Merry Christmas All

IMG_5319edit.jpg, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Howdy, You should be getting christmas cards soon, as soon as I can get them sent out that is. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

It's a Boy?!

Or so the lady at Whole Foods declared:

Someone walked up to me at Whole Foods today and told me I was having another boy. It was this sweet asian lady. First time I've ever had that happen.

No we're not finding out and we don't know. I don't have a feeling either way, but that seems to be the question I'm always asked. I'd really love either of course. Of course if it's a boy this poor baby doesn't have a name yet.

Xmas Party

IMG_5308edit.jpg, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here's our before picture as we were leaving for the xmas party.

My Early Xmas Present

My wonderful husband gave me my xmas present a little early tonight.  Tonight we had my company xmas party where it's my one time of the year to get really dressed up, so while I was getting ready, rob brings me a box of ear rings and give it to me.  It's beautiful diamond ear rings!  I was instantly stunned speechless. I just love them they are so wonderful.  

Thank you Rob!!!  The went perfectly for the evening....despite everything else....

 

Rob's Appt Yesterday

Rob had his appt yesterday to discuss his shot, they said they will call his insurance first, and then him to hopefully schedule it sometime next week.  The appt was only about 5 mins.  I hope they get it taken care of soon!

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Tommy's Shower Today

Tommy and I took our usual shower today, only when I got out and said good bye, he continued to play, and I kept checking back, asking if he was all done, and he would say "no" in a sweet please don't get me out of the shower voice.  Finally 45 min to an hour later, I had to get him out so we could go to the dentist for my appt, and he wasn't very happy with me at all.  The water had gone cold a while before that, and he was a little cold, but was still wanting to have fun playing in the water. 

Pregnancy Update

Here's my latest appt stats. Everything's going great!

Date: 11/14
Wks Gest: 20w2d
Urine: Normal
Wt: 147
BP: 124/68 (VERY NORMAL!)
Temp: Normal
Pulse: 84
Fundal Height: 26cm (A little high, but it just feels like I'm carrying very high this time. I'm sure this will normal out after the baby drops or engages.)
Edema: None

All in all everything is going perfect!

You may have seen Rob Limping around Recently

Well he got the results from his MRI today, he's got two ruptured disks in his lower back.  He's got another appointment on the 5th of December to get a steroid shot in the disks to help it heel.  We're hoping that will mean he'll feel better soon.  He's barely been able to walk, and can't sit for long periods of time at all. 

Little Stinker

Tommy woke up at 6am this morning, it was still dark outside so I pointed to the windows and told him it was still night night, and he should go back to sleep.  So I laid him back in bed and he jibber jabbered till about 7.  At which point he got back up and made it known that he was ready to get up.  I looked at him, and he pointed to the windows.  It was now light outside, and he was pointing to the windows as if to say time to get up now mom, the sun is out. 

The little stinker used my argument against me...

Halloween 2007

031052579_18, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here's our little pirate this year.

Check out our pictures from today here:

Halloween/Fall 2007 Pictures

Tommy's new playground & Big Clyde

Here Tommy's is playing in the cupboard(hamper in the Hall).  He just discovered he fits in this cupboard and had a great time playing in it.

The other night Tommy asked by pointing to my big Teddy bear (the same size as him) and saying "Clyde", if Clyde could sleep with him.  I asked him if that's what he meant and I got his yes answer: "Awww" with some dancing/bouncing to it. 

--

Wed Before Halloween

IMG_5040edit, originally uploaded by conradzone.

We went to the Pumpkin Patch, and had a blast! We're so going back next year. They had bounce houses and he loved all of it!!!

Fwd: How can this face be bad

very mischievous

Fwd: Now his Daddy you might want to watch out for.

Tommy's Walking Better - Quick Update

Tommy's doing much better now, he seems to be walking just fine and not having any trouble, and running all over the place. 

