On Friday, I took time off from work to take Madison to the doctor. She had been having nose trouble all week. Other than getting tired in the evening, she was in a great mood and had no fever. Still I knew something was up and on Friday the doctor confirmed that she had a double ear infection. As an adult, I couldn't imagine what that must feel like. Poor girl. We got some good antibiotics though and I anticipate them clearing her right up.
It's hard for me to believe that it's time for Maddie's birthday. On March 13th, she will be 2 years old! Shocking! We should be in our new house by that point (we are set to close on February 19th) and will probably do something small with family and a few friends. I really want to spend the day grilling hamburgers and enjoying cake (cookie cake, I think). I will probably do something with a Minnie Mouse theme this year, since that's the most recent character she seems to love. That and Tinkerbell (still)!
Once we are in the new house, Im going to finally move Maddie out of her crib and into her big-girl bed. All I need to do is go to Babies R Us and purchase a side railing and she will be set. She has a really pretty day-bed with spring colored sheets and blanket that I found at Target several months ago. I also picked up some decorations while I was there, and I am anxious to see how it looks all put together in the new house. I'm sure I will paint her room too, probably a light pink color, and Im really excited about it.
Speaking of the new house, we are less than 2 weeks away! My current house is competely demolished at this point. I suppose that's all part of the moving process, but it really stresses me out some. Im trying to relax about it and just go with flow. But Im the type of person that likes things clean and in their place! I went to Ashley's Furniture yesterday and found alot of stuff I like. Nothing I necessarily HAVE to have, but certainly things I loved! We'll see how that goes...
Work is going well. I have been a probation officer for over a year now. I don't love it, because most days it can be extremely stressful, but it is a good job and I like it enough that I can stay there as long as I need to. I do like, though it's few and far between, seeing those people that truly change their life. That is rewarding no matter what! Long term, if I still need to work, I would enjoy going back to school and finishing what I started-nursing. I don't have time for that right now, but maybe someday after all my babies are grown, I'll go back. I always, always wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse.
I suppose that's all for now. I stayed home from church today since Maddie is sick, and should probably use this time to pack some more. I'll try to take pictures of the new house and post them soon! Keep praying for us over these next few weeks...for a number of different reasons! God is really doing a lot of things these days...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Better Late Than Never
Christmas was a ton of fun with Maddie. She really enjoyed the whole "Santa Clause" concept this year, and I only anticipate that that will get more exciting as the years go by. We did all of our traditional things: Christmas movies, stories, cookies for Santa, Happy Birthday Jesus cake, and so on. Maddie got a ton of gifts (probably too many) and has yet to comprehend all that happened! Here are just a few pictures:
On December 30th, Jaime and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. We went to our special restaurant, Julians, and enjoyed a nice evening out-just the two of us. I still remember, back in May of 2005, seeing this cute guy stroll up to the softball fields to play with our men's church team. Who knew that I would later end up marrying that guy and having the most beautiful daughter with him! I really love our life and what we are building together. He is a great husband and father and I love him more than anything!
Jaime and I are really hopeful as to what this year could hold for us. We are still trying for another baby, and after 2 miscarriages, are praying that a new and successful pregnancy may be in the near future. We are also weeks away from purchasing our first home together and are really excited about that! Please be praying for my family as we move towards change and excitement, but also fear.
On December 30th, Jaime and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. We went to our special restaurant, Julians, and enjoyed a nice evening out-just the two of us. I still remember, back in May of 2005, seeing this cute guy stroll up to the softball fields to play with our men's church team. Who knew that I would later end up marrying that guy and having the most beautiful daughter with him! I really love our life and what we are building together. He is a great husband and father and I love him more than anything!
Jaime and I are really hopeful as to what this year could hold for us. We are still trying for another baby, and after 2 miscarriages, are praying that a new and successful pregnancy may be in the near future. We are also weeks away from purchasing our first home together and are really excited about that! Please be praying for my family as we move towards change and excitement, but also fear.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas Tradition
Since Jaime and I got married, there have been many traditions that we have started. One of them is our annual trip out to Lindale. Since I was pregnant with Maddie, we have made a point to take a special evening trip out and about during the Christmas season. We always go and eat at the Cracker Barrel, shop around in their "store", and then head over to see the lights at Santa Land. It's something that is so simple but so much fun. Maddie enjoyed it this year! She ate great (of course) and absolutely loved getting to sit in my lap as we drove through Santa Land! She would say "reindeer" and "where's Santa" the whole time. :) She's precious!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Halloween & Thanksgiving-2009
A pink poodle.
My family. A little blurry, but you get the idea.
