Take me out to the ball game

On Babygan's front, no news is good news. I continue to contract but "painful" ones are irregular, so we just keep on, keepin' on. I have my weekly shot and check on Thursday AM, so hopefully no news/changes again!

Yesterday was Finn's first day of baseball. We weren't given much information beforehand but figured out what to bring and where to go. Jim took the day off and was able to go with us, which was really nice. They worked on catching and throwing. The coach's "rules" are to 1. learn 2. safety and 3. have fun. I like that! Finn had a blast and did really well! There are about 15 kids aged 5 to 6. I know Finn has been looking forward to baseball but for those of you who remember his participation issues in the past, I wasn't sure what the expect. He did GREAT! He partially listened (there may have been some playing in the dirt between catches), his skills were par or above average (which surprised us since catching and throwing are his weaker skills) and most importantly, he participated right away, all the way and with a happy heart! I think Jim and I told him 20 times how proud we were of him for his good attitude. I think it helps that it is something he LOVES to do but even that doesn't guarantee a good outcome. He's the one by home plate, squatting down.

The field is at Waverly Lake which has a public beach and playground! Huh, how long have we lived here and didn't know about this? So the kids are excited to play at the park and go swimming but I found out yesterday that baseball is Mon-Thurs from 1-2 pm until the end of July! I was told those were the beginning hours and once games started, it would be less of a time commitment. Oh, well. We'll figured it out.

We got Finn a new, little bigger glove for this year, so Korri got to have Finn's old one. Since daddy was there, he played catch with her, which I thought was super cute. It didn't hold her attention too long, but this momma would LOVE for her to play softball someday! Gotta love the dress and all!

And finally, today is the day! This morning was our last morning snuggling in our old, small bed! Our new, king sized, adjustable bed is being delivered today. Me and my feet can't wait! The kids are excited too because it has a remote...I think we will have to set clear rules right away with that. Finding high quality Twin XL sheets has proven nearly impossible, so we just got cheap ones at Walmart yesterday so at least we have sheets. Oh, the problems we have! LOL. Here's hoping for an amazing night's sleep tonight and comfy snuggles in the morning!

Three trips in three days

Three trips to the hospital in three days, I think you all would agree, is too many. And hopefully the last for a while. The first trip was Thursday (and technically I had TWO trips Thursday but the first was just to my clinic which just happens to be in the hospital). We had the first steroid shot and an ultrasound to look at baby's size and fluid levels, but you already know that.

Well, Friday (32 weeks, 2 days; Friday the 13th AND a full moon!) was a lazy day, which was good, but not good enough. By the time I got the kids down for nap around 2:30, I finally was able to rest and put my feet up, at which time I realized I'd been contracting. Since I was in bed, I was able to time the contractions, which I don't think is an easy thing to do (when does it stop, start, how long, how painful, etc). Right away they were 6 minutes apart but they seemed to fluctuate between 6 and 10 minutes. I finally called in at 4:15 because I was afraid my doctor had gone home for the day. She hadn't gone home yet but they transferred me to the Birth Center, I think for expedience sake. I talked to the charge nurse and she said without monitoring me, she couldn't be sure what was happening. Well, since I just happened to be going in at 5:30 for my second steroid shot, we both agree that I should be monitored when I got in.

Thank God, Angie and Erica were already going to come over and were so kind and flexible to meet us at the hospital instead. I was expecting a quick shot and maybe 20 minutes on the contractions monitor. That didn't happen as my contractions were actually 5-6 minutes apart NOT 6-10 like I thought (see I was missing one every so often!). And they continued to intensify and shorten to 4 minutes while I was there. Argh. Angie took the kids to dinner (again, THANK YOU!), Stacey came to pick kids up to bring to our house, as Angie was actually on her way back to Benson. DeAnn headed to our house to help put the kids to bed and Jim's flight finally landed and he came straight to the hospital. Talk about a lot of coordinating. And yet again, makes us realize what amazing, supportive people we have in our lives. Thank you so much each of you for changing your plans, dropping everything and helping us out.

Selfie waiting to see what the contractions were going to do (I think my face says it all):

Back to the contractions, eventually, they gave me Terbutaline around 8:15 pm to stop the contractions and it worked in 10 minutes. They sent us home with instructions for me to "do nothing" the rest of the night and monitor any changes. Well, around 9:30, I started noticing contractions again, so I went up to bed and they were around 4.5 minutes apart over the next two hours. I decided to go to sleep but wasn't able to STAY asleep, which is when I called back. (BTW: Jim said he is very proud of me for not only calling in once but twice!) Back in we go at 12:30 am to see what these were about. Again, thank God, Erica was staying over, so she could stay at the house with the kids (who were obviously sleeping but still need somebody there with them). We stayed at the hospital for about an hour and a half at which time the doctor basically said there isn't much they can do, especially since my cervix isn't changing (which is good news). So they gave me something to basically make me sleep and sent us home around 2:30 am, with the new instructions to call or come in when the contractions are "painful" and consistent and to just "ignore" the tightening ones that aren't changing my cervix. Easier said than done.

Talk about a whirl wind day. I know we need Babygan to "cook" at least a few more weeks but this up and down and not knowing and having to coordinate the kids is really tough on me (and probably Jim, too, but he can speak for himself). I think back to when all that happened with Finn and while it was the hardest thing I've ever been through, the part that was "easier" is we didn't have any other kids and it all happened at the beginning so there wasn't this back and forth (or at least it happened at the hospital so it wasn't on me to figure it out at home). I guess there really is a silver lining in every situation!

Basically, they want me to take it easy, which they've been telling me to do for several weeks now anyway. Limit stress as much as possible and keep track of how I'm feeling and any changes. So, all that hullabaloo with nothing to show for it. The bright side? Babygan and I are healthy and doing well, physically at least! My dreams of a "normal" pregnancy are officially over, but then again, they were just dreams as I knew it most likely wouldn't be the case. Oh, well. We'll figure it out. What's next?

Baby bump in the road

I had my 32 week OB check yesterday. First and foremost, my cervix has remained consistent for two weeks now, which is great news! And baby is sitting really high, which puts less pressure on my cervix, which is also great news. However, when the doctor measured my belly, it was showing significant grow in the last week, which caused my doctor some concern. She decided to move my growth ultrasound up two weeks in order for me to have that done yesterday evening, which I did. More on that in a second.

While I was trying to schedule that and figure out what to do with the kids, the results of my FFN test came back as positive. A positive FFN means you have a 25% chance that you will deliver the baby in the next 2 weeks. It isn't the worse results to get only because there is a high false positive with this test (BUT I had a negative result with Korri and still went into preterm labor, so it is what it is). Anyway, considering my history and recent developments, she had me come in last night for the first of two steroid shots. These shots are given 24 hours apart and help the baby's lungs mature. I'll go back in tonight for my second. Jim was happy to hear the steroids were being given as he's been asking about it as a precautionary measure for several weeks. Contractions continue but are not regular, however, are getting more "noticeable" than they have been the last few weeks!

