A Little Pre-term Scare

This happened way back at the beginning of the year on January 22nd,  but I most certainly do want to remember these details so that someday I can tell our little nugget what I went through on his/ her account.... isn't that what mother's are supposed to do?

It was late January, and it was finally my turn to take dinner to our friends Brian and Wendy after they brought home sweet baby Joni. I had been looking forward to the excuse to see the baby again and Max was dying to see her-- he loves babies, for real, I'm not just saying that, and when we get a new announcement in the mail, he'll carry it around with him and ask me endless questions about the baby. We had planned all day to head their direction after naps, and Max would get to go in a peek at the baby. I got the car loaded with boys and food and ran in the potty once more before the 20 minute trek down the road... hey, I'm pregnant, remember?

We get about half way there and all of a sudden I HAVE to go again-- like not sure I can make it to their house. I even contemplate pulling into a gas station, but decide against unloading the boys, and letting them run their hands along only-God-knows what germs. With a little self talk, I make it to Wendy's, run to the door with the food and run into the bathroom. And I barely went. Like barely. AND right then I knew it-- I had a UTI. This wasn't my first UTI rodeo... somehow the stress and bad eating around finals time always caused me to them in college, and I got another when we first got married. Now granted, that had been almost 5 years ago, but this is something you don't forget.

I briefly talked with Wendy and then ran back out to my car where my boys were still buckled in-- and I proceed to crush Max's dreams of seeing the baby. I said something about the baby sleeping and next time, and left him in a heap of tears, but I knew that time was ticking to get to a clinic and get some meds before it would be a night of hell. I looked up the nearest minute clinic on my phone, learning that it was just minutes away and that we still had an hour and a half before closing and I sighed with relief. I pointed the minivan (megafun) in the direction of the clinic and called Chad who was on his way home to let him know what was happening. He was coming from the opposite direction of me and he had Gabe with him, so I talked them through putting the rest of dinner together and said we'd be home shortly.

Lie.

When I got to CVS, they were all out of appointments for the day. I moaned aloud in agony, not sure what to do next. Over the course of the 12 mile drive back to my house, I literally had to stop at 5 public restrooms, unload my boys and carry them in, sit on the pot and NOT pee, while  have weird bladder contractions, and yet still managing to feel better, at least for the next 4 minutes- which allowed me to get the boys back in the car, get 2 miles further down the road, and do it all again. And there was nothing anyone could do to help me. I called my friend Anna, asking for advice. And then I called my midwife who mentioned that this could get hairy pretty quick when pregnant and that it was necessary to get to an urgent care or ER right away. Really? Who wants to do all that when you dying in pain and just need an antibiotic. I could feel myself losing my cool more and more by every second... the pain was too much, the lugging of boys and the public restrooms, the constant stopping, and the hour is took me to go 12 miles was quite possibly pushing me into the looney bin. It was all I could do to stay calm and kind to my kids and the people I was talking to on the phone. By the time I got home, I literally ran in the house, leaving the boys in the car for Chad to come rescue.

I just went and sat on the potty and cried and moaned for a bit. Then I gathered what was left of my sanity and proceeded to get in touch with the Obstetrician at my office, hoping that she could just call in an antibiotic to get me through the night. But no... because they have to know what strain it is to know what antibiotic is necessary to treat it and if they start an antibiotic that isn't the right one, it still has the ability to mask the infection and therefore let it get worse and cause major damage before you know that it's even happening. Joy.

Did I mention that we were just days from moving at this point? And so Chad had to make a run to pick up a dresser I had bought and due to a couple unforeseen conflicts, it had been rescheduled several times, so I was insistent that he go. But of course he was already gone by the time I got word that I had to drive 40 minutes to the only urgent care clinic that was open in our area... that would be closing in an hour. So Anna had to rush over to sit with our boys, so that I could leave immediately and hopefully get there in time. I backed out of the driveway as she pulled in. That's what friends are for!

The drive to urgent care was ridiculous... I had my mom on the phone with me the whole way to keep me calm and talk me off the cliff.. and also to distract me... and probably to make sure I got their safely too. I stopped multiple times for bathrooms along the way, of course, but this time with no boys, making the trips quicker thank goodness! I was literally racing the clock to try and get their before they locked their doors. At one point, the gas station attendant, a lady, asked me to watch the store so she could go to the bathroom herself. I just felt like my patience and stamina were being tried in a way they never had before.

