, it truly looks like a gingerbread house!

After three years of marriage, we decided we could fight the baby bug no longer. I found out I was pregnant (after what felt like an eternity of trying) in July 2008.

We found out we were having a little girl on October 28, 2008, and Hannah was born on March 22, 2009 at 39 weeks!

Hannah is now 9 months old and such a joy! She is learning something new daily and I love to watch! Today, after I brushed her hair, she picked up the brush and tried. It was the cutest thing! She's made many new discoveries this week, including clapping her hands, and standing at the ottoman in the living room. Although she isn't crawling, she makes up for it in her walker. I've now had to remove everything from our baker's rack in the dining room because she grabs it with both hands and shakes it. I'm not sure she'll ever crawl. She would much rather be in the walker!

Well, I think this is a good start. I'm sure I'll improve as the days go by! As for right now, I'm going to spend the last few hours of the day with Micah! Have a great night!