Well, today, one year ago, I was sitting at Dr. Robinett's office (my OB at Brookwood) hearing him tell me "It's time to get this baby out." If you spent any time with me at this time last year, you probably realize how uncomfortable and well, sick, I was. I had been spilling protein for months (sign of decreased kidney function), had 9+ lbs of baby pulling on my lower back, was taking about 5 times the amount of insulin that I am currently, and just felt yucky. So, it might stand to reason that I would have been so glad when Dr. R said that it was time to take B out...that I would have been relieved...and I guess I was to some degree. But the mama part of me just wasn't ready. I was 35 weeks and just wasn't ready to see another of my babies start their life in the NICU. While some of my friends that I'd seen have babies had some problems, the vast majority (90% or more) went to the hospital, had a 7 lb baby several hours later, and came home with their baby a day or two later. Going to the hospital to see my friends after their deliveries would mean walking into a room where mama is sipping on ice water and baby is swaddled comfy in the bassinette right by her bed or all snuggled up on her chest. But at my moment in my doctor's office, I knew that by him saying we had to deliver, it meant that I wouldn't get to have a baby put on my chest right after coming to the world; that I would have another c-section, never have the chance to have a 'natural' delivery; I knew that he would spend his first days learning and struggling to breathe by himself; I knew it would mean that his 'breathe, suck, swallow' instincts would take several days if not weeks to learn; I knew I might not see his eyes until he was several days old. I knew that it meant that I wouldn't be able to hold him until he was a day or so old. I trusted God through all this, but was always aware that His plan didn't necessarily mean a healthy baby. I had been told by Dr. R that male preterm babies have a harder time that female preterm babies. Vivi was such a superstar when she was born...at 34 weeks. But, I had been given a steroid injection upon my admittance to the hospital (at 32 weeks) to develop her lungs. So I just wasn't sure with Bryton...didn't know how he'd do on his own.
Anyway, fast (fast!) forward to today - we had his birthday party this weekend, he wants to walk really bad (really badly? real bad?), he'd flirt and flash his grin to a pickle jar if it would smile back at him, and is just doing great. He's eating almost everything we eat, enjoys being held, read to, played with, and playing with the dollhouse in Vivi's room when she's away. He's doing great with a sippy cup (water only) and his snack trap (which Lexie loves...the occasional treat hits the floor). He's still nursing a couple of times a day, but getting most of his nutrients from table food.
And me? I've had 2 doctor appointments (check ups) with no protein evidenced, my A1C's are in acceptable diabetic range, and even though I had the eye problems, I recovered from the stress the pregnancy put on my body. The pregnancy weight is gone (has been for a while), even though the shape is not...not sure how that happens...but it's a very small price to pay to have 2 precious little lives gifted to me.
So, thanks to everyone who prayed us through the pregnancy and delivery and first year of B's precious life.
Happy Birthday Bryton!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Woo-Hoo!
Well, just a quick note to let you know how excited I am...I hired a nanny!! I know, I know...you are trying to figure out why I need a nanny..? and well, I am too a little. But lately I feel like I've been struggling to be the best mom to my kids. I mean, they are great and all, but I really need a break at times! I mean, I haven't gotten a haircut in months, have taken both kids to the orthodontist with me (love my invisaligns, by the way), various dr. appts with me, etc. Anyway, I hated to even consider having someone come in and help because, I guess, I figured that hiring someone meant that I had failed at being a stay at home mom. But, after talking with some really supportive Christian friends who are in the same boat (being military families, no grandparents around, husbands that work 60+ hrs a week when they aren't deployed, etc), they convinced me that I need to tone down the quest for perfectionism a little and hire a nanny and thus be better in the long run for my kids. So, I did - I got a great recommendation for a sweet girl (woman) who keeps the church nursery at the Bible study I attend. She is now coming to my house on Thursdays from 10-1. I feel like my chains have been cut! So if you see me running around the neighborhood on Thursday mornings (love getting exercise without the stroller), at the grocery store by myself, at the doctor with no kids (and not begging them off on friends), or cleaning the house in an hour (takes about 4 if Vivi and Bryton help), then you'll know why. I'm SO grateful for a supportive group of friends who have been very encouraging about this new routine. I have to admit that I'm still struggling with this decision a little, but know it will be the best for the kids in the long run. (kind of a compromise between getting a full time job in order to get a break from the kids, and just 'sticking it out' and being a basket case every time I have to dress a baby doll...yes, yes, playing dress up with Vivi is fun...but only for the first 100 hours. After that, my brain has turned to mush.)
