June, 2011

Just wanted to note that I am working 4 days this week and 2 days next week.  Then, I am finished with the 2010-2011 school year!!! 

I am very excited for our summer to begin.  Nathan and I will be getting as much mommy and son time as we can before July 20th.  We plan to go swimming almost every day.  We will also visit the library for story time and head to the mall of course.  Nathan and I will also be attending VBS for a week in June.

A new thing that we will try this summer is going to see a movie at a theater.  A local theater is offering movies for a dollar.  So, we can go and find out how long Nathan will sit in a theater.  Hopefully, the entire duration of the movie!

I am also hoping to go to the river or to the beach for a weekend.  We cannot go too far because Chris needs to save his vacation days, and I need to stay close to home in these last 2 months. 

No matter - our summer is bound to be fun with the plans that I have for us and also because we are going to welcome a new family member soon! 

The School Principal

On Saturday, I went to Region IV and took the Texas Principal Certification test.  The test was comprised of 115 questions, and I was permitted to complete the test in 5 hours or less.  The test was administered by a computer rather than on paper. 

I began shortly after 10:00 am.  I worked diligently, with only 1 restroom break, until almost 1:00 pm.  The test seemed so difficult to me.  I had to read much of the content over and over again, and I really had to think carefully before answering for most of the questions. 

After about question #50, I was tired of taking the test.  My brain hurt.  I was distracted by the other people in the room, and my earplugs were not really helping.  However, this test had cost me $120, in addition to the tuition and time spent on coursework that I completed during the past year.  I had to push on and finish.

When I left, I felt defeated.  I was honestly questioning my ability and intelligence.  I felt like I had failed and failed miserably!  I was sure that I would be back taking the same test in 2 months, which would be a nightmare.  If you cannot pass something the first time, how do you pass it on a retake?

Today I received an email, saying my score was available.  At the time, I was sitting in a lab, waiting to get some blood work done.  So, I already felt a little bit jumpy.  I decided to look anyway.  I couldn't wait to find out, and I was prepared for less than pleasant news.

To my surprise and delight, I passed the exam!  Not only did I pass, but I performed exceedingly well!  I immediately felt that I had accomplished something again - just like when I got my Masters - just like each time I get offered a job that I really, really wanted!  It felt good!

Now, I have to wait a week for the score to appear on the TEA website.  Then, I can add it to my teaching certificate.  After this, I will be certified by the state of Texas to work as a school principal!

Now, to only find a position in the times of budget turmoil!  Ha ha!

My Uncle Bill

This weekend has left a shadow of grief hanging over my family.  My uncle Bill recently made the decision to not pursue a liver transplant.  He recently became eligible to be placed on the transplant list, but sadly my uncle did not want to cooperate with his physicians in getting his body strong enough for the procedure. 

This week, the doctors began administering morphine injections to my uncle, as it is all about pain management at this time.  The morphine sedates my uncle, and he has not been conscious since Wednesday.  Because his liver is not functioning, his body cannot break down the morphine.  This means that although the morphine is relieving my uncle of his pain, it will also soon end his life. 

My father has been to see my uncle each day this week.  I wanted to go with him, but both my parents say that other hospital patients with communicable diseases are too close and it would put my unborn baby in danger.  I have to respect my parents' requests for me to stay home.

My uncle's children have been visiting him also.  His stepdaughter is staying with him each night, and I am grateful that she is doing this, as he has done so much for her in the past.  None of us want him to die at night, alone.

My other uncle and aunt drove down yesterday from Clarksville, Tennessee, even though the doctors did not think that Uncle Bill would hold on that long.  He surprised us all and is still resting in the hospital.

Uncle Bill has suffered with an unknown ailment of his liver for at least the last 3 years.  Although I am sad for my uncle and will mourn his death, I am also rejoicing that he will soon be resting with our Savior!

Go with God, Uncle Bill

Spring Fest 2011

Each year our subdivision has a Spring Fest.  We attended last year so that Nathan could see the Easter Bunny and participate in an egg hunt.  Since Nathan was so young at the time, it was not that much fun.  However, I like to try things out more than once.

So we attended the annual Spring Fest again this year, and we had a blast!  Nathan loved every activity that he got to do.  He always likes riding any train.  He enjoyed getting his face painted and receiving a balloon shaped like a sword. 

I think Nathan's favorite activity was the bouncy castle.  He did not want to get out of this thing.  He was so happy to be bouncing around in it, along with the other children.  This is the first time I saw Nathan truly enjoy one of these.  He has usually been uninterested or afraid of the noise in the past.

We practiced hunting eggs the night before.  Little did I know that Nathan is a quick learner when it comes to gathering Easter eggs!  As soon as we told him to go get the eggs, he ran into the field and scooped up as many as his arms and hands would hold.  He didn't stop there either.  He dumped them into the basket I held for him and kept gathering more until all were taken.  He ended up with 15 eggs!

Nathan loved the Easter Bunny.  He enjoyed sitting in his lap.  Later, when we were leaving, we walked by the bunny again.  Nathan hugged him.  The DJ started playing an Easter Bunny song, and Nathan danced with the bunny.  It was almost hard to get Nathan to leave at that point.  It was just so cute!

VBAC or Casearean Section???

As we move closer to the date of expected delivery of our second child, I am naturally becoming more and more indecisive with any decision that I am faced with.  My first son was delivered via cesarean section, and it has been proposed that I undergo another c section for the delivery of my second son. 

