Summer Fun...Butchino Style!

We are home from NY and trying to get into the summer spirit! The weather has been awesome and we have been taking full advantage. I thought last summer with Carter was fun...but this summer has been awesome!! He is getting so big and is such a blast to play with. My Toys R Us habit has gotten a bit crazy, just because there is so much fun to be had outside. 

Yesterday, we went to Toys R Us to buy a birthday present for Carter's friend Delaney. We ended up letting Carter choose between a giant dinosaur and a bubble mower. We kind of decided for him since we wanted something he could use outside. We got him the bubble mower. While we were there, we looked at Power Wheels to see if they had anything that Carter could operate by himself. After seeing prices, I decided we should wait until he's older. We went back tonight to look at car seats for Brooklyn and ended up buying Carter a Power Wheels 4-Wheeler. Yes, I know...I have issues. After we got it home, I was so glad we decided to buy it for him! He loves it and totally knew exactly what to do! He was like an old pro, although turning isn't his strong point. But he's only 19 months old...he will learn. 

Here are some pictures of our summer fun so far...

And here's a video of the action...

We have a very busy weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow I am shooting a wedding reception and Carter will be having a fun-filled evening with my aunt. Then, Sunday we have a birthday party to go to. Monday, we have a doctor's appointment and will hopefully be able to see our little one then! We are thinking of going to the zoo on Tuesday or Thursday, so that will be lots of fun!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

An update on life...

It seems like it has been forever since I last posted. Things have been very very crazy. Right now, we are in New York at my mother-in-law's. Steven's uncle was killed in a motorcycle accident last week, so we came to be with his family. He was a wonderful man and was taken from us way too soon...it is so unfortunate to see all that he left behind, but at the same time it is such a comfort to know that he is in heaven. 

As for me, I am doing much better. Thankfully, the antibiotics worked and we were finally able to get rid of that nasty infection. I had the PICC line removed on the 24th. That was honestly one of the most painful and annoying things I have experienced. Not being able to move freely or to pick Carter up was just awful. Now, we are just trying to keep the infection from coming back...which could lead to me having the PICC put back in. Lots of prayer is needed.

This weekend is my 10 year high school reunion. Since I was the class VP, I had to do a lot of the planning  for the event. I am still a bit behind on a couple things, but I am going to try to get everything taken care of this evening. I am very excited to see how everyone is doing. I bought a long black dress that kind of makes my baby belly stand out...no sense in trying to hide it!! The irony of the situation is that I lost about 10 pounds right before I got pregnant...because I wanted to look good for my reunion!! Now, I suppose I am allowed to have a big belly! 

We will be going back home on Sunday. I am sad to leave everyone, but can't wait to be back in my own house. Monday I will be going to pick out my new truck so we can get the lift (so I can drive from my wheelchair) put in...hopefully the modifications will be done before Brooklyn arrives. So much to do...so little time! 

Have a good weekend!!

It can always get worse...

That is what I have to keep telling myself. Over and over. A lot has happened in the past 2 weeks. Last Monday, I ended up getting the PICC line to administer the IV antibiotics that I needed for my infection. I kind of assumed it would be a scary procedure, but I really wasn't expecting what I got.

First of all, I brought Steven and my mom because I was very scared. I assumed I would be able to have at least one of them in the room. I was wrong. It was pretty much an operating room, with an Xray and ultrasound machine. I had to lay on a cold, hard metal table and they strapped my arm down with blue cloths. They covered my belly with a heavy lead vest and took Xrays and ultrasounds of my arm before injecting me with a local anesthetic that really didn't work very well. Then, they inserted the gigantic needle for the PICC. Once it was in, they did another Xray just to ensure that it was in properly and almost to my heart, then stitched it to my inner arm. I was scared, it was painful, and I was on the verge of tears from beginning to end.

After the line was in, I had to get my 1st dose of the 7 day antibiotic. The nurse said the arm would be tender for about 2 days or so, then I wouldn't feel a thing. Well, she was wrong. It began bruising about 2 days after I got it, and it is still very very uncomfortable...9 days later. It is interrupting my sleep, showers, and pretty much every aspect of my daily life. The antibiotic made me very sick...I was unable to eat for 3 days. I called the doctor to see when I could get the line removed and the nurse said that the doctor talked to my OB and they may have me leave it in for the remainder of my pregnancy "just in case" I develop another infection. I am livid! First off, nobody asked me how I was feeling. I was told before the line was put in that it was for a 7 day cycle of antibiotics. They don't take into consideration the fact that my arms are all I have. I am unable to use my legs and my hands to do things...like pick Carter up. I only have so much precious time left with him as my only child, and I am unable to lift him or play with him like I used to. It is not at all worth it to me to have this PICC in "just in case". 

