Crazy how time flies by when you're having fun!!

It's sooo crazy how quickly times go by. It's almost as if time goes into warp speed when you have a baby. Any ideas on how to slow it down?? (lol)

So Layla just turned 3 weeks old on Friday, and let me tell you she is such a character! She has such a cute little personality, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Of course mommy is like the camera Nazi, it's always out, ready, and waiting to snap yet another picture of her. She's growing so quickly and changing every day, I just can't help myself! I don't want to miss one moment of it.

When she left the hospital, she weighed 5lb 7oz...at her 2 week check up she was up to 6lb 8oz and 19 3/4 inches. See...I told you...she's growing so quickly, it's a little frightening. Her routine is pretty basic. She's wanting a bottle every 3-3 1/2 hrs and sleeps in between each one. However lately, she's been staying awake in between feedings at least once during the day, so I get to spend my time entertaining her....or shall I say her entertaining us!

As you can see in the video, she is a happy sleeper =) Right before she goes into her deep sleep, she is smiling away. She usually starts out by rolling her eyes and then just starts cheesing. My friend Shannon says she smiles when she sleeps because she's having dreams about milk! So here's to giant bottles full of oh so yummy milk!!

Other than that, we are just enjoying our time together as a family before daddy goes back to work on the 14th, and I on the 25th. It's going by really quick, and I'm not too thrilled of the idea of going back and leaving her...but I must...I won't get into that subject, it's a touchy, stressful one, and a whole different story to share at another time.

Miss you all dearly...until next time...

xoxo

Welcoming Baby Layla!!

I figured I would take advantage of her napping, and update the blog. It's been two weeks since all the craziness began and I still sit her staring at her unsure if it's all real.


So 2 weeks before Layla was born, I was diagnosed with PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). I was border line preeclampic, but not quite there (which was a good thing). For the remainder of my pregnancy, I had to go weekly down to the Naval Hospital to have Non stress Tests done of the baby. As long as she was doing good, then I was cleared for another week, and would go back and do it all over again. By this point, my feet were extremely swollen, my blood pressure was beyond what it should of been, and I felt I was just dragging my bottom half. The only thing I kept thinking was "No one told me how miserable the last few weeks of being pregnant can be!"(lol)


School was about to begin, and my students (kinder) were starting Sept. 7th. After the 1st day, I told my principal that I was not going to make it pass the 1st week. I had started having really bad upper tummy pain, didn't have an appetite, couldn't sleep, and could barely move. I got my lesson plans ready for the next week, just in case, and headed down the the hospital for my weekly stress test.


While I was there, the doctor came in and began asking me 21 questions. Apparently I was answering yes to all the wrong ones because she decided to do another round of lab work and personally call me when they came in. Needless to say I went to work the next morning (Friday Sept. 10), thank goodness it was a half day, and received a call from the doctor at 11:30 at school.


My results came back and were not good what so ever...my liver wasn't working correctly, my blood count and blood platelet count was extremely low, my blood pressure was sky high, and the list goes on. I had developed what was called H.E.L.L.P Syndrome. She told me once on the phone I needed to go in and have the baby, but it didn't sink in. The second time she told me, I was speechless and basically broke down. I was only 36 weeks and 2 days and in my mind, I still had 4 more weeks to get mentally prepared. I wasn't ready, lol!


I finally got a hold of Erik, and he was meeting me at the hospital. My wonderful friend Christina came with me to the house, packed my bags for me (since I was clueless on what was going on, or what I needed, lol), and we made our way down to the Naval Hospital. Needless to say what should of taken Erik about an hr and a half to get down there only took him about 45 mins, and he made it before we did.


As soon as we get up to Labor and Delivery...the craziness all began. The next 9 hours were a complete blur, doctors after doctors, after nurses, after corpsman, after I don't even know who were in and out of the room. Every time my doctor would come in, he had more bad news. My platelet count continued to decrease, which means I wasn't clotting, and there was a chance I would have to have a transfusion. They tried 3 methods of induction, none were working because after 9 hours I was only 1 cm dilated.


