09.06.09
When it rains…
Well, it’s certainly been pouring around here. And I’m not just referring to the storm on Thursday night.
*****Warning- may contain “TMI” for those with sensitive stomachs.*******
Tuesday, after I’d been admitted to the hospital, N was finally able to have a bowl movement (he’d been constipated from the pain meds) and it was black and tarry. A sure sign of a GI bleed. Not only that, but his back, which seemed to be getting better, started feeling worse.
So on Wednesday morning he had his mother come over to watch the twinfants while he went to the doctor. He mentioned the stool and they drew some blood, but had to send it out to be tested. That night, he coughed until he threw up, and that too showed signs of blood. The next morning he called to tell me (yes, he waited until morning to tell me).
He couldn’t decide if he should try to get in with the GI doc the GP had recommended or go to the ER. He was afraid that the ER would make him stay overnight. He tried calling the GI doc, but the number was no longer working. By this point he had brought the twins to my hospital room and his mother had met him there. I asked him what he was going to do and he said “I’ll just wait and see if it happens again.” I was not happy with that response, but didn’t know how to make him go in. Fortunately, I didn’t have to.
He had fallen asleep on my bed when his phone rang. It was his GP’s office with his lab results. It was a fairly short conversation, but the gist of it was “Go to the ER now.” Since he was already in one hospital (a heart specialty hospital) he simply walked across the street to the main hospital and into the ER.
A friend of mine from M.O.M. was visiting at the time and she offered to stay and help with the twins so that my MIL could go with N. He argued and said he was fine on his own and wouldn’t let her come with him. She asked me what I wanted and I said I wanted someone with him. So she ate a little lunch, giving him time to get settled at the ER, then went looking for him. Again, he kicked her out. :/
At this point I’d called some other friends of mine to come help with the twins so my M.O.M. friend could get back to her twins. I got a few updates from N via text, but felt so clueless as to what was going on. I hated it. I did, however, know that they were giving him a blood transfusion and planned to admit him overnight so they could do a colonoscopy and endoscopy in the morning. My MIL volunteered to keep the twins over night. While my friends were still there, she went to the store to pick up diapers to make it through the night. At least we knew I’d be home the next day!
After everyone (including my precious babies. 
) was gone, I felt SO restless and could not concentrate on anything at all. I called my mom to let her know what was going on and she asked “What about the dogs?” OMG, I’d completely forgotten about my dogs!! 
I felt horrible! I was able to get my college roommate, who lives only 5 minutes from us, to go over to let them out and feed them. Thank goodness my mother reminded me!
I also called N’s dad, who happened to be on the way home from work. He said he would go home to change, then head over to see N. Soon after I got a text from N saying they decided to do the endoscopy that night instead of in the morning and wanting to know if there was anyone still with me who could come get his backpack. There wasn’t, so I said I’d find someone. I didn’t think his dad would be there soon enough (turned out he was), so I called his aunt, hoping she would be close by (she works close to the hospital and passes it on the way home. Low and behold, she was on her way home and only had to take a slight detour to get to N quickly. She and N’s dad waited while they did the procedure and kept me updated, which I appreciated very much.
It turns out N has 3 ulcers, a hiatal hernia, and esopogitis. Dang! He was moved into a room where they gave him his second unit of blood. I felt so trapped in my hospital room. I wanted so much to be there for him, not to mention feeling overwhelmed at the circumstances surrounding the twins’ first night away from both of us. It’s a wonder I slept at all.
But I did. And I woke up to the sound of my phone notifying me of a text (well, I woke several other times, too, due to the usual hospital interruptions). It was N, saying “We could totally chat on Facepages!” lol So I got on my computer so we could talk to each other. Not sure why we didn’t just use the phone, but it was good to converse with him anyway.
My nurse (I had the same one all 4 days!) knew what was going on, so she brought me my final dose of tikosyn early so that she could do the EKG and get me discharged as quickly as possible. I don’t think I’ve ever had a discharge go that quickly! God bless her! She even walked me over to the main hospital via skybridge. Oddly enough, we ran into my EP on the way! When he heard what was going on he rolled his eyes and said, “Well, the good news is, you stayed in sinus rhythm through all that!” :/ He walked most of the way with us then went wherever he’d been headed.
