I have my NT Scan tomorrow. And, I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. Nothing has indicated that there will be a problem. But, I can't help being worried.
This is the point of no return in regards to telling people. We plan on telling most people on Easter, if we get good results from the scan - even though we know that the scan is only 1/2 of the results.
So, that is that. Will update more tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Colin - Cora 6 months
OK, not a great pic of Cora, I was just trying to get her in a similar position. Here is Colin at exactly 6 months, and Cora today (about 6.5 months). similar in size - which is a SCARY thought, since he was 33 pounds at one year old - yikes!
And because I think Cora is super cute in this pic.....
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
No more DOC Band
Cora is no longer in her DOC Band. It is a long story as to why she is out of it already, especially when you read the previous posts about it.
But, it is what it is and her head shape (and the things that go along with that) are just something that we will just have to get used to.
She looks so different without the band on, it is like she is a different person. Like the band became part of her head LOL.
She looked pretty in her band, and she is even prettier now.
I will not be sharing before/after pictures, but I will try to take some new pictures of my pretty girl soon :)
But, it is what it is and her head shape (and the things that go along with that) are just something that we will just have to get used to.
She looks so different without the band on, it is like she is a different person. Like the band became part of her head LOL.
She looked pretty in her band, and she is even prettier now.
I will not be sharing before/after pictures, but I will try to take some new pictures of my pretty girl soon :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tonight is the night.....
I will be 10 weeks tomorrow - wow, where did the last 6 weeks go?
Anyway, I have been on Prometrium since I found out I was pregnant, so weeks now. My levels were crappy in the begining, but I have no idea how they are now.
When I had my first official pre-natal appointment, the doc told me that I could stop at 9 weeks. But, if I felt more comfortable - I could continue until 10 weeks.
This is such a big step for me. I really believe 100% that the main reason I stayed pregnant with Cora is becuase I increased my dose of the prometrium. This is the same dose that I am on now.
It just makes me so nervous though. Trust me, it is not like I LOVE shoving pills up my lady parts (lol), and always having to wear a liner to bed and all morning. Those things I can really do without. But, I guess it is a crutch of sorts.
This pregnancy is so different that any of the other ones. No bleeding, no cramping, nothing. Just a "normal" pregnancy. I guess I should start seeing it as a normal pregnancy.
So, tonight will be my last night. I guess I will just "worry" about something else for the next 30 weeks.
Anyway, I have been on Prometrium since I found out I was pregnant, so weeks now. My levels were crappy in the begining, but I have no idea how they are now.
When I had my first official pre-natal appointment, the doc told me that I could stop at 9 weeks. But, if I felt more comfortable - I could continue until 10 weeks.
This is such a big step for me. I really believe 100% that the main reason I stayed pregnant with Cora is becuase I increased my dose of the prometrium. This is the same dose that I am on now.
It just makes me so nervous though. Trust me, it is not like I LOVE shoving pills up my lady parts (lol), and always having to wear a liner to bed and all morning. Those things I can really do without. But, I guess it is a crutch of sorts.
This pregnancy is so different that any of the other ones. No bleeding, no cramping, nothing. Just a "normal" pregnancy. I guess I should start seeing it as a normal pregnancy.
So, tonight will be my last night. I guess I will just "worry" about something else for the next 30 weeks.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
6 Month Update
We had Cora's 6 month doctors appointment this week. And, boy do we have a big girl!
Weight: 18.5 pounds (85%)
Height: 27 inches (82%)
Now, if you remember the 4 month stats, it looks like in 2 months she only grew an inch. But, in reality - they way the measure height is not an exact science. They lay her on the table and mark with a pen at her feet and then again at her head. So, if she moves or does not stretch or whatever, the measurements could be way off.
The doc just thinks that the last measurement was just done wrong. I am not worried about it. Weight is more of an exact science anyway.
So, there you have it - I've got myself a big girl :)
When I told my sister, she thought it was so funny - her daughter is almost 17 months and only weighs about 22 pounds. LOL
But, she is much smaller than Colin was at the same age. I don't remember the actual stats, but I do know that around 4-5 months, Colin was already in a size 12 months. Cora is in 9 months, but will be in 12 months pretty soon, just trying to push the (winter) 9 months a few more weeks until spring weather.
I will try to find a pic of Colin around 6 months to compare.
Weight: 18.5 pounds (85%)
Height: 27 inches (82%)
Now, if you remember the 4 month stats, it looks like in 2 months she only grew an inch. But, in reality - they way the measure height is not an exact science. They lay her on the table and mark with a pen at her feet and then again at her head. So, if she moves or does not stretch or whatever, the measurements could be way off.
