I have exported the contents to a new blog through WordPress.
http://youngbloodcrew.wordpress.com
The main reason for this move is because I can password protect pages on WordPress so that pictures of our children are not readily available to view by unknown persons on the internet who may be stalking children. I want to take every precaution to protect our kids, but I do not want our family and friends to lack communication with us! If you would like the password to our new blog and I haven't already e-mailed it to you, please send me a message and I will get it to you right away! Thanks for reading our blog!
Love,
Jon, Amber, Sean, Lilly & Brilee
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Word Press
I'm currently doing some work to possibly move my blog over to WordPress. It's a bit different, but I feel like I can do so much more with my blog in their format than I can in Blogger. I will let everyone know when it is up and running and provide the url. I'm researching how to password protect it as well, so when that time comes, you may request a password if you like reading my blog. I'm doing this mainly to protect my children from people I do not know who may be lurking around on the internet. Several friends of mine have made their blog private and I'm figuring out what the best way is to do this. Thanks for your patience as I work on this new little project!
Friday, January 7, 2011
5 years ago (on our 5th anniversary)
On our anniversary 5 years ago, I anxiously waited for a digital pregnancy test to show me the word I wanted to see. I had taken one 2 days earlier, which read, "not pregnant"...so I waited to use the 2nd one in the pack until our anniversary to make it an extra special day for our 5th anniversary! Afterwhat seemed like forever, I could read it--pregnant!
So, I guess it wasn't a surprise when a week later I started spotting. Looking back on it, I think I almost expected it. I just felt quite numb, and looking back didn't cry as much as I did the first time. Maybe I was trying to accept the fact that perhaps I couldn't have children. I remember crying to some of the ladies I worked with, "This was our anniversary baby!" I was sad, and angry.
I called Bradford clinic once again and went through the bloodwork to confirm that my progesterone levels were extremely low for the number of weeks I was along. Progesterone levels are supposed to double every day, and at 5 weeks my level was supposed to be around 800-1000 and it was only about 70. When I saw Dr. Fishburne, he helped me to understand what may be happening. He said it was a much debated issue of whether some women have low progesterone levels which causes miscarriage. Others believe, apparently, that if the pregnancy itself is a "bad" one, that your progesterone levels are low due to the miscarriage, not the other way around. He told me that if I got pregnant again, to call him right away and he would prescribe me a progesterone supplement to take for the first 12 weeks to compensate for the low progesterone levels (if that was indeed my issue). One thing I really appreciated about him (which is one of the reasons I was so sad to get the letter from the Bradford Clinic that he was leaving the practice) is that he always used the term "baby" instead of "fetus" which is very important to me and my pro-life stance. He always takes the time to answer all your questions, and you never feel rushed through your appointments like I have experienced with some of the other doctors. Anyway, that is not the point of the post, so I will get back on topic.
Needless to say, I was on pins and needles when I became pregnant again in March (had the positive test in April) and called him right away. I began taking the progesterone, never had any spotting, and the result was a curious, vivacious 4 year old named Sean.
I zoomed in on the time stamp in the photo below...
I was extremely happy, but at the same time, very afraid--considering I just had a miscarriage in October. The doctor had said to wait 3 months, and it had been 3. And once again, it happened the first time we tried. I was on pins and needles the first few days because I once again didn't "feel" pregnant. I had no symptoms whatsoever--no morning sickness, no lethargy, nothing.
So, I guess it wasn't a surprise when a week later I started spotting. Looking back on it, I think I almost expected it. I just felt quite numb, and looking back didn't cry as much as I did the first time. Maybe I was trying to accept the fact that perhaps I couldn't have children. I remember crying to some of the ladies I worked with, "This was our anniversary baby!" I was sad, and angry.
