Byington Family

RI Vacation

2008-09-20T15:09:00.003-04:00

We had a great time. look to the right of this post and you'll see a slide show of all our pics.

It was a great 2 day vaca

you have to see this

2008-09-17T11:11:00.002-04:00

We have been freecycling for almost a year and we've been totally blessed. Our tv has been on the blink and it's old and only about 19 inches (size of a computer screen)

so anyway it stopped receiving signals from any remote (i have no idea why) so i posted on freecycle that we needed a tv didn't matter what size just something that would work with a remote.

some one responded we picked it up and this is what we got

IT's an HDtv and only 3 years old. the former owners bought a newer smaller one for their new house and just wanted to get rid of this one.

never in a million years would i ever have bought something like this for myself

The princessq

2008-09-14T20:06:00.001-04:00

Calla Laughing

2008-09-12T16:40:00.001-04:00

sitting in the sink

2008-09-09T14:33:00.003-04:00

so video on this digital camera is not great but you gotta hear the dialogue

and here is the pic

more pics

2008-09-03T14:55:00.003-04:00

ok so here are some more

Rowan and his friend playing in the mud

just pics

2008-08-28T23:12:00.001-04:00

Crafts

2008-08-08T20:38:00.002-04:00

So Rowan and I have been doing crafts during the day. I find that if he's occupied he'll behave. First we made a noodle necklace which he painted. I couldn't find it to take a pic, but he did so well threading the noodles in the string.

then we made a caterpillar and a felt barn scape

This is Abbie, the little girl we talked to you about who has cancer. She's just starting to grow her hair back and is looking so much better (filling out in her cheeks again) she's precious

Our Garden

2008-07-18T23:20:00.003-04:00

So I wanted to post pics of the first fruits of our garden take a look at these

And by the way our garden plot is only 2ft by 5 ft and we have 3 tomato plants, 3 zucchini plants, 5 cucumber plants, 6 basil plants and 2 green bean plants. we had garlic but it died I don't think we have enough room for all this but beginners mistakes. Next year will be better

Potty training

2008-07-14T21:54:00.001-04:00

Rowan Pooped on the potty today. I will spare the details but it was great. he did it all by himself without me around and without me telling him to. That's how things are with hi,. You have to suggest it to him then leave it alone until he's ready and he will eventually do it all by himself.

Lyme Disease

2008-07-11T10:52:00.003-04:00

So I'm on antibiotics and feeling so much better. The headache alone was enough to put anyone in an insane asylum. I can truly say the pain I felt last week was worse than Childbirth. I'd actually like to go through childbirth a hundred times than go through that again.

There is so much info out there about Lyme and they all contradict each other. Apparently i have acute Lyme disease and there is Chronic Lyme which comes from not treating Acute Lyme disease. So we are hoping that this round of antibiotics will cure it.

I had a scare when someone told me that Lyme can be passed through breastmilk. But my Pediatrician talked to an Infectious Disease Specialist and they agree that if by chance she was exposed to the disease through my breastmilk then we should keep nursing so she gets the antibiotics I'm on.

Even in whether or not it's passed through breastmilk is controversial. There is still so much research to be done but most of the research done has not been done soundly (according to my Pedi) some of the studies have been funded by pharmaceutical companies.

But I've given up trying to learn about this multi layered disease and I'm just trusting God that this will be over when the antibiotics are over.

IU'm feeling much better though and starting to get energy back. I was even able to go to church yesterday and felt pretty good. then kevin took rowan for a bike ride in the afternoon so I got to sleep.

I will keep you all updated, but so far things are looking good

Growing so fast

2008-06-11T07:10:00.003-04:00

It's so hard being away from family and not having the gas money to travel. I know with Rowan we traveled more but this year it's been really tough. Even a plane ticket is out of the question.

Rowan is growing like his garden (so he says) he is getting taller but also wider, his shirts are now between 3T and 4T 2 T seem to be middrift shirts, and his pants are between a 2T and 3T. 2t are just right in length but squeeze his belly, and 3T will be too long but perfect in the belly. I'm sure if I'd bought a sewing machine like I wanted to years agao I'd be able to fix this problem.

Calla is such a happy baby. she usually self soothes, can fall asleep on her own, and last night sleep almost 5 hrs before wanting to nurse then nursed for 10 min and fell back asleep and has been sleeping for 2 hrs since then.

She's actually laughing now. She loves Rowan and when she hears his voice will immediately turn to see him and smile. He was crying the other day when I was nursing her and he came to sit in my lap and she stopped nursing to laugh at him. it was hilarious.

I am working out like crazy. Seems harder to lose weight this time than it was with Rowan and I had gained 30 lbs more with rowan. But we have digital cable that has exercise TV and I can pick the workouts I want and it's incredible. this morning I did a Jillian Michaels workout (she was a trainer on the Biggest Loser) and boy is she tough.

I feel thinner than I am and Kevin said this is a good thing. But I have a 20 day challenge. I want to workout for 20 days then re-evaluate. My hope is that by 20 days I'll see results and have the stamina to keep going for an other 20 day challenge. I'm on day 10. I've been doing it for 2 weeks, but with kids and etc I've not been able to work out every day.

Kevin is doing Krav Magaw (have no idea if I spelled that right) But he's really enjoying it. I want to buy him a punching bag, He says he needs it to practice.

OUr 4 yr anniversary is Sunday which is also Fathers day. So we are all going duckpin bowling. (funfun) hopefully sometime next week my girlfriend can take them and we can actually get a date!!!

and lastly here are some pics

Professional Pics

2008-05-22T07:06:00.004-04:00

Our friend took these of Calla. Enjoy

Smiling already

2008-05-11T09:29:00.005-04:00

Babies usually smile between 2-3 months. Calla is six weeks (just over a month old) and this is not a gas smile.

She's been smiling responsively for a while now. She is just so darn cute.

Happy Mothers Day!

Just some pics

2008-04-22T10:38:00.006-04:00

She's Here!!!

2008-03-31T22:34:00.006-04:00

Soon I'll post the birth story for those interested, but the short version is At 3 am I went into hard labor, at 7am we arrived at the birth center at 9:19am Calla Joy Byington was born in the water!!!

I have a few pics for you and I will post an album of the rest of them soon.

We are doing great, we came home from the hospital at 9pm that same day and it was wonderful to be in our own home with our new family. I feel great, except a little tired. We are all trying to adjust and Rowan is doing great with little bursts of attention getting behavior. But for the most part he's loving having a sister.

For those who live nearby we are open to visitors, but please call first, we don't want everyone arriving the same day =)

We can't wait to show off our little bundle!!!

going in again

2008-03-27T05:52:00.001-04:00

And this time the contractions are so strong I can't move or talk through them. the midwife wanted us to wait because they are sporadic, some every 2 some every 4 but when she heard me go into a contraction on the phone she wanted us to come in right away.

so we'll let you know

Home Again

2008-03-26T13:56:00.001-04:00

Ok so I was wrong, I'm not as dilated as I thought,. I'm only 1 cm !!!!

So they sent us back home, she said it could be a few hrs or even all day before we're ready to come back in. she wants me to call the hospital again when the contractions are 3 min apart and so strong that I can't talk through them.

we'll keep you posted. going to do a lot of walking today

Going in

2008-03-26T10:48:00.001-04:00

I've been timing contractions since 7 am they are now about 3-4 min apart and 40-50 sec long (good thing) they want me to come in and get checked out, I may or may not be admitted, we'll see. I'm not getting my hopes up till they check me.

We'll let you know

Still waiting

2008-03-25T08:22:00.002-04:00

Well last night I though surely this morning I'd be posting that we were on our way to the hospital. Since my Apt last thursday I've had minimal contractions. Last night while putting Rowan to bed I had 4 contractions in 40 min (pretty strong and uncomfortable but not severe) Had more while I showered, had more while playing a game with kevin, had a little more while trying to get to sleep, then this morning, nothing but pressure on my bladder.