After my shot, we went in for my ultrasound. I am SO thankful that Stacey and Dillon were able to meet us at the hospital for the ultrasound. The tech was needed in the ER, which means we were over half an hour late getting into the appt; so having company was much appreciated. Also, since Dillon was there and he is so grown up and mature at the ripe old age of 10, he "babysat" Finn in the lobby while Stacey, Korri and I went in for the ultrasound. That was a huge help, as Korri had enough questions on her own! I think she thought it was cool, even if she probably didn't really understand what she saw on the screen.

Basically, the doctor thought I was measuring 4.5 weeks big at my OB check, but based on the ultrasound, it is closer to 2.5 weeks, which is a big difference. Still, it makes sense that I'm measuring so large because my fluid levels is measuring at the 90% and baby is 86%! Big baby with lots of extra fluid makes for mommy having a big tummy! My goal is to actually make real efforts to eat as close to the diabetic diet (high protein; high fiber) as I can so that my eating habits don't contribute to an even bigger baby, but there is no guarantee this change will affect much.

Mentally and emotionally, I'm doing okay. I was pretty flustered yesterday when the FFN results came in, especially since Jim was in Chicago, but I felt better after the ultrasound. Even though we are still early, we know we can handle whatever comes our way at this point (thanks, Finn!). I'm so thankful that we continue to hear that baby is healthy and has no health risks. The hardest part for me, especially over the last couple of weeks, is not knowing. If somebody could just tell me when I'll go into labor and what complications I may have...it would be so much easier. Duh! I guess every pregnant lady probably wishes that...most just don't have to start wishing that as early as I legitimately do. Anyway, here's hoping for at least 2 more weeks but ideally 4 - 5 more weeks before baby decides to arrive.

I have pictures from the ultrasound but can't figure out how to install the scanner's drivers on Jim's computer. I guess that will have to wait for another day...I don't need the added stress! Technology. Argh.

And because I like posts with a picture, mommy and Gangan snuggling this morning:

Bed update: we bought a new King bed last Monday and it will be delivered on Tuesday! I am beyond excited for it to get here as it will give us much more "snuggle" room in the mornings and allow me to put my poor swollen feet up more!

Getting there

I had an OB check today (31 weeks and 1 day) and things are okay. Let me back up to last week. I'd been feeling pretty good, so I wasn't expecting anything but a quick check with a "you're good to go" at my regular two week OB check last week. I had the fortunate experience of bringing both kids with me by myself (as Jim was traveling)...but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Anyway, when she checked me, she took longer than normal and finally said that I was at a 1. Hmmm...like my cervis length is 1cm or I'm dilated to a 1. The latter. Great...AND 25% effaced. I was completely caught off guard but we agreed that I would take it easy this week and come back in one week for a recheck to see if things had progressed at all.

This diagnosis isn't necessarily "bad" news, just what happens after is what matters. Well, I woke up Friday at 6:45 with consistent contractions about 15-20 minutes apart and finally called the doctor at 8:30. They weren't overly concerned and by 9:30 or so, they were further apart and seemed to be going away. I was a little disappointed with the response time by my doctor but I'd spoken with her nurse so I knew my doctor was aware of the situation. Basically, they went away and there was no reason for me to go in for monitoring.

All week I've had what I call consistently inconsistent contractions. Not overly painful but definitely noticeable. I was NOT expecting a good appointment today for my recheck. Jim was able to go with for this appt, which means the two rugrats got to come along again (they are getting to be professional helpers!). She checked me again and THANK GOD there has been no change...which is what we wanted to see. While she is aware that checking my cervix can actually cause contractions, the benefit of knowing my progress was more important, at least at this point in the pregnancy. So, basically status quo for now. I feel a lot better that there hasn't been any progress toward labor and feel like I can breathe a little bit (I didn't realize I'd been proverbially holding it all week!).

I'm schedule for my "regular" 2 week check next week, so I guess we'll see then! For now, it seems that baby is staying put. I'm still measuring 3 weeks bigger than I should be but it is staying consistent so she isn't overly concerned. We will know more about that at my 34 week ultrasound.

Clearly seeing?

This afternoon Korri had her 6 month eye check.  The last one we had was great so I wasn't expecting much different this time. That is when they always get you isn't it? When you are least prepared.

Anyway, Korri was a champ and did everything that was asked of her despite her distracting brother being in the room. This was not a dilation appt so basically they were just looking to see how her prescription was doing. That is fine.

However, her right eye has worsened since her last appointment, which means her brain is starting to favor her left eye again! Argh. For now, they didn't think it was necessary to start patching again but stressed how important it is that she wear her glasses every waking moment, which she is pretty good about doing. We will reassess in 6 months at which time they will do the full appointment including dilation. I really really hope it doesn't come to that but I guess it wouldn't be the end of the world and we will cross that bridge if/when we get to it.

Since we were in town (i.e. the Cities area) we had a play date with our friends Ms. Sharon, Laena, Braeland, Ms. Pam, Lilly, Levi, Ms. Mary Pat, and Bennie at a park near our eye clinic in SLP. It was beautiful weather and a great time was had by all. Hope we can do more of those this summer.

Baby Steps

On Saturday we participated in the fourth annual Baby Steps 3K walk. All proceeds from the walk benefited the neonatal program at Children's Mpls, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infant care center (ICC), special care nursery (SCN), and more. We were grateful to have Grandma Kathy, auntie Kristine and Zander join us. We couldn't have asked for better weather as it was in the upper 70's (maybe a little humid) but with an occasional breeze. And most importantly, the rain held off until we were on our way home from the event!

On Friday I got clearance from my doctor that I was cleared to walk with the stipulation that I didn't try to beat anyone! LOL. So on that note, we decided not to bring a stroller because Korri would probably go about the pace that I would need to set for myself. She struggled a bit with the heat and distance but with a group effort, she made it just fine...as did I. Although my fingers were super swollen by the time we finished. Oh, well.

After the walk, they host a party for the walkers including lunch, Radio Disney and lots of games, activities and bouncy houses. Jim and I decided it was best for me to just sit and watch but the kids had a lot of fun on the activities. I felt like this was the first year where they were big enough (or maybe brave enough?) to actually participate.

We've said it so much in the past and we will most likely say it many times in the future, but we are so thankful and appreciative of our family and friends who have and continue to support us. Thank you so much for each and every donation and for those that weren't able to donate but joined us in spirit...we are grateful. This year was a bit reflective for me since we are trying to make sure that Babygan doesn't need these services...yet it is so reassuring and a good reminder that they are available, if we do.

Here are a few pics from the wonderful event:

If you planned on donating and never got around to it, there is still time: Team Finnegan's website

Insurance? What insurance?

I'm sure you can all relate and I just need to vent. After spending 3 to 4 hours on the phone yesterday, Jim and I have realized that our insurance would rather we NOT get the preventative prenatal care that is considered necessary by the experts treating me and they would rather us deliver early and spend over $1 million like they did when Finn was born! I DON'T get it. We are being "penalized" because we are being proactive in our health care needs. In essence, they are punishing those of us who preemptively are trying to save them money in the long run. Don't get me wrong, my motive is to have a healthy baby NOT save them money but the actions I am taking WILL save them money.