I finally made it to urgent care, got everything filled out, and got called back pretty quick-- what a blessing. But that's when things took a turn for the worst-- I had to leave a urine sample which tested positive for some pretty serious things, and by then there was bleeding and contractions as well. I was only 25 weeks pregnant at the time and literally, felt myself losing it as all this unfolded. The urgent care doc wanted me to get checked there, my midwife was saying no way, Chad was at home with the boys telling me to listen to my midwife and I was sitting in this little clinic room all alone crying. And then within 4 minutes, I was being sent to triage in Labor and Delivery. Without my husband. Or any support for that matter. I managed to walk myself to my car before losing it. I told Chad what was happening, and then I called my midwife and told her I was being sent to the hospital and she was elated. Apparently she was hoping that would happen because she thought it appeared to be more serious than I knew at the time. So I'm driving and crying and she just starts praying over me and the situation. (More to follow on my midwife, but dang, she's awesome). Then I called my mom to see if she could come meet me since Chad couldn't leave the boys. And then I texted a couple girlfriends asking for prayers.

After a potty stop, a quick pick up of an RX en route, and a brief stop to gain control over the tears, I managed to arrive at the hospital about 7 minutes before my mom got there. I got all checked in and was being taken to my room when she walked off the elevator. When I first got their, the nurses didn't seem too worried and just went about protocol, but something happened at some point, no one really ever told me what they found that escalated things, but all of a sudden, I was multiple bands around my belly, and IV in my arm, fluids in another bag, and this huge cup that I was told to drain every 10 minutes. Which let's pause for a second to point out the obvious-- I was already making crazy repetitive bathroom stops and then they start pumping all this into my system and I could barely sit in the bed for 2 minutes before having to unhook everything and go AGAIN. But my contractions were kicking across the screen, which at 25 weeks is the exact opposite of what should be happening, and I was told it would either be completely better in 30 minutes, or it would be bad and they would have to begin to stop labor.

Awesome.

Did I mention Chad was at home? And that my phone was dead? Yep. So my Mom kept him and my bro updated, and helped me in and out of the bed 47 million times, and then before we knew it, all was calm in my belly and I was no longer in pain. Now that's what I'm talking about-- that's why we love antibiotics!!! And just like they predicted, within 30 minutes I was in the clear- thank you Jesus! I had to finish both IV bags, and drink a certain amount of fluids, and the midwife had to come by and check my cervix before I could be officially discharged. And then I was sent with another full prescription of antibiotics. And just to think that all this started at dinner time and I managed to get myself in my own bed by 1:00am. Usually Chad has the ability to sleep in any stressful situation, regardless of what or who is in the midst of it-- but not this time-- he was waiting in bed with the tv on and not even close to sleep. As I got myself, my meds, and my fluids situated, he looked at me and said "It has to be a girl, because she's already a pain in our butt!" :)

We shall see if the 2 uneventful pregnancies compared with this whacko one really does produce a high maintenance little lady that already has her Daddy wrapped around her finger, or if it's just another boy trying really hard to make a name for himself so he doesn't just blend into our blonde brood... regardless of the outcome, I would like to say that 1 evening of high drama is quite enough, and I'm so grateful that it ended there, with no long term ramifications or bed rest or a NICU baby.... oh my Jesus, thank you! And I'm also incredibly grateful for my jump in the car at a moment's notice mother, and friend Anna, and for my praying friends too. My support system is such a blessing.

Halloween and our other October Festivities

This year, I did manage to break out a little bit of fall decor-- both inside and outside. But I didn't really manage to capture it on camera... oops! But Max loved the pumpkins, Jack loved the candy corn, and Gabe always appreciated decor :)

We also had a pumpkin painting party with some of our favorite little men, and again... no pictures... but my friend Danielle did capture and blogged about it-- check it out on her blog here: Pumpkin Party Playdate

And of course, we did our annual pumpkin patch visit with the Spivas. We went to a new one- Cagle's Dairy farm not too farm from our house, and got to enjoy a pumpkin patch, a jumping pillow with a special one just for younger kids (yay!), a corn maze, and then a good hay ride that took you to a big open field filled with bon fires-- they even provided sticks and marshmallows. Honestly, the big fires did make me a little nervous with the 4 boys under 4 between us, but with 4 parents on duty we all survived unscathed :) But again... no pictures!

(This was at dinner afterwards... and Max had to have his clothes changed due to a "can't hold it anymore accident" and we're missing baby Grant, so for that reason, this picture doesn't really count...)

Then the weekend before Halloween, we attended the 5th annual Canup fest put on by our dear friends the Canups-- they to a fire pit, smores, food and fixins, lots of fun games for the kids, and even had the GA/ FL game on a big screen outside. And did I mention that is was a costume party? Well it was! I honestly haven't participated in dressing up in years-- but this year Chad and I were the Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar-- it was awesome!!
Reason #1: Because I found an amazing dress at goodwill
Reason #2: Because I seriously LOVE Michelle Duggar-- have you ever heard her talk-- what a heart, what wisdom, what a lady!
Reason #3: Because if didn't fear my insides falling out and my husband running away with no forwarding address, I would SO have 19 kids :)

But just FYI... I DID capture this event and I'd like to make a mention that although I am truly expecting, that is a bath towel up under my dress and NOT my baby belly!!!