I called Bradford clinic once again and went through the bloodwork to confirm that my progesterone levels were extremely low for the number of weeks I was along. Progesterone levels are supposed to double every day, and at 5 weeks my level was supposed to be around 800-1000 and it was only about 70. When I saw Dr. Fishburne, he helped me to understand what may be happening. He said it was a much debated issue of whether some women have low progesterone levels which causes miscarriage. Others believe, apparently, that if the pregnancy itself is a "bad" one, that your progesterone levels are low due to the miscarriage, not the other way around. He told me that if I got pregnant again, to call him right away and he would prescribe me a progesterone supplement to take for the first 12 weeks to compensate for the low progesterone levels (if that was indeed my issue). One thing I really appreciated about him (which is one of the reasons I was so sad to get the letter from the Bradford Clinic that he was leaving the practice) is that he always used the term "baby" instead of "fetus" which is very important to me and my pro-life stance. He always takes the time to answer all your questions, and you never feel rushed through your appointments like I have experienced with some of the other doctors. Anyway, that is not the point of the post, so I will get back on topic.
Needless to say, I was on pins and needles when I became pregnant again in March (had the positive test in April) and called him right away. I began taking the progesterone, never had any spotting, and the result was a curious, vivacious 4 year old named Sean.
One thing I talked to Jon about recently was how different our lives would be right now if my body did produce enough progesterone levels to support a pregnancy without needing a prescription the first trimester. I remember Dr. Fishburne telling me that the miscarriage rate is about 50% and perhaps even higher than that because many women have one and don't even know that they were even pregnant to begin with. Little did I know that he was talking about me and I didn't even know it.
Let me explain--and this story is mostly for me to record it for myself and to help others who may have had the same experience, so I do not wish to share too much information--let me state that up front. I was thinking back a few months ago to a time seven years ago (2003) while I was working full time and going to graduate school (Jon was also working full time and going to UNCC full time). I was coming home from work at McAlpine Elementary and had a TERRIBLE case of cramps. I never felt that bad before during a period. I remember this distinctly, because on the way home I got stopped at a railroad crossing waiting for what seemed to be an eternity of freight cars to pass. As I was sitting there waiting in the car, I felt like my insides were going to split open. My head ached so badly and all I wanted to do was get home, put on some PJs, take as many ibuprofen as I could and take a nap. The train passed, and I went home and did just that--try to get comfy. But something was strange. Something strange when I went to the bathroom that was not typical of a normal period. (Reader beware of TMI if you don't want to read). It was a very large white-ish clot and I remember thinking, "this is strange...what could it be?...should I be worried?" I started to feel better, and assuming it was the ibuprofen taking effect, I didn't think another thought about it at the time. I'm not even sure why I didn't remember this after my first two miscarriages (because they looked about the same when I compare the experiences in my mind). The thought crossed my mind only after having Brilee and I thinking back on my miscarriages while writing this blog. After thinking about it, the memory came back of what it looked like, and that I probably (I say this with about 99% belief) that I had a miscarriage way back in 2003 and didn't even know it.
Let me explain--and this story is mostly for me to record it for myself and to help others who may have had the same experience, so I do not wish to share too much information--let me state that up front. I was thinking back a few months ago to a time seven years ago (2003) while I was working full time and going to graduate school (Jon was also working full time and going to UNCC full time). I was coming home from work at McAlpine Elementary and had a TERRIBLE case of cramps. I never felt that bad before during a period. I remember this distinctly, because on the way home I got stopped at a railroad crossing waiting for what seemed to be an eternity of freight cars to pass. As I was sitting there waiting in the car, I felt like my insides were going to split open. My head ached so badly and all I wanted to do was get home, put on some PJs, take as many ibuprofen as I could and take a nap. The train passed, and I went home and did just that--try to get comfy. But something was strange. Something strange when I went to the bathroom that was not typical of a normal period. (Reader beware of TMI if you don't want to read). It was a very large white-ish clot and I remember thinking, "this is strange...what could it be?...should I be worried?" I started to feel better, and assuming it was the ibuprofen taking effect, I didn't think another thought about it at the time. I'm not even sure why I didn't remember this after my first two miscarriages (because they looked about the same when I compare the experiences in my mind). The thought crossed my mind only after having Brilee and I thinking back on my miscarriages while writing this blog. After thinking about it, the memory came back of what it looked like, and that I probably (I say this with about 99% belief) that I had a miscarriage way back in 2003 and didn't even know it.