Re: Just got home from our first ER Trip

His leg's already doing better today, he's walking on it some but still falling so I try to stay close.  Here's a more detailed re-cap of what happened last night, if you want to read ;-)

Here's a more detailed re-cap of what happened:

We were in the bounce house at our church trunk or treat and tommy was having a blast going down the slide (with mommy's help because he couldn't climb the stairs by himself).  So I get him to the top, and climb up behind him myself and wait for the other kids to exit the slide, then I give him a little push down the slide, and he seems to be loving it, but at the bottom he takes a weird twist and I figured just scared himself with it, and starts crying a little.  so I slide down the slide after him to get him, and he gives me a hug and quits crying.  We exit the slide so the next kid can go, and I stand him up and he collapses.  Then he points to the entrance and wants to go again.  I grab my shoes and our bag and we go over to one of my friend where we try to stand up again....same thing happens.  So then I'm trying to think what to do next I get my phone, and call the chiropractor just to get a 2nd opinion before I rush him off for x-rays I'd rather he not have unless it's broken.  My friends telling me you have to take him to the ER.  We strap him in to the car seat and I try to call Rob at work, and the other chiropractor we know who use to be in the same office as my chiropractor.  And try to call rob again, then I try to call his business partner because the store number isn't working, and the other manager's cel phone.  So after getting a hold of no one we go to the ER.  My chiro calls back on the way and says since he's not putting any weight on it that we should go ahead and get the x-rays.  So does the other chiro (she called while I was on the phone with my chiro.)  So I feel a little better about getting the xrays and going to the ER.  We go to the one in Richardson because I don't like my previous experience with Plano's ER's I've had in the past.  So we get to the ER sign in and Mike Rob's business partner calls me back, I tell him the store number isn't working for me, and I can't get a hold of Rob, that I'm at the ER with Tommy and he can't walk (ok so I could have been a little clearer).  Rob calls back right as we get called to the admitting nurse, so I hand the phone to my friend and take tommy to get vitals check for admitting.  He's 26# 10 oz and they do the finger check thing (o2 stats I think)  The want to do a rectal temp, but I put my foot down very stubbornly on that one and they concede and do an under arm temp (I knew by his touch he wasn't running a fever)  And fever isn't a big deal for a sprained leg unless it's starting to get infected, in which case if he was hot I would have let them but it wasn't necessary.  So then we go to the paperwork desk and I sign all the papers, and show insurance card.  Course tommy says he has to go potty in the middle of signing the papers, so I take him to the potty and go back and finish signing the papers.   Shortly after all that Rob pulls up, and we're called back to a "room" more of a drapped bed with 2 other beds on either side.  Since Rob is there my friend just waits in the lobby for her hubby to come get her and go home.  While were waiting I call my parents to come up, and they come up and help us play pass the baby.  He also plays with grandpa's ball cap.  We play pass the baby and snack on cherries and apples (dried that I had with me) (yes I went against doctors orders and allowed him to have food and drink) and wait for the doctor.  The doctor comes (very nice lady) and checks out Tommy, we can't tell what part of the leg is hurt, so they do x-rays of the whole leg.  The whole time we're waiting tommy keeps telling us "Bye bye" "all done" (he's ready to go home).  Oh and while the doc is checking him out he plays with her stethoscope and and tries to listen to his pee pee.  When the x-ray lady comes Rob goes back with tommy, I can't go in the x-ray room because I'm pregnant. (understandable).  Rob said he didn't like the x-rays and they did 3 of them.  We wait for another ~hour while the xrays transfer from the xray room to the doctors station (slow connection all electronic), and then she comes to tell us nothing is broken, and we should just carry him a lot and do tylonal and motrin if he needs it.  He is already putting more wait on it and she's happy with everything, so we leave, without waiting for the discharge instructions etc.  We end up leaving about 7:30 after getting there at 5 which wasn't bad for an ER visit.   We get home and Tommy eats 6 hot dogs (Did I mention he hadn't had dinner yet), and then he goes to bed. 

Just got home from our first ER Trip

After a fall on the slide in the bounce house at our church Trunk or Treat he wasn't putting any weight on his right leg.  After 3 xrays and a not bad 2 1/2 hr wait nothing is broken.  He's very unsteady on it, but he's doing better, hopefully it will be better in the morning. 

--
Lydia Conrad
Mommy to Tommy 19 months 3/8/06 + new baby due 4/2008
Lydia@conradzone.com
214-226-3206 cel
http://conradzone.blogspot.com

Tommy's First Hair Cut

IMG_4976, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Tommy had his first Hair cut today. Check out more pictures here:

More Pictures Click Here

He did great, was a little fussy about having his hands covered up, but overall did GREAT! Enjoy!

Combing his hair

IMG_4755edit, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Tommy gave me a little scare today

He got a hold of some cashews again today, and started reacting immediately, puffy around the mouth.  So I rushed him up to the chiropractor, and she found some folic acid would help him out.  He laid on her pad for about 30 min and he was doing much better.  The puffiness around his face was doing much better.  So we went home for our nap.  Disaster avoided thank goodness.   Scared mommy half to death because of how bad he reacted last time (ears swelled up and everything).  We now have an EPI Pin just in case, but hopefully we won't have to use it EVER!  

