First Swim Back

On Wednesday morning I went to my first swim practice in more than a month.

Only a few people knew I was pregnant but I was still nervous about seeing those people for the first time.

I went anyway because I needed to get back to the pool.

Swimming when I was younger was just for fun and a way to help pay for college.

Swimming now is a way to socialize, get exercise, and most importantly a stress reliever.

Whenever something is going on in my life, I can always get away for a short time and swim.

It gives me a chance to think or not to think.

I always feel better after swimming.

The getting up at 4:40 am part is the only issue I dislike.

On the way to the pool I was a bit anxious and could feel myself tearing up.

I’m not supposed to be doing this. I’m supposed to be on bed rest.

I kept it together and walked onto the pool deck. Our coach welcomed me back and gave me a hug. One guy teasingly yelled, “Well, look who finally decided to show up.” He didn’t know so I just smiled and kept walking.

Thankfully the last lane was open so I was able to get in and swim in relative solitude. I wasn’t able to complete sets or go on intervals I’m use to but I know every little bit helps.

I Can Handle It

Since I haven’t cut or colored my hair in the last 3 months I decided to remedy the situation. I was beginning to look like a homeless hag so no one complained when I made the appointment and took a few hours for myself.

While browsing through the latest issue of Glamour, another client came in pushing a baby stroller. From all the “ooohing and ahhing” in the salon I gathered there was a newborn in that deluxe baby limo.

Alright one baby. I can handle that.

My colorist came in and began talking as if I was paying her by the word. This blonde crazy must have just consumed 64oz of caffeine before seeing me. Despite just meeting her, she instantly starts in with, “We’ve been trying to have a baby. I’m already in my 30’s. My brother has 3 kids. Our in-laws have been asking about grand kids.”

This  continues for probably 5 minutes despite the fact I haven’t uttered one word yet besides hello. “I’m sure it’s obvious because I’m so enormous but I’m pregnant!!!” Giggly shrieky laughter continues for about 30 seconds. That is so exciting, congratulations I say.

Alright two babies. I can handle that.

I sit and listen while I hear about the stroller purchase, the crib purchase, the clothing purchases, the room color, coordinating accessories in the room, and the baby’s name.

Another colorist comes in and starts working on the mom of the newborn. They begin catching up and all of a sudden there’s a “No, you are not!” “Yes, I am.” “No, you are not!”

Turns out the colorist is 42 and has a 12 week old. This was apparently a 2nd honeymoon baby which was not planned. After the birth she got her tubes clamped.

Alright three babies. I can handle that. End of story.

Normally, but not in my world.

Turns out the mom of the 12 week old is also 6 weeks pregnant. Yes, the same one whose tubes were clamped.

You know the minuscule percentage that’s always associated with procedures and how they can go wrong? Well, she’s spokesman for that group.

My first thought was, “Wow, that’s amazing.”

My second thought was, “Wow, you actually had sex 6 weeks after your delivery.”

Alright four babies. I can handle it but if you don’t hurry the f*** up with my hair I will freak out on all of you.

Sitting in the chair with a head full of foil, I begin pondering what the odds are of me being in this room at this time. It’s probably the same as getting pregnant while having your tubes clamped. I was half expecting octomom to walk in for highlights at any moment.

My colorist focuses back to me and says, “Do you have kids?” “Yes, 3. She starts asking me tons of questions about being a new mom. I happily answer and give her some helpful hints I have learned along the way.

Not once did I think to mention my recent miscarriage. OK, I did but I knew I would not say anything. There’s no need to rain on her parade. She’s so excited to be pregnant and become a new mom. It would be cruel to share anything with her that would cause her to worry during her last 14 weeks.

Towards the end of our conversation the question I had been anticipating while also dreading came. I calmly and simply answered her.

“So, do you think you will have more kids?”

“Maybe.”

The next time I need a haircut I may just hand Caroline a pair of scissors and say go to it.

After this experience, I know I can handle that.

Almost

I almost made it all day Saturday without crying.

Sunday I didn’t even come close. I was crying before 8 am.

Since coming home from the hospital on Wednesday night I had not left the house. I’m trying to follow the doctor’s orders of keeping it easy for 2 weeks and not lifting anything heavy (Caroline).

Well we decided to go out to dinner on the last night my parents were here. Babe’s Chicken House. Seems harmless enough. Except for the 40 minute wait. Tons of people, kids, and babies. I knew it would be tough to go out but I was completely overwhelmed with it all. Many times I almost grabbed the car keys from Derek so I could run back to the car and stay there. I kept tearing up when I would hear someone call a name we had considered or when a pregnant woman would go by. I kept thinking to myself, “Shoes. shoes. shoes. Think about shoes. Do not cry right here in the middle of Babe’s Chicken House for all of Frisco to see.” I managed to succeed and get into the restaurant for dinner. Dinner was great and I didn’t have any problems getting through it.

I think my emotional state had been building all day and it finally burst when I was toweling off from taking a shower that night.

It’s hard enough going through this process without all the “extras.”

Even though I have gone through the same motions for the past 3 days I was completely overwhelmed that night when I had to put an ace bandage around my chest again. I have to wrap my chest, use pads for a few weeks, and have hot flashes. All things you just deal with when having a baby. All good except for that I am missing one part of that equation.

I had a good cry and went to bed.

Sunday morning my parents were leaving. Just a hug from my mom and dad sent me over the edge again. I pretty much teetered between crying and dealing with life the rest of the day.

I know this will take time and it will get better but it sure is difficult right now.