Another big issue with it is that Steven had to take time off of work because I am now unable to care for Carter by myself. What was supposed to be a week could now turn into 20 weeks...making it impossible for him to work before the baby arrives. We need that income...it really isn't possible for us to raise 2 children on the small amount I bring in from my SSI and photography jobs here and there. 

These are all such huge stresses I am dealing with. I am trying my best to stay calm because I know the stress can be detrimental to my pregnancy, but it is virtually impossible. I just want some good news. I will find out by Monday if my infection has cleared, then I will be discussing my options with both doctors. I want them to know exactly what I feel and what I've been going through...since they apparently don't care to ask.

As always, prayer needed. I am so very thankful for each and every one!

The penis fell off.

No, I am not joking. We had another ultrasound today which revealed that we are not having a boy...we're having a GIRL!!! We knew that last time it wasn't 100% confirmed, but we saw what looked like a penis, so we were convinced. Today's ultrasound was a bit more clear...

Not that I wasn't happy with the thought of another boy, but we all know how badly I was wanting one of each. Needless to say, I cried and could not believe what I was being told. After the ultrasound tech brought in 2 different doctors to confirm that it was, indeed a girl, I was beside myself!! We had a name chosen for each gender long before we even got pregnant. So, I give you...

BROOKLYN ROSE BUTCHINO!!

March for Babies 2010

We did the annual March of Dimes March for Babies this past Sunday. As a team, we beat our goal by $55! Saturday morning, we went to our local elementary school's carnival and raffled off a Boogie Wipes basket. We were able to raise $50 from that.

Sunday, we all drove to Cleveland for the walk. It was a bit chilly, but we tried to enjoy the 4.2 miles anyway. After the walk, we hung out for the closing ceremonies and food and music. It was a great day and a lot of money was raised for a great cause! We were proud to be a part of it!

Team Carter 2010

Please support TEAM CARTER!

We only have 7 days left until the 2010 March of Dimes March for Babies!! Team Carter is still very far from reaching our $300 goal. It is such a great cause and we are really looking forward to walking for it! If you would like to make a donation in sponsorship of Team Carter, please click the link. Every single dollar counts and every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of babies and parents everywhere!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

My birthday? You're kidding!

So, yesterday was my birthday...although it sure didn't feel that way. I spent most of the day at the hospital. I guess with pregnancy, you never know where you'll end up on any given day.

Thursday evening, I got a call from my OB. He said that my urine culture from Monday grew the same bacteria as before and that I had to call Infectious Disease. He told me that the regular treatment was Cipro, which cannot be given to pregnant women. I would need to get IV antibiotics...most likely through a PICC line. Come again?!? I am so not cool with pain...especially not that kind of pain. I have heard that getting a PICC is one of the most painful procedures. So, after I broke down into tears, sobbing, I called Infectious Disease. I was able to talk to a doctor who told me that he would like to see me right away...the next day...my birthday. I agreed and made the appointment. All of Thursday night was spent worrying about myself and Jackson. Were we going to be OK? What happens if we can't kill the bacteria? Can this be passed to Carter or Steven? Will the PICC line hurt? I was up all night. I finally fell asleep about 2 hours before it was time to wake up. I totally forgot it was my birthday. I was way too worried about my appointment. I got up, showered, and got Carter dressed and ready to go...I wanted him there if I was going to be in any pain because I knew I had to be strong so he wasn't scared. I also dragged my mom and my friend Mandy along for support. I may be 28 years old, but I always need people to hold my hand! 

We got to the hospital and Carter ran around the waiting room, chased by my mom, until we were called in. My entourage followed me and sat with me until the doctor that I had previously talked to came in. He was one of those people who's general demeanor just puts you at ease. He answered all of my questions before I even had to ask them. I am not sick, neither is Jackson. This is a totally normal infection that is simply tricky to treat during pregnancy. I cannot pass this to anyone. Most importantly, no PICC required!! He wished me a happy birthday and handed me a prescription for an oral antibiotic. It is a powder that you mix in water and take 2 days in a row. It is not 100% effective, so I will need to be tested again next week. I could still require an IV for antibiotics, but I will take it. It will stink because I will have to keep it in for 7 days, but I don't want this to cause any issues later in my pregnancy, so it has to be taken care of now. I need lots of prayer that this horrible tasting oral antibiotic works well.

