THANKFUL- DAY 30

Wow, thirty days of blogging for me! That might just be a record. I have actually grown attached to my new journey. We will see how long I can keep it up. No promises made.

Now, I am winding down my 30 days of thankfulness. When I started this journey I never imagined I would be where I am today. I was home on bed rest and trying to look for ways to be happy about it. I was wavering on depression, and thought that finding the positives in bed rest would help. Never did I imagine I would have a two week old by the time I wrapped up this post.

Today marks the end of my 30 days. I I feel that I accomplished something big in this process and I can only hope I will continue to live through what I have already started. I have found it is something that helps my sanity and keeps me positive about our current situation.

My last bit of thankfulness is for my faith. I do believe they without my faith I wouldn't have the attitude that I have been blessed with. Now, I still cry at times and want to have a three year old meltdown, but I have to realize that it's not solving my problems. Believing that God had been kind to me and has blessed me with challenges in life only makes me stronger. I will never no why my life goes the directions it goes, but through my faith I can believe it had a purpose.

Everyday I put my faith first and know that my family is in great hands. God brought me a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters that will forever keep me on my toes. God has provided me a life that is truly amazing and at times hard, However, it is him who I believe knows my destiny.

Today, I am blessed. I know that tomorrow I will be just as blessed if not more.

THANKFUL- DAY 29

Today I am thankful for a first. Mary tried her first bottle today. Now, it wasn't like a normal bottle. This bottle was only 10 ml. However, for just doing 10, she did great. She only had to be reminded twice to breath.

I'm so proud of my little over achiever. Now, I can only hope she's closer to coming home. I go back to work January 14 which is her due date. Praying I get some full time with her!

Again, it's all been a crazy, but wonderful journey. I'm very blessed to be thankful for so much!

THANKFUL- DAY 28

Today I am thankful for an organization that has been a huge part if my life. I'm thankful for my sorority that I joined in the Fall of 1996. Zeta Tau Alpha has been an organization that gave me some of my best friends.

In college I was introduced to an instant group of girls that mean the world to me. When you pledge an organization like Zeta, you are told from the beginning how you have made friends for a lifetime. As a freshman you don't understand that meaning, but as college goes on you begin to understand.

Through this journey with Mary I have had the support of so many of my pledge sisters and other sisters who have fought this battle as well. Just hearing their stories has made this journey easy. I'm blessed to have the encouragement and understanding of so many. I'm also blessed for just the support of my sisters. The many inbox messages and post mean the world to me.

Thankful doesn't do enough when you say Zeta is for life!

ZLAM!

THANKFUL- DAY 27

This is a short one today. I'm thankful for lunch dates with my husband! Yesterday we went and ate Sushi! It was the best Sushi I had in a long time. I know it's minor, but it was nice just to have us time!

I love my husband, and I love our lunch dates!!

THANKFUL- DAY 26

Today I am thankful for my work family. This picture is a small portion of the many friends I have made over the years of working at Shawnee Trail!

Shawnee Trail has provided me with so many friends that have been such a strong support system! I wish I could name everyone, but my cup runs over with so many!

I know the next few weeks will go by fast, and I'll have to return to work. We don't know Mary's time frame, so I'll have to be prepared for anything. I know that my return to work will be supported by all my friends. They will be the system that will get me through each day!

Again, it's amazing how wonderful my school family is. I do miss my daily chats, and can't wait to make my daily rounds!!

THANKFUL- DAY 25

Today is my mom's birthday. I'm very thankful for her. She has been a huge help the past few months. I'm very blessed for all she does and the love she shares with our family.

Happy birthday mom!

THANKFUL- DAY 24

Today I'm thankful for the healthy little fighter I have. Mary is 3 pounds 5 ounces today! Back to birth weight! She is taking over an ounce of milk at each feed. Today they had to stretch it over an hour to get her to digest it better. She has little episodes called Brady's. These are little things where she has to be reminded to breath. She's dealing with a little acid reflux, but overall is doing great! I'm so proud of her!

I also got to go to a birthday party with Maggie today. We had a a great time shopping and hanging out together!

What a great day had by all!!

THANKFUL- DAY 23

Today I am thankful for medicine. Well, we will see. It hasn't started working yet, so cross your fingers that it does. My body is revolting and I itch like crazy.