I was on the phone with my old clinic and the insurance company for 2 hours (and got hung up on once) until I got to the point where my blood pressure was so high, I had to hand it over to Jim or risk going into labor (ironic, isn't?). Jim was then on the phone for another hour or more and basically, nothing was resolved. The kicker of the deal is that when you look up our benefits online, it says no co-payment is required after the initial OB doctor visit including prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care and any related complications. Black and white. But nothing is "black and white" when it comes to insurance. They are charging me a co-payment for EVERY VISIT I've had since starting ultrasounds and injections! I could spit fire. If I didn't worry about the well being of my unborn child, I would stop all "high risk care" and then let them figure out the expenses of care when baby is born. So ridiculous.

I guess "it is just money" but when money is tight and you only have one income (when you are used to two), it IS a big deal. Argh. If you can't tell, I HATE insurance companies. They are such a scam.

Breathe easier

Ha, a play on words! We are now 28 weeks and the reason we are so happy to get to this milestone? This is the point during pregnancy when the baby's lungs are able to absorb oxygen and the baby starts manufacturing surfactant, a substance that allows the lungs to expand and collapse. By no means does it mean things would be easy sailing from here if baby were to be born but it is HUGE for the infant mortality rate to get beyond this milestone. Hooray!

I had an OB check today. We talked about a lot of things but the good news is that my cervix appears to be in great shape...closed, somewhat firm and no external funneling. My OB is concerned about how big I'm getting so early and possibly the size of the baby. This is contradictory to what the perinatologist said two weeks ago (she had NO concerns), so I don't know how concerned I should be about it. Basically, she wants me to eat a diet high in protein and veggies so that we don't run into another issue where baby is TOO big! If I continue to get bigger (which I'm sure I will, duh!), she will probably schedule regular ultrasounds to monitor baby and also my uterus...there is only so much room in there! Sheesh...it is always something.

Waiting for results of the FFN test, but expecting it to be negative, which is good!

*UPDATE* FFN was negative! Should be "safe" for two more weeks!

SEVEN days!

Last night was the night...Finn has been dry and accident free at night for one full week...seven days! He is SO proud of himself, as are we.

It has taken just over 4 months but we finally made it. And the best thing is that he has started waking up and taking himself potty...which I think is a good sign that he is really starting to "get" it. We will see what the next few days/weeks brings but we are super happy and proud of our GanGan! The deal is that he gets to pick "anything" once he made it one week...and it sounds like he is picking Chuck E Cheese. Boo...mommy hates that place, but daddy and the kids will have fun!

On another Finn note, I posted of Facebook but wanted to share here too...Finn found a neighbor friend this past weekend, Max! Max is in kindergarten (so one year older than Finn) and lives three houses down.

I am SO happy to finally find a neighbor that my kids can play with. No little girl yet for Korri but she doesn't mind tagging along, for now. They rode bikes for two hours Saturday morning. Max's mom drew an obstacle course on the road with sidewalk chalk, complete with a gas station and tiring changing station! So creative and the boys loved it. I also love how quickly little kids, especially boys, make friends. They have a common interest, riding bikes, and that is all that matters. I may live to regret this as I've heard, "Is Max outside? Can I go play with Max? When will Max be outside?" about 100 times since Saturday morning, but for now, it is music to my ears! Happy summer days to come.

Happy Mother's Day

Overall, I had a great Mother's Day. I have to say, Jim sure knows how to do it right! He got up at 7am with the kids and kept them downstairs until 9am, at which time he brought up breakfast in bed for all of us. He made scrambled eggs, bacon, homemade jumbo blueberry muffins and fresh squeezed juice.

The kids gave me a necklace they made at preschool (which Finn promptly put on and wouldn't let me wear) and Jim got me a membership to a CSA! I was so surprised and beyond happy since Jim never really seemed to be into it before. If you don't know what a CSA is (I didn't either until all my trendy Minneapolis friends told me about it!), it stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, you buy into "shares" of a farm and in return you receive a weekly box of local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. I am like a kid at Christmas...I can't wait to get our first box (which I THINK will be the first week of June).

Side note: last week a member of the church came over to explain some things about St. Mary's and the congregation (I submitted our membership form a couple weeks ago)...so it was basically a "welcome" visit. He asked if I had any questions and one was about how the kids all left mass at the beginning and came back right before communion. What was this? Could any kids go? Was there an age limit" Etc. He basically made it sound like it was the church's form of Sunday School.

Back to yesterday after my wonderful breakfast and gifts, we all headed to church. When they called the kids to the front of the church, with little hope of them actually participating, I asked Finn and Korri if they wanted to go to "Church Class." Korri said yes right away and after some encouragement, Finn agreed as well. Jim and I were skeptical but hopeful. All the kids filed out and even though Finn was pushing Korri the whole time, they left and stayed the entire time! Jim and I got SO much more out of church with them gone. I really hope this is a trend to come. Honestly, I think them going to the class was my best Mother's Day gift possible!

When we got home, Jim made Eggs Benedict, even though he was partially lame after having broken his finger yesterday. Oh, yeah. We had to take a trip to the ER Saturday afternoon after Jim smashed his finger between a cement block and a rock.

It ended up being broken and was extremely painful (and continued to fill up with blood...gross!). Glad we went in, but there is so little they can do. Basically, he is in a splint for "several" weeks and is taking pain killer as needed. Hopefully the pain will start to dissipate soon. I've gotten really good at securing his splint.

So after lunch, Jim worked out in the garden for most of the afternoon and evening. He HAND TILLED it! That is crazy, especially considering I'm pretty sure nobody had actually planted something in there for several years (seemed to be overrun with strawberries and raspberries). The kids "helped" daddy and by bath time, they were all covered in dirt! A good spring day, I'd say. Now we just need to plant and wait for our harvest!

Enough about me. I want to thank our two wonderful mothers and wish them an extra special Mother's Day. We are so lucky to have your in our lives, and while you helped shape us into the adults we are today, we are especially grateful for the grandmothers' you are to our kids. And while DeAnn isn't either of our mothers, she is as close to a grandma to my kids as you can get. We appreciate you so much. I'd also like to thank all the women in our lives who are mothers, grandmothers and especially Kelsie, Becky and Renae...the godmothers to Finn and Korri. Our kids have so much love in their lives and it is mainly due to the influences of all of you wonderful women. I'd also like to thank all of their partners (and mine!) because let's face it...without our big boys caring and trying, Mother's Day would just be another day! Happy Mother's Day!

We make big babies

I had a growth scan ultrasound this morning at the MN Perinatologist office. This was a follow up to my level 2 ultrasound when they were a little concerned about my levels of amniotic fluids being high. A huge thank you to Stacey for sitting in as Jim's proxy, as Jim had travel that he couldn't change.