After the appointment ended and I could breathe again, Mandy treated us to my birthday lunch. Of all places, I chose the hospital cafeteria! This is the same hospital I rehabbed in for 2 months after my accident and where I spent 10 days living when I had Carter...not to mention his 15 day NICU stay. Their food is great and I have lots of good (and bad) memories from there. It was a great birthday lunch!

We came home just as Steven was arriving from work. He's the best husband ever, so he made me some cupcakes then we cleaned up the house and started getting ready for my cousin's 21st birthday party. Her birthday was this past Tuesday. We had a really good time with my family at Red Robin. The food was great!! I had never been there before, but I will definitely be going back! 

We got home just in time for bed. I hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, so I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow...and that was my birthday!

Carter did give me a present 2 days early...he peed on the potty! We are so proud of him!! Although he is still peeing in his diaper, he has gone on the potty almost every time we've put him on. I just can't believe how fast he is growing...I wish I could slow it down just a little!!

IT'S A BOY!

I had to make a surprise visit to my OB today because I have been fighting a UTI for a few weeks. After the results of my urinalysis come back, I may have to be put on IV antibiotics in order to get rid of the infection for good. If the test comes back positive, he is going to arrange for a nurse to come to my home and administer the meds so I don't have to be in the hospital on my birthday.

So, the bigger, more important news is that we got our gender scan and we are having another BOY!! We are very excited...especially for Carter. He and his little brother will be the best of friends and we cannot wait to see them play together!! Its also somewhat relieving because we saved all of our stuff from when Carter was a newborn/infant, so other than a few odds and ends, there's not much that we will need. 

So...without further adieu, I would like to introduce Jackson Vaughn Butchino!!

The End is the Beginning...

After being out of work for 6 months, Steven has finally gotten a new job. It is with a very good company and is an opportunity that most people pray for for years but never get. He starts tomorrow. I know I am supposed to be happy, and I truly am, but I can't even begin to express how much I am going to miss having him here every day. Not only will I miss sleeping in and the constant help around the house, and with Carter, but just him being home. I truly enjoy being with him...even if we do have disagreements and such. What couple doesn't?? 

Before we got married, Steven and I took a class with our pastor. He didn't teach us how to get along every moment of every day, but how to fight fair. I really consider that the most valuable information we have ever gotten. From the outside, it probably looks like we are always in disagreement, but we fight fair and we love each other from the time we wake up until the time we close our eyes every night. I am very proud of the relationship we have and that we have stayed together through the good times and the bad since we were in high school.

The thing I will miss most every day is seeing how Steven and Carter have become best friends. They understand each other in ways that others probably never will. They have become inseparable this past 6 months...they play together, sing together, dance together, eat together, and sleep together. I see so much of Steven in his little boy...and I am so grateful for this time that they have had. I pray that I can fill that space for Carter and that he won't be too disappointed when he wakes up from his nap yelling "Dad!" and sees me come through the door. I hope that I can truly do this by myself...without my other half.

Easter 2010

We had a great Easter. Steven and I woke up about an hour before Carter...that is rare! We were able to shower and get ready for church before he woke up to see what the Easter Bunny had left him. I totally forgot to get pictures of his basket, but I did get video, so I will upload that eventually. Among all of his loot, Carter got a set of golf clubs, so Steven took him out before church to try them out...

After church, we came home and made a wonderful dinner while watching The Passion of the Christ...which is a tradition. After we ate, we rested and Carter napped. Later on, we went to our visit some very close friends and Carter played outside with the other kids. He is growing up so fast...

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Chuggin' Along.

I have gotten a couple emails asking if we are ok...which by the way, mean more to me than you guys know. I know I say that I only do this blog for myself and my family, but the friends I have made online mean the world to me.

We are doing great. The morning sickness (or "all-day" sickness) started in full-force about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I didn't experience it quite like this with my last pregnancy. I mean, it was still bad, but usually I could dry-heave once and then I felt better. On the days that didn't happen, I took my Zofran and it took care of any nausea I had left. This time, it is unpredictable. I can get sick, feel better, then be sick again 5 minutes later. And the Zofran doesn't work! I have tried everything!! Today, my masseuse gave me some Sea Sickness Wrist Bands and I have been feeling pretty good so far. I am cautiously optimistic that they will continue to do the trick. I am officially in the 2nd trimester today, so I am hoping that things start to even off a bit.