Then I started thinking, "Wow, I see another blessing of God's hand over our lives even in something as heartbreaking as the experience of miscarriage---I started thinking how busy our lives were then (though not as busy as with 3 little ones now!) I'm not sure what we would have done back then with a newborn baby. Like I mentioned, I was in my second year of grad school working on my Masters and Jon was working on his THIRD degree at UNC-Charlotte and we were both pretty miserable having to go to classes around our work schedule. I don't know if I would have ever finished that degree (not that it would have been a bad thing in my mind since I have now let my license expire and realize I was forcing my plans on my life instead of listening to God's plan). However, in my mind I still realize that it was God who did not give us a baby at that time--and that I never realized it until 10 years down the road. (I don't remember the month or date of this occurence, but do remember that it was not during winter because I vaguely recollect rolling down the window to get some fresh air while waiting on the train). In any case, it makes me realize just why we are to be thankful to God for our "thorn in the flesh." Not that we wouldn't have loved a baby just as much back then, but that God has perfect timing. And in that perfect timing He wants you to trust Him wholeheartedly with your life, not just the parts you are willing to give control over to Him. He wants it ALL.
It was nice to talk to Jon about this last night while we were eating dinner sans kiddos, and could take the time to reflect back on these past 10 years. God has truly blessed us, and I need to remember all those blessings even when I am tempted to grumble and complain (mostly over wants I have) instead of giving Him praise. I thank Him today for teaching me this lesson through something so very painful. If you have experienced pregnancy loss too, I hope you can praise Him as well.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Rehearsal and Dinner (It's Anniversary Eve!)
Our wedding was right at the time when people were starting to test the water with digital pictures. (well, people I knew, at least, still mostly used film) The photographer we used had JUST bought a digital camera and we decided to go that route instead of film. I'm now thankful we did that since we have the ability to have all the pics on the computer...BUT, he was not that great of a photagrapher, and the pictures look like just anybody could have taken them. (You'll see tomorrow)
For the rehearsal, thankfully, Jon's aunt's husband, Gerald, took many candid pictures of our rehearsal and at the rehearsal dinner. Also thankfully, he had the pictures saved on Kodak discs so we would have them saved somewhere other than on film. We've had them in our closet on those discs for these past 10 years and just this week saved them to our media storage drive on the computer. Just for the sole purpose of doing this blog post. :) It's been great looking back through these pictures! Here is a look at our rehearsal and the dinner at The Chelsea in New Bern, NC.
For the rehearsal, thankfully, Jon's aunt's husband, Gerald, took many candid pictures of our rehearsal and at the rehearsal dinner. Also thankfully, he had the pictures saved on Kodak discs so we would have them saved somewhere other than on film. We've had them in our closet on those discs for these past 10 years and just this week saved them to our media storage drive on the computer. Just for the sole purpose of doing this blog post. :) It's been great looking back through these pictures! Here is a look at our rehearsal and the dinner at The Chelsea in New Bern, NC.
The Chelsea for the rehearsal dinner
Jon's aunt Judy and cousin Lynn @ The Chelsea
Lynn & Roger
Mom & Dad
Jon & I
Friends- Megan, Shannon, Jason (Alicia @ the table)
Megan (not about to strangle me!) Alicia, Scott & Matt at the table
My cousin, LeeAnn and her daughter, Madison
Matt, Jon & Scott
My best friend, Kim Williams, Sarah Chipley, Brian & Aimee
Jon, Scott & Alicia
My cousin, Meghan, was the junior bridesmaid (with my Uncle Mann)
My cousin, Lee Ann
Rita, Dawn & Todd
Me, Alicia & Karen
Dad, Alan & Roger
Todd talking with Jon's sister, Dawn, and Jon's mom, Rita
My best friends, son, little Gary (who is now about 12??)
L-R: Mrs. Kay, April, Matt, Rebecca, Brian, Aimee, Sarah, Kim
Mark, Judy & Lynn
Next, was the rehearsal at the church where I grew up, Brice's Creek Bible Church
The Bridesmaids
Dawn & Todd
The groomsmen
Me and my dad
The wedding party
Jon and I
practicing handing back the "bouquet"
wow, did we look young!
