On my last post I asked what my wonderful readers wanted to hear about (cause I have so many). I will answer them all but this one question really stuck out in my mind.
Bethany asked:
"There is a huge movement towards midwifery and natural childbirth and all things UN medicated in pregnancy (like Ina May Gaskin). What do you think? Did they teach you this in school at all? Also, would you prefer non medical interventions in pregnancy?"
Initially I wanted to answer it two ways, as a mom and as a nurse, but soon realized I cannot and do not want to separate the two. So here are my thoughts.
I think natural childbirth is amazing, and have been present one of the two times my amazing sister, Jessica did it. She was never in agonizing pain, she kept her cool, and she and her girls had wonderful outcomes. However, anyone who knows us both knows we are polar opposites when it comes to deliveries. Because all three of my births have required lots of intervention. With my first I was induced 12 days past my due date only to end up with a c-section. With my second I elected to have a c-section at 39 weeks because 12 extra days is very unpleasant. I did opt to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) if I went in to labor before 39 weeks, but that did not happen. With the third I had lots of medical intervention. With having had gestational diabetes and needing insulin I got lots of extra tests, ultrasounds, monitoring and appointments. Then I got a unexpected early delivery date with even more medical intervention than the other two for me and baby Ella.
So to answer that question is hard. In the perfect world there would be a home like birthing center located down the hall from an OR. Cause I believe that childbirth should be a natural process. Really. Deep down in the bottom of my heart. But, with all my deliveries I am reminded that prior to all the medical advancements it was very common for women to die during childbirth. Or for more children to have birth-related-disabilities, or be stillborn. And I think midwives can be wonderful. As we all know the majority of laboring is done with the nurse, not the doctor, so to have a midwife (who is basically a nurse that is super-specialized in labor) with you that is awesome. Of course I do believe they should be overseen by a physician, and that you should have at least one visit with that physician. But it really doesn't matter because in Missouri they aren't "legal". Not to say they aren't around and used, but that is a whole different story and I think there are efforts going on to change that.
And as far as what they teach us in nursing school - basically the least amount of intervention possible to get the best outcome. So if I were (and hope to be someday when my kids are older) a labor and delivery nurse I would like to think the way I would practice would be to have everything prepared and ready for the worst case scenario, that way I never have to use any of it. Does that make any sense?
One last comment, when I was induced with my oldest I did have an epidural. I have NO objections to them whatsoever. I think some people cannot remain "in control" when they are in pain. And when it is all said and done, no matter how they get here, they are a precious child of God that we delivered and that is all that matters.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
It's getting to be that time. . .
That's right ladies, Fall is just around the corner. I am hoping that will mean more time to blog. So what do y'all wanna know? I have definately had lots of changes in the last 6 months in my life, so what do you wanna know about? Here are a few highlights, in random order.
- New baby
- New job
- 1st Day of Preschool
- 1st Day of Third Grade
- Girls Bible Horse Camp
- 14 year Wedding anniversary
- 33rd Birthday
- Branson
- Springfield Cardinals Game
- Home from Afghanistan
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- The Third
- Gestational Diabetes, CSection, and IV's
- Scared of the Dark
- TBall
- Bantam Ball
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Introducing. . . .
Ella Reese Marcee
Born May 26, 2011 at 5:22 pm
11 lbs. 13.5 oz
21 1/4" long
She made an early "urgent" appearance. I wasn't used to this kind of pregnancy, delivery, or having a baby stuck in the nursery on an IV. It broke my heart and left me wondering if I did something wrong and caused her all these troubles. So I prayed, alot, and alot of other people prayed, alot. And it all turned out just wonderful. She is a huge (literally) blessing to our family and we love her so much. I was trying to remember this morning what life was like before Ella, it wasn't nearly as much fun. She has, in her 17 days, taught both my kids about being helpers for Mom and Dad, they are learning patience, and they are wonderful siblings. They make me so proud!
Some pictures of my beautiful three children.
Bath Time
One of my favorite pictures yet
Born May 26, 2011 at 5:22 pm
11 lbs. 13.5 oz
21 1/4" long
She made an early "urgent" appearance. I wasn't used to this kind of pregnancy, delivery, or having a baby stuck in the nursery on an IV. It broke my heart and left me wondering if I did something wrong and caused her all these troubles. So I prayed, alot, and alot of other people prayed, alot. And it all turned out just wonderful. She is a huge (literally) blessing to our family and we love her so much. I was trying to remember this morning what life was like before Ella, it wasn't nearly as much fun. She has, in her 17 days, taught both my kids about being helpers for Mom and Dad, they are learning patience, and they are wonderful siblings. They make me so proud!