It is all worth it for my sweet baby who is here safely! Love both my little girls!

THANKFUL-DAY 22

Today I am thankful for the gift of time. God has blessed me with two precious little girls that I now get to share my time with.

On Tuesday I took the day to go to the mall and have a playdate with Maggie. We ha so much fun. With me being in bed rest the past 6 weeks and a week on the hospital, Maggie was really feeling my absence. She has told everyone how mommy is home. I know it's been a hard time in her, so I'm doing what I can to be with her.

With Mary now here and spending time in the NICU, we are really having to figure out our time. While we want to spend every minute with her, that is not a possibility. It's not good for her, for Maggie or for us. It's a balance we are adjusting too.

In the NICU they encourage you to come and hold your baby twice a day for 3 hours each. While you think that is easy, it's harder to accomplish. Then as a parent you feel guilty for thinking you can't give 3 hours. However, you have to let go and do what you can.

We have worked out a little schedule with me being off work. I go in the mornings and spend my time with Mary. In the evenings Jack gets his time in, and I stay home with Maggie. We get the best of both worlds. You can tell both girls need our time.

Again, on the Thanksgiving day I am so fortunate for my gift of time. I got to snuggle with both girls this morning. I got my Maggie time in before I came to snuggle with Mary.

It's so hard to let time take over. However, it's a gift that I have to value and respect.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May today you be given the gift of time to spend with your loved ones.

THANKFUL- DAY 21

Today I am thankful for the gift of life. My two little girls would not be here today of it weren't for the gift we have been given.

THANKFUL- DAY 20

Today I have to be thankful for what will be life long friends thanks to SFA. In college Jack and I met two wonderful people that we can now say will be forever friends. You always know how much you can depend on people when they will drop anything and be there for you.

Annie and Distin have been a precious gift. After spending so much time in college together, we have continued the bond through life. Annie and Dustin haven't ever lived close, but have always remained close in our hearts. We might go months without talking or seeing each other, but we can always find time to catch up.

The best part is we have children who are really close in age and can share a special bond together that I hope last a lifetime. Annie is due in February with her second child and him and Mary will be forever close as well. I can't wait to see their friendship develop.

It's amazing the people God directs us toward in life. Who would have thought two college couples dating would end up closer than ever. I thank him every day for each one of my blessings. Annie, Dustin, Camden, and new baby brother we are forever blessed by your friendship and love!

