Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Big Day!

Today I have another ultra-sound. Rusty and I are so excited to see the baby and hear the heartbeat. Hopefully after seeing the baby it will bring home the fact that I am actually pregnant, it still hard to believe!

I will post tomorrow about how it goes, since my computer has a virus and is currently at the doctor. Therefore, tomorrows post will not have a picture, but as soon as we get our computer back I will post the pic. I am also going to try to get video with my phone so I can post audio of the heart beat (hopefully, I can be computer and phone challenged!)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

9 months

Yesterday, Abigayl would have been 9 months old. It is still shocking to me how grief can hit. Last night I was watching tv and I just started tearing up. I miss her so much and it is weird how life revolved around Abigayl and her schedule and now my life consists of tv and Internet. I'm so lucky to have Rusty as my husband. He came in from work and found me all red eyed with the beautiful book that Rachelle made us and new just what to say. We were able to talk about all the wonderful memories we have of her, which makes us laugh, smile and cry. I know no matter how hard I wish and pray that life could go back in time by 5-6 months, it has to continue forward.

I just miss her cute giggle and the way she sounded when she was talking to her taggie blanket. I wish I could see her with teeth, pulling up, crawling and eating real food. I'm sad I never will see her hit all those fun milestones. But, I am thankful I saw her do the things she did.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Robin Williams, bowling, Confessions of a Shopaholic and a virus

This weekend was cram packed with fun stuff! Saturday night we went to the Robin William's show at the Brady theater in Tulsa. His show was a bit crass but he was really funny. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to get to see him.

Sunday, we went bowling with our Sunday school class. It was such a good time. Combined I think Rusty and I scored 400 something. We were the second highest... not much thanks to me! I believe I bowled an 87 the first game and a 100 the second game. I'm just happy I improved. Normally it goes the other way!!

After bowling I went to dinner and a movie with a friend of mine. We had some Mexican food near the mall and went to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic. I enjoyed the movie. It was really cute and sweet. It had a predictable storyline but was still worth it. It was also very nice to get to spend some time with my friend Sara. Between her being in PA school and my subbing it is hard to find time to hang out. It was nice to chat for the evening!

As for the virus, while clicking away on myspace (adding a friend I knew) out of nowhere my Internet screen went away and a pop-up for anti-virus 360 took it's place. I kept trying to "X" out but it kept popping up. So, I shut down the computer thinking after I rebooted it would go away. No such luck. We then couldn't get on any websites and were shut out of some programs. We took it to Geek Squad at Best Buy and he said he has seen this virus A LOT in the past two weeks. The crazy part is, this virus can un-install your antivirus program. So, beware. As for all of my myspace friends, I am going to delete my account (as soon as I get my computer back) and use facebook and the blog exclusively.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Memorial

Today while teaching I received a call from our funeral home that Abigayl's memorial/marker had come in. It was very emotional for me because it made everything so final. I know that she is gone but knowing that the last puzzle piece fell into place was very hard for me. I'm continually amazed to find how things effect me... I had a really hard time holding it together for the rest of the day, but I managed.

After school I headed to Floral Haven to meet with Rusty and see the marker. It was so nice to see Abigayl's sweet face, instead of a pile of dirt. Though, it felt like my heart was being ripped out. To be looking at a metal plaque, with my beautiful baby girl's face on it was so hard. I just wish that I could have her to hold on to instead of a plaque to look at.

What was really amazing about the marker is how great the detail work is. I felt it and where you can see rolls in her picture, you can actually feel them when you run your finger over them.

So, with much, much pain and even more love... I share with you my sweet angel's marker.


The poem at the bottom is a poem that Rusty wrote. It says:
Beautiful sunrise, peaceful sunset
The sparkle in the stars, the sound of rain drops
The good morning smiles, the beauty of your sleep
Your twinkling eyes, the sound of our tears
all reminders of the baby we love so dear.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Spring for SIDS

I received this email today and wanted to put it out there for all of my friends and family to see. If you think the place you work or some where you know of would be interested in hosting an event, PLEASE pass this information on.

SIDS is such a horrible thing and it affects 2,500 infants in the US every year. Through research, maybe a cure/cause can be found so that the number of infants that are affected can go down. Thank you to all who are able to contribute in any way.


We need your help this year more than ever. Please sign up to host a SFS event. Order your cards with stickers attached today. Provide one to each person in your organization who gives a minimum $5 donation. What a fun way to raise money for SIDS research and to raise awareness about SIDS. Most events are held in memory of a particular infant.

www.springforsids.org/get_involved.php

If you are unable to host an event this year, please sign up for the Friends and Family program. You donate $100 and receive 20 cards/stickers to share with loved ones. (No paperwork or record keeping.)

www.springforsids.org/get_involved_friends_and_family_SFS_program.php

On April 24 people all over America will be wearing their spring outfits and their Spring-for-SIDS Stickers to show their support for the fight against SIDS. We need you to be a part of this nationwide SIDS awareness and fundraising campaign.

Thank you for your consideration. Can you be a part of the 2009 SFS campaign?

Betty

/////////////////////////////////////////////////
Betty McEntire, PhD
Executive Director
American SIDS Institute
509 Augusta Drive
Marietta, GA 30067
770-426-8746
www.sids.org

My Alaska Trip...

I went to Alaska to visit my family for 11 days. As usual, it was absolutely beautiful and the weather was surprisingly nice. A balmy 20 something most the time I was there.

My trip was filled with yummy food and lots of family bonding time. It was definitely needed.

This is the view from the mall in Anchorage.... I love the mountains.
My brother, mom, niece and nephew all went swimming at the indoor water park.