Also, I decided on a Pre-K program for Vivi for school next year! I toured several places, and found one that I really like! And, I think we are going to start ballet classes for V. I can't believe how quickly time flies - can't believe that this next year is my last year with her before....gulp....kindergarten!
And, my photography business is very much underway! I'm getting more and more jobs on the calendar and am very excited about it! I've got 3 jobs this weekend :-) That, too, provides my brain a nice break from mommy-dome. I hate to complain about being around the kids so much...but sometimes its just so hard! Stay at home mommying is one thousand times tougher than any job I've ever had...but it's also one thousand times more fulfilling too...I'm glad I have that opportunity. But sheesh - it's killing me!
Anyway, it's 5:00 pm and my hubby is actually at home! Yipee! Fun evening for the Buchinas. Vivi and Bryton are asleep, so it'll be a nice surprise to have Daddy around when they wake up!
I hope my comments about stay at home mommying are clear...I love it and it's the right decision for our family and even though my brain feels like it has turned mushier than the bananas I feed Bryton, and my hair looks as ragged as ....well....Ann and Andy...overall, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to do it.
Have a great week....
Also, I decided on a Pre-K program for Vivi for school next year! I toured several places, and found one that I really like! And, I think we are going to start ballet classes for V. I can't believe how quickly time flies - can't believe that this next year is my last year with her before....gulp....kindergarten!
And, my photography business is very much underway! I'm getting more and more jobs on the calendar and am very excited about it! I've got 3 jobs this weekend :-) That, too, provides my brain a nice break from mommy-dome. I hate to complain about being around the kids so much...but sometimes its just so hard! Stay at home mommying is one thousand times tougher than any job I've ever had...but it's also one thousand times more fulfilling too...I'm glad I have that opportunity. But sheesh - it's killing me!
Anyway, it's 5:00 pm and my hubby is actually at home! Yipee! Fun evening for the Buchinas. Vivi and Bryton are asleep, so it'll be a nice surprise to have Daddy around when they wake up!
I hope my comments about stay at home mommying are clear...I love it and it's the right decision for our family and even though my brain feels like it has turned mushier than the bananas I feed Bryton, and my hair looks as ragged as ....well....Ann and Andy...overall, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to do it.
Have a great week....
Monday, January 25, 2010
Oops...
Well, a lot has happened since I blogged last, but I just have time for a quick story.
Every month at preschool, Viv's teachers designate a day for birthdays and show and tell. One day each month, the class celebrates the birthdays for the month and then all the kids are invited to participate in show and tell. We get a monthly newsletter that says when this day is going to be. Until recently, I could pretty much stay on top of V's school calendar without having to write anything down. Not anymore.
As this month's show and tell date is approaching, it reminded me of what happened at last month's show and tell time. Vivi takes a backpack with her to school, as do all the kids. Hers is pink with white polka dots and green trim with her name embroidered on it. Pretty cute. Her bag lives in the car - we hardly ever bring it in the house. This bag is where the teachers look for the treasures that the kids have brought in for show and tell. So, in December, I completely forgot about show and tell until after I had dropped her off for school. No big deal though, I figured they would ask her what she had brought, and she would say, "nothing" and they would move on to the next kid in her class. Well, apparently her teacher asked her if she brought something for show and tell and she said YES. So, she gets her bag and unzips it and shows all the kids in her class the spare panties, shirt, and pants that live in her bag (in case of an accident). Her teachers must have gotten a big kick out of this. Anyway, I learned of this when I went to pick her up and Vivi says with a big smile "Mama...I brought panties for show and tell!!"
Anyway, just so that you all are reassured, this month's show and tell time is Jan 27 and is marked on my calendar. No panties this month.