THANKFUL - DAY 19

Mary's Story: On May 8, 2012 I decided I would take a pregnancy test. It was one of those things that I decided to do without telling Jack. I had lots of problems leading up to trying for a second kid, that I wasn't sure anything was going to happen. That night we got some good news or so we thought. The next week I had a follow up doctors visit to have a sono done. My doctor was looking for other things that were causing me to have complications. When I went in for the sono, I told the guy I thought I was pregnant so he looked and couldn't find anything. I was devastated, and had to text Jack the sad news. However, my doctor had me take another test and did blood work. I got the call the next day that my blood was good and I was in fact pregnant. She also stated that at this time I needed to start taking pegestarone supplements. At this time we figured this would be the only complication that we would encounter. Man, was I wrong. After a few weeks of waiting we were able to finally get in to the doctor again to get a sono picture and see the heartbeat. Wow, what an amazing thing to see. After weeks of worry our prayers had been answered. So, we officially were able to announce to our family we were expecting. Right after this announcement my second complication started up. I began to experience morning sickness. When I was pregnant with Maggie I didn't have anything wrong, so this was all new to me. It was just another bump in the road, but each day gave me the satisfaction that I was still pregnant. So, our long journey was really beginning!Things had been going great, other than being so sick. I was learning to tolerate it and I had to start back to work. I got into my school year and things were going great. On Labor Day weekend things changed. We had a pretty good Labor Day weekend and had done a lot. That Monday we went to the mall and out to dinner with friends. As I was eating dinner I started to get sick. I went to the bathroom to discover that I had started to bleed. We called the doctor and got sent to Labor and Delivery immediately. Once at Labor and Delivery, they hooked us up to the monitor and discovered that baby girl was doing fine. We had no answers to our bleeding question and were sent home to follow up with the doctor. Later that week we still didn't have any real answers other than the fact it was just something that happened. The next weekend we ended up with the same issue again. Again, back to Labor and Delivery we went to discover we were still in the clear. At this time we were very frustrated not knowing what was wrong. The following weekend, we had been at a friends birthday party and things started looking bad again. This time we were admitted over night for observations. What in the world was happening? We had no clue. We meet with a Fetal Medicine Doctor who came in to explain that I had a blood pocket that was attached to the placenta and was bleeding out. This was the first time we had real answers. We knew at this time what the risk were, and I had to take it easy. I could still work, but had to sit and not do much while I was working. Once I got home, it was the same thing. For me, this was going to be hard. Later that week things had been going really good. I figured I was following the rules, and doing what I needed to do. Well, baby girl had other plans. I started to bleed while at work. I waited a few hours and then called the doctor. She and my team sent me home to rest and follow up in their office with a sono. From that point I was sent over to Labor and Delivery for an overnight stay. From there, I was put on bed rest. My world was done! That was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I am not the type of person to walk away from things, or sit around and watch others. However, this was my life for what I had planned for weeks. Over the next few weeks I saw my high risk doctor and my OB weekly. I was really enjoying my trips out of my house. The visits with my doctor were great. Jack really had to step up to the plate and take on a big roll. He was not only my rock, but he was the person who had to do everything. We had so many friends and family who did a lot as well. It was so nice to have so many people who help take care of us. This was our life for the past 6 weeks. To begin week 7 of bed rest things were going fine. I was in a routine, Maggie was doing good, and things seemed to be on track. Monday was a normal day for me and things seemed to be good. Early Tuesday morning Maggie woke us up around 1:30 complaining of a stomach ache. We got her out of bed, went to the bathroom, and she seemed fine. I on the other hand was wide awake. I had a hard time going to sleep and started watching TV. Around 3:15 Maggie woke up again and I took her to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom myself and made my way back into bed. At 3:40 I was laying in bed and coughed. I felt this weird sensation, and slowly made my way out of bed. It was at that moment I knew my water had broke. I yelled for Jack to wake up and we called the doctor. She sent us immediately to the hospital. From there our lives were forever changed. Once we got to the hospital they ran a test and hooked us up to the monitors. The test confirmed that my water had broke, so I was going to be admitted. Around 9 something that day, my doctor came by and did a check and a sono. Baby was looking great, so I received a steroid shot to help develop her lungs. At this time we were told she could come anywhere from today up until 3 weeks. So, we prayed for the later. Tuesday turned out to be a restful day. I just had to lay around and wait for what was to come. Wednesday morning I woke up very sick. I had been given some medicine through the night to help me sleep, and it didn't agree with me. However, I slept most of the day and was feeling good. I received my next round of shots which was very hopeful. This was what baby girl needed. On Thursday morning I woke up very emotional and feeling some pain. Jack was leaving for work and I knew he wasn't staying the night with me. We had decided it would be best for him to be home with Maggie. I had a very hard day and was very upset most of it. I tried really hard to relax, and just be patient. However the pain I was feeling was getting worse. I few times that day I was put on some monitors to watch for contractions. None were found and baby looked good. I just kept thinking something was up. That night Jack and Maggie came by for a visit and a few others as well. Everyone was home by 9 and I was still feeling those pains. Around 9:30 I received my first dose of pain meds. The pains kept getting worse, so they brought me in my Ambien to sleep and told me it was just round ligament pains. I knew it was something more. At 11:00 I got a dose of pain meds through my IV. What ever this was knocked me out. However, I kept waking up and the pain was worse. At 1:45 in the morning my nurse came in to check my cervix. I was at a 4. The next thing I knew I was getting oxygen, calling Jack and getting an epidural. Over the next few hours I had no clue what really went on. Jack came to the hospital immediately and began to work. Why he had to work I don't know. I slept and rested peacefully at this point. Finally, I was told to sit up and push. The next few hours were a blur. I remember only pushing twice and Mary was born. The took her and started to clean her up. I got to hold her for a few seconds before she was whisked off to the NICU. Jack went with her and got to see her get cleaned up and assessed. Maggie got to come up to the hospital and be part of me being moved to the post partum room. It was fun because she got to push the button that plays the music to tell everyone a baby is born. I was so excited she got to be part of it. After getting settled in we finally got to go down and meet our new angel. For some reason Mary has wanted to be part of this world for a while now. Our 3 pound 5 ounce baby girl has come bouncing into this world and has been doing great. We have a long journey ahead of us. Mary will have goals that she has to master in order to get to go home. As of now she is strong and very sassy as the nurses say. We get to go twice a day and hold her, change her diaper, and just spend some time with her. The hardest part is having Maggie at home who can't go with us for that time. We are going to have to work out a schedule to fit everyone's needs. We are a family of 4 now and can't be happier. Today I am so thankful for the safe arrival and the success of my sweet new baby! Mary is so strong and makes my heart so complete.

