Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

As I near the end of my pregnancy I am very thankful to have had Grandma Weycker in town this year for Thanksgiving. I honestly didn't feel like cooking a huge feast that would entail hard work and clean-up afterwards. I was o.k. with whatever Kale had in mind. ( this is unusual of me) But grandma came to the rescue at the last minute refusing to eat anything other than traditional Thanksgiving Day food!

We had a small feast and ate well!!

We enjoyed ham, mac-n-cheese, applesauce, sweet potato pie, corn, dinner rolls, turkey stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course a key lime pie.

These were all last minute throw-togethers and they were great!

She took over my kitchen

Yum!

Kale did the honors

Tyler ate like a champ

And a family pic ( minus Colten-he was with dad in Texas )

Thank goodness for grandmas and great food!

Happy Thanksgiving

Catching Up

I seriously need to catch up. I am behind on blogging since Thanksgiving. Right before I had Morgan. This month has been LONG and exciting. I am near being back to normal as far as functioning other than with a new baby. 

We love you all!! We haven't mailed a single Christmas card! I feel absolutely terrible! After having Morgan, going back into the hospital, recovering, Christmas....oh my! I am getting back on track. You should see belated cards very soon. 

And lots of pictures of the Family. Colten is currently with his dad in Texas and will return shortly. We are going to shoot a family pic ( which I so meant to do before he left! ) and then will send off our cards.

Merry Christmas to everyone. We miss you all!!

Love,

Sharin

Kale

Colten

Tyler and 

Morgan

14 days of... {updated}

I have had one heck of a start to motherhood with Morgan. This last two weeks has been incredibly exhausting!

We welcomed our baby girl November 30, 2011. This was an amazing day.

Then I spent three days in the hospital recovering from the c-section. I could complain all day long about how uncomfortable hospital beds are but most of you already know. It's not even worth getting into how much pain I was in either! I just wanted to go HOME!

Finally Saturday Dec. 3 2011- I was able to go home and relax. Just 3 days later I got a headache. This headache lasted all day long. Then through to the next day. Then the next day my headache developed into a migraine on and off. I thought : you have got to be kidding me. My ankles, feet, and calves were also really swollen. This wasn't right. I finally called my Dr. while in town with Grandma Rush and they told me to go to triage to get checked out. So I did.

Little did I know that "getting checked out" would end up meaning another 3 days in the hospital. 

I had developed post-partum preeclampsia. Preeclampsia during pregnancy isn't normal but it does happen. Post-partum preeclampsia is rare and not normal.

I was scared out of my mind! I didn't really know exactly what it was until the nurse explained. The Dr. came in and told me I couldn't leave due to the possibility of seizures. I really freaked out then. 

The boys were in school when I was admitted. I had about 30 minutes to get them off school bus. This really stressed me out. I called Kale like 5 times. No answer. The one time I really needed him to answer! So then the Dr. called the police to pick up my kids and bring them to me. I thought it was a genius but scary idea. Then I got a hold of my girlfriend Beth. She said she would go and get the boys. The nurses called the police back to cancel the request. Then Kale finally called me back. He left work right away and was home before my girlfriend Beth even showed up. I felt terrible sending her but I didn't know when Kale would have called back. So they both were there to get boys off the bus- thank the LORD! Beth brought Kale to hospital. 

They put me on pain killers (again) and magnesium sulfate. I barely ate anything my first 3 days in hospital post-surgery and here I was again not eating anything but crackers and jello just so I wouldn't get sick from pain meds. This was absolutely terrible. Before admitting me into hospital I was told I could keep Morgan with me. I mean for heavens sake I just delivered her. There was no way she was leaving my sight! So we had to talk this through with the hospital. I was told it wasn't a good idea to keep her because of the magnesium making me extremely loopy and out of it. I fought the idea they were trying to push and asked them to let her stay with me. They agreed and assigned the nurses to help watch me with the baby. I was so happy.  During some of the worst times in your life- your kids being around just makes the difficult time worth going through. I really needed her beside me!