Other news? Well, in a nutshell, Kyle turned 31, Bryton has been crawling for about 3 weeks, and is now holding your fingers while he takes steps, he also has two lower center teeth, our friends Willard and Carol Davis came to visit for the weekend, and my photography business has had several requests for the upcoming months. Oh - and I'm starting to get B a 1st birthday party put together! And, I was talked into doing a Pampered Chef catalog show - I love the products, but couldn't agree to hosting one at the house...but figured I'd help the rep out and host a catalog show. So, let me know if you need anything - if you don't live in New Bern, I'll have it shipped directly to your house.
Also, Vivi's magazine will come out Feb 1. I've requested bunches of copies, so just let me know if you want one. And, our neighborhood has a monthly publication and they are going to do a story about my photography business in the next issue! I'll save a few of those as well. The only bad part is that they want to photograph me for the article...but I want them to use a pic I take (seems only right) and I want it to be of me and my camera...anyone see the dilemma? Oh well - I'll just set up the scene and let them take it with their camera, I guess.
Hope everyone is doing well - I'll try to blog more later.
Every month at preschool, Viv's teachers designate a day for birthdays and show and tell. One day each month, the class celebrates the birthdays for the month and then all the kids are invited to participate in show and tell. We get a monthly newsletter that says when this day is going to be. Until recently, I could pretty much stay on top of V's school calendar without having to write anything down. Not anymore.
As this month's show and tell date is approaching, it reminded me of what happened at last month's show and tell time. Vivi takes a backpack with her to school, as do all the kids. Hers is pink with white polka dots and green trim with her name embroidered on it. Pretty cute. Her bag lives in the car - we hardly ever bring it in the house. This bag is where the teachers look for the treasures that the kids have brought in for show and tell. So, in December, I completely forgot about show and tell until after I had dropped her off for school. No big deal though, I figured they would ask her what she had brought, and she would say, "nothing" and they would move on to the next kid in her class. Well, apparently her teacher asked her if she brought something for show and tell and she said YES. So, she gets her bag and unzips it and shows all the kids in her class the spare panties, shirt, and pants that live in her bag (in case of an accident). Her teachers must have gotten a big kick out of this. Anyway, I learned of this when I went to pick her up and Vivi says with a big smile "Mama...I brought panties for show and tell!!"
Anyway, just so that you all are reassured, this month's show and tell time is Jan 27 and is marked on my calendar. No panties this month.
Other news? Well, in a nutshell, Kyle turned 31, Bryton has been crawling for about 3 weeks, and is now holding your fingers while he takes steps, he also has two lower center teeth, our friends Willard and Carol Davis came to visit for the weekend, and my photography business has had several requests for the upcoming months. Oh - and I'm starting to get B a 1st birthday party put together! And, I was talked into doing a Pampered Chef catalog show - I love the products, but couldn't agree to hosting one at the house...but figured I'd help the rep out and host a catalog show. So, let me know if you need anything - if you don't live in New Bern, I'll have it shipped directly to your house.
Also, Vivi's magazine will come out Feb 1. I've requested bunches of copies, so just let me know if you want one. And, our neighborhood has a monthly publication and they are going to do a story about my photography business in the next issue! I'll save a few of those as well. The only bad part is that they want to photograph me for the article...but I want them to use a pic I take (seems only right) and I want it to be of me and my camera...anyone see the dilemma? Oh well - I'll just set up the scene and let them take it with their camera, I guess.
Hope everyone is doing well - I'll try to blog more later.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Cold Sweat
So, had an awful dream last night. Woke up very frightened. This is why....
{Following paragraphs is not part of the dream}
Let's go back to May of 2001. Kyle was graduating from USNA. I spent a week or so in Annapolis celebrating this time with him - there were lots of formal parties to attend, fun things to do, etc. It's a great week in Annapolis. Anyway, Kyle's whole family was there celebrating (total count of um...around 15 I guess), hosted by the Davises, the wonderful local Annapolis family who signed up to host a midshipman during his time at the academy - you know, a home-away-from-home situation. On graduation eve, several of us stayed at Kyle's sponsor family's daughter's house.