Around 10:30(ish), the doctor and nurse came slapping an oxygen mask on me, rolling me on my side, checking all the monitors. Every time I was having contractions (I had no idea I was having them because I couldn't feel them), the baby's heart rate would drop. The medication I was on for the H.E.L.L.P. Syndrome was starting to affect her breathing. So we had a decision to make....go on with another 12 hours of induction and risk the baby, or have an emergency c-section done and risk me. Because I wasn't clotting, they couldn't give me an epidural. If for some reason I would of bleed in my spine, I could of been paralysed, need back surgery, etc. So the only option would to completely put me under. They also were worried about me not clotting and bleeding out during surgery, or possible having to have a complete hysterectomy =/


After discussing our options for a few minutes, our choice was to get the baby out as quick as possible and hope for the best for me. I had complete faith in the doctor...and I was off.


The only thing I remember was being in the OR, being told what would happen, and then I was awake the next day not really knowing what was going on. I had no idea what time it was, what had happened, and the baby wasn't in the room. She was in NICU for observation and they were going to bring her to me at 11am. Apparently I was in and out of it after surgery, asking for her, wanting to see pictures, but I don't remember any of it. Oh yea and for me, minus blood loss...everything went well considering. It'a a healing process now and boy o boy is it taking a toll on me!!


They finally brought her to me and that's all they wrote...


Layla Leann Kimmey was born at 11:34pm on September 10th, 2010. She weighed 5lbs 12oz and was 18 inches long!!







More to come, duty calls...time for her next feeding =)

Just a little update!

Well we have been out of school for 2 weeks now and I'm definitely enjoying the laziness of the summer. Lord knows I'm going to need all the rest I can get before heading back to school at 34 weeks pregnant (eeeekkkkk)!! Hopefully I can make it the 5 weeks at work before Layla decides to make her grand appearance, fingers crossed!!

Not much has been going on since our last post. We had another ultrasound at the Navel Hospital and the tech was able to confirm we were having a girl. At 21 weeks she was still breech, apparently they tend to start turning around that time. Doc said not to worry about it that she had plenty of time to completely turn before it becomes a concern. If not, then a lot of uncomfortable pressure while they try to turn her themselves =( We are actually heading back to the Japanese clinic this weekend to get a video ultrasound done. Layla will be starring in her first short film, lol!! She is definitely quite the mover lately. Her nudges and kicks have become a lot more forceful within the last week. It's actually quite exciting to see my stomach move around in spasms.

As for me, well I'm doing pretty good. The normal aches and pains haven't really gotten the best of me yet. The summer heat and humidity out here definitely is a killer. Running simple errands, post office, store, leaves me completely soaked in sweat. Sexy huh? (lol)I have developed what we think is a heat rash on my feet and hands that has become a huge pain in the rear. It flairs up frequently and itches like you would not believe. It gets pretty bad towards the evening, mostly at night. I tend to wake myself up scratching my feet raw =/ I tried seeing the nurse about it, but of course it was nothing major the day I went. They gave me some cream to try, but if it doesn't improve soon, I'm going to have to go back.

Erik is doing pretty good. He's been taking collage courses and just finished his advance course for Gunnys about 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately he is leaving for the Philippines July 11th for about 15 days, which sucks, but hey it could be worse. Apparently there is no running water, so he has to take bucket showers. And...they can't go off base because it's pretty bad out there, so that's a little unsettling. But it's only 2 weeks so he'll be home before I know it.

Well that's about it for now, I will keep you all updated. Missing everyone soooo very much, and very anxious to try to make a trip home, hopefully next summer!!

It's a girl - Layla Leann Kimmey!!!

So as impatient as I am, we decided at 17 weeks to go to a Japanese clinic out here and see if we could find out a tad bit early what we were having. First, the clinic was great!! The staff that took care of us spoke pretty good English and the doctor was pretty nice. He took about 8 pictures and let us hear the heartbeat. We could even see it beating in action! I'm sooo glad we went and the best part about going there was it only cost us the equivalent to $50!! No insurance, no appointment, just walk-in, and great service!

So Erik has his little girl. We are both really excited and can't wait until October!! Of course everyone keeps asking if we are sure it's a girl, and the doctor was pretty darn confident. When he started the ultrasound, as you can see from the pictures, she was sleeping and had her arms crossed across her chest...I know, I know...AWWWWW!!! He managed to maneuver the wand and maneuver her to where the "camera" was showing us a direct view from under her butt and no boy parts showing. Again he was pretty confident it was a girl and said she is doing great! Always a good thing to hear at appointments. And for those of you who love to doubt doctors, we do have our scheduled appointment on base May 25th, so we'll use that as confirmation to make sure we do have a girl.

