SweetPea Castle

Slow and Steady

... Wins the Race!  I don't have to remind myself to take it easy.  My body will not LET me do anything else.  A quick recap...

Monday, May 5th I completed the yummy bowel prep.  Tuesday, Jason had me at the hospital by 6am for surgery that was scheduled for 7:30am.  After the usual pleasantries, it wasn't long at all before the anesthesiologist came in with the "happy juice".  She injected it into my IV and the last thing I remember before being wheeled out of the prep area was kissing my wonderful husband.  They told him to go find a LOT of things to do that the surgery would be roughly 6 hours.  8... YES... 8!!! hours later they finally let him know that I had just been taken to recovery and would see him in probably another 2 hours in my room.  The surgery had a couple of unexpected complications and they had to give me two units of blood in the OR.  The entire rest of that day is a complete blur.  Wednesday, May 8th... I got two more units of blood throughout the day and plenty of pain medicine.  And my mother-in-law came to the hospital for a visit.  I got out of bed to sit in the chair for the first time.  My pca pump was removed sometime early in the day once I could eat and swallow the pain pills.  I kicked my husband out of the hospital to a local hotel for the night so that he could get some real sleep.  Thursday, May 9th... all hell broke loose  at 4am when they realized I had hit my max dosage for Tylenol based pain meds at my 1:30am dose and couldn't have any further medication until the doc could work out what I was allowed/could take.  Because of my many medication allergies and the fact that I was still nursing, they couldn't give me just anything.  I called my husband in tears because of the pain and he rushed right in to take care of me.  They didn't get it worked out until nearly 8:00am.  The doc came in and apologized.  Once we got the pain under control, the rest of the day was fabulous.  But, the lack of pain control and associated issues set me back and I was unable to go home that day.  I finally got to get out of bed for my first walk around the surgical floor right around 1pm.  Hospital food sucks!  Afternoon came and I started up a steady low-grade temp (for the second afternoon in a row) and it was decided that I definitely would not be going home today.  Friday, May 9th... a couple of walks around the floor and fever is under control.  Pain management seems to be working.  I was released right around 7pm to go home.

The doctor made a mistake on the prescription for pain meds and we couldn't get it filled - guess it really was a good thing we had decided to stop at a pharmacy less than 15 minutes or so from the hospital instead of driving the whole 2 hours home.  We rushed back to the hospital to get them to fix it all.  By then, I was in a LOT of pain again and very stressed.  We got everything temporarily resolved and got one of the two pain meds that was supposed to last me through the weekend.  I didn't think to ask the doctor what the NEW dosing instructions would be without the other pain med.  So, at 3:30am on Saturday I was shaking and hysterical with pain.  My wonderful mother and husband managed to move the rocker/glider from the nursery into my bedroom for me to try to get a little more sleep in.  And, once I spoke with the doctor in the morning and got the new dosing instructions we were doing great again.  I wasn't able to nurse Josiah at all on Saturday.  He just wouldn't latch on and I was still in considerable pain.  On Sunday, I got the BEST Mother's Day present of all when Josiah latched right on and spent the day nursing to his hearts content with my mother's help.  Monday, May 12th we got the prescription issues worked out with the surgeon and my local primary care doctor.  Tuesday, I had a kink in my foley catheter and thought I wanted to die right around lunch time.  Once we figured out what was wrong, I just spent the rest of the day resting and thanking God for His amazing mercy in it being something so simple and easily resolved.  I even managed to hobble downstairs and out onto the back deck to sit and breath in the beautiful sunny day and relax in one of the gliders mom got for my deck.  Sunshine, a nice breeze, good pain control and beautiful orchard/mountain views... God's therapy at it's best.

That brings us to today... it's been a good day.  It wasn't as warm outside, but I did manage to get outside to get some fresh air and relax for a bit.  Josiah is still nursing 100% of the time with no supplementation and no seeming adverse reactions to my current meds.  All of my little ones are adjusting rather well.  My husband is working amazingly hard to be all that we need of him right now.  My mom is still sleeping on my couch and here nearly 24/7 to make sure we are okay through this week. Oh... and my laptop was shipped to HP today to be repaired while I recover.  I'm working on this "loaner" my hubby provided.

Tomorrow is yet another day and another time for the Lord to show my family His amazing love and provision for us.  I plan to pick up my socks and continue my knitting tomorrow.  I might even finish them depending on how the day goes.  Hug your loved ones and never forget to take time to show them just how important they are to you.  You might not have another chance and they need to hear it from you.

Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

A New Journey Begins

It is hard to believe that this journey is over.  After so many years of praying for "just one more child" and finally coming to the commitment to return our fertility to God's hands, this is an adjustment.  We prayed for several years before God provided the finances for my tubal reversal in December 2000.  We committed right then to completely leave our fertility in God's hands and trust Him with whatever He gave us.  It's not always been an easy walk, but it's been more than we could have ever imagined.  So, 7 pregnancies and four living miracles later, the Lord has closed my womb.