Of course, we also concluded the month with some pumpkin carving but unfortunately we had to do it without Gabe :( The month flew by and before we knew it, we had one night to carve the pumpkin before trick-or-treaters were coming and it wasn't a Gabe night/ weekend for us-- bummer! So I did get some cut pictures of the boys and Chad in action but it isn't the same without our big brother.

And lastly, we wrapped up the month with some trick-or-treating with the Prusa's and this year, Max and Lizzy's costumes coordinated!! You should know the Lizzy wanted to be a princess and wanted Max to be Prince Charming but he could NOT be talked out of being Mickey-- he had his mind set on it, and once we laid eyes on what he deemed as the perfect costume, he would so proud every time he slipped with on, which is so unlike him. Lizzy was flexible, PTL, because they were adorable!

And of course, we had a baby cow with us and lil Evie was Raggedy Ann-- it was a cute, fun time! Not near as cold as we expected, either-- win/ win!!  We made it to about 10 houses before Max was ready to go back and hand out candy- he thought that was the true highlight of the night :) Jack thought the lollipops were the highlight.

And just like that, October flew in and flew right back out! We're so grateful for wonderful friends, wonderful weather, wonderful traditions, and our wonderful family. Now onto November and a thankful, grateful focus that will hopefully carry on throughout the year!

A Baby Shower.... that included PINK!!

It's rare in these parts for me to partake in something that includes pink-- Bowman town is Boyland for sure, and most of my girlfriends even have boys-- my friend Jill and my friend Lisa, both just added their own second boy to the mix, so when one of my people does actually ends up with a girl, I get all giddy :) So, after Danielle's baby reveal in December, I began planning her pink shower in my mind and finally, this past Saturday, it happened! There were two other wonderful co-hosts AND another friend, Kelly and her baby were honored there too!

(Kelly has two boys at home and will be bringing home a baby girl in a couple weeks... that means there's still a chance for me :))

It was great-- two wonderful, beautiful mama's, two baby girls that we are all so excited about, and three hostesses that all really enjoy a good reason for yummy food, flowers, and presents. Check it out...

The brunch food....

The grits bar...

A cute poem with the thank you for coming gift...

The diaper cakes, their name plaques, and their 1 year old onesies, complete with their names! (Heather, one of the hostesses, and her hubs did all the onesies-- ahhhhmazing!)

The scrapbooks, with pages for the shower guests to sign made by Christine, the other hostess...

The gift table which was majorly over-flowing onto the floor once all the guests arrived-- I'm telling you, there are SO many people excited about these two little girls!

The drink table-- everyone kept complementing us on the punch... it was lemonade dyed pink, ha!

The month-by-month onesies for pictures as the girls grow-- each Mama got one :)

Me with the other two hostesses-- this was such a horrible picture of me, that my vanity almost got the best of me, but I wanted to show you how I accidentally left my hair clipped on my belt for most of the shower and people thought I was making a "statement"-- when hair clips become your accessories you need a makeover, ahem, note to self, ahem.

The pretty mama's and their girls!

Me and Danielle....

Me and Kelly....

Meanwhile, Chad took Max and Jack to Evie's first birthday party. I was super sad to miss it, but Chad got both boys all dressed and handsome and they had a great time celebrating that little nugget. By the time I got home, all three of them (even Chad) were sound asleep for the afternoon. All in all, it was a Saturday well spent!

Down on Bowman's Farm...

About 2 weeks ago, we went to the Disney store to get Max a Mickey Mouse costume-- there wasn't one in his size and I was informed that I was about 2 months late if I wanted to get him that costume. Oops. (But honestly I don't feel bad for not thinking about Halloween in August!) So I showed him the wall of costumes and asked what else he wanted to be. He picked "Buzz Buzz" aka Buzz Lightyear- but again, not in his size. I tried to talk him into Woody, into Lightning McQueen, and many other Disney characters but to no avail. So we left and headed to Spirit Halloween.

All I heard from him was "I not be that." "I not like that." "I not Mom." Seriously? That place has like a million costumes and the child refused them all. So we left again, and I just decided that we may skip Halloween- he wouldn't really know anyway.

So we headed to Old Navy because all of a sudden it went from summer to winter in Georgia and the boy didn't have the right attire. While I was searching for the perfect winter coat,  I heard his little voice screaming "I NEED DIS MOOOOM, I NEEEEEED IT!" I look over to see him tugging on a chicken costume.