Carter is doing great. He is finally sleeping through the night. With all of our hard work and dedication to "Operation Night-Night", he just needed to do it on his own time. We are now in the process of ordering furniture for his big-boy room. Instead of getting all new nursery furniture, we are getting Carter a toddler bed, 2 dressers, nightstand, and bookshelf. We have chosen this bedding for him. A month or two before the new baby comes, we will start transitioning him into the new bed. In theory, it will work wonderfully, LOL!

Our next appointment is in 2 weeks. I am going to ask my OB to sneak a peek at the baby's gender since my birthday is just a few days later...I am so impatient that I just can't wait another 6 weeks!! Any guesses on what it will be??

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I know one little boy who wasn't pinched by any leprechauns today...

A Big Decision.

Today wasn't a great day. It started out OK...Carter slept in until 11am, I woke up with no signs of morning sickness, and Steven cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. The makings of a wonderful Sunday.

Until I checked my voicemail...

"Hey Candi. It's mom. I assume you are drowning your sorrows in [Caffeine-Free] Coca-Cola right now since Brady Quinn was traded to Denver. Just checking to see how you're dealing with it. I get off of work at 8, so I'll talk to you then. Love you. Bye."

WHAT?!?!

I had accidentally left my phone in the bedroom and had missed this call from my mom as well as about 10 texts from friends telling me of this awful news. It is no secret that I have a bit of a "thing" for Brady Quinn. Not to mention I think he is a great talent that wasn't given the proper attention, teaching, or confidence right off of the bat. He deserved a team and coaches that believed in him...and the Browns never gave him that. Very sad and not fair. So...needless to say, I have a big decision to make and only 6 months to do it...

OR...

What is a girl to do??

Poor Sick Boy.

Carter is sick. I feel so bad for him. He is just a snotty, whiney mess and it is so sad. He tries to laugh and play, but sometimes you can just tell how yucky he feels. We have been keeping him hydrated and he has been taking 2 naps a day, so I am sure he is on the road to recovery. I just wish I could do more to help the poor guy. 

My pregnancy is continuing to go very well. I am getting a little sick here and there, but it is nothing compared to when I was pregnant with Carter. I am fully functioning this time, so that's a huge step! I am very thankful. I am fully into my maternity pants now. I am not even sure that my Bella Band will work anymore. I am afraid to try! I am feeling great and I am enjoying everything about pregnancy this time around, so I will gladly take a few inches on the waistline! My favorite thing is when I ask Carter if he wants to kiss the baby and he climbs up and kisses my tummy. I am hoping to get it on video...I lent my camcorder to my aunt and I am waiting to get it back...but it is definitely something I want to capture on video. It just makes me melt!

I was thinking to myself last night and I realized I had not taken out my camera in a few weeks. I have used my point and shoot a few times, but my DSLR has been sitting in its bag untouched. I finally got a chance to take some photos of my sick little guy today. As you can see, he is no longer sporting the mohawk. Steven buzzed it yesterday because it was too long to put up anymore. I can't wait until it grows back out...he looks too much like a little boy...not enough like a baby! He is growing up so fast!!

Ultrasound #2...just another miracle.

Yesterday, we had another ultrasound. The baby was measuring right on track and we finally got to hear the nice strong heartbeat! It was wonderful...especially after the little bit of bleeding I had. It definitely eased my mind!

When the doctor on call came in to check things out, he noticed that there appeared to be an extra sac of fluid. No baby, but he referred to it as a "bonus sac". I joked that I could certainly use the extra fluid since my low fluid issues with Carter were what landed me in the hospital the first time. He asked about my last pregnancy and I had explained to him all about the premature labor due to my T-shaped uterus. He continued looking at the screen and said, "I don't see any signs of a uterine abnormality at all." It is very possible that my last pregnancy stretched my uterus back to a normal shape. The miracles keep on coming! This is huge because it may mean that we will not have an "early eviction" this time since the baby will have more room to grow! We are praying hard that my body will keep this baby in until our goal of 36 weeks. That is 4 weeks longer than last time. I would be so thankful for no NICU stay. That was very hard and I cannot imagine doing it with another child at home.

Here are some pictures of yesterday's ultrasound...