The best laid plans.....

Well here we are at the close of another year and I can't help but feel that this year has flown by, how about you?  I was trying to think of ways to reflect on this past year and so I was checking out other blogs and one suggested (Lifeasmom.com) making a scrapbooking page of the past year (don't think I can do this due to Dakota keeping my hands full) or even uploading a slideshow of pictures of the last years events (which is what I hope to do and keep it running throughout the evening). 

......this is the plan, but as you know plans change......and so this may not happen due to the fact that Renae started running a fever last night!  .......So it is off to the doctor today and I will try to get back here with an update.  Fingers crossed that it is only a 24hr bug!

This sad day

It is hard to believe that today marks the anniversary of Cindy Burt passing away.  It is such an uneasy feeling that during a time that is to be marked with celebration, to have my heart be so heavy.  

Words cannot express how I wish I could be closer to Newfoundland to be with all who were close to her.  To be with Mike, Tiffany and Nicolas during a time that I know will be incredibly difficult.  Please know that Norm and I are hear for you and always will be.

Sometimes when my emotions run strong I can't always express it in the words I want to say.  So when I came across this poem it really spoke to me and seemed to say exactly what I wanted to say.  I hope it touches you as well.


Family Chain

We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

Author Unknown

Miss you dearly Cindy.

I Almost Forgot!

Oh I almost forgot to mention the big news......now I am not saying that I am going to hold my breath that this will happen every night but.......dadada.....Dakota slept for almost 6 hrs.  Can you believe it?!?!

Family Update

Well I know it has been a little while since I made a posting, and I really have a lot to update you on.  First of all, Dakota had another doctor's appointment last week and all is well.  Not only has she gotten back to her birth weight (and then some) of 8lbs 6 1/2oz she also grew a half inch and now measures 21inches.  So to say that breastfeeding is going well is an understatement!

I also had a doctor's appointment yesterday and all looks good on my end as well.  I have already dropped 22lbs!  That is only 6lbs away from pre-pregnancy weight!  It has only been just over 2weeks since Dakota arrived.  Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

The trip to the doctor's office was a feat in itself since the doctor was running severely behind and we waited 2 1/2 hrs to see him for 5 minutes!  It was an interesting experience to entertain both kids!  My first real challenge since Dakota arrived and I got to say I don't think I did too badly.  However, a lot had to do with the fact that Renae was really great and patient.  Sometimes she acts so grown up that I have to remember that she is only 3 1/2!

My parents are now gone back to Canada and I have to say that I owe them greatly for all that they had done while they were here.  I hope they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed having them here.

Beautiful Baby

Aren't they wonderful

Mom & Dad with the girls

Below are some of the latest and greatest of family photos.

Dakota update

Received a call from the doctor's office.  Her bilirubin level came back normal! 

Yeah!

Our first outting

Well for a first outing we went to the doctor's office!  It was mission organization!  I was truly happy to discover that I was able to remember....."what do I pack in that diaper bag" again, and grandma came through with a new activity book for Renae!  Yeah Grandma!

The visit went well, Dakota has lost another 2oz but the doctor wasn't concerned because the weight loss has slowed down in rate and he felt that this should now be turning around and going in the other direction by the next visit (Next Thursday).  He wanted to do another blood draw though since Dakota was still looking jaundiced.  They will let me know asap what the result will be.

As far as I am concerned.  I am healing well, moving around well but I guess I have overdone it some since I do have a sharp pain on my right side of my incision.  I guess I will keep a close eye on this and then if it doesn't improve soon, I will call my doctor.

Well that is all for now.  More soon.

Guess Who's Home?!?!

Well you may or may not be surprised but guess who made it home already?  Yep, it's true!  The doctor made rounds this morning and was mentioning that I could expect that if all goes well that I might be able to go home tomorrow, .....at which point I said "tomorrow?". 

I think the doctor was also surprised at my determination to make it home in record time after a c-section.  But I let him know that I was doing all of my ADL's (activities of daily living), at which point he smiled and said....."only a nurse would talk like that" and then he made me a deal.  He said that he would check on me again in the evening and if all looks good and my pain remains under control that he would let me go.