News

Hi Friends and Family-
I wanted to let you all know that today I went for a doctor’s appointment and there was no heartbeat. We are dealing the best we can with this disappointing news. My parents will be here by tomorrow night to help us out and then Derek’s sister will be here after that. Derek and I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers, meals, kind messages, and offers to help. We have truly appreciated your thoughtfulness during this tough time. We are going to have a little family time for the next few days and then will reach out.
Thank you friends,
Jennifer and Derek

Right Now

The blog content here could be a bit of a departure for a bit. While we are going through this life is still marching on in our house. I’ll have smiles and laughs to share in the coming days but maybe some uncertainty as well.

Hi Friends and Family,
I wanted to write and ask you to send us some positive thoughts and prayers.
I thought communicating this way with so many people might be easier than being on the phone.
Many of you know I am pregnant, some not.
I went for a sonogram on Friday to check on the baby.
While we were expecting good news, we did not get it.
The baby is measuring small for 19 weeks, apparently he is not getting enough nutrients.
I have been put on bed rest at home for the time being.
I have a doctor’s appointment Tuesday which will give us more information.
We have everything covered for the time being but we will reach out for help when we need it.
Jennifer & Derek

730 Days of Love

2 years ago today…Caroline Grace was born!

She’s had us all wrapped around her little finger ever since.

“When is she going to DO something?”

Hanging with her brothers from the get go

Caroline, Cara Grace, Sweetie, Gracie Pants, Sweets

The time has gone by so quickly

Always a fashionista

Always taking apart or taking out things

“See ya.”

“Sure.”

“I go dool.”  (I go to school)

“An-non” (Andrew)

“Al-e” (Alex)

“I wim.” (I swim)

and so much more

2!

Happy Birthday!

We love you sweet girl!

Mean Girl

When I first found out I was having a girl I was quite nervous. Actually, truth be told, I’m still nervous. With girls come a lot of issues but the main one I was worried about was “mean girls.” I fear for the teen years when girls will taunt each other, intimidate one another, make one another insecure, and just be plain mean.

But I’m starting to see mean girls can occur much earlier.

Let me introduce you to 6 year old Jenna.

Sweet, blond, curly haired Jenna.

Or so I thought.

I decided to take Caroline and Andrew to the playground during one of Alex’s lacrosse games.

As we were walking up I noticed Jenna because of her curls. Tons and tons of blond curls on her head. She was wearing her shirt tied at the side along with running shorts. So cute.

Or so I thought.

As we got closer the screaming began.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!”

“I WILL CUT YOU WITH A KNIFE UNTIL YOU DIE!”

What the &%$#!@& is going on here?

Jenna was screaming at a little boy who I also guessed to be about 6 years old. Actually she was screaming it to any boy around. I immediately veered my kids toward the swings.

The swings satisfied them for about 5 minutes.

Soon we were back by the playground equipment where the tirade was still going on.

“I”M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

“GET AWAY FROM OUR AREA!”

When not screaming at the boys, she was stomping her feet, and chasing them away. Andrew knew enough to stay far enough away from Jenna but close enough to me. He seemed to be in her prime target range.

Seemingly oblivious to all of this, Caroline walked close by and started playing with some movable discs. The discs can be slid from one side of the pole to the other side. Caroline enjoyed herself for a few minutes moving the pieces.

And then Jenna came up.

She watched Caroline for a moment.

She then promptly pushed all the discs to one side, essentially squeezing all of Caroline’s fingers which were stuck between the pole and the discs.

I immediately pushed the bars away and checked Caroline’s fingers.

She seemed to be fine but I was boiling.

“We do not hurt people on purpose. She can play with the bottom discs and you can play with the top discs.”

Apparently she didn’t want to play with the discs anymore so she went back to screaming at the boys.

I looked for Jenna’s parent but never found someone who would willingly claim her.

As we were leaving the game I noticed Jenna standing next to an older woman. It must have been her grandmother since she kept saying, “Nana. Nana. Where’s Papa?”

Papa was probably sitting on the side lines enjoying his last moment of peace.

I thought about saying something to Nana but didn’t. This poor woman probably knew what she was dealing with. Hopefully she would refuse to babysit for a long time.

I’m starting to think I might have been wrong in my initial thinking.

Maybe it’s not mean girls I should be worried about.

Maybe it’s psychotic 6 year olds.

And The Winner Is….

The winner of my very first giveaway is….

The winner of the activity pages is…

The winner of the activity pages, coupons box, pencils, and erasers is….

The winner is …Becky@purposefulhomemaking

“I would LOVE to win this! Thanks! :)

Congratulations Becky!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.

More importantly, thank you for taking time out of your day to spend a little time with me. I appreciate every ones comments and support of Big D and Me.

Happy New Year!

Long time, no write.

I took some time off of posting since we got kind of crazy around here and had lots of family come in for a visit.

Hope everyone has had an amazing start to 2011!

We have rung in the new year by staying in our pajamas for two whole days – love it!

Derek and I decided to make some financial goals for our family this year.

Along with those large goals, I’ve made some smaller financial goals for me to focus on. Hopefully, these smaller goals will help us reach the larger goals.

I’m probably going about it in an odd fashion but I think it’s a method that will suit me.

I’m going to make new goals each month in order to save some money. Hopefully after the month is over I will have made some long term changes. You will have to check back every month to find out what our goal is.

January’s financial goal is: to spend $125 less on groceries/eating out a month.

After looking at 2010”s financial statistics I think we spent entirely too much in this catergory. My hope is to carry this into other months but for now the focus is saving on groceries/eating out in January.

I’ll let you know our progress at the end of the month – plus give you our new method for February – it’s definitely an out of the box one.

Have you made any financial goals for 2011?