The Heath's

Kollyn Avery

2009-11-06T15:08:00.002-06:00

Kollyn Avery
October 19th
10:01am
6lbs 3ozs
19 inches

Life with Kollyn has been interesting!! He doesn't like to sleep at night. But We are so excited to have him be a part of our life and even with the sleepless nights we wouldn't change any part of it.

Life with two boys is too busy to blog. Maybe one day I will start another but for right now I'm going to enjoy my boys.

Thanks for following me on this journey!!

Life is changing

2009-10-19T04:00:00.001-05:00

Today is a life changing day. It's a day that we have struggled to get to for three and a half years. Here we are now and it's scary. Ricky and I have wanted this child for so long. February of 2006 we started "trying" for another baby. We were disappointed when it wasn't the month, cried over the loss of the baby last year and wondered if we were only meant to have Regan. Today we will be welcoming Kollyn Avery into our world. A baby that has lived in our hearts for over 3 years. I hope to be able to post about his arrival very soon. Thanks for following us on this journey.

2009-10-12T06:59:00.002-05:00

Ever feel like it's you against the world? Lately I do. The husband,the parents,the children, even the unborn one. Please let this be only pregnancy hormones cause right now I'm mentally packing for a vacation to a far off place by myself.

It's almost over!!

2009-10-08T08:01:00.002-05:00

It has just hit me that these are my last two days alone!!!
The doctor said I could go at anytime and so now we wait but we have already set an induction date in case Kollyn wants to hang out too much longer. Regan is out of school next week for fall break and so he and I will be hanging out together until the BIG DAY!

What am I planning on doing these last two days of quiet time? Cleaning and getting groceries bought,laundry,cleaning Kollyn's room again, all while trying to keep the swelling down in my legs. Sounds like fun,huh?

Race of tears

2009-10-06T07:39:00.003-05:00

Today I put a crying 4 year old on the bus. Not because he didn't want to go to school but because we got off the porch late and didn't get to have our races down the driveway. The child has a routine and doesn't like for it to be messed up. He is really going to be messed up when he realizes that I switched his snack up. I would almost bet that he gets a frowny face today. I bet if he could he would give me one today. Who changes two parts of an obsessive compulsive's day on the same day?? Oh if only he had the words to tell me how bad I am today.

Letter to the husband

2009-09-29T10:32:00.002-05:00

Dear sweet hubby

Just when I think you are being so sweet for folding the clothes that are in the dryer, you really mess it up when I find all my clothes in a pile on the floor the next day. Thanks for killing it for me.

Your wrinkled wife!

This weeks menu

2009-09-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

This weeks meals are pretty simple. I'm making a few casseroles and things that I can make double and freeze. I was going to try to do all my freezer meals over the weekend but it just didn't work out for me to do it that way. Maybe this will work better??

Monday
Red beans and rice with smoked sausage

Tuesday
Italian pork chops~ Crock pot
Au Gratin Potatoes
Green Beans

Wednesday~making one for freezer
Enchilada Casserole

Thursday~making one for freezer
Chicken pot pie

Friday~making one for freezer
Pizza Pasta Casserole

Saturday~ Company for the game
Buffalo chicken Sandwiches
Chips

Again our lunches are usually leftovers, salad,chicken salad, cereal or something quick and easy. We have saved a couple of hundred dollars since school started just by not eating out during the week for lunches. We only go out to eat like once a week and usually on Friday since football season has started so that also saves us lots!!!

What are you having?

Freakishly Fabulous Friday Finds

2009-09-25T08:10:00.001-05:00

I love hearing about great products that people love. I don't like finding out that their finds would cost me and arm and leg just to try. So here is my attempt at spreading the cheap joy!

Burt's Bees Healthy Healing Carrot Nutritive Body Lotion

10.00 at Walmart or their site

Now usually you can find these gift sets at Cracker Barrel or Wal-Mart around Christmas time but now!! Wal-mart is carrying a full selection of their products. I was super excited when I saw all these wonderful things in our local store last week. This lotion is lightweight but is really a great moisturizer. Yes it has carrot seed oil in it but it will not turn you orange. The smell of it is fabulous. So try it!!

Exhaustion= blogger lose

2009-09-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry but blogger has lost out on the things to do. I'm exhausted. I get Regan on the bus and usually go back to bed. Get up at one and then I'm ready to go back to bed by the time Ricky gets home. This house is falling apart and the laundry well its a mountain. Today I feel okay so that is why you get a post.

Things are okay with the pregnancy. I'm still having those stress test done every week and as I posted on facebook I got scared yesterday but I've decided that if he really thought something was wrong I wouldn't be home today I would be in the hospital with the little one. Hopefully next week will be worry free!! I'm up a total of 15 pound which is all I wanted to gain for the whole pregnancy but two weeks ago Kollyn weighed over 5lbs so I'll just remember that he is taking up some of this weight!! He isn't growing as fast as he was so he is about where his original due date was. WHO KNOWS when he will be here. Ricky says next weekend and I'm going for 3 weeks from now. What do you think? The bus drivers tells me this morning that I have dropped!! WOOHOO!

School is going good for Regan. He did get two frowny faces lastweek. One for throwing rocks and one for eating them! The kid loves rocks. What can I say.

Ricky is off this weekend but we have lots going on!! Friday his mawmaw is turning 75 so we will be having a get together for her. Saturday is college football day. My brother and sister-in-law are coming over for the game. Ricky and Jay are going to be cutting grass afterwards,we hope for no rain. Sunday we go to order the pictures we had made last weekend and then we are having a small baby shower hosted by Ricky's family. We all know how much I struggle with these kinds of things but at least Ricky will be there for me.

Hope all is going well for all of you. I'm reading blogs even though I'm not posting here on this one. Have fun!!

Freezer meal ideas?

2009-09-14T12:00:00.002-05:00

I'm needing some freezer meals to cook and freeze before this baby makes his way into the world. If you have any send them my way.

Less than 5 weeks!!! I get to have another ultrasound this week to see exactly how big he is or as the doctor says " to see if he is just swimming in a big swimming pool" I'm measuring 40 weeks already!! We passed the non stress test again Thursday but will be taking another one Wednesday to keep an eye on him!

Menu and more

2009-09-08T08:18:00.002-05:00

This weekend was an up and down weekend for us. A teacher,neighbor,friend passed away over the weekend. Our little neighborhood has been very quiet. Last night a bunch of the girls were outside playing volleyball and it was such a relief to hear their laughter. We had some people over for the game Saturday night. Then Sunday we had my brother and his wife over for supper and then we made a fire and roasted marshmallows and chatted. Regan was with the grandparents and so we then went to my brothers and played Wii for hours. I had to be up at 5 yesterday morning to go shopping after only sleeping about 3 hours but Mom and I had fun just hanging out together.

I love three day weekend because then I really only worry about meals for 4 nights. This weeks menu is:

Tuesday~ Pizza We bought two yesterday and have an entire pizza left over
Wednesday~ Red beans and Rice with Turkey sausage~ because Ricky loves it
Thursday~Grilled Chicken Salads
Friday~ Out to eat
Saturday~ Buffalo chicken sandwiches~ My favorite football food

Have a good short week!

That sick feeling in the pit of your stomach

2009-09-04T09:17:00.002-05:00

I don't even know where to start with this. I don't know this boy and girl at all but I think of them every morning and pray that they make it safely to and from school.

Every morning this one truck passes our house. Regan and I are on the porch or just walking down the driveway. I wait on him to pass because his driving scares me. The first week of school he came flying around a car on our little two lane road. He was so close that he hit the rocks in our driveway and rocks went everywhere. I said some rather unnice things about him and even called Ricky to tell him about it. I told Ricky that I was going to do something!! I never did.

In the afternoons he often got stuck behind Regan's bus. It takes awhile for Regan to get off the bus because he has to tell everyone bye. The boy and girl always smile and wave at Regan and I often wanted to stop and tell him to SLOW DOWN! He was going to get hurt. I never did. I showed Ricky the truck on days that Ricky was here and told him how worried I was about this boy and girl because I was once that girl in the truck. Letting the guy drive crazy and never thinking what could happen.

This morning I didn't see them. I wondered if I was early or if he was late. Then right after Regan's bus left the first response team came by, then another, then a state trooper, then another and then two ambulances and finally a wrecker. I knew something had happened to them. A few minutes later the life helicopter flew over. I called Ricky and told him something bad had happened. I keep sitting here waiting. I needed some stamps and so I headed toward the post office. When I came to the top of the hill there sat all the emergency vehicles. I couldn't see anything and had to turn around. Sitting here a few minutes ago the wrecker went by and there was that truck. The same one I have wanted to do something about and never did. The one that I have prayed would get those two kids to school. I have never seen a truck so messed up. I know it's bad and I feel responsible. I feel guilty, horrible,terrified.
I don't know anything about the status of these kids but I'm afraid it isn't good. I haven't been able to stop crying since I saw the truck. Why didn't I do something. What if I would have said something would it have made a difference to them? I'm afraid it wouldn't have no one could of told me anything different when I was their age. I thought nothing bad could ever happen to me and I know they did too. Please say a prayer for these kids and their families. It just breaks my heart that this could have been avoided.

Doctor update

2009-09-03T15:44:00.002-05:00

Went to the doctor AGAIN today. I had to have a non-stress test done and well we passed. Kollyn did great. He has to have ten times that his heart rate goes up in a 30 min time period. After she buzzed him with the buzzer to wake him up he got 10 in about 5 mins. I think by the time it was over he had went up about 30 times. When Ricky would talk his heart rate would go up. How cute is that.

My blood pressure was great! I also got a flu shot. He said that the swine flu shot would be in shortly and he recommended that I get one of those also.

Things went great and we will get to do it all over next week!! Only 6 more weeks!!!

It's football time!!!

2009-09-03T15:43:00.000-05:00

Football Season in the South

Planning for the fall football season in the South is radically different
than up North. For those who are planning a football trip South, here are
some helpful hints.

Women’s Accessories:
NORTH: Chap Stick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.
SOUTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, waterproof mascara, and a
fifth of bourbon. Money not necessary – that’s what dates are for.

Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.

Fathers:
NORTH: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath.
SOUTH: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.

Campus Decor:
NORTH: Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.

Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America.

Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Giuliani.
SOUTH: Herschel Walker & Peyton Manning.

Getting Tickets:
NORTH: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus.
SOUTH: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus,
make a large financial contribution, and put name on a waiting list for
tickets.

Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH: Students and teachers not sure they’re going to the game, because
they have classes on Friday.
SOUTH: Teachers cancel Friday classes because they don’t want to see the few
hung over students that might actually make it to class.

Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game
parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the
weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.

Game Day:
NORTH: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV.
SOUTH: Every student wakes up, has a beer for breakfast, and rushes over to
where ESPN is broadcasting “Game Day Live” to get on camera and wave to the
idiots up north who wonder why “Game Day Live” is never broadcast from their
campus.

Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio
station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking
accompanied by live performance from the Dave Matthews Band, who come over
during breaks and ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.

Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask “Where’s the stadium?” When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you’re near it, you’ll hear it. On game day it is the state’s
third largest city.

