I haven't posted anything in a while since August, but it has been a long couple of months, but I will catch you up in a flash:
Throughout the last 4 months we have been crazy busy, with all the trips up to Portland for Rilee and taking care of a Reagan I just haven't had time to do this but I am finally getting back on the track. Rilee got her cochlear implant turned on, on the 23rd of September which was amazing I recorded all of them and there on Facebook for everyone to see. Reagan has grown so much with trying to crawl, sit up on her own and now has been eating baby food which is awesome. Rilee has been seeing a teacher every two weeks for the last month and has been repeating so many words. The words that she can say are:
Baba (Mama)
Papa (Randy)
GaGa (My mom)
Reagan
Dada (Larry)
Bye Bye
Hi
Thank You
Please
Sorry (sometimes)
Spongebob (Can you tell whose daughter she is)
Milk
Juice
Cup
Bath
Elvis
Dog
That's just a few things but it's amazing it has only been 2 1/2 months since she had it activated and she is doing so well. Reagan amazes us everyday she has two teeth already which is amazing considering Rilee didn't get her first tooth till she was 13 months old. We are on the verge of potty training Rilee and on Wednesday she was in her big girl panties for close to 6.5 hours and only had two accidents which makes me think that she goes to the bathroom every two hours. Yesterday we got her a more underwear and potty seat so it's more comfortable for her to sit in. The one my aunt gave us when Rilee was one year old broke (we got smaller screws then it needed and it stripped the wood we were so disappointed but it's still cute and Rilee can play with it.)
In October we had a shock in the family. Larry's brother Jacob passed away we are still grieving and will continue to grieve for as long as it takes, but we know that Jacob was a believer in Christ and is in Heaven. God doesn't give anything we can't handle so we just have to believe in him and know he is our protector.
Larry and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary in November it is hard to believe that we have been married 4 years it seems so much longer than that. In the four years we have been married we have lived in 4 different states and have lived in 7 different addresses lol.
Yesterday Reagan had her hearing tested (we have to because of Rilee) and unfortunately the doctor said she failed her test, so we have to do a Sedated ABR on her to see what she can or cannot hear. I don't believe that Reagan can't hear because she responds to so much more than Rilee ever did.
I wanted to let you all know that your support and love throughout these last couple of months have truly been a blessing to our whole family. Hopefully 2011 will be a little easier but chances are with two kids it won't get easier lol. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Allen's
Larry and I have been married now for almost 7 years.We have two daughters Rilee and Reagan who are just the most amazing little girls God could have given us. We are living in Talent, Oregon where Rilee is attending Talent Elementary in the fall, Larry works at Miller Paint in Ashland, and I am a freelance Paralegal from home. Reagan is a spunky three year old who loves to make you laugh and pushes every button I have.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Reagan at 2 1/2 months old
Hello everyone I know that it has been a long time since I have written but things have been pretty hectic with a newborn and of course trying to give Rilee all the attention that she deserves as well. Reagan has been doing awesome, she is now wearing 0-3 month clothing and is growing faster than a bean sprout haha. She sleeps from 8PM to around 7 or 7:30 AM and she really is the best baby ever (besides Rye Rye). I was talking with Larry when I just looked at him and said, "How did we get so lucky?" I truly don't know what I did right to have such wonderful children.
Rilee is scheduled to have her cochlear implant surgery on August 25, 2010 in Portland and we are getting nervous and excited at the same time. There are pros and cons for this surgery:
Cons:
They have to drill near her face nerve
She has to go through surgery
She will be in pain
She won't know why she is in pain
Pros:
She will be able to hear
She will be able to learn and grow the way she needs to
She will be able to be POTTY TRAINED
She will have bionic hearing haha
When we went up on the 8th of July for her appointment to see if she was a candidate for the surgery things looked promising. The guy we talked to that specializes in Cochlear Implants said Rilee is a wonderful girl and that he is surprised that she doesn't have any behavior problems. (I thought to myself, "Doc you are not with her all the time she has behavior issues haha")
She will have this device an internal part and an external part. We have 30,000 hair follicles in our ear that help us hear, Rilee has those follicles, but they just work so what they will do is the internal part of the device has 21 electrodes that will act like the hair follicles, they will thread these electrodes into Rilee's cochlea. The surgery will take an hour and a half but it is an in out surgery, but because we live 5 hours away they want us to stay in Portland for 24 hours after her surgery just in case she gets an infection.
The gentlemen told us how much the surgery would cost and Larry and I thought to ourselves holy cow. The device itself cost $8,000 and we get two of them in case something happens to the first one. And the surgery cost $46,000 for a total cost of $62,000 luckily we talked to the insurance and we only have to pay $150.00 of it which considering they are paying for $61,850.00 that is pretty darn good.
Larry and I have been doing good we moved into our own place on the 30th of July and we are enjoying have our own space. We got everything pretty much organized and put away and the girls are enjoying playing in their own room. Rilee is being a ham and Reagan is looking around kicking and doing her own thing half the time. I think she is teething, because she will all of a sudden she will start crying. I will let you all go now love you all and I will keep you updated after Rye Rye surgery.
The Allen's
Rilee is scheduled to have her cochlear implant surgery on August 25, 2010 in Portland and we are getting nervous and excited at the same time. There are pros and cons for this surgery:
Cons:
They have to drill near her face nerve
She has to go through surgery
She will be in pain
She won't know why she is in pain
Pros:
She will be able to hear
She will be able to learn and grow the way she needs to
She will be able to be POTTY TRAINED
She will have bionic hearing haha
When we went up on the 8th of July for her appointment to see if she was a candidate for the surgery things looked promising. The guy we talked to that specializes in Cochlear Implants said Rilee is a wonderful girl and that he is surprised that she doesn't have any behavior problems. (I thought to myself, "Doc you are not with her all the time she has behavior issues haha")
She will have this device an internal part and an external part. We have 30,000 hair follicles in our ear that help us hear, Rilee has those follicles, but they just work so what they will do is the internal part of the device has 21 electrodes that will act like the hair follicles, they will thread these electrodes into Rilee's cochlea. The surgery will take an hour and a half but it is an in out surgery, but because we live 5 hours away they want us to stay in Portland for 24 hours after her surgery just in case she gets an infection.
The gentlemen told us how much the surgery would cost and Larry and I thought to ourselves holy cow. The device itself cost $8,000 and we get two of them in case something happens to the first one. And the surgery cost $46,000 for a total cost of $62,000 luckily we talked to the insurance and we only have to pay $150.00 of it which considering they are paying for $61,850.00 that is pretty darn good.
Larry and I have been doing good we moved into our own place on the 30th of July and we are enjoying have our own space. We got everything pretty much organized and put away and the girls are enjoying playing in their own room. Rilee is being a ham and Reagan is looking around kicking and doing her own thing half the time. I think she is teething, because she will all of a sudden she will start crying. I will let you all go now love you all and I will keep you updated after Rye Rye surgery.
The Allen's
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2 weeks old--Family Update
Well Reagan turned 2 weeks old yesterday and we had her 2 week check up. Reagan is back to her birth weight which is exactly what they wanted. She got her PKU test back and it was normal which is good, not exactly sure what the PKU is but if it is normal that is all that matters haha. We haven't gotten the results back from the EKG that we got done last Friday but they said that they would call us when those results got in.
Rilee has adjusted well to being a Big Sister she loves doing anything and everything for her she gets diapers, wipes and bottle when she thinks she needs it. She runs over to her every time she cries and kisses her to make her feel better and she loves taking pictures with her as well.
Reagan has been doing great we have our moments, but what newborn and mommy doesn't in the first two weeks. I have been living on about 4 hours of sleep which is okay but it is hard to function when you have to chase after a two year old, take care of a newborn and try to do school work all at the same time haha. Again Rilee has been great when she wants to be, she always seems to get into things and stuff when I am feeding Reagan and am unable to get up and catch her when she is doing it and with her hearing impairment it is harder to get her attention.
God has watched over us so much this last year and we couldn't be more blessed and fortunate to be in the situation we are in. Our daughters are everything to us and we are so amazed everyday. I am trying to not get super impatient with Rilee but sometimes I catch myself doing it and feel terrible. Larry always tells me that I need to not try but do and I am praying about it and trying to find my patience. Rilee will be able to hear here in the next month or so and we are so ready for that and to see what that does for her. She will explode in what she knows. She already knows how to point to her nose when we say "nose" or mouth when we say "mouth" but is still unable to say the words themselves. She does say some words like "stop it" "dada" "papa" "down" little words like that hasn't perfected "mama" yet but she will get there.
She still loves her mommy Rilee time when we read and pray at night when I put her down for the night. I make sure we always do that so she knows that nothing has changed. So far the girls go down around the same time Reagan goes down probably 30-45 minutes after Rilee and then she wakes up around 12 AM and gets up again around 4 and then goes back to bed till around 7 which is pretty darn good.
Larry is working a lot and it is getting harder and harder for him to leave us but we know that he is going out there everyday to provide for his family and we could be prouder of him. He has applied for Financial Aid so he could eventually go back to school and get his degree in Business Management. As for my school There are 27 lessons and I am on Lesson 23 so only 4 more to go and I am officially a Paralegal!!!!! I cannot wait till I am able to get a job and we will be able to pay off some debt haha. Well this is our update and we will keep you posted on our girls and their development thank you all for all your support and love we truly appreciate all of you and couldn't do it without any of you!
Rilee has adjusted well to being a Big Sister she loves doing anything and everything for her she gets diapers, wipes and bottle when she thinks she needs it. She runs over to her every time she cries and kisses her to make her feel better and she loves taking pictures with her as well.
Reagan has been doing great we have our moments, but what newborn and mommy doesn't in the first two weeks. I have been living on about 4 hours of sleep which is okay but it is hard to function when you have to chase after a two year old, take care of a newborn and try to do school work all at the same time haha. Again Rilee has been great when she wants to be, she always seems to get into things and stuff when I am feeding Reagan and am unable to get up and catch her when she is doing it and with her hearing impairment it is harder to get her attention.
God has watched over us so much this last year and we couldn't be more blessed and fortunate to be in the situation we are in. Our daughters are everything to us and we are so amazed everyday. I am trying to not get super impatient with Rilee but sometimes I catch myself doing it and feel terrible. Larry always tells me that I need to not try but do and I am praying about it and trying to find my patience. Rilee will be able to hear here in the next month or so and we are so ready for that and to see what that does for her. She will explode in what she knows. She already knows how to point to her nose when we say "nose" or mouth when we say "mouth" but is still unable to say the words themselves. She does say some words like "stop it" "dada" "papa" "down" little words like that hasn't perfected "mama" yet but she will get there.
She still loves her mommy Rilee time when we read and pray at night when I put her down for the night. I make sure we always do that so she knows that nothing has changed. So far the girls go down around the same time Reagan goes down probably 30-45 minutes after Rilee and then she wakes up around 12 AM and gets up again around 4 and then goes back to bed till around 7 which is pretty darn good.