Kale was gone with boys almost the entire next day. Another reason I wanted to keep baby. She couldn't handle the drive. He had a 6-8 hour drive to and from STL airport to take Grandma Rush to fly home. I didn't want her to leave during this crazy time. We had a few plans that we didn't get to but maybe next time will be better.

So I sat in hospital for a few days. Bored. Missing my husband and boys. Really needing some help with baby. In lots of pain. Sick from pain meds. This wasn't really the experience I wanted with the new baby but I guess it could always be worse.

They finally took me off the magnesium sulfate which was supposed to "cure" the preeclampsia. It didn't. My headaches/migraines were still on a roll. I couldn't stand this anymore. My head was killing me! Finally the Dr. ordered a cat scan. This really had my mind going. I kept questioning what was wrong with me. I wasn't too sure about this whole thing in the first place. I guess they didn't want to freak me out so they didn't tell me anything at all. This was frustrating. 

The cat scan came back negative. The Dr finally admitted that it is rare but some pregnant women develop aneurysms. I clearly did not. We were sort of all at a loss on why I still had a headache. Then all of a sudden it started fading away. I was thrilled but skeptical. Skeptical on the fact I was scared it would come back. It didn't. It kept fading. They monitored me for a while longer and I was out that Sunday December 11, 2011. Yay. Finally home! With my family and my warm comfy bed. 

Then this last Monday I went to my first Dr. appointment post-birth. I had a section of my cesarean that was swollen, red, and painful. I thought I was still healing. Of course I was wrong! I had what my Dr. called a stitch abscess. Great! She went in with scissors and cut a stitch out. This didn't feel too hot!

The nurse was also a little concerned with the amount of weight I had lost as well. I just smiled and said ya know... I haven't eaten 6 days of 14! This also put a little damper on breastfeeding baby as well. My body wasn't getting what it needed to provide for her. This made me sad as I had plans for a no formula diet for little Morgan. But as the days go by and my eating habits are better, things are better for Morgan and her eating habits. She's a little eater! :)

This has been a crazy 14 days.

Now for my pride and joy:

My kiddos!

They are so worth going through anything for. Love Love Love!!!

Morgan's Birth

* Morgan Elaine Shank *

So happy Morgan is finally here! She is a blessing. She is sweet. She's our little Ladybug!

The morning that Kale and I would head to the Women's Hospital to deliver Ladybug came way too fast. The previous week was the slowest week ever! I felt as if the days would drag on and on and on. But when the special day came - I wanted to get back into bed and keep her in the womb longer. Sounds really strange that an almost 9 month pregnant woman would say this right? 

Surgery isn't all too appealing to anyone especially someone who has gone through two rough c-sections already. So yes. I wanted to crawl back into bed and SLEEP!

But I couldn't. So Kale and I hugged and hugged and he assured me over and over that things would be o.k. My heart was pounding the entire way to the hospital. I didn't want to go through another surgery but I couldn't wait to meet Ladybug.

We arrived at the hospital and I was so nervous. I was dreading the surgery of course. I sure am glad that I had Kale. I wouldn't have been able to mentally cope without him. I put on my big girl pants and was ready to have this baby.

Not long after checking in with admissions, we learned that the power was out at the hospital. I thought to myself { Great! This is just what I need at a moment like this } Supposedly there was an automobile accident and the power was cut off to the hospital. They were running on generators. My surgery was postponed. I was upset. I had finally got myself together and was ready to have a baby and bam. I am delayed mentally and physically. Not cool. So we patiently waited things out. I had more time than I needed to think about this surgery. Not cool either. Bad thoughts entered my mind. I thought of so many different things within the hour of waiting. What if something goes wrong? What if she has to go to NICU? What if? What if? So I began to pray. I prayed for a healthy beautiful baby girl.

All of a sudden things began to happen rapidly.

They hauled me off to the OR room.

