Thirteen Things Happening Tomorrow

1. I'll be getting up at 4:30 am.
2. I'll check in to the hospital at 5:30 am.
3. I'll be getting a spinal.
4. Hubby will have to wear scrubs again.
5. My kids will probably wake up about 7:00 am and will be thrilled to have grandma ("Eema") there with them!
6. My family will be getting ready for work out in Connecticut, wondering when they'll be hearing the big news...
7. I'll be hoping not to have a horrible anesthesia reaction... but not really counting on it.
8. By 7:30 am, I'll be in the OR, likely with far less than the sixteen medical personnel present for my last c-section!
9. Our newest little blessing will be delivered.
10. We'll learn whether we've become a "two boys/one girl" or "two girls/one boy" family!
11. My husband and I will get to see and snuggle this little bundle who has been such an energetic delight for the past few months.
12. My son and daughter will finally meet their baby sibling.
13. I will again give thanks to God for the many, many blessings I've been given... not the least of which is making it full-term in this pregnancy.

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This post is linked to Thursday {Thirteen}.

13 Specialists We Saw The First Year

It goes without saying that my extremely premature daughter had innumerable neonatologists, nurses, and respiratory therapists on top of a "regular" pediatrician. But, just for more background, here are thirteen ADDITIONAL specialists we had to meet with during her first year of life:

1. Pulmonologist- Our daughter came home on oxygen and had to be monitored for any apnea episodes. We reviewed her progress and underwent additional sleep studies with this doctor.
   
2. Pediatric Ophthalmologist- She still sees this doctor to monitor her retinas (since she had Retinopathy of Prematurity) and to update her prescription (because she's very nearsighted).
   
3. Radiologist- We brought C. home on an NG-tube (a tube that threaded through one nostril down into her stomach through which we fed her expressed breastmilk). It wasn't safe for her to eat by mouth because she showed signs of aspiration. I took her back to radiology every month to see if her swallowing had improved until we could finally "graduate" to thickened and, eventually, thin liquids.
   
4. Neonatal Audiologist- Our little girl failed her newborn hearing screening while in the hospital. Honestly? While I'm sure this would ordinarily be traumatic news to receive, in the grand scheme of things, it was very minor to us. She was re-tested at five months of age and passed.
   
5. Pediatric Neurosurgeon- It was discovered that our little girl has a cyst on her brain. It doesn't appear to cause any issues whatsoever and, apparently, lots of us have them. Who knew? Anyway, we go back periodically to make sure it's still asymptomatic.
   
6. Orthopedic Surgeon- At ten months old, C. broke her right femur. She had to be in a hip-spika cast and this had to be put on by a surgeon at the children's hospital.
   
7. Infectious Disease Specialist- Our daughter tested MRSA- positive and this was the only person who could explain what this "meant" to me...
   
8. Pediatric Developmental Psychiatrist- At around two years of age, we met with this psychiatrist to evaluate how C. was doing in terms of interration and problem-solving skills.
   
9. Nutritionist- For the first year or so, I would have to periodically log every morsel of food or drink that our little girl consumed to make sure it measured up to the high standards they set for her. When your baby starts out SO far below the charts, it takes some work to even get ON there...
   
10. Retinal Surgeon- As I mentioned above, C. had Retinopathy of Prematurity which meant her retinas were starting to detach. This would ultimately have left her blind. An excellent neonatal retinal surgeon in Chicago (one of only three in the nation) performed the surgery to repair the situation.
    
11. Feeding Specialist studying extremely low birth weight babies- We agreed to participate in a study geared toward better determining the caloric needs of these teeny little babies (all weighing in at less than 2 lb 2 oz at birth). It was non-invasive, but time-consuming. We were happy to be able to possibly help other small babies in the future.
    
12. Swallowing Specialist- When C. started on solids (kind of a misnomer, in my opinion, since that refers to baby food and cereal, but I digress...), she had a severe tongue thrust issue that resulted in basically NO food making it into her stomach. An occupational therapist with special training in feeding issues helped us work with our daughter to overcome this.
    
13. Developmental Evaluation Team- From the time she was four months old (and, really, zero months old if you "corrected" her age to when she should have been born), the early intervention team would come out to our house to evaluate how C. was doing. We've definitely had therapists involved in our lives over the years but, again, our girl actually needed far less support and intervention than many preemies.
    

So there you go. A snapshot of my life in that first year. And you want to know the truth? We got off SO easy...

Having a preemie changes everything.
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This post is linked to Thursday {Thirteen} .

13 Ways I Shall Not Waste

I host Easter. Every year. I really enjoy it... for a number of reasons. But that's not what this is all about. This is about the veritable feast of leftovers I am left with every year. Sure, my sisters-in-law each take a few bites of this and that but, no doubt, the bulk of it is left to be crammed in my refrigerator. And if you think anyone learns from year-to-year that we're all making too. much. food. .... well, you'd be mistaken. And so, this plethora of leftovers is my blessing and my burden.