First and foremost...Babygan is doing great with no concerns! Fluid levels are still high (95%) but all the reasons of something wrong with baby that could be causing it were basically ruled out. Babygan has grown considerably since the level 2 and is now in the 75% (abdomen in the 80th...my kids have big bellies!)! Basically she said it is as simple as big babies make more fluid. She said there is nothing for me to do differently and is happy with the size of the baby. While I don't like the idea of going full term and birthing a "huge" baby out my hoo-ha...I do like the idea of baby being big, especially if we go a little early. So good news.

My cervix was 3cm long (NOT to be confused with dilated), which the perinatologist said was good. I still to have reservations about it continuing to thin, but I keep getting told not to worry. The tech said it was starting to funnel (she didn't use that term but I can't remember exactly what she said, maybe beaking) but only on the interior side and not to worry (there's that word again). They did not do a manual exam of the cervix.

Upon Jim's request, I asked if we have preterm labor, should we go to Buffalo Hospital, which is closest or go directly to Abbott, which is further but has higher level of care. She said to go to the closest hospital. It is most important for them to start whatever treatment as soon as possible and then transfer me than run the risk of "not making it" to the hospital if we went to Abbott. Yikes! Guess that answers that question. Maybe we won't need to worry about it and we'll have an August baby...

Babygan's face...there's that chin again!

Babygan was "talking to the hand" with hand in front of face (profile with hand at top of pic)!

As a testament to Jim and me making big babies, Finn was 1 lb 15 oz and they were expecting him to be around 1 lb 6 oz...HUGE difference when you are that small! And Korri was three weeks early and weighed 7.5 pounds. They estimated that her 40 week weight would have been 9 lbs! Ouch.

We made it!

Well, not to the end goal, of course, but we made it past yesterday...which was 25 weeks and 6 days and the day in my first pregnancy that Finn was born! I know there is nothing magical about that specific point in the pregnancy but just as it did with Korri, it feels so good to be past that milestone. So Finn will officially be the earliest of our children and now we know we can handle whatever may come! I'm glad that Finn will have the title of "earliest born" and not this little one!

Today I had my glucose test for gestational diabetes and OB check. I chose fruit punch for the sugar stuff you have to drink and I have to say...it was WAY better than the stuff I had to drink when pregnant with Korri. So to all you pregnant women or those having future babies...pick the fruit punch flavor! It gave me heartburn but I guess that isn't too out of the norm. I was a little worried that I might have it because my belly has been measuring a little bit (two weeks larger than it should today). And I just got the results back...no gestational diabetes! Yeah.

Since my biweekly ultrasounds are done (well, except for the one this Friday), my OB wants to see me every two weeks. Seems like a lot but probably necessary. She will do an FFN (Fetal Fibronectin) test at each appt. A negative with this test says that you are 99% likely NOT to go into labor over the next two weeks (barring any external factors like trauma or something). If you have a positive, it doesn't mean you will go into labor, as there are many things that can give a false positive but maybe more reason to proceed with caution (like we already aren't...LOL!). My FFN results for today...NEGATIVE! That is great news because I've been having a few symptoms lately (and my cervix was soft but thick, TMI I know) that were be a bit concerning so my doctor is really happy with the results. And more importantly, I shouldn't have the baby before 28 weeks! Why is that significant? That is when the lungs are developed enough for baby to breathe! Yay. Here's to two more uneventful weeks of pregnancy!

New doctor

On Friday, Finn and I went to his (second) well-child appointment. As you'll recall, after giving him three chances, I HATED the doctor we saw in Buffalo so the doctor at Finn's NICU Follow Up recommended going to Wayzata Children's Clinic in Delano instead. Well, I finally got around to making the new patient/well-child appointment, which was last Friday.

Now I realize it was only the first appointment but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new clinic and doctor! I looked through the doctors' bios before making the first appointment and picked Dr. Bies because it said she specialized in children with complex medical issues. Now I know Finn doesn't have complex medical issues any longer, but my hope was that she would better understand the journey we've had and know what we (okay, I) would need in the future in a healthcare provider.

I loved this place from the moment we walked in. They greeted Finn by name and engaged him the whole time. I'd pre-filled out the form (of course!) so we were going through them. It was so organized, professional and friendly. By the time we were done with forms, the nurse was waiting to take us back. We actually saw a resident first and he was awesome with Finn. I kind of wished he was staying at this clinic when he was done! But I really liked the doctor, too. I explained why we switched and she said she completely understood and hoped I would always feel comfortable to bring things up and expect an appropriate response from her or her team.

The facility is great and they have four other locations. They said that they have same day sick appointments in Delano but they offer tons of other hours and options at the other locations as well. Basically, we will be able to reach somebody or go in to see somebody almost any time, any day! Finn's feedback would be that they could use some toys in the exam rooms, but they had books and he managed to crawl around and keep himself occupied.

So, I think all of our kids will be going here. If Korri is healthy this year, she won't need to go back in until January but we'll establish baby at this clinic, too. I feel SO much better about our doctor situations (Finn's and mine) now that we are no longer going the clinic we were going to. Hard to have to do that, especially when you are new to an area, but glad we took the time to find better care for our family! Here's to a healthy year for our family...and wonderful care if we aren't!

Before his appointment, we had a mommy/Finn date at the coffee shop. He picked hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie which, of course, was bigger than his head. It was so much fun to have one-on-one time with him and he really enjoyed it too.

Yet another hurdle!

Today, we had Finn's eye doctor appointment. He has perfect eye sight and NO residual effects of his early birth and the ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) he had early on in his life. He has 20/25 vision in each eye, which is slightly far sided. But the doctor said that almost all kids with normal vision are far sided at this point in their lives. The best news yet? He doesn't have to be seen by a pediatric Ophthalmologist any more! His vision can be tracked and followed by normal channels, such as through school and his pediatrician!

Honestly, I know it doesn't seem like much, but it feels like an accomplishment to us. I know how lucky we ended up being considering the early start to Finn's life, so when things like this move to the part of his journey that is in the past, it feels so good! Finn truly is a miracle in every sense of the word. Now, if only his listening skills were as keen as his vision! LOL.

Katie's Caring Bridge

As some of you already know, Jim's best friend's wife, Katie Born, had a massive stroke on Friday. I thought this would be the most effective way for sharing her caring bridge website for those who are interested: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katieborn

She is doing well, all things considered and should be moving to a rehab center today!

Also if you are so inclined, there has been a meal plan set up that I know the family would greatly appreciate if you could help: http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=OVFL2087

A care/help schedule will be set up in the future, so be on the look out for that!

A love story

May 16, 2009 Finn and Granny meet for the first time.

March 19, 2011 Korri and Granny meet for the first time.

Written with love by Stacy Thomas...

Hi, my name is Stacy and I am Jim's wife. For those of you who don't know, Jim is Ron's son, who is Gram's son, so is Granny's daughter. So Granny is Jim's great grandma. Today is truly a celebration of an amazing life and I'm going to try to hold it together. But let's face it, I'm pregnant and the chances of that happening are pretty slim...but I'll try. Today I'm here to share with you a love story.