THANKFUL- DAY 18

In our journey this pregnancy we have been seen by so many different doctors and nurses. Today I am thankful for all the care and support that I have received through this journey. Now, my care and support is being passed on to sweet Mary. The NICU nurses and doctors have been do gracious the past three days, that I can't explain it.

Today we had to leave our little girl and I cried. However, I know she is in good hands and is in the best place ever.

Each day will be a new day and Mary Elizabeth will grow strong and healthy.

THANKFUL-DAY 17

Today I am thankful for my family and friends. It's been a crazy last few months, but our new addition makes life wonderful. Jack, Maggie and I are so blessed to have so much wonderful support. We know we couldn't do this with our all of you.

THANKFUL-DAY 16

Mary Elizabeth Martin made her way into the world at 4:54 a.m. This morning.

Mary weighed 3 lbs 5 0zs.
16 1/2 inches long.

Big sister Maggie got to come by and celebrate Nary's birthday. We are so blessed that she is here and healthy..

THANKFUL- DAY 15

Today I am thankful to have made it another day! It hasn't been the best day, but it's a day.

Woke up this morning with cramps around 3:30. Thought it might be contractions, but was put on the monitor to discover they were not. Still having the mystery cramps tonight.

Today has been a hard day. I think reality has set in, and I know this little girl could come at any time. Still praying she bakes a little longer.

Again, Jack and I can't say thank you enough! It's been a trying last few days, but we are managing.

If you have any thoughts on the mystery cramps, open for suggestions!!

Happy almost Friday!!

THANKFUL- DAY 14

Here is a quick pic of my other sweet baby! I miss her sweet face. Saw her for a bit yesterday! Just love her!

Today I am thankful we have made it through the past 24 hours and received our second round if steroid shots! We still have a long road ahead, and know we have to be patient with God's plan.

The high risk doctor came by last night, and gave us done good news. She is still head down, and able to still receive her fluids. Random fact: their fluid is their own urine! Who knew? They just drink it over and over. Weird!! Any how, her placenta and cord are in good shape. That keeps her going. So, as long as I'm good, we are in a good track!

We know we are on God's schedule. Baby Martin or America will be here on her time. We just pray for a safe delivery and a speedy recovery for her!

Thanks again for all the text, emails, post, and phone calls. Jack and I are very blessed at this time.

By the way, if you got any name suggestions let us know. We are still name less!!

Love to you all. Here is to making it another day!

THANKFUL-DAY 13

Today I have a lot to be thankful for. At 3:40 this morning my water broke. We came to the hospital and I am admitted for now.

At this time I have no contractions or signs of labor. Praise The Lord!! I'm on full treatment of antibiotics, and will continue until the week is out. Our goal is to make it past the next two days. I have received a steroid shot, and will get another one tomorrow. From here we will focus day to day.

Right now I am thankful we are still going strong! Thank you to everyone who has said prayers. I will continue to update and post as much as I can!

Off to rest.

THANKFUL- DAY 12

I don't have a picture to add today, but I am very thankful for a program that is keeping me in contact with my kids. As a teacher being put on bed rest means you have to walk away from your class. I never got the opportunity to say good bye. Well, we participate in a program called Edmodo. It's an online Facebook for schools. It's wonderful. I get to chat with my kids and see what they are up to. It makes me happy. It's a challenging group of kids this year, but they are so sweet! I really miss them a lot!

Thank goodness for technology! It makes things so rewarding!

THANKFUL - DAY 11

 

Today I am very thankful for all the men and women who have volunteered to serve our country with dignity and honor. We are very blessed to live in a county where we are free and are given freedoms. Above is a picture of my brother in-law who served in Iraq. It was a very hard time for our family, but we were very blessed when he returned. Jack and I know others who have fought and served on the front lines, and can't say thank you enough to all who risk or given their lives to defend and protect our county.

