A SCHOOL OF FISH

30 Weeks!

2011-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited we've made it to 30 weeks. My doctor says it will only be a few days after I hit the 32 week mark, which is next Friday, but we don't have a set date yet. Everyday gets even more uncomfortable, and I can't sleep more than 2 hours at a time, so althought next Friday doesn't sound very far away in the outside world, in bedrest land, it seems like FOREVER away.

We had a false alarm this past Friday night. I felt a little more than usually uncomfortable, but didn't really think much of it. At about midnight my back started hurting, and before I could even call the nurse to let her know, it turned into full blown back labor. I had long contractions ever 2-3 minutes, and all of them radiating from my back. They quickly put me on an iv, gave me a shot of Turbutaline, and 4mg of Morphine (which did absolutely nothing) and wheeled me off to Labor and Delivery. I totally thought they were going to make their big debut that night, but NO. After 30 minutes or so, contractions calmed down, and I was put on observation untill Sunday night.

Monday morning I was brought back to my room, where I have been since:) Just waiting, and waiting.

27 Weeks

2011-09-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start off by saying.....don't judge. Hair and make-up is not a priority on hospital bedrest.

With that said, the babies and I are doing really well so far. We had a little scare at about 22weeks with TTTS which stands for twin to twin transfusion syndrome. There's nothing that we could have done about it, and it was really hard to have something be so completly out of our hands. With a lot of prayer and a wonderful ward and family fast, i'm at 27 weeks, and both boys are growing evenly and well. I truly feel blessed to have made it this far and appreciate the outpouring of love and support our family has recieved.

My big goal is 32 weeks, but I'm taking baby steps to that goal. My first small goal is 28 weeks, at which point if the babies are born, their chances of survival are 90 something percent, and the risks of long term disabilities are greatly reduced. I hit that goal on FRIDAY!!

Then I've got a 30 week goal to hit, and then finally 32!

It sounds like I'll be at the hospital untill these babies are born, and I'm doing the best I could to keep myself busy and entertained, but even my best efforts don't make the time go by fast enough:(

I just realized I haven't even blogged about my pregnancy, so if you're just logging on....I'm pregnant, and we're expecting triplets. Twin boys and a girl.

WHAT?!

2011-03-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

My "squishy" can finally hear!

Three years ago, Savannah had tubes put in her ears.....and 3 months later they fell out. Poor kids been hearing "underwater" since.

"What?! I can't hear you?! Talk louder! Why is it so quiet in here?!" Not uncommon phrases at our house, but hopefully all in the past.

She went in on Friday and the wonderful staff at CHOC took the best of care of my Squishy. She did great. Came out of the anesthesia without even crying, ate 3 popcicles, and asked to be taken home.

She was actually SMILING as they rolled her away into surgery!

Good Morning

2011-03-03T09:08:00.001-08:00

Ok. So mornings haven't really been that good lately, but if I just keep my eye on the BIG picture then it's really not all that bad. Today is day 13th of having to inject myself every morning with this lovely thing. Mark tried to do it the first 2 days, but I quickly realized I have a much "gentler" hand than he does. If there is a bright side, it's the fact that I have to inject myself around my belly button as opposed to my arm. The way my stomache is looking I think someone might call child services if they saw that on my arm. It's been all trial and error, and the errors look WAY worse than they really are.

I'm also kind of glad I hadn't posted before too, because I was feeling so over confidently good about overcoming my fear of needles I had planned on writing a post on how I'm feeling like I can do anything with a little motivation blahblahblah....

That was before I was given the "PM" shot. I don't have a picture of it yet, but that thing is twice as big as this little shot, and I inject 3 times as much fluid into my lower back. OUCH!!! I'm on night 3 of that one, and it's pretty bad. I get light headed, I need something to squeeze, and last night I actually cried. If you've ever had an epidural or a spinal tap, you know that painful pressure you feel up and down your spine? It's a slightly toned down version of that. We might try a different spot tonight, because I don't know if it's suppose to hurt that bad. So much for the right motivation huh? I'm really starting to second guess my ability to handle things.

As far as emotions go, I was doing great until yesterday. After that last shot, I just felt like watching a sad movie and eating ice-cream. It's only for about 10 more days, so I hope I don't turn into a total nut-case before then.

Who does subtle anymore?

2011-02-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

What?!! Is my BIRTHDAY coming up already? I can dream right? I just gotta make sure this post gets to Mark:)

Are they ALL yours!??

2011-01-31T15:01:00.000-08:00

Never fails. Every time I go to the grocery store with the kids, some one is sure to make a comment about the number of kids i have, or how full my hands are!? Really?! It's only three! Maybe it looks like more because of how fast they run circles around the shoppingcart, I don't know. I guess this is California and not Utah or Arizona, but still. It's just three.....for now.