We had to get up early the morning of graduation. After getting ready, Kyle's oldest sister and I got in his mom's car {FIRST BRAND NEW CAR} to head to the Davises house to meet up with everyone else. I was driving (for some reason...maybe I knew the way better?) and we aren't 10 feet out of the driveway when -WHACK! I backed into the neighbor's mailbox, putting a nasty scratch in Kyle's mom's less-than-two-week-old-only-new-car-she-had-ever-gotten. Uh-oh. Now, keep in mind that I'm 22 years old and had only ever hit one other thing before (a pole on the deck of mom and dad's house - I just turned too sharp trying to avoid hitting the plumber's car that was in the driveway) and was a pretty cautious driver. In my defense, I saw a mailbox out of the rear-view window as I was backing up and didn't hit that one. I hit the one that was about 3 feet from that one...got to love those dueling mailbox situations. Anyway, after hitting the box, I just started shaking - it felt awful. Kyle's sister was SO sweet about it, and in typical big sister fashion, offered to take the blame for it and tell everyone that she was driving. We decided against that...I mean, it's just a car, right? An insured one at that...Anyway, we got to the sponsor's house and Kyle's sister went and told his mom who then told his dad...all this on the morning of Kyle's graduation and commissioning into the Marine Corps...and meeting George W. Bush - who was shaking hands that day at the ceremony. AND, it's raining - so, should the outdoor festivities get cancelled due to weather, the rain plan would only allow each midshipman to have like 4 tickets to graduation. The next couple of hours were a blur. I didn't get screamed at or anything....but I knew Kyle's mom and dad were just so sad...not mad at me, but just sad about the dent/scratch in the only-brand-new-car-she'd-ever-had. Kyle and I weren't talking marriage at that point, but I still really wanted to make a good impression on his family. Banging the new car with his sister in it was NOT the route to go.
Once everyone was back in Alabama, they got the car fixed (I think the trunk lid had to be replaced) and I paid their insurance deductible. All was well. Anyway, even though his mom still has that car, I haven't been behind the driver's seat since.
So, several years later, Kyle's dad decided to buy himself a car. I think he test drove cars for about a year before deciding on one to buy. He bought a BMW 7 series....not sure of the exact specs, but a nice sleek car that he was very pleased with. This car is not allowed to go to Lowes, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart - too many careless people there. It has made the trip to Texas and North Carolina to visit us though. There is also no eating in the car, although I think my mom was allowed to put on lipstick in it once. :-)
Here comes the dream part. I dreamt last night that we were at Kyle's parent's house and for some reason, I had to move the BMW, or drive it somewhere. While cautiously moving it, my foot was pressing the brake, but it wasn't responding. I was trying to shift out of reverse, but the brake wasn't responding to the pressure, so I'm slowly rolling (with several people standing in the front yard yelling "STOP") towards Kyle's mom's car, parked in front of the house. And yes, I hit the car. That's about when I woke up...but thank goodness - what a scary dream! I banged up both cars in front of everyone!
Anyway, I also had another crazy dream last night about a zoo allowing people to play on the cougar's playground and Vivi and her friend Marlyse being out of site from the moms....which wasn't such a big deal, until one of the cougar's starting acting aggressively and one of the zoo employees saying that they didn't feed the cats that morning. Anyway, we found both the girls and ended up being safe. That dream wasn't as scary as the car one though....I think probably because as I was dreaming about the big cats and their people playground, I knew...KNEW...that there was no chance of that being reality, where as the car one was a lot closer to being real....
I was just glad I woke up and they were both dreams. Hopefully I'll have some sweeter ones tonight!
I wish you safe driving and safe playing...especially if you have cats!
{Following paragraphs is not part of the dream}
Let's go back to May of 2001. Kyle was graduating from USNA. I spent a week or so in Annapolis celebrating this time with him - there were lots of formal parties to attend, fun things to do, etc. It's a great week in Annapolis. Anyway, Kyle's whole family was there celebrating (total count of um...around 15 I guess), hosted by the Davises, the wonderful local Annapolis family who signed up to host a midshipman during his time at the academy - you know, a home-away-from-home situation. On graduation eve, several of us stayed at Kyle's sponsor family's daughter's house.