Say no more doc......you tell me what needs to be done and by golly I will make it so!

So at 6pm I was visited again by Dr. Sam and was given his blessing to go home.  So here is a picture of me and my two girls embarking on our new life at home! (and one picture of tiny Dakota in her big ol' car seat - I couldn't resist!)

And Then There Were Four!

So yesterday I thought it would be another day of status quo.  No big changes, just go to work.......check, Go out for lunch with my work crew.......check, Go pick up Renae from daycare......check, and then off to get her haircut......check, then off to swimming......wait a minute, hold the bus, what is this?!?! Contractions? 

.....cancel swimming lessons, go home.  Norman and I patiently counted out each contraction writing down the time intervals and nothing was really adding up.  The contractions were all over the place in length and intervals and they weren't terribly painful so I continued to rest and went on with the evening routine.  Had supper, got Renae settled in for the night, etc. 

After that Norm suggested that I just go ahead and call the doctor to see what they want me to do.  I did call and Dr. Collins suggested that I go ahead and come in just to be sure that it isn't active labour.  So, off we call Jean as our stand in for watching Renae, .....all the while I was convinced that this would be false labour. 

When we get to the hospital, it is absolutely hectic in the ER and it takes a while before the L&D staff come and get me.  At this point I am noticing that the contractions are getting stronger, but still not regular.  Once I got upstairs I was examined and I was still only at 1cm.  So, no big deal and we will start you on some IV fluids and slow down the contractions.

Well, as I mentioned, it was a bit crazy all around and so it took a while before anyone could tend to me.  However, the contractions really were getting strong and frequent.  Then next thing I knew, my water broke and so I new this little baby was coming tonight no matter what.  Well to say all went into overdrive is an understatement.  My contractions were now a 9/10 on a pain scale and when assessed, I was now a 4cm dilation.  All within an hour! 

When all was said and done I made it back to the OR for the C-section, checked again....was now a 6cm and wow were those contractions a kicker!  So........

I come to you with tears in my eyes and of the utmost pleasure to tell you that our bundle of joy has arrived! 

IT'S A GIRL!

Her name is Dakota Emily Burt
Arrived at 1222am 09/21/2010
She weighed in at 8lbs 6oz and was 20 3/4" long.

As you can see below she has the plumpest little cheeks and is absolutely beautiful!  What is even more remarkable is how much she looks like her big sister!

Dakota Emily Burt

Proud Mama and Papa



Renae giving her big sister a kiss



Two beautiful little girls!

It's the final countdown!

Well I went and saw my OBGYN doctor yesterday and was pretty surprised when he told me that I was only a little more dilated then I was last week.  I was surprised because I was having occasional contractions........not braxton hicks but the real deal.

Well as it turns out my doctor feels that due to my anatomy, it is unlikely that I will go into labour anytime soon and that I really needed to proceed with the c-section.  So, I have committed to the date of Sept. 23rd!

Which means that this weekend is our last weekend to get any and all things done before baby Burt #2 arrives.  So I guess we will be BUSY BUSY BUSY!

But more importantly we plan on spending oodles of time with our darling little girl who is soon to have her world changed by becoming a big sister!  I just hope that she adjusts well to all of this.  So far she is so very excited by all of what is to come. 

If you have any pointers or comments for us to help Renae with the adjustment to come I would love to hear it!

More soon!

Just another day at the office.....Doctor's office that is

Well, I went and saw the doctor today and unfortunately don't really have anything new to report.  I was a little surprised because I have been having A LOT of braxton hicks contractions lately and thought that surely that meant that something was happening......but alas, .....nothing.

I remain just a tincy bit dilated, no further effaced and the baby still floats up when the doctor touches the baby's head.

For those who are still placing bets on the sex, well the HR was 128.  I also, didn't gain (or lose) anymore weight. 

Well, I guess we all have another week to wait to see if there are any changes.  Status quo till then.

Renae and Mommy

Sorry that it has been a little while since I have posted anything new but I was waiting to show you all something exciting!  This past weekend I now hit 37 weeks!  Which means I am now officially full term!  Not that I am ready to deliver yet but it is nice to know that I am now within a safe zone if I should go into labor. 