Here are thirteen ways we're using up the bounty... because part of being frugal is knowing how to avoid waste! But part of being me is, well, not much liking leftovers...

1. I refuse to thaw out any bread. We have two kinds of leftover rolls and they will fill the void until they're gone. My children enjoyed peanut and jelly on theirs for lunch on Monday.
2. I am using up "cheese tray" cheese for anything that requires cheese. Even though the little bits and pieces are sometimes a tad annoying.
3. I am topping scrambled eggs with broccoli with cheese sauce. Alongside toasted rolls. ;)
4. When I made the crepes for our Seafood Crepes (is anyone interested in that recipe, by the way?) on Monday night, I made extra to be filled with diced ham, broccoli, and cheese for a quick lunch.
5. Even though I'd rather have something else, I'm chopping up deviled eggs to make some quickie egg salad.
6. The baby carrots from the crudite tray were chopped and tossed in a beef stew.
7. I'm subbing cracker crumbs (again, from that cheese tray) for bread crumbs in my meatballs this upcoming weekend. And melting leftover mozzarella over them.
   
8. I often serve pumpkin muffins and scrambled eggs for breakfast. This week? Pumpkin roll and hard-boiled eggs. A little odd, yes... but it will get the job done.
9. I have soda coming out of my ears. Hubby and I rarely have it in the house anymore and, thus, rarely drink it. But he's happy to substitute the cold caffeine for his usual caffeinated coffee-- one less thing for me to brew (since I brew my decaf separately!) and handy since we just ran out of the regular stuff.
10. Diced ham packs are already in my freezer. We all really, truly like ham... and we'll be delighted to have it later on. But who wants to eat ham every single day for a week or two???
11. The few spoonfuls of strawberry shortcake topping left after the shortcakes were gone found their way onto my kids' plain oatmeal. Fun!
12. I won't lie... I'm hoarding jelly beans. Bizarre as it is, the only time I like them is when I'm pregnant.
13. And the REAL leftovers? The broccoli stalks, carrot ends, ham bone, etc? They're all set to get put to work making a delicious stock...

Maybe the reason I wind up with all the leftovers really comes down to what my mother-in-law told me as she pushed more food into my arms...

"Because I know you won't waste it."
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For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to visit Happy To Be At Home!

13 Little Things I Miss While I'm Pregnant

(** Disclaimer: Please know that I am fully aware that not ONE of these of things is really a big deal and that having a happy, healthy baby trumps them all. I've had a great pregnancy and don't want anyone to think I'm complaining! But, just for fun, here are I few things that I must confess I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy again!)

1. Blue Cheese- I adore blue cheese... on a steak, in an omelet, you name it. But it's not pasteurized. Sigh.
2. Rare Steak- I really only like rare or medium rare. As a result, I pretty much don't eat it through the pregnancy...
3. Balance Ball Work-Outs- Really. I'm a fanatic about keeping my abs in shape. (Perhaps one of the reasons my bump is slow to grow!) I truly miss these work-outs, but it's great to know I'll have them to whip myself back into shape when the time comes.
4. A Glass Of Sauvignon Blanc- From New Zealand, please. Oh, yum. My very favorite wine- bone dry and crisp.
5. Raw Eggs- Okay, I don't actually eat raw eggs, but I am notorious for licking cookie dough and brownie batter when not pregnant. One of my favorite parts of baking!
6. High Heels- My center of gravity is not what it used to be. I fell on my face wearing flats yesterday. Heels are not something I want to risk at the moment...
7. Normal Flossing- I have major issues with bleeding gums when I'm pregnant. Kind of icky.
8. Regular Coffee- I'm pretty content with my decaf but there are days, oh, there are days when a little caffeine would sure help!
9. Lifting My Children- Having a restriction of "nothing over 15 lb" means they're both off-limits. We've adjusted pretty well but there are times when it breaks my heart that I can't pick them up.
10. My Waist :)- I normally have a pretty tiny waist. Right now I just feel kind of "thick".
11. Staying Up Past 10 pm Occasionally- I simply cannot keep my eyes open past 10. I've tried. It's ridiculous. But, on the plus side, it beats the first trimester when I couldn't stay up past 8:30! ;)
12. Jogging- Again, something I enjoy doing to keep in shape. I'm still walking on the treadmill every day for at least a mile and a half, but it never feels quite as invigorating.
13. Oh, for goodness sake, scrap it all! I wouldn't trade feeling this baby kick and somersault for all of those things put together!

How about you? If you're currently expecting, what do you miss the most? Or what do you recall missing during previous pregnancies? Always fun to share!

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For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to visit Happy to be @ Home!

13 Ways I'm (Maybe) An Overprotective Mommy

I titled this (maybe) overprotective because, well, I think I'm very reasonable! But here are thirteen reasons I've been accused of being overprotective in the past... (And for those who might not know, I have a 4-year old, a 3-year old, and I'm pregnant with our third.)