I got to N’s room by 9:30 AM. His mom brought the twins and we all waited to find out what was going to happen. Poor N hadn’t had anything to eat since the morning before because he had been NPO for the endoscopy, they lifted it in the middle of the night, but then reinstated it before he could have breakfast because his blood levels were lower than they liked. The GI doc finally came by around noon and said as far as he was concerned, N was clear to go home that day, but it was up to his admitting doc. She came by a little later and said she wanted two more lab draws before sending him home, but did allow him to eat.
We decided I would go home with the twins and come back to get him (or his mom would) if he was released. Turns out, he was not. His blood was not where she wanted it to be, so the doc kept him one more night. I was so ready for the whole family to sleep under our own roof again!
The next morning N called to say he’d been released. He said the doc didn’t really want to, but knew he was a nurse and knew what to watch for. N’s mom picked him up and brought him home. He has to go in for a repeat endoscopy in a few weeks to check on his esophogitis and he has an appointment with a back specialist on Tuesday. Today we are all taking it easy. It’s been a really long week! I’m ready to get off this soap opera!!!
08.04.09
Fabulous news!
Where do I begin… First of all, I’m excited to report that LD and family are on their way to the airport as I type. They will be at Disney World until Sunday. I’m so excited for them and cannot wait to hear all about their trip! Last night at dinner I gave the whole family two assignments:
- When they return they must each tell me their favorite thing and I want details (“I liked the rides” will not do.
). - They must have the best time of their lives!!!!!
I guess you just can’t take the teacher out of me…
Speaking of… That leads me to my next bit of news. If you’ve been reading along from the beginning (or really just the last 8 months) you will know some of this. But I know some just started reading, so I’ll give a little background.
As soon as we knew we were planning to get pregnant N and I discussed my work situation. I wanted very much to stay home for at least the first two years, but he was worried about $$. So we came to a compromise and decided I’d go to part time and work the days he doesn’t (he only works 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts). It seemed perfect until my district did away with all part time positions. So we decided I would stay home and take substitute jobs on the days he is home, even though it wouldn’t be as much money….
Then in April I ran into a former professor of mine and we talked about the possibility of me being a TA for one of her online classes. But when I emailed her she said she only had an on campus position available and to try back in June. I emailed her in June and never heard back. So I applied to become a sub in two local school districts.
Well, yesterday I got a phone call from a number I didn’t recognize… It was that professor! She asked if I’d gotten her email in response to mine (I didn’t). I had not responded, so she looked me up in the alumni files and found my number. She needs an online TA for the Fall semester and offered the job to me!! So now I’ll be able to work from home at hours that are convenient for me and N!
I know it won’t be easy, but I’m so excited to have a more regular paycheck and not have to sub every day N is not. I may still do some subbing, depending on how things go, but now it’s not as imperative if I don’t. 
Speaking of N and his job (okay, so that’s a loose connection, but I had to segue somehow!)… When N works the next day, I take care of the babies every time they wake up in the night. It’s not a great idea for him to be exhausted while taking care of patients. When he will be home, he takes over for me around 4 am and lets me sleep in. For some reason the last couple of weeks he’s had to go in to work a lot more than usual (mandatory staff meetings), so he wasn’t able to do that for me much. Plus, I had them all day by myself. Needless to say, I was beyond exhausted. Well, he finally had a couple of days off in a row and without my even saying anything (I don’t think I had to. My mood and FaceBook statuses said it all!) he offered to take the baby monitor into the guest room and he would take care of the kids the whole night, allowing me the first full night’s sleep I’ve had since February! I slept for 7 whole hours! It was FABULOUS!!!!! And it really rejuvenated me. When I talked to Mom on the phone yesterday (before I’d even gotten the job phone call) she said it was the first time in a long time I’d sounded chipper. LOL It’s amazing what a little sleep can do! AND… N offered to do it again this week, despite his having seen “every hour of the night” because the twins tag teamed him all night long (he hasn’t figured out a comfortable way to feed them at the same time, which is the only thing that finally saved me from having those kind of nights). I have such a wonderful husband! <3
And now for the biggest news of all… Kyla rolled over!!!!!! Okay, I know it was an accident and it probably won't happen again for some time, but it makes me so proud anyway. After all, the fact that it happened at all indicates that her neck muscles are strong because she was able to pick up her head high enough to lose her balance and roll over. It happened Sunday while Dad and his wife were here, so I have witnesses.