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| Just the three of us! Yep I look exhausted, I was. But I was so relieved she was here. |
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| Our little Glo Worm - all decked out in her Bili Blanket, stylish eye protection, and IV! |
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| Daddy was so nervous, definately the most nerve wracking delivery. I am amazed at how he can be so calm when someone else is having a medical emergency, but when it is me or one of his babies he is like anyone else - a wreck! |
Some pictures of my beautiful three children.
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| Big Brother is so proud! |
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| And Big Sis adores you! |
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| Yes, she has enough chins and cheeks for everyone! But we love them all. |
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| A rare moment when the older two weren't fighting over who was holding her next. . . |
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| The entire family is required to give her a bath. |
One of my favorite pictures yet
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| Ella Reese Marcee |
Monday, May 9, 2011
Reflection
So May has finally come around and I am so excited! Not only is my last day of school and birthday May 25th but I will also be a mom for the third time around on (or before) May 31st. Here are some random thoughts I have. . .
I can't wait to post pics of The Fabulous Marcee Five
- 21 days from now I will have taken my last insulin shot and poke my finger for a blood sample for the last time
- 21 days from now I will look at my two kids and pray that the new baby in their lives brings them only joy and happiness and not jealousy and resentment
- 21 days from now I will lay down to go to sleep for the last time (ever - unless God plays a trick on me) with a baby in my womb
- 21 days from now Hannah and Jackson will seem so little when they go to bed but seem so big when I see them holding their baby sister for the first time
- 21 days from now our lives will forever be blessed by a new child of God
I can't wait to post pics of The Fabulous Marcee Five
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What's New?
Well, it has been a while since I have posted so I thought I would update my friends!
Scott- getting ready to start vacation tomorrow. And I will have a daily to-do list for him! We need to try and get as much done as possible while he is home to get ready for D-Day! Besides that he is wonderful. Loving that Spring is here and fishing time is here. He did recently pass his Relief Engineer Operator test so he can now drive the big fire trucks at Mehlville, and isn't that every little boy's dream!
Hannah - had her first soccer game Saturday and did awesome! Those long legs really come in handy! She continues to do great at school, math is a bit of a struggle but we are getting there. She has a few months of gymnastics left. She is so excited to meet the baby!
Jackson - getting ready to be 4! It is so hard to believe. He loves preschool, but says it is "hard work". But he is learning so much. He is also playing soccer, or at least he claims he is. We will see if he actually plays Tuesday night. He is just as excited as his daddy for fishing time. And is pretty excited to be a Big Brother!
Baby #3 - doing great! Still don't have a "definite" name, but more than likely it is gonna be little Ella Reese. She is just getting bigger all the time and very much enjoys kicking her Mom!
Me - well let's see, I love my new job! I love that Hannah goes to school with me and comes to my office after school. I love getting my lunch there and being able to sneak her a smoochie. And the kids are pretty cool too. As far as the pregnancy goes well we have had a few "complications". About a month ago I got diagnosed with gestational diabetes :(. Boooooooo. So I had to go see a dietitian and get on a diabetic diet and check my sugars four times a day. I had an appointment this week to see Dr Cunningham and unfortunately I had to start taking insulin at bedtime. More Boooooooo. So this means I will have to do additional ultrasounds and non-stress tests for the rest of the pregnancy. Pretty bummed out about this, but I know it is what is best for the little baby girl so I have put on my big girl pants and am dealing with it.
I think that is about it for now, what do you guys think of my new look?
Scott- getting ready to start vacation tomorrow. And I will have a daily to-do list for him! We need to try and get as much done as possible while he is home to get ready for D-Day! Besides that he is wonderful. Loving that Spring is here and fishing time is here. He did recently pass his Relief Engineer Operator test so he can now drive the big fire trucks at Mehlville, and isn't that every little boy's dream!
Hannah - had her first soccer game Saturday and did awesome! Those long legs really come in handy! She continues to do great at school, math is a bit of a struggle but we are getting there. She has a few months of gymnastics left. She is so excited to meet the baby!