Concessions:
NORTH: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top with soda.
SOUTH: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home team’s mascot on it,
filled less than half way with soda, to ensure enough room for bourbon.

When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH: Stands are less than half full, and less than half of them stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.

The Smell in the Air After the First Score:

NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.

Commentary (Male):
NORTH: “Nice play.”
SOUTH: “Dammit, you slow sumbitch – tackle him and break his legs.”

Commentary (Female):
NORTH: “My, this certainly is a violent sport.”
SOUTH: “Dammit, you slow sumbitch – tackle him and break his legs.”

Announcers:
NORTH: Neutral and paid.
SOUTH: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in
his eye because he is so proud of his team.

After the Game:
NORTH: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
SOUTH: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker, while somebody goes to the
nearest package store for more bourbon, and planning begins for next week’s game.

HOW MANY SEC STUDENTS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?
At VANDERBILT: It takes two, one to change the bulb and one more to explain
how they did it every bit as good as the bulbs changed at Harvard.

At GEORGIA: It takes two, one to change the bulb and one to stabilize the
rolling beer cooler the bulb changer is using for a ladder.

At FLORIDA: It takes four, one to screw in the bulb and three to figure out
how to get stoned off the old one.

At ALABAMA: It takes five, one to change it, three to reminisce about how
The Bear would have done it, and one to throw the old bulb at an NCAA
investigator.

At OLE MISS: It takes six, one to change it, two to mix the drinks and three
to find the perfect J. Crew outfit to wear for the occasion.

At LSU: It takes seven, and each one gets credit for five Semester hours.

At KENTUCKY : It takes eight, one to screw it in and seven to discuss how
much brighter it seems to shine during basketball season.

At TENNESSEE: It takes ten, two to figure out how to screw it in, two to buy
an orange lamp shade, and six to phone a radio call-in show and talk about
how much they hate Alabama.

At MISSISSIPPI STATE: It takes fifteen, one to screw in the bulb, two to buy
the Skoal, and twelve to yell, “GO TO HELL, OLE MISS”.

At AUBURN: It takes one hundred, one to change it, forty-nine to talk about
how they did it better than at Bama and Georgia, and fifty to get drunk and
roll Toomer’s Corner when finished.

At SOUTH CAROLINA: It takes 80,000, one to screw it in and 79,999 to discuss
how this finally will be the year that they have a decent football team.

At ARKANSAS: None. There is no electricity in Arkansas

Stranger slaps child

2009-09-02T15:08:00.002-05:00

I just can't imagine what in the world I would have done if some stranger slapped my child.

A 61 year old slapped a two year old in Walmart in Georgia after telling the mother to shut her up or he would.

Here is a link to the story!!

All I want for Christmas......

2009-09-02T08:19:00.002-05:00

Dear Santa,the easter bunny,tooth fairy,cupid,and any other person who will bring me something:
I want this!!

See I've never really loved any cars until I saw this car. It is perfection! I went ahead and built one on the dodge website so I could show exactly what I want on it. And well here ya go!

6.1-Liter SRT HEMI(R) V8 Engine
Premium Leather Trim Bucket Seats w/ Accent Stripe
6-Speed Manual Transmission
AM/FM Stereo Radio w/In-Dash 6-Disc CD/DVD/MP3 Plyr
Bright Accelerator, Brake and Clutch Pedals
Power Sunroof
13 Kicker SRT High-Performance Speakers
200-Watt Kicker SRT Subwoofer
322-Watt Kicker SRT Amplifier
Instrument Cluster White Face with Tachometer

The color doesn't matter as much so feel free to surprise me on that. The cost well it is as much as we owe on our house but hey! It sure is pretty and well two car seats would surely go in the back seat with no problem, right? Because you know safety first!

I won't ask for anything else for at least six months if I could just have this one little thing.

Insurance company=Blah!

2009-08-31T14:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Our lovely insurance company,our ENT,and the anesthesiologist ;

You stink!!

I will now have to clean out my baby emergency fund AGAIN!! This is the second time this year that we have had to take everything out to pay medical bills for Regan. I'm fed up with it!! You got over 5000.00 for Regan's surgery and now you want another 550.00?? Why can't you take what the insurance paid you and be happy?? I mean a surgery that lasted less than 10mins gets you paid 5000.00 and that isn't enough?

Now if something goes wrong with Kollyn we will have no emergency money to deal with stuff. Thanks ya big jerks!!

Menu Time

2009-08-30T23:44:00.003-05:00

It's time for another week to begin. Well actually 17mins til Monday but I'm up and so here is what we are eating for the week!!
Monday~~ Dorito Chicken Casserole

Tuesday~~ Pizza~ Regan has open house so it will be easy

Wednesday~~Italian porkchops, corn, green beans ~~ Yes, I know we eat this every week but Ricky loves it and asks for it every week when I get the menu together.

Thursday~~ beef stroganoff~ My mom's version

Friday~~BBQ porkchops, Mac and cheese and broccoli and cheese

Saturday~~ START OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!! Michael and Candice are coming over and she is cooking her famous to us Brats and onion rings. I'm going to fix some snacks and dessert but it's going to be low key.

Sunday~~ My mom and I are heading to Georgia for Power's Crossroads We go every year and I'm bound and determined that being 33/34 weeks pregnant won't stop me. We will see what the doctor says Thursday.

Breakfast is easy since Regan is at school for breakfast. Ricky and I have waffles,cereal,french toast or cinnamon rolls.

I've got to do better on my lunch. I forget to eat! So this week I'm going to make some chicken salad and chicken and dumplings to eat for my lunch. Ricky got some meals and we will both eat some left overs.

Pretty simple but it always is with us. Have a good week!!

32 weeks

2009-08-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

How far along: 32 weeks by my dates 33 weeks by Kollyn's measurements
Total weight gain/loss: 9 pounds
Maternity clothes? pants yes shirts I wear a mix of because most of my shirts are lose
Stretch marks? Not any new ones only the ones from Regan.
Sleep: What is that? About 4 hours a night and then usually a nap when Regan goes to school
Best moment this week: Sunday my mom brought us bags and bags of stuff she had bought us!! It was fun getting a surprise!!
Movement: YES! Crazy movements!
Food cravings: Lemon but that isn't anything new for me
Food aversions: none
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Sleep of course and feeling stable. I feel uncoordinated lately.
What I am looking forward to: Putting the car seat in. Packing my hospital bag. Which will happen next week before my test. ~~SEE BELOW~~
Weekly Wisdom: I have none
Milestones: I will be pregnant no more than 8 weeks!!!!

So I went to the doctor today! It was raining like crazy when I got there and I hate getting my feet wet so I about threw up trying to get into the building. My blood pressure was pretty good 130/80 and my iron was still up. So yea! The baby's heartrate was 164 which I think is good. Last week there was some blood in my urine and so that was a concern but there wasn't any this week. He is going to do a Non-stress test next week and check on the baby. Just to make sure there isn't any fetal distress. I'm trying to think positive and know that it will be okay. But I'm going to go ahead and pack my bags just in case we need some more monitoring next week.

Circle time

2009-08-21T07:52:00.003-05:00

Today is Regan's first circle time. We filled his bag with all the things he loves Mr. Brown can Moo! Can you?,a motorcycle,football jersery,and Elmo's world Wild Wild West I have practiced and practiced with him on using his words to tell about each item. Things like his roll tide he says, paw paw motorcycle ride, wild wild west and his version of moo,moo buzz,buzz. This is the day that I want to be there, I want to explain things for him. I don't want him to be laughed at by kids in his class. While I know they will have stories about their items I'm praying that he says two words about what is in his bag. I debated on sending a note in his bag with all his things so that the aide or teacher could tell about it for him but then decided that I would let him do it. He doesn't need me to fix everything, maybe if he sees the other kids telling about their things he will be able to follow their lead. At least that is what I'm hoping for.

***UPDATE***
I couldn't help but wonder how things went today so I emailed Regan's teacher. She sent me an email back and said that he good. He showed the pages of the Mr. Brown can moo! Can you? book and when asked if mommy reads the book to him he said daddy read book. When it was time to put everything up he took off his shirt and tried to put his jersey on so she let him wear it the rest of the day. Yea!!

Here are some pictures she sent me!

Well that was fun

2009-08-20T07:38:00.003-05:00

I really enjoyed the first week of school. I got tons of stuff done which was great. But I'm now ready to have my little man back at home with me. It's awful quiet here on the home front. The only thing that keeps me from running after the bus every single day this week is knowing that in a few weeks Kollyn will be here to entertain me. Plus, the kids really likes school. He still gets excited to see the bus coming and tells me every morning bus ride!

Is it too early to wish for Summer vacation?

This post has been deleted a million times.......

2009-08-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've spent an hour writing this long detailed post and now it seems I've deleted it all. Oh well! Here is the cliff note version.

I need someone to take my side.
I need sometimes for other people to admit that they see the delays in Regan.
I need to know that I'm not the only one working on him.
I need to know that people respect my decisions on what happens with Regan.
I need to know that my name isn't being smeared to other people just because you don't like what my rules are.
I need to know that this will get better.
I need to know that this isn't going to tear my little family apart.
I need to know that some people would stop what they are doing to spend time with Regan.

I would like to blame this on hormones, but its something that just keeps building inside me.

Menu time

2009-08-17T07:59:00.002-05:00

Monday~ Italian pork chops,corn,broccoli and cheese

Tuesday~Taco Salad

Wednesday~Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Thursday~ Grilled cheese/ Ham sandwiches, salad

Friday~ Taco soup

Saturday~ Chicken fingers,tater tots or pizza, cupcakes
(We are having Levi and Katie over for the day. Friday was Katie's birthday and so she is coming over to play with Regan and Levi and Ricky are going to do the guy thing and play NCAA10)

Pretty simple this week.

30 weeks flew by in a flash.....

2009-08-13T20:08:00.003-05:00

I'm now 31 weeks pregnant!! I know that just yesterday I was 29 weeks but when we went to the doctor today this little boy was measuring ahead and so we are looking at October 17th now!!! Some of his measurements were 2+weeks ahead and some where they should be. So we got to change our date by 1 week. Right now he weighs 3lb 5oz!!

My blood pressure was 123/78. There was no protein in my urine and my iron level was 11.4. Everything that was bad last week was perfect today!! I'm was ecstatic when I saw the blood pressure result. That made my day so much better, heck that made the week better. I'm feeling great and this baby is doing great!

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Looks like we are right on track for a little pumpkin in mid-October!!

First days of school!!!

2009-08-11T07:46:00.009-05:00

Regan started school yesterday. I decided to tell his story with pictures so you can see how it has been for him.

His I gotta go where? face

Here we are at school.

Walking into school holding on to daddy

Here is my place at the table

Mommy and daddy are letting me play all day??

Here comes to bus!! Meme has waited all day!

My first bus ride!!!!

DAY 2

Sitting on the porch waiting on time for the bus

Regan saying bus ride!!

Making our way to the end of the driveway

Jumping is so much fun

The bus is coming!!!!!

These steps are HUGE!!