Jim and I have two children, Finnegan who is 5 and Korrigan who is 3 and they are Granny's great-great grandchildren, even though she often told people they were her grandchildren! And you heard me correctly...she was their great-great grandma.

The first love affair began on May 16, 2009 when Granny laid eyes on Finnegan for the first time in Ron's dining room. After Finn's birth, it was a long, difficult journey to arrange their meeting (a journey Granny understood all too well since she was a preemie too), but we managed and it was beautiful. One hundred years his senior, she couldn't get enough of him. With the help of a picture of Gram, we were able to take a picture of FIVE generations...simply unheard of and such a miracle (for both Granny and Finn!). From that day forward, she told anybody who would listen about Finnegan, even if she thought his name was a little funny.

The second love affair began on March 19, 2011, the day Granny met Korri. Now, Granny always adored Finn and talked about him as often as she could, but there was something special between Granny and Korri. They are kindred spirits with spunk and sass to spare. But Korri has a nurturing soul that latched on to Granny immediately. Korri always stood right next to her, hugged her as many times as she could and often climbed up on her lap so Granny could see better whatever it was Korri was showing her. Even though Granny has gone to heaven, I feel strongly that her spirit lives on in many people but especially in Korri.

My kids spend a lot of time in Ortonville during the summers and every single day, they would walk up to "Granny's house" for a visit. I think they thought it was actually granny's house and other people just lived with her. The favorite part was that Finn was allowed to ride his bike through the halls with the caveat that he didn't run into anybody or anything, of course. Everybody there loved seeing him zooming around and he was so happy and excited to be able to go there. I think that is how you can tell how special their relationship with Granny was...because they never dreaded going there nor thought it was weird to be around so many "old" people nor put up a fight to visit. They often asked (or demanded) to go and went happily every single time.

The love between them and Granny was mutual and total. Even to the very last visit two weeks ago. Granny could barely sit up and my kids just got closer then, so she could hear or see what they were doing or showing her. No big deal. When it was time to go, Korri snuggled right in and gave Granny the biggest hug and said, "I hope you feel better soon, Granny." Even though we'd told them that Granny would be going to heaven soon, Korri still had hope that she would get better so they could have more visits.

So, yes, like so many others here today, I'm sad. I'm sad for what we've lost. I'm sad for the great love my kids have lost. I'm sad for the visits we won't get to have any more. I'm sad for all the cooking secrets that Granny took with her. Although this past weekend she did share with Jim the secret to her skinny pancakes...which apparently is using milk right from the cow that you milked yourself. Of course! But I'm also happy. Happy for all the memories, wonderful times and love shared between Granny and so many. But most importantly, I'm happy because Granny's soul is free from earthly constraints and she is enjoying herself in heaven with all those she has missed so dearly. So while this love story may have come to a conclusion in person, I have a feeling it will continue forever through pictures and memories and with Granny, herself watching over her two little "grandkids" that she loved so dearly. Thank you, Granny, for all you've given to and shared with us. You will live forever in our stories, memories, prayers and hearts.

Stronger than a rock

In Loving Memory

Della Marie Knippen
October 11, 1908 - April 14, 2014

Written with love by James Thomas:

Granny was stronger than a rock…

Heaven is a beautiful place. Everyone’s clothes are glowing white with gold trim and everyone is happy. This is how Granny described heaven to me about 20 years ago. She talked of seeing angels and how beautiful they were. She had seen it all and spoke with such realism and authority that one could not doubt the truth of what she saw. She spoke in terms that made it unquestionable that this is exactly how it is.

When we moved across town in 1989, one of the things we were happiest about is how close we’d be to Granny. We would walk there, ride our bikes there and later drive our cars there. After I got my driver’s license, I had to be very careful driving over and where I parked as she did live next to a cop after all. Additionally I always minded my Ps and Qs because she also live next to my 1st grade teacher! In hindsight, if I had asked her opinion about where to park she probably would have said that walking isn't crowded.

We would go visit Granny and she always made us feel important. She loved watching her soap operas but when John and and I went to visit she would turn them off and pay attention to US. I remember during one period of time we thought she was forgetting things (perhaps a mid life crisis at 80) so we figured we could get two visits for the price of one. When we’d visit, Granny always gave us snacks and attention - so we’d visit once and get our snacks and then visit again later that day because she forgot; well she didn't forget she just cared that much and we got more snacks and attention.

Granny always had hidden behind her chair in the living room games that we could play - one was like a wooden pin-ball game; I loved that game. We’d take it out and play it nearly every time we visited - she was always curious as to how well we did. I dream about Granny’s house all the time. Sometimes in my dreams her basement is a haunted house; sometimes I don’t know what’s in the freezer or other times it is always spring and she’s sitting on the back steps watching the garden and yard that she’s tended too.

When John and I would visit during the spring and summer, we would pick flowers for Granny. Tulips, lilacs, whatever was around. She always appreciated it so much and they’d go right into a vase with water. Even if they weren't very pretty.

Granny loved my wife. Gram loved my wife and would have been very happy that I married her. Granny always remembered Stacy and would light up when she knew Stacy was there.

I always wanted Granny’s green car. It was old and cool and I didn't know how it fit into the garage. I still don’t think a car can fit in that garage. Sometimes people would think that the car was driving itself as she guided it down the street while watching the road between the steering wheel and the top of the dash.

Granny wasn't perfect - she cheated at cards. I have to say that I don’t remember any specific cases when I caught her cheating so at least she must have been good at it. Or maybe she was so good at cards that people said she was cheating because they couldn't beat her and she wasn't cheating. Some of my happiest memories were playing royal rummy; we played at Gram’s house which is what I remember most but sometimes at Granny’s too. We’d also play Trivial Pursuit which she didn't like. I know we’d always try to get her to play and she didn't want to but sometimes her answers were funny and sometimes I’d wonder how she knew something that she got right.

Granny always had these toast like crackers that she spread with butter. I dream about those things. To this day I don’t know what they are. They might have just been normal crackers but I always thought they were special and wish I could remember what they were. Granny loved green onions. I don’t know why that’s important but maybe it’s just important because I remember it. Some people say that things are as ridiculous as government cheese; well Granny got some of that cheese and I always enjoyed having it. I think in retrospect that is more of a commentary on the quality of the time spent with her than the quality of the cheese.

When we would go visit Granny at her house, it was usually locked if she wasn't sitting in her porch. But of course the key was simply hidden right by the door and we knew where it was and would let ourselves in. If she wasn't right there we’d eat as much candy as was in her candy dish until she realized she had company.

Her bathroom had a particular and peculiar smell. I think it was probably decorative soap. I think it was probably a horrible smell but to this day I miss that smell because of the memories I associate with it. I don’t know what was always in Granny’s spare bedroom but I know there wasn't room to sleep and it was full. I think it was coupons.

One summer day around the 4th of July Granny was sitting in one of those old rickety lawn chairs on the dock at my parents cabin. She fell off the dock and hit her head on the big rock leaving a small rock size welt on the side of her forehead. Of course she was fine and didn't want anyone to fuss over her - not even DeAnn who indeed did try to fuss over her.