So if you see me in the next few days, you'll probably see a big ol' smile on my face. Enjoy it while it lasts! LOL
07.07.09
Weekend Visitors
We had some special visitors this 4th of July weekend. LD and her family came to visit! We were celebrating Kyla and Lucas’s due date, along with Independence Day.
They came in late Friday night and got to come see us briefly before heading to their hotel.
On Saturday they came over about 10 AM and the kids (and D) played Rock Band while N and I cooked (and LD snuggled with babies). My MIL and her sister joined us for lunch (grilled burgers, potato salad, baked beans, chips and dip), bringing with them iced tea and dessert! Also, a present for LD’s family: Rock Band II! From what I hear, they are enjoying it to the fullest! That evening we went to N’s dad’s to play pool and hang out before heading to his grandmother’s to watch fireworks.
Sunday we went to Rainforest Cafe, the twins’ first restaurant trip!
They did amazingly well, sleeping the entire time. LOL (Of course, we paid for it the next day, as they decided to be awake all night to make up for it. :p ) Afterwards we went to my MIL’s house so the kids could swim a bit before heading back home.
I, for one, am SO glad they were able to come for a visit. And we get to see them next month too before they head off on their trip to Disney! I think I must be one of the luckiest people around. 
05.24.09
We made it!
Not only did we turn our movie in on time (with 1.5 minutes to spare!), but the babies behaved and stayed put! Another great video race in the can. The whole day I kept thinking about the fact that this time next year our son and daughter will be nearly a year old. I wonder how they’ll feel about video race birthday parties? I am looking forward to the day they can join us in the race. Who knows, next year they could have cameos! But no, they will not be staying up with us the whole 24 hours. And they will probably be staying with a grandparent. They’ll have to duke it out over which one gets to do the honors.
Yesterday was very different for us as far as video races go. I was not in the movie at all (this has only happened one other time). I was okay with that, though. Starting on Friday I became incredibly swollen. My ankles were the size of footballs and my toes looked like sausages. It was quite painful. I was much happier behind the camera. I also had to take a break once in awhile to pump. I didn’t pump nearly as many times as I would have on a normal day, but I did manage to get in 5 before we headed to the finish line. I just hope it doesn’t throw me off too much (I wouldn’t think one day would be too big a deal). When we got home from the finish line I decided to pump before going to bed so I could sleep for a longer chunk. I fell asleep attached to the pump. Fortunately, N got a phone call before he got into bed. He noticed I’d been gone a long time (I was pumping in the babies’ room) and he came to find me. I have no idea how long I’d been sleeping. Then, N said my face looked strange (red) and that my mouth was moving funny when I talked. Not sure what that was about.
Oh! And before the race started I decided to pump in the car so I could make it through planning without needing to. We were parked in a handicap spot in the parking garage. Which, unfortunately, is next to the elevators and the security office. After the second security officer came by to check on me I just said “I’m pumping breastmilk.” The security guy put his hands up and said “‘Nuff said,” and backed away. It was pretty funny. It was a great spot for getting out quickly, but it was a bit embarrassing.
Well, I’m off to pump again! Then I think it’s time for a nap. I’m not recovered from yesterday yet…
05.22.09
Packed and ready
So in an effort to stave off the babies for at least another week, N and I finally got everything not only packed, but into the trunk of his car. We are hoping the babies do not come this weekend at all, as our annual 24 hour Video Race is starting tonight at midnight.