The bus is turned around and heading to school

Giveaway I would love to have

2009-08-07T22:31:00.002-05:00

Ricky's wedding band is now too little for him. He has thickened up so much since we got married that about a month ago he struggled to get his wedding band off. Since then it has been sitting in the jewelery cabinet. My plan is to get him a new one for when Kollyn is born. I would love to be able to give him a present for giving me two wonderful little boys.

So you can only imagine my excitement when tonight I ran across a giveaway on Jenna's blog. To giveaway a Tungsten wedding band!!! Click here to visit her and her adorable little boy.

Oh please let me win!!

Details make the difference

2009-08-07T15:34:00.002-05:00

I've gotten a few emails,comments, and sweet phone calls ;) asking about what is going on with this post so here you go. The not so short version.

I went to the doctor Wednesday. Took Regan with me for the first time. He did SOOO good. He played with his cars and sat in the chair while I was measured and we listened to Kollyn's heart. He was amazing!!

Ok that isn't the part you wanted to know is it? So first off I jumped on the scale and was down some. Two pounds actually so I've only gained 5 pounds this entire pregnancy. As we all know I had plenty extra before I got pregnant so the little gain isn't something to worry about! Promise!

Then my least favorite thing. BLOOD PRESSURE!! It was 143/79. Bottom number good,top a little higher than they want it to be. So off to the room we go. Amazing doctor comes in and measures me and says he is a growing boy!! I assume it just means that he is still ahead a week like he was two weeks ago. He then tells me that he has grown LOTS!! and I'm measuring way ahead of what I am.

He listens to the heart rate and its 144. That is where its been just about every time we go in. So sweet!

Then he tells me that my blood pressure is creeping up. And I know this it has been higher at home. He tell me that their is protein showing up in my urine. SAY WHAT? I know that that is a sign of preeclampsia Which isn't good.

He then tells me he wants to do an ultrasound of the baby next week to see exactly how big he is. Because he doesn't want to let him get "Too Big" and that we might look at other options when we see how big he is.

Now I'm officially 29 weeks pregnant but baby boy here is measuring like he is 35 or 36 weeks. So instead of 11 weeks to go we may have less. Like lots less. So here is my panic setting in. Not only is my body having a hard time dealing with the stress of pregnancy. Like the infection,protein in the urine, high blood pressure and all that stuff that I know isn't good for my health. This baby may be born soon and I'm not ready!!!! So next weekend is going to be get things ready for Kollyn to be here. I have to get everything ready because I'm afraid the next step for me will be bedrest if this Blood pressure and protein thing doesn't get better!!! I'm just hoping that it is home bed rest and not hospital bed rest!!!!
I go to the doctor Thursday morning so we will know what is going on then! Right now I'm just praying that Kollyn is a healthly little man and we don't meet for the next 7 to 8 weeks.

School time= New Shoes

2009-08-07T07:24:00.005-05:00

Every year my favorite part of school was getting my back to school shoes. I love the feel of new shoes to start school back. I went yesterday and got Regan some new shoes at Hicks Family Shoes in Gadsden. They take the time to measure and work to find a shoes that actually fits and not just hand you something from the back of the store. The sweet lady worked with Regan almost an hour trying to make sure we got shoes that would fit over his braces and not be moving around on him. She was fantastic!! Trying shoes on Regan is always a chore he hates new shoes but he did great yesterday! Yea for a good shoe day!!

Here are his new shoes!!

Hus Puppies Unleashed Brown Suede
Hush puppies~47.99

Stride rite ~Grind
Stride rite~ 40.00

He picked them out and even though we usually try to buy in New Balance or Nike, I know that these shoes fit correctly and that his foot is well taken care of in them.

Thanks Ms. Fran for making our shoe shopping experience a fun one!!

I hate it....

2009-08-05T23:08:00.003-05:00

Tonight I hate Down Syndrome!!!
I hate that my child is uncomfortable and can't tell me what is going on.
I hate that it affects his speech and he doesn't have the ability to tell me things.
I hate it!!

I'm hoping that he is finally asleep. He has got out of bed no less than 10 times and just can't seem to get comfortable. He keeps kissing his leg so that makes me wonder if he is hurting. He won't answer when we ask him and that makes me mad. Not at him but at the down syndrome for causing him to have speech issues that keep him from telling us what is going on.

I want to know why? Why would any person have to have a disease that makes their life difficult. Why can't he have the ability to tell his meme what is wrong. Yes, I know I shouldn't question these things and all that other stuff but just for tonight I wanna know why!

This roller coaster is not so fun...

2009-08-05T15:51:00.002-05:00

The bad
~Blood pressure "Creeping up" 143/79
~Protein in urine
~Baby measuring BIG as in 6weeks big
~May be looking at a early induction

The good
Lost two pounds, now only a 5 pound weight gain for this pregnancy
Get to have an ultrasound next Thursday to see exactly how big this little guy is
Hubby is taking off to go with me to the ultrasound
Kollyn's heart rate a great 144bpm!!

Menu Monday

2009-08-03T10:51:00.002-05:00

I'm trying my best to make up menus for the week. With Regan starting school next week I'm going to try to have dinner plans made so that we can play and work when he gets home and I'm not worrying about what to cook.

Monday~ Tater tot casserole & Salad

Tuesday~ Taco salad

Wednesday~ Red beans and Rice

Thursday~ Crock pot Italian chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and garlic bread

Friday~ Pork chops, souped up rice, broccoli and cheese

Breakfast is the same as usual for us Waffles, fruit, cereal, muffins, toast, cinnamon rolls or something else easy. I've been wanting a breakfast pizza so if Ricky is off Saturday we may have it.

Lunch at our house is pretty simple~ Ramen noodles, sandwich, chicken nuggets, salad, chicken ranch wrap,or grilled cheese.

We are going to enjoy our last week together just he and I. I go to the doctor Wednesday and Regan goes Thursday. I can't believe Summer break is over and it's time to get started again with therapy and school lessons!!!

28 weeks!!

2009-08-01T20:28:00.004-05:00

Hello 3rd Trimester!! I can't believe it is finally here. So here's my check in.

How far along: 28 weeks,1day or 29 weeks, 1 day~ Kollyn is measuring a week ahead!!
Total weight gain/loss: 7 pounds!! I'm so thankful that he is growing just fine and I'm not gaining the weight back that I had lost from October to December
Maternity clothes? mostly. I'm wearing lots of dresses and they aren't maternity
Stretch marks? Not any new ones only the ones from Regan.
Sleep: about 4 to 5 hours a night maybe! I am begging Regan for a nap by lunch time
Best moment this week: Well actually still on a high from learning that I passed the 3 hour glucose test!!
Movement: YES! This little boy is active! I mean constant until someone wants to feel him then he stops. He gets really excited when he hears Ricky.
Food cravings: nothing really
Food aversions: none
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: lots of braxton hicks, actually got a little nervous this morning because they were so strong.
Belly Button in or out? In I have a pretty deep one to start with
What I miss: sleep and sweet tea, although I have snuck in a few glasses this week
What I am looking forward to: I go back to the doctor on Wednesday
Weekly Wisdom: Nothing anyone have any good wisdom for me?
Milestones: 3rd Trimester is here!!!!

Here is the view when I look down.....
Here I am in front of the crib

...

You're such a R*t@rd!

2009-07-29T07:25:00.003-05:00

You're such a retard! How often do you hear that phrase? How often do you say that phrase? Just take your average day.Some say it once a day and some lots more. It's a phrase that sometimes sets off the bells,whistles and flashing lights in my head other times just something that catches my attention like the words lemon pie.

Regan is the reason that hearing that phrase catches my ears. Yes, my child has mental retardation. My child has has a diagnosis that contains mentally retarded in the description. Ouch! Almost five years to deal with that one. Is it always a bad thing? No, not to us. Regan looks at the world like no other person I have ever met. He doesn't see race,sex,size, ability,disability or any other adjective, he sees people. People that he can wave to, smile at, tell them about football,cars, golf cart rides or motorcycle rides he wants to take. He is the kid that if the window is down in the car and he sees someone outside in their yard he yells HEY!! and waves like he has known them for all his short life. He doesn't let many people pass him in a store without speaking to them. He will hug a complete stranger and love on them like they were one of his family members. He wakes up with nothing but excitement for that day might be filled with McQueen, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, playing cars and chicken. Four of life's greatest pleasures to him. He doesn't and probably won't care how much money he has in the bank,what kind of car he is riding around in, what the stockmarket is doing that day or any other thing that we "typical" people care about. What a way to live! He looks for the good in all and sees it even when we don't take the time to glance at people. I sometimes wish I had the ability to see the good in people,to forgive quickly and love with no bounds.

So maybe we need to change the meaning of that phrase. Maybe it shouldn't be considered a bad thing but an adjective that we all strive to be. I used to get furious when someone said that around myself or Regan but now I'm to the place that it isn't such a bad thing. It reminds me to be thankful for all the accomplishments that Regan has achieved, it makes me remember 20 or so years ago when the doctors would recommend that kids like Regan be put away, that every day changes the perception of people and that my child will help change the way people think of "Retards". Maybe one day you will tell some one "You're such retard" and mean it to be that you are one of the most wonderful people on earth.

Where we need to be.....

2009-07-28T16:26:00.002-05:00

I found this list at World book and wanted a check list of what Regan is doing and should be doing at his age.

Bold=things he is doing

Size

* Understands big and little.
* Understands long and short.
* Matches shapes or objects based on size.
Colors and Shapes

* Recognizes and names primary colors.
* Recognizes circles.
* Recognizes rectangles.
* Matches shapes or objects based on shape.
* Copies shapes.
Numbers

* Counts orally through 10.
* Counts objects in one-to-one correspondence.
* Understands empty and full.
* Understands more and less.
Reading Readiness

* Remembers objects from a given picture.
* Knows what a letter is.
* Has been read to frequently.
* Has been read to daily.
* Looks at books and magazines.
* Recognizes some nursery rhymes.
* Identifies parts of the body.
* Identifies objects that have a functional use.
* Knows common farm and zoo animals.
* Pronounces own first name.
* Pronounces own last name.
* Expresses self verbally.
* Identifies other children by name
* Tells the meaning of simple words.
* Repeats a sentence of 6-8 words.
* Completes incomplete sentence with proper word.
* Has own books.
* Understands that print carries a message.
* Pretends to read.
* Uses left-to-right progression.
* Answers questions about a short story.
* Tells the meaning of words heard in story.
* Looks at pictures and tells a story.
* Identifies own first name in manuscript.
* Prints own first name.
Position and Direction

* Understands up and down.
* Understands in and out.
* Understands front and back.
* Understands over (on) and under.
* Understands top, bottom, middle.
* Understands beside and next to.
* Understands hot and cold.
* Understands fast and slow.
Time

* Understands day and night.
* Knows age and birthday.
Listening and Sequencing

* Follows simple directions.
* Listens to a short story.
* Listens carefully.
* Recognizes common sounds.
* Repeats a sequence of sounds.
* Repeats a sequence of orally given numbers.
* Retells simple stories in sequence.
Motor Skills

* Is able to run.
* Is able to walk a straight line.
* Is able to jump.
* Is able to hop.
* Is able to alternate feet walking down stairs.
* Is able to march.
* Is able to stand on one foot for 5-10 seconds.
* Is able to walk backwards for five feet.
* Is able to throw a ball.
* Pastes objects.
* Claps hands.
* Matches simple objects.
* Touches fingers.
* Able to button a garment.
* Builds with blocks.
* Completes simple puzzles
(5 pieces or less).
* Draws and colors beyond
* a simple scribble.
* Able to zip a zipper.
* Controls pencil and crayon well.
* Cuts simple shapes.
* Handles scissors well.
* Able to copy simple shapes.
Social-Emotional Development

* Can be away from parents or primary care givers for 2-3 hours
without being upset.
* Takes care of toilet needs independently.
* Feels good about self.
* Is not afraid to go to school.
* Cares for own belongings.
* Knows full name.
* Dresses self.
* Knows how to use handkerchief
or tissue.
* Knows own sex.
* Brushes teeth.
* Crosses residential street safely.
* Asks to go to school.
* Knows parents' names.
* Knows home address.
* Knows home phone number.
* Enters into casual conversation.
* Carries a plate of food.
* Maintains self-control.
* Gets along well with other children.
* Plays with other children.
* Recognizes authority.
* Shares with others.
* Talks easily.
* Likes teachers.
* Meets visitors without shyness.
* Puts away toys.
* Able to stay on task.
* Able to work independently.
* Helps family with chores.