Larry is working a lot and it is getting harder and harder for him to leave us but we know that he is going out there everyday to provide for his family and we could be prouder of him. He has applied for Financial Aid so he could eventually go back to school and get his degree in Business Management. As for my school There are 27 lessons and I am on Lesson 23 so only 4 more to go and I am officially a Paralegal!!!!! I cannot wait till I am able to get a job and we will be able to pay off some debt haha. Well this is our update and we will keep you posted on our girls and their development thank you all for all your support and love we truly appreciate all of you and couldn't do it without any of you!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Reagan Joy Allen
Hello All. Well Reagan Joy Allen has arrived. She was born on May 26,2010 at 7:30 AM 7 lbs 11 oz 19 inches long. Everything went as planned with my c-section and we have a healthy little girl as a result of that. We had to get at the hospital at 5 AM and our surgery was at 7:15 AM. Everyone at the hospital was so great and nice it felt so natural even though I was having a surgery it was definitely a different experience than with Rilee.
Rilee came to the hopsital around 2 PM and was so curious about everything. She actually saw me breastfeeding Reagan and started crying because she thought Reagan was hurting me haha. This whole experience has been so great I have been able to breastfeed with Reagan and having Rilee to help has been wonderful. She grabs her diapers when I need to change her diaper and Reagan's along with grabbing her binky when she starts to cry. She kisses her sister and wants to make her stop crying when she does. All this kid does is sleep haha.
Nights so far have been WONDERFUL! Reagan is on a strict schedule she feeds at 8:30 AM-12:30 PM-4:30 PM-8:30 PM-11:30PM and then she sleeps until 4 or 5 AM and then goes back to bed till around 7:30-8 AM. I seriously don't know what I did to have two wonderful children but I know that God has blessed both Larry and I with amazing children.
Since having Reagan things seem so right I feel like our family is complete. Larry has gone back to work as of Monday and I have to admit I was a little nervous trying to take care of two kids without his help (even though I have my mom it is different) because he had 2 weeks off with Rilee and really took the reigns so I just wasn't sure.
Here as some pictures of Reagan, Rilee, Mommy and Daddy. Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts we are sure blessed to have every single one of you in our lives.
The Allens
Rilee came to the hopsital around 2 PM and was so curious about everything. She actually saw me breastfeeding Reagan and started crying because she thought Reagan was hurting me haha. This whole experience has been so great I have been able to breastfeed with Reagan and having Rilee to help has been wonderful. She grabs her diapers when I need to change her diaper and Reagan's along with grabbing her binky when she starts to cry. She kisses her sister and wants to make her stop crying when she does. All this kid does is sleep haha.
Nights so far have been WONDERFUL! Reagan is on a strict schedule she feeds at 8:30 AM-12:30 PM-4:30 PM-8:30 PM-11:30PM and then she sleeps until 4 or 5 AM and then goes back to bed till around 7:30-8 AM. I seriously don't know what I did to have two wonderful children but I know that God has blessed both Larry and I with amazing children.
Since having Reagan things seem so right I feel like our family is complete. Larry has gone back to work as of Monday and I have to admit I was a little nervous trying to take care of two kids without his help (even though I have my mom it is different) because he had 2 weeks off with Rilee and really took the reigns so I just wasn't sure.
Here as some pictures of Reagan, Rilee, Mommy and Daddy. Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts we are sure blessed to have every single one of you in our lives.
The Allens
Thursday, May 20, 2010
38 Weeks Pregnant
Hello all this will be last post about my pregnancy because I only have 6 more days till my scheduled c-section! I cannot believe that we are at the home stretch. I never thought this day would actually get here. With all that we have been through these 9 months it is going to be so nice to actually have her here and hold her for the first time.
Reagan has really plumped up these last 38 Weeks. She now weighs about 7 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which in 6 days we will soon find out when we get to hold her for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Rilee I think is knowing more and more about what is going on. She keeps touching my tummy and kissing it I think that she knows her sister is going to be here. I am still in shock that this time next week I am going to have 2 CHILDREN!!! I am going to be so interested to see how Rilee reacts. Next post I do is going to be with pictures of Larry, Rilee, Reagan and I. Keep reading to see!
The Allen's
Reagan has really plumped up these last 38 Weeks. She now weighs about 7 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which in 6 days we will soon find out when we get to hold her for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Rilee I think is knowing more and more about what is going on. She keeps touching my tummy and kissing it I think that she knows her sister is going to be here. I am still in shock that this time next week I am going to have 2 CHILDREN!!! I am going to be so interested to see how Rilee reacts. Next post I do is going to be with pictures of Larry, Rilee, Reagan and I. Keep reading to see!
The Allen's
Thursday, May 13, 2010
37 and 38 Weeks and Rilee's Doctors Appointment
Hello everyone. So Rilee and I both had doctors appointments yesterday, mine was much better than hers. Rilee had to get a total of 9 different vaccinations they were:
Hepatitis B
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
HIB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
Pneumococcal
Polio
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Hepatitis A
H1N1 Vaccination
Luckily they only had to give her six shots. But today she has a slight fever which the doctor said that is normal. Doctor Burnett said her fever could get as high as 102 but I checked her this morning and she only has a 99.9 which is a slight fever. My mom is getting her some Tylenol today when she goes for her doctors appointment. So she is not a happy camper today, she got up at 7 AM and then she was so fussy that I put her down for her nap at 8:30 AM and she is still sleeping she will probably sleep a lot today.
Also at the appointment, we discussed Rilee's hearing loss and she reassured me that they will keep an eye on Reagan's hearing every 4-6 months. Also she referred Rilee to a Child's Intervention Program for her speech which I thought since she doesn't have the cochlear we would wait, but Dr. Burnett said she wants her to get started on it so when she gets the cochlear it won't be anything new. I am excited to see how quick it takes Rilee to start really talking. I just wonder how long it will take her to get caught up?
As for me and my appointment, it went well they had to combine my 37 and 38 week appointment which means that I will not be going to the doctors anymore for this pregnancy which I am so happy about. They also gave me the run down on what my c-section will be like and how early I have to be at the hospital the day of the 26th 5 AM. Dr. Cohen said it will take 1 minute to get Reagan out and then 45 minutes to stitch me back up. So what will happen is she will take Reagan out, let Larry take her to the nursery, stitch me up, take me to recovery for an hour and then back up to my room.
Rilee and my mom will come later on in the day but not until the afternoon just so I will have time to bond with Larry and Reagan and also trying to breastfeed. I will keep all of you posted on the progress if I go into labor before the 26th or when I have the c-section.
I am going to keep a positive attitude and no matter what happens if I have her earlier or if I have her right on schedule, I will not care as long as she is a happy, healthy, little girl. We are getting more and more excited to meet her and I think the excitement is turning into anxiety haha. Well please continue to pray for us and pray that my pain subsides. We love you all and when Rilee starts her child's intervention program I will keep you all posted.
The Allen's
Hepatitis B
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
HIB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
Pneumococcal
Polio
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Hepatitis A
H1N1 Vaccination
Luckily they only had to give her six shots. But today she has a slight fever which the doctor said that is normal. Doctor Burnett said her fever could get as high as 102 but I checked her this morning and she only has a 99.9 which is a slight fever. My mom is getting her some Tylenol today when she goes for her doctors appointment. So she is not a happy camper today, she got up at 7 AM and then she was so fussy that I put her down for her nap at 8:30 AM and she is still sleeping she will probably sleep a lot today.
Also at the appointment, we discussed Rilee's hearing loss and she reassured me that they will keep an eye on Reagan's hearing every 4-6 months. Also she referred Rilee to a Child's Intervention Program for her speech which I thought since she doesn't have the cochlear we would wait, but Dr. Burnett said she wants her to get started on it so when she gets the cochlear it won't be anything new. I am excited to see how quick it takes Rilee to start really talking. I just wonder how long it will take her to get caught up?
As for me and my appointment, it went well they had to combine my 37 and 38 week appointment which means that I will not be going to the doctors anymore for this pregnancy which I am so happy about. They also gave me the run down on what my c-section will be like and how early I have to be at the hospital the day of the 26th 5 AM. Dr. Cohen said it will take 1 minute to get Reagan out and then 45 minutes to stitch me back up. So what will happen is she will take Reagan out, let Larry take her to the nursery, stitch me up, take me to recovery for an hour and then back up to my room.
Rilee and my mom will come later on in the day but not until the afternoon just so I will have time to bond with Larry and Reagan and also trying to breastfeed. I will keep all of you posted on the progress if I go into labor before the 26th or when I have the c-section.
I am going to keep a positive attitude and no matter what happens if I have her earlier or if I have her right on schedule, I will not care as long as she is a happy, healthy, little girl. We are getting more and more excited to meet her and I think the excitement is turning into anxiety haha. Well please continue to pray for us and pray that my pain subsides. We love you all and when Rilee starts her child's intervention program I will keep you all posted.
The Allen's
Sunday, May 9, 2010
37 Weeks Pregnant
I am going to be 37 weeks pregnant on Monday May 12, 2010 -- 36 weeks down, 3 weeks to go before my c-section! The clock is seriously ticking now and I am done with being pregnant! All the experts say "These are the times to enjoy" Oh okay these experts are people that have never been pregnant and don't know what the final month is like for a smaller person like myself. I completely sick of people asking, "So, when are you due?" or "Wow, you look like you are really ready to have that baby!" I am really trying not to punch them haha. I don't know why pregnant women are always a fascination to people but we are not a freak show people!! Reagan weighs more than 6.5 lbs. I am guessing she is going to be 7.5 lbs WAY bigger than what Rilee was when she was born!
During week 37 of pregnancy, fetal development that is occurring includes the following:
-- Reagan continues to develop fat at the rate of half an ounce a day
-- She is getting rounder every day
-- Her skin is getting pinker and losing its wrinkly appearance
-- And she continues to practice breathing movements.
At this point in pregnancy, if Reagan is born, she is considered mature. This of course does not mean that she is done developing. For example, during the next couple of weeks, whether inside or outside the womb, she will continue to put on fat.
Yesterday was a pretty interesting day. We went to Medford with my mom and Rilee to run some errands and do grocery shopping. We went to the mall and walked around, went to my mom's favorite Chinese food restaurant for Mothers day and to the grocery store. As we were getting out of the car to go into Food 4 Less we saw a man and his girlfriend fighting in their car he was pulling her hair and dragging her back into the car calling her all sorts of names so I decided to call 911 and report it. Luckily I did, because the officer called to get my statement and said they found the man and he had beat her up pretty good. She said that if we wouldn't have called she probably wouldn't have and she would still be in that situation! Hopefully everything is okay with her now.
On a lighter note, we got home from grocery shopping and I wasn't feeling all that well, I was feeling nauseated, sore, and I felt like I was having Braxton Hicks Contractions so we stayed home for about an hour when I looked and Larry and told him to take me to the Labor and Delivery in Grants Pass so he did. Come to find out I was having regular steady and hard contractions, but my cervix hadn't changed at all which means that it was softening and I wasn't dilating so they didn't consider me in labor and sent me home. They think I was just dehydrated so they told me to come home and drink some water. So that is what I have been doing since I got home last night.
