Ladybugs First Pair of Shoes

This wasn't going to be something I posted but Kale insisted.

We went to the mall on a mission to buy Ladybug her first pair of shoes. This took hours! We stopped in Journey's for kids, Gymboree, Children's Place, Gap Kids, Crazy 8's, and more. We even went to Dillard's and JCPenney's. Well, the first store we hit was Journey's for kids. This is where Kale found these shoes. I took this picture so if we found shoes somewhere else we could compare. He originally wanted to get her a pair of baby pumas.

I remember Tyler's first pair of shoes were pumas. Adorable!

Well, we went through all of these stores. Honestly, I thought her first pair of shoes would look like ballet slippers with bows or something. BUT, they are not. They are definitely pink though!

Here they are. Kale's pick all the way! Ladybugs first pair of shoes:

Adorable!!

They are 0-3 months but they won't fit her right away. I love them! They were pricey of course at almost $40. Her first outfit was not a splurge at all so this is considered Kale's big splurge for his new little girl.

Can't wait to see Ladybug rockin' these Polo's!

My Eggplant - 26 Weeks

26 Weeks and 3 Days Pregnant with Ladybug  

Ladybug Update:

Ladybug is steadily growing. She is getting bigger. Her kicks are getting stronger. She now likes to roll her hands and feet across the inside of my belly. Sometimes these kicks are so uncomfortable but exciting at the same time. It's weird when I say ouch smiling.

I was able to touch her foot not but a week ago. If I am not mistaken: her foot is about as long as the top of my thumb. Her foot is about an inch and a half. This is my best guest...So sweet! Kale finally got to feel her foot earlier tonight. He still gets all eewy goowey on me. Silly man!


Mommy Update:

I have no idea how much I weigh right now. Probably a TON.

Clothes other than maternity that I have been able to wear so far throughout this pregnancy are getting tight. Like my pajama pants, pajama shorts and my comfy workout pants. So it looks like I am going to have to go shopping for some things. I passed up the oppertunity last week thinking I didn't want to spend the money but looks like I am going to have to.

I am having a lot of trouble sleeping at night. It's like this last few weeks I've been awake while everyone else is sleeping. I toss and turn. I take a warm bath. Nothing seems to help. And the little squirt decides that she is going to be most active when I am trying to sleep. She just wakes up and goes to town. Kicking, rolling, punching and squirming away. Go to sleep Ladybug!!!!!!

I have had really crazy days lately. One day I am full of energy. Cleaning and doing laundry. I am like a supermom throughout the house. Then I have days like today where I am just exhausted, tired, and feeling the physical heaviness of this pregnancy. At the beginning of this pregnacy, I had no trouble taking a nap. But it seems like this last few weeks I get really tired. I mean to the point of becoming non-functional. But I cannot sleep!  My hormones are all wacked out. I feel for Kale at this point! Poor guy tries everything to please me and I am so not with the program.

The contractions are getting less and less. With being at home and being able to rest, I have noticed a change in the duration and amount of contractions I am having. They are weak.They are just your regular, normal Braxton Hicks Contractions. This is great. Grow ladybug Grow! I have faith that we will make the rest of this pregnancy and hoping at the same time it goes fast.

My famous quote : Kale usually works a lot. He got a nice break from work about a week ago and we got to hang out all day. He noticed that I was constantly snacking. He looked at me and said, "Baby, are you hungry?" I said,"no, I am just snacking." He laughed at me so hard I actually got mad. I kept telling him to not laugh at me. But when he pointed out the contradiction - I had no other choice but to laugh too.  I was hungry. I was eating. I don't know where that came from. Just another funny thing I have said throughout this pregnancy to make Kale laugh.

One thing I have also noticed about this pregnancy is that EVERYTIME Ladybug starts kicking, I get super excited. I mean super excited. I HAVE to show Kale and the boys. They both get equally excited to see Ladybug moving around so much. This is definitely the most active pregnancy I have ever had. She is just so awake and so active. I wish she would leave me some of that energy!

Foods I love the most:

• Cereal! All kinds of cereal. My favorites: cinnamon toast crunch, honey combs, fruit loops, and Oh's. Oh's are my all time favorite. Seriously - if you touch my box of Oh's I will hurt you!
• Cold fruit.  naval oranges, pineapples, strawberries
• Eggs and toast w/jelly
• Deli Sandwiches. My favorite: Jimmy Johns Subs. Cold turkey, avacado