No I'm not pregnant, yet. I'm not complaining really, I just thought it'd be a good segway for my real reason for this post.

For the past 3 years, I've known I wanted another baby. Not a big deal if I hadn't had my tubes tied after Savannah was born, BUT I did. Under the "guidance" of my doctor I decided 3 was good, and I was done with being pregnant, but that was before I knew she had a cleft, or that I would emotionally check-out for the next 6 months of our lives.

I see the pictures, and I remember all we went through before her surgeries, but it still seems like it all happened to someone else, and I was just watching it happen. There's a lot I regret not doing for those first 6 months of her life, and I'm sure that plays a big part in my decision and perserverence to have another baby, but we all (the kids and Mark and I) made it through that hard time in one piece and for that I am both grateful and proud of us.

For the past 6 months we've been seeing a fertility doctor, and after a couple of set backs, we are Finally going to start IVF this month.

I'm including a general disclaimer to anyone who will be around me, or might cross my path in these next 7 or 8 week. I will have an abnormally high amount of hormones and drugs going through me, and would like to apologize now for any emotional outbursts or swings that may occur. Then again, maybe it won't be that bad right? Either way, you've been warned.

Hawaii

2011-01-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

I can die happy now! (maybe a bit of an exaggeration...maybe)

Since the day I found out there was an island named Hawaii, I've wanted to go. I've since been to many beautiful places, and been told how overpriced, and overhyped Hawaii is, but nothing has changed my mind on someday going to Hawaii.

About 3 months ago, Mark was entered in a contest at work....and won. His choices were Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Prescott Arizona, or Orlando. We decided on Arizona, beacuase it would be just the two of us, and I didn't want to do Orlando without the kids. We called the travel agent and told her we were ready to go sometime this month of next and she said this was actually HIGH season for Arizona, and for that price, she could get us Hawaii this month. WHAT?! Arizona vs. Hawaii Is that even a question? Only thing was we had to leave the following week.

So after ALOT of scheduling and planning, and some pretty awsome people who were good enough to take on 3 Fisher kids, we were on our way.

Yes it rained 3 of the 4 days we were there, but we still had the BEST time ever. It was every bit as beautiful as I imagined.

We went to Pearl Harbor

We went to a couple of film locations

This one was by far my favorite. Growing up I LOVED Jurassic Park. I even read the book (and it was HUGE)

It was actually a LOST tour, so we got to go around to a ton of locations where they filmed.

Jughead

We are actually re-enacting the scene when Jacob and his brother break the wine bottle, I know we're total dorks, but we had such a blast re-enacting the scenes.

This is the set of that new show Off the Map

This was dinner Tuesday night

These are pictures of our day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was AWSOME!

We went to the DOLE pinapple plantation and had some pineapple ice cream...it was O.K, but the fresh pineapple was the best

As a side note.....How many of you knew pineapples grew out of bushes and not trees? I learned something new:)

Then we took a tour to the North Shore. So glad it was on our one sunny day

Loved it!!!!!!!!!!

Resolutions!

2011-01-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Is it just me, or is it now the "cool" thing to say you don't have a resolution. It just seems like everywhere I turn, someone is talking about resolutions and saying how "last year" they were, then publicly stating they will not be making a resolution.:) I for one am NOT above resolutions. I have mine, but then again, I make a resolution every Monday hoping maybe this week will be the week I keep my house clean, cook dinner every night, not yell at my kids as much, work out, say no to the cookies, not flake on some assignment I commited to, read my scriptures every night, do some laundry...........and so on and on. I can barely work in weeks, let alone in years, so as I'm writing this, I guess I'm joining in on the "no new years resolution" side of it all, but am officially starting a NEW WEEK'S RESOLUTION catergory too.

Happy New Years!

OH! Almost forgot to tell about our New Years. We stayed in and spent it with the kids.

Toy Story2- $1
In&Out- $23
Popcorn- $.50
Kids that can't tell time yet- Priceless

(Sorry couldn't help myself)

Want of the day

2010-12-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

I recently went to the mall with my sister-in-law, and as we browsed through the different stores talking about our christmas wish lists, she turned to me and said, "maybe you should give me list of things you don't want":) Can I help it if I know what I want?

So in honor of you Christie, I've decided to post my wants of the day as I happen to come across them.

Today it is M.A.C's VIVA GLAM I lipstick

and this beautiful dress by Shabby Apple

Run, run, run as fast as you can.....

2010-12-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

I just love rainy days with nothing to do.

Hello World!

2010-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog World! I've missed you. Although I have to admit I feel absolutley no pressure to keep my posts fun or entertaining, because I'm sure at this point that I have no one that even checks for updates, so here goes. I've decided I'm not going to limit my blog to family updates only, but make it a good representation on what's going on in this crazy head of mine.