It was as if the minutes it took to prepare me for surgery turned into seconds in my mind. Things happened so fast I really didn't have time to think or to get scared. Before I knew it I was laying flat on my back with a curtain in front of me. 

Then Kale came in the OR and I was instantly happier than ever. I had him right beside me holding my hand.

Within minutes of starting the surgery they announced that they were seconds from her. And all of a sudden all I could hear was a beautiful cute faint little cry coming from my daughter.

I couldn't believe she was here!!!

Our pictures from such an exhausting, exciting and eventful day:

{    Daddy dressed up for Morgan's delivery    }

{   Mommy during surgery. Waiting patiently to hear that first cry   } 

{    She's here!   }

{    Mommy and Daddy meet Morgan for the first time! This was such an incredible moment!    }

{   Daddy and his baby girl  }

{  Finally in a more relaxing and comfortable setting. Holding our baby girl.   }

{  Colten and Baby Morgan   }

{   Tyler and Baby Morgan   }

{   Mommy - Grandma Weycker and Baby Morgan   }

{   Daddy - Grandma Rush and Baby Morgan   }

{   My girlfriend Beth - Mommy and Baby Morgan  }

We are so glad she is finally here. 

She is our little bundle of joy and I can't wait to take LOTS of pictures of her with our family!

We love you all. 

Love,

Our Shank Family

Welcome Baby Morgan

{   Introducing   }

Morgan Elaine Shank

November 30, 2011

Born at 1:23 pm

7 lbs 2.4 oz

18.75 in

We are so happy she is finally here!!!

One More Date

Tonight was great. Kale decided to take me on one more date before baby arrives. I am glad we did. We enjoyed talking, being romantic  ( this means Kale tying my tennis shoes because I can't reach them myself ), and stuffing our faces full of food.

We went to my favorite restaurant - Zuki. It's a Japanese Hibachi Grill and Sushi bar. I love, love, love sushi. I always have and always will. Nothing I ate was "raw" so it was delicious and safe for baby. She was actually kicking the entire time.

A little quality time was much needed and I love him for putting up with me for 9 months!

"Cheese"

My Watermelon - 38 Weeks

38 Weeks with Ladybug

( taking my own picture)

Some lady at the store walked up to me and said, "You look like you are about to pop". I wanted to smack her!!! But I kindly replied yes, yes....I am ready to pop!

Ladybug Update:

Baby is doing well. She is still moving around a lot. Elbows and knees and all.

Heart rate is around 130 BPM.

Had a baby appointment last Monday. According to my doctor she is going to be the biggest baby I have ever carried. She said this because baby has dropped completely. But her butt is still right up against my rib cage when being measured. Both of my boys were 6 pound babies

( Colten: 6 lbs 1 oz and Tyler  6 lbs 0.7 oz) . My doctor told me last Monday that if she had to guess that baby was at least 7 pounds. I think she will be around the same size as my boys but I guess we will see.

Miss Ladybug is killing me :) I don't go to sleep until around 4am. It's been like this for a week. She decides that she is going to go on a 3 hour spree of rolling her feet into my ribs. I am so uncomfortable. She pushes at both ends at the same time. I always wonder if she is trying to stand up inside me??? I almost started crying last night. Everyone was sleeping but ME. I don't look forward to getting any sleep tonight either. Only a few more days and this will be over.

I miss miss miss being comfortable when I sleep. I can't wait to be comfortable again!

Just for grins: Kale and I ( being competitive as we are ) decided that we would have a go at each other. We are guessing Ladybugs birth weight. Why? Dunno. It's fun though. 

Kale's guess:  7 pound 3 ounces

Sharin's guess : 6 pounds 10 ounces

We will find out soon!

Mommy Update:

I haven't gained any weight this last week. I have gained right at 30 pounds total with this pregnancy.

My feet get a little swollen but not too bad. I can't shop. I have tried for days to run some errands and it just isn't working out. What I can usually get done in half a days time has taken me over a week to accomplish.