I am still feeling some pressure and I have lost my mucus plug which is good and hopefully with these "contractions" they will get things moving because I am seriously DONE being pregnant. I can't move my legs up higher than 2 inches off the ground without my pelvis feeling like a thousand knives were stabbing me and don't even talk about sleep, because that hasn't happened for a couple of weeks now with as much pain as I am in haha. The other day I decided to measure my stomach to see how round I was and it measured me at 4 ft. 2 in. which means I am sticking out 2 ft! WHAT!!! I will be singing the hallelujah chorus when I have Reagan and then guess what I AM GETTING THE BIRTH CONTROL AND THERE WILL BE NO BABIES FOR ME FOR A VERY VERY VERY LONG TIME!!! I really don't know what it is about the very last month that makes every woman look at their husband and child (if they have a child by then) and say "Go away and let me be!!" I feel so sorry for Larry sometimes haha He tries so hard to be so loving and supportive and I look at him and say "See this (pointing at my stomach) I have a right to be a little crabby right now and you know what love you did this to me haha"
Today is mothers day and I have had such a wonderful day. Larry has taken the over for me and taken care of Rilee which is awesome. I received a bouquet of flowers from Rilee along with a card and a miniature cake she was so excited when she could hand it to me it was so sweet. Then Larry bought me a thing to take along with us on picnics that has a thing to hold coffee that had two coffee cups, two spoons, cloth napkins and things to hold cream and sugar he is always thinking of unusual things to buy me and I LOVE IT!!! I have been wanting to go on picnics more now that the weather is nice and he knows how much I love drinking coffee and it works THANK YOU HONEY!
Rilee is adjusting so well with her hearing aid. She has a little bit of a delay when we talk to her, but I think that will adjust itself over time because everything is so new to her. When we went to the mall yesterday, when she was walking around the food court the sound of all the people talking and the crowd kind of scared her so Larry had to pick her up, but once we left that area she was fine. She has discovered the escalators and wanted to ride on over and over and over again. At one point we were about to leave and saw something in this store so I went in there and Rilee got so mad because she wanted to go on the escalators and she couldn't because I went in the store.
Well everyone this is the end. I will keep all of you posted on what the progress of this kid is and please pray that she come early because I am miserable and ready to be done! I am also getting very very anxious about meeting her it has been a long 9 months and I can finally see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again everyone for your love and support with all that has been going on. We love all of you so much!!
The Allen's
During week 37 of pregnancy, fetal development that is occurring includes the following:
-- Reagan continues to develop fat at the rate of half an ounce a day
-- She is getting rounder every day
-- Her skin is getting pinker and losing its wrinkly appearance
-- And she continues to practice breathing movements.
At this point in pregnancy, if Reagan is born, she is considered mature. This of course does not mean that she is done developing. For example, during the next couple of weeks, whether inside or outside the womb, she will continue to put on fat.
Yesterday was a pretty interesting day. We went to Medford with my mom and Rilee to run some errands and do grocery shopping. We went to the mall and walked around, went to my mom's favorite Chinese food restaurant for Mothers day and to the grocery store. As we were getting out of the car to go into Food 4 Less we saw a man and his girlfriend fighting in their car he was pulling her hair and dragging her back into the car calling her all sorts of names so I decided to call 911 and report it. Luckily I did, because the officer called to get my statement and said they found the man and he had beat her up pretty good. She said that if we wouldn't have called she probably wouldn't have and she would still be in that situation! Hopefully everything is okay with her now.
On a lighter note, we got home from grocery shopping and I wasn't feeling all that well, I was feeling nauseated, sore, and I felt like I was having Braxton Hicks Contractions so we stayed home for about an hour when I looked and Larry and told him to take me to the Labor and Delivery in Grants Pass so he did. Come to find out I was having regular steady and hard contractions, but my cervix hadn't changed at all which means that it was softening and I wasn't dilating so they didn't consider me in labor and sent me home. They think I was just dehydrated so they told me to come home and drink some water. So that is what I have been doing since I got home last night.
I am still feeling some pressure and I have lost my mucus plug which is good and hopefully with these "contractions" they will get things moving because I am seriously DONE being pregnant. I can't move my legs up higher than 2 inches off the ground without my pelvis feeling like a thousand knives were stabbing me and don't even talk about sleep, because that hasn't happened for a couple of weeks now with as much pain as I am in haha. The other day I decided to measure my stomach to see how round I was and it measured me at 4 ft. 2 in. which means I am sticking out 2 ft! WHAT!!! I will be singing the hallelujah chorus when I have Reagan and then guess what I AM GETTING THE BIRTH CONTROL AND THERE WILL BE NO BABIES FOR ME FOR A VERY VERY VERY LONG TIME!!! I really don't know what it is about the very last month that makes every woman look at their husband and child (if they have a child by then) and say "Go away and let me be!!" I feel so sorry for Larry sometimes haha He tries so hard to be so loving and supportive and I look at him and say "See this (pointing at my stomach) I have a right to be a little crabby right now and you know what love you did this to me haha"
Today is mothers day and I have had such a wonderful day. Larry has taken the over for me and taken care of Rilee which is awesome. I received a bouquet of flowers from Rilee along with a card and a miniature cake she was so excited when she could hand it to me it was so sweet. Then Larry bought me a thing to take along with us on picnics that has a thing to hold coffee that had two coffee cups, two spoons, cloth napkins and things to hold cream and sugar he is always thinking of unusual things to buy me and I LOVE IT!!! I have been wanting to go on picnics more now that the weather is nice and he knows how much I love drinking coffee and it works THANK YOU HONEY!
Rilee is adjusting so well with her hearing aid. She has a little bit of a delay when we talk to her, but I think that will adjust itself over time because everything is so new to her. When we went to the mall yesterday, when she was walking around the food court the sound of all the people talking and the crowd kind of scared her so Larry had to pick her up, but once we left that area she was fine. She has discovered the escalators and wanted to ride on over and over and over again. At one point we were about to leave and saw something in this store so I went in there and Rilee got so mad because she wanted to go on the escalators and she couldn't because I went in the store.
Well everyone this is the end. I will keep all of you posted on what the progress of this kid is and please pray that she come early because I am miserable and ready to be done! I am also getting very very anxious about meeting her it has been a long 9 months and I can finally see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again everyone for your love and support with all that has been going on. We love all of you so much!!
The Allen's
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Rilee's Hearing Aid Appointment
I know everyone is very interested to hear about Rilee's hearing aid appointment so here it is. She did so well. We had the appointment at 9 AM and it took no time at all. He taught us how to put it in her ear and what we could do and not do while she had it in her ear. We waited for Larry to get there to turn on the device and the reaction we got was like nothing we expected. When we turned it on, Rilee's eyes got real big and she started looking around and then started crying, because she wasn't sure about what she was hearing. The doctor said it was totally normal, and that we should for the first couple of days or weeks put it in for a couple of hours and then take it out to get her acclimated. I think that she will do very well here is a picture of her hearing aid just to give people an idea of what she will be wearing:
She pulls on it and tries to take it out but once she realizes that she can hear with it she won't want to ever take it out haha. Before I took her to her nap we read and she was loving it and then she asked to take it out, and I did and laid her down and she went to sleep. We go back to the doctor on the 19th to do a follow up and will keep you all updated when we get back. Love you all.
The Allens
She pulls on it and tries to take it out but once she realizes that she can hear with it she won't want to ever take it out haha. Before I took her to her nap we read and she was loving it and then she asked to take it out, and I did and laid her down and she went to sleep. We go back to the doctor on the 19th to do a follow up and will keep you all updated when we get back. Love you all.
The Allens
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
36 Week Appointment
Well 36 weeks down 3 to go! I have been in so much PAIN with my pelvis and back that I am about to EXPLODE! I went to the doctor today to get my weekly appointments started and everything seems to be doing good, I am gaining the appropriate amount of weight and my "girth" (The measurement of my belly) is on the right track. She did an exam and I have dropped but my cervix is still closed!
She also checked her heart beat and it was 149 beats per second which is totally normal and she said that she weights approximately 6 lbs already which is what Rilee weighed when she was born so I am guessing she will be around 7 lbs or a little bigger. The good thing is the more she weighs the healthier she is and the more weight that will drop when she is born oh YEAH!
Dr. Cohen said that I should get a pregnancy girdle, so I went to the Wellness Center in Grants Pass and they are $58.00 and they would have to order it and take 5 days to get here and I am not sure what is going to happen in the next 5 days or weeks so I decided it is not worth it! Reagan is kicking and moving a lot and is a healthy little girl which we are so blessed about. We cannot wait to meet her and to hold her for the first time I guess that is why I am so anxious to get her out plus being extremely uncomfortable doesn't help.
Rilee is doing well she was ready to go this morning she took off her sleeper and onesie, put them in the washing machine and then grabbed her clothes that she wanted to wear, socks and shoes and by george she was matching so truly is a girly girl. I have been so amazed to see Rilee grow in the past couple of months and with her getting her hearing aid tomorrow will open up a whole new world for her and she will be able to hear her little sister and understand what the heck is going on. I truly think that Rilee won't be mean or jealous but just so curious and want to help all the time. I am almost positive she will get me diapers and wipes and then throw them away for me, because that is what she does now when she needs to be changed.
The other great thing about her getting her hearing aid is that we can start potty training so we won't have two children in diapers at the same time. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hasstle but with how she copies and wants to do what we all do I think she will catch on quick. I still cannot believe that we have 21 days till we go in for our scheduled c-section and meet our little girl everyone thinks she will come early, but I am not holding my breath because if she is anything like me she will prove everyone wrong and come when she is supposed to haha. Well I better let you all go and thanks again for reading I will keep you updated on how Rilee's appointment goes tomorrow and how my pregnancy progresses. God Bless all of you.
The Allen's
She also checked her heart beat and it was 149 beats per second which is totally normal and she said that she weights approximately 6 lbs already which is what Rilee weighed when she was born so I am guessing she will be around 7 lbs or a little bigger. The good thing is the more she weighs the healthier she is and the more weight that will drop when she is born oh YEAH!
Dr. Cohen said that I should get a pregnancy girdle, so I went to the Wellness Center in Grants Pass and they are $58.00 and they would have to order it and take 5 days to get here and I am not sure what is going to happen in the next 5 days or weeks so I decided it is not worth it! Reagan is kicking and moving a lot and is a healthy little girl which we are so blessed about. We cannot wait to meet her and to hold her for the first time I guess that is why I am so anxious to get her out plus being extremely uncomfortable doesn't help.
Rilee is doing well she was ready to go this morning she took off her sleeper and onesie, put them in the washing machine and then grabbed her clothes that she wanted to wear, socks and shoes and by george she was matching so truly is a girly girl. I have been so amazed to see Rilee grow in the past couple of months and with her getting her hearing aid tomorrow will open up a whole new world for her and she will be able to hear her little sister and understand what the heck is going on. I truly think that Rilee won't be mean or jealous but just so curious and want to help all the time. I am almost positive she will get me diapers and wipes and then throw them away for me, because that is what she does now when she needs to be changed.
The other great thing about her getting her hearing aid is that we can start potty training so we won't have two children in diapers at the same time. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hasstle but with how she copies and wants to do what we all do I think she will catch on quick. I still cannot believe that we have 21 days till we go in for our scheduled c-section and meet our little girl everyone thinks she will come early, but I am not holding my breath because if she is anything like me she will prove everyone wrong and come when she is supposed to haha. Well I better let you all go and thanks again for reading I will keep you updated on how Rilee's appointment goes tomorrow and how my pregnancy progresses. God Bless all of you.
