Back to the doctor we go

Madalena woke up this morning about 4 and had a really bad coughing spell. She felt very warm to me, so I took her temp., and it was at 102. I gave her some Tylenol, and thankfully, she stopped coughing after about 45 minutes and fell asleep. Her fever came down, and I talked to the doctor. He wasn't able to see her until the afternoon, but I was fine with that since she had stabilized. Turns out she has a double ear infection. The ER doctor probably should have caught it, but he didn't take the time to clean out the wax which was in the way of seeing her red and bulging ear drums. She is now on on antibiotics and Tylenol for the pain. I am hoping that this is our last trip to the doctor for a while, and I am really hoping that they all feel better quickly.

A trip to the E.R.

Yesterday was a tough day for the sickies, and Madalena also got worse. I called Paul home from work early in the morning because I just didn't want to be alone. Madalena was very labored in her breathing and was coughing and choking a lot. We kept a close eye on her waiting to see if she got a fever. Around 3:30 she came down with a fever, so we headed to Urgent Care. Because of her age, they sent us to the ER. She had to have a chest x-ray which is the worst for a parent to watch; they put her in this contraption that totally pins her in with her arms above her head. Thankfully, Paul came with me because I had to leave the room. Long story short, she has  RSV with a touch of pneumonia. The Respiratory Therapist gave her an nebulizer treatment which she responded to very well. Because she reacted so well, and because her oxygen levels were so good, and also because we are "experienced parents," the Dr felt comfortable sending us home with meds for nebulizing her at home.

She is doing well with the treatments and had a decent night sleep. Her breathing is so much better after a treatment, and she doesn't spend as long recovering from her coughing jags. The Dr said this could go on for weeks since there is not antibiotic for RSV.

George and Cecilia still have a terrible cough and had a pretty rough night. Paul is staying home again, so I have extra hands and emotional support. We thank you for your healing prayers.

A sad day for Cecilia and a tough night for Daddy

All of Cecilia's pacifiers mysteriously broke yesterday. Am I terrible for catching it all on film? It was my coping strategy.

This is the moment her playful face turned to panic as she saw her beloved "pacies."

 And the first one gets chucked across the kitchen floor.

 To her dismay, yes, they were all broke.

 She stopped to eat and collect herself.

 Then, she walked over to them and calmly said, "Bwoke,"trying not to cry. I asked her if she wanted to throw them away, and she said yes. So, she gathered them all up and headed to the trash.

 She went back several times just to make sure they were really in there.

Not sure she believes me that she is a big girl now. 

 Now for some comic relief, so you don't think I'm all terrible.

In the Blink of an Eye

Madalena became an active, participating, and happy member of the family. Whoever believes the lie that there isn't enough attention to go around when your family is larger than the average, should come be a fly on our wall. Madalena loves all the attention she gets; we just can't get enough of her squeals and smiles. Nope, no shortage of attention here. Could you pass by this face?

 The first weekend of January brought a few of us to Missouri for my nephew Andrew and his wife Shawna's baby shower. We had a great time ogling over her belly. We had a very nice time. She delivered a beautiful baby boy, Ramsey, one week later. Welcome to the family Baby Ramsey.

 Grandma with her first grand baby, newest grand baby, and soon to be great-grand baby; pretty neat huh?

 Soon to be Papa, my brother Mike, sharing a special moment with Andrew as he ponders what's to come while holding our precious Madalena.

 Smile, God loves you!

One Week

Our little love bug is one week old today. I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to have her in the family. I am reminded so often during the day how blessed I am to be the mother of all these beautiful children; there are so many precious moments. There are constant requests to hold her, and all the kids are so gentle and loving with her. Some things make us laugh and some just warm our hearts and melt us. When I first got home, I began to nurse Madalena. George says, " Is that your boob?" To which I tell him yes and that that is how the baby gets fed. He gets a look of disgust on his face and says, "Eeeew." We laugh of course. Pauly tells me, "Mom, if you ever need someone to hold her, I am your guy." So I hand her to him and begin to walk away. All I hear is, "Oh, aren't you just an angel." We get a little teary eyed.

My sister asked us tonight if we feel like the parents of 7 children. Sometimes it does get very overwhelming, especially when they are all talking at once  or are all seeking your attention; the room does begin to spin a little. But, overall, it feels wonderful, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was making some well child check up appointments today with our new pediatrician, and as I am talking to the scheduler, I decided that I was just going to get everyone set up for physicals in the new year. At one point the woman surprisingly and light heartedly exclaims, "Good Lord, how many children  do you have?" We laughed a little, but she, like most of the staff at our clinic and hospital, was so respectful and happy for us.

Thanks for all your prayers. Our transition is going well because we are held up in prayer, so please keep them coming.

This is when reality hits you in the face; your oldest with your youngest. Amazing how fast time flies, which is why we accept the lack of sleep and all the other crazy moments that come along with this life. It will be over all to fast, and we will be able to sleep as much as we want but will be missing the pitter patter of little feet and the rumblings of a house full of energy, life, and love. Thank you Lord for the life you have called us to.

Home Sweet Home

Originally, I was scheduled to go home on Friday afternoon. I had the feeling early on that Friday might not happen, but of course I knew Paul and the kids wanted me home, so I hoped for the best. My recovery from surgery was a little different this time. Wednesday was more painful for me than usual which set me back about a day. I told Paul that he and the kids should seriously prepare for me not to come home until Sat.; I just had a feeling that something wasn't quite right , and I did not feel ready.

I am very glad that I decided to stay because Friday afternoon my blood pressure really spiked. The nurses and my Dr had been keep an eye on my blood pressure because it was creeping up.  Initially, we attributed it to the pain, but my pain was being managed well, but my blood pressure soared to 164/108. My Dr. put me on medicine to lower it and ended up doing lab work later that evening because my pressure was coming down, but my other "off" feelings were still there. My blood work came back fine, and I got a good night sleep. I woke up feeling much better and feeling ready to go home.

Unfortunately, the blood pressure medicine gave me a migraine, so the Dr. decided to let me go off it and just see how things go. My pressures were all over the place but the Dr. was confident that they would work themselves out. I will monitor myself at home, and a home health nurse will come to see me later in the week.

Paul had to work and came to get us about 5:00. After our usual trip to Target to get my pain meds, we got some Chinese food to celebrate with the kids and headed home. To say that the kids were thrilled would be an understatement. Precious memories were made. The had banners, cards, cupcakes, and homemade flower bouquets to welcome us home.

It feels so good to be home, and Madalena seems totally content with all the attention. I figure she must be so familiar with it that it is no big deal to her. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us.

Madalena Gertude

Our beautiful baby girl, Madalena Gertrude, has safely arrived.

Born at 8:01 am

Weighing in at 8'12"

Length  19"

Surgery went very well. Mamma is recovery well. Madalena has nursed already and Mamma is eating.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers.

We are very content and happy.

God is good.