So hopefully things will kick in soon. It's getting harder and harder to wait. I really want ot see her, and hold her, and really be done with this pregnancy.

I know Rowan wants me done too. Yesterday we had to go in from playing because he wants to run around and I can't chase him. poor kid. once she comes we can go back to going to the library once a week, and going out to play and such.

He's getting to be such a big boy. He can count to 11, say most of his alphabet without help, he can also recite several poems, Wee Willie Winkle, Rock a by baby, Twinkle Twinkle, and... there was one more and I can't remember.

He's trying to potty train and actually told us he had to potty while out shopping the other day so we went to the bathroom and he went!!! But bring him home and put him in underwear and he'll pee in them immediately.

Well that's all for now. I'll keep you updated.

Started contractions again

2008-03-17T20:43:00.002-04:00

So tonight I started the cramping again. The contractions are in the right place but not the right intensity. not consistent either.

They are however becoming more uncomfortable. Rowan told me that the baby will be born on wednesday so he might be right is the contractions continue like this.

I"ll keep you posted

Still hanging

2008-03-17T08:32:00.003-04:00

Ok so yesterday I had NO contractions not even a real Braxton Hick (practice contractions) But Rowan told the babysitter Sat that Calla was coming next week. Then when I asked him when she was coming he said wednesday. Then another time I was changing his diaper and I said "Rowan when are you going to do poopy on the potty?" he said "Wednesday when Calla is born"

So we'll see if his prediction is true.

Today I have energy. Sat and Sun I slept all the time I was so tired. Then I woke up after going to sleep at 9:30 at 10:30 and was up till 1:30 then up at 4:30 asleep at 5 then up for the day at 6:30. I should not have energy.

I will keep this updated

Getting there

2008-03-15T00:44:00.002-04:00

Ok... so for about a week I've been feeling practice contractions (these soften, ripen and help dilate the uterus) nothing intense, just uncomfortable. I know my body is working hard.

Today they got a little uncomfortable. but still nothing progressing to what will/should be strong progressing contractions.

I think I'm about 1-2 cm dilated (maybe more because i checked myself and I'm not an expert) I have a drs apt on thursday and I'll ask if they can check.

We are all set to go and I'm trying desperately to fill my days so I am not driving myself crazy.

the hard part is Rowan wants me to play and wants to go out and wants to go to stores, and I can't chase him so we stay home all the time. I know he'll be happy to have mommy back in shape

I gave phone numbers to my friend who will be watching Rowan when i go into labor, so she will call main people and then you will be asked to call others. (this way she's not on the phone all night) so you will know when I go into labor.

Ok so everyone start praying that this baby starts making her way into this world. And quickly !!!!

Counting down

2008-03-08T17:18:00.002-05:00

So I've only got about 3 wks left, and I'm really hoping that she comes really really soon. I know it's ok if she doesn't but I really want to see her.

We are all set. We have almost everything. I just want to order more of my fav cloth diapers but I can wait on those since we'll have a diaper service for two months.

I dropped that's for sure, and last week I lost 5 lbs because of a stomach flu, but I've already gained it back. (almost) Right now I'm making CD's of music to listen to during labor.

I just wish that I could be certain of some things, like: how long labor will be, when it will start, and that there will be no complications.

I did have an idea a while ago that she might come between the 14th and the 21st. so we'll see. I'm trying to fill my calendar so I'm not sitting home anticipating her arrival. It's hard to do though because I can't chase Rowan around anymore, so the library and even going outside is usually out.

I will keep everyone updated if anything changes.

Oh and Rowan has stopped nursing =( it was bittersweet. I knew he needed to because of the baby coming, but it was such a special thing. I'm glad we were able to for at least 2 yrs. (recommended by the World Health Organization) NOw I get to start all over again with another one =)

Ok that's all for now

Stomach bugs

2008-03-02T17:57:00.002-05:00

We all got them this week. First rowan then me, (I got it the worst) then kevin (who only got a little bit of it.)
'
I think it's harder having the stomach bug when you're pregnant, the kid seems to roll over every inflamed intestine and sleep on your stomach just when you think you're getting relief.

the pain was so bad, I was wondering how i ever made it through labor.

But we are all healed now. (or getting there) so now I'm back to eagerly awaiting Callas arrival. It's getting much harder to wait, but I think I'm succeeding in telling myself that I have 4 more weeks to wait instead of two. ( just because Rowan was early doesn't mean she will be)

Baby Shower

2008-02-24T02:44:00.003-05:00

So about a month ago my best friend says, what are you doing march 1st? I said nothing why? she said oh, well lets have a girl day and get a mani and pedi!!

I was thrilled, I knew the date of my baby shower. why else would she call a month in advance to get me pinned down to a date?

Then a few weeks ago (maybe a week) our pastors wife invites me to the worship teams leaders meeting for Feb 23. I was so excited because I've been out of the worship team since september, but really long to be involved in it. (I took time off because taking care of Rowan and myself and doing worship team was too much)

So I woke up yesterday and as I was getting ready I thought, I wonder if today is the day of the baby shower? then i dismissed the thought, I said, No Sue couldn't have gotten Linda involved in this like that. So I got ready to go to the leaders meeting. I even had to go and pick up my baby sitters who were supposed to watch Rowan in the nursery while I had the meeting.

I walk in and Linda's in the front of the church and we chat for awhile,. then I bring Rowan into the nursery, the girls were reluctant to go in there and I'm thinking, c'mon guys you have to keep him in nursery.

then I leave and go to the sanctuary and open the door and.....

it's filled with about 30 people, balloons, gifts,a cake and lots of food. I was stunned I really thought it was next week.

It was wonderful a great time with friends and family. Great games! Sue did a wonderful job and we have so many wonderful outfits for this girl, she's gonna have to be changed at least 3 x's a day just wear all her clothes at least once. =)

Thank you all who came, and I missed so many more who were not there.

We are at the 35 week mark. I am praying that she comes earlier than later. Rowan was early (although I was sick and that could be why he was early) but I am just so eager to see her. So I'm praying that she quickly develops her lungs and that anytime after 37 weeks she makes her arrival. But I'm also trying to think of things I can do to keep myself occupied in case she decides to wait. Even till 42 weeks. (which would kill me) I've got all her clothes washed. her bed set up, her bag packed. I have to pack mine and rowans. I have so many lists done, (a list for who will take Rowan when, a list of numbers, a list of things that need to be bought, a list of meals that can be made quickly by kevin, and a list of stock up items for my pantry that I want filled before she comes.

So I really have just shopping to do, and that is difficult especially with Rowan and the fact that I can't chase him anymore so shopping with him or doing anything outside the house is almost impossible.

So my mind is weary and wanting something to do. My body is tired but usually can't sleep. I'm in my final stages and it's getting harder and harder to wait

2008-02-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

So I had a pregnancy photo shoot with a friend of mine. She's trying to break into photography and wanted to include pregnancy pics in her portfolio.

So I wanted to share them with you!!. I'm going to get these two framed and give them to Kevin for valentines day

On another note, (just so you all the know the lipstick stains came out of everything but the baby's bedding, I even bleached it and still didn't come out) anyway, I spent 5 hrs in the ER saturday night. They thought I had a blood clot in my right leg because i was having severe shooting pain in my calf. so I had to go into the ER and have them check it out and ultrasound it. It turned out fine, and I have no blood clot. A blood clot in pregnancy is serious, because if it loosened it could travel to the placenta and kill the baby. so we thank God that nothing was wrong. they think a nerve was pinched because i woke up sunday morning and my leg was fine and has been ever since.

I'm almost 34 wks, so not too much longer to go!!!

Rowans lipstick

2008-02-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

So this morning I woke up with a sore throat and Rowan with a runny nose. I should have known it was going to be a tough day.