THANKFUL- DAY 10

I'm am thankful for a little machine that causes me great stresses, but many reliefs each week. I'm very tankful for the NST machine that I get hooked up to weekly. This machine allows me to hear baby Martin's heart beat. It's such a beautiful sound to hear!

Now, this machine and my baby don't always get along. They don't necessarily like to cooperate with each other. However, once they do get along, it's music to a mommy's ears!

Thank you little NST machine for giving me a chance to listen to baby Martin's little heartbeat.

THANKFUL - DAY 9

Have you ever had one of those friends that you meet and just know you will be friends for a long time? On Day 9 I am very thankful for this person.

When I was officially put on bed rest she jumped into action and has been there for me and my family from the start. She never questions anything and offers up so much help.

I'm also very blessed because our children have grown so close together. We often joke that they think they are part of the same family! Just like me, Maggie is blessed to have a great "buddy," Will in her life.

Again, Jenny has made this experience better. She takes care of me, has cooked for our family, and calls me daily to check on me! I just don't even know how I'll return the favor!

Thankful and blessed for my friend!

THANKFUL - DAY 8

Today I am thankful for my best friend. In September of 1996 I met someone that I knew would be in my life forever. I just didn't know how that forever would turn out. Today I am blessed to say happy birthday to my best friend, husband, and father to my children. We are very lucky to have you in our lives. Here are some pictures of him that show just how special he is.

o

n

THANKFUL - DAY 7

Today I am very thankful for some college friends that call or text me on a daily basis. I don't know what I would do without Sarah and Janet. They have really been part of my daily routine, and help make my days not seem so long. Sarah lives in Chicago, and Janet works part time, so for them to take the time to call me makes me feel good. I will forever be thankful for their daily chats.

This is a picture of us a few years ago before Sarah left to head to her first big move out to California. We were very sad to see her leave. Now, she is a little closer to home in Chicago, but still so far away. Can't wait until I can go visit her. Thanks girls for taking care of me! You are two of the many that I am thankful for!

THANKFUL - DAY 6

Today I am very thankful for my right to vote. In this country we are given so many freedoms. One way is to express myself through voting. I hope you took the time to vote today!

THANKFUL - DAY 5

Today I am thankful for two teammates who have made this whole bed rest thing easy. I feel so bad that I had to walk away from work the way I did, but they made it very seamless! I'm miss them so much, but they check on me and make me feel special.

THANKFUL - DAY 4

In 2001 I started working at Story Elementary. I began working with some really great people. Who knew that some of those people would still be part of my life.

Friday night these girls gave up their time to come and spend time with me. What a blessing they are.

I'm thankful for so many things. These girls are just a few of the many.

THANKFUL - DAY 3

Today I am thankful for the beautiful life God has blessed me with. I learned this morning that a former parent lost her battle with cancer and has left behind two beautiful children. She was always one person I admired. She never looked at her illness as a road block. This mom always embarrassed it head on.

Today she leaves behind a son and daughter who will hopefully know what a beautifully, strong person she was. I just pray for comfort and peace to be with this family after this long hard journey.

Again, as my journey here in bed continues, I am always remind that life is just a precious gift. We have to be thankful for each and every moment we are given and cherish it forever.

THANKFUL - DAY 2

Today I'm thankful for our extended family. Jack and I were both blessed with big families. We have so many brother and sisters and nieces and nephews that it gets crazy sometimes. We are very blessed by all of them. I'm so excited that Maggie has so many cousins to grow up with. She is one lucky girl. We are also blessed with our South Carolina family. What a great group of cousins that we have grown to just love even more over the years. Wow, what great things and memories we are creating!

THANKFUL -DAY 1

I'm going to try and blog why I'm so thankful each day this month.

Day 1- My family. God gave me someone in my life who has made me so happy the last 14 years. This past month he has been the best husband and father a girl could ask for. I know I made the best decision in 1996 when I would give up on him!

My daughter- words can't express how lucky I am to be her mom. I love her more and more each day!

My growing daughter to be- I am very blessed for her right now. Although she is demanding my attention, I can't wait for her to be here and hold her in my arms.

God has truly given me so many things! I'm an very thankful.