Jon and his dad
Jason and my mom
Matt (trying to be funny!) and Jon's mom
Setting up for the reception afterwards
last night with friends before getting hitched!
Tomorrow look for TONS of wedding pics! I love that I'm finally writing all this down somewhere (even though 10 years late!)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Schooling Decisions
Jon and I have spent the last week or so discussing schooling options for Sean next year. These discussions have mostly led to more confusion for me, and more questions! :/ There are so many things to consider, and at this point our options are really to homeschool him or send him to Matthews Elementary. Now, if we send him to public school he would not start until the 2012-2013 school year since he has a December birthday. But if we homeschool, I can start anytime I want! :) However, he is currently in a great preschool, and that is also an option for next year if we do not homeschool.
Lilly would be in a 2 year old class next year at preschool, but right now at this point we cannot afford to send two children to preschool--which is why this decision is currently weighing heavy on my mind. Registration forms are due January 20th, so we need to pick up speed on that decision a little bit. I'm thinking I could spend much less money to buy things to do preschool with both of them next year instead of sending Sean only to preschool and also try to do things with Lilly. If I do this, we can see how homeschooling works for a year, and if it does not work for our family, he would still be on track to start public school the following year when he would have anyway.
I guess the main point of this blog is to ask for prayer if any of you out there think of us, please just pray that God would give us wisdom in this area. The second point would be to ask for suggestions or what has helped you come to a decision. I have talked to some great friends who have homeschooled in the past or are homeschooling currently, and they have given me some great ideas on books to read and some direction in how to make a decision. I will gladly take more wisdom, however! This is a very critical decision for us, and I have found myself worrying needlessly about it. (That is my worst tendency--to worry too much!)
Matthew 6:34
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Sean on his first day of preschool this year
Lilly would be in a 2 year old class next year at preschool, but right now at this point we cannot afford to send two children to preschool--which is why this decision is currently weighing heavy on my mind. Registration forms are due January 20th, so we need to pick up speed on that decision a little bit. I'm thinking I could spend much less money to buy things to do preschool with both of them next year instead of sending Sean only to preschool and also try to do things with Lilly. If I do this, we can see how homeschooling works for a year, and if it does not work for our family, he would still be on track to start public school the following year when he would have anyway.
I guess the main point of this blog is to ask for prayer if any of you out there think of us, please just pray that God would give us wisdom in this area. The second point would be to ask for suggestions or what has helped you come to a decision. I have talked to some great friends who have homeschooled in the past or are homeschooling currently, and they have given me some great ideas on books to read and some direction in how to make a decision. I will gladly take more wisdom, however! This is a very critical decision for us, and I have found myself worrying needlessly about it. (That is my worst tendency--to worry too much!)
Matthew 6:34
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Hair Clips
I've never been a girly girl who likes to accessorize--so, when I had Lilly she didn't have the big bows and flowers in her hair. I didn't start using hair clips until her hair was long enough to need something to hold it out of her face. I think by that time it was too late and she constantly pulled out everything I tried to put in her hair. She has somewhat become accustomed to the little hair bands I use to put her hair up like Cindy Lou Hoo--but she still rips it out when in the car or somewhere else in which there are no distractions to keep her busy.
SO--I've decided to start putting them in Brilee's hair now for two reasons...
1- she has MUCH more hair than Lilly did at this age
2- hoping she gets used to having them in her hair so she won't pull them out when she really needs them.
We'll see if it works. She hasn't been pulling at them yet, and she looks so darn cute (even if it's just a little simple barette!)
I think she was thinking, "mommy, why are you taking pictures of me?!?"
Even though she still probably won't wear the big bows and flowers (not that I have anything against them--I just don't think about buying those things) at least she's getting used to something practical and she looks more like a girl!
BTW- did you notice the target poster in the background? This was the super fun game Jon designed for Sean's birthday party. He made a target with all the Toy Story characters on them and printed it off on his dad's plotter. The kids shot at it with a Nerf dart gun and had an absolute blast! We're going to try to find a place to hang it upstairs, though we're short on wall space!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Big, fresh batch of baby food!