Well I was downstairs vacuuming with a handheld dirtdevil because our upright broke and I'm waiting for a part) and Rowans upstairs playing with his trains (so I thought.) I thought my bedroom door was closed but apparently not. I came up stairs to the pic of Rowan below, and my bedroom covered in lipstick, (the closet doors, the bedding, the floor, everything)

so I just had to share/ When I asked him what was on his face, the poor guy must have felt guilty because he immediately started crying and saying sorry

Cape Cod Vacation

2008-01-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

We had a great time on vacation. We went to Cape cod (I know it's winter) but it was really great. We spent some down time in the house, and some time driving around. We went to the zooquarium, and were on the beach when it was snowing. It was great. I'm just gonna share a few pics right now and then later post a link so you can view the album

Comparison

2008-01-02T12:38:00.001-05:00

Pregnant with Rowan

and pregnant now

Rowans Birthday Party

2008-01-01T00:09:00.000-05:00

So Rowan Turned 2. It's so hard to believe. We had a belated party (due too a storm that came on his actual birthday) BUt here are some pics from that day

New camera

2007-12-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

So Kevin got me a digital camera for Christmas. It was the best gift!! I've been wanting one so bad and he got a good one. 10mp and works with my mac. It's a Kodak easy Share and I love it so far.

so here are a few pics to share with you.

I am 27 wks now and will be in my third trimester starting Saturday. Only 13 weeks left!! We are getting excited, and now that the holidays are over I'll be focusing on preparing a little more for the baby.

We will be having a baby shower, but we really don't nee much and what we do need is big. so don't ever feel obligated to buy us anything, we are pretty much all set with stuff.

We are also going to do cloth diapers with the baby. We started with Rowan a few weeks ago and I love it. It's going to save us so much money, but the initial start up cost is the killer. so I've been buying diapers cheap on ebay when I can. We have 5 so far and for Rowan's size I'd like to get up to 10 - 12. (We'll get there) I love it though, really. there are many reasons why I want to cloth diaper, money being one small reason, but the great thing is Kevin loves them too, because they are not like what we grew up with. the ones I buy are called all in ones, so the liner, and the cover are all sewn together and there are snaps to fasten it. so it's just like a disposable only you can wash it. So we will have a diaper registry for Calla's (the baby) diapers at Papaya Patch in West Hartford for anyone who would like to buy some. I"m going sometime next week to fill out the registry so you won't have to guess what to buy.

We had a great Christmas at home this year. It was nice to relax and just lounge around. Rowan played with his Geo trax for like an hour before he decided he wanted to open presents. I bought too many presents, but I put all his other toys in the basement so now all he has to play with are his Christmas presents. We didn't even end up cooking Christmas dinner, we werent that hungry so Christmas dinner was saved for tonight.

Anyway that's all that's really going on here. Oh and Rowan's sick. High fever, chills, runny nose, and sneezing. Woke up christmas morning with it, and it's just gotten worse. But I know he'll be fine, he's resting now.

Once I take more pics I'll post more. take care and have a safe holiday!!

Leukemia

2007-12-06T07:10:00.000-05:00

A very good friiend of ours lives next door. Kevin's known them for years some of you may know them, they are are Eric and Kristi Brouker. Three years ago they had their first child, Matthew. He was born with a cranial disorder, where I think the plates in his head were growing innncorrectly and they went thorugh almost 2 years of surgeries with him. Then their daughter Abbie was born. She's 1.5 yrs old. During this time Krisiti's mom was diagnosed with Cancer. Thankfully right now it's gone, but it has been flaring up.

A week ago their daughter Abbie was diagnosed with Leukemia. So far she is responding well to chemo, but she's just 1.5 yrs old, and when she cries due to the pain she's in it breaks her mothers heart.

Kristi is a waitress at Chilis in Avon, and is going ot school part time to be a nurse, her husband is an electrician, and has no vacation time or sick time to take off. Currently they are both home with Abbie trying to learn how to take care of her, and therefore have no income.

God is providing very well, Their rent and car payment for this months is paid. We are hoping to have the rest of their bills covered for this month and for January. They have received many grocery cards, and gas cards. She's pretty much all set for Christmas for the kids.

Right now they need lots of prayer. We are hoping that the cancer is gone by the end of the month. I don't know too much about Leukemia, and I don't know if once the cancer is gone, that it will always be gone.

Please join me in prayers that their bills will be paid, that Abbie's cancer will be gone, and that she will no longer be in pain due to the cancer or procedures that they have to do.

Family Portrait

2007-11-23T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here is our new family portrait. If you want to buy copies you can order them through smile wire, just email me and I'll give you the password

We're having...

2007-11-19T12:59:00.001-05:00

For those who didn't know yet. We are so excited. I wanted to post the ultrasound pic but I haven't gotten to walmart to scan it in yet. If you really want to get a gift, please contact us. surprisingly we've been getting clothes from people already. I already have many 6-12 month clothes and a few 3-6 month and even fewer 0-3 (but i think we'llbe getting more)

We are planning a water birth at St mary's birthing center. This pregnancy seems to be dragging for me. I want to see this baby so badly.

I'm doing really well health wise, and so's the baby. we have many names picke dout but we'll let you know when the time comes. =)

We'll post more later!!!

Finding out

2007-10-25T10:05:00.000-04:00

November 2nd at 9am we have our ultrasound apt to check the babies heart beat and find out what we are having.

At first I didn't want to know. I wanted it to be a surprise. But kevin really wants to know and his logic is that if it's a girl we have to have time to prepare.

As the time approaches to finding out, I'm becoming more and more eager. I find it hard to wait even one more week. Then when I think about how much longer I have till I see this baby, (about 5 more months) I get really antsty. I know time will fly by but It still seems so long.

Emotionally this pregnancy seems to me to be so much mor eup and down than I was with Rowan, but it's also probable that i've forgotten how up and down I was with him.

Weight this time is great. I'm 18 wks and only gained 6 lbs, when I was 18 weeks with Rowan I had already gained 14 lbs

Physically, The morning sickness was more than with Rowan, the fatigue was about the same. but I got the flu, then a head cold, then pink eye (all in the course of two weeks) So my immune system is low, (prob because I'm still nursing and I'm never hungry so I forget to eat)

I really have to force myself to eat sometimes. I'm not generally hungry and I'm not generally craving things. With Rowan I craved Ice cream all the time, this time, it varies, but mostly I'm not craving anything. every once in a wile I'll want something sweet but if I wait it passes and I don't want it anymore.

All in all, we are doing great. We are all scheduled to deliver at St Mary's birthing center and Lord willing the tub will be available and we can have our water birth.

We have not picked any names really, kevin thinks if it's a boy we chould name him aiden 9 but I've kinda grown tired of that name) and I think if it's a girl i want to name her Alina (means birhgt and beautiful) but Kevin doesn't like it. But then I didn't like Rowan and I conceeded for him and eventually loved the name.

I will post more later and we will also let everyone know what it is when we find out

Baby registry

2007-10-06T11:49:00.000-04:00

I've been told that having a second baby shower is not customary (however all my friends are doing it. No really everyone I've ever known has had a second or third or fourth baby shower) so I wanted to put this out to all the family to let them know that while we have a registry w really don't need much. A few things we had for rowan broke. Like our swing and our video camera. Also some things we didn't have for Rowan we want now is a digital camera and a nice sling.

Please do not feel obligated to buy anything or even come to the shower. I want this showers main forcus to be a fun get together to celebrate the creation of another life. It's not about gifts, but about family so I just wanted to put that out there.

I am posting the link to the registry if you feel inclined to look. I will add baby clothes when we find out the sex of the baby but the only clothes I would need is if it's a girl!

Ok thats all =)

http://www.target.com/gp/registry/registry.html/602-4663022-0734215?type=babyreg

I will be changing the registry because I can't decide what swing i want or which diaper bag (we don't use one for rowan anymore (except my purse) and the ones we had fell apart (free from the hospital)

A few updates

2007-10-01T20:02:00.000-04:00

Rowan had Croup this weekend, and seems to be doing fine. still has a slight fever but the cough is getting more productive and less painful. We woke up at 3 am on sunday morning to a barking cough follwed by an "oww, boo boo" from Rowan while touching his throat. He took a steam shower and hot bath and he was fine.