The Allen's
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Baby Shower for Reagan
Hello everyone:
First and foremost, I would love to thank everyone who came to my baby shower I truly had a wonderful time. I was blessed to have my Grandmother, Mother in Law and Aunt come all the way from California to help celebrate with us. Also I got to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a while. We had the baby shower on Saturday April 24 2010 for Reagan and we got so much cute stuff. The hostesses Elyse (My Best friend) and Kelly (My mom) did a wonderful job and we had so much fun.
We didn't do a lot of games we mostly just ate and talked and ate and talked which is a great thing. We had so much yummy food (thanks Grammy, Mom, and Cindy) and just fellowhipping with family and friends was the best part. I really didn't need a whole bunch of "big" stuff because we had everything necessary when we had Rilee and it was still in great shape.
My cousin Mary took all the pictures and one of my best friends Nicole wrote down all the gifts the guests brought that was a huge help. I truly had such a wonderful time and I couldn't be filled with such warmth and gratitude for everyone who has kept in touch with the pregnancy and with our family. Here are a few pictures:
First and foremost, I would love to thank everyone who came to my baby shower I truly had a wonderful time. I was blessed to have my Grandmother, Mother in Law and Aunt come all the way from California to help celebrate with us. Also I got to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a while. We had the baby shower on Saturday April 24 2010 for Reagan and we got so much cute stuff. The hostesses Elyse (My Best friend) and Kelly (My mom) did a wonderful job and we had so much fun.
We didn't do a lot of games we mostly just ate and talked and ate and talked which is a great thing. We had so much yummy food (thanks Grammy, Mom, and Cindy) and just fellowhipping with family and friends was the best part. I really didn't need a whole bunch of "big" stuff because we had everything necessary when we had Rilee and it was still in great shape.
My cousin Mary took all the pictures and one of my best friends Nicole wrote down all the gifts the guests brought that was a huge help. I truly had such a wonderful time and I couldn't be filled with such warmth and gratitude for everyone who has kept in touch with the pregnancy and with our family. Here are a few pictures:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
35-36 Weeks Pregnant and Update
Hello family and friends I hit 35 weeks on Monday and will be 36 Weeks on Wednesday May 5,2010 I cannot wait for that because I know I am getting close. I have 6 out of the 9 regular signs of labor:
Emotional Signs which is Nesting
Diarrhea (I know you didn't want to know that)
Engagement (when the baby drops)
Pelvic Floor Pressure (Which is totally PAINFUL)
Discharge (again you didn't need to know that but oh well)
Early Contractions or Braxton Hicks
The other signs are:
Membranes Rupturing (Water breaking)
Regular or steady contractions
Softening of the Cervix or Dilation
Reagan is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Reagan swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, Reagan will be considered full-term Hallelujah. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) She's in a head-down position which won't matter in my case, because I am having a C-section. At the beginning of this week, I went into the doctor for Braxton Hicks contractions (which is false labor) I again felt so stupid because I should know what the real one's feel like but of course with me those stupid things feel real!
We also got a call from the Audiologist for Rilee and found out that we will be getting her Hearing Aid for the left ear on the 6th of May and we cannot believe that Rilee will be able to hear a little bit for now until we get her, her cochlear implant. At least she will be able to tell us that we love her and no haha. As I observe Rilee, she truly acts like a regular 2 year old she just doesn't talk! We will also be going up on the 3rd of June (1 week after Reagan's scheduled due date) to Portland to do the Cochlear Implant Consultation! This weight has been lifted off of our shoulders and we are so happy we see a light at the end of the tunnel!
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and we will keep you all posted soon. Love you all!!!
The Allen's
Emotional Signs which is Nesting
Diarrhea (I know you didn't want to know that)
Engagement (when the baby drops)
Pelvic Floor Pressure (Which is totally PAINFUL)
Discharge (again you didn't need to know that but oh well)
Early Contractions or Braxton Hicks
The other signs are:
Membranes Rupturing (Water breaking)
Regular or steady contractions
Softening of the Cervix or Dilation
Reagan is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Reagan swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, Reagan will be considered full-term Hallelujah. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) She's in a head-down position which won't matter in my case, because I am having a C-section. At the beginning of this week, I went into the doctor for Braxton Hicks contractions (which is false labor) I again felt so stupid because I should know what the real one's feel like but of course with me those stupid things feel real!
We also got a call from the Audiologist for Rilee and found out that we will be getting her Hearing Aid for the left ear on the 6th of May and we cannot believe that Rilee will be able to hear a little bit for now until we get her, her cochlear implant. At least she will be able to tell us that we love her and no haha. As I observe Rilee, she truly acts like a regular 2 year old she just doesn't talk! We will also be going up on the 3rd of June (1 week after Reagan's scheduled due date) to Portland to do the Cochlear Implant Consultation! This weight has been lifted off of our shoulders and we are so happy we see a light at the end of the tunnel!
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers and we will keep you all posted soon. Love you all!!!
The Allen's
Monday, April 19, 2010
34 Weeks Pregnant
Reagan is almost here!!! Reagan is continuing to grow and fill out. Not much is changing in her, except she is adding on valuable weight. Some babies will weigh in a bit larger and others a bit smaller. Some babies will also be longer or shorter. Every baby is unique. And she is definitely larger than Rilee was at this point, she is more active and I definitely get more heartburn which hopefully means that she will have a lot of hair, I don't think I would like a baby with NO HAIR!! (Not really I would love her no matter what!)
I have been getting those Braxton-Hicks Contractions which are less painful this time around then they were with Rilee. I think that it is because I know exactly what to look for. For those of you don't know what Braxton-Hicks contractions are they feel like a tightening at the top of your uterus that spreads down and then relaxes. Many women mistake Braxton-Hicks contractions for true labor contractions, but this is rarely the case. Braxton-Hicks contractions will diminish if you get up and walk around and they should not be painful.
Reagan's hair continues to get longer and thicker. Reagan's hair color probably is not going to be the same color from birth onwards, so you should expect it to change in color. If I were to have the c-section now, it would probably be called a pre-term infant instead of premature. The only difference is in the maturity, particularly lung maturity. A pre-term baby is less likely to need intensive care because its lungs have developed. Doctors can test lung maturity with an amniocentesis that checks levels of surfactant.
On a more exciting note, I called OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) and we got her appointments set for June 3rd and 4th for the tests they have to run and the consultation to pick Rilee's cochlear device and then after that they will schedule her surgery and by the end of June Rilee should have everything DONE thank the LORD things are finally going to be over!! I still cannot believe that her appointment is 8 days after Reagan is born, which is funny, because we will spend 3 days in the hospital and then I am going to come home and pack to go to Portland!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! God has really been good to us and we couldn't be happier with the results of how things are going to play out. The sooner we get this done the sooner Rilee will be able to hear. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers we love you all so much!!
The Allens
I have been getting those Braxton-Hicks Contractions which are less painful this time around then they were with Rilee. I think that it is because I know exactly what to look for. For those of you don't know what Braxton-Hicks contractions are they feel like a tightening at the top of your uterus that spreads down and then relaxes. Many women mistake Braxton-Hicks contractions for true labor contractions, but this is rarely the case. Braxton-Hicks contractions will diminish if you get up and walk around and they should not be painful.
Reagan's hair continues to get longer and thicker. Reagan's hair color probably is not going to be the same color from birth onwards, so you should expect it to change in color. If I were to have the c-section now, it would probably be called a pre-term infant instead of premature. The only difference is in the maturity, particularly lung maturity. A pre-term baby is less likely to need intensive care because its lungs have developed. Doctors can test lung maturity with an amniocentesis that checks levels of surfactant.
On a more exciting note, I called OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University) and we got her appointments set for June 3rd and 4th for the tests they have to run and the consultation to pick Rilee's cochlear device and then after that they will schedule her surgery and by the end of June Rilee should have everything DONE thank the LORD things are finally going to be over!! I still cannot believe that her appointment is 8 days after Reagan is born, which is funny, because we will spend 3 days in the hospital and then I am going to come home and pack to go to Portland!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! God has really been good to us and we couldn't be happier with the results of how things are going to play out. The sooner we get this done the sooner Rilee will be able to hear. Thanks again for all the thoughts and prayers we love you all so much!!
The Allens
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rilee
In this blog I thought I would dedicate this to my wonderful daughter Rilee who is just the most precious little thing God ever blessed us with. Everything seems to be finally falling into place. I am so tired of doctors appointments right now that I told Larry if I walk into another doctors office and smell some sort of medication I am going to SCREAM haha. Rilee had her c-t scan yesterday really early yesterday and everything turned out normal there were no holes in her ear drum and all her nerves in her ears were developed all the way. Part of me feels pretty selfish for wanting there to be something wrong so we could know what happened and why she lost her hearing, but maybe God doesn't want us to know and sometimes it is better not knowing.
During her C-T Scan she had to be sedated, because we felt that because of her hearing loss it would be scary for her to go into this big tunnel and not know what the heck was going on! So it was an oral antistatic which is great because I hate it when they have to poke her with needles and so does she. As the antistatic kicked in Rilee began to act goofy and "drunk" haha. She was so funny she would hiccup and laugh so hard and then look at me and sway back and fourth and think that was hilarious! The doctor said she did so well and that there were NO problems which I was happy about! So after her appointment, we went to breakfast to get her something to eat and drink because she was HUNGRY and ate all of it also managed to get a LOT of syrup in her hair from falling asleep in her pancakes. Then after all the fun wore off she began to get mean I think Rilee would be a mean drunk haha!
Rilee is just blossoming into her own self. She is running (not walking) everywhere which I came to the conclusion for her safety that I got her one of those safety harnesses for her to wear if we are going to be doing a lot of walking around or at the mall so she won't wonder off. We know how easy it is for a 2 year old to get lost and especially with her hearing impairment it is crucial that we keep an eye on her AT ALL TIMES. It is truly scary the kidnapping rates in this country and I don't want ANY of my kids being on that list!
Rilee has really enjoyed playing in her room and sleeping in her "big girl" bed. Every night around 7:30 she starts heading to her room, crawls into bed, and waits for me to get her a book to read before she can fall asleep. I bet some of you are wondering "why are you reading to her if she can't hear you?" And my response is that no matter if she can hear me or not it is something that she likes to do with mommy and she knows that is what happens before bed time. After we read we pray and she kisses me good night and in about 5-10 minutes she is out like a light. I have been so blessed to get a child that is GOOD sleeper and not a TERROR who doesn't sleep at all!