At this time, I am carefully considering the positives and negatives to both a vaginal delivery (VBAC) and a c section.  Since I did attempt a vaginal delivery before, I can remember the feelings afterwards of pain and discomfort caused by both a vaginal delivery and a c section.  The pain afterwards from a vaginal delivery is minimal compared to that of a c section. 

What I am unfamiliar with, though, is how the recovery period from a c section will feel while caring for a 30 pound toddler and a newborn!  It is understandable that I want to try to avoid a c section for this reason.  I am also fearful of being on an operating room table, awake, while 8-9 people gather around my naked body, tie me down, and cut me open! 

On Wednesday, I asked my OB if I could attempt a VBAC if I should go into labor naturally.  She responded by giving me some paperwork, telling me to review it with my husband before deciding, and showing me a form that I would have to sign prior.  She did not say much else about it.  My question is, is she just recommending a c section because that is the thing to do after one delivers one's first child that way, or is there a medical reason that a VBAC should not be first attempted?

Here are some of the items I would have to sign off on:
  I understand that approximately 70% of women who undergo a VBAC will successfully deliver vaginally.
  I understand the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC in someone such as myself, who has had a prior
  incision in the noncontracting part of my uterus, is around 1%.
  I understand that VBAC is associated with a higher risk of harm to my baby than me.
  I understand that if my uterus ruptures during my VBAC, there may not be sufficient time to operate and to
  prevent the death of or permanent brain injury to my baby.
  I understand that the decision to have a VBAC is entirely my own, and the option of an elective repeat
  cesarean has been discussed with me.
  I understand that VBAC carries a lower risk to me than does a cesarean delivery.
  I understand that if I deliver vaginally, I most likely will have fewer problems after delivery and a shorter  
  hospital stay.

From this paper, it's hard to tell what the doctor's opinion is.  The informational pamphlet that she gave me to review contains some contradictory information that I intend to bring to the OB's attention in May.  It states that vaginal deliveries have fewer risks for me and the baby than a c section. 

I am leaning towards the planned cesarean birth now because that is what the doctors have said to do for my next baby in the past, but I feel the need to discuss VBAC further with my OB.  I need to know what she is recommending based on my previous medical record of my first delivery. 

Ultimately, Chris and I want to do what is best for our son and then what is best for me.  We want an unremarkable delivery which results in the three of us resting together happily in a regular hospital room and going home in 2 to 3 days time.

16 Week OB Visit

Today I went to see my obstetrician for my 16 week appointment.  I started off the visit by sitting down with the OB counselor to go over the costs of maternity care.  I was told by her that I have a deductible to meet and will have to pay three payments of about $240 each.  I listened quietly while getting a little irritated inside. 

When she finished, I explained to the girl that my OB services are covered at 100% with only 1 low copay.  I explained that I would need to follow up with my insurance company to see why they were giving her incorrect information and that I was not prepared to pay $240 today.  She offered to pull up the information on her computer.  She also said she would have to check with the doctor to see if she would still see me today without paying.  I was getting really upset by this time.  I drove 15 miles to be there and just wanted to have my stomach measured and my urine checked and leave.  After a few seconds, the girl told me with a smile that it looked like I was correct.  She then adjusted the paperwork to show the correct information, and I made my first payment of $30.  I was laughing on the inside by then and would have been appreciative of an apology.  However, she gave me a bag full of free samples instead.  So, all was forgiven!

It really pays to know your benefits before the doctors and hospitals overcharge you.  When they overcharge you, you do eventually get your money back, but sometimes not without a struggle.  Over the last 2 years, I have learned quite a bit about medical insurance and paying doctors/hospitals.  I was so happy to be prepared this morning!

After this, I was weighed by the nurse and my blood pressure was found to be within the normal limits.  The second attempt at using the Doppler to hear our baby's heartbeat turned out to be effective and the baby's heartbeat is at 147.  The doctor also gave me a copy of my blood work from the previous appointment and went over what it meant. The screenings for Down's Syndrome were within the normal ranges, and I was happy to hear that. 

I also informed the doctor that I spoke with TCH yesterday.  They indicated to me that she would have to refer me to them in order to get a fetal echo cardiogram.  I stressed the importance of doing this right away so that Chris and I could be scheduled to go to TCH at 20 weeks gestation.

Then, I had to venture on down to the lab to get more blood work done to screen for Spina Bifida.  Yuck - I abhor needles!  I do have to admit that I know that I am a grown-up when I get my blood taken and I don't throw up, get dizzy, or pass out!  Go Courtney!

The next OB appointment will be in 1 month's time.  Coming soon, I will meet with the perinatalogist and have a diagnostic ultrasound completed with her.  Chris and I look forward to this time because we will most likely find out whether baby #2 is a boy or girl (I think there's a baby girl growing inside me by the way).  We also are hesitant about this time because we are fearful of receiving negative news.  I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for this just in case, and I have been praying to God much more frequently than normal, which is a blessing itself.

Overall, today's appointment was unremarkable, which is how we expect it to be.  I am enjoying this time now where I am free of nausea and I only have to go visit the OB monthly.  Soon enough, I will be going bimonthly and then weekly, and I will be huge and swollen with numb fingers and whatever else comes along that I have blocked from my memory!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today, I would like to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day.  Chris and I have no special plans this year - only to spend a relaxing evening at home with Nathan.  Chris did surprise me this morning by bringing a gorgeous flower arrangement up to my work.  Nathan and I spent yesterday afternoon baking heart-shaped cookies and decorating them with pink icing.  I handed out some of those cookies today to my coworkers.  Overall, this year's Valentine's Day has been a happy day!!