Rowan is saying so many words now and repeating thing,a nd figuring out how words should be applied. He's gettin so big. He also got a bike today, My boss gave us his kids bike, all we need to do is get training wheels.

I'm doing fine, I'm iin my 4th month and gained only 3 lbs. People say i look great but i feel fat and lumpy, can't wait till I'm out of this stage and actually feel pregnant.

We decided that we will go with Naugatuck Valley OBGYN, I like the midwives there.. and we will deliver at St Mary's in Waterbury, they have a wonderful birth center and we are aiming for that, and we are planning on a water birth. I am very excited since this is what I really wanted. Being in the water was so relaxing to me, and I've seen a few water births and they look wonderful and natural. We will plan to go natural again, (no drugs, no iduction, no interventions) We are praying that our wishes for this birth happen, but are preparing in case things don't go as planned

We will find out the sex of the baby in November.

I am still working part time but have cut my hours signifcantly. I no longer go in once a week but only when needed, and hopefully only once a month, and then I do work from home. I like it much better, than trying to find a sitter every week, and I hate leaving Rowan. We also decided that once the baby comes, ther'll be no more working for me, so we will have to tighten the strings even more.

Hope all are well!!!

Vacation

2007-08-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

We had a great tiime in SC. except it was HOT!!!! 100 almost every day. Then we come home to CT and it's 68 today and I'm wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt.

I wanted to show you guys pics and the pic of the ultrasound.

How I'm Feeling:
I'm feeling ok. not as tired as i was with rowan but sicker. I'm not throwing up but you know that feeling you get when you're starting to get sick and you know that if you just threw up you'd feel better? yeah I feel like that all day.

I ahven't gained weight I acutally and losing and gaining, but not gaining over my pre-pregnancy weight. I lost about 3lbs then gained 2 then lost then gained, now I'm at my pre-pregnancy weight.

I'm 2 months preg and already my belly is getting round. which is nice because at least I don't look fat, i just look 4 months preg.

Rowan
Is adding words to his vocabulary daily. words are more understandable now. He's such a ham too. this week he's been so cuddley with me and such a good boy.

Well i gotta go, but I'll post more later

Long time

2007-07-18T17:42:00.000-04:00

So it's been sucha long time since I've posted. Rowan is so big. Not saying much now, but he has his own language. He says Bop bop now for bannana bople for apple bop is ball although today he did say Bal? We tried teaching him the signs for more please, and he does more all done instead. (you have to see it to appreciate it)

we are getting settled into our new place and I love it. I miss the countriness of Canton but I love this apartment.

even though it's been a long time since I posted, because rowan and very active today I need to get goin, but here's a pic for you all

rowan climbing

2007-06-15T06:08:00.001-04:00

rowan climbing
Originally uploaded by sonrise

So I haven't posted in a while and I wanted to show you some pictures. Rowan is growing so fast this picture was taken I think around november. My video camer broke so I have no pictures after christmas. I need to buy a digital camera for better qualitya nd ability to upload to the web. all I have now is a reg 35mm

anyway look at this bugger climbing up on his table. IF you loook to the left you can see a cart that he pushed next to his music table then climbed on that to climb the music table to climb the wooden table under the window.

He's smart!

NEW YEAR

2007-01-04T22:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. We spent Christmas with my mom in SC. That was nice but too warm. From what I hear it was warm in CT as well. Weird warm weather we are having. 4th day in jan and still no snow.

Rowan had his first birthday. I will post pics. Wea re doing well. We feel prepared for a bit. We did a budget and are sticking to the envelope system. we did it before and it worked for us so we are doing it again.

Merry Christmas, We never send out cards. Sorry. just one of those things. But we love our friends and family dearly and hope you all can tell that. It not call us and we'll straighten you out, I mean we'll talk it out =)

Hope everyones new year is great. Love all of you lots

Dawn Kevin and Rowan

BIrthday!!!

2006-11-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

I can't belive he's going to be one. Dec 16th. It flew by and yet I feel like he's been a part of lives forever.

Some news: Rowan is throwing temper tantrums. He closes his eyes and stomps around the house while screaming. Today he boonked his head on a table because he was throwing a tantrum. Well serves him right. Now he won't nap today.

We are alrready decorating our house,and I already have a tree. I love Christmas

I am insured to be a Doula. I'm awaiting my first job. I have decided to pursue an education certificate so I can teach about Childbirth choice, breastfeeding, and other important issues around newborns, and pregnancy.

Kevin is working hard, but we had a date night the other night and we painted a plate. (long story) but in all he said it was the best birthday he'd had. When we walked out of the portery store it was 11pm we felt like kids int he candy store and said "what can we do now?" then i remembered We have to pick up our kid.

We love out new place in Canton I'll post pics soon.

and We are going to SC to see my mom for christmas just wish my brothers could be there.

Thats all for now

Merry Christmas

2006-11-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

New Rowan video

Rowan is walking!!! And he loves leaves apparently. Here is the latest from our family. Hope you enjoy.

2006-10-05T02:49:00.001-04:00

Rowan in Sc and drumming

rowan

2006-10-05T02:49:00.000-04:00

Rowan in Sc and drumming

the video will finally work now

link to video

2006-09-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DhS5affpXQ

for some reason the video won't work on the website so go here

EC and a video

2006-09-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

Ok just to clarify I'm not one of those moms who thinks she should practice EC (elimination Coommunication) Elimination communication (EC) is a form of nurturing in which a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues, and intuition to help an infant address his or her elimination needs, partially or completely avoiding the use of diapers (nappies) From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elimination_communication

so anyway, I told my mom how Rowan will go off into a corner and poop, then come out and come to me as if expecting me to change him. (well I do) anyway, she suggested that maybe this is a good time to just introduce the potty since he knows that what he's doing is something, since he goes off in a corner.

So I did. I saw him standing in a corner and pushing. So I took off his pants an diaper and placed him on the potty (there was already some poop in the diaper) anyway he sat there and pushed, till he finished. so my little boy used the tooilet for the first time today!!!

It's been a while since I wrote. There is so much goin on as always. We spent two weeks (Rowan and I kevin had to work) in SC visiting my mom. Kevin has a permenant route now. We are in need of a second car, but have no way of getting one, and we are trying to get into these apartments that will help us save money. Out goal is to have credit cards paid off before we buya home, coonsider moving out of state, or going back to school. It might take us 4 years but we will do it.

I've lost 10 lbs. Still have 40 left to go. I thought I could do it by christmas but I guess not!

Anyway, here is a video oof Rowan in SC, playing drums, and in a hot air baloon at our town festival in August

2006-08-26T12:14:00.000-04:00

Rowan

This is Rowan at Stonington Beach August 13th. Watch him eat the sand.

And then he's a mess after eating yogurt.

ENJOY guys!!!

2006-08-25T16:51:00.000-04:00

rowan ocean laugh

2006-07-27T23:57:00.000-04:00

rowan ocean laugh
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

First I have to appoligize. I spoke of Kevin out of turn. He doesn't like me talking to others about him preaching. Kevin is a private man and I have to repect that.

Anyway, here is Rowan in Newport , the first time he went to the ocean. We were supposed to go to Newport again tomorrow but I think we'll be rained out. I will pst more stuff when I get a chance.

love you all
Dawn

rowan ocean

2006-07-27T23:40:00.001-04:00

rowan ocean
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

4 of us

2006-07-27T23:40:00.000-04:00

4 of us
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

cole water 2

2006-07-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

cole water 2
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

cole flower

2006-07-27T23:22:00.000-04:00

cole flower
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

This is my girlfriends baby of one yr old. Isn't he precious

What we've been up to

2006-07-27T09:19:00.000-04:00

Rowan is 7 months old, and growing so fast. He is pulling himself up on furniture, he thinks he can walk so he lets go of the furniture, only to tumble. We are still nursing, and he is eating about 1 meal a day. He has little interest in food right now but we keep trying. He ate kidney beans last night. I was shocked because he didn't like the zucchini the other night but he ate the beans. There is a video on this site, please watch and see how he's growing. I will try to post more video here so you all can see him.