So to commemorate the moment I wanted to get some photos done of the big ol' belly and get some lovely shots of Renae.  I was so fortunate to work with a lady who let me know that her daughter, Erin, was getting started in photography. 

I am so lucky to have gotten her to do this for us as she is quite talented (as you will see below) and made us feel so very comfortable! 

I can't believe that this pregnancy is almost complete.  It really feels like the time has flown by.  And, the fact that I know this will be not having any more children after this.....every kick, even every ache....I am treasuring and trying to not rush this experience.

Tomorrow I have another doctors appointment and I am excited to see if there are any changes and therefore have more to update you with.  Keep a lookout tomorrow and I will do my best to update the blog.

If you have any comments on the following pictures I would love to hear them and then I can pass them on to Erin!  You can make comments at the end of this blog entry! 

Till Tomorrow!

Day at the Park

Well, we thought we would take an opportunity to spend some time at a local park and enjoy the "slightly" cooler weather (a mere 92 degrees!).  I can't believe how agile our little girl has become!

Loves to balance on the bars!

Say Cheese!

Having to much fun!

Look at me Daddy!

Look at me!

Wee!

So Brave

So maybe I am a little bias, but isn't she one of the cutest you've ever seen?!?

No fear

Such good balance

Somebody doesn't want to leave

 

Daddy's Little Girl

Baby Shower

On Saturday I got pampered and treated to a shower for our new little addition!  Jean did such a wonderful job of putting this all together!  She always makes it look so easy!  I got together with close friends and co-workers and it was just an absolute relaxing time!  We set up a table with activities for the kiddos so even they had a great time.  The spread was fit for a queen!  And the games were a lot of fun!  One of the games was helping Norm and I with baby name suggestions.  I will have to get back to you to let you know what the contenders are....lol!  But thank you for the names.......lord knows we need a push to get that figured out!  Seriously though, I feel truely blessed to be surrounded by people that I absolutely love and adore.  Thank you Thuy for making the long trip to be a part of the event.  I have included some of the pictures that Jean was so kind to send me.  Jean, you are truly a friend like no other......you shouldn't have......but Norm and I thankyou from the bottom of our hearts!

Shower for Baby Burt #2

Doctor update

Well I thought I would give you the latest news from the doctor.  He let me know that all is looking good and that now I indeed go down to weekly visits from here on in.  He told me that I am not dilated or effaced at this time.  He also told me that ultrasound results looked good and that their is sufficiant amniotic fluid and that the placenta looks good!  So, he told me to keep doing what I am doing because I'm obviously doing everything correctly!  Yeah!  High five to me and baby burt #2!

More Baby Updates

Well, Norm and I got to go have another (and final) ultrasound done today.  This one was because the baby measured larger then expected last ultrasound and the doctor wanted to do a follow up ultrasound to see if the weight gain was still ahead of schedule and to make sure that the placenta and amniotic fluid was adequate (which I will find out at my next OBGYN appointment on Thursday).

So, I was expecting more than the 3lbs 4oz report of last time but I nearly fell off the table when she reported that the baby is now tipping the scales at 6lbs 7oz!  HOLY COW!  Renae was 7lbs 0oz at full term and we still have 4 1/2weeks to go!

All I can say is that Norm's genetics are definitely taking over this round...lol.  That, and I am glad this is going to be a C-section!  We did get a new picture to add to our collection and so I scanned it and attached below! 

Side Facial Profile

Cookies make every girl feel better

Well poor Renae spent the weekend couped up in the house due to her getting sick and running fevers. So after lots of love and cuddles, chicken noodle soup and fluids, she started feeling a little better today.
But she (and I) had a little bit of cabin fever....so, we did something that makes every girl feel better.....we made chocolate chip cookies! If that doesn't make you feel better then nothing will. However, I think Renae loved the batter more then anything else (can't say I blame her). I love the picture of her peering into the stove.....waiting is always so hard!

Renae at Swimming Lessons with Miss Gail.

Norm and I got new cell phones a couple of days ago and they have all the latest bells and whistles.  Well, yesterday I took Renae to swimming class and I thought to myself......hmmmmm this has a video camera feature and decided to video tape a little of Renae's lesson.  Well, I was so impressed with the quality of the video that I thought I would share it with all of you. 