Finishing touches

2010-01-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

After what seems like years of non-stop work, I'm finally seeing some things get finished(for the most part) We just recently got Mason a bed (I know, long overdue) and had so much fun making his room his own. We moved Kiera into her own room, so no more playroom, but each of the kids has their own space, and they seem to be liking it.

Mason's never seen Star Wars, but he loves Darth Vader and loves playing the Star Wars lego game on PS2, so when he saw this bedding, he was sold. He wanted a Star Wars room, and what made it so much easier was that Mark actually collected Star Wars stuff in High School, so except for the bedding, we were set.

Kiera was a whole nother story. Typical girl, she just couldn't decide what she liked. Flowers, butterflies, fairies, birds, hawaiian. After a lot of going back and forth I helped her decide she really did like the trees and flowers kind of room. Still needs a couple of small things, but for the most part, it's done and she loves it too. Pictures to come.

Family BBQ

2009-08-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

It was Kieras birthday on July 29th, and she made it clear that she expected breakfast in bed that morning.

My brother and his family were here from Memphis, so we had a family BBQ and my brother was nice enough to bbq the ribs for us "Memphis style" and they were awsome!

We also did some sightseeing with them which made me realize, I live in a really cool place!

4th of July

2009-07-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

I love 4th of July, so I couln't just skip this holiday either. We had an awsome time at Katie and Randy's, and the kids were just beside themselves with so much fun in one day.

They swam...

ate ...

watched movies....

and played all day.

This is Katie's neighbor, he was our live entertainment for the day.

Happy Birthday Mason

2009-07-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't move on and blog about anything else, until I gave Mason his time and space he deserved.

We happened to be in Havasu this year on his birthday, So Mason thinks he got the most awsome birthday trip/party ever.

He was SO happy with this "baby dinosaur" that growls and moves his arms. It's funny how the littlest things make them so happy.

We made his cake on a Sunday, so we really had to be creative with the decorations, but all in all, I think it turned out ok. Carolyn had a great idea, and made trees out of spinach and pretzels. It was teamwork that made it turn out so good.

One of his favorite parts of the trip was "driving" the boat with his grandpa.

Happy Birthday Savannah!

2009-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

I know I'm behinde, but I'll update one event at a time. May 6th was Savannah's second birthday and we celebrated it with a nice day at the park, followed by cake and ice cream at home. No surgeries, no doctors visits, just a normal birthday day, and it was great. She got a ton of play food, a scooter, and stroller. I didn't get the expression on her face when she first saw it, but it was as if she knew she had always wanted one.

Our Garden

2009-05-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is what our back yard looked like, and still does for the most part, but this year, I vowed I'd have a garden by spring. After much reading and planning, this is what we( my dad and I) have done so far.

We've got the standard tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, and pumpkins, and a bunch of other experiments. The kids love digging and making mud, and eating the occasional strawberry the birds and ant decide to leave us.

It's still a work in progress, soon, I hope to paint the fence and add the bark in the pathways, but overall I am very happy with our results.

The area behind the garden was pre-assigned from day one as my chicken coop. Yes, despite the teasing and ridiculing, I'll admit, I want a chicken coop. I've waited and waited for the temperature to heat up a little, and it finally has, so last Friday we went out and got the 6 newest members of our family.....Our chicks (no names have been decided on yet)

The kids love watching them, and I've got to admit, they're pretty entertaining to watch. We haven't had too much play time with them yet because they have to be kept warm, but I'm thinking this next week, we'll take them out to explore a little. Chickens?! Gardens?! I know, what can I say, I guess I have a not so secret love for country livin'.

We're in!

2009-02-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

We have finally moved into our "new" house, and I quickly realized it wasn't as GREAT as I thought it would be. Living at my parents wasn't a picnic, but at least we had the major componants of a house. We have a functional bathroom, and beds and closets, and we recently got our tv going, but that's it. Kendy has been nice enought to let us go over for dinner every night so we do eat, and the kids love riding their bikes to grammys everynight. I have no pictures, because in the commotion, our camera was misplaced. We have no kitchen, and no flooring in the dinning room kitchen area. We have no heat, and no window coverings anywhere but the bedrooms. Some of the windows don't even close all the way, and that just adds to the problem. Our washer and dryer can't be hooked up because the garage apperently was a rat motel at some point in time and must now be sanitized in some way or other before any of our garage stuff go in. We have an awsome yard, but right now it looks frightingly similar to some of the jungles we saw in Costa Rica. (ok, that's a strech, but it's bad) BUT......

we are all doing well, and the potential for something awsome is so much better than no hope for improvement. I know it sounds pretty awful, and right now it is, but I have to admit this exactly the sort of thing that brings excitement to my life. I love that we bought the worst house in our neighborhood, because it just challanges us to do that much better. I love being so much closer to Kiera's school, piano, hula, the office and THE MALL.