Yes, apparently we enjoy torturing ourselves with sleep depravation. Which I suppose makes us the perfect candidates for twin parenthood! LOL
Part of the reason we’re worried they will decide to celebrate their birthday this weekend is because they have been torturing poor LD. First, on Wednesday morning she woke up feeling great and started cleaning the shower (uh-oh! Nesting?). Then when she tried to eat lunch she started vomiting uncontrollably until there was nothing left to throw up. Which, of course, triggered contractions. So she made another visit to L&D. They gave her IV fluids, zofran, and got her back under control before sending her back home (oddly enough, they no longer have to ask her name when she arrives!). She continued to feel awful the rest of the day, but has now returned to feeling great. Well, except for the foot she’s pretty sure she broke! She pulled out a drawer a bit too far and it fell on her foot. She says her foot is now very blue/purple, swollen, and numb. So now, even if she wanted to get up off the couch, her foot is preventing that… Hmm… Maybe that’s not a bad thing.
So, we’re off to the races in just a few minutes! Wish us luck! And pray those kids of ours don’t interrupt!!!
04.26.09
Party
Last night was our Burgeoning Babies BBQ Blowout. We had invited a TON of people, but it turned out that this weekend (while the only one on which WE were available) was apparently a busy weekend for everyone else. We had about 25-30 people say they were going to try to make it, so of course we made enough food to feed twice that. N grilled beef and chicken for fajitas, as well as cooking up some of his “Mexican Hotdogs” (brats cooked in beer and salsa) and queso in the slow cooker, I whipped up some guacamole and sour cream/tomato/bacon dip, and we bought some rice and beans from a local Mexican restaurant. The spread was quite impressive. I think we’ll be able to survive on the leftovers for at least a month! I’ve put the majority into the freezer so we can have some quick meal options when the babies arrive and suck all time for things like cooking from the universe.
We ended up with about 18 adults, 6 “kids” (varying in age from 7-16), 1 toddler, and 4 babies. Man I loved it! The toddler has met me once before, but she surprised me when she came over to me and held her hands up for me to hold her. I enjoyed carrying her around a bit as well as watching N’s interactions with her (helping her to “play” the drums on Rock Band was too cute!). Then the triplets came! Oh my goodness they are adorable! They are almost 11 months old and so much fun to watch. N got them giggling up a storm, of course (he’s so good at that), which is the absolute best sound in the world. And watching their mom feed them all at once was quite the learning experience! I know I will be calling on her for advice when the going gets tough. I think playing with the various children was the highlight of the evening for me.
We also got to show off the nursery, even though it’s not quite done. Everyone seemed to like it. I know N and I are proud of how it’s turning out. I just hope we don’t stop working on it simply because the party is over and the pressure is off. I’d still like it to be done before the kids are in college. However, for today, we’ve both agreed that we need a day of rest. We’re exhausted!
03.17.09
Shower
Well, I survived the shower. And amazingly, opposing family members were quite civil. Mom even talked to Dad on Saturday and didn’t bolt at the first opportunity.
I always feel awkward when the only reason a group of people is gathered together is because they all know me. I feel like I have to spend time with everyone, yet there never seems to be enough time. Fortunately, almost everyone knew at least one other person there (sorry T!), so they were able to talk to someone familiar. I’m glad I was able to see everyone, even if it felt weird opening present after present and having all eyes on me. I guess I only like to be in the spotlight when there is a stage and acting involved…
The babies made out like bandits. I think just about everyone got them each one or two outfits (or in the case of some relatives, about 90!). We have a HUGE pile of presents sitting in the living room (still one more load of stuff at my aunts house to pick up). We don’t have room in the babies’ room right now (there’s already a pile of stuff for them in there!). My plan had been to start cleaning the sewing room today to make room for moving furniture from the babies’ room to there. Unfortunately, I haven’t quite gotten started on that yet. That’s not to say I haven’t been productive. I’ve finished all of the thank you notes and will be heading out to mail them in a few minutes (have to finish pumping). I also set up an appointment with the vet for Chili. She woke up at 3 AM and screamed in pain. When I woke up and checked on her, she would yelp any time I touched her leg. This morning she wouldn’t get up and I had to carry her outside to the grass. She seems to be favoring her left front leg and won’t take even a step. She’s been laying on the couch all morning (I put her there). I also made an appointment to take my car in for an oil change and inspection. But I may have to call and change the time. I don’t know that I gave myself enough time between appointments to come home and pump! I didn’t think about it at the time.