I can't believe how well our little swimmer is in the water!  She is a natural!  My heart just swells with pride!  Enjoy!

Long Distance Birthday Wish

I have been trying to find new ways to engage Renae with different craft projects that have an educational touch to them.  Today we made a birthday card for Grandma and we used stick on letters so that Renae could practice letter recognition.  Renae always enjoys anything that involves stickers, so this project was a big hit!  I included some pictures of Renae hard at work as well as the finished project.  I would love to hear about any of your ideas for craft projects with an educational background.

Here is Renae hard at work at her Masterpiece.  Tongue out and all!

Deep concentration to get the colours just right.

Look Grandma, All done!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Update on the "bun in the oven"

Well, today I went for my latest OBGYN appointment and I wanted to share that all is looking good!  The baby's heartrate is 134 (I threw that out there for all those who are trying to guess the gender) and my belly is measuring 35cm, and I am almost 34 weeks (one cm larger then I should be).  But the doctor feels that this isn't anything to worry about. I also have reached a total weight gain of 26lbs (eeeek). He does want me to do another ultrasound before my next appointment in two weeks.  He tells me that this will be the last of the two week appointments and I will be seen weekly after the next appointment.  I can't believe how fast this is all going!  It has seemed so slow at first and it feels that I have jumped on the express train!  It is all so exciting!

The Weekend to End Women's Cancers

Today I had received an email from a dear family friend who is doing an amazing feat; She is walking 60km in two days while trying to raise $2000 for a great cause........to End Women's Cancers.  With her being so close to reaching her goal I wanted to do what ever I could to help get the word out there and post her contact information (click on the logo below) should you want to participate.  Ann.....I wish I could be there to walk with you, best of  luck!

The Wiggles!

Well today was a great day.  We took Renae to her first show......The Wiggles at the Wiggly Circus!  We wern't sure how she was going to do with an hour and a half show and no nap, but I got to say she did great!  She was dancing and clapping and singing with a giant smile on her face the whole time!  We all had an absolute blast!  The show was very interactive and they played all of Renae's (and some of mine) favourites!  I will add all of the pictures shortly but here is one that shows how much fun she was having!

You've Got That Nesting Feeling!

Well I am now officially at 33 weeks (49 days to go) and I am still feeling great!  So great that the "nesting" that everyone talks about has kicked in at full force!  Today I spent most of the day clearing out the current spare room, which is soon to be the new nursery.  I also was tackling the master closet to absorb some of the items currently being taken out of the spare.  Now this is where I know that the only one that might be holding their breath right now is my mother.  This is because, when I decide to "clean up and clear out"  ......well let's just say it's not a quick process.  This is because the only way I seem to be able to do this is "all or nothing" attitude!  I truly HAVE TO go through everything and DE-clutter.  This is one of the first times that Norm has seen me go through this process and I truly feel for him.  Since he is so organized and I.......well, I seem to have a incy tincy bit of a pack rat problem.  Now don't get me wrong, I can, and do have the power to throw and donate stuff away, but I just tend to let things get on the brink of out of hand before I break down and tackle.  You won't believe how much I had accumulated in one small closet!  I keep reassuring my poor husband that it will get better soon (as our bedroom is full of stacks of papers that I need to go through) but give me a couple of days and TRULY will be an organization dream/masterpiece!

I love you Norm......hang in there!

My first Blog

I was talking with one of the ladies at work this week and she was showing me how her daughter was able to keep connected with all of her family and friends who are far away by creating a blog and sharing her thoughts, family moments and inspirations, so that all can see.  That people can then make comments or share their own imput. As I was looking at it, I thought to myself, "What a GREAT idea, I could do that"!  Granted, anyone that knows me knows that I am much more of a thinker then a talker but I am going to try my best to put some of those thoughts down in black and white and see what happens!  I know that this will take a bit of practice but I am looking forward to putting this together!  .....And, with our newest addition on the way, as well as a little girl that seems to be changing everyday, I don't think that I will have a lack of material to talk about and share!  I hope you enjoy!