I sat back today and really thought about how Rilee acted when she was an infant and how she acts now, and it really isn't that much different. Rilee has always been "vocal" and always been a very self occupying baby! I am just curious how she will act when Reagan finally arrives. Hopefully she loves her and helps out as much as she can. She will be going in on Wednesday the 21st of April for her hearing aid consultation which I am super excited about, because this will be the appointment where we pick out her hearing aid and fit it to her ear and then hopefully get the finished product real soon after that! Larry and I want to thank everyone for there thoughts and prayers over these last 6 months helping us deal with all the stress and giving us the hope that everything will be okay! We love all of you individual so much and are so excited for when Rilee can hear we can tell her how many people love her and how she has so much support! Love You All
The Allens
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Easter, 32 and 33 Weeks Pregnant
Hello everyone. Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend I know I am. Easter was a wonderful day with family and reminiscing about Jesus dying on the cross to save our sins. The day before Easter we colored eggs for the first time and let me just say that Rilee just had a ball decorating all the eggs and splashing them in the dye, which I couldn't help but laugh because every time they would splash Larry would get wet oh yeah baby get daddy haha. Rilee got a bunch in her Easter basket that was from Grammy, Nana, Daddy, Mommy, Aunt Janel and of course Papa Smurf (Randy) we sure did buy stuff for her to get to work:
she got a couple shovels, rakes, a broom and dust pan, a wheel barrel which was what her basket was, a sun hat, a bunch of jelly beans, a hoe, and other little gardening supplies she just loved it.
The little basket in front of the big one is from Aunt Janel. Larry loved this one most of all, because it was simple and to the point a few little gifts here and there that were adorable and of course the chocolate bunny that he oh so enjoyed haha.
So let's get to the pregnancy update: I am excited to announce that I am going to be 33 Weeks pregnant here on the 12Th and am ready for this whole thing to be done and over with. This pregnancy sure has been a lot of ups and downs but I can sure say that this last month will be awesome considering I have nothing more to worry about with Reagan's kidneys (that was an answer to prayer right there)
By now, Reagan should weigh 3.75 lbs according to baby center, but she is much larger then that at 31 weeks she already weighed close to 5 lbs. my goodness she is going to much bigger than Rilee so in this instance I am going to be happy I am having a C-section haha. She is also around 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I am gaining about a pound a week (from what all the specialists say I am supposed to do) and roughly half of that goes right to her. As Rebekah calls Aiden her little leach is about right they suck all the nutrients and everything right out of you haha. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz but I am guessing she will have about the same if not more then Rilee). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
I cannot believe that we have only 6 weeks left until we get to meet her. We are down in California at my mother-in-law's right now getting a bunch of stuff to bring back up. We got the crib, all the clothes, the diaper gene, bottles (that we still had), stroller, infant car seat, and a few nick nacks here and there. Overall we are set! We might have to do a few rearranging once we get back home because I am thinking that is going to be a tight fit with both the girls in one room. Wow it feels weird just typing "both girls" I cannot believe that we are going to have two children scary yet exciting at the same time!
Well I am going to go hope you all enjoy the rest of your week. And I will keep you updated on everything that will be going on this next week: We have Rilee's C-T scan for her ears on Tuesday and I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday (boy am I going to LOVE not having to go the doctors all the time). Love you all and God Bless.
The Allen's
she got a couple shovels, rakes, a broom and dust pan, a wheel barrel which was what her basket was, a sun hat, a bunch of jelly beans, a hoe, and other little gardening supplies she just loved it.
The little basket in front of the big one is from Aunt Janel. Larry loved this one most of all, because it was simple and to the point a few little gifts here and there that were adorable and of course the chocolate bunny that he oh so enjoyed haha.
So let's get to the pregnancy update: I am excited to announce that I am going to be 33 Weeks pregnant here on the 12Th and am ready for this whole thing to be done and over with. This pregnancy sure has been a lot of ups and downs but I can sure say that this last month will be awesome considering I have nothing more to worry about with Reagan's kidneys (that was an answer to prayer right there)
By now, Reagan should weigh 3.75 lbs according to baby center, but she is much larger then that at 31 weeks she already weighed close to 5 lbs. my goodness she is going to much bigger than Rilee so in this instance I am going to be happy I am having a C-section haha. She is also around 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I am gaining about a pound a week (from what all the specialists say I am supposed to do) and roughly half of that goes right to her. As Rebekah calls Aiden her little leach is about right they suck all the nutrients and everything right out of you haha. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz but I am guessing she will have about the same if not more then Rilee). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
I cannot believe that we have only 6 weeks left until we get to meet her. We are down in California at my mother-in-law's right now getting a bunch of stuff to bring back up. We got the crib, all the clothes, the diaper gene, bottles (that we still had), stroller, infant car seat, and a few nick nacks here and there. Overall we are set! We might have to do a few rearranging once we get back home because I am thinking that is going to be a tight fit with both the girls in one room. Wow it feels weird just typing "both girls" I cannot believe that we are going to have two children scary yet exciting at the same time!
Well I am going to go hope you all enjoy the rest of your week. And I will keep you updated on everything that will be going on this next week: We have Rilee's C-T scan for her ears on Tuesday and I have a doctors appointment on Wednesday (boy am I going to LOVE not having to go the doctors all the time). Love you all and God Bless.
The Allen's
Friday, April 2, 2010
Reagan's Ultrasound Update
Hello everyone I had an ultrasound appointment today for the fluid that was in Reagan's kidney. And to our surprise the fluid is GONE it was at 13 ML on the 24Th of February and when we got it measured today all the fluid was NORMAL and I will not have to go back for any SPECIAL ultrasound appointments we are so happy that God provided and everything is going to be okay!! Here are some pictures from today Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a miraculous Easter
The Allen's
The Allen's
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
31 Weeks Pregnant
Hello all here is another week we really only have 8 weeks left and then the blogs will be about my our family of 4!! That still cannot believe that we will be 4 not 3! Rilee has begun to grow more and more over the last couple of weeks I swear she has grown up and out haha. She is a bottomless pit she can eat ALL DAY!! We had Rilee's doctors appointment today for her hearing and we found out that she will be having a left hearing aid put in and then we will be starting the process on getting her the right cochlear implant done! Larry and I have been pretty much normal, I have been hurting more with my pelvis, back, butt, legs and everything. Larry has been doing his thing which is WORK WORK and more WORK!! At least he has a job and that is the main thing. My school has been going well it has been a little over a month and I am about 20% through the course which is pretty good!!!
The update on 31 weeks is that Reagan moves more when we talk to her now and when Rilee goes up to my tummy and talks she really starts moving. I think Rilee knows what is going on, in some perspective she kisses my belly and she tries to feel for her to kick (or she is just being a love girl and pushing on my stomach I have no idea haha) I have really started feeling different kicks now as her body continues to grow, the kicks I have felt are WAY harder and they hurt. Reagan weights approximately 4 pounds this week, and she should be 16 inches in length. Her belly is Buddha-like, round and hard because her liver is busily producing red blood cells. Some babies have a full head of hair by the 31st week of pregnancy, and if she is anything like Rilee she will have A LOT. It's common for babies to hiccup at this stage and for the hiccups to be strong enough to wake you in the middle of the night (which hasn't happened yet but I am sure it will I still have 8 weeks left). If Larry and I want to have some fun, we can shine a light on my stomach to see if Reagan's movements change. I can also press against my stomach to see if she answers me with a kick and boy does she kick hard!!!!
My baby shower is approaching and will hopefully have a lot of fun with that. We really don't need anything except for little things but I would love to be around friend and family just celebrating another life coming into this family. I only have 6 more appointment before the scheduled C-Section which I am getting more and more anxious for her to be here and for Rilee to be a BIG SISTER!!
The update on 31 weeks is that Reagan moves more when we talk to her now and when Rilee goes up to my tummy and talks she really starts moving. I think Rilee knows what is going on, in some perspective she kisses my belly and she tries to feel for her to kick (or she is just being a love girl and pushing on my stomach I have no idea haha) I have really started feeling different kicks now as her body continues to grow, the kicks I have felt are WAY harder and they hurt. Reagan weights approximately 4 pounds this week, and she should be 16 inches in length. Her belly is Buddha-like, round and hard because her liver is busily producing red blood cells. Some babies have a full head of hair by the 31st week of pregnancy, and if she is anything like Rilee she will have A LOT. It's common for babies to hiccup at this stage and for the hiccups to be strong enough to wake you in the middle of the night (which hasn't happened yet but I am sure it will I still have 8 weeks left). If Larry and I want to have some fun, we can shine a light on my stomach to see if Reagan's movements change. I can also press against my stomach to see if she answers me with a kick and boy does she kick hard!!!!
My baby shower is approaching and will hopefully have a lot of fun with that. We really don't need anything except for little things but I would love to be around friend and family just celebrating another life coming into this family. I only have 6 more appointment before the scheduled C-Section which I am getting more and more anxious for her to be here and for Rilee to be a BIG SISTER!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
30 Weeks Pregnant
Hello once again, things have been doing well. Rilee got into her own room this week and is doing well!! And as for Reagan she is kicking and making my stomach move all over the place haha. I went to the doctor today and everything is right on schedule. I gained 1 pound since my last appointment and I am measuring right on track!! I have been getting a lot of ligament pain and my pelvis hurts a lot so I have to wear something called a "pregnancy girdle" those things are so uncomfortable but oh well it is either that or be in pain all the time.
At my doctors appointment we discussed birth control and I think we are going to do that Mirena.
X Mirena is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and is one of the most effective forms of birth control
X Mirena works for as long as you want, for up to 5 years
X Mirena can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time during the 5-year period, or when you want to try to become pregnant*
X Mirena has been chosen by over 15 million women worldwide, 2 million in the US
Reagan's heart rate was between 155-160 which is perfect from what Dr. Cohen said and that everything is perfect! I have to go to the ultrasound technician next week to follow up with Reagan's kidney and see what has happened since our last appointment.
We will be going down to California on the 8th of April to get the rest of the stuff like the crib, stroller, infant car seat and of course all the CLOTHES we have!! We will be registering at walmart here soon for little things that we need and "fun" stuff. I am getting pretty excited about the baby shower which is going to be on the 24th of April we are going to have a lot of FOOD and FUN.
Larry has been working a lot and trying to fix our other car!! We finally have the heater fixed, and now all that we have to do is charge the A/C (What more can go wrong haha) Rilee has her ear appointment on the 31st to give us more insight on what we have to do before the Cochlear Implant. Everyone that we have talked to has said that it is just a MIRACLE in what it could do.
As for my school it is going well. I have a 91% in the course and I am getting more and more done everyday!! Well I will getting back to you all next week after my appointment with the ultrasound technician. Love you all.
The Allen's
At my doctors appointment we discussed birth control and I think we are going to do that Mirena.
X Mirena is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and is one of the most effective forms of birth control
X Mirena works for as long as you want, for up to 5 years
X Mirena can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time during the 5-year period, or when you want to try to become pregnant*
X Mirena has been chosen by over 15 million women worldwide, 2 million in the US
Reagan's heart rate was between 155-160 which is perfect from what Dr. Cohen said and that everything is perfect! I have to go to the ultrasound technician next week to follow up with Reagan's kidney and see what has happened since our last appointment.
We will be going down to California on the 8th of April to get the rest of the stuff like the crib, stroller, infant car seat and of course all the CLOTHES we have!! We will be registering at walmart here soon for little things that we need and "fun" stuff. I am getting pretty excited about the baby shower which is going to be on the 24th of April we are going to have a lot of FOOD and FUN.