I am progressing toward my certification as a Post Partum Doula. I have two classes in August and a big two day class at the end of September. After that I have to write three papers and do about 18 hrs of internship. I am so excited to do this. The more I study the more I love it. A doula, for those who may not know, is a mothers helper,

"The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)"

A postpartum doula goes into the home after the birth and helps mom establish breastfeeding, and get her house in order. We take care of baby so mom can sleep and take care of any other little ones she has. We watch for post partum depression and any other medical problems that may arise and then encourage her to get help. I'm becoming very passionate about breastfeeding, so please don't ever get offended about my stance. I know that it is a choice. Just like eating junk food is a choice. There is that which is good for you and that which is not. If people had enough of the facts and support to make that decision then I believe more mothers would breastfeed their baby. For instance, did you know that one 12oz coke has 11 tsp of sugar? As I said there is that which is good and that which is not, the better choice would be water, but at least now I can make an informed decision and when I drink coke I know now what I am doing to my body.

I am also doing two plays. I am doing a children's Christmas play and an Easter play. The one I did two years ago I'm doing again for Easter, so if you are in town, I would love for you to come.

So that is what we are up to. Been a while since I posted. Hope that you all are doing well and that this heat is not killing you.

take care

Love Dawn Kevin and Rowan

2006-07-21T01:17:00.000-04:00

Rowan with new toy

trying again

2006-07-15T19:34:00.000-04:00

Rowan with new toy

here is a video but the quality is not that great

Baby Biscuit Recipe

2006-07-15T19:26:00.000-04:00

1cp flour
1cp baby cereal
1/2 cp water
1 mashed bannana
3 tbsp molases

mix together and add more flour if needed to make a dough consistency. form into any shape and bake on 300 for 30-40 min.

I made these for Rowan today and if kevin doesn't stop he'll eat them all. they are so good tasting. Rowan is loving it. I shaped them into biscotti shap[e and he loves it.

Rowan is doing great and I am hoping to post a video of him here soon

before cut

2006-06-12T16:01:00.001-04:00

before cut
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Rowan got a hair cut yesterday. He needed it. it was long in back and on the sides. I almost cried but didn't =0

after cut

2006-06-12T16:01:00.000-04:00

after cut
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

This is after. I think it's a little short, but Air force daddy loves it. It'll grow back though and this way it's not along his neck or behind his ears.

sleep

2006-05-25T23:45:00.000-04:00

sleep
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Isn't he Precious? Wish he'd sleep longer than 2 hrs at a time though. We've tried everythhing. Lettng him cry, sleep with us, feeding hium, putting him on a schedule. But Nothing is working.
Tooniight he was done with food, bath, book and iinn bed by 7:30 up at 8:30 played (because he just wouldn't go back to sleep) till 10:30 then in swing to make him go to sleep. hopefully he'll get better soon =)

(click on the pick to see more pictures)

tummy4

2006-03-10T22:10:00.000-05:00

tummy4
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

if you click on the pick you can see all the recently added photos.

He's so big, and he's playing a whole lot more now. Very active andstarting to sleep very well at night.

I'm at work about 10-12 hrs a week trying to up it but need someone to watch him.

went to the dr's got shots and he's doing great. His herniated Belly button should heal by the time he's 3 so there is nothing to worry about

he's such a joy to us

PICS

2006-03-10T22:07:00.000-05:00

http://photo.walgreens.com/home/t_=5171746 if you go here you should be able to orde prints from walgreens and they can either maiil thme to you or you can pick them up.

If you can't log on our name is kdbyington@yahoo.com and the pswd is rockwell

Rowan sleep

2006-03-05T07:08:00.000-05:00

Rowan sleep
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

He gorws so fast. Sorry guys. I posted this yesterday but it didn't post to my site. I hope it works this time

We spent two weeks on vaca. We went to see nanna in VA and Grandma in SC. I swear in the two weeks we were gone he grew. He's now in a size Two diaper.

Seems like only a week ago he was in Newborns. I have many more pics from our vaca but I'll get them up soon

Kevin also looked at a seminary down in Greenville. He's going to be applying and it looks like we might be moving by the end of the year (Lord Willing)

Take care everyone and we love you

no cause for concern

2006-02-09T09:47:00.000-05:00

Apparently my last post caused some cooncern for my husband. I wanted to let everyone know that, these are just ventings of my heart. I'm not going off the deep end. Yet. =)

But adjusting to a new baby is a challenge. A challenge I love but nontheless a challenge. Like going to a new school or moviing to a new neighborhoood when your 7.

You adjust, and in time it's great. but first you struggle and learn and grow and feel things intensely.

He is getting better though.. Some nights eating every three hours. Unless he has bad gas. and so far i see no corrilation between what i eat and his gas.

But i know that things will get better.

I've resigned

2006-02-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

I need help. 4 nights in a row we are up at 1 am and he doesn't fall asleep till around 4:30 or 5, Dr says it could be something i ate,m so we are do an elinimation diet, for three days. in the meantiime, i'm so exhausted i cry whenever he cries or even just when getting my tea in the am.

he finally has calmed down after being up since 9 for a feeding. it took me putting him in a sling to get him to settle down and go back to sleep.

i hate asking for help, and the fact is I wouldn't even know who to ask for help or even what i would want them to do for me. all i know is i can't do another night like this and neither can kevin. I love my little guy, but it's becomng so draining on both of us

billyfeet

2006-01-16T00:10:00.000-05:00

billyfeet
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

here is rowan in his billy blanket

i cried that whole nighht. thank God my mom was there to stay up with him.

hewas on this for two days

tummy time

2006-01-16T00:07:00.000-05:00

tummy time 2
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

here is just before rowan turned himself over.

he doesn't like tummy time much but he's learning to

in shower

2006-01-16T00:05:00.000-05:00

in shower
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

here is rowan in theshower he loved it

he didn't like bathsat first but loved the feeling of the shower

playtime

2006-01-15T22:32:00.000-05:00

playtime
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

here is a pic of rowan and I playing with a rattle. he's a very alert baby and is just beginning to fit in 0-3 monnth clothes. he was in premie and newborns

Rough week

2005-12-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

We had a rough first week with our little bugger. Sunday they did a test for jaundice and sure nough he had a high billiruben count (the thing that causes jaundice) so they stuck him under the lights and hoped for the best.

now we are in Jan, and he is doing so well. he has no more jaundice, he is growing so fast too. He's 8lbs now (was 6.8 two weeks ago) and he's 20.5 inches

we are trying to get him on some sort of sleeping schedule. kevin goes back to work this thursday and i'll bee starting back soon as well. don't know how many hours i'll be able to do at first.

I'm doing fine,, a little emotional but getting through. the hardest part is operting without sleep. Also he was doing very well switching from breast to bottle and back again, but lately he's been frustraed with breastfeeding (doesn't come out fast enough) so i think we'll have to go without the bottle for a few days to get him back on the breast.

he's healthy and so cute. so many nuances to watch for. the hard part is not sleeping all day when we feel like it, and actually playing with him and keeping him up, and cleaning house and all that.

but i'll tell ya, there is nothing in the world like being new parents.

he flipped himself over the other day during tummy time. he was mad and pushed hiself over his tummy time pillow and skipped over. he wasn't scared but just layed there like "this is cool"

I have posted pics on walgreens. you are able to get on there and orde pics and have them either mailed to you or you can pick them up at any local walgreens.

to get on go to http://www.walgreens.com and click on photos, ener kdbyington@yahoo.com for the user name and byington for the password ( ithink if not it's rockwell) and then you'll see our photo albums that you can order photos from

we love you all

Dawn, Kevin and Rowan

Rowan

2005-12-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

Rowrn 5
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Birth story

2005-12-20T20:40:00.000-05:00

Thursday morning they admitted me, and then discharged me saying that my blood pressure was going back down and the back pains were just pregnancy pains. So I went home. Still feeling like I had the flu and aching all over.