Savannah is doing great. She has a very wide vocabulary, but most words only Mark and I can decipher. She does sound nasally with her s's, and she can't get her tounge to touch her palate, so she really can't make an NNNN sound. She's going to a mommy and me class on monday's with Leah, delany, Mckayla and Eliza and she loves it. (ok fine, I love it more)

Kiera's doing really well in Kindergarten. She won a priciples award for her class last month, and I know everyone gets a turn, but I was still proud. Soccer's done and she really hasn't gone to Hula since October, but she recently started Harp lessons and seems to really like it, but only time will tell.

Mason, Mason, Mason. I could see how even though I try not to give him the middle child syndrom he would get it. Mason got moved from Ms. Margrets class to Ms. Eileen and has done very well with the transition. He's picked up a love for Playstation and Nickjr.com and it's scary how good he's gotten at both. I though I had at least 10 years before I'd hear myself saying "Get off the computer" "that's enought video games for today":)

The intermediate old house

2008-12-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

Finally....The old New house!

2008-12-13T20:06:00.001-08:00

So I've dedicated this whole blog to our house, and what it looked like before, because there are so many, and I don't want to overload this computer. part 2 coming soon.

HOME?

2008-09-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while, and I keep waiting for this uninterupted time to catch up my blog, but i'm yet to get that, also I don't have my computer to put up pictures, but here goes anyway.

So, we bought this house in La Mirada, and have moved out of our dream home in Brea. I was so sad to leave our ward, and i was just starting to get into my routine in Orange County, but, that's life I guess. We moved out about 3 weeks ago, and moved in with my parents. We thought It'd be about a week...three and counting. We wanted to fix the layout before we moved in, so we knocked down about 6 walls and realized they were supporting walls.

How did we find out you ask. Well, after my brothers were done taking out their aggression on the walls, we noticed the ceilings were starting to droop. "KIDS, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!" But, that was fixed thanks to Mark, Randy, and a couple of giant beams.

Well, when the walls were opened, we noticed some of the wood had been completely hollowed out by termites, and then realized the damage was quite extensive. Again, thanks to Mark, Randy, and A LOT of 2x4's the problems were fixed. 1 week later.

On to the plumbing...wait, what,the plubming needs replacing too? Uggggggh! Another weeks worth of work.

BUT, we're on the down slope now. The holes have been patched, and the ceilings redone, so we should be ready for paint and carpet by the next couple of days.

All in all it hasn't been too bad. We're tired, but all doing well, and even kind of excited about our new (for us at least) home. I'll try and get pictures soon

The Pictures

2008-05-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Savannah, ready to go and get this over with! (with mommy & daddy by me, of course)

Minutes after surgery

With our Hero and miracle worker Dr. Court B. Cutting

A wagon ride makes anyone feel better

Saturday, back out on the town

We're OK

2008-05-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry for not posting earlier, but we've been house bound because of the rain, and we didn't have the internet.

Savannah's surgery was on Tuesday from about 8:30am until about 1Pm. Mark and I read books the entire time and that seemed to pass the time pretty well. I read a book name Moloka'i, and I don't know if the book was that amazing, or I was just that emotional, but that was hands down one of the most heartbreaking books I've read yet, and I've read Where the Red Ferns Grow.

They let us see her immediately after surgery, and she kept sleeping for about the first 30 minutes, then she woke up and decided she'd rather be asleep again. Last surgery she cried and really didn't know what to do with herself, but this time it was as if she knew the routine. She'd wake up and moan a little, check to see if she was being held, and doze right off to sleep again.

That first day after surgery is really the worst. They had her arms with the restraints, her leg strapped on a stint to hold the IV in, she had her tounge stichted and connected to the black strings on the side of her cheek, and her mouth was as swollen as could be.

I can't say I did too much that day though, because I was back in our apartment sick with who knows what. My tonsils were so swollen I had trouble breathing, and I had an outrageous fever. I've had the appointment set twice now for a pre-surgery date to get them out, but have always "chickened out" at the last minute, but this time, I think I've had enough.

Mark really was our rock that kept it together for us that Monday and Tuesday. He strolled around town with Savannah at all her pre-op testing, and cared for her that whole first day after surgery. It is in those moments that I remember how blessed I am to have found and married such a wonderful man, capable of such love and devotion to his family. You're the best Mark.

She came "home" on Wednesday afternoon, and refused to drink anything. She was in and out of sleep all day and most of the night, except for a few crying spells. We thought we might have to take her back in to the hospital the next morning because she still refused to take so much as a sip of pedialyte, but by about mid-morning she decided she was thirsty and ready to drink.

It's so hard to see her just sitting there with no energy to do anything and not be able to do much about it. She seems like just a shadow of herself. She wasn't really herself up untll about this afternoon when she was Marks Laptop and crawled her way to it to bang on the Keys. I think she's almost back to her normal energy level, and we welcome it whole heartidly.