1. I skip over anything even remotely scary on movies... and I'm talking Disney movies here.
2. I don't let my kids ride on 4-wheelers with their uncle.
3. I don't let my kids drink soda.
4. I expect my kids to wear shoes when they go outside. (except on the beach)
5. I still cut my 4-year old's grapes in half.
6. I threw a huge fit when someone suggested my 25 lb but not yet 1-year old baby could be turned forward-facing.
7. I don't let my kids ride on riding mowers... even with grandparents.
8. I still water down my kids' juice.
9. I don't let my kids chew gum.
10. My gigantic 4-year old son is still in a 5-pt harness car seat and I like it that way.
11. I really like cribs and bed-rails for as long as possible.
12. I also really prefer skid-proof socks.
13. I don't let my kids watch any network or cable TV, play hand-held video games, or do anything on the internet.

Do I seem unreasonable to you?
What Mommy-decisions have made people call you "overprotective"?
I'd love to hear!
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For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to visit Happy to Be at Home.

13 Top Search Words That Land On This Site

Just for fun, I thought I'd share with you the thirteen words or phrases most often typed into search engines that result in hits to my blog. I find some of them quite surprising!

1. Jello Cookies- It amazes me that this is my number one. I shared my recipe for Jello Cookies here and, though it has not one thing to do with micropreemies, it is the number one reason people land here.
   
2. Parenting the Tiniest Miracles (and various approximations thereof)- No surprise here!
   
3. NICU- I certainly talk about the NICU quite a bit, so this isn't a shock.
   
4. Basket of Indulgence- I hosted giveaways of three of these... guess some people really wanted to win one!
   
5. Causes of prematurity- I'm proud to come up for this one!
   
6. Bank of America paternity leave- I wrote about BOA's amazing leave policy here.
   
7. Micropreemie blog Niagara Falls- This one makes me laugh! Someone was clearly trying to be specific enough to find me! I wrote about Niagara Falls here.
   
8. Birth Story- I can hardly believe people find me with such a general search term, but it may help account for why my Birth Story is, by far, my most frequently read post.
   
9. Formula Scoops- I shared uses for old formula scoops here.
   
10. Playskool Busy Ball Popper replacement balls- I know everyone who visits me because of this query is disappointed... because I certainly do not answer the question in this post.
    
11. Blanket sleepers- Who knew so many people were looking for blanket sleepers in sizes beyond toddler?
    
12. Best NICU- This is one of my top posts but, ironically, has received NO comments at all...
    
13. Dealing with insensitive people during pregnancy- I wrote a whole series on this early on. It generated a lot of response and I truly hope it has helped some women out there...

So there you go! Those are the words that lead to me most frequently. What's the top search word/phrase that lands on your site? What's the funniest? I'd love to hear!

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For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to stop by Happy To Be At Home!

13 Songs I End Up Singing Every Single Day

I've always loved to sing. As a child, I danced and performed around the living room. By college, I was dedicated to being a part of our choir. And now that I have little ones, they are my audience. I sing loudly and often. I am fortunate to be blessed with a "nice voice"-- I'm never going to be a singing superstar, but people usually seem to enjoy listening to me. That's good enough! I sing a lot more than thirteen songs each day, but here are thirteen that somehow- usually by child request- make it on to the repertoire every day...

1. The Itsy Bitsy Spider
2. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
3. Immaculate Mary
4. Part of Your World (the Little Mermaid song)
5. Our Father
6. Days of the Week (a preschool song to teach the days)
7. The ABC Song
8. The ABC Song in French
9. Seek Ye First
10. The Lord Said to Noah
11. The Ants Go Marching
12. Let It Snow (this one is getting kind of old now... ;))
13. Lay Down In Your Bed... (our bedtime song that we sing and sign)

I fear there will come a day when my children turn into 'tweens or teens who no longer want to hear me sing... or, worse, are embarrassed if I sing. I hope that doesn't happen but, in the meantime, I'll raise my voice in song all day long! And, yes, I'll keep taking requests...

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For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to check out Happy To Be At Home.

13 Things I Learned From Having A Micropreemie

1. That a baby born at less than 24 weeks gestation looks like... a baby.
2. How to convert the metric system
3. How to take an axillary temperature.
4. That I can live in one room with no TV and no internet and be perfectly content as long as my family is healthy and thriving.
5. That Christmas in the hospital does not have to be joyless.
6. How to pump... a lot.
7. How to suction out a ventilator tube.
8. How to insert an NG-tube through a tiny baby's nose down into her stomach.
9. How to use a stethoscope to check the placement of the above-mentioned tube.
10. How to interpret an apnea monitor.
11. How to juggle an infant, an oxygen tank, a feeding tube, and a monitor while also carrying a toddler.
12. How precious every single day in utero can be.
13. That sometimes the simplest of prayers ("Please God, please God, oh please...") is all it takes.

For more Thursday {Thirteen}, be sure to stop by Happy To Be At Home!