At 6pm my water broke, (thought I didn’t want to get my hopes up till the doc checked me out and confirmed it) I had my first contraction at 6:30 and was in the hospital by I think 7:30. At first the contractions were not that bad, but they were all in my back, occasionally they would migrate to the front but not all the time.

I sat in the shower, my husband rubbed my back, we played music and tried to breathe during the contractions. They put an aqua Dula in the room ( a huge round tub filled with warm water) I was able to sit in this for I believe 2-3 hours. It was great. Both of my brothers were in the room with me and my husband (unconventional I know but they were a godsend) they took turns getting ice, rubbing my back, holding my hand and helping me breathe through the contractions.

As the hours passed the contractions grew in intensity. Soon I had no break between then for at least 3 hours, they were right on top ion one another.

I got out of the tub, and the only comfortable position for me was sitting on the edge of a chair. My husband rubbed my lower back the whole time. I tried to stand up it only made the contractions feel worse, I tried getting on all fours, and sitting on a birthing ball, but still it all felt worse. So I sat and rocked myself on the edge of the chair. My midwife let me breathe anyway that felt good to me (which was more like hyperventilating but it helped) while the RN kept telling me to stop breathing like that and take deep breaths, (but that only hurt more)

We forgot to give them our birthing plan, but they did everything we asked and respected that I said no meds, and never once pushed them on me. At 12:30 they placed me on the bed, because the midwife said that my contractions and my breathing sounded like I was grunting and she wanted to check things out. (they wanted to check the baby’s heart because of all the blood pressure and pre-eclampsia problems)

As soon as I got on the bed, I said, “I GOT TO PUSH” so the midwife immediately laid me down and said ok, go ahead. They ushered my brothers out of the room (per my request) and let me push as I felt fit to do. She watched, the RN held one leg, my husband held the other. They asked me if I wanted to try another position but I told them that this felt really good and I wanted to stay in this position. They lowered the foot of the bed, so my body was able to work with gravity. I pushed for 30 min. As I was pushing it occurred to me that the pushing didn’t hurt, it was just the fact that you are pushing a bowling ball out of you that makes you grunt but it truly didn’t hurt. Until the last push, I felt him coming, I pushed then all of a sudden I felt a burning, I screamed, and wanted to wait to push again because I didn’t want to tear, but the little bugger didn’t wait and he came out anyway, and unfortunately tearing me along the way.

They laid him on me immediately and allowed the cord to stop pumping blood before they let me husband cut it. He was able to lay on me for quite a while, But thought I tried to get him to nurse he didn’t. The placenta came out fine as well without any meds, and then after the stitching and his exam, I was able to sit back and see this beautiful thing that grew inside me for 9 months.

All the nurses, the docs, and the midwives present said that the labor was beautiful and I handled it beautifully. They all commented on how well I worked with my body. Thing was, it was as though my body went on auto and I never really had to think, it just did what it was created to do.

That’s all I’m going to write for now. God is truly a wondrous God in that he heard my pleas for a natural birth and he provided a way even though at first all seemed hopeless.

Thank you all for your prayers.

2005-12-14T22:59:00.000-05:00

Well we had an eventful day today. I thought the next time I’d be writing in this blog I’d be holding my baby.

I went in for my checkup today and my ultrasound. My blood pressure was 141/92 and the protein in my urine was 4+. They immediately admitted me into the hospital and began to prep me for induction. (Setting up an hep block?) anyway, they did a blood test a urine test and monitored my blood pressure for about two hours. Then they came back and said this

My blood pressure was down to 126/80 the protein in my urine (when they a real one and not a dip stick) was still at 3+ (not the 4+ as earlier) and my uric acids levels dropped from 6.8 to 5

They saw no reason to induce and sent me home. They did however try to manually strip the membranes (painful) and then gave me a number for an acupuncturist for labor induction. (my midwife doesn’t’ like to use pitocin and when she found out that we would rather go another route she set us up with that number.

So I didn’t get my ultrasound but I get it tomorrow and they will check the fluid levels, the placenta, and the baby’s growth.

The midwife asked if I found a cure for preeclampsia, since these levels don’t drop unless you’ve delivered the baby already. I think with the prayers and faith, and wisdom God gave us, we are able to keep my body healthy until the baby is ready.

I researched online looking for a natural homemade tomato soup recipe. I stumbled across an article about miso soup, the day before I had, had miso soup at a Japanese restaurant. I found out that miso soup is actually a treatment for hypertension (which is basically what toxemia is)

So we went back to the restaurant and order lots of soup and I ate it for two days. I’ve done nothing but sit on the couch and sleep ( and feel like a slug because I can’t even take care of my house)

Other than that, the baby’s heart was strong and he was very active in the hospital. He got the hiccups while on the monitor and it was so funny, but we could also hear him getting aggravated, as his heart rate would race ever time he had a bout of hiccups.

So unless something changes, they are going to wait till the baby comes naturally. (but she did mention that she doesn’t think they’ll let me go past 39 weeks.)

It’s been a challenge. But we are so excited now to see him that I wished with all my heart that he would have started to come in the hospital today. My body is in pain. But staying on the couch and taking hot showers has been helping.
Thank you for all the prayers.

We love you

Dawn and Kevin

thanksgiving again

2005-12-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Lets try this again. I'm trying a different hosting company. I had no problem getting it fromt he site but that doesn't mean anything so here it is again for the Wilk family thanksgiving

DB

camera.mov

http://storeandserve.com/download/34208/camera.mov.html

instructions:
when you get to the site you will have to download the file so look for the download now, or for a link that says camera.mov

it downloads in quicktime format (a movie program for mac) somethimes windows will be able to play it on media player, but you can download wuicktime for free from apple http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/mac.html

this way the file is not hosted online but actually downloaded to your desktop. let me know if you have any problems

So Swollen

2005-12-09T11:46:00.000-05:00

dawn swollen
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Here is a pic for all of you to see how swollent his preeclampsia has made me. I feel deformed. I will post later a picutre of me before i was pregnant

can't wait for this baby to come

Thanksgiving 20005

2005-12-08T09:06:00.000-05:00

Well I found it a way to take our video and host it n the web for free go to this link and see the fammily at thanksgiving

http://www.putfile.com/sonrise

let me know if you have any problems viewing it.

this is Kevins family. unfortunately his mom and sister Luara could not be there and we missed them. we hope to see them for Christmas.

Mucus Plug

2005-12-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

Lost it last night, meaning labor can start naturally anytime now or be up to three weeks away. kevin and I are excited now and are praying that God brngs this baby naturally with no induction, no meds and that the baby is fine

I spent a lot of time crying last night thinking that somehow this is all my fault, that I could have prevented it or something I did caused it. Some think it was diet, (but Kevin and I eat healthy and try not to eat prepkgd food) so it could be stress. and I know that my body internalizes stress,

at any rate Kevin calmed me down and when i lost the mucus plug and we prayed we both have a pace now. We are thinking that the baby may come this weekend or early next week.

we are having a huge snow storm tomorrow, (dumping 8 in) and my apt for a tox screen is tomorrow. I'm calling today to see if we could do the tox screen tonight just so i don't have to come out in the storm.

we'll see what happens.

keep us in prayer, and me es[ecially. I'm home on bed rest and resting is hard for me, I want to clean and organize, but I promised Kevn that the most I would do is sit at the computer =)

we love ou all and thank you for the prayers

NEED PRAYER!!!

2005-12-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

Let me start with the whole story.