As with everything else this past year, we thank everyone whose shared everything from a meal, toa prayer to their homes with us to help our family and baby achieve the resulst that she has

OH KIERA!

2008-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago Kiera had a conversation with me I just had to write down. I hope I don't embarras anyone.

Kiera: Mommy, why do you have a different last name than abuelita?

Me: Because when girls get married their last name changes to whatever the boys last name is,

Kiera: What's Timmy's last name?

Me: Barney

Kiera: What's Jonathans last name?

Me: Dewlley

Kiera: Mommy, I want to be KIERA BARNEY!

Me: Oh Kiera.

Happy Birthday Mark!

2008-05-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today is my hubby's birthday, and every year I (and everyone else in our family) have the same dilema....What to get him. We all know he likes Star Wars, and so he's been given every calender, figure and book that has to do with Star Wars. He liked the Lord of the Rings, and so, likewise we're overloaded. So this year the I decided....Food. So I made him breakfast, but he was up before I could take it to him in bed. Kiera chose to give him a hat, Mason picked glasses, and Savannah gave him a belt. I think he felt as special as we tried to make him feel. We love you Mark and all you do for us! Happy Birthday!

MENU

2 Eggs over easy
1 piece of toast (unbuttered)
Belgium Waffle w/fresh strawberries & blueberries
Fresh squeezed Orange Juice
Fruit smoothie
Maple syrup

Getting nervous

2008-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

So the day is getting closer and closer, and I find myself getting increasingly more emotional about the whole thing. For those who don't know, Savannah's going in for surgery next Tuesday to have her palate repaired. We are going to New York again to have it done by Dr. Cutting. We are so plesed with how her lip turned out, and are hoping everything turns out just as well this time.

It's been a while....

2008-04-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since my last post, nothing earth shattering, but milestone in our family. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, so.....speak away

We had our annual Valentines Day party. (our biggest yet)

We went to Cancun with the kids

Friends have come to visit

Isaac came home from his mission!

EASTER!!!

Say hello to my little friend

2008-01-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

For the past 8 months I've attached myself diligently to this lovely piece of machinery every 3 hours (yes even at night). Now, I won't lie and say I don't skip a session every once in a while, but the pain of engorgement is kind enough to remind me of my lapse. When Savannah was first born and the realization struck that she would never be able to nurse, no matter how hard I cried or prayed, I thought if I could just make it her first surgery, I'll call it a day and be done with it. Her first surgery was suppose to be at about 3 months old, but didn't end up happening untill she was 6 months old. At that point I was half way through, so why not just keep going. Her next surgery is May 6th (yes, her birthday) and I hope to be able to make it till then.

Why pump? The difference between one ear infection, and a never ending ear infection, that many times leads to hearing loss. The antibodies passed along through breastmilk also lessen the chances of infection on the incesions, and help speed up healing time. After her next surgery she will have to be on an all liquid diet for a while, and what better liquid than breastmilk.

Pumping has been the hardest most unforgiving commitment I've ever had to make. I've endured engorgement, mastitis (infections), cracked nipples, blisters and other uncomfortable moments because of it, but like anything that we've done for Savannah, I hope to be able to someday say to her, we did EVERYTHING we possiblly could for you, and know that it's true.

I pump therefore I am....tierd

The Pink Eyed Monster!

2008-01-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, pink eye has struck our household. We spent Wednesday Morning at the doctors(yes we, all 4 of us) only to go back on Thursday for immunizations and flu shots for all. (myself excluded) Can't tell you how um fun that was. So we are quarentined. Not all bad. I kind of enjoy not being able to go anywhere these days. For those fellow Nick Jr. watchers, what an exciting night it was on Monday as the new Backyardigans movie premiered. We recorded it and didn't get to it untill Wednesday, but the suspense made it all that much better. We had popcorn, cookies and cream puffs(kiera's favorite) and had a movie night. I didn't get any pictures, but Savannah somehow (mason&kiera) got a hold of a cream puff while i went and got the popcorn, and had a blast smooshing the heck out of it into the carpet. Pure Delight best describes her expression and how could I be mad at that?

Yummy!

2008-01-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've come to the realization that I'm not going to ever have a good chunk of time to "blog", so bear with me as i speak through pictures. I'll post a short comment on each, but that's as much as I can do for now.

Savannahs first experience with solids.

Clearance time at Target

Our first ear infection

2007-12-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

We knew it'd happen sooner or later, but we just kept hoping it'd be much later. Cleft babies are more prone to ear infections, and so that's part of the reason I've decided to pump rather than do formula, but she still got an infection. The doctor said she's got alot of fluid in both ears that's probobly affecting her hearing, but only one ear was infected. She's on antibiotics, and is scheduled to see him again in about 2 weeks, to see how she's doing, and figure out what to do about her reflux. He was hoping she would have grown out of it by now, but some days it seems to be getting worse rather than better.