Larry has been working a lot and trying to fix our other car!! We finally have the heater fixed, and now all that we have to do is charge the A/C (What more can go wrong haha) Rilee has her ear appointment on the 31st to give us more insight on what we have to do before the Cochlear Implant. Everyone that we have talked to has said that it is just a MIRACLE in what it could do.
As for my school it is going well. I have a 91% in the course and I am getting more and more done everyday!! Well I will getting back to you all next week after my appointment with the ultrasound technician. Love you all.
The Allen's
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
28 and 29 Weeks Pregnant
Hey everyone Happy St. Patricks Day. I am two weeks behind so I will catch you up. Things have been going well. There really isn't much news to tell right at this point, but we have been super busy getting the room together for the girls! Rilee graduated to a "Big Girl" bed and she is adjusting very well.
Reagan is moving a lot and I am getting bigger "YEAH". Reagan's brain can now control her breathing and body temperature. She can also cough, and her sucking abilities have been perfected. Look out, boobs! Reagan's skin is looking less wrinkled as she packs on the pounds. She's starting to look more like a Pampers model and less like a Depends model. She's now beefing up on the energizing and insulating white fat she'll be born with (unfortunately, white fat is not energizing and insulating for adults!). And speaking of energy, our little Energizer Bunny is on fire these days. I am feeling my fair share of kicks, punches and elbows, especially when I am lying down. This week Reagan is a little over 15 inches long—about the length of a loaf of bread—and weighs a little over 3 pounds, as much as a Macbook Air laptop.
Rilee is growing up so much in front of our eyes, we still cannot believe that she is sleeping in a big girl bed. She is getting great sleep since she is not in her pack and play and does not get out of her big girl bed which we are so happy about!
Here are some pictures of Rilee's Big girl bed and the girls' room:
Reagan is moving a lot and I am getting bigger "YEAH". Reagan's brain can now control her breathing and body temperature. She can also cough, and her sucking abilities have been perfected. Look out, boobs! Reagan's skin is looking less wrinkled as she packs on the pounds. She's starting to look more like a Pampers model and less like a Depends model. She's now beefing up on the energizing and insulating white fat she'll be born with (unfortunately, white fat is not energizing and insulating for adults!). And speaking of energy, our little Energizer Bunny is on fire these days. I am feeling my fair share of kicks, punches and elbows, especially when I am lying down. This week Reagan is a little over 15 inches long—about the length of a loaf of bread—and weighs a little over 3 pounds, as much as a Macbook Air laptop.
Rilee is growing up so much in front of our eyes, we still cannot believe that she is sleeping in a big girl bed. She is getting great sleep since she is not in her pack and play and does not get out of her big girl bed which we are so happy about!
Here are some pictures of Rilee's Big girl bed and the girls' room:
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
27 Weeks Pregnant
Hey everyone this has been a while since I last posted a blog, but I am back on track! I have been super busy with planning on getting things from California like the crib, baby clothes, etc. Reagan has been moving a lot no matter what I am doing she is moving right along with me haha. I can be super busy walking around the store and I feel her kicking me like "mom you seriously need to stop moving haha" with my mom I have to keep on moving just following her around will make me lose weight after the baby is born.
We are getting more and more excited about Reagan's arrival and we think Rilee is going to love her little sister. Every time she see's a baby she is so curious so I am sure she will be a BIG helper!!! At 27 weeks Reagan's lungs and immune system are maturing this week as she prepares for her grand entrance. If she were born today she would have an 85 percent chance of surviving as her lungs are capable of breathing air (with medical assistance, of course). Other exciting developments: Reagan's done a lot of growing over the past few months. Her length has more than doubled in the past 15 weeks! And that's not the only thing growing—Reagan's brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace. Her brain waves are now firing away just like those of a newborn baby. She now weighs in at approximately 14 1/2 inches and just over 3 pounds, or about the size of that roast
Rilee is just being a little ham everyday!! She is doing so well and we will be setting up the kids room here soon which I am excited about does anybody have any ideas on what color I should paint to compliment both a toddler and a newborn? They are both girls so it should be fairly easy!!! The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter for both Larry and I. We only have 13 weeks left (give or take a couple of days), it's time to enjoy the ride because it's getting shorter.
Larry is doing really well with work he is enjoying what he does. He got is raise back which we are so grateful for and God has really provided for us! I can't believe that it has been 2 months since we moved back to Oregon and things have been working out great! I have been going to a regular women's bible study with my best friend of 15 years and friends from church and it has been fantastic. The bible study is by Beth Moore-A Beautiful Mind if anyone is looking for an impacting video to watch this is it. It will make you think.
On Saturday February 20th we got a car for relatively cheap and of course we have to do some work on it, but that is okay Larry has been letting me drive the Escape so I won't have to drive in a cold car haha. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who sacrifices his health so I won't freeze! Larry went to a Men's retreat on February 25-27th and had a great time and really connected with the men from church and he felt convicted so he bought me the one thing I wanted for a long time and it was my "Friends" Series DVD's so I am so happy about that!!!
All and all we have been doing fantastic and am so happy with our lives at this time and couldn't be happier!!!! Thanks so much for reading and stay tuned for the next blog love you all and God Bless.
The Allen's
We are getting more and more excited about Reagan's arrival and we think Rilee is going to love her little sister. Every time she see's a baby she is so curious so I am sure she will be a BIG helper!!! At 27 weeks Reagan's lungs and immune system are maturing this week as she prepares for her grand entrance. If she were born today she would have an 85 percent chance of surviving as her lungs are capable of breathing air (with medical assistance, of course). Other exciting developments: Reagan's done a lot of growing over the past few months. Her length has more than doubled in the past 15 weeks! And that's not the only thing growing—Reagan's brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace. Her brain waves are now firing away just like those of a newborn baby. She now weighs in at approximately 14 1/2 inches and just over 3 pounds, or about the size of that roast
Rilee is just being a little ham everyday!! She is doing so well and we will be setting up the kids room here soon which I am excited about does anybody have any ideas on what color I should paint to compliment both a toddler and a newborn? They are both girls so it should be fairly easy!!! The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter for both Larry and I. We only have 13 weeks left (give or take a couple of days), it's time to enjoy the ride because it's getting shorter.
Larry is doing really well with work he is enjoying what he does. He got is raise back which we are so grateful for and God has really provided for us! I can't believe that it has been 2 months since we moved back to Oregon and things have been working out great! I have been going to a regular women's bible study with my best friend of 15 years and friends from church and it has been fantastic. The bible study is by Beth Moore-A Beautiful Mind if anyone is looking for an impacting video to watch this is it. It will make you think.
On Saturday February 20th we got a car for relatively cheap and of course we have to do some work on it, but that is okay Larry has been letting me drive the Escape so I won't have to drive in a cold car haha. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who sacrifices his health so I won't freeze! Larry went to a Men's retreat on February 25-27th and had a great time and really connected with the men from church and he felt convicted so he bought me the one thing I wanted for a long time and it was my "Friends" Series DVD's so I am so happy about that!!!
All and all we have been doing fantastic and am so happy with our lives at this time and couldn't be happier!!!! Thanks so much for reading and stay tuned for the next blog love you all and God Bless.
The Allen's
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
26 Weeks Pregnant
Hello all. Well it is another blog and another week. I am 26 weeks pregnant today and had an appointment with an ultrasound specialist and the fluid in the kidney is caused by a pinch in the urethra. It is called renal pyelectosis and caliectasis which sounds worse than it is (in lame man terms kinking) we also found out today that Reagan Joy will not have to be in the NICU when she is born and they will monitor her by ultrasounds and antibiotics until it corrects itself and if it doesn't then we have to do a little surgery before she is 2 and if not then she will develop hypertension and the kidney could be destroyed.
Reagan has been moving a lot and doing her thing, every time I have an ultrasound she covers her face and kicks the thing that she does the ultrasound with haha she is one stubborn girl! We got a DVD of the ultrasound today and when I was watching it at home, Rilee was watching it with me and just by her expressions it was like she was thinking "what the heck is that guys, you better be able to return that." On a different note, we have decided to go a head and start potty training Rilee even though she is "hearing impaired" she is still becoming curious and willing to learn.
Rilee has just been the most special little thing this week, I just look at her and think "wow I am going to have another one!" I feel Reagan kicking so much that it just becomes more surreal I only have 14 weeks left (which sounds like a lot, but really it's not!) Here is what Reagan is developing this week The network of nerves in your Reagan's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear my voice and Larry's as we talk to eachother or to her. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about two pounds six ounces which is a pound more than the average 26 week baby so she is going to be bigger than Rilee was. Also The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see inside. Well not inside, per se, because her eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your Reagan's eyes are now fully developed. Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in Reagan's noggin this week. That means Reagan's brain is registering things like sound and light. She can't understand what any of it means yet, but she's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time!
Larry and I haven't had any changes since the last time so nothing to report here! Hope you like the pictures of the 4D images that we got today as much as we enjoy them! Love all of you and may God Bless this week and every week to come!
Reagan has been moving a lot and doing her thing, every time I have an ultrasound she covers her face and kicks the thing that she does the ultrasound with haha she is one stubborn girl! We got a DVD of the ultrasound today and when I was watching it at home, Rilee was watching it with me and just by her expressions it was like she was thinking "what the heck is that guys, you better be able to return that." On a different note, we have decided to go a head and start potty training Rilee even though she is "hearing impaired" she is still becoming curious and willing to learn.
Rilee has just been the most special little thing this week, I just look at her and think "wow I am going to have another one!" I feel Reagan kicking so much that it just becomes more surreal I only have 14 weeks left (which sounds like a lot, but really it's not!) Here is what Reagan is developing this week The network of nerves in your Reagan's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear my voice and Larry's as we talk to eachother or to her. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about two pounds six ounces which is a pound more than the average 26 week baby so she is going to be bigger than Rilee was. Also The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see inside. Well not inside, per se, because her eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your Reagan's eyes are now fully developed. Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in Reagan's noggin this week. That means Reagan's brain is registering things like sound and light. She can't understand what any of it means yet, but she's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time!
Larry and I haven't had any changes since the last time so nothing to report here! Hope you like the pictures of the 4D images that we got today as much as we enjoy them! Love all of you and may God Bless this week and every week to come!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
25 Weeks Pregnant
Well I am back for another blog, so I will keep you updated on how things have been going this last week. Rilee has I think hit her "terrible two's" or she is just getting completely frustrated that she cannot communicate with Larry and I. She really tries to tell us what she wants, but it is not only frustrating for her, but is also for us. When we punish her it is hard, because we cannot tell her why we did what we did and she doesn't know what she did was wrong. Sure she has an "evil" look on her face when she knows she isn't supposed to touch something and does it anyway, but most of the time we shake our head "no" it is hard to tell whether or not she really understands what we are saying.
We made her an appointment with the Audiologist and the Ears Nose and Throat Doctor for the 31st of March and the reason it is so far ahead, is because Dr. Fear is the only one that does surgeries in this area and with the cochlear implants we are not complaining on having to wait considering I think it is going to be a fast process once we get in there to the time we get her the implant so please pray that everything goes smoothly and that we will not have to wait long.