Interesting quiz....So anyone know who this guy is?

	Duncan Hunter Score: 29	Agree Iraq Immigration Taxes Stem-Cell Research Abortion Line-Item Veto Energy	Disagree Health Care Social Security Marriage Death Penalty
-- Take the Quiz! --

13 weeks Pregnant/Pregnancy Update

I felt the baby move Saturday (Ok I tried really hard and was able to feel the baby) but it's not something I feel on a daily basis. All is going really well, I feel my belly/uterus getting bigger, so I'm confident that the pregnancy is going well. I took my b/p at work on Thursday, and it was well within normal 119/69. I'm not finding out what this baby is, and not planning any ultrasounds unless something is out of the normal. I really don't want them to find something they are concerned about, only to have me worry about it the whole pregnancy (negatively affecting myself my blood pressure and the baby), and then have it be nothing. I've been checking and most midwifes don't recommend any routine US unless there is a problem. The safety of US has never been proven, and I'd rather not take any needless risk.

I've been having great dreams about the birth of this baby too, and had so much peace about it. In my dreams it's just me, Rob and Tommy who welcome the baby into the world in our peaceful home (Yes I'm planning a home birth with this baby). Rob is a great support for me during the labor and birth, and hugs me and gives me the comfort and presence I need, just being with me as I labor. And then after the birth we get time (a day or two) together as a family to bond and really share that special moments with just each other before we open our home to visitors, even extended family.

Tommy's 18 month Appt

Tommy had his 18 month appointment with the Dr on Friday, and it went well.  He only gained about 2 oz, but he grew about 3 inches, as is evidence by him being able to reach almost anything in site that he really wants.  The main other thing we discussed was his food allergies, and the reaction he had to cashews.  (Last sunday he blew up like a balloon).  I asked her if we should get him an Epi Pin just in case he has a bad reaction again and needs something to help him, she said that it wasn't a bad idea.  The Epi Pin is for use only if he's having trouble breathing.  She said if you are afraid to wack them in the leg with the epi pin and hurt them, then you probably don't need to use it. You only need to use it in a case where you need to call 911 anyway.  So we have one in his diaper bag, and one in my purse.  I have another 2 to pick up at the pharmacy, and I haven't decided where we'll keep those.  I'm thinking one in the backup diaper bag, and one with daddy, maybe in daddy's truck.  

Another pic of the Breaker

IMG_4715, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Bad Breaker that Caused Electrical Problems

IMG_4716, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Friday/Saturday's Happenings:
We've got an electrical problem, several sets of lights are dimming/dim when we turn them on or severely flicker when we turn on something else in the same circuit. It just got worse than it was, and my dryer (GAS) won't even start if it's plugged into the kitchen, but if I plug it into the living room (long extension cord) it works fine!

Has anyone ever seen this before and have an idea what we are looking at?

We need someone bad, my refrigerator is now plugged into the living room via extension cord because it's on the same circuit as my laundry room and now that's not working at all. And the master bath and pool yard aren't working at all either!


Today's update:
Well finally got someone out this evening, the Son-In-Law of a Lady at my church. Turns out was a bad breaker, and a small electrical fire (in the electrical box) cause by a croded(sp?) line. He rigged everything where it would work tonight, and will be out Wed Morning to replace the whole box. YEH!! We've got power in our laundry room and kitchen, and master bath again! I took pictures of the bad breaker, but I don't really have time to download them to my computer tonight.

Tommy in a Wrap on my Back

IMG_4704, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Have I ever mentioned how I love wraps! They are great and versatile for carrying baby in all different positions. To check out how to carry baby in wrap check out www.wearyourbaby.org It's a great web site.

Daddy and Tommy Watching the Game

IMG_4702, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here's daddy and Tommy watching the game! You can see his ears are kinda red from his allergic reaction. We kept an eye on him instead of putting him in his bed because of the allergic reaction.

Benedryl vs Homeopathic Medicine

Tommy had an allergic reaction to cashews that his mom screwed up and gave him. And boy did she feel bad when his ears swelled up to twice there normal size! Yes it looked like red Rouldof Dumbo ears! I should have taken a picture.

That totally freaked me out he's never had a reaction that bad before. The homeopathic I tried first didn't work. So I sent a message to my chiro and resorted to benedryl while I waited for a call back.