We had to get up early the morning of graduation. After getting ready, Kyle's oldest sister and I got in his mom's car {FIRST BRAND NEW CAR} to head to the Davises house to meet up with everyone else. I was driving (for some reason...maybe I knew the way better?) and we aren't 10 feet out of the driveway when -WHACK! I backed into the neighbor's mailbox, putting a nasty scratch in Kyle's mom's less-than-two-week-old-only-new-car-she-had-ever-gotten. Uh-oh. Now, keep in mind that I'm 22 years old and had only ever hit one other thing before (a pole on the deck of mom and dad's house - I just turned too sharp trying to avoid hitting the plumber's car that was in the driveway) and was a pretty cautious driver. In my defense, I saw a mailbox out of the rear-view window as I was backing up and didn't hit that one. I hit the one that was about 3 feet from that one...got to love those dueling mailbox situations. Anyway, after hitting the box, I just started shaking - it felt awful. Kyle's sister was SO sweet about it, and in typical big sister fashion, offered to take the blame for it and tell everyone that she was driving. We decided against that...I mean, it's just a car, right? An insured one at that...Anyway, we got to the sponsor's house and Kyle's sister went and told his mom who then told his dad...all this on the morning of Kyle's graduation and commissioning into the Marine Corps...and meeting George W. Bush - who was shaking hands that day at the ceremony. AND, it's raining - so, should the outdoor festivities get cancelled due to weather, the rain plan would only allow each midshipman to have like 4 tickets to graduation. The next couple of hours were a blur. I didn't get screamed at or anything....but I knew Kyle's mom and dad were just so sad...not mad at me, but just sad about the dent/scratch in the only-brand-new-car-she'd-ever-had. Kyle and I weren't talking marriage at that point, but I still really wanted to make a good impression on his family. Banging the new car with his sister in it was NOT the route to go.
Once everyone was back in Alabama, they got the car fixed (I think the trunk lid had to be replaced) and I paid their insurance deductible. All was well. Anyway, even though his mom still has that car, I haven't been behind the driver's seat since.
So, several years later, Kyle's dad decided to buy himself a car. I think he test drove cars for about a year before deciding on one to buy. He bought a BMW 7 series....not sure of the exact specs, but a nice sleek car that he was very pleased with. This car is not allowed to go to Lowes, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart - too many careless people there. It has made the trip to Texas and North Carolina to visit us though. There is also no eating in the car, although I think my mom was allowed to put on lipstick in it once. :-)
Here comes the dream part. I dreamt last night that we were at Kyle's parent's house and for some reason, I had to move the BMW, or drive it somewhere. While cautiously moving it, my foot was pressing the brake, but it wasn't responding. I was trying to shift out of reverse, but the brake wasn't responding to the pressure, so I'm slowly rolling (with several people standing in the front yard yelling "STOP") towards Kyle's mom's car, parked in front of the house. And yes, I hit the car. That's about when I woke up...but thank goodness - what a scary dream! I banged up both cars in front of everyone!
Anyway, I also had another crazy dream last night about a zoo allowing people to play on the cougar's playground and Vivi and her friend Marlyse being out of site from the moms....which wasn't such a big deal, until one of the cougar's starting acting aggressively and one of the zoo employees saying that they didn't feed the cats that morning. Anyway, we found both the girls and ended up being safe. That dream wasn't as scary as the car one though....I think probably because as I was dreaming about the big cats and their people playground, I knew...KNEW...that there was no chance of that being reality, where as the car one was a lot closer to being real....
I was just glad I woke up and they were both dreams. Hopefully I'll have some sweeter ones tonight!
I wish you safe driving and safe playing...especially if you have cats!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Ta-Da!
Well, I decided to promote my photography a little bit by creating a website. If you'd like to view, just go to LBLens.blogspot.com . I can't say that my business has an official name yet...all the names (domains) I like are taken. But I'm working on it. I think that if you told someone...."Oh yeah...Leanna Buchina took these pictures...her website is leannabuchinaphotography.com" then there's a high chance that there will be an awful misspelling. So I know I need to go with something simpler.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the site! I know it's pretty low key, but I think it's a good starting point. Enjoy!
Oh - and at Bryton's well check today, he was 21.2 pounds (75th percentile) and 30.5 inches long (97th percentile). He's doing well! If you've seen dropshots or our facebook post, his hives are doing better - the benadryl might be bothering his tummy some. He and Vivi both got the H1N1 vaccine today. I've decided that Dad is on shot duty next time. :-) Gotta jet!
Anyway, hope you enjoy the site! I know it's pretty low key, but I think it's a good starting point. Enjoy!