So now all the fun shopping begins, and time to relax for a bit. I always feel so much better going to my appointments and being able to see her or hear her heartbeat. It reassures me everything is ok in there. But of course then you have to wait the 4 weeks in between to go again, and I absolutely hate not knowing anything! 3 more weeks until my next appointment, "I can do it!!". lol

Well off to get some school work accomplished. 31.5 schools days left with students...not that I'm counting or anything!! Then it's relaxing a bit during the summer and getting myself ready to start school for a month, but then leave for 6 weeks. Can you say lesson plans, lesson plans, lesson plans....ahhhhh!

Until next time, take care, miss you all dearly!!

Introducing baby Kimmey =)

So we had our first appointment today and everything went great!! We have a very healthy, but very very active baby =) The doctor did a great job with talking to the baby and getting us 3 good pictures. My favorite one is the last one on here...it's almost a dancing pose!! Although I'm not posting my weight, I'm actually down about 2lbs from the last time I was in about 3 weeks ago. I know it won't stay that way from now on, but hey it's a start right? After watching the little one in action, I now know why I've been so sick and tossing and turning all night...oh the joy!! I'll be officially 12 weeks in the morning, and have my 16 week appointment April 21st. I'll keep you posted and updated =)

Sorry for the delay!!

Ok so it's been about ohhhh 5 months since I've last updated, and I promise I will try my hardest not to let it happen again!! A lot has happened in the last 5 months, here is my attempt to update you without all the little detail...

Mid November, I was offered and accepted a teaching position here on the base I live. I teach self contained 4th grade at Bechtel Elementary School. It's about a 30 second drive to get to school (lol), yes I drive to work...always have way too much to carry and yes...too lazy, or a 10 minute walk. Here at school they consider themselves the B.E.S.T (Bechtel Elementary School Team)...and now that I'm working there, I think the statement is complete!! lol, just joking =) I've got 25 kids, mostly boys, and that's all I'll say about that situation. Overall, since I started in December...it's been quite a roller coaster. Without putting too much detail here on the internet, I will say it's probably one of the hardest things to do as teacher. You never really realize how important the first month/month and a half are until you "don't have them". That time with the kids is so critical, and sets the pace and tone for the rest of the year. I'm just praying and hoping next year will be 100% better....

The next few months were pretty busy with just school and trying to get into a routine. We didn't do too much exciting worth writing about (lol), so we'll fast forward a bit. We however had quite the Xmas eve dinner here at the house. We had about 14 people here and had a really good time. I do have pictures posted on dropshots, for those of you who aren't on facebook.

Ok, ok, ok, I've been stalling long enough...now to the good stuff. I am currently 10 weeks and 5 days pregnant and going strong. I have my first ultrasound a week from tomorrow and finally get to see the little peanut. Not to thrilled with the way they (military) do things out here. Have to wait until 10-12 weeks before my first initial appointment and ultrasound, they only do a total of 3 during the entire pregnancy, and overall have a shortage in doctors and as they say "way too many pregnant people on the island" to get us in more than that. I'll get another ultrasound at 20 weeks and find out the sex, and then apparently one more after that a little further down.

As far as how things have been going and how I've been feeling...I really can't complain. Everything I'm going through now I didn't go through the first time around. The extremely sore "boobs" (lol), and I'm talking they feel like punching bags, the lack of sleep, not being able to get comfortable at night, the lack of appetite, bathroom complications and everything else that is associated with it, morning sickness, sickness when in cars, you name it I'm going through it. I guess it's all signs of things going good...so like I said I can't complain. Don't get me wrong...I do my share of complaining to poor hubby on a daily basis, lol. I may say I can't complain, but it's not fun going through it. I think I might of actually said to Erik last week..."I really hope I don't go through this the entire pregnancy, because it's scaring me into not wanting another =/ " I know I say that now, and it's all the heat of the moment talk, but I'm hoping everyone is right about after the 1st trimester things ease up...if not...it's going go be a long, long, long, 29 weeks left.