Right now Regan's language is still falling at 18-24 months. That is my biggest area of concern. He gets away with pointing and that is something we all need to work on. We go back to the doctor next week to recheck his hearing and see if he can pass a hearing test now. I'm still thinking he won't I am almost to the point of asking about some sort of device for him. I'm really afraid that his lack of hearing is the cause of his delays in speech and other areas such as size and shape concepts. I know that lots of his delays are typical for his diagnosis but I want to help him stay as close to his peers as possible. Oh, the joys of being a mother right? Constant worry.

mumble jumble

2009-07-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

First off, Stellan! I have written about him before he is again in SVT and has been for days now. The doctor told his mom today that things were bad! This little boy has won over thousands of people and my heart just breaks for their entire family.

Today is Regan's last day at the UCP center!! I can't even think about it without crying. I can't even begin to tell you what they have meant to our little family. I know Regan is going to miss going and seeing his friends. He gets excited when we pull up and signs and says PLAY! It's been a wonderful three years!!

Nose bleeds at 7am are no fun! I immediately thought my blood pressure was up but I checked it and it wasn't. 120/80! So maybe just the hormones? maybe Regan punched me? Who knows.

All the baby clothes are washed! I have washed all the newborn-6 month clothes I have, I think. Kollyn should be good on clothes! We might need some 3-6 stuff just depending on how cold it gets and how long it stays cold. I'm very excited that his room is coming together and I have pictures to post, but I'm waiting till its done to post all of them.

See the title of this post was right! Just a mumble jumble of things. Anyway time to get busy in the Heath house.

<100 days

2009-07-24T11:04:00.004-05:00

I have less than 100 days till this baby is here. AHHH! It kinda hit me lastnight that time is just flying by. We could have him in 10 weeks!! It will be no more than 13 weeks!! How scary is that?! We need to get a move on!!

Things to accomplish before he gets here:

~Get all his clothes washed. (I've washed some but no where near all of them)
~Get his changing table ready. (I have the pad but can't find my covers)
~Buy diapers!!!!! I only have two packs of diapers for him and one of them is a preemie pack of diapers.
~Get more thick blankets
~Get his name letters painted and hung.
~Get the baby swings and seats and make sure they all still work, if not need a new one
~Buy socks the sock monster ate all the socks that I thought I kept
~Find a coming home outfit for Kollyn
~Get Ricky to decide if we really need a new car seat. I'm thinking no.
~Install the car seat
~Find our baby monitor or buy new ones.
~Decide on a pediatrician or decide if we are keeping our current
~Find a lamp/nightlight for his room
~Decide if we need a breast pump and buy one

I can think of lots of other things but those are the main things that are bothering me.

Oh I can't wait to hold this baby in my arms!! 91 days till my due date!!!!

2009-07-22T10:18:00.003-05:00

Can I just say that this pregnancy is not going very well. First off I started having blood pressure problems early on. I've been on medicine for that since about 10 weeks. Then 2 weeks ago I had infection in my urine and my Blood Pressure was once again running high. Today I had my 1 hour glucose test and failed it,pretty bad. Plus, I'm anemic now!! The one good thing is that my blood pressure was 134/80. Which is higher than it is at home but not at such a horrible level like before. I'm not sure things aren't just falling apart.

My mom proceeds to tell me that it's my fault and that I knew this would happen when I got pregnant and wasn't in the best health and that I'm not eating right and haven't been taking care of myself and I knew this was coming. Umm, thanks for the support mom! I disappoint her once again!!! Seems like that is all I ever do is embarrass her.

I go tomorrow for the 3 hour test. Should be fun!! Ricky is going to take off to keep me entertained. I could just take a book but having him there will make it go by faster, I hope!

PSA:my cookies WERE good

2009-07-14T22:01:00.003-05:00

Well I was just fixing to post a post about my favorite new food item. It's Toll House Ultimates chocolate chip with caramel filling. Yummy isn't even the word to describe them. I cook them after the boys are gone to bed and enjoy it with some cold milk.

But when I went to their website to ~~steal~~ borrow a picture to show you the yummy goodness I notice that they have a recall on some cookie dough and umm my package is one that has been recalled for e. coli.I have already had three tonight!!! I'm now not going to tell you how wonderful they are but advise you to look at your cookie dough if you have any and pray that I don't get E. Coli from eating this tainted product.

Oh my I now want to throw them back up and never eat a chocolate chip cookie again.

Oh what fun

2009-07-13T08:59:00.004-05:00

First off Regan will be having another surgery this week. We aren't looking forward to the recovery process. Regan will be on all liquids for a few days to a week. He should love all the popsicle meals he will have. Since his asthma acts up with icecream and milk we are looking for some interesting things to eat. Our freezer will soon be filled to the top with frozen stuff.

Last night when we came home from our dinner with my parents. I was putting stuff away and walked into the bathroom that we haven't used in two years but were getting ready to start using it again when the baby gets here and what do I find but about two inches of water standing in the floor and the toilet running over still!! Ricky came when he heard me screaming and got the water turned off but we had to rip the carpet up (Yes, I know carpet in a bathroom It was here when we bought the house) So The floor into the room is still damp but we worked for hours last night trying to get them dry. I'm so glad that under that carpet was some linoleum. It's not pretty but its better than ruining the floor of the bathroom. There is a piece of sheet rock that will need to replaced but we hope that that was all the water damage. Not the was to end a weekend.

I won't be posting much if any for the next few weeks while we recover. Hopefully I can start back after he is healed.

Maybe I should have stayed at home

2009-07-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

Today was my 24 week check up. I'm offically 24weeks and 5days!!! Woohoo!! But things were a little hectic for this check up today.

First off my doctor was on vacation. So I saw the CRNP which is completely fine with me.
I was worried about my weight gain but I have only gained 1 pound in 4 weeks so not too bad I'd say!! I'm now up 5 pounds from my first check up at 6 weeks. That's pretty good!!

My blood pressure,as always,was up 150/90. I can't help it I'm nervous everytime!! So I heard the CRNP outside my room talking to another CRNP about my BP and then my urine. I was straining to hear what was being said but finally she came in. I have lots of WBC's in my urine!! GREAT! So that has to be sent to the lab for more testing. They will call me and let me know if I need to get some medication or what they find out.

Then when she goes to hear the heartrate she can't find it!!!! By this time I'm freaking out and my BP is skyrocketing. Finally she gets it. He was turned where she couldn't get it very good but it was there.

Then we discussed my BP. It's up, I'm taking my meds, I feel fine, it's lower at home, blah,blah. So she wants to check it again. When she does its 132/70!!!! Now yes that top number is higher than I want it to be but it was down around 20pts in about 10mins!!! I told you that I get nervous!!

We then talked about the vomiting that is happening at night. Umm, Morning sickness this late in pregnancy?? She thinks it's from heartburn. Makes sense to me!! So now I can drink umm I mean take Mylanta if I still have issues. Works for me.

I do have to go back in 2 weeks to be checked again and do my glucose tolerance test. Yummy!!

So now I'm on every 2weeks being checked!! I'm also measuring a week ahead!! This baby is going to outweigh his brother. Regan only weighed 5lbs 11oz so it won't take much to be bigger than he was.

What an eventful appointment! I'm ready to go back to fast simple and your outta here visits.

Here comes the bride....

2009-06-26T09:47:00.002-05:00

Back in January when my brother first brought Becca to my mom's my mom and I discussed how long until a wedding. We both said by Christmas and we were right! This weekend Jay and Becca will be getting married. I can truly say that I have never seen my brother happier. He holds her hand and hugs her in front of us!! That is a big thing if you know our family,we just aren't huggers or touchy people. I am amazed that she balances him so well. She knows exactly what to do when he gets anxious, she calms him down so well. They are just an amazing couple together.

Happy Wedding weekend!!

Free Paint!!!

2009-06-25T15:21:00.003-05:00

How can it get any better than free paint? Glidden is giving away a free quart of paint by going to their website CLICK HERE You can chose your color and they will send it out. Says it takes 3 to 4 weeks for it to come in. No shipping or any of that stuff just free paint!! This offer is good til July 2! Don't miss out on this deal!!!!

Faith 21!!!

2009-06-24T10:14:00.004-05:00

We all know my love of shopping,right? I love it but I also like cheap and so sometimes it's hard to find stuff in the umm fluffy,curvy,fleshy,whatever else you wanna call it plus sizes. I find plenty of stuff it's just either old lady or really expensive you know cause you had to add all that extra fabric or what not. I have a love for forever 21, but can't wear anything from there BUT recently I have discovered they have a line called faith21 Their stuff is young and current and pretty cheap. I absolutely would be buying this stuff if I was not indeed almost 6months pregnant!

Even if your not fluffy you should check out Forever 21 for their cheap jewelry. I love it!!

My husband saved me from....

2009-06-23T02:52:00.003-05:00

It's 2:45am. I'm up with some awful heartburn, thanks BBQ sandwiches, I've been up for an hour on the internet where else would I be.

A few minutes ago I go and get me some water to go along with my pink lemonade lollipop,Yum. After fixing my glass of water I hear these taps it's pretty loud and I run for Ricky. "Ricky there is something outside the kitchen come here and listen" Ricky who has been passed out for hours gets up ~~cause I won't stop shaking his arm~~ happily and goes to the kitchen . He listens for 5 seconds and then turns the faucet all the way off. My mystery attacker was the dripping faucet hitting something in the sink.

Maybe I shouldn't be allowed out of bed in the middle of the night.

Busy, Busy week!!!

2009-06-22T12:41:00.004-05:00

First off I got Kollyn's bedding in last week. Ricky and I wanted something that wasn't in every store and we wanted a theme that wasn't sports. I know that when he gets a little older he will want sports so I didn't want to see it from birth to 21. I'm going to post a picture from online but it's even cuter in person!! We got all 13 pieces brand new for way less than anything else we had looked at, Thank you EBAY!