Oh - and at Bryton's well check today, he was 21.2 pounds (75th percentile) and 30.5 inches long (97th percentile). He's doing well! If you've seen dropshots or our facebook post, his hives are doing better - the benadryl might be bothering his tummy some. He and Vivi both got the H1N1 vaccine today. I've decided that Dad is on shot duty next time. :-) Gotta jet!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Well, he did it! No pressure for me now or anything....
For Christmas, Kyle bought me a new camera and lens. I'm so excited and am sitting at the computer typing this with the camera sitting in my lap - kind of like a new baby. Although, I think Bryton's hospital bill was probably less than the camera and lens cost...but that's another story. (Granted - I loved my now 'old' camera..but just couldn't get it to perform in all lighting situations to my standards).
Anyway, I'm so excited and can't wait to build up my portfolio! If you live in the New Bern/Cherry Point area and want some pictures for homecomings, birthday parties, newborns, pregnancy, family pictures, etc...just let me know -and tell your friends, too. Also, I'll be in Birmingham for a week for Christmas and would very much like to include some familiar faces in my portfolio...so here's your warning - I'll have my camera with me every chance I get. :-)
So yes, Kyle just got back from Arizona yesterday - yipee! I'll post some of our 'mini-homecoming' pics on dropshots probably later today (taken one handed, holding a baby, with the 'old' camera). Well, I must leave you now to spend some quality time with my new camera - thanks, Kyle, for believing in and encouraging my photography! (Oh - and don't worry - the kids are asleep while I'm spending time with my new camera...I promise I won't forget the priorities!)
Oh - and if you have any recipes with rice and beans as the main ingredients - please send. Looks like we'll be eating a lot of that for a couple of months... :-)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fun Story
So, within 10 minutes of arriving at home one night last week, we had no functional toilets. Here's how. Earlier in the day, Vivi had put too much toilet paper in her potty. I tried flushing it once, but it didn't go all the way. So, not wanting to plunge the potty, I figured I'd just let it soak for a few hours and hopefully dissolve a bunch of the paper. After arriving at home, I tried flushing again and no dice. It didn't overflow, but it did fill up. Anyway, after we got home that night, Vivi went to the potty (in our potty...the functional one) while I was getting Bryton cleaned up and pajamaed. I didn't hear from her for several minutes (usually means trouble) so I went into our potty to check on her to see several grapefruit sized tight wads of toilet paper in the potty. Not good. I pushed the lever a little to let some water into the potty to see if by some chance any water could go down. No such luck. Apparently I let too much water in and absolutely NONE was going down, and it was starting to come out the top. So, I grabbed towels and threw them on the floor and tried to turn the water off at the base, but couldn't turn it - too tight. So, I went to get a bowl (used a mixing bowl from the kitchen) and started getting water from the toilet and putting it in the tub. When I finally got enough water out of the toilet so that the plunger would fit, I sat Vivi down (not on the potty) and we had a talk about the logistics of the potty and how using too much paper breaks the potty. (Oh - and don't worry - I threw the mixing bowl away - it took one for the team). Needless to say, I quickly put the kids in bed and spent the next hour or so unstopping the toilets. I would plunge, then add water...the when it wouldn't go down, I'd start plunging some more. Anyway, it seemed to take forever. But, finally we had 2 working potties again. Then, I was finally free to clean up the dog's vomit from our bedroom floor. What a fun night :-)
That was several days ago. So Vivi's been very conscientious about how much toilet paper she actually needs. I figured we were over that set of possible disasters. Until today. I walked in our bathroom to find Vivi pulling her pants up after going potty. I saw another huge amount of toilet paper in the potty and asked her why she used so much because "remember, using that much toilet paper breaks the potty". She said that she needed to find the treasure. ? She told me that she was a pirate and needed a parascope (aka empty toilet paper roll) to find the treasure. So what's the best way to get a parascope when you really need one? Pull all the paper off and put it in the potty I guess. Thankfully we were able to get a successful flush. After that, I took the toilet paper from the dispensers and put it up out of her reach. I'm going to have to ration it out I guess.
Hope all is well - I'm watching the Army/Navy game - have about another hour of 'free watching' before B gets up from his nap. He'll need to join the Navy cheering section.
Have a great weekend!
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