I have also NOT done anything more with my preparing for Ladybug list. I just don't have it in me to finish some projects for her. I find that I barely make it through the day doing absolutely nothing at all. It's depressing a little because I thought I would be able to complete my list for her but unfortunately- I don't. Maybe one or two more preparing for Ladybug posts and that's it until after she arrives.

My face looks tired. I am always really tired. I know..I know...I'm pregnant. :)

I'm getting to that point of "GET HER OUT OF ME" I honestly can't wait until she is out.

My thoughts this week:

I'm excited to finally be in my last week of pregnancy. Woo Hoo. This is awesome. My entire body hurts. No fun! But not too long from now it will be over.

I can't wait to meet our daughter. I keep wondering who and what she will look like. I imagine her sometimes. Is she going to be small and tiny? Big and chubby? I just can't wait.

Will she have any problems? This one is definitely one I have been turning over to God. I trust him with all my heart! I pray for a safe surgery without complications. I also pray for a healthy baby!

I keep thinking about the surgery. I can't get it off my mind. I have been asking the Lord to take this anxiety/fear from me. I am truly terrified. I really need to get more positive! I am praying for this too.

Daddy Update:

We have had a few talks about our feelings on baby. It's nice to talk about her. WE both can't wait to meet her, hold her, and take care of her.

Kale has been supportive as always. He has been a great husband and father. He continues to help me so much. I love him for all that he does.

I can't wait for her arrival!!

Love

The Shank Family

Tyler Makes French Toast

Kale has some-what taken over my mommy duties (when he can) so that I can rest as much as possible. This includes a LOT! Cleaning, cooking, and being my taxi. We work well as a team and this has helped me so much. 

Kale has always loved the help of the kids. Anything that he can do - he believes with a little guidance - the kids can do too. Why not throw cooking into the mix?

Last night was fun. I wanted french toast for supper. Yes - french toast for supper! So, Kale had Tyler help him make french toast.

Tyler did a great job! Kale showed him how to do something once and Tyler caught on quick. I loved watching them and taking these photos (even though I was supposed to be sitting down and getting off my feet). I couldn't help it. This is our last week of being a family of 4. With the new baby coming - we have been trying to spend as much one on one time with our kids as we can. 

FRENCH TOAST ANYONE?

EGGS

STIR AND DIP

COOK

AND SERVE!

These were delicious by the way. I am looking forward to eating more french toast made by Tyler!

Snuggle Time

I love spending time with my boys. Lately, I just haven't had the energy to do a lot of running around with them. I am lucky if I get my kitchen clean after supper. So we have been doing a lot of snuggling and watching movies before bed. 

Kale decided he was going to surprise us with the camera. They are definitely NOT shy!

They laugh when they see baby moving around.

Tyler LOVES to kiss the baby

I ( hope) believe they will be this loving when baby comes! I can't wait to see my boys hold their new baby sister.

My Little Sleepers

Every day of the week is an early to bed-early to rise kind of day. We all hit the sack early so that we can all be functional around 6am. Just recently, Kale and I decided to start going to church on Saturday nights so that we could have at least one day to sleep in. So Sundays we usually enjoy sleeping in until we hear our kids feet hit the hard wood floors of our home. Then, Kale and I look at each other, sigh, and get up to fix everyone breakfast. This last Sunday was different. I woke up and to my surprise the house was silent. I didn't hear any kids. No talking, no little feet running around, and no t.v. playing a Disney movie. I heard nothing! I went downstairs to check on the kids and they were both sound asleep. I was very surprised! I should have stayed in bed but couldn't resist my own curiosity. 

This was the perfect time to snap some photos of my little sleepy heads. 

Colten

Tyler

I decided after staring at my own children for a minute or two that it was indeed time to wake up. After all, I was hungry. It was definitely time for some pancakes! 

I woke up the kiddos and they woke up well. They both gave me big smiles with their half awake little faces. I also got lots of hugs and giggles. They wanted to know what I was doing. I told them I was just being a mom.