Kevin is on the overtime list, and has worked much overtime in the past few weeks with only one day off and working very late. He was told yesterday that he may have to come in today but they would call early in the morning to let him know. I had a Dr's apt and I really wanted him there. The nagging feeling that he should be at this one was strong. So 6am passed and no call we thought we were int he clear., then at 7:30 they call him in. Two openings, a full route starting immediatly or come in at noon to do collections. either way it was much needed money.

He prayed about it on the phone and I prayed that the Lord just show us what he wanted us to do and give Kevin wisdom. He declined both openings, and we headed off to the dr's apt

We thought it would be a normal apt just a little longer due to an nternal exam that was customary at this stage. there were several things noticed and taken into consieration by the midwife.
1. 11lb weight gain in 3 wks
2. high blood pressure
3. protiene in urine
4. my complaint of a severe migraine that didn't go away with meds or rest
5. severe swelling in my feet that wouldn't go away
6. severe congestion in my head that wouldn't go away after taking sinus meds

so they did a non stress test and the baby tested fine. He's got a healthy heart beat and healthy movement, I'm 1+ cent dialated and 80% effaced.

good news

so they do more blood work and urine test, and then schedule me for an ultrasound later.

a 9am apt lasted till 11:30

we go to our ultrasound apt. the lady didn't say much took measurements and said that the baby is around 5lbs 14oz and average for being 36wks she mentioned the placenta was level or stage 3 and said nothing more. we go home thinking that I'm fine just need to take it easy for a few days

then the Dr calls. there are high levels of Uric Acid in my body from the kidnesy, the liver and my platelets looks ok, but they are concerned about the placenta, she said with it being level 3 it means it's old and will start to deteriorate. meaning they don't want to wait till I'm full term in 4 wks

so they are monitoring my blood pressure, my urine, and the baby's heartbeat, every other day. they say if any levels rise, if anything looks wrong or takes a turn they will induce me next week.

they want to wait till I"m 37 wks (next Friday Dec 16th) bbefore they induce so we are praying that all things stay low, and that rest will be effective. They say they don't know what causes toxemia but that stress could have been a factor.

theya re more concerned for my health than for the baby's/ they say because the baby's vital functions look good, theya re concerned that the toxemia will affect my kidneys and liver, because my body is not flushing it's toxins but storing it in my tissue.

please keep us in prayer. this is scary even though I know it's in God's hands

Coming soon!!!!

2005-12-02T23:26:00.000-05:00

We figure between 3-5 more weeks. We are so excied and this is my favorite time of year, so the memories of these last few weeks will be filled with holiday specials, christmas music and beautiful decorations.

I am feeling the normal 9th month pain, painful back and joints. getting up to go to the bathroom at night becomes a full 10 min ordeal. and poor Kevin usual is awakened my my groaning as I try to lift myself out of bed. The bad part is the inabiulity to sleep. For iinstance one night i went to bed at 1:30 and woke up at 4:30 and then didn't go back to sleep till 8am and woke up at 10:30 (and I was supposed to be in work for 9am

BUt all in all I am extrememly excited about the baby. I can't wait to see him. I am much bigger now and feel as though i can't possibly get any bigger. the baby still moves around a lot and he;'s in the head down position/

Next week is a huge exam apt and we'll hopefuly find out how big he is.

The baby's room is done and I am trying to find a website to host video so you all can see videos of the rooom and of the baby when he comes.

We love all of you and covet prayers. We'll keep you updated

Dawn

Baby boom?

2005-11-22T14:07:00.000-05:00

In the past year, 13 people I know have been pregnant and have given or will give birth. (only two miscarried)

In my family alone If this baby is born before the new year, we will have three new grandchildren added

It's amazing to me. I really feel like everywhere I look these days there are pregnant ladies. So I think our society is in for another boom.

it's exciting though to see all these women having babies and caring for their families.

just had to pass that thought on

Fav pic

2005-11-04T13:06:00.000-05:00

Dawn b&W
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

I like this one, it's going to be hung in a matted frame in the baby's room, and when the baby comes, we'll take a pic of me and the abby and put that on the wall next to this one

pics

2005-11-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

kev and Dawn
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

New pics

2005-11-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

kev dawn 2 cropped
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

We got pics done!!!

We had pics done for our engagement and of course pics of our wedding, but nothing of us as a family yet, and now we have a pic of our family and our one on it's way.

I like the b&w one, the others are ok

New Hours

2005-10-17T13:30:00.000-04:00

We have such a praise report.

Kevin and I have been worried about my health lately. I've been more the usually anxious, nervous, upset. and we know it hormones but we felt that there was some undue stress in my life from my job, and we needed to cut back. We prayed for weeks about cutting hours, and prayed that there would not be a fight with my boss about cutting ours.

We went to the Docs on wednesday and she was a little concerned about High blood pressure, and the baby's heartbeat being really fast after I had finished explaining to her my job situation.

Well we came to my boss with a docs note and a letter I had written a week ago regarding what I was feeling from the job. He came to me the next day and said that he doesn't want me to work more than 2 days a week. and if I wanted I could do some marketing from home, but not necessary.

We are so thankful and now until I find someone to replace me at the front desk I am workin 4 day 9-3. I've slept so much lately it feels so good.

I'll write more later

Counting Down

2005-09-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

Less than a hundred days before the baby comes. Please pray for us. On Oct 12 I see the Doc again and I'm going to ask for a note to get out work. The stress of work and a first baby is getting to me. Usually I could handle it, but hormones are to blame for this one.

I'd really like to be layed off and collect until I'm ready to come back to work in April. We are even praying if I'm gonna return here. It's a good job and If I can work from home I'd return if not then we may have to drop to a single income for a while.

I'm excited Kevin is painting the baby's room, and it looks great. the colors we picked out are not too subdued and not too bright. I can't wait till it's done and I can start decorating it.

South Carolina

2005-09-23T09:01:00.000-04:00

I flew last night (late) to South Carolina to visit my mom. Boy did my feet swell!!! It was ugly.

The trip was fine, just a lot of walking between terminals.

One thing I noticed was that hardly anyone cared that I was pregnant. No one helped me put my bag up. No one allowed me on the plane early to get settles., No one allowed me inline when the line was like a mile long.

The only person who showed any concern was the flight attendant on my flight out of Washington. She helped me put my bag up, she handed me a pillow and blanket without me asking. she asked me first what i wanted to drink (granted I was in the first row) but still she made an effort to make sure that I was comfortable. She also watched me during the flight to make sure that i wasn't going into labor or something.

I am just amazed though at how people seem to not care any more. I have to wonder; is it just due to the fact that we grow increasingly distant from others with all our mobile technology. Meaning with all our gadgets the need for human contact is diminished. But the need on our part to revcieve it is not. Or is it simply that becuase woman faught so hard to equality and woman rights, that now we are viewed as men? IN every sense of the word. Does no one recognize frailty anymore?

Or could it be that a pregnant lady is no longer a miracle? With all our "Scientific" study of the "fetus" (baby in my book) and with all the abortions (womans rights) and all the pregnancies out side of marraige. is it not considered a miracle? Does no one redcognize the beauty of carrying a child, the pain and pleasure that go hand and hand in it? Does no one look at a pregnant lady and say, "Wow, this is amazing" When I look at my belly i am in awe. I cannot understand and comprehend how a life comes out of this. To think that we all started this way. that we all at one point in our lives were dependent on another human being.

the sad thing is I wish every child could have a safe and nurturing upbringing. And the more I see of this world and the people that live in it, the More i want to raise my child in a bubble.

But it's good for us to be exposed to the world and all it's ugliness right? because surely it can't all be ugly. In the middle of what I thought was a bed of thorns there was a rose that stood out and made it all go away. She handled me with the awe and care I would expect from someone who understands miracles, and life.

IT's just amazing to me how we separate ourselves from things and people. even I do. and it makes me want to leave my job and work on helping people. sometimes I wish I could just spend time talking to others and making their lives better. Then there are other times When I want to be alone in a wilderness.