Other than that Savannah's ok.

Christmas was wonderfully exhausting, and we all had fun with our new found traditions. We had a wonderful time reinacting the saviors birth.
Mary, Joseph and the donkey

"Abuelita" in her happy place

Rockin around the Christmas tree

2007-12-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

We got our christmas tree up and decorated, and were able to keep the casualties to a minumum. I don't know about anyone else, but trying to get the tree decorated with the kids was a nightmare. Maybe it's our own dumb faults for haveing glass bulbs, but the last thing they wanted to do with those things was put them on the tree. "Bowling" with them was fun, hiding them was fun, and pulling the tops off was fun, but just doing what mom said to do, not so fun. All in all though, like most activities with the kids, we looked back and thought...totally fun and worth it.

Let the good times roll!

2007-12-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me how you never quite appreciate moments for what they are until they are gone and you long for them back. So, here's to good friends, old times, and the moments we're in now.

We are HOME!

2007-11-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

I really have to start by apologizing for not keeping everyone better informed on what's been going on, but it's just been so crazy(even for us).

We left to NY on Sunday, and flew all night. The kids did great, probobly because we've instilled in them that the only appropriate thing to do on a plane is sleep, no matter what time it is. We drove to our apartment we were renting, and were greeted by a disshevled looking women with a six pack in her hands. IT'S 8 AM!! The place was a dump,there were shady people hanging out and smelled like cigarette smoke. We tried to tell her we just couldn't stay there, but she just wouldn't take a hint. We had about 10 suit cases between us all, it was freezing, and our appointment was in about an hour. This women drank 3 beers in the time she was talking to us, and got progressivly pushier about the whole thing. We finally said NO, and basically walked away, and had to search our another hotel witin walking distance, because it was either that or take 3 cabs around NYC searching for vacancy. The double tree was on the corner and happened to have what we needed for the week at a whopping $650 A NIGHT! At that price I think the least they could do is put out some muffins and coffee in the morning, or throw in some internet use in our room, but no, apparently nothing is inclusive in NYC.

It was a hectic start, but once we got settled in, things went very smoothly. On Monday night before Savannahs surgery we went to the giant ToysRus, and had a blast.

Savannahs surgery was 6 hours long without any complications. I read, and read, and read, to keep myself from thinking about anything really. (Those Stephanie Meyer books are really good time passers.)
Mark and the kids went to see the Empire State Building.

When she was finally done with surgery I was too squimish to hold her, so Mark held her while she came to. As I watched her wake up I couldn't help but think of all she's been through in her short life, and to think it's only the beginning, it just made me cry. Everyone kept asking "what's the matter, don't you think she looks good?" Even Dr. Cutting asked, and i kind of felt bad, because he did an awsome job. It's just hard to be excited, or even happy when you see your baby come out of something so painful.

I knew i should of kept up my blog even in NY, because now it's all a blur in my head, but the first five days or so were the hardest, she didn't sleep more than 30 minutes at a time, and she did have those uncontrollable crying spells a lot, but having Mark and my parents around made it bearable.

We did get to have some fun while we were there. We took the kids out to Central Park, and made a whole day of it. There's a carousel, an ice skating rink, and even a zoo there.

We saw the statue of Libery, and ground zero. We rode a taxi, the subway and a ferry. I learned how to properly tie a scarf, and now understand what it means to really be cold.

All in all our trip was everything we could of hoped for it to be, and are happy just to be home. Savannah's still wearing arm restraints, has to have saline put in her nose about every hour, and we have to tape the incision. but in about 4 weeks from now, we'll have none of that, and we can focus on just trying to "normal" for now. Her next surgery date is MAY 6Th (which also happens to be her birthday)and that's when she'll be having her palate closed.

Thank you to all those friends,family, doctors and staff who have prayed, fasted and been such a help to us. We know this was a group effort, and can't express the gratitude we feel in our hearts twords you. I hope you can look at Savannah and know that you have trully made a difference in her life and ours.

The rumors are true!

2007-11-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, we did move last Saturday to Brea CA. It wa kind of weird because didn't think it would happen at all let alone so quickly, so we really didn't tell any one. We found out Wednesday we could rent the house, and packed and moved on Saturday. We had a few people go to our house and look through the window only to find out we were gone.
It was a bitter sweet moment because we've looked forward to moving since we moved into our Comstock house, but as we were packing and it started becoming a reality, we realized how much we're going to miss the Pickering Ward. They've truley been our extended family through it all with us. Brea's not THAT far, so it's not good-bye, just, we'll see you later. We've worked really hard to get unpacked and settled before we leave for NYC. Savannahs big day is on Tuesday. to be continued.......

16 days and counting!