Larry has been working a lot lately he had to go to Klamath on Tuesday and go back yesterday and then his boss calls him and says he needs to go to Salem and help another depot out because they were down 4 guys until Saturday so he will be up there until late Saturday evening. Of course I am going to miss him, because I would have only saw him 1 day basically this whole week. Call me crazy, but unlike some wives I really enjoy my husbands company, and miss him when he is gone!
Reagan has been moving and kicking a lot lately so I know she is healthy, I went in for my ultrasound on Wednesday and the kidney is looking the same which is great because the amniotic fluid is perfect around Reagan and the umbilical cord is getting enough blood which has to do with the kidneys so the Right one is doing all the work which is wonderful. She checked everything else, and her heart, brain, and little body is working wonderfully. Everything is right on track, like I said last blog, she is scheduled to come on the 26th of May via c-section, I was hesitant about that at first, but the more I think about it, the more I am liking the idea. I like the fact that I will be able to wear makeup the morning of the surgery and look "beautiful" for pictures with my new little girl and my family. Last time I looked like I was ran over by a mack truck haha.
This week Reagan from Head to heels, now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
We got more ultrasound pictures as well, so here are some 4D pictures that we got they are so cool!!!
Thanks for reading this week. May God bless this week and many to come!!!
The Allen's
We made her an appointment with the Audiologist and the Ears Nose and Throat Doctor for the 31st of March and the reason it is so far ahead, is because Dr. Fear is the only one that does surgeries in this area and with the cochlear implants we are not complaining on having to wait considering I think it is going to be a fast process once we get in there to the time we get her the implant so please pray that everything goes smoothly and that we will not have to wait long.
Larry has been working a lot lately he had to go to Klamath on Tuesday and go back yesterday and then his boss calls him and says he needs to go to Salem and help another depot out because they were down 4 guys until Saturday so he will be up there until late Saturday evening. Of course I am going to miss him, because I would have only saw him 1 day basically this whole week. Call me crazy, but unlike some wives I really enjoy my husbands company, and miss him when he is gone!
Reagan has been moving and kicking a lot lately so I know she is healthy, I went in for my ultrasound on Wednesday and the kidney is looking the same which is great because the amniotic fluid is perfect around Reagan and the umbilical cord is getting enough blood which has to do with the kidneys so the Right one is doing all the work which is wonderful. She checked everything else, and her heart, brain, and little body is working wonderfully. Everything is right on track, like I said last blog, she is scheduled to come on the 26th of May via c-section, I was hesitant about that at first, but the more I think about it, the more I am liking the idea. I like the fact that I will be able to wear makeup the morning of the surgery and look "beautiful" for pictures with my new little girl and my family. Last time I looked like I was ran over by a mack truck haha.
This week Reagan from Head to heels, now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
We got more ultrasound pictures as well, so here are some 4D pictures that we got they are so cool!!!
Thanks for reading this week. May God bless this week and many to come!!!
The Allen's
Thursday, February 4, 2010
24 Weeks Pregnant
I know I do one of these every week, but it is so much fun to look up facts and stuff about how big that baby is getting now and share with you all how things are going with the Allen family. So this last week has been pretty uneventful, Larry was gone for 3 days out in Brookings for work so I was home with Rilee and my mom. Rilee has been wanting to help so much in the kitchen and around the house. I am loving that she wants to help and do more things, but sometimes I feel "I can do it so much faster by my self" Does that make me a bad mom?
On Sunday we celebrated Rilee and Larry's birthday's at the church with some friends and family and it was so nice. Rilee got a lot of things that she plays with all the time which is nice and she loved her cake that I made for her as well. It was way better than her 1st birthday, because she was more interactive and knew that cake was a good thing and she didn't pick at it she dug into it haha.
Larry has been working hard as always and we are really grateful that the Lord has given Larry a job to begin with. With this economy we cannot complain with what we have. I told Larry that it has been nice that he has been going away for 2-3 days out of the week every week, because I actually get things done! The room stays clean and the laundry stays done, and when he comes home my routine gets lost haha.
Lets get to why I am writing this blog in the first place. Reagan will be 24 weeks as of Feb. 7. 2010 and she has been moving around in my belly so much more than Rilee every did. Reagan's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
I will have to get the glucose tolerance test soon because they want me to do it at 28 weeks. I took one not too long ago, but just to be on the safe side they want to check me out again. When I was in the hospital for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) they said the strangest thing, they said that my medical records from my other OBGYN said that I had Hepatitis C. I was freaking out but then I realized that it was probably a mistake on my part when I filled out the paper work, but just to make sure thy are are going to test me for it anyway.
My next appointment is on the 10th for an ultrasound to make sure the kidney thing hasn't grown faster than she has and then I have another regular OBGYN appointment on the 3rd of March and then after that appointment I will start going 2 a month until I am 32 weeks and then I will go once a week so doctors appointments are in my future. They called me on Wednesday to schedule my C-Section so it is starting to feel oh so real. My scheduled C-Section will be May 26, 2010 so that will be the day that we welcome Reagan Joy into the world and it is so nice to know that I won't have to go through all that pain and LONG labor. I have definitely changed my mind on doing a VBAC, because this way when we take Family pictures I won't look like Hell and look pretty haha.
We still don't know what will happen after she is born whether she will have to be in the NICU or will be able to be with us. That will all be determined on how fast and severe this fluid build up is and she will know more about that on my next appointment. Please pray that everything will go okay and that Reagan will be doing just fine. I will posting a new blog when I learn more about what is going on. Thanks for reading and see you next week.
The Allen's
On Sunday we celebrated Rilee and Larry's birthday's at the church with some friends and family and it was so nice. Rilee got a lot of things that she plays with all the time which is nice and she loved her cake that I made for her as well. It was way better than her 1st birthday, because she was more interactive and knew that cake was a good thing and she didn't pick at it she dug into it haha.
Larry has been working hard as always and we are really grateful that the Lord has given Larry a job to begin with. With this economy we cannot complain with what we have. I told Larry that it has been nice that he has been going away for 2-3 days out of the week every week, because I actually get things done! The room stays clean and the laundry stays done, and when he comes home my routine gets lost haha.
Lets get to why I am writing this blog in the first place. Reagan will be 24 weeks as of Feb. 7. 2010 and she has been moving around in my belly so much more than Rilee every did. Reagan's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
I will have to get the glucose tolerance test soon because they want me to do it at 28 weeks. I took one not too long ago, but just to be on the safe side they want to check me out again. When I was in the hospital for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) they said the strangest thing, they said that my medical records from my other OBGYN said that I had Hepatitis C. I was freaking out but then I realized that it was probably a mistake on my part when I filled out the paper work, but just to make sure thy are are going to test me for it anyway.
My next appointment is on the 10th for an ultrasound to make sure the kidney thing hasn't grown faster than she has and then I have another regular OBGYN appointment on the 3rd of March and then after that appointment I will start going 2 a month until I am 32 weeks and then I will go once a week so doctors appointments are in my future. They called me on Wednesday to schedule my C-Section so it is starting to feel oh so real. My scheduled C-Section will be May 26, 2010 so that will be the day that we welcome Reagan Joy into the world and it is so nice to know that I won't have to go through all that pain and LONG labor. I have definitely changed my mind on doing a VBAC, because this way when we take Family pictures I won't look like Hell and look pretty haha.
We still don't know what will happen after she is born whether she will have to be in the NICU or will be able to be with us. That will all be determined on how fast and severe this fluid build up is and she will know more about that on my next appointment. Please pray that everything will go okay and that Reagan will be doing just fine. I will posting a new blog when I learn more about what is going on. Thanks for reading and see you next week.
The Allen's
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
23 Weeks Pregnant
So this last week has been pretty interesting, I got out of the hospital today because yesterday I woke up shivering uncontrollably and it scarred me. Turns out I had another UTI ugh ugh!This has been the most stressful week so far. I was going through some of the stuff Larry and I brought from Arkansas and I was being stupid and picked up something heavy and I hurt my back. So since Friday I have been using a heating pad to help with my back, and well on Sunday, I fell asleep with it on and got really hot and drank some water and that is when I started shivering uncontrollably. So Larry took me to the hospital, and on the way, I was shivering so bad I threw up (gross I know) and when I got there I had a slight fever so they kept me for 24 hours. Well the reason for this blog is to keep you updated on Reagan.
Reagan is now 23 weeks today and she is much more active then Rilee was. Yesterday as I was just laying in bed all day long she kicked me so hard that I saw her foot it was insane. Well when she kicked me they were monitoring her to see if she was okay which she was. With those annoying monitors on you can hear everything inside my stomach (food digesting, gas, baby, heartbeat (Reagan's and Mine) and it sounds like a thunder storm!)
With Reagan's sense of movement well developed by now, she can feel me dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), I may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes (which I have and it is crazy). Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that her increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb which is nice.
Today Rilee went to the doctor and he said she was perfectly healthy which is nice to hear for a change considering everyone in Arkansas said she was under weight and that I was a bad mom which pissed me off to no end! She was referred to an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor by the name of Dr. Fear here in Grants Pass, and he also does the cochlear implants as well which is nice. Larry and I are so happy that there is a possibility that we will not have to drive to Portland to go and do this surgery maybe this will be an easy process. Well thanks once again for reading my blog and I will be updating it next week to tell how Reagan is doing. Love you all and God Bless.
The Allen
Reagan is now 23 weeks today and she is much more active then Rilee was. Yesterday as I was just laying in bed all day long she kicked me so hard that I saw her foot it was insane. Well when she kicked me they were monitoring her to see if she was okay which she was. With those annoying monitors on you can hear everything inside my stomach (food digesting, gas, baby, heartbeat (Reagan's and Mine) and it sounds like a thunder storm!)
With Reagan's sense of movement well developed by now, she can feel me dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), I may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes (which I have and it is crazy). Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that her increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb which is nice.
Today Rilee went to the doctor and he said she was perfectly healthy which is nice to hear for a change considering everyone in Arkansas said she was under weight and that I was a bad mom which pissed me off to no end! She was referred to an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor by the name of Dr. Fear here in Grants Pass, and he also does the cochlear implants as well which is nice. Larry and I are so happy that there is a possibility that we will not have to drive to Portland to go and do this surgery maybe this will be an easy process. Well thanks once again for reading my blog and I will be updating it next week to tell how Reagan is doing. Love you all and God Bless.
The Allen
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
22 Weeks Pregnant
I know it has only been a week, but Reagan has been moving so much since last week!
Reagan's hands have grown bigger and stronger and the nerve endings in her fingers have developed her sense of touch. She's in there testing out her newfound abilities by touching her face and grabbing the umbilical cord. Other cool developments:
--We are already raising a little Einstein and we don't even know it haha. Reagan's brain is developing at a clip this week and will continue to do so until she's five years old
--Reagan's hair is now a short, bright white crop (Billy Idol, eat your heart out!). No matter what color it will end up—red, blonde, black—all babies' hair lacks pigment at this point.
--She has started growing taste buds and may be able to detect strong flavors in the amniotic fluid. If you could see inside, you might catch her sticking out her tongue for a taste and then grimacing, a sign that perhaps you should chill on the chili powder.
--Reagan now weighs almost a pound and measures almost 11 inches from her head to her heel, which is how the Stretch Armstrong in my uterus will be measured from here on out. Up 'til now her legs were curled tight up against her torso, so she was measured from her head to her bottom (or crown to rump) and not head to toe.