I made a huge batch of peas, green beans & spinach today for Brilee. Well, it turned out HUGE because I added too much spinach and it had such a strong taste, that I had to add more peas & beans. That's why I ended up with 12 containers of this batch!
Speaking of containers...I wanted to share how much I LOVE these small plastic freezer jars by Ball. They are 8 oz. and have twist-on lids. One container is usually enough for 2 feedings, so when I dethaw, I just dump half into a small bowl and put the other half in the fridge for the next day.
I also use these small Rubbermaid 1/2 Cup containers that Jon got for free when he used to work for Rubbermaid. I used to have 8, but when Lilly was a baby one cracked when it fell out of the freezer. This size is better for the amount of food that Brilee eats right now. The batch in these containers is carrots & potatoes. It made MUCH less than the greens!
I also make baby food using ice cube trays, but lately I've been having to dethaw 3 cubes at a time, which is why I decided to dig out my little containers for more food for my big eater! She loves to eat, so Jon & I are absolutely sure now that she's ours! :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
One more day before back to reality!
Can I just say how SPOILED I have been for the past couple of weeks! Jon has been off work since December 23rd and I have only 1 more day to have him here all day before back to reality on Tuesday! Even before the 23rd, Jon had some vacation days he needed to use (or he'd lose them) so he took a 1/2 day every Friday at the beginning of December and a few in the middle of the week (to see Sean's Christmas program, etc). Boy, has it been wonderful! I don't think I could have made it through the stress of this past week without him!
My parents were also in town this week (they flew back in on Tuesday and just left this morning to drive back to New Bern) so we've also been spoiled with 2 sets of extra hands to help keep the kids busy while we got a chance to do some things. We were able to go to a New Year's Eve party on Friday thanks to them staying home after we put the kids to bed, which was the first time we'd been out for New Year's since before Sean was born! How great to get out and have some fellowship time with friends from church!
We were also able to take a 2 mile run together yesterday, which NEVER happens since we used to take turns running when the weather was nice back in the summer/fall. So, when the temps got a little bit warmer, we took advantage of getting out there (even though it was cloudy and threatening rain on Sat!) How fun to enjoy some exercise time together!
More importantly, we've got 4 days until our 10 YEAR anniversary! I don't know about everyone else, but hitting the 2 digit mark sounds extra special! These ten years have flown by, and I am thankful every day for such a wonderful, loving, hard-working, and talented husband who provides so diligently for our family. Thank you, honey! Looking forward to the next 10 years!
Here's one pic of our wedding on January 6, 2001 (just as a preview...I promise I'm going to do a post with LOTS of pics for our actual anniversary!) didn't we look young?!? I was 21 and Jon, 23.
My parents were also in town this week (they flew back in on Tuesday and just left this morning to drive back to New Bern) so we've also been spoiled with 2 sets of extra hands to help keep the kids busy while we got a chance to do some things. We were able to go to a New Year's Eve party on Friday thanks to them staying home after we put the kids to bed, which was the first time we'd been out for New Year's since before Sean was born! How great to get out and have some fellowship time with friends from church!
We were also able to take a 2 mile run together yesterday, which NEVER happens since we used to take turns running when the weather was nice back in the summer/fall. So, when the temps got a little bit warmer, we took advantage of getting out there (even though it was cloudy and threatening rain on Sat!) How fun to enjoy some exercise time together!
More importantly, we've got 4 days until our 10 YEAR anniversary! I don't know about everyone else, but hitting the 2 digit mark sounds extra special! These ten years have flown by, and I am thankful every day for such a wonderful, loving, hard-working, and talented husband who provides so diligently for our family. Thank you, honey! Looking forward to the next 10 years!
Here's one pic of our wedding on January 6, 2001 (just as a preview...I promise I'm going to do a post with LOTS of pics for our actual anniversary!) didn't we look young?!? I was 21 and Jon, 23.
BTW, this was taken right after the ceremony when we were tucked away in the youth group room waiting for the sanctuary to clear so we could go back in for pictures with the wedding party. (hence the fake brick-painted wall behind us!)
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