2007-10-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wow time has flown. I hope to do better at this whole blog thing. In exactly 2 weeks from today we will be flying to NYC for Savannahs Surgery. We were fortunate to have found an apartment for rent for about $250 a night, which is a steal compared to hotel prices. Savannah's doing well, she's been seeing her doctor about 2 times a week now but we still have about 5mm to move on her left side. Impossible according to the doctors, but we're praying.

We met the surgeon

2007-09-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night Savannah and I flew out to the big apple to meet her surgeon. We flew all night, and she was a doll and slept the Entire trip there. Me on the other hand....something about flying to New York on September 11 just didn't feel right, then you go and throw in one muslum sitting right across from me, and that was enough for me. I tried smiling at him when we first got on the plane, but all I got was a stone cold look of death. My mother-in-law said it was because they don't like women. I was sure it was because we were his ticket to his paradise with 72 virgins. BUT we made it. Poor man was probobly just as uncomfortable flying that day, because I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking that.

We took a nice hour and a half ride through Queens (i took a ride share van) and finally made to the doctors. We met Dr. Cutting, and I was as impressed as I hoped I would be. He explained the entire process in detail, and that made me feel a whole lot better about our decision. Her surgery is scheduled for November 13th, and we're hoping and praying her gums will touch before then.

While we were waiting in the lobby for the nurse to see her, we met another little girl with a bilateral cleft. Her name was Niomi, she was 8 and had the sweetest little voice i've heard. She was playing with Savannah and said "I hope the kids don't make fun of HER at school." I said do the kids make fun of you at school? and her eyes welled up and she said "yeah" My heart felt like it had burst. I wanted so badly to hug her and tell her it was not true. Whatever the kids said was not true. But instead I was speechless. I managed to tell her she was an awsome little girl, but who wants to hear they're awsome when others are making fun of you? I think the reality of what these poor children go through dumbfounded me.

The world can be such a cruel place.

We have a winner!

2007-09-03T21:24:00.000-07:00

It seems that after much research and prayer we have decided upon a surgeon. We will be having Dr. Court Cutting of NYU do her surgery our in New York. I spoke with them out there last week and they gave me a tentative surgery date of November 12th. It's alot later than I had thought or would want it to be, but we'll take it. I just can't wait untill i could cuddle her against me without fear of hurting her. That's been one of the harder things about this whole retainer thing. I'll probobly fly out to NYU this coming week to meet with the surgeon, but that's still not planned out yet. I'm actually a little nervous about flying to New York by myself. San Antonio I had down,I knew my streets, and the airport pretty well, but New York is a whole nother matter. We'll see.
Mason and Kiera are doing well, reeking havoc and chaos throughout the house. They love Savannah(sometimes a little too much) and enjoy "playing" with her. On Friday Mason was busy "playing" with her on her bouncer and fell on top of her. Usually not a big deal, except this time he smacked the retainer right out of her nose. Poor Savannah, she was hysterical, and I couldn't get the retainer off, so I eventually had to take the scissors to it and just cut it off. It was a rough morning after that. This pictures actually from about 3 weeks ago, but i thought it was nice.

Kiera's calling in life

2007-08-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

So I think most of you know Kiera's been in ballet this past year, and finished this summer. I thought i'd let her try Hula dancing this next year, but she's just not having it. Most days I'm lucky if she only changes into her ballet outfits once. Today during "NAP TIME" I heard lots of talking and jumping, and this is what i walked into. She's convinced that that's what she wants to be....."a beautiful ballarina"

Nam appt. #14

2007-08-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Savannah had her second "adjustment" here in L.A yesterday, and I've got to say it's probobly been the worst yet. We're moving on to the next phase of the NAM which is suppose to stretch her columella (the narrow strip under the nose) and to do this they've added nasal stents to the retainer. They had me hold her in a dentist chair for about 2 hours while they measured and marked where everything was suppose to go. I did really well at holding it together up untill about the 25th time they shoved the retainer in and out of her mouth, at which point they made her bleed. The rubbing from the retainer made the inside of her nose and the roof of her mouth bleed. I know you've heard me say it before, and you'll probobly hear me say it several more times before this whole ordeal is over but......I just couldn't hold back the tears. Poor Savannah. She fought those doctors off tooth and nail the whole time. They were quite impresses at what a fighter she was. After a few more "tries" they had the retainer where they wanted it, and sent us off on our merry little way. If we thought she hated the retainer before, she loathes this one. She swats at her face trying to get it off, but so far with no luck. Hopefully it stays that way.

The "Retainer"

2007-08-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

I just realized (thanks Rebecca) that I haven't really posted any pictures of Savannah's old or new retainer. The big pink one is the old, and the clear small one is the new. She hates them both equally as much.