The fabric has suede,terry cloth and corduroy and eveything is stitched on not imprinted like I thought it is so cute and I can't wait to get started getting his room together.

But first we have two events coming up!

My brother is getting married Saturday. It is an outdoor wedding so lets hope that it cools down Saturday by 5pm for all of us. The ceremony is being held in a wooded area so it will be a little cooler, we hope. Jay and Becca fit so well together it's like they have known each other all their lives. So Sweet!!!

Sunday we will be heading to Gatlinburg!! Another little getaway! We are heading off with Ricky's parents,brother and Ricky's paw paw and his wife Becky. It should be fun. We will be back on Tuesday evening and then getting ready to get this house ready for some remodeling and building. Nothing too big just some closets and doors and new railing on our front porch. We will then be ready to start putting Kollyn's room together, I can't wait!!!

Hope everyone has a great week.

PUPPP rash

2009-06-17T08:50:00.004-05:00

PUPP~ Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, is the most common rash in pregnant women. It normally occurs in first pregnancies during the third trimester with an average onset of 35 weeks. Thankfully, PUPPP does not usually affect subsequent pregnancies. ( For more about PUPPP click HERE

Better known to me is a pain in the well every where on my body. I'm talking stomach,legs,back,boobs, arms, EVERYWHERE!!!! This is the most itchy, sore, stinging, painful thing I have ever experienced. Usually this only happens in the third trimester, lucky me has had it since 18 weeks!!! There is nothing to make it go away just temporary relief. From the research I found it seems that Kollyn's dna got into my blood stream and this is my body fighting the male dna. It isn't harmful to the baby in anyway. I have used 6 tubes of hydrocortisone cream in the last week, a bottle of caladryl and so much children's benadryl it's not funny. I decided to take some pictures to remind Kollyn of the pain in the body he was before he was born.

*** Sorry for the stretch mark pictures, you can thank Regan for those. I do***

Oh and this won't go away until hours or weeks after he is born!!! Fun! Fun!!

2009-06-16T09:45:00.001-05:00

It's a ...........................

2009-06-15T15:01:00.003-05:00

Wednesday was the big ultrasound and we found out that we are having..............

a sweet

cute

wonderful

exciting......

LITTLE BOY!!!

We are super excited to be giving Regan a brother to grow up with. We didn't get really good pictures because our little man was moving so much but the video we got was great!! Our little boy's legs measured a week ahead so we aren't 100% sure of the date but the doctor said to just stick with our Oct.23 date.

After my appointment my mom and I headed to Panama City Beach and spent a few days relaxing and enjoying Regan playing in the "Big Pool" Such a fun way to celebrate the news of our little boy.

His name is going to be Kollyn Avery. We finally came up with a name and spelling and so we are ready for October to be here so we can meet our second sweet little boy.

It's a ......................

2009-06-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'll tell everyone Friday cause I'm leaving for the beach as soon as my appointment is done!!

I think I'm private!!

2009-06-09T09:39:00.003-05:00

I have went back and forth about this and well for right now I think it's best. Strange places were spending too much time and trying to copy pictures of Regan.

On other news a blog that I was interested in turned out to be a scam. This woman said she was pregnant and the baby had trisomy 13 and some other issues and that she was expected to even be born. I started reading her blog in April she asked for donations and got lots of money and gifts from people she even started a thing called HIS WILL WEDNESDAY where other readers could send in prayer request and she would post them on for all to pray about, well over the weekend she went into "labor" she had decided on a home birth because they knew the baby wouldn't live very long with the issues it had, she posted pictures of a baby that she said was hers but her baby only weighed 4 pounds and in the pictures the baby was probably 10-12 pounds, had a perfect complexion, and a beautiful face. It just kills me that people would use a genetic issue to make money. It's sad that there are people out there like this. The blog has since been deleted and no one will ever know the true story behind April rose and her mom B. I'm disgusted at the whole idea and that I got swept into it. I even made Ricky get off the xbox live Sunday so I could keep checking on her. How sad, I hope that the author of that blog never has to face a real issue with a child because the child deserves better than a scam artist parent.

okay enough ranting for today. Less than 24 hours till I know if we are having a boy or girl!!!!! I'm so excited!!!

Going private.....

2009-06-02T11:12:00.004-05:00

I get hardly any comments on this blog but at least 20 people a day visit. That freaks me out and so in one week this blog will go private. I would love to have you to keep reading my blog but I don't really need people in some strange country reading and copying pictures of us for some unknown reason. So within the week if ya wanna keep reading send me an comment or email and I'll add you to the list of readers. If not you won't get to find out what the baby is because we find out next Wednesday!!

June 1st

2009-06-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

I've dreaded this day for 7months 1week and 3days. It is a day that will I will remember forever. Even when everyone I know has forgotten and they have, I will know that my sweet baby was due today. I've heard other mothers of lost babies say that they felt the loss even 25 years later. I know for sure I will. Today I feel the lump in my throat instead of the lump in my stomach as I think of what should of been.

After over two years of trying I was so excited to find out that all the charting,medicines, wanting, praying, crying had finally paid off. We were expecting!! 9 short weeks later this horrible day happened even in 9 weeks I fell in love with this sweet baby It's hard to describe loving someone you have never set eyes on but I did. I still love that baby, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of where in my pregnancy I would be. I still even with this baby know how many weeks and what would be happening if the baby was still growing inside me.
Today is a day that I remember that things can be taken away in a single moment. That even when we think we have our road all mapped out we aren't the driver, we are just passengers along for the ride.

I miss you my sweet ladybug.

Life is too short..

2009-05-23T19:24:00.002-05:00

We got a call Friday that no family ever wants to get. My aunt was killed during a test ride at a Birmingham race track.
Without giving out too many of the details....
A corner worker radioed in and reported debris the track he was told the track was hot and bikes were coming and to wait. He entered twice anyway and was struck by my aunt at around 120mph. Both my aunt and the worker were killed on impact according to the medical examiner.
My uncle was at the track testing as well and called family for support. Sutton was an wonderful match to my uncle and was so sweet. On my wedding day Russ and Sutton got engaged. She requested that they not tell anyone their news in order to make the day all about me. She is the step-mom to two of the cutest boys and I know they will miss her dearly. My heart breaks for my uncle who is dealing with her untimely death.

The story from the news is from Friday evening before names and information was realeased.

sick and tired of it.

2009-05-21T20:18:00.001-05:00

Why is it that something I don't feel is right I'm not "allowed" to have any input on because my opinion doesn't matter EVER!!

Circle,square, triangle,star

2009-05-16T08:47:00.003-05:00

What do these shapes have in common??? They are the shapes that Regan knows!!!!! He surprised us this week before bed when we were getting ready for bed and we asked him where the triangle was and he pointed to it and said there. So then it was to the circle again he pointed to it and said there, square? there, star? there. Meme and daddy cried and we had a party right there before bed. We have talked about shapes but I've never asked him if he knew them but he does!!! On Wednesday before I would let my mom pull out of the drive way I had to show her and she of course cried too! She knows all the times I struggle and call her crying because of the delays we see. It was so nice to have someone as excited about his education as I am. I've been holding this in until we had a chance to show both sets of the grandparents and its been killing me.

I did go to the doctor Wednesday!! Little ones heart rate was 144bpm and things seem to be good. My blood pressure was up a little but we have been checking it at home and its been no higher than 120/76. I just seem to get nervous in there! As the ticker up there shows we find out boy or girl on June 10th. I can't wait!!! We are have a girl name picked out but are still having trouble with the boy name. Ricky says its a sign.

I've decided to follow along with a bunch of thebump girls and post this quiz along with a picture.
(pleases excuse the red polish, Regan helped me chose that day)
How far along: 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: up two pounds
Maternity clothes? yes, some of my pants still fit but maternity pants are comfy
Stretch marks? none added
Sleep: wish I could get more
Best moment this week: getting some real good movement
Movement: yes! A few times a day especially in the evening
Food cravings: BBQ sandwiches from Dad's and cherry slushes
Food aversions: no fast food hamburgers. Yuck!
Gender: I'm going with boy.
Labor Signs: negative
Belly Button in or out? in
What I miss: nothing I've been wanting this for almost three years
What I am looking forward to: finding out what the baby is!
Weekly Wisdom: milk coming back up after eating sweet cereal will only make you want to throw up more.
Milestones: Being 17 weeks
Have a good weekend!!

Great news

2009-05-11T02:13:00.002-05:00

Regan gets to go to AES next year for preschool!!! Yea! I've only been begging,pleading, crying trying to get him in for two years but hey at least we got in next school year!! He will be going 5 days a weeks and we even set it up for him to be able to ride the bus. He is so excited about the bus thing, I am not. I can't imagine him getting on the bus and leaving without me right there with him. We have discussed that the first week I get to take him to school then if he wants to ride the bus he can. But he sure is excited about that yellow cheese wagon.

I go to the doctor Wednesday! I'm still having some anxiety issues but have been feeling him/her move some. Yipee! Now if this itching would go away things would be great! My blood pressure has been running at 100/60 so I'd say that is pretty good. No swelling, no more headaches, no throwing up except with some strong smells, just mild mood swings, more energy I mean look its 220 in the morning and I'm up wired. I do however blame that on the glass of tea I had today. I ordered sprite but got tea and I hated to send it back ;)IT WAS SOOOO GOOD.

I hope everyone had a wonderful MOTHERS DAY!! I did! I'm so thankful for the mom's in my life for all the love and support.

Not me Monday!!

2009-05-04T21:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week I did not create a monster by teaching Regan if he uses the potty he gets candy. Not me because I know that using food as a bribe is not responsible thing to do EVER.

I did not let us get all out of diapers except one that I found under our bed and I so did not wonder if it was used but put it on him anyway.

I did not have a Dr.Pepper today after not having anything with caffeine for 12 weeks.

I also have not had a headache for the past 10 days that would not go away. But if I did I would have never drank a dr. pepper to see if it would make it go away. (IT DID)

I surely would not have been using the headache excuse with Ricky every day and night for the past 10 days and for the first time be telling the truth. Nope not me!

I did not beg for a watermelon slush last night and then after Ricky going to get it only drink two sips and think I was going to throw up. Because pregnancy wouldn't make anyone want something and then change their minds in 10 seconds.

I also would never cry when my regular jeans still fit at 15weeks pregnant when most women would be happy that they don't have to wear maternity pants yet. But still wear the maternity jeans cause I want to look more pregnant.

That's what I haven't done this past week. How about you?

5th grade meanies

2009-05-02T05:59:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I was sitting at the elementary school waiting for Regan to be done with speech. I kept hearing all these boys names being called to the office. I think 10 or so. Of course, I have no idea what they did but, I do know they were in the principals office and no smiling faces went in or out of there. They were all in big trouble for whatever they did.

A few minutes later Regan's favorite police officer arrived to school to do his walk around and just show that we do have cops out in the sticks. So while he is in the office I hear "Will you go to the 5th grade hall, a boy got angry at his teacher, slammed the door on his way out, and broke the door" UMM what?? He broke the door??? Now of course he goes on down that way and and a comes back with this boy who couldn't of weighed more that 70 pounds. How in the world did that boy break the door? He was so funny, lips all poked out, arms crossed across his chest. He just made me want to laugh.