After all of the swimming we were all hungry... so lunch at Arby's

The kids ( Jake, Jordan and Josh) all piled on to their dad to watch a movie on the computer

I think I have the cutest niece and nephews!

After all of the bowling we played on the Wii, my mom took Jake and I real bowling.

Look at that... almost a strike. Only one pin left! And that's with out the bumpers up.

Now he has some bumpers... he bowled over a 100! I think he's a natural.

I steadily got worse. I bowled over 100 on the first game and then I don't think I even broke 100 on the second game!

Of course we had to have ice cream after! What kind of outing would it be with no ice cream?!

I don't think I can even begin to tell you how much I love these kids. They mean the world to me.

Being an aunt is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

So, it was a low key trip since the snow on the ground makes it tough for any outdoor activities. But, it was a great time with lots of good family time. I'm thankful I was able to go. My mom spoiled me with good restaurants, of course, and I came home with more clothes then I came with. It's always nice to go shopping in mom's closet!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

MK orders

I know that there are some of you who wanted to order pictures from MK studio's. Melina posted all of Abigayl's photos at www.mkstudio.smugmug.com. There are 3 different places to click to view her pictures.

The first place on the page will show you her photos from her 3 month photo shoot (Halloween, pink/veil, bath time and mommy/Abigayl photos. (middle of the page)

Second, the collages that Melina made from the above photo shoot. With the collages, you can have her replace any of the pictures with your favorites. (next to the above)

Third, all the way to the bottom of the page is the photo session with her purple and white Disney dress. If you like collages, just call and ask her to put one together for you. She does a great job and it is a good way to have multiple photos on one sheet.

Never before seen pictures....

While up in Alaska my sister-in-law copied some pics I had never seen onto an sd card for me. Now, I want to share them with you. I am warning you now... there are 22 pictures and some are repetitive. But, I love my girl and I want you all to see how lovely my girl, my niece, my sister-in-law and my brother are.

Please enjoy!

My sister-in-law, Rachelle and my niece, Jordan

My brother, Darrin. Abigayl was done with picture time by this picture!

Cute girls in their matching shirts... thanks Rach

I love her eyes... they are SO blue and SO beautiful
Jordan's playing the drums!
I love the smirk

I'm so glad she was always so happy

I sure do miss diaper duty... what I'd give to have that back

So happy together!

It's just amazing how blue her eyes were.... beautiful


I am so thankful that my family was able to take a trip down to Oklahoma that summer. It makes me so happy that they were all able to meet my pride and joy. I am so thankful that Rachelle bought them the matching shirts and took their pictures. I am so thankful that I got a picture of my brother holding her.... crying and all. It makes me smile and cry to see it.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Rio Escondido

Last night Rusty and I met up with his aunt Linda and Cousin Shelly to have dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant. WOW!! It had to be one of the best meals I've had in a while. It is an off-the-beaten-path, dive looking place but they have the BEST authentic Mexican food I've found.

So, if you are in the neighborhood of Bartlesville, OK head up to Caney, KS and have some GREAT food at Rio Escondido(sp).

Thank you Linda and Shelly!! We had so much fun and that was absolutely delicious.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Ultra-sound pic

Inside the black hole is a small circle, that is the yolk sac. The beginnings of our baby!!!

I went to my ultra-sound appointment yesterday. Unfortunately I am 5 weeks along instead of 6 weeks, therefore, we were unable to see the baby since it's to small. But, we did get to see the yolk sac (the first thing you see before the baby becomes visible) and we are happy that the baby has implanted in the uterus (where it belongs!!). So, we shouldn't have to worry about any recurrence of what happened in December.
As for the picture, you can thank one of the lovely ladies in my doctor's office, Lizzy. I wasn't even going to post a picture but she said I needed one for the blog! So, thank you Lizzy!!
Another thing, I think I would stay pregnant year round just so I can go in and visit with those ladies. I look forward to every appointment at that office (even the awkward ones... you know what I mean ladies!) just so I have a chance to gab with these wonderful girls. They are definitely women I consider friends and hope to get to know even better as this pregnancy progresses.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Great News

After blood work over the last couple of weeks, I am happy to announce that we are expecting a baby! I wanted to make sure that everything was going smoothly before I said anything.

Today, I spoke with my doctor's nurse and the results from my latest test came back with WONDERFUL results. My hcg (pregnancy hormone) level went from 48 (1st test) to 160 (2nd test) and now up to 1,700. Therefore, I am scheduled for an ultra-sound for Tuesday!!

It will be so comforting to see the baby and hear the heart beat. I am absolutely over-the-moon excited right now.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers over the course of the next few months as we deal with the many emotions we will experience.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

I'm Here!

I landed in the great state of Alaska at 12:00 am Saturday morning. I then proceeded to wait for my bag for exactly one hour... yes, ONE HOUR. Of course after getting off of a long plane ride and waiting, for what felt like forever, I was starving. So, by the time I got to mom's house and in bed it was 2 am (5 am Oklahoma time).

I woke up Saturday morning at 7 am and was ready to go. Only, mom didn't get out of bed until around 9! But we were on our way to have breakfast with the whole family by 10ish. We went to one of my favorite breakfast spots in Anchorage, Birchtree diner. It is yummy! We then spent the day hanging with my family and playing some Wii with my nephew. My sister-in-law, Rachelle, made a wonderful dinner with some AWESOME ribs.

Of course, I was in bed by 7 pm and then woke up at the wonderful hour of 3 am. Yeah! It was a full nights sleep but a very lonely morning. After a wonderful sermon at Anchorage Baptist Temple, mom and I had breakfast and then did some shopping with my niece. It was lots of fun. Now, I have a whole week of family filled fun ahead of me.

I will keep everyone posted on my week and post pictures as soon as I can.