Tomorrow we are going to OK for our 3D/4D ultrasound. I’m excited. LD came down for the shower and I did get to feel my little boy kick a couple of times (my daughter appears to be a bit stubborn). I’m looking forward to seeing their adorable little faces tomorrow. I’ll try to post pics on Thursday.
12.06.08
Checking in…
It’s been almost a week since my last post, so I figured I ought to check in. Especially after all of the comments people made at work about me not posting over Thanksgiving!
This past week was Book Fair at school, so I’ve come home exhausted every day. Last night I started to fall asleep on the couch around 8 o’clock, so I went to bed at 8:30 (takes awhile to go through my night time ritual). I slept until 7:30! I got 11 hours of sleep!
Today is a busy day too. I’m meeting coworkers for our Pay It Forward plan (long story) at 10, then we are going to visit friends that we haven’t seen in 7 years at 5. At least tomorrow is pretty unplanned (though we are hoping to see my BIL play hockey tomorrow night).
Anyway, there’s not much new to report about the babies. LD took her last shot of PIO on Thursday, which made for a wonderful birthday present (her birthday was yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LD!!!). We don’t have another appointment until 12/16. I know we’re all anxious to see the babies again.
My aide at school has apparently been telling everyone about the twins. I had a parent say something to me about the twins and I said “How did you find out about that?” She said “Your aide told me. She’s very excited.” Nervously I asked “You do know I’m not pregnant, right?” She did. Whew! I don’t know why, but I’m very nervous about parent reactions. I haven’t had any negative reactions from anyone I know so far, but I’m worried that once kids start finding out and talking about it at home there might be some negativity from people who just don’t understand. I’m probably overreacting, but what you say to students is not always what makes it home to parents, you know. Who knows what they’ll say! I’ve been avoiding talking about it with any students, but I’m sure I won’t be able to hide it from them for long!
As for my surgery, I still don’t know anything. I’m still waiting to hear when and where it will be. I thought that Monday would be my last day of IV antibiotics, but when I went to see the Dr. on Thursday and told him I’d be having another surgery before the end of the month he said he might keep me on them until after that just to reduce the risk of infection setting in again. While I’m happy to take the precaution, I’m really ready to take a shower without my arm wrapped in plastic! Of course, the other advantage to keeping the PICC line in would be that they wouldn’t have to poke me again at the hospital. They can use the PICC line for both IV and blood draws! I sure like that idea.
11.30.08
Thanksgiving Visit
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with N’s family on Wednesday, then on Thursday I went up to OK to visit with LD and her family (N was working). I got to meet pretty much the WHOLE family (uncles… aunts… cousins… the works!). It was cool. I stayed Thursday and Friday nights, then came home on Saturday.
Thursday night was cute. LD’s kids and I had a “slumber party” in the living room. We were snuggled in to watch Wall-E and I think I fell asleep about 10 minutes in. I woke up and saw we were back on the main menu and asked “Why are you starting it over?” To which K answered “It’s over.” And then D comes out and tells the kids “Stop talking in there! As soon as the movie is over, you need to go to sleep!” I told him “It’s my fault. I asked a question.” He laughed and said “Well, you go to sleep too!”
Friday the kids left for their dad’s and LD and I had the afternoon to ourselves. We went maternity clothes shopping! LOL. I’ve never done that before. She looked so cute! I know she’s annoyed that she already has a belly, but I have to say it’s absolutely adorable. We also went to a movie with her best friend, then came home and hung out with D. It was a good day.