I would be a liar if I didn't say that I am actually quite sad about this.  But, I would be even more of a liar if I didn't say that I'm also quite relieved by this.  Jason and I were definitely ready to be "done" with this season of child-bearing.  We are blessed beyond imagination with our current quiver-full.  But, we are excited about being able to focus on our children and have some restoration in our marriage.

It's difficult to go from having nearly young adults and a LOT of freedom... to having a housefull of young children who need your constant attention.  I have been pregnant, nursing, or miscarrying for the last 7 1/2 years.  My husband is looking forward to getting his wife back.  ;-)

So, as I move out of one season and into another, I am cherishing each and every moment with my children.  They truly do grow up way too fast.  I am focusing on proper training and education.  I am also cherishing the time to get my body back in shape.  I won't be allowed to do any real exercise for 4-6 months.  But, I'm going to walk and eat right until then.  I am going to take the time to bring my family back to regular meals around the dining room table - meals that are healthy, yummy, and prepared with love.

I have been married to the love of my life for over 20 years.  I have 6 beautiful children.  I have a gorgeous house and a church and family that loves me.  Life is good.

My pastor gave my husband this scripture when I was struggling the other night...

Psalms 9:10 ~ And those who know Your name will put their trust in you, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Pre-Surgery update

Tomorrow I head down to the hospital for my pre-op appointment.  Then, Monday I have the lovely bowel prep to do.  Finally, surgery is at 7:30am on Tuesday.  I'm expecting to be in the hospital until Thursday afternoon-ish.  Before then, I've got a LOT to get dealt with and it's not working so well with 4 clingy grumpy little ones.  But, they need me... and that's what I need to be doing more right now.  I just wish Josiah felt a bit better.  The poor little man is terribly grumpy.

Okay... I said I would write more about the surgery and I guess today is the best time to do that.  After Josiah was born, I ended up with a significant pelvic/vaginal prolapse.  After several doctor's visits and prayer, we decided that the best option was a hysterectomy with pelvic repair.  I will have at least 6-8 weeks of serious recovery.  I won't even be able to lift Josiah during that time.

Since I am trying to ship my laptop back to HP for repair during this time, I'm not sure exactly when I'll be able to post updates.  But, my wonderful husband set me up with another "loaner" laptop.  So, it shouldn't be too far out.

I praise the Lord that I have family and friends that are here and willing to help us during this very difficult time.  I'm still very nervous and weepy.  I'm looking forward to being healed... I'm not really looking forward to the method that gets us there.

Time to run... Josiah needs another breathing treatment and some snuggle time.  He really needs a nap, but just can't seem to get to/stay asleep right now.

Godspeed.... ~ Tiffani

Weekend update

First... MY MOM ROCKS!  Well, aside from all of the many MANY things I could write about that say why she rocks... she gifted me with a one year sock club subscription at Little Turtle Knits for Mother's Day!  Of course, she also stayed home with a sick Tabitha today so that I could take Josiah and go to the church ladies' meeting this afternoon.  I am truly so very blessed.

I finished up all of my diapers for my stocking on Tuesday and got all of the orders out on Friday that came in.  I have another diaper that needs to be shipped out on Monday.  My sewing room is officially closed for business for several weeks.  Of course, I have a few diapers I want to sew for my own two little ones this coming week.  But, there's no pressure for those and I'm going to enjoy making something for them that isn't considered a "second".  ;-)  I'm also already thinking ahead to some special things I want to do when I re-open the store.  You'll just have to wait and see!

I am trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of the upcoming surgery.  It'll be "real" enough soon enough.  I don't need to spend the next week stressing over it all and over-thinking things.  I'm going to spend the week cleaning my house and enjoying my family.... oh... and knitting!  I'll post a more detailed update on the surgery itself and what my expectations are for the next few weeks sometime next week.

Right now, I am heading back upstairs to my room to start the heel gusset on my socks while the news is on.  Then I'm going to try to get some much-needed rest while Josiah is sleeping.

It's one of THESE kind of days...

He really just doesn't feel very well.  We've just finished our very first nebulizer breathing treatment and he is NOT happy.  So, I'm off to nurse him and just snuggle.

It's been a fruitful week

I've actually accomplished quite a bit this week, all things considered.  But, for some reason I still feel like I haven't done nearly enough.  Perhaps it's because I really do still have so much left that I WANT to accomplish before going for surgery.  I think I will take this weekend and re-evaluate what is really important on that list... and work towards those things.