Jackson - getting ready to be 4! It is so hard to believe. He loves preschool, but says it is "hard work". But he is learning so much. He is also playing soccer, or at least he claims he is. We will see if he actually plays Tuesday night. He is just as excited as his daddy for fishing time. And is pretty excited to be a Big Brother!
Baby #3 - doing great! Still don't have a "definite" name, but more than likely it is gonna be little Ella Reese. She is just getting bigger all the time and very much enjoys kicking her Mom!
Me - well let's see, I love my new job! I love that Hannah goes to school with me and comes to my office after school. I love getting my lunch there and being able to sneak her a smoochie. And the kids are pretty cool too. As far as the pregnancy goes well we have had a few "complications". About a month ago I got diagnosed with gestational diabetes :(. Boooooooo. So I had to go see a dietitian and get on a diabetic diet and check my sugars four times a day. I had an appointment this week to see Dr Cunningham and unfortunately I had to start taking insulin at bedtime. More Boooooooo. So this means I will have to do additional ultrasounds and non-stress tests for the rest of the pregnancy. Pretty bummed out about this, but I know it is what is best for the little baby girl so I have put on my big girl pants and am dealing with it.
I think that is about it for now, what do you guys think of my new look?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
God Does Answer Prayer
Remember my little post about my awesome day from last week? Well here is the rest of the story. . .
As you all may know I have been very torn about my new career. I love being a nurse, but I do not love the schedule that goes along with working in an Emergency Room. I have had to work many holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Because of my hubbies crazy work schedule it has been really hard on me to have a crazy schedule as well. I don't like having to drag my kiddos out at 6:00 am, or shuttle them between family members on the weekend, or not being able to go to Hannah's school stuff cause I have to work. I often times over the last 9 months have regretted even going to RN school, I could have just stayed put where I was at Dr. Cunningham's office and been perfectly content. But because of things in my past I wanted a career, I wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet and show my kids (daughter especially) that women shouldn't have to depend on a man for income, you can be self sufficient and work for yourself. And truly I am glad I did it, and finished it, cause no one can ever take that RN away from me. But I had gotten very bitter about my job, I resented every weekend I worked and was spittin' mad when I got scheduled for Christmas Day. I don't know how many times I complained/whined about being the only nurse with kids under the age of 10, why did I have to work? I even swore (bad I know) that when the roles are reversed and I am the nurse with seniority I will work for the new nurse with babies at home on Christmas morning. After Christmas came and went I became acutely aware of how cranky I had gotten over the situation, so I put my bitterness aside and begged the Lord for some peace about the situation. I prayed daily that He would show me what was best for my family and that the opportunity would present itself at the right time. I also had a few prayer warriors praying for me.
So a few months pass by, I am feeling much better about the situation, trying to focus on getting ready for the baby, and planning on enjoying my summer home with all 3 kids. February 11th will be a day long ingrained into my head and heart as the day I had a prayer answered. I checked the mail that day and we had gotten a complementary copy of the St. James Press. We don't subscribe but they do randomly send us one. In the paper for that week was a little box that I know was black and white, but to me it had a Neon flashing sign on it. The box contained a help wanted ad for a school nurse position. Immediately I went online and filled out the application. The following Monday I bumped into the Assistant Superintendent, Principal and Vice Principal and let them know about my interest in the position. I became a little disheartened at that point, you see the school districts are being hit hard with the economy so they are having to make tough decisions. The district had decided that since they already had an RN at the Middle School they plan to replace the current nurse with an LPN. But I stuck with it and did earn an interview.
The interview was amazing, I seriously left there feeling like I could not have said anything differently and had that feeling that we were all on the same page. This Tuesday I got a call from the Superintendent that she wanted me to come in and meet with her. She didn't really say if it was another interview or an offer, so I got geared up for a second interview. Well, much to my surprise and pure joy she called me in to offer me the job. There is a slight downer, I will be taking a HUGE cut in pay, but the benefits to my children far outweigh the loss of income. And it is temporary, when the other nurse retires I will be able to go on the teacher salary schedule and that is planned to happen in the next few years. And it is forcing us to get on a budget, stick to it, and possibly even get back on track with our Total Money Makeover. AND I WILL GET TO BE PRESENT IN MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL LIFE.
So, there you have it, my wonderful answered prayer.