I was sad to go, and apparently so was my car. It decided to flash a warning light at us as we were heading to lunch (I was planning to leave after lunch). We read in the owner’s manual that it meant I needed antifreeze. So we headed to Auto Zone (after we went in LD’s mom’s car to lunch). Unfortunately, the guy helping us didn’t know what kind of antifreeze to recommend and asked for the manual. So we went back to the house and picked up my car and took it back to Auto Zone (and the light did not turn on this time). The guy looked through the manual and after much head scratching decided to call someone. He came back from the phone and said that my car apparently requires a type of antifreeze that is only sold by VW service centers. Great! So he looked in the phone book and the only one was on the north side of OKC (about 30 minutes in the opposite direction of where I needed to go). LD and I went back to the house and looked online to see if there was anything in the other direction. There wasn’t. So we made the road trip up to the VW dealership in OKC. No lights came on once again, but I didn’t want to risk driving 3 hours and possibly overheating. We arrived at the dealership at 2:15. Apparently on Saturdays they close at 2:00! I was about ready to cry. One of the sales people said I could put water in “for now” and it would be fine. I prayed she was right…
We went back to LD’s house (still no warning light) and waited for the engine to cool off so we could add water. Around 3:30 I was able to add water and head home. I had no problems whatsoever along the way. I have NO idea what the deal was. Guess I’ll be taking my car by the VW dealership tomorrow after my doctor’s appointment.
So tomorrow it’s back to the grind. 
I don’t wanna go! Especially since I’ve got Book Fair this week and I’m going to be exhausted!
11.19.08
Back to work
I went to work today. Man, I’m tired! But I’m not sure what’s making me more tired. Getting back into the routine after being away for essentially 8 work days. Or maybe the stupid head cold I now have.
Yes, I felt absolutely fine while in the hospital on IV antibiotics. But now that I’m out (and still on antibiotics), I feel like crap. How is that possible?? If I’m already on antibiotics, how did germs invade my body? Just doesn’t make sense.
Oh, and I guess I should update with some new info. First of all, I went to the ID doctor’s office yesterday and picked up all the little bulbs of antibiotic that I will be giving myself between now and Monday (when I go in for blood work and to get more). I will, apparently, be taking the IV antibiotics for the next 3 weeks. Longer than I expected, but at least it’s not 6 weeks like last time?
On the way to that appointment I talked to Dr. P (I’d called her earlier, but that was when she called me back). At the time that I talked to her, she hadn’t yet heard from Dr. D. I explained what was happening and that we were going to have to go with an epicardial lead (on the outside of the heart). She said she would call Dr. S and get his take on things. I asked if she thought I’d need to go up to the Mayo Clinic to have the surgery. She said “Oh, no. I’m thinking local.” I said “Good. Because I really didn’t want to go to MN in December.” To which she replied “You know, come to think of it there’s a clinic in Hawaii… And if you go there you need your medical escort… And really, it will be a six month recovery period… Very rough, full of Mai-Tais!” LOL She cracks me up! I told her I was all for that choice. Anyway, she told me she’d try to get ahold of Dr. S, but couldn’t say how long it might take to get ahold of him. I said we had time, since I have to finish the antibiotics anyway, and I’d like to aim for Winter Break (she’d already thought of needing to get it done before the end of the year so I don’t have to start over on deductible!)
While I was still at the ID office she called again. Apparently shortly after we got off the phone, Dr. D called. AND she was able to get ahold of Dr. S and talk to him and he’s getting a team together to figure out when/where the surgery will happen and who will do it. I’m amazed at how fast that happened, given how long its taken on every step up to now. She did say that it may take awhile to make a decision, but at least I know that the right people are working on it already.
I go in to see Dr. D for a follow up on Tuesday morning, then N and I will be driving up to OK to see LD and the babies (OB appointment). So things are moving right along. I can’t believe it’s one week until Thanksgiving (which I’ll be spending with LD and her family and I’m SOOOO excited about that!!!).