I'm really excited!  I wound two skeins of yarn this evening.  One is a gorgeous sock yarn from Elliebelly and the other is another undyed sock yarn from Plumknits.  The Elliebelly is next to be knit, but i had to get the other skien wound before it got all tangled from hanging on the doorknob to the sewing room.  And, I'm determined to knit quite a bit more on my socks tonight after all the little ones have gone to bed.

I also finished up Christina's order and got it shipped today.  I can't wait to hear how she likes the "B" custom.  I was really happy with how that turned out.  I've got several diapers already finished for Tuesday's MudpieBabies stocking.... and several more in the works.  I'm planning a 9:25pm stocking time to allow a little more time to get all these finished and listed... and a few more west coasters a better chance.

Now, I'm off of here for the evening.  I really do need to get to knitting if I'm ever going to finish these socks.  Perhaps I'll post some pics tomorrow... we'll see how nice it is outside.  ;-)

Fun Stuff

Today is gonna be busy.  As long as Josiah behaves, it'll be okay.  He's been in a bit of a funk the past several days.  I'm not sure if he's in a growth spurt or what.  But, I'm sure it'll work itself out shortly.

I've got embroideries to work on today for Christina's custom slot.  And, I need to finish cutting and organizing the rest of the stuff for her order.  I'm also working on instock items.  I've got 7 AIOs already finished and ready.  I've got a bunch more in the works.

I also need to go to WalMart for bedding and a set of curtains.  We are moving the children's sleeping arrangements around so I can use the crib for Josiah.  I need yogurt from the grocery store too. 

Finally, I need to contact the lactation consultant at the hospital I'm having my surgery at.  I want to meet with them prior to surgery.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

UPDATE... well, I didn't make it to the grocery store.  But that will get done tomorrow.  And, I never did call the lactation consultant.  I'll take care of that soon too.  BUT, I did make it down to church tonight for an awesome presentation by the Jews for Jesus on the Passover feast.  It was really quite fascinating.  I have one more embroidery to finish for Christina's order and plenty of fabrics to cut.  Tomorrow is another day.  :-)

Whew

I got Ramona's custom, Sara's replacement, the GCDH special, and Noah's homeschool annual assessment test shipped out this afternoon.  I also got a much-needed trip to the grocery store - all by myself while my parents watched the littles.

I now have everything to finish Sue's custom order tomorrow.  Amanda's custom and my item for a charity event on May 1st are the next on the list... along with several instock items.  Then, I've got two more customs that need to be finished. 

I'm really excited to be working on some simple instock items for the next couple of weeks.  I'm not quite sure when I'll be listing yet.  I was hoping to list today, but that just didn't work once everyone got so sick.

Finally, I managed to get a few more rows knit on my socks.  I'm already envisioning my next pair.  But, I have managed to resist casting on and having more than one item in the works.  ;-)

Time to head to bed.  If I'm going to get anything done tomorrow, I need to get some sleep now.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

We have a date!

My surgery will happen on May 6th.  This is to repair the pelvic prolapse that happened after Josiah's birth.  The will be introducing mesh support structure for my bladder and pelvic floor.  And, I will be having a hysterectomy.  The Lord has said that we are done.  I will be so very glad to get my body back in proper functioning order again.  Right now, I am constantly uncomfortable and dealing with regular urinary tract infections.  Praise the Lord for His provision of doctors and health insurance.

This WILL mean that a lot of things are on the back burner for a couple of months.  I will be completely unable to lift anything over 8 pounds for 6-8 weeks after surgery.  And, I'll have to slowly work up from there.  I am finishing up my current MudpieBabies custom list and not taking any further customs until after I've recovered.  I'll be working on instock listings until surgery... and then once again after I can stand to be in the sewing room again.  Of course, I'll update my announcements list as soon as I'm ready to take on custom work again.

Josiah is still feeling awful and struggling with a high fever.  So, I'm off to let him swing while I try to get some sewing done.  That's the gist of yesterdays biggest news.  I'll post again tonight after I get some work done and the children are down for the night.

A quick peek...

This is what "productive" looks like:

From right to left... Sara's replacement AIO.  The GCDH AIO.  Ramona's two custom AIOs.  And a couple of in-stock/seconds.  I have to put the front snaps or aplix on them, photo them, and then pack them up to ship out tomorrow.  Then, I've got Sue's two custom AIOs in the back of the photo.  They will get their elastic in later today.  Then, I expect to finish cutting and sewing their inners tomorrow.  We'll see how much the littles let me do.  I've also got another custom ready for it's embroidery and another charity diaper to get out next week.  And, I'm also working with Christina on her order and I have another mama that I'm sure thinks I've forgotten her.  I haven't.  ;-)

This is what my poor little sick guy looked like while I was working:

Poor little man.  He's miserable.  I'm off to snuggle with him while I eat some lunch.  Then, it's off for his ped appointment.