Let's see what else...Last weekend I went snorkeling for the 1st time with Erik, Jim, and Carla. It was quite an experience, and showed me that I may never be able to go scuba diving. I just panic way too much, and my asthma kicks in, and now with the baby coming, I just don't know if I'll be up to leaving the baby just to go swimming with some fish (lol). Erik is definitely going to take the course and get certified, for me, I'll stick with snorkeling when I can and enjoying the view it provides. Again, pictures are posted on dropshots. Not the greatest, because we spent more time trying to get me settled and not panicking, but there are some. You would be surprise at what you can see when snorkeling. We had about a 20-30 foot drop below us and they fish were amazing =)

Other than that, and my dr's appointment next week, I'm looking forward to Spring break in about 3 weeks. I booked a weekend get away for Erik and I and this cute little cottage on a private beach. Just one cottage, back patio, fire pit, bbq grill, only ones who have access to beach...I'm loving it just thinking about it. Of course we have access to the main beach which has every water sport imaginable available. And of course because it's spring break, they have a ton of activities planned during the entire week. I'm looking forward to just get away and relax, no computers, etc...and enjoy the time while we can =)

Ok, I'm done for now, I promise to update next week with a picture of the little peanut as soon as we get back from the appointment!!

www.dropshots.com/teenyfred

Finally getting settled in!!

So we've been in our house for almost a week now and things are starting to fall in place. On Tuesday, we had our express shipment come (kitchen items and rest of our clothes), and 1 of 5 crates of our house hold goods. In our house hold goods shipment is literally everything else we sent over, our king size bed, couch, blue ray player, my teaching stuff, etc. So it was a guessing game on what exactly that one lonely crate had in it. Erik was hoping and praying for our bed and couch, me on the other hand knew with our luck it would be stuff we didn't need at this moment...Well we were both partly right. We got our TV for the bedroom, Christmas decorations, linens, the front tire to my bike, but no bike, the box spring to our bed, but no mattress or bed frame, and about 10 boxes of my school stuff which I don't need because I don't have a teaching job right now!! AHHHH!! (lol) To top it off, every time we call to check to see if the rest of our shipment is in, they tell us they have no idea when it'll be here =..(

Anywhoooo...we decided to get me a car sooner than later. I'm trying to get into the schools and sub as much as I can ($99/day!!), but really couldn't without a way to get around. So I bought a 2000 white Nissan Cube. Now I can go off whenever, where ever, and not have to worry about sitting at home bored while Erik is at work. I'm bound to get lost here sometime soon. Besides a few signs here and there that are written in English, everything else (95%) is in Japense. Little old me only knows the vowels in Japense writing (barely)...not nearly enough to be reading all these road signs and what not! So wish me luck with that one while I continue to learn as much as I can. Hopefully I'll be taking a class sometime soon with Carla to learn more Japense instead of the very very basics (lol). Oh yea and as far as subbing, that's after I fill out a 67 page application/background check to be cleared to sub...holy hell!! (lol)

As for things to do around here, we've been finding that out slowly but surely. And thanks to our friends the Hartfords, we've been doing a little exploring with them as we go. Last weekend we went to Rocktoberfest on the beach at Tori Station and also to check out the view from a lighthouse. The beaches are absolutely beautiful pictures can't begin to fully explain. The water is sooo blue and clear, it's hard to think about going back to the states and swim in that nasty/dirty water (lol). Erik and I are planning on getting certified for scuba diving!!! I will admit, I'm really really nervous and all we've done was talk about signing up for classes. We haven't said when yet, but it's still scaring the heck out of me! I'm afraid my asthma is going to be a huge factor in weather I can actually do this or not. From what we've been told it's a 4 day class in a pool, then they schedule 2 dives from 6:30 - 11:00...don't you guys think that's rather quick to be certified to dive in the ocean alone with no instructor with you????? (Can you tell I'm just a tad bit nervous?) On the other hand the idea of being able to drive to the beach, suit up, and walk out into the ocean and just dive has me extremely curious. I will definitely do some snorkeling while I'm out here if I can't cut it with diving.

There are also a ton of concerts coming our way, comedians, resorts to visit, clear blue water to swim in, beaches to visit, and more. I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as we explore more of the island. Mrs. Hardy recently asked me to "let her see Japan through my eyes" since she more than likely will never be able to come out here...so here's to Mrs. Hardy and the rest of you who won't come out and visit!!

(www.dropshots.com/teenyfred to see more pictures I've taken recently)

As always, miss you guys and don't forget about us =)