Mayeb it's time with this new baby comign to reevaluate my job and what I do in life, and find that thing that I hear God calling me to. Maybe it's time to finally start writing again.

At any rate, we ashumans, who inhabit this wonderful earth that was handed into our care, ought to view life more sacredly, more honorably, and see the miracles that are right before our eyes.

Thank you

2005-09-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you for all your prayers. Things seem to be ok now. I'm still overwhelmed and trying to regroup.

I know God is in control. Sometimes it's just hard to let go of what's going on in the mind and let the spirit guide.

Polyp bleeding

2005-09-17T11:42:00.000-04:00

Kevin and I had a serious scare Thursday night.

We went over to Tim and Lindas house (our pastors). While there I started bleeding. It wasn't much but it was definately scary. I called the doctor right away and she said it could be caused by intercourse and not to worry about it unless it doesn't stop in an hour. I went home and still was bleeding. I noticed that it seemed to be stopping and went to bed. I woke the next morning and there was so much blood i panicked. We called the doctor immediately and they told us to get to the ER.

We went and they brought us to labor and delivery. They hooked me up in a contraction and fetal heart monitor. Once i heard his heart beat, i began to calm down. All i wanted to know was that he was ok.

We waited for over an hour. The midwife and nurse came in and did a pelvic exam. The midwife said the bleeding was coming from a polyp on my cervix and she didn't see any bleeding from the cervix. She put me on bed rest for the day and said it would stop bleeding by the end of the day.

So here it is Sat morning and I'm still bleeding. I read online that infections could be caused during pregnancy by a bleeding polyp and that some woman even dilate and deliver prematurely due to a polyp.

We are praying that this bleeding stops and that things are ok. I also read that any cervical movement, growth, or even intercourse could cause the bleeding again. Though the midwife says that the bleeding will stop and there is nothing to worry about, i worry. Please keep us in prayer.

One fun note was that the baby was being a brat that day. HE kept kicking the fetal heart monitor, hard. He would kick and kick, and then he would move and then we'd hear no heart beat. this would cause all the bells and whistles to go off and the nurse would come in and reposition the monitor. Then he'd do it again. It was very comical.

I think this baby is going to e a very active independent and strong personality (Lord help us)

We are painting the baby's room next friday. I can't wait. I 'm so eager to set it all up and prepare. We were so blessed by gifts from our shower. Only a few more things that we have to buy.

We love you all and please remember us in prayer. I will update everyone when something changes

Love ya

Dawn

Praise him

2005-09-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

Psalm 149

1 Praise the LORD. [c]
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

3 Let them praise his name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

4 For the LORD takes delight in his people;
he crowns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints rejoice in this honor
and sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,

7 to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with fetters,
their nobles with shackles of iron,

9 to carry out the sentence written against them.
This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.

Psalm 150

1 Praise the LORD. [d]
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

Baby Registry

2005-08-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/Registry/Search.process

Here is the link for the baby registry. We don't need too much but every little thing helps. Actually gift cards to grocery or gas are very welcome. For about 6 weeks I'll be at half pay and I'm hoping to be able to take another 6 weeks without pay.

Lots of things are still up in the air, but God knows what he wants me to do.

Everything is going well, and the Baby shower (done by my church) will be Sept 11, at 1:30 at our church in Plainville, if you want directions just let me know.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. it's such a joy and a strain being pregnant.

Take care

Dawn

Apt yesterday

2005-08-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't been feeling well and still aren't. I feel like I'm getting sick but I'm not sick yet, so I'm trying to rest etc.

Last week my feet swelled so fast and so big that I thought something was wrong. They hurt soooo bad. But within a week they are almost back to normal. The dr said yesterday that the baby must have been sitting on a nerve and cutting off circulation.

Then this week, for two days I didn't feel the baby move, and i ached all over, to top it all off I was getting severe cramping in my belly.

when we went to the dr she said again, seems like he's moving onto nerves. I feel him kicking hard now, and still have cramping but not as bad.

so then she goes to hear the heart beat. We hear the heart beat very faintly, and then we hear a swish and no heart beat. she tries again and the same thing. She finally told us what was going on.

"Every time I get his heart beat he turns away from me. that's the swishing sound. She kept trying for like 3 min, and he kept turning away. It was so funny.

My baby is already a brat!!

Anyway, please pray for me as I do not feel to well, and I'm still at work. I'm thinking of cutting down to 32 hours in oct and 20 hours in dec. We need the money but I know that as it gets closer and i get bigger i do not want to be chained to a desk.

Also for any of you who are interested, the ladies in our church are planning a baby shower, but they didn't tell me which date they decided on. They told me because they wanted to make sure that i was around.

Looks like either the sunday before labor day or the sunday after. it'll be around 1:30 so it'll be after church at our church. I am also registered at Baby Depot (it's part of burlington coat factory) it's cheaper than babiesrus and they are also online.

So if you want you can look up the registry online, and have them ship it right to our house.

Hope everyone is doing well. This mamma wants to go home and sleep. I wish I could but I feel bad that I've already taken so much time off.

I have that issues in me. Every time I take time off because I don't feel well due to the baby or migraines due to the baby, i feel guilty. Here's why, if I wasn't pregnant I'd be at work, so why since I'm pregnant do I have to stay home? I know I'm taking care of another human being, but I feel like I'm a woman I should be able to be at work and in pain.

anyway that's my news today.

Take care

WHAT A TRUE MARRAIGE IS

2005-08-12T15:14:00.000-04:00

I was at work listening to some new CDs I bought when this song came on. It was Sara Groves, (one of my favorites, at my wedding I walked down to her song "Fly"

Anyway, as I listened to the words of this song, I began to cry. I wish I could link to the audio of this so you can hear the beautiful melody she married with these words.

Simply put this is what marriage is to me, Rolling to the Middle

Roll to the middle

We just had WW3 here in our kitchen
We both thought the meanest things
Then we both said them
We shot at each other till we both lost ammunition

This is how I know our love
And this is when I feel its power
Here in the absence of
This is our darkest hour
Both of us are hunkered down
And waiting for the truth

All the complicated wars
They end pretty simple
Here when the lights go out
We roll to the middle

No matter how my pride resists
No matter how wall feels true
No matter how I can’t be sure
That your gonna roll in too,
No matter what
No matter what
I’m gonna reach for you

full baby1

2005-08-05T16:31:00.000-04:00

full baby1
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

It was so wonderful seeing these pictures and seeing how amazing this life is already. We were talking about how people have abortions this late in pregnancy, and we just can't understand how someone can't see this as a life. It's moving and doing things on it's own. It's truly wonderful.

We still haven't decided on names but are leaning toward Rowan or Elijah. We're going to keep praying and see what God tells us.

It looked so comfortable in there for him. and I wanted to hold him right then.

This is all so new and wonderful. I hope and pray that all our pregnancies are this exciting and new to us.

God bless and I'll keep you all updated

love Dawn and Kevin

full baby3

2005-08-05T16:24:00.000-04:00

full baby3
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Here is another full shot of the baby. When she was scanning the baby kept kicking whenever the ultrsaound was over his feet and kept trying to punch when she came close to his hands

boy

2005-08-05T16:23:00.000-04:00

boy
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Here is what Kevin fondly calls the baby's Manhood.

On the left you see one leg, the bottom are his little buttocks, and right in the middle is the proof we needed!

foot

2005-08-05T16:22:00.000-04:00

foot
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Everything looked clearer on the screen than it does in the picture. Can you see the little foot and little toes?

hand

2005-08-05T16:21:00.001-04:00

hand
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Here is his little hand. It looks like it's in a fist, what you see is the bones in his fingers

full baby 2

2005-08-05T16:21:00.000-04:00

full baby 2
Originally uploaded by sonrise.

Here is our baby. See if you can make out the little features.

This is so exciting. We saw him moving, and boy did he move a lot!