Undoubtedly when its almost time for school to get out in the 5th grade the boys go stupid.

I'm having a day........

2009-04-30T15:58:00.002-05:00

***Whining and Complaining starts now***

~It's not fair that I spent 200+ dollars on braces today only to find out that these will more than likely need replaced in less than 6 months.

~ It's not fair that I then had to go and try on 100 pair of shoes to find shoes that would go over said braces only to be stuck with one choice.

~It's not fair that I have spent hours up the last week trying to get things lined up for his IEP and trying to figure out if a goals I want are too advanced

~It's not fair that my mind is constantly trying to figure out how to make each moment a "teaching" moment because Regan is falling behind his peers even more.

~It's not fair that Ricky and I are trying to figure out how much life insurance we will need to make sure that Regan gets to have the support we want for him.

~It's not fair that the entire time we are trying to figure that out we are wondering if he will even live that long. Average Life expectance is only in the 50's

~It's not fair that we make too much money for any assistance yet budget 300 a month for doctor appointments, copays, lab work, medication and the past two months we have spent over double that each month.

~It's not fair the looks people give him. Or when people keep their kids away from him.

~It's not fair to wonder if your child will be able to graduate high school when they haven't even started elementary school.

~It's not fair that you are already trying to get information about job training so that he CAN have a job.

~It's not fair that two year olds use more words than your own child.

~It's not fair to wonder if our baby will feel ashamed of his/her brother.

~It's not fair to think maybe your next child will help potty train your oldest when there is almost 5 years difference.

~It's not fair to constantly be worried that you aren't doing enough.

~It's not fair to be questioning your every decision.

~It's not fair that his days are filled with OT, PT, Speech and appointments

~It's not fair that I feel like all I do is teach.

~It's not fair that I wonder if he will ever remember me for doing something other than taking him to appointments

Today I feel like things are not going where they need to be. We are fighting all the time. Today in a shoe store he got mad and knocked shoes off the display. All because he couldn't get me to understand what he wanted. When I did get it...it was too late. He was mad and not going to listen to a word I said. I bent down to talk to him and all the sudden he jumped and busted my nose. I had to get paper towels to stop the bleeding. He kept on yelling stop at me and wouldn't let me try the shoes on him at all. He never likes to put on new shoes, he always wants his old shoes but with the new braces his shoes were falling off as he walked. I hope that tomorrow is a better day, because right now I feel like I'm failing as his mom.

2009-04-29T07:21:00.004-05:00

We decided on a last minute trip to the beach over the weekend. We drove down after Ricky got off work Friday making it to Panama City Beach around 930. We decided to follow the GPS because it told us it had a "faster" route. WRONG in so many ways. I was ready to throw it out the window for the way it took us was almost to Destin and then back to Panama City, what a waste of an hour.
So after we went around the world to get there we played in the sand for a while, Regan loved it!! He was so excited to have this huge sand box. The next morning we were up bright and early to go play before it got too hot. Regan again spent hours playing in the sand. He thought that the ocean was the pool and would say big pool when he wanted to get wet. The bad part was double red flags the entire time. :( We would let him stand on the edge and that was okay for a little while.
But then he decided he wanted to go in the waves and really have some fun!!

We had a good time just hanging out together and Ricky and I figured that would be our last trip just the three of us. So it was nice to just play and enjoy whatever Regan wanted to do.

We headed home Monday and we were all sad to say bye to the beach. Regan kept saying bye pool, bye pool on the way out. He was at the perfect age to enjoy everything and he did.

What do you think??

2009-04-17T10:00:00.003-05:00

I'm going crazy to know if we are having a boy or girl! I want to start shopping NOW!! I have found something interesting and wondered if anyone else has ever heard of or used this little wonder.
It is a test that you tinkle into and then the results of either boy or girl show up in about 10 mins. You can read more about it here On their website it sells for 34.99 but I saw this product somewhere for 23.99. Their website says that it is 86% correct when used between 10 and 34 weeks. So ever heard of it, used it, seen it??

Woohoo!!

2009-04-13T16:13:00.002-05:00

I had my 12 weeks check up today. My blood pressure was up still but down from where it was. But he wants me on medicine anyway. I'm okay with that for the most part. I do know that at home it isn't elevated so it makes me wonder what will happen if its pushed lower. We will see. I'm still having major exhaustion, I can't hardly hold my head up by the time Ricky gets home in the evenings. Dinner at our house has been lacking but my sweet hubby just tells me to go on to bed and doesn't complain. How sweet!! I get to stop taking the progesterone so that may help. Since I'm past 12 weeks the placenta has taken over the hormones for the baby so that is a great thing.
The baby's heart rate was 156bpm. The doctor says must be a girl! Who knows if that old wives tale is true but maybe we will find out. I still won't find out if its a boy or girl for two months. That seems like forever but will be here soon I'm sure!!!

Mediocre News...

2009-04-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

I wouldn't say that we got Good news or bad news from the neuro surgeon on Monday. It was mediocre news, I think. Regan is at risk for spinal cord injury more than a "typical" child is. He however at this time doesn't show symptoms that this may have already happened. We are to limit the activities that might cause jarring, impact,or cause excessive movement of his neck. Right now we know that football,gymnastics,diving, soccer, and Rugby are totally out. We are limiting him on inflatable bounce things. At this point he isn't to crazy in them and doesn't try to flip or land straight on his back. We feel at this time it is mostly safe but we may change our minds as time goes on. We will be making decisions on roller coasters and those sort of things at the time he wants to ride them. Right now the ones at six flags for his age aren't too wild but we know that the time will come that we do have to restrict him on them.
I'm sure some of you may think that we are being too cautious but we are doing what we as his parents feel is best for him. I don't want to put him in a bubble but I do not want to put his well being at risk either. There are plenty of things in life that he will be allowed to do with no restrictions,but we have to protect his neck and a spinal cord injury is not something we ever want to have to face.
We will be seen by Dr. Blount again next year and will see where we are at that point.

We're back..

2009-04-06T06:42:00.002-05:00

We are heading back to Childrens Hospital today. This time to see a neuro surgeon. We were supposed to wait three months before going. But We now have an appointment today!! They wanted the neuro to check and see what he thought about fusion since this involved Regan's skull. I'm nervous. Ricky is working, so my mom is going with us. If (and I hope they do) we needed someone to go into xray with him she would be better anyway.

Okay well its time to get going so I'll hopefully have a great update tomorrow.

2009-03-30T11:11:00.002-05:00

This weekend went by way to fast.
Friday night we went to my parents house and rode on the golf cart they bought. Regan loved it and well we "grownups" had a blast too. My mom and I went on several trips around their wooded area and laughed the entire time.

I spent the morning Saturday sleeping!! It was great! My in-laws came and got Regan Saturday morning and so I decided the best thing to do was sleep. It was wonderful. I can't seem to sleep during the night but love to nap during the day when Regan is away. Ricky and I watched Twilight and Pearl Harbor and just enjoyed spending some time alone. We sat on the porch for a long time and watched the storms coming across the highway and pasture it was so nice just having us time.

Sunday we split the day up and spent time with Ricky's parents for breakfast and then headed to my parents for supper! We didn't have to cook all day!!! How great is that for someone who can't stand the smell of food cooking. I just wish the weekend would last forever when they are as great as this one was.

I've posted before about Stellan. His mommy is writer of this great blog and mom to 4 under 4!! Stellan is a miracle baby that I have followed since he was in the womb. He is now in Children's and needing some Divine intervention. Keep him and his entire sweet family in your prayers.

Struggling

2009-03-27T04:34:00.002-05:00

I'm needing to vent about my kiddo. He is not getting same and different concept and it's driving my crazy. I just don't know how else to get him to understand. I've used toys, flash cards, clothes, shoes, books, movies, fruits, veggies and still nothing. It's one of those concepts that he just doesn't grasp. Ugh!

Colors are the same thing. He gets it half the time but then he starts really messing them up. White is green, red is black just crazy stuff!! It is wearing me out.

Potty training has had a huge set back!! He was staying dry at night, and being able to go to the potty at home 1 or 2 times a day. Now? Wet at night, Accidents all day. He refuses to sit on the potty for any length of time and just looks at us like we are crazy. What am I going to do??? I want him potty trained before the baby gets here. (And no I haven't made a big deal about that to him) Someone please tell me it gets better.

His Plan

2009-03-21T11:06:00.002-05:00

I don't know if I've even told anyone about the due date for this little one. It is Oct.23. Wow you probably think, but there is more behind that date than just a date. That day, October 23, is the day that I had a D&C to remove the baby we had lost. I know that very few babies are actually born on their due date, but it has given me such peace knowing that on the worst day of my life one year later it is "scheduled" for me to have a precious gift. I lost faith when we lost the baby in October. I wasn't sure that I would ever get it back. But sometimes His plan for us isn't what we think it should be. I'm so blessed to get to experience pregnancy again. We pray everyday that it is for 40 weeks this time and we have a precious baby at the end of it. I'm thankful for each day and learning to relax knowing that there is a plan for us.

Umm thanks insurance...

2009-03-20T11:24:00.003-05:00

It's looking like I need a job!! In the past week I'm talking Friday to Friday we have received medical bills totaling 779.45. Can you believe that!?! That my friends is uncalled for! That isn't even the medicine that we paid for that was 87.00. Oh, our baby funds account is just disappearing. Again we need a bag of money to land on our door step at any time.

Instability x2

2009-03-19T09:11:00.003-05:00

We got a mix of answers yesterday at our appointment. You can see the one point of instability but, Regan has another between the skull and C1. I only got a picture of the one xray but there was another film that showed the second instability. Both are at 7mm which at this point they don't do anything about. At 10mm they will be talking surgery!!! That is only 3mm away!! We go back in three months to redo these xrays and see where we are at that point. That appointment will be with a neurosurgeon because this involves his skull so, they take it over when the skull is involved. I'm nervous still that if it can go from 0-7 in a year can it go 3 more millimeters in 3 months.

We finished the appointment with a trip to the zoo. It was a pretty day and we got there pretty early so it wasn't that busy just yet. Ricky and I love going but Regan could really care less. He did like the fish,lions,tigers and the carousel but then he was ready to go. After we saw what we wanted to we finally gave in and left. We had to have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and boy was it Yummy!! Their loaded baked potato soup was so good. We sat outside and just enjoyed some sunshine. Even with the scary news we still just got to enjoy the day together as a family.

Nursery items wish list...

2009-03-17T18:45:00.006-05:00

OK so I'm 30 weeks away from our little peanut getting here but I've been window shopping!! I spend way too much time on the Internet,just look at my house and you will agree. We are hoping to use Regan's crib again so that will save us some money but now I'm looking at bedding. I'm not one for soft colors, no pale pink or blue. I want something bolder and more colorful. Something that will stimulate the baby some.Here are some of my recent favorites.

These first ones are from Pottery Barn Kids We love Dr. Seuss here at the Heath house so this would be a huge hit with the hubby and Regan.