For real.

He was so proud!

When we got home, he put it on and rode through this kitchen on his tricycle. Then he played soccer. He didn't want to take it off. When we'd get ready to leave the house, he'd ask if he could wear his chicken costume.

Yes friends, Max was a chicken for Halloween, I kid you not.

But he was a cute chicken, that is for certain!

And our sweet baby Jack was a bear-- kind of!  He rode in the stroller in his winter coat, which happens to be a bear. I love this suit-- Max borrowed Hudson's and we loved it so much that we bought one to keep. Now I know I'm a bit biased, but isn't that a cute bear? My Dad, Pop, was in town as well, and he joined us for Trick-or-Treating.  Max talked about getting candy with Pop all day yesterday... and he's still talking about it now!

It was also our 2nd annual Halloween with the Prusas... Elizabeth Grace was Little Bo Peep:

And Evie was her cute little sheep :)

The big kids rode in the wagon and the babies were big time in the double stroller.  It got cold super quick but everyone was sweet as sugar-- maybe because they were collecting sugar.... but let's just say, it was a delightful Halloween.

Max didn't really appreciate the scary costumes so Pop had to tell him that they were funny monsters which made it all fun and games. He also didn't understand the whole say "trick or treat" to get candy bit, so Pop walked him up to every single door. But let's be honest, before I know it, me and Anna will be those haggard mom's running down the sidewalk trying to keep up!

All I can say is the Bowman farm has it's fill of chickens and bears and we couldn't be happier :) And Little Bo Peep didn't lose her sheep, psheeewwww! And Chad began enjoying Max's candy right away! Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

(P.S. Gabe was a Cowboy, but he trick-or-treated with his mom this year, so I'll post a picture from her soon!)

Why God Didn't Give Max a Sister

Right before baby Jack surprised us, baby Evie came over and spent several hours with us.  It was the first time and it was love-- for both me and Max!  But it became pretty obvious VERY quickly why God decided that Max most definitely needed a baby brother this go round:

While Evie was sleeping, Max was being oh-so-generous and sharing his toys with her....



They were all balls!



And he was so proud and so sure that that was exactly what she needed- he kept telling me about it over and over: "Baby Evie, night night Max balls"



And it was then that I knew the reason for another brother in the Bowman house, rather than a sister-- a poor sister just couldn't survive in such a climate!

And this last picture is just cute:  I came around the corner from the kitchen and I saw Max and asked what he was doing-- he told me "I talking baby Evie golf- hit it in the hole!"  He was teaching the girl about golf-- doesn't she look thrilled?



Also, just for laughter, please notice how my boy does NOT use prepositions-- apparently they are a waste of time and he does quite well communicating his point without them!  Ha!  I just love him :)

Max and Lizzy, the Dynamic Duo

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures, and even longer since I posted pictures of Max and his friend Lizzy.  I'm hesitant to call Lizzy his"best friend" because I don't want to be that mom forcing it, but let's be honest, he LOVES Lizzy!  We still have her seat in our car from the last time she was with us and he loves to point and talk about her when he sees it.  Anytime we head to the park, he expect Lizzy to be there and is disappointed (tears!) when she's not, ha!  BUT when they are both at the park, they do their own thing-- go figure!

[caption id="attachment_1553" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="The Dynamic Duo at the Park!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1552" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Max and Elizabeth Grace (April 2011)"][/caption]

Anyway, these two are funny together for many reason-- first of all, the boy/girl thing-- it's neat to see how different their brains are.  Secondly, they are almost 6 months a part, so Anna goes through a hard time with Lizzy-- ex: clingy, disobedient, whiny-- and then 6 months later I'm pulling my hair our for the same reasons.  Lucky for me, I know it's just a stage because Anna already overcame it! Another fun thing is that they're both little smarties and the stuff they come up with is hilarious.  ALSO, they are both first borns and therefore bossy-- so when Max is at Lizzy's house, she is IN CHARGE, but when Lizzy is at Max's house, she follows his orders instead.  And then lastly, I just love Lizzy and Max does too, and it makes me happy.

[caption id="attachment_1551" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Max at the soccer park-- "I draw M-A-X!""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1549" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Lizzy wearing at hat at the soccer game because Max was wearing one :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1550" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Hugs!"][/caption]

(Of course, Lizzy's little sister is Evie-- who came into the world in February instead of April.... and has been wrapping people around her fingers ever since and now Jack will follow her and enter the world here shortly, and we'll get to see the newest dynamic duo in action... and as second borns, who are supposed to be more laid back, etc, I'm anxious to see what this looks like!) So fun to raise these kiddies together!