Like the way that she lived her life and loved her family Granny was then and always has been stronger than a rock.

Pointy chin!

Things continue to go well...but I guess that is always the case until they don't! Ha. I had an ultrasound this morning and it went GREAT! Baby posed for lots of cute pictures (something my children must learn really early!). Amniotic fluid level was normal (yay). And most importantly and what I was most nervous for...my cervix remains at 3.5cm...which is unchanged from two weeks ago. This is the first time it hasn't thinned between ultrasounds, so that makes me really happy and relieved. I have my glucose test and routine OB check up in two weeks. We'll see how that goes but I feel much better about things after today's appt.

On Saturday I will be 24 weeks and 3 days. Anybody remember why that day is significant? That is when my water broke with Finn. There is nothing "magical" about that date but it is a milestone I was so happy to get passed with Korri. I'll breath a little easier after then (especially since we'll be in Oville that day...yikes!). The next milestone after that on our radar is 25 weeks and 6 days which is when...I delivered Finn. I just can't even comprehend that all really happened. Crazy. Here's to lots more weeks of a healthy, non-preterm labor pregnancy!

Oh and we decided not to do home care for my weekly progesterone shots. While it would have been very convenient, it would have cost us $700 (the remainder of our deductible) AND $35/week for each visit! Um, let me think...there is NO out of pocket cost to just go in to the office vs $700 (deductible) + $420 (week shot x how many weeks I have left). No brainer, even though I REALLY would have preferred to have a nurse come to my house. Oh, well.

Here are some pics from the ultrasound this morning. As you can tell from the first one, this child has the same pointy/prominent chin that my other kids do! Too funny that you can tell that already. Also, the 3D one was done by HAND by the tech. Amazing. Even though baby is super cute and I can't wait to cuddle, I keep reminding baby to stay put for now!

Easter Eggs

Grandma and Zander came over to visit yesterday, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to color Easter eggs! They only dyed three each but had fun seeing how dark each color would make the eggs. We had jumbo eggs so the little wrappers that come with them didn't really fit. Oh, well. Note to self to get smaller eggs for next year. After they dried, Grandma and Korri couldn't let the stickers go unused and amply applied on Korri's eggs (maybe some of Zanders, too?). Anyway, it was a fun way to spend a very cold afternoon and it was fun to share with Grandma and Zander, too!

Happy Easter to all of you. We hope yours is filled with family fun and safe travels.

Twenty-two weeks and counting

Things are going well so far with this pregnancy (22 weeks as of Wed). As I did when pregnant with Korri, I get more nervous as we near the 24 week mark, which is when my water broke with Finn. I had an ultrasound yesterday and while my cervix length continues to shorten (from 5.5cm to 3.5cm yesterday), my OB is not overly concerned, as it is over 2.5 cm, which is the point where they get concerned. She reiterated to take it "as easy as possible" to try to get it to stabilize. With two small children, I'm not even sure what that means! LOL. They also measured my amniotic fluid, which was over the "normal" levels two weeks ago. She wasn't able to see all four quadrants but the fluid volume was estimated at 22 cm (under 25 cm is "normal") but they still categorize it as "high normal." Of course. So we continue to watch that as well.

Stacey came with me to my appointment yesterday and Kelsie was working in Buffalo, so she came over, too. It was fun to show them the baby and the baby was acting very "cute" for them. The baby was sucking on fingers/thumb (of COURSE we will have another thumb sucker!) and doing pouty lips!

So funny. It was my first ultrasound at my new OB office, which is done at the hospital. It was a very good experience and reinforced how good of a decision it was to switch. We are in the process of setting up home care to administer my progesterone shots, so hopefully that will be in place by next week before my next shot is due. Poor Stacey...she saw the HUGE needle they use. I think she might have thought I was exaggerating about how big the needle was and how painful the shot is. Now she knows! LOL. I scheduled a tour of the Buffalo Hospital Birth Center for early May. Now I'm just praying that we still need the tour by then (i.e. haven't had preterm labor or delivery yet!).

Hair Revision

Last night we headed to auntie NaeNae's house to see if she could "fix" Korri's hair. As the evening went on, we realized far more hair had been cut than we/I initially thought. I thought it was a few pieces in the front and top...but there are actual BALD spots in the back. Which got Renae thinking...how could Korri have cut those spots? Dectective NaeNae was on the job...and Korri said something like, "Next time I won't let him." Excuse me? Come again?

So I asked Finn if he cut Korri's hair and since he has been on a lying kick lately, I said he had to tell me what his heart and Jesus would tell me if I could ask them. And he looked at me and said, "I cut Korri's hair." Just like that. Then he said that Korri cut it too. Holy sh!t! Renae told him to go hang out with uncle Craig, since she knew I had to process this new information. I called Jim and he calmly and wisely pointed out that if I punished Finn now, he would view it as punishment for telling the trust NOT because of his original actions. So true. So I had a private conversation with Finn and told him how wrong it was what he did and told him the consequences that would happen if it EVER happened again and that is could NEVER happen again. The kicker of the deal? I made Korri go right to bed Monday night and let Finn stay up late watching a movie with me...when HE was just as guilty, if not more guilty, than she was! Argh.

I don't know if I was more upset about the fact that it was far more hair than I thought it was or the fact that Finn assisted in the cut. Their actions as of late just don't jive with what I know and expect of my kids. They just aren't naughty kids, but I feel like they (especially Korri) have been so naughty lately. I feel like I can't let them play by themselves if they aren't in my sight. It is very frustrating.

Anyway, Renae was able to shape Korri's hair, trick it to fall in certain directions and hide the bald spots as best as possible. It is short in the back but still has a little length in the front. She said on average, hair grows half an inch a month, so I'm thinking in 3 months, it will be growing back in and in 6 months, we probably won't even remember what it looks like today (not that is looks bad, Renae did an amazing job with what she had to work with!!). Oh and she has bangs. Of course. The ONE thing I didn't want. I think God is smiling at me, reminding me of what is really important in life (and it isn't HAIR!) and of who is really in control (and it isn't ME!).

Kind of hard to tell the end result since I didn't take a pic last night but here you go:

16 degrees Celsius

We want to wish a very special and happy birthday to Mom/Lynn/Memere/(Mrs. Thomas!)! She turns 60 today (or 16 in Celsius!). We are so lucky to have such a great woman in our lives who does so much for us. We are so grateful and saying thank you never seems to be enough. We hope you have a fabulous day today and can't wait to spend the weekend with you for your Fabulous 60 Birthday Celebration!! We love you!!!

High School Graduation Picture (thanks, Ron!)

Helping Korri put her princess crown on for her 3rd birthday party

It is just hair...

It is just hair...It is just hair...It is just hair...It will grow back...It will grow back...It will grow back...

Or so I've been telling myself for the last 26 hours! Korri cut her hair last night and I mean CUT her hair. Right in the front and top.