As you all may know I have been very torn about my new career. I love being a nurse, but I do not love the schedule that goes along with working in an Emergency Room. I have had to work many holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Because of my hubbies crazy work schedule it has been really hard on me to have a crazy schedule as well. I don't like having to drag my kiddos out at 6:00 am, or shuttle them between family members on the weekend, or not being able to go to Hannah's school stuff cause I have to work. I often times over the last 9 months have regretted even going to RN school, I could have just stayed put where I was at Dr. Cunningham's office and been perfectly content. But because of things in my past I wanted a career, I wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet and show my kids (daughter especially) that women shouldn't have to depend on a man for income, you can be self sufficient and work for yourself. And truly I am glad I did it, and finished it, cause no one can ever take that RN away from me. But I had gotten very bitter about my job, I resented every weekend I worked and was spittin' mad when I got scheduled for Christmas Day. I don't know how many times I complained/whined about being the only nurse with kids under the age of 10, why did I have to work? I even swore (bad I know) that when the roles are reversed and I am the nurse with seniority I will work for the new nurse with babies at home on Christmas morning. After Christmas came and went I became acutely aware of how cranky I had gotten over the situation, so I put my bitterness aside and begged the Lord for some peace about the situation. I prayed daily that He would show me what was best for my family and that the opportunity would present itself at the right time. I also had a few prayer warriors praying for me.
So a few months pass by, I am feeling much better about the situation, trying to focus on getting ready for the baby, and planning on enjoying my summer home with all 3 kids. February 11th will be a day long ingrained into my head and heart as the day I had a prayer answered. I checked the mail that day and we had gotten a complementary copy of the St. James Press. We don't subscribe but they do randomly send us one. In the paper for that week was a little box that I know was black and white, but to me it had a Neon flashing sign on it. The box contained a help wanted ad for a school nurse position. Immediately I went online and filled out the application. The following Monday I bumped into the Assistant Superintendent, Principal and Vice Principal and let them know about my interest in the position. I became a little disheartened at that point, you see the school districts are being hit hard with the economy so they are having to make tough decisions. The district had decided that since they already had an RN at the Middle School they plan to replace the current nurse with an LPN. But I stuck with it and did earn an interview.
The interview was amazing, I seriously left there feeling like I could not have said anything differently and had that feeling that we were all on the same page. This Tuesday I got a call from the Superintendent that she wanted me to come in and meet with her. She didn't really say if it was another interview or an offer, so I got geared up for a second interview. Well, much to my surprise and pure joy she called me in to offer me the job. There is a slight downer, I will be taking a HUGE cut in pay, but the benefits to my children far outweigh the loss of income. And it is temporary, when the other nurse retires I will be able to go on the teacher salary schedule and that is planned to happen in the next few years. And it is forcing us to get on a budget, stick to it, and possibly even get back on track with our Total Money Makeover. AND I WILL GET TO BE PRESENT IN MY CHILDREN'S SCHOOL LIFE.
So, there you have it, my wonderful answered prayer.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Awesome Day!
You know how sometimes you have a day that starts out wrong and just continues and continues and continues? Well it seems like I have had a very long string of those lately, but the great weather brought a great day for me! Let me tell you a little about it. . .
Got up this morning, got my shower, got dressed. I decided I was gonna try on my new brown Old Navy Maternity shirt, and guess what I love it! It is super cute! This is a big deal cause I am very much feeling like a beached whale and maternity clothes are just not appealing to me this time. I cant keep pants up, I am constantly pulling them up. Shirts are never long enough, blah blah blah, but this shirt is super cute!
As I was getting dressed here come Miss Hannah and she is in such a super great mood. She got dressed in her new capri's and was so sweet. Then here comes Jack, he was also quite happy. He too put on his new camo shorts (I know shorts in February). So he goes to daycare in his camo shorts, snow boots, and a hoodie. I mean as long as boys shorts are they are basically capris anyway.
So I get the kids dropped off at school and I head to Rolla. I had a very pleasant shopping trip at Walmart, the checker was super nice and another worker loaded my bags into my cart. Then I went to the Cowtown Carwash at KMart and the lady that runs it was there, she noticed the auto car wash wasnt working correctly so she hand washed my big ol suburban. For real!