The next ones are from Wal-mart the have very limited things in store but a pretty good selection online.

Some I have found at target are my favorites!! Especially the LOVE one!! If its a girl it will more than likely be THE ONE!!

I'm sure I will be doing lots of looking between now and when we are ready to buy but I'd like to have things set up and ready by about 25 weeks. That will be here before we know it!

We saw peanut

2009-03-16T20:07:00.002-05:00

We got to see our little peanut today!! Everything looked good!! The doctor was struggling with getting the measurements at first but finally came up with one that we all agreed on. The heart rate was in the 150's and everything was good except my blood pressure. I am so stressed when I go in there that its high!! Like 145/90 and two weeks ago when we were having some issues it was 180/99. I know that its not this high anywhere else but I have to be able to get myself calm for our next visit or I'll have to be on some meds!! Not what I wanted to hear but I'll get it down. We go back in 4 weeks!! Then I will be out of the 1st trimester!!! Here is the little peanut!!!

Need good thoughts

2009-03-15T21:43:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow we go back to the doctor to hopefully get another look at our peanut! Ricky and I are both scared that something might be wrong again. I'm not sure what we will do if we have lost another baby.My appt is in the morning so hopefully I can post some good news in the afternoon. We just want our little one to be there and have a healthy heart rate!!

Hardwood help?

2009-03-11T16:52:00.004-05:00

We live in a house that was built in the 50's. It used to have hardwood floor throughout. The previous owners (my parents) weren't so excited about hardwood floors and had most of them took up and now there is carpet. We have two rooms with exposed hardwood and one is the room that is going to become our bedroom before the baby gets here in October. Here's my question...

What do you clean your hardwood floors with?

I usually just sweep and swiffer the floors but I want to (or actually have Ricky) have the floors really clean and pretty before we make the room swaps. I have no idea what to use to make the floors shiny. Don't forget that are 50+years old and have some imperfections.

That's what they look like. Ricky doesn't think they can handle being sanded and refinished so that isn't a good option for us.

HELP!

Mommy is flipping out...

2009-03-06T12:19:00.003-06:00

Yesterday my mom and I took Regan for his annual X-rays to check his neck. This was the first time that he had ever had a procedure done where I couldn't be in the room.Remember, I'm pregnant!!! So my mom had to go into the room with him. When Regan realized that I wasn't in there he went running to the door screaming MEME!! I stood in the hall way and cried like a baby. I wanted so badly to be in there to help him but had to protect our little baby. It was horrible. When they finally opened the door he was still crying and I just held him and cried too. It was the toughest thing I've ever done to not be where he could make eye contact with me.

We go the call a few minutes ago that every parent dreads. The call that they found something and we need to see a surgeon. Regan has a fusion on C2-C3 and also has Atlantoaxial Instability. AAI occurs in appox 15% of children with Down Syndrome.

Here is some information about it from our favorite website

"AAI denotes increased mobility at the articulation of the first and second cervical vertebrae (atlantoaxial joint). The causes of AAI are not well understood but may include abnormalities of the ligaments that maintain the integrity of the articulation, bony abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae, or both.

In its mildest form, AAI is asymptomatic and is diagnosed using X-rays.....Symptomatic AAI results from subluxation (excessive slippage) that is severe enough to injure the spinal cord, or from dislocation at the atlantoaxial joint.

The neurologic manifestations of symptomatic AAI include easy fatiguability, difficulties in walking, abnormal gait, neck pain, limited neck mobility, torticollis (head tilt), uncoordination and clumsiness, sensory deficits, spasticity, hyperreflexia...and {other spinal cord} signs and symptoms. Such signs and symptoms often remain relatively stable for months or years; occasionally they progress, rarely even to paraplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia, or death. Trauma rarely causes the initial appearance or the progression of these symptoms. Nearly all of the individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury to the spinal cord had weeks to years of preceding, less severe neurologic abnormalities..

To say that I'm not flipping out is a lie. I'm worried sick. Not only could this limit Regan's acitivites as far as sports,jumping,and special olympics this could mean spinal cord injury for him. We go to the orthopedic surgeon at Childrens on the 18th. I'm ready to go now!! I need answers and so I'm off to look for information as to what we're facing.

Great topic for my 100th post!!

2009-03-04T06:43:00.003-06:00

Okay so I don't have a giveaway of my own to tell you about. Truthfully, I've just been way to busy dealing with.............................................................pregnancy!!!! That's right I'm pregnant!! We were going to keep it a secret until after the first trimester was over but who am I kidding I'm too excited. Now I know that things could still go wrong, but I'm only thinking positive for the next 5 weeks. We got to see the baby on Monday. Right now it only looks like a little bean but we saw and heard a heart rate so that was great!! I am going to be going to the doctor every two weeks for a couple of months just to keep a close check. I would go every day if they would let me!!! I'm taking some progesterone to help thicken my uterine walls. It is an interesting medicine the side affects make me feel awkward but they are suppose to improve with time. I've know for three weeks today. It has been hard keeping our little secret but now it's out!

Even though I promised a giveaway and don't have one I do know someone who does!!!
Misadventures of a newlywed has a giveaway you should check out!

99 blogger post on the wall

2009-02-11T03:30:00.004-06:00

take one down read it around..... 100 blogger post on the wall

oh, okay sorry for the song. This is in fact my 99Th post into blogger world. Can you believe that blogger hasn't kicked me off for my horrible grammar and spelling and lame content? Well, in honor of 100 coming up I'll be having a giveaway!!!

I have at least 10 readers a day according to my stat counter thingy! But only one of you :) leave comments regularly! Hopefully this giveway will make you come out of blog lurkerness..

Come back to see the 100Th post, it might be good!!

Hmmm

2009-02-07T12:06:00.002-06:00

It's 12:06 on Saturday.
The kid has had a bath.
The dog has had a bath.
The dishes have had a bath.
The clothes have had a bath.
Who still hasn't had a bath??
That would be me, I feel yucky but, there is more cleaning to do. Oh, how I miss the days when a bath was a normal routine for me!!

*I'm looking for my cell phone and check card if anyone sees them!! Oh, my mind is gone

5 year trip

2009-02-03T12:35:00.000-06:00

Our 5 year anniversary is in March. Ricky and I both want to go somewhere fun for it. We haven't traveled together much because we got pregnant two months after we got married. So,now that Regan is older and he would rather stay with anyone besides us..We want to go! Our problem is where do we want to go? A cruise? New York City? San Fransisco? Las Vegas? Florida Keys? Where should we go? I'm looking for suggestions. We have budget for two or three night with air and would rather not fly out of the country, Ricky doesn't have a passport. Help!!

Great Giveaway!!

2009-01-29T21:27:00.002-06:00

Misadventures of a newlywed is probably my favorite blog in the world and to make her even better she is having a giveaway!! Go check her out!!!!!!

I _______

2009-01-28T23:32:00.006-06:00

I saw this over at Kori's and wanted something to pass the time by.

I live: in the same house I did growing up.

I work: constantly on cleaning the house.

I smell: nothing at the moment.

I listen: better than I talk.

I hide: the remote from Regan.

I walk: my dog,now that we have a new one.

I write: checks to pay bills, constantly

I see: Elmo all day in some shape,form or fashion.

I sing: badly.

I can: tell you some things about Down Syndrome.

I watch: American Idol.

I daydream: about life with two kids.

I want: life to be easier for my sweet boy.

I cry: when I have to hold my child down for some dental work,like yesterday

I read: lots of books.

I love: the thought of growing old with the people I love

I rode: with Regan on his first roller coaster.

I sometimes: forget to tell my hubby how much he means to me.

I fear: what will happen to Regan when Ricky and I are gone.

I hope: that it actually snows next week!!!!

I eat: less than I used to.

I drink: a lot of sweet tea.

I play: cars and ball ALL DAY!!

I miss: working sometimes.

I forgive: but never forget and won't put myself back into the situation again.

I drive: a silver gas saver

I lost: my cell phone. AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dream: about crazy things lately.

I kiss: Ricky before work every day.

I hug: rarely, I'm just not a hug person.

I have: a desire for more kids.

I remember: less than I should.

I don't: enjoy worrying about my child's future.

I believe: one day my prayers will be answered.

I owe: only for my car and house.

I know: that soon my car will be paid for!!!

I hate: that my hubby doesn't get everything he wants when he wants it.

I wish: for a vacation with my loves.

I wear: two size smaller pants than I did last year at this time.

My ex: told me over and over his car was his first love.

Maybe I should: be getting ready.

People would say that I'm: I don't know what would you say?

I don't understand: but I have to believe there is a reason.

Life is full of: experiences you just have to want to experience it.

My past is: over and done with.

I get annoyed when: people use the "R" word around me or my child.

Parties are: a thing of the past, but funny memories.

Tomorrow: will be Friday and Regan has therapy.

Never in my life have I: been able to make a paper airplane.

When I was younger, I: cheered constantly.

When I'm nervous: I chew on my mouth.

When I was 5: my dad put me on a pink dress and red tights for picture day. (My mom was sick)

My life is not complete without: some daily laughs from Regan.

If you visit my hometown: your really bored.

The world could do without: steak.

If I ever go back to school: it will be for elementary education.

And, by the way: you should do this too.I would love to read it.

Prayers for RJ

2009-01-28T13:27:00.004-06:00

I'm asking for prayers for our dear friends The Kirby's! Donnell and Ricky have been friends since they were young. We always have such a good time hanging out with their family. Lyndsey and Donnell along with Ariel and RJ live in Georgia but Lyndsey and the kids are in Louisiana visiting with her family. Baby RJ has been put in the hospital and is in need of our prayers. He seems to be having some sort of respiratory problems.

Rant

2009-01-27T12:52:00.003-06:00

I refuse to believe that my child will

~Never be able to cook his own meal
~Never know how to use a measuring cup
~Never be able to balance a checkbook
~Never have the joy of having his own place
~Never get the chance to travel without an aide
~Never get to hold a job
~Never get to make decisions for himself
~Never know how how to change a flat tire
~Never know you how to operate a washing machine
~Never know how to use a computer
~Never know how to read above a 1st grade level
~Never be able to do long division

These things among others have been in a book I've been reading lately. I will not limit my child to doing less than I believe he can and will do. Some things might take longer but, to be told that he won't be able to do these things won't work for me. I hope that no parents put limits on their child because of something in these books that are supposed to help parents. Helpful things would to be not to limit your child in any shape, form or fashion.

I'm tossing this book.

Sign says...

2009-01-27T06:43:00.002-06:00

In our house we use a good bit of sign language. Regan uses total communication, a mix of sign language and verbal communication. Since we began using signs with him before his first birthday we have picked up a 100+ signs. We have learned these signs from different places and so I thought I would link to some of the for you.

ASL dictionary~ This site is just like a dictionary with pictures of each step of the sign. Its my favorite

Signing Time~ This site grows all the time. It has entertaining videos to teach signing to kids but is good even for adults. Rachel has two daughters that have special needs

Fun Brain~ A fun way to test older kids the letters and numbers signs

ASL PRO~ This site is just like the dictionary above just with video of how to do the sign.