A little scary but cute!

#17- Decorate at least 5 onesies myself

Task Complete. I have actually had these onesies complete for a few months. I forgot I had created these cute little outfits for Ladybug until I was organizing all of her clothes into her dresser.

For the applique process- I just googled 'how to' and read through several tutorials. This was fun and my first time doing this.

Here they are:

Onesie #1: 

I used applique process and then I hand stitched around the letters. On the back of this onesie are cute ruffles.

Onesie #2:

  I made these fabric flowers using a felt flower tutorial a few months ago. For the life of me I can't find the tutorial to post. This was fun though. I hand sewed the sparkle buttons in the middle of each flower for some bling

Onesie #3:

 I used the applique process for this onesie as well then hand sewed around the letters. I saw a little boy named Sawyer (my sister-in-laws son) wearing a cute shirt with his last name on front. I thought it was adorable so I made Ladybug a "Shank" onesie with ruffles.

Onesie #4:

This onesie was fun. I just drew a flower on paper and copied it to the web backing. Each flower was just a larger tracing of the first. I used applique process to create this onesie as well. Then I hand sewed sparkle buttons to the center adding some more bling.

Onesie #5:

I used applique process for this onesie as well. The material came from an old scrub top I had boxed up. It was cute and I love black. I hand stitched the stem and the ruffles to the sleeves. 

#20 Recover Glider Rocker

Task Complete. Finally!

Our $50.00 Craigslist find

This was easy and fast. I tore off the old covers and replaced with new material. Loved doing this little project with the hubby. Kale did all the sanding and painting and I got to be crafty.

THE OLD GLIDER ROCKER: (YUKKO)

THE NEW GLIDER ROCKER:

New material and fresh paint makes any old chair look good.

I can't wait to rock the baby in this comfy glider

Happy Halloween 2011

(Sorry for the post delay)


This year was different for the Shank Family. Kale and I decided not to dress the kids up in costumes, paint their faces, or go trick-or-treating. We had some alternative plans that didn't include spending too much money, sugar-high's, and a dark night walking the streets of the west side.

Our first Halloween adventure started with an invite from my girl Beth to a Halloween party at her mother-in-laws house.

We enjoyed LOTS of food, candy, games, bonfire, and of course a hayride.  I brought the camera thinking we would gets lots of pictures. This didn't work out too well because we were actually having too much fun to worry about the camera. There was fortunately only a few occasions where taking a picture was absolutely necessary!



The game: to cover a team player up with a trash bag - covered in shaving cream - and then launch cheetos at them. The goal: to cover your team mate with as many cheetos as possible. We so lost! The high score was over 130 cheetos and we came in with about 60 cheetos. LOOSERS! But it was so funny and so much fun. Of course I was the volunteer for this event. I figured more surface area!!

The preggo covered in cheetos!

The hayride:

During the hayride 3/4 of the way back to the house we were scared to death but a leaf blower! Yes a leaf blower. It was the host's husband dressed up as a crazy clown outfit and a leaf blower ( which actually sounded like a chain saw for a second) I believe a few people claimed to have peed themselves. It was good and all the kids screamed!



The second event that we attended was through our church. They hold an annual celebration called Autumn Fest. We have never attended Autumn Fest before. We thought this would be so much fun for the family. The cost to get in was FREE! Even better. The only expense was food. Which we were able to get out of by eating prior to the event.

This was fun of course for everyone BUT the preggo. I couldn't stand being on my feet the whole time. I felt like a cow walking around this event. But it was fun to watch the boys having so much fun.

Getting ready to climb

Daddy makes it to the top

Tyler is ready to go

He actually does really well. He made it 3/4 of the way to the top

Bull riding. He lasted about 4 seconds

Daddy being silly

Colten being his cute self

A little tractor pull competition

This was a lot of fun. It definitely beat trick or treating and the boys had fun. I am looking forward to this next year