Scott just called and found out he gets to take his Engineer test today (fire truck driver) which he will pass with flying colors and will open up so many more opportunities for him at Mehlville. Say a little prayer for him!
This afternoon I have an appointment that might just present a wonderful opportunity for me and my family! I hope to tell you guys all about it real soon, but say a little prayer that if it is God's will it will happen for me!
Praise God for this great day! I hope you all have a great day too!
Got up this morning, got my shower, got dressed. I decided I was gonna try on my new brown Old Navy Maternity shirt, and guess what I love it! It is super cute! This is a big deal cause I am very much feeling like a beached whale and maternity clothes are just not appealing to me this time. I cant keep pants up, I am constantly pulling them up. Shirts are never long enough, blah blah blah, but this shirt is super cute!
As I was getting dressed here come Miss Hannah and she is in such a super great mood. She got dressed in her new capri's and was so sweet. Then here comes Jack, he was also quite happy. He too put on his new camo shorts (I know shorts in February). So he goes to daycare in his camo shorts, snow boots, and a hoodie. I mean as long as boys shorts are they are basically capris anyway.
So I get the kids dropped off at school and I head to Rolla. I had a very pleasant shopping trip at Walmart, the checker was super nice and another worker loaded my bags into my cart. Then I went to the Cowtown Carwash at KMart and the lady that runs it was there, she noticed the auto car wash wasnt working correctly so she hand washed my big ol suburban. For real!
Scott just called and found out he gets to take his Engineer test today (fire truck driver) which he will pass with flying colors and will open up so many more opportunities for him at Mehlville. Say a little prayer for him!
This afternoon I have an appointment that might just present a wonderful opportunity for me and my family! I hope to tell you guys all about it real soon, but say a little prayer that if it is God's will it will happen for me!
Praise God for this great day! I hope you all have a great day too!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Scott's brother
Please be praying for Scott's older brother, David. He is currently serving the Navy and is stationed in Afghanistan. We got a phone call Friday night that David hadn't been feeling well and was rushed to a hospital. When he got there his heart was in an abnormal rhythm and he had to have a procedure to "convert" it back to normal. He was being kept in ICU for a few days and we will see what is gonna happen from there. If he does well and has no other problems he will get to go back to his duty job there. If he continues to have problems he will be transferred to a hospital in Germany and then possibly back to the states. It's one of those situations where you aren't sure which way to pray for - we would love for him to get to come home earlier than this summer BUT don't want it to be because he is sick and certainly do not want him to have any long term effects from this. I will update you guys more when we know more.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The results are in!!!!!
When we first found out we were pregnant we debated about finding out the gender of the baby. Part of us said let's have it be a surprise, part of us said find out. What we finally decided was that if we were meant to know it would be there for us to see and if the baby was being modest we would find out on delivery day. We also felt like it is a wonderful surprise whether you find out during the pregnancy or afterwards.
Last month at my check up we had a "just for fun" ultrasound. The ultrasound tech thought he saw girl parts but told us "DO NOT GO BUY CLOTHES!!!" Ahem, that didn't work so well. I saw too many cute things after the holidays that were dirt cheap not to. After all, I could always pass them on to someone else if it was a boy. Fast forward to today. Today I had my 21 week 2 day appointment and anatomy scan ultrasound. The baby was kinda being bashful again, not really revealing anything until all at once the baby uncrossed it's little legs and showed us all it was a BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and if anyone was interested she looks great, measures perfectly, and gave us nothing to be concerned about. Praise God!
So we are very excited to know we are having another little princess. Hannah is very excited and Jack is pretty excited to be the only brother of the family. Now if we can just agree on a name. . .
Last month at my check up we had a "just for fun" ultrasound. The ultrasound tech thought he saw girl parts but told us "DO NOT GO BUY CLOTHES!!!" Ahem, that didn't work so well. I saw too many cute things after the holidays that were dirt cheap not to. After all, I could always pass them on to someone else if it was a boy. Fast forward to today. Today I had my 21 week 2 day appointment and anatomy scan ultrasound. The baby was kinda being bashful again, not really revealing anything until all at once the baby uncrossed it's little legs and showed us all it was a BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and if anyone was interested she looks great, measures perfectly, and gave us nothing to be concerned about. Praise God!
So we are very excited to know we are having another little princess. Hannah is very excited and Jack is pretty excited to be the only brother of the family. Now if we can just agree on a name. . .
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