I absolutely LOVE this time of year! October to January is the best, with Christmas being my favorite holiday. The smells, colors, food, Christmas movies, etc.... It just never gets old to me. I think Maddie is really going to enjoy Christmas this year. I am almost done with all her shopping and am really excited to see her expressions when she opens her gifts. Santa is bringing her a kitchen this year as her "big" gift and then she has a bunch of other small things...movies, clothes, baby dolls, blocks, etc... The girl is spoiled!
Playing games at the Fall Block Party.
I absolutely adore her.
My family. A little blurry, but you get the idea.
I absolutely LOVE this time of year! October to January is the best, with Christmas being my favorite holiday. The smells, colors, food, Christmas movies, etc.... It just never gets old to me. I think Maddie is really going to enjoy Christmas this year. I am almost done with all her shopping and am really excited to see her expressions when she opens her gifts. Santa is bringing her a kitchen this year as her "big" gift and then she has a bunch of other small things...movies, clothes, baby dolls, blocks, etc... The girl is spoiled!
Jaime's family is coming in from Wisconsin and Washington state, to join us for the holidays. I know we will have a blast! Originally, the plan was to have everyone in for Christmas to see a newborn baby. Before having our first miscarriage, we were due on Christmas day. I was so excited about that. I have always, always wanted a Christmas baby. It broke my heart when we lost that pregnancy. I still pray, deep down, that before Im finished having all my children...that God chooses to bless me with a Christmas little one! It's just a special time of year for us. On the 30th, Jaime and I will have been married for 3 years. I can't believe how far we've come in such a short amount of time. I love him more and more everyday and couldn't have picked a better partner and daddy to our daughter!
I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season as much as the Crouse family is!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The News
For weeks now, we've been hoping and praying that this pregnancy would be ok. I had weekly sonograms and blood work, which for a while-all looked promising. We were just never able to find a heartbeat, and slowly but surely, my blood work that had once contained such high numbers-began to drop. Experiencing a miscarriage is a really difficult thing. Experiencing two is mind boggling and has made me more angry than sad.
My pregnancy with Maddie was perfect in every way. For the most part, it was enjoyable and was a completely "textbook" experience. My delivery was great. My baby was happy and healthy. I've never experienced any problems and have, obviously, no issues with getting pregnant. Yet...for some reason I have now experienced back-to-back losses.
Realistically, I don't think it's anyting more than just a "normal and natural" thing, that just happened to happen twice for me. My doctor may run a few tests, but I don't expect any devastating news to come up (I hope) and she has told me that from what she can see...I look fine. She said that many times, there is no medical reason for it, even though she will still check. She also assured me that she wouldn't even begin to think that we couldn't have more children...so to not get discouraged. Like I said, I have had a PERFECT experience before, which completely works in my favor. And once, we've waited the necessary time...we will still try again. The desire to have more children is still very strong for us, and though I've gone through a loss 2 times now...I don't feel like I'm done.
It's very hard for me, right now, though Im trying to be strong. A D&C won't be necessary this time. My body is doing it all on it's on, which is uncomfortable emotionally and physically. I have good days and bad ones. There is pregnancy and babies everywhere it seems like; which always stings the heart a little. Then I remember that there is still hope and still a God that loves me more than I could have imagined. A God that knows my needs, knows my desires, and has a plan. When we do have another successful pregnancy, Im sure I will look back and see how God was at work the whole time-creating another new and perfect experience for me. Far better than I could have ever imagined or planned myself.
Please keep praying for us as we work through this & then look to the future again!
My pregnancy with Maddie was perfect in every way. For the most part, it was enjoyable and was a completely "textbook" experience. My delivery was great. My baby was happy and healthy. I've never experienced any problems and have, obviously, no issues with getting pregnant. Yet...for some reason I have now experienced back-to-back losses.
Realistically, I don't think it's anyting more than just a "normal and natural" thing, that just happened to happen twice for me. My doctor may run a few tests, but I don't expect any devastating news to come up (I hope) and she has told me that from what she can see...I look fine. She said that many times, there is no medical reason for it, even though she will still check. She also assured me that she wouldn't even begin to think that we couldn't have more children...so to not get discouraged. Like I said, I have had a PERFECT experience before, which completely works in my favor. And once, we've waited the necessary time...we will still try again. The desire to have more children is still very strong for us, and though I've gone through a loss 2 times now...I don't feel like I'm done.
It's very hard for me, right now, though Im trying to be strong. A D&C won't be necessary this time. My body is doing it all on it's on, which is uncomfortable emotionally and physically. I have good days and bad ones. There is pregnancy and babies everywhere it seems like; which always stings the heart a little. Then I remember that there is still hope and still a God that loves me more than I could have imagined. A God that knows my needs, knows my desires, and has a plan. When we do have another successful pregnancy, Im sure I will look back and see how God was at work the whole time-creating another new and perfect experience for me. Far better than I could have ever imagined or planned myself.
Please keep praying for us as we work through this & then look to the future again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)