The above pic was from this morning. She had gotten into some foot powder at the same time she cut her hair, so all I saw was her covered from head to toe in powder and marched both kids straight into the shower. At which time I noticed a large chunk of hair at the back of Korri's hair. I thought she had found a hair clump in the shower (gross and there NEVER is any). Until I noticed another and realized what had happened. She went to bed immediately after the shower with wet hair so I didn't know the full extend of the damage until this morning.

Let's just say that it was not my finest moment as a parent. It also really made me appreciate having Jim here when these things happen...because he wasn't and all I wanted was for him to step in and calm me down. His response to the above picture made me laugh out loud (this morning, nothing would have made me laugh last night), "Well, that looks awful." I'm sure I completely overreacted but I was so sad, angry and disappointed. When I put her in bed, I made sure to tell her that I loved her but I didn't like what she had done (I didn't want her going to bed thinking I hated her). She wet the bed TWICE last night, so she clearly was upset as well.

What I should mentioned is that earlier in the day, Korri and I had played "hair cut" while she was brushing my hair where she was Auntie NaeNae. I guess the FIFTEEN times I told her that she can't actually cut hair and only Auntie NaeNae does didn't sink in.

So, I've been in (pretty much constant) contact with Renae and she has agreed to try to blend in the "layered" pieces tomorrow on her day off. Oh, and I also told Korri that if she did it again, I would shave her head like Finn's hair. Like I said, not my proudest moment. Reason #252 that girls are harder than boys...you can just shave a boys hair if they cut it or gum gets stuck in it.

Silver lining? It was AFTER her first hair cut or I might not have survived since we waited THREE years to do that. So basically, she didn't have a hair cut for 38 months and now in the course of two weeks, she will have three hair cuts! Argh. Trying to keep perspective, it could have been far worse or she could have hurt herself with the scissors (however, she used SAFETY SCISSORS?!?! Apparently they can cut hair...consider this my public service announcement parents! You're welcome.).

Third times a charm?

Since Jim shared our news on Facebook last week, I thought I should make it official here as well. We will be a party of five starting this August! Yes, Baby #3 is on the way and we are (technically) halfway through the pregnancy. So far, things have been going really well. Things might start getting a little interesting in a few weeks, but for now, all is well.

We had our level 2 ultrasound last Thursday. It was at Abbott and they had a pediatric cardiologist come in to read it while we were still there...and everything looked perfect with the heart! So happy. There could still be some small issues they can detect after birth but those issues are "easily" corrected. My cervix continues to be plenty long, but continues to thin (about half a centimeter every two weeks). This concerns me a bit, but doesn't seem to concern anybody who knows what they are doing! The one thing that came up was that I have more amniotic fluid than I should (which makes me feel better since I got HUGE way earlier than with either of my other pregnancies...some of that is to be expected, but this is ridiculous!). This could be caused by problems with baby's stomach function (everything looked fine on the ultrasound), problems with the kidney function (again, everything looked fine) or gestational diabetes, but baby measured exactly the right size and would measure large if that was the case. So for now, they want to continue to measure the fluid levels. I have ultrasounds every other week to monitor my cervix and then in six weeks we will do a growth scan. They basically just wanted me to be aware because obviously if you have too much fluid, it can cause your uterus to become tight, which can lead to contractions which is a huge risk for me (well, anybody but especially with history of preterm labor and delivery). I think it sounds worse than it really is. As with most things, we just wait and see.

Much to Jim's frustration, "we" have chosen NOT to find out the gender this time. We did with Finn and Korri and I didn't think it was necessary this time since we already have boy and girl stuff! Although, based on the first picture (below) that we got of him at the ultrasound, I think baby is just like daddy...baby was giving us the one finger salute! LOL. We have several other pics but this one is scanned in, but not the best one to SEE the baby.

Just like in my pregnancy with Korri, we are looking to switch OBs halfway through the pregnancy. I'm so frustrated that it is necessary but we just weren't receiving the level of care that my kind of pregnancy requires. So, I have an appointment with a new doctor on Thursday later this week. It is at the one other clinic in Buffalo but we are optimistic based on our phone conversation with them last week. This is the ONE reason I wish we were still in Minneapolis...we were 15 minutes from Abbott and my OB's office was amazing (AND was across the street from Abbott!). Oh, well. We will figure this out and God will help us with what we can't!

Nighttime potty update: Korri's record remains at 11 nights. She is still dry most nights and then will be wet one but she is doing great. Finn just reached FIVE nights in a row last night, which is his new record! His reward was new Dusty Crophopper sheets (shhhh...don't tell him that I'd already bought them because he needed a second set anyway!).

Korri's First Hair Cut

I was both dreading Korri's first hair cut and also couldn't wait for it to get here as soon as possible. Her hair was just impossible to brush and she didn't like it to be brushed, which would just spiral into more tangles and more tears. So, we set a date for after auntie's wedding so Korri could have curls for the wedding. I teared up twice when talking about getting her hair cut before the the big day, but surprised myself with only feeling emotional as we walked into the salon and no tears DURING! Korri was amazing. She just sat there and didn't move a muscle. We checked before cutting to see if it was long enough to donate to Lock of Love (because we knew it was close) and it was! How exciting to be able to donate 100% virgin hair! Here are some before pics:

 

And after:

  

I don't think I'm alone when I say how much I love it! It is a drastic difference but Korri really seems to like it and I know it will be so much easier to take care of. However, this morning when I told her it was time to brush her hair, she was confused, "Mommy, it is short, I don't need to brush it!" Not exactly, sweetie pie! I will miss spending time with her when I'd braid it or do fancy things, but honestly, those times were usually met with resistance and arguing. When Korri is old enough to brush it herself, I will be the first one to tell her to grow it out, if she so chooses. And I have to admit, the shorter do kind of matches her spunky personality a little better, anyway!! For now at least. It is just hair...it grows :)

Visit Our Video webpage (link on the right) to see the video (it won't upload on here right now for some reason..argh!). It is at the bottom of the page.

Update on night time potty training, of course. Korri slept in unders last night for the first time and...was dry! I took her potty around 1:30 because she woke up. Dare I hope she caught on this quickly? Probably not, but I hope so. I'll stop counting at some point, but this is night ELEVEN of her being dry in a row! Finn is pretty good with short streaks of being dry and then having one wet night. I think he is getting better and does better when we remember to take him potty (sometimes  we need to twice!). I'll wait patiently, especially since he isn't in pull-ups, the bedpads work so well AND he takes care of it himself when he does wet (meaning changes his pad and pj's and goes back to bed!).

Oh and Happy St. Patrick's Day! I tried to put green cream cheese on the kids' bagels this morning...they were having none of it. Not very good at representing their heritage or names! Oh, well. They did both wear St. Patty shirts at least!

Korri's 3 year pics!

Korri's 3 year picture preview is done! If you'd like to take a peek (because, let's face it...she is adorable and Jess, as always, did an amazing job!), please go to:

www.jessicahislop.com/korri
password: korri3yr

Korri is so expressive and spunky and Jess captured both of those characteristics perfectly. I have no idea how I'm going to pick the one that goes on our wall. What is your favorite? I also love the ones of all four of us...not sure how she got one, let alone multiple, with all of us looking and smiling. Finn was a bit wound up!