When she called back he was sleeping peacefully and seemed better. She recommended a different homeopathic. I debated not getting it because we were watching the cowboy game. But decided I should get it before the store closed in an hour.

When I returned tommy was awake again and itching bad again. Only 1.5 hrs after the first dose of benedryl, and too soon for another dose. So I gave him the homeopathic and it calmed it right down IMMEDIATELY!! It worked much better than the benedryl had.

He was able to go right back to sleep and in the AM showed no signs that his ears were twice there size the night before!!

Peanut Butter and My Mom

IMG_4608, originally uploaded by conradzone.

I finally figured out why my mom is so careful to barely put any penut butter on the sandwiches she made us growing up. I gave tommy one of my sandwiches today, and he pulled it apart and ate it from the inside out, and had penut butter all over his hands and face, and almost in his LONG curly hair too.

Wow Mom boy were you smart! Darn I just said last week I'd never say that.

What did your mom do that you have discovered was SO SMART!

Tommy Listening to IPod

What can I say I have an IPod kid already

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Can you say hungry Mommy?

IMG_4635, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Can you say naptime!

IMG_4652, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Just trying to get camera settings correct so I was snapping a few shots before nap time.

My Cute Kid

IMG_4615, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here he is dumping water on himself in the play pool at my Sister's son's b-day party.

Cute Kid Announcement

IMG_4260, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Guess What?!? Two Lines! = Baby #2 Due End March Beginning of April. We're excited about our surprise baby coming around Tommy's 2nd Birthday!

Kombucha

Ever heard of this fermented tea drink? I started drinking it a few weeks ago and feel great! It kinda gives me a high drinking it, and it supppose to be really good for the liver, but in small quanities very gentle too. Its made from sweet tea and a bacteria yeast colony, and then left to ferment for 5-14 days. It tastes close to vinegar, but better. If I don't have it for a day I start to crave it. The best batch I made I made with rasberry tea, and black tea mixed together, it produced a great mushroom (SCOBY), and tasted wonderful. If you would like to try some or need a colony to start your own batch just let me know. It's really good.

Now I'm on the look out for some raw milk that's easy to get from the area I'm located. I think it would be great to add that to my diet also. Just need to find a farm/deliver that's convient to me, too bad it won't be as convient as Braums is to me.

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IMG_4208editcopper

IMG_4208editcopper, originally uploaded by conradzone.

I really like this photo too!

Tyler Joseph Photo Shoot

IMG_4248copper, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here's a copper tone picture of my new nephew form the photo shot I did this saturday. He's such a doll, and looks much more like his mommy than his sister does.

Tommy in Cousin David's T-Shirt

IMG_3730, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Tommy was put to bed by Cousin Beth, and I didn't leave her with any night clothes, so they used a t-shirt, it was a little large on him, but very comfy. He's also with his substitute teddy we took with us on the trip.

Here's my handsom Head :)

IMG_3726, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Hubby in front of the wild flower garden at the Marine Science Museum in Virginia Beach. We left tommy napping with my cousin and had fun looking at all the stuff that a one year old would find quite boring. We even wandered on their nature trail they had. All in all we had a great time, and Tommy was in good hands. We we got back he just looked up from playing and said HI! like he could careless that we were gone.

Fwd:

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Tommy Swimming with the grandparents(my folks)!

Tommy's been taking swim lessons, and has been doing a great job.  My parents came over one evening to see him swim, and my mom took some great pictures!! I just love these.  He learned in his swim lessons to roll over to his back for a breath, which has been great because when he does fall off of where he can touch he is able to get a breath instead of developing a fear of the water.  He just has a healthy respect for the water.  He loves to play in the water.  Along with the swim lessons you aren't suppose to use floatation devices, so we never have swim arms on him, and he always does just wonderful, and he even gets a great smile on his face when he goes to the float.  Hopefully by the end of summer he'll be rolling back over to his tummy to swim where he wants to go.  Also he's been climbing on the diving board and (with help) "jumping" off into who ever's below's arms.  He also likes climbing on the diving board just to feel it bounce below him when he "jumps". 
--
Lydia Conrad
Mommy to Tommy 14 months 3/8/06
doula@conradzone.com
214-226-3206 cel
http://conradzone.blogspot.com

Smelling with his Tongue

IMG_3451, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Here we are smelling the flowers with our tongue, so cute ;-) Have I mentioned how much I love this little boy.

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Dancing

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Blueberries are still messy

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Sleeping with mommy's bear!

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This?

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How is this?