--This week Reagan is about as long as a package of Oreos and as heavy as a large bag of tortilla chips. Who's hungry?
I have always wondered why they would even compare a baby with food products! I guess so you can have a physical thing to look at since you can't physically look at the baby. As for Rilee she is doing so much she is such a little ham. I am so worried that she will get so jealous when Reagan comes because we will have to give a lot of our attention to this new baby and Rilee has had all our attention from the beginning. I don't know how I am going to be able to juggle both and still give enough attention to both especially with Rilee getting the cochlear implants and with Reagan having to deal with her kidney I am almost dreading it!
I love being a mom and a wife I still cannot believe that Rilee is going to be two on the 30th and Larry's birthday is on the 29th of this month. Larry has been working so much lately and it has been hard because he had to go to the coast for 3 days this week and then 3 days next week he will be in Klamath and then the week after that be at the coast again and on top of that he will have to work on Saturday's so our time together is getting less and less.
I know I have to be supportive and what not, but sometimes it is hard. I tell myself to be supportive and when I talk to him I get an attitude? Why? I don't know I need to train myself to "just be happy" in any situation because I have to be grateful that he even has a job! This is not our ideal situation with his job but it is a job and I can't complain!!!
God has really taught me a lesson in 2009 that no matter what situation we are in, as long as we are together I really can't complain. As much as I do complain and it really does hurt the situation rather than help it I just can't help it haha. If anyone has any advice on this please feel free to give me it I am up for anything at this point! I love my life and I love to spend time with my husband and when I only have one day a week basically with him how do we even have time for each other there is only 24 hours in a day and 8 of those hours I am asleep haha.
Oh well I have vented enough in this blog this week. Hope I get some feedback, love you all and God Bless. See you next week.
Tricia
Reagan's hands have grown bigger and stronger and the nerve endings in her fingers have developed her sense of touch. She's in there testing out her newfound abilities by touching her face and grabbing the umbilical cord. Other cool developments:
--We are already raising a little Einstein and we don't even know it haha. Reagan's brain is developing at a clip this week and will continue to do so until she's five years old
--Reagan's hair is now a short, bright white crop (Billy Idol, eat your heart out!). No matter what color it will end up—red, blonde, black—all babies' hair lacks pigment at this point.
--She has started growing taste buds and may be able to detect strong flavors in the amniotic fluid. If you could see inside, you might catch her sticking out her tongue for a taste and then grimacing, a sign that perhaps you should chill on the chili powder.
--Reagan now weighs almost a pound and measures almost 11 inches from her head to her heel, which is how the Stretch Armstrong in my uterus will be measured from here on out. Up 'til now her legs were curled tight up against her torso, so she was measured from her head to her bottom (or crown to rump) and not head to toe.
--This week Reagan is about as long as a package of Oreos and as heavy as a large bag of tortilla chips. Who's hungry?
I have always wondered why they would even compare a baby with food products! I guess so you can have a physical thing to look at since you can't physically look at the baby. As for Rilee she is doing so much she is such a little ham. I am so worried that she will get so jealous when Reagan comes because we will have to give a lot of our attention to this new baby and Rilee has had all our attention from the beginning. I don't know how I am going to be able to juggle both and still give enough attention to both especially with Rilee getting the cochlear implants and with Reagan having to deal with her kidney I am almost dreading it!
I love being a mom and a wife I still cannot believe that Rilee is going to be two on the 30th and Larry's birthday is on the 29th of this month. Larry has been working so much lately and it has been hard because he had to go to the coast for 3 days this week and then 3 days next week he will be in Klamath and then the week after that be at the coast again and on top of that he will have to work on Saturday's so our time together is getting less and less.
I know I have to be supportive and what not, but sometimes it is hard. I tell myself to be supportive and when I talk to him I get an attitude? Why? I don't know I need to train myself to "just be happy" in any situation because I have to be grateful that he even has a job! This is not our ideal situation with his job but it is a job and I can't complain!!!
God has really taught me a lesson in 2009 that no matter what situation we are in, as long as we are together I really can't complain. As much as I do complain and it really does hurt the situation rather than help it I just can't help it haha. If anyone has any advice on this please feel free to give me it I am up for anything at this point! I love my life and I love to spend time with my husband and when I only have one day a week basically with him how do we even have time for each other there is only 24 hours in a day and 8 of those hours I am asleep haha.
Oh well I have vented enough in this blog this week. Hope I get some feedback, love you all and God Bless. See you next week.
Tricia
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
21 Weeks Pregnant
Hello All.....
Haven't written a blog in quite some time, but here has what has been going on. Larry, Rilee and I traveled 1700 miles in two days and spent time with his family for a couple of days and then traveled another 500 miles to Oregon where we stayed thank the lord! The trip was "interesting" we traveled 10 hours the first day to Tucumcari, New Mexico where we stopped, because Rilee was like "Get me out of this CAR" so we stopped and got this wonderful motel room where they gave us a restaurant style breakfast for free the next morning so Larry and I were thrilled.
The second day was another "interesting" day. We got to Flagstaff, Arizona where Rilee pooped all over herself and so we had a weapons of mass destruction to take care of there. We walked around in their grocery store for a while so Rilee could stretch her legs, and then we were on our way. She fell asleep in Flagstaff and did not wake up until we reached Miriam's house in Mariposa, California. We were so blessed to have such a good sleeper on this trip!
We got to Miriam's and we were so happy to finally be there to relax for 5 days and then back to reality when we had to go for another 8 hour car drive to Oregon. We got here and it has been wonderful. We got a wonderful room that my mom provided for us and we finally feel like we have settled. We have gotten used to the time change which is nice, and Larry started work the Monday after we got here and he seems to like it so that is way better! He said the depot that is here in Oregon is so different then the one that was in Arkansas they are not as hell bent on having their guys work 14 hour days and even if they don't make their numbers work on Saturdays. His depot manager said that he doesn't care what time they start as long as their final sale time is at 9 pm they can come back after that and be able to spend time with their family and they won't have to work on Saturday even if they don't make their numbers which is nice.
As for my pregnancy it is going really well. I set up my appointments for my new OBGYN and I have to take a Glucose Tolerance test sometime before the 26th of January which I am not looking forward to because that stuff is GROSS! Reagan weighs between 10 and 11 ounces and is approximately 7 inches long—the size of a bottle of root beer which is awesome because I am feeling her more and more everyday! She looks like a mini-version of what she'll look like when she's born. All her facial features are formed and hair is growing on her head. Which if she is anything like her Big sister she will have a lot of it!
Rilee is loving being around her grammy she follows her around like she is my mom's "mini me". And my mom loving having her around! Rilee loves being around the dogs and especially the cat my mom has! She was caught pulling the cat's ears and the poor cats eyes were so far back it didn't know what to do haha. Again we are so happy to be here and please continue to pray for our family and everything that we have to accomplish in this next year. God Bless You All!
The Allen Family
Haven't written a blog in quite some time, but here has what has been going on. Larry, Rilee and I traveled 1700 miles in two days and spent time with his family for a couple of days and then traveled another 500 miles to Oregon where we stayed thank the lord! The trip was "interesting" we traveled 10 hours the first day to Tucumcari, New Mexico where we stopped, because Rilee was like "Get me out of this CAR" so we stopped and got this wonderful motel room where they gave us a restaurant style breakfast for free the next morning so Larry and I were thrilled.
The second day was another "interesting" day. We got to Flagstaff, Arizona where Rilee pooped all over herself and so we had a weapons of mass destruction to take care of there. We walked around in their grocery store for a while so Rilee could stretch her legs, and then we were on our way. She fell asleep in Flagstaff and did not wake up until we reached Miriam's house in Mariposa, California. We were so blessed to have such a good sleeper on this trip!
We got to Miriam's and we were so happy to finally be there to relax for 5 days and then back to reality when we had to go for another 8 hour car drive to Oregon. We got here and it has been wonderful. We got a wonderful room that my mom provided for us and we finally feel like we have settled. We have gotten used to the time change which is nice, and Larry started work the Monday after we got here and he seems to like it so that is way better! He said the depot that is here in Oregon is so different then the one that was in Arkansas they are not as hell bent on having their guys work 14 hour days and even if they don't make their numbers work on Saturdays. His depot manager said that he doesn't care what time they start as long as their final sale time is at 9 pm they can come back after that and be able to spend time with their family and they won't have to work on Saturday even if they don't make their numbers which is nice.
As for my pregnancy it is going really well. I set up my appointments for my new OBGYN and I have to take a Glucose Tolerance test sometime before the 26th of January which I am not looking forward to because that stuff is GROSS! Reagan weighs between 10 and 11 ounces and is approximately 7 inches long—the size of a bottle of root beer which is awesome because I am feeling her more and more everyday! She looks like a mini-version of what she'll look like when she's born. All her facial features are formed and hair is growing on her head. Which if she is anything like her Big sister she will have a lot of it!
Rilee is loving being around her grammy she follows her around like she is my mom's "mini me". And my mom loving having her around! Rilee loves being around the dogs and especially the cat my mom has! She was caught pulling the cat's ears and the poor cats eyes were so far back it didn't know what to do haha. Again we are so happy to be here and please continue to pray for our family and everything that we have to accomplish in this next year. God Bless You All!
The Allen Family
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year and 20 Weeks Pregnant
Boy oh Boy I cannot describe what has been going on this last year for our family! It seems like each year goes by so much faster than the last. I cannot believe it has been 4 years since I graduated high school crazy!! We have had so many things happen to us this last year that I don't even think I can write in one blog haha. Around February of last year we decided we were going to move to Arkansas to see what God had for us there, and we stuck it out for nine months and decided we missed living on the west coast and being near our parents.
We will be living with my mom who is located in Oregon (where I grew up) and that will be so nice, because she will be able to watch her granddaughters grow up Rilee and Reagan and we will be able to save some money in a tough economy! We used to live with Larry's parents and they are wonderful people, but we couldn't even consider moving back to Mariposa, because there are more people then there is room haha. Miriam is super happy because we will be living so much closer than 1700 miles away haha. Rilee has just blossomed into a little girl who loves to play with matchbox cars and color the best of both worlds haha.
Larry got transferred with Schwans so he will be guaranteed a job when we get to Oregon, which is just fantastic and takes a lot of pressure off of him! I really don't have much more to write on this blog but I am sure I will have so much more to write in the upcoming weeks. May God bless your new year!
The Allens
We will be living with my mom who is located in Oregon (where I grew up) and that will be so nice, because she will be able to watch her granddaughters grow up Rilee and Reagan and we will be able to save some money in a tough economy! We used to live with Larry's parents and they are wonderful people, but we couldn't even consider moving back to Mariposa, because there are more people then there is room haha. Miriam is super happy because we will be living so much closer than 1700 miles away haha. Rilee has just blossomed into a little girl who loves to play with matchbox cars and color the best of both worlds haha.
Larry got transferred with Schwans so he will be guaranteed a job when we get to Oregon, which is just fantastic and takes a lot of pressure off of him! I really don't have much more to write on this blog but I am sure I will have so much more to write in the upcoming weeks. May God bless your new year!
The Allens
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