The doc just thinks that the last measurement was just done wrong. I am not worried about it. Weight is more of an exact science anyway.
So, there you have it - I've got myself a big girl :)
When I told my sister, she thought it was so funny - her daughter is almost 17 months and only weighs about 22 pounds. LOL
But, she is much smaller than Colin was at the same age. I don't remember the actual stats, but I do know that around 4-5 months, Colin was already in a size 12 months. Cora is in 9 months, but will be in 12 months pretty soon, just trying to push the (winter) 9 months a few more weeks until spring weather.
I will try to find a pic of Colin around 6 months to compare.
Friday, March 12, 2010
I can't get enough of this laughing baby
OMG - I still can not get over how much she loves to laugh. I love the "can't catch your breath" laugh at around the 25 second mark.
And Disclaimer: Lil J did not hurt her, and yes, I know he is rough.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
It has been a year...
Lil J came into our home one year ago. The past year have been one of the most stressful yet rewarding year.
Of course over the last year, there have been many ups and downs. We delt with behavior problems, severe food issues, really bad things with the bio mom, court problems, the list goes on and on.
But, we also dealt with getting hugs and kisses, teaching a "broken" boy how to love, giving love to someone that some never thought was possible, seeing a little boy become a great big brother, and seeing excitement through the eyes of a child.
Our family is forever changed by this little boy - and not just MY family, but my parents, my sisters, my husband's family, extended cousins, etc, etc.
Our lives are forever changed by this little boy. Even if he were to go back to his mom (NOT likely), we feel as though the last year would forever change the rest of our lives.
OK - OK
enough sappy stuff
We had court the other day. Court was a Permancy Hearing. All the very bad stuff that has happened in the last year was brought up. The judge had gotten a (very) long write up of the case as well. Not only was the last year brought up, but also her long CPS history with other children, as well her entire criminal history.
At the end of the day, the judge DECLARED that it is unsafe and immoral to return the child to his mother (at this time). And the lawyers for CPS have until April 19th to submit the formal request to terminate her rights.
Although the request will be submitted, we still have a very long road ahead of us. Bio mom will probably contest the termination of rights, and then appeal the decision when they are terminated. etc etc.
There have been some issues with court - mainly due to the fact that bio mom lives in another state - and she is fighting certain jurisdiction issues. But, no matter what state, her issues would never allow her to get him back.
so, there is the update - sorry it was so long
Of course over the last year, there have been many ups and downs. We delt with behavior problems, severe food issues, really bad things with the bio mom, court problems, the list goes on and on.
But, we also dealt with getting hugs and kisses, teaching a "broken" boy how to love, giving love to someone that some never thought was possible, seeing a little boy become a great big brother, and seeing excitement through the eyes of a child.
Our family is forever changed by this little boy - and not just MY family, but my parents, my sisters, my husband's family, extended cousins, etc, etc.
Our lives are forever changed by this little boy. Even if he were to go back to his mom (NOT likely), we feel as though the last year would forever change the rest of our lives.
OK - OK
enough sappy stuff
We had court the other day. Court was a Permancy Hearing. All the very bad stuff that has happened in the last year was brought up. The judge had gotten a (very) long write up of the case as well. Not only was the last year brought up, but also her long CPS history with other children, as well her entire criminal history.
At the end of the day, the judge DECLARED that it is unsafe and immoral to return the child to his mother (at this time). And the lawyers for CPS have until April 19th to submit the formal request to terminate her rights.
Although the request will be submitted, we still have a very long road ahead of us. Bio mom will probably contest the termination of rights, and then appeal the decision when they are terminated. etc etc.
There have been some issues with court - mainly due to the fact that bio mom lives in another state - and she is fighting certain jurisdiction issues. But, no matter what state, her issues would never allow her to get him back.
so, there is the update - sorry it was so long
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
DOC Band Update
Cora has been in her DOC band for 4 weeks now. And, they are NOT satisfied with her progress (or actually lack of progress) so far. Now, her case was not as severe as others, but she still needed LOTS of remolding.
When we first got the band on, we were told that because she was not a severe case, and the fact that she is young, that the band would be on for about 8 weeks, but possibly as long as 12 weeks. Fine, I was prepared for that.
Well, her head is growing each week - YAY!, but it is almost like it is growing in the same shape as before the band. Huh? What? Yup, that is right. Her ears have not moved at all, her flat spot is still as flat as it was before, and her facial asymmetry is still as noticeable.