Let me know if you are interested in ordering any! And as always, if you find yourself in need of an amazing photographer, don't hesitate to contact Jessica!

Potty Time

Update on potty training...Korri has now been dry EIGHT nights in a row! Our deal was when you are dry seven nights in a row, you get to pick anything you want (think along the lines of hotel stay, Chuck E Cheese, Children's Museum, etc.). And you know what she picked? Ice-cream, specially an ice-cream cone. I can handle that. She called daddy yesterday morning to tell him the big news and asked if he could come with to get ice-cream. So hopefully we can do that this weekend some time. I'm so proud of her, but I guess not overly surprised. I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of the details, but she did the same thing when she potty trained...kind of did it herself! Girls!

Finn is having a hard time because the day Korri hit day six, Finn was wet and had to start over. It is hard for him and I think it is just harder for boys in general. For a while, Finn wouldn't go potty when we woke him up and would become violent. But now (maybe because of this quasi-competition between the two), both kids go potty when I take them between 10:30 and 11pm, which I think helps a ton with not wetting.

And on a different note (and because I don't like a post without a picture), I finally pulled out the blender yesterday afternoon and whipped up some 'moot 'mooies (fruit smoothies, for those of you who don't speak Baby Finn)! They loved them (as did I). I need to make them more often. Apparently, it is better to stand up while having them!

Our NICU Graduate

Today, Jim, Finn and I headed to Children's Mpls for Finn's NICU Follow Up Clinic appointment. I didn't think he needed to go this year but when I heard others we know that are his age were scheduled, I called and they wanted to see him. Okay. Anyway, this was Jim's first time being able to come to one of these and I'm so glad he did. Also, a huge thank you to Pam for watching Korri since I thought Korri would be a bit of a distraction for Finn if she were there.

Anyway, this appointment is both a development assessment as well as a complete physical. I don't want to come across as bragging about Finn but the honest truth is that Finn fully and accurately completed every single assessment that was presented or requested of him...with the small exception that when he was supposed to replicate a "T" with blocks, he did two across instead of three. Gee. He has officially graduated from the NICU Follow Up Clinic! The OT administering the questions (and all the ladies/nurses there) LOVED him. Of course, Finn couldn't just answer the questions...he often had to elaborate or add a story to it and kept cracking Jim and I up. At one point, I was laughing so hard, I honestly couldn't breath (I think it was when Finn drew a picture of daddy, included nipples and felt he had to explain what they were!). It was so much fun to be there and experience Finn's personality coming out like that. Oh, BTW, Finn is on a kick where he thinks he is super funny (and wants everybody else to think he is too!).

We talked about a lot of different things including finding a new pediatrician for Finn. Thankfully, they gave us several recommendations, so I can't wait to establish a relationship with one of them. And since our lame ped didn't make sure Finn had his immunizations for Kindergarten, we looked at what he is missing and I'll need to schedule an appt to get those shots (he is "only" missing two, thankfully).

I asked about filling out Finn's Kindergarten health form and she said there is no need to mention that he was a preemie! She said that he doesn't have a single indicator left from being a preemie! This momma could not have received better news EVER. Praise God in so many ways. If Finn's story and journey doesn't show the miracles that are possible through and because of prayer, I don't think anything does. It is worth mentioning that he is 50 percentile for weight and 10th for height (I thought his height percentile had improved a little more than it did), but that is nothing new for us.

I'm sure I forgot a ton of details. We talked to the doctor a little about Finn's potty training at night and he was SO helpful (apparently there are two kinds/ways of bed wetting...and different ways to help with each). Update on that: Finn no longer wears Pull-Ups and is dry about 40% of the nights (would you agree Jim?!?!) with four consecutive night being his longest streak. Not to be out done, Finn's little sister can't be left out (she still wears Pull-Ups because I only have enough training mats for one at a time!) and without us pushing her at all, Korri has been dry FIVE nights in a row and she got herself up twice last night to go potty! So, she might be night-trained first, but I think that will just give Finn more motivation.

Class of 2027?!?!

Yes, that is what the principal at (what will be) Finn's school told us tonight at Kindergarten Registration. Finn will graduate in 2027! Crazy. Crazy that we will have a kindergartner as of September of this year! Where has the time gone? Seriously?!?!

Finn is SO ready. I only wish mommy were as ready. I know he will be fine. I know he will make friends. I know he will do well academically and socially. I know his teacher will love him. I know he will behave and listen when necessary. I know he will raise his hand and stay in line...most of the time :) I just want him to be my baby forever and not share him with the world.

So tonight was Finn's kindergarten registration. A huge thank you to Stacey for watching Korri kind of last minute since I didn't even think about them not wanting siblings to attend, but duh! What I gathered is that registration is more for the parents than for the children, although the kids were split into two classrooms and got to know some of the teachers and other kids, which was nice. We sat through an hour long presentation about what kindergarten is. Man, from the sound of it, they learn a LOT in kindergarten. I remember painting and napping and recess! I'm sure I forgot a lot of the rest but things have changed a LOT in the, um, few years since I was five. They don't have a final count yet but the principal said she is expecting there to be three kindergarten classes (two in Waverly and one in Winsted, I assume) with a goal of 17 kids per class. That would be great! I went to a smaller school and we always had 28 kids in a class (give or take one or two), which looking back, seems like a lot. All kindergartners are eligible for busing (when older, you have to live more than a mile from the school...and we live 1.1 miles!) but they don't know what the before and after school program will look like because they didn't have very high participation. Um, what do people do with their kids? Don't they work "normal" hours? I hope they have a program or we will have to get creative!

Our new idiot pediatrician, whom we will no longer be going to, said that Finn was up to date with all shots until he was 12 or something. I asked the principal as we were leaving about immunizations and she said there are several that kindergartners needs. ARGH! Thankfully, we are going to Finn's NICU Follow Up Clinic appointment at Children's tomorrow afternoon, so I can ask there.

Overall the evening went well. I only teared up twice, I think, which is better than I was thinking I'd do. (God, please help me be strong on the actual first day of school) Oh, and the parents received a packet (SEVENTEEN pages long!) with forms to return and informational sheets. I asked Finn why I had homework for Kindergarten and he didn't! He thought that was funny. Onward and upward. Here's to the beginning of Finn's (and our) next new journey...

Oh, and Korri had her three year pictures on Sunday. This was the first time that I kind of let Jess just take her on their own and do the pictures without me micromanaging the whole process and forcing Korri to do things a certain way. Because I wasn't there to see what pictures Jess was taking, I'm dying even more than normal to see them! She promised some previews soon. I can't wait! I was so proud of how well Korri listened and did everything Jess asked of her right away. We took a family picture since we were dressed up from Camille's baptism and Finn smiled great, but wouldn't look at the camera! Argh. Just glad it wasn't HIS photo shoot! LOL. I'll post the link when I get it :)