A change in pace

2007-08-19T22:17:00.001-07:00

Well, since we last went to Texas, a lot has happened. I think the biggest change was we've decided to continue with the NAM here in L.A. I don't like the doctors as much, but it just got to be too much for everybody to handle, including me. So we went to get her new "retainer" on Thursday at CHLA. It was a 4 HOUR appointment! Kiera was asking every 5 minutes if we were ready to go. She finally got a hold of some of the steri strips, and spent about 30 minutes putting on HER baby doll's retainer. The nurses and doctors were quite amused by it Mark had to hold Savannah as they stuck fingers, probes, mirrors and retainers in her mouth for about an hour and a half. Mark's been awsome and I am really glad he was there to help get us all through it. I don't know what I would do without him.

The news cast

2007-08-08T21:49:00.000-07:00

OK, don't laught at my face, it's my first interview EVER. At least Savannah looked good. Enjoy CLICK PICTURE TO SEE VIDEO

We made the 5 o'clock news!

2007-08-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

So, I just got back from Texas about an hour ago, but I don't feel my usual blaaaish self. I was able to use our miles and took a direct flight. SO much better. Today at Dr. Hensons they had a local magazine and news come out and interview him and some of the NAM babies. (moms of course). Savannah and i got about 30 seconds of air time, and after editing it's probably less, but we were still pretty excited about it. We are all doing pretty well. We still haven't chosen a surgeon, but plan on talking to a couple here in L.A sometime this week. We're both pretty tired, so I'll write more later. Enjoy the pics.

Kiera turned WHAT?

2007-07-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby's turning 4, but it's true. It's been four years now since our lives really started, and looking back at it, we've loved every minute of it. This year we had the "bright" idea of doing a beach party and couldn't have picked a worse day to do it. It seems like nobody could make it, and there was a 45 minute line just to get in the beach. Once you Were in you had an indefinate wait for a parking spot, only to be greeted by blasting winds. BUT all in all it was a ton of fun. We roasted weenies, had caked and made s'mores. The kids didn't seem to mind the wind, so we tried not to also. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIERA!

Texas visit

2007-07-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

So i got home from CHLA on Tuesday at about 7:30pm, and i had to leave for the airport at 8:15pm. We barely made it on time, and i made the flight by two people. I had to hold Savannah for 4 and a half hours, but at least i got on. At this point i was so excited because i could catch the earlier flight from Atlanta to Texas, and have more time once i was at the doctors. So i got in to Atlanta at 6:30am and the flight left at 7:03am, so i RUN to the little train that takes me to terminal C. I really had to use the bathroom and pump, and since i can't with the baby on my lap I ran to the bathroom as soon as im there. Now, I CAN and DO multi task once in the bathroom stall, but even still, Imissed the plane by about 2 minutes. I ran to the check in counter only to see CLOSED posted on the board. I said
"What do you mean it's closed? It's only 7:00 am" to which i get "Oh, the planes leaving a couple minutes early. You could catch the next flight at 8:47" And as much as i tried, I just could not fight back the tears. It's 4am our time and i haven't slept a wink, my arm is killing me from holding Savannah, she's crying and I didn't even finish pumping.
So now i have to go to a different gate to rebook my flight, and i'm just a mess because i'm thinking the Doctor won't be able to see me if i get in later, and i'll have to spend the night out there. I called Mark who called Dr. Henson to see if i'd be ok and he said it was, so now i felt a lot better. I successfully rebooked and made my flight. Once there i caught the first Taxi I saw, and made it to my appointment. The trip back was pretty uneventfull. I didn't make the flight from Utah to LAX at 4pm so i had to wait for the 7:55 flight. Thunderstorms rolled in, and it was POURING by 6pm. Flights were delayed and i didn't end up leaving untill 9pm, but at least I got home. Needless to say we were EXHAUSTED.

Surgeons visit

2007-07-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

So on Tuesday afternoon we met with the surgeon at the Childrens Hospital. She was really nice, and answered alot of our questions. But it just seems like for every one piece of good news, there's like 3 bad pieces of news. She doesn't seem to think Savannahs "nub" will be pushed back enough to do the GPP (sew her gums together). She also said her columella (tip of her nose) is not stretched enough for her to have good results at the time of her surgery. It's hard to hear such discouraging news. We saw a little boy in the waiting room that she did surgery on, and he looked ok at best. I found a surgeon in Maryland who did an awsome job on a little boy that looked just like Savannah. It's the only picture i've seem that's actually given me some hope. Well whatever we do, we kind of need to choose a surgeon soon, so that's what we'll be praying about.

10 Weeks Today!

2007-07-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog ever, and i'm so excited at what the internet can do. I hope to be able to keep everyone who's interested updated on our family, and especially Savannah.

Savannah is 10 weeks today, and that much closer to being done with her NAM (the retainer) and her surgery. We meet with the surgeon from CHLA on Tuesday. We're still not sure if that's who will be doing the surgery, but we'll know on Tuesday. And yes, we're still going to Texas this week, just on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.