She has made some improvements though - the huge bulging bone in the back of her head is less apparent, and um....that is it.
It is really frustrating. Now they are telling me that she will probably be in the band until 12 weeks, that is IF there is enough room in the band 8 weeks from now. You see - the outer shell of the band is plastic. But, the inner part is hard(ish) foam. The foam is shaved a little each week, based on growth. After a while, there is just no more foam to shave, as you hit the outer plastic.
They told me that her head is not reshaping the way they predicted. Our clinician even got her supervisor to look at her head. They even asked if Cora wears it all the time like she should. Well, not only does she wear it for the 23 hours a day - but, I do not let her lay down at all during her one hour off. She is always in her jumper, on my lap, etc. The only thing her head is touching it the air. In my head, I think if I lay her down, it might cause her head to flatten again. Yes, in that one hour LOL.
They then told me that it is possible that after 12 weeks, she would fall into the 1% that they recommend a second band. Well, news flash - we can hardly afford this band. We CAN NOT afford a second band. So, whatever he head looks like at the end of treatment, is what her head will look like for life. Pigtails might be a little uneven, but whatever. Besides - once she has some hair - the deformity might not look at bad. Like I said, her head is not even close to being in the "severe" category.
Don't get me wrong - it is not like I WANT her head to look all wonky. And, if her case was severe, I would do something about it at the end of treatment.
On similar topic. Cora has been doing great in PT. She has been in PT for about 7 weeks now and we can really see a difference. She still tilts to the left, but at least now her ear in not tucked into the collar of her shirt. I really need to take some current head tilt pics so you can see the improvement.
When we first got the band on, we were told that because she was not a severe case, and the fact that she is young, that the band would be on for about 8 weeks, but possibly as long as 12 weeks. Fine, I was prepared for that.
Well, her head is growing each week - YAY!, but it is almost like it is growing in the same shape as before the band. Huh? What? Yup, that is right. Her ears have not moved at all, her flat spot is still as flat as it was before, and her facial asymmetry is still as noticeable.
She has made some improvements though - the huge bulging bone in the back of her head is less apparent, and um....that is it.
It is really frustrating. Now they are telling me that she will probably be in the band until 12 weeks, that is IF there is enough room in the band 8 weeks from now. You see - the outer shell of the band is plastic. But, the inner part is hard(ish) foam. The foam is shaved a little each week, based on growth. After a while, there is just no more foam to shave, as you hit the outer plastic.
They told me that her head is not reshaping the way they predicted. Our clinician even got her supervisor to look at her head. They even asked if Cora wears it all the time like she should. Well, not only does she wear it for the 23 hours a day - but, I do not let her lay down at all during her one hour off. She is always in her jumper, on my lap, etc. The only thing her head is touching it the air. In my head, I think if I lay her down, it might cause her head to flatten again. Yes, in that one hour LOL.
They then told me that it is possible that after 12 weeks, she would fall into the 1% that they recommend a second band. Well, news flash - we can hardly afford this band. We CAN NOT afford a second band. So, whatever he head looks like at the end of treatment, is what her head will look like for life. Pigtails might be a little uneven, but whatever. Besides - once she has some hair - the deformity might not look at bad. Like I said, her head is not even close to being in the "severe" category.
Don't get me wrong - it is not like I WANT her head to look all wonky. And, if her case was severe, I would do something about it at the end of treatment.
On similar topic. Cora has been doing great in PT. She has been in PT for about 7 weeks now and we can really see a difference. She still tilts to the left, but at least now her ear in not tucked into the collar of her shirt. I really need to take some current head tilt pics so you can see the improvement.
Friday, March 5, 2010
U/S today
HUGE relief today. I feel like I can actually breathe.
Had my 1st u/s last week. Was measuring 4 days behind and the heartbeat was nothing great. Very similar to my 1st two losses.
I tried to keep myself really busy this past week - really did not want to even think about losing a 7th baby.
BUT!!!!!!! Things looked great. Good heartrate of 147 and only measuring one day off (which I know is nothing).
I am so excited!
Had my 1st u/s last week. Was measuring 4 days behind and the heartbeat was nothing great. Very similar to my 1st two losses.
I tried to keep myself really busy this past week - really did not want to even think about losing a 7th baby.
BUT!!!!!!! Things looked great. Good heartrate of 147 and only measuring one day off (which I know is nothing).
I am so excited!
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