These are the ones that I turn to when trying to teach us a new sign. Go see them I bet you will enjoy another form of communication with your family.

*I do not work or profit from any of the websites listed above other than learning a language to help communicate with my son.

Things I want...

2009-01-26T09:33:00.004-06:00

I've been doing some online shopping since it's the week of payday we are on the broke side of the bank. Just wanted to share my wants with the world in case one might want to buy me something.

I think that this item is on my list to have for Ozzie before football season.

Ozzie

2009-01-25T20:08:00.004-06:00

Our sweet Boo disappeared almost two weeks ago. I have had Boo for 8 years. She was a wonderful dog and we still don't know what happened to her.

Ricky has known how much it affected me that my little girl was gone and so we have been looking for a new dog to add to our family. Its been a challenge trying to find an inside dog. But we have a new addition to our family now! Meet Ozzie!!!

He is a 4 1/2 month old Shi Tzu and is an absolute doll! I am so excited to have a little shadow everywhere I go!!!

3months ago today...

2009-01-23T23:38:00.003-06:00

I can't believe its been 3months and 1 day since I lost my sweet baby. Its been a long 3months and we still have a lot of healing to do. I am passing on going to the baby shower tomorrow. My mom and MIL have both assured me that its ok. I feel so bad that I can't yet deal with it but they were both super about it. I did manage to go into the baby department and pick up some gifts. I cried but at least I made it. That has to be a step in a good direction. I've talked to some other mommies of angels and know that they still have times even 10 years down the road when they think about what should of been.
I'm thankful for the chance to see this part of life. I would have never known exactly what others felt. Its not been a good place but a place that has taught me about grief, hurt,anger,and love. I never knew you could love someone that you never got to meet, someone who was smaller than your fist, I never knew someone like that could make a huge impact on a life. But she has and I'm on a different path now because of her.
I hope to be moving ahead with my life, getting my self to see the positive things and enjoying every minute I have with my wonderful husband and son.

The dog hunt

2009-01-20T22:46:00.004-06:00

I'm having a hard time tonight. We have been looking for a dog to add to our little family. Ricky and I both want an inside dog. We found a dog that we were super excited about. I have been emailing the lady back and forth all day but now that I've gone back to look at it again tonight she has taken the dog off the list. She was telling me to fill the papers out ASAP and she would call me as soon as she got them. I sent them back she said she got them and then that was all. NO email, phone call or anything. I'm hoping that its not because of us having Regan but in my gut I feel like it might be. Oh, well hopefully we will hear back tomorrow. We really want a dog in our little family. If that wasn't the dog for us maybe one will find us!!

Pray For Harper

2009-01-18T13:20:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to ask for some prayers for Harper! Her mom blogs at kellyskorner. She and her hubby welcomed Harper into the world this weekend. Harper is having some trouble and they all need our prayers.

Unpaid tickets = a free ride to Maine

2009-01-16T21:00:00.000-06:00

According to the State Troopers office today my dear sweet husband has been to Maine, had speeding tickets and not paid them. He can't get his license renewed. Seems he might just be in some trouble with the law. Umm What?????

Ricky went to renew his license today and was told at the commission office that he can't get a license due to unpaid tickets in Maine. This upsets him one because he has never had a ticket or been past North Carolina. We had to go to the state troopers office and I'm preparing the whole time for Ricky to be arrested on the spot and shipped off to freeze in Maine. It appears that some one with the name Joseph R. Heath with a date of birth 12/15 has some unpaid tickets. Ricky J. Heath with a date of birth of 12/15 does not.

Ricky wants to go to Maine just not in the backseat of a police cruiser.

Baby shower blues

2009-01-16T05:26:00.000-06:00

A member of Ricky's family is having a baby. She and her hubby weren't sure that they would be able to ever have children so this is exciting news for them. I'm just not sure if I can handle going to the baby shower. I've been trying to tell myself that everything will be just fine but I can't make myself believe it,yet.

I should be 22-23 weeks pregnant right now. I should of found out what the baby was the week before Christmas. I should be getting my babies room ready, putting pink everywhere. I should be worrying about swollen ankles and bladder issues, I should be letting Regan feel his sister moving, buying my double stroller, new baby smelling stuff But I'm not and I still have some major issues with it. I can't even go into the baby department at Wal-M*rt yet. Ricky has to go in there and get the diapers for Regan. I just can't. I will turn around and retrace my steps before walking past that instant cry fest. When people ask when we are adding to our family it almost kills me. Especially when its our immediate family that should know the pain that we have been through just to get pregnant and after losing our precious little one.

I'm still dealing with issues of the miscarriage. I've been up since 4am because I dreamed about her again. (Yes I've said it 3 times a her, Things that were said to me after my d&c made me know that it was a girl just like I thought.) I'm just wondering where I get the strength to be able to move past this and share in the excitement of other pregnant people. I just don't have it yet.

If you want to buy me something...

2009-01-15T22:31:00.000-06:00

I would very much like to have these...
You can find these lovely items here Vera Bradley

Thanks!

What we watch

2009-01-14T11:30:00.000-06:00

Oh how happy I am that you are back to fill in my nights. I'm excited about the fourth judge. I think that Kara DioGardi will be a good mix. She certainly had no trouble speaking her opinion about a certain girl in a bikini that I hope is the first to go! Anyway it should be a interesting season.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

2009-01-09T11:55:00.000-06:00

I wanted to pass this information along.

Seems that on 02/10/2009 it will be illegal to sell items for children under 12 that have not been tested for lead. That includes clothing, toys, electronics and any other child item. That means that thrift stores will not be able to sell these items unless they pay the 200.00-12,000.00 per item to be tested for lead. It also means that reselling these items on ebay, craigslist, at consignment stores and yard sales will be illegal unless you have had them tested. This will put many small business out of work increasing the unemployment rate which is already at 7.2%. What will we be doing with all these items? Throwing them away?? That adds to the amount in the landfills and think about that on the environment!!!!!
I buy lots of clothes for Regan at thrift stores.

Go look up the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): and see for yourself. I'm stunned and heading to the thrift store to stock up while I can!!!!!

***edited*** I just found a website that states that this will only apply to new toys made after Feb.10. Yea!!! I'm so glad that this won't be messing with my thrift store shopping.

National Championship Tonight

2009-01-08T17:52:00.000-06:00

Tonight I will be cheering on these guys.....

Why? Because they are a part of this wonderful conference...

And because face it ladies........................ This isn't too bad to stare at for 3 hours

I'll be Chomping with hubby, Michael and my Regan tonight. Wish you were here Candice I could use some help admiring some wonderful Gator tail tonight!!!

Taking back my previous post.

2009-01-07T12:22:00.000-06:00

I know I said that I was ending this blog but sometimes people just need a place to vent. This is mine. When no one gets me at least I can type it out.

Infertility stinks.... I am so tired of all the ups and downs of it. After I lost the baby we decided not to take any time off from trying. I did and still do have some issues to deal with from the loss but I really want to add to our family. So I insisted that we just keep trying. Six weeks after my d&c I started, Yippee!! That's typical!! I was so excited. Now 6 weeks later I'm still waiting for another period. I have taken 8 pregnancy test but they are all negative. I talked with the ob/gyn office and they said not to worry about it till i have missed a few periods. Which could be a year or so for me. I only have 3 a year usually. My body is really messed up after having Regan. June will be here before we know it and that will be three years of trying. UGH!! I'm so tired of all of this. Maybe we aren't supposed to have another baby? I just don't know.

We have talked about adoption and even started getting some paper work sent to us. Ricky is worried about how our family will take the idea of adoption. I really don't care what they think but this is something we have to be on the same page about so that is once again dropped.

I have been asked by so many people who know that we had a loss about when we will be adding to our family. I DON'T KNOW!! That's what I want to scream. I check my temps, CM, cervical position and use OPK's to see when and if I have ovulated. I take awful medicine that makes me sick, crabby and makes my blood sugars drop constantly all for nothing. I just feel like a failure all the time. It seem so unfair that people that abuse and mistreat their kids can have another at a drop of a hat and here we are struggling to have another.

Okay enough of my pity party for myself. Barney is almost off so it will be time to play again!

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with these issues.

The end...

2008-12-26T14:59:00.001-06:00

I'm ending this blog. I'm just not interesting enough.

Happy New Year!!

It's my birthday!!

2008-12-21T23:28:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here enjoying the last 30 mins of my birthday! Everyone is asleep, the oven is self-cleaning itself, the dryer is drying some much needed towels and I'm drinking some apple cider. Yum!

I'm not believing that its soo cold. We started out on Friday at 70 and now its 30 degrees as of my last check. Brr! I'm not loving it. Never fear though right cause in two days the weather will be something totally different. Gotta love Alabama! I did however get some warm pjs from my mom today so I'm all polka dotted and warm tonight. I got some other "pjs" that Ricky likes but its too cold and well I'm kinda embarrased my mom bought it.

A must have for every person in the world is... a digital picture frame. Mom got me one and I have sat for hours watching the pictures. I know every picture that is on it but its still fun to see them appear. ( Little does she know but we got her one for Christmas this year!)

We went this morning to see Ricky's pawpaw in a play in church. It was sooooo hot in there most of the members are older and they had on their jackets but us "young" people had the fans going. It could have been the middle of July during a heat wave. Woo! Those poor people need to get them some blood. Even Regan was fanning himself. Which brings me to a question.....
********* Do you put your children in Christmas sweaters???**********
Ricky about died that I put one on Regan. He says its dorky but I think its cute on kids his age. At 10 no probably not but at 3 YES!! I don't want to be dorkin my kid up so let me know....

I'm off to bed, I hope~ Night!

Happy Birthday...

2008-12-15T04:30:00.000-06:00

That's right today my sweet honey turns 27!!!

To celebrate his birthday here are 27 reasons why I love him

He rubs my feet
He rubs my back every night
He makes awesome grilled cheese sandwiches
He doesn't mind doing the dishes
He fills my gas tank up so I don't have to get out in the cold
He held my hand as we found out about our little one passing away
He doesn't mind when I lose things~which is a daily event
He helps me find my shoes when they go missing
He works so that I can stay home
He never questioned my want to be a stay at home
He teaches me about football without acting like I'm stupid
He doesn't complain when supper isn't cooked rather offers to go make something
He thinks it good that I dye my hair so often ~a new woman every 4-6 weeks
He has always made me laugh~ almost 11 years
He loves me when I have nothing to wear
He doesn't mind that I love to go shopping
He takes out the trash
He brings me blankets when I'm cold
He actually started watching House because I loved it
He lets me sleep in on Saturday if he doesn't have to work
He never complains about my cooking mishap
He was the glue that held me together when we first found out about Regan
He won't wear an Alabama shirt if I beg alot
He is an amazing dad to Regan~
He never wakes up in a bad mood
He kisses me before work every morning
He is my best friend

Have a great day!!

This is what I'm doing today...

2008-12-13T14:12:00.000-06:00

Today I am this......

So I'm drinking this.....

Taking this.....

And of course watching this....

Christmas cookies

2008-12-12T03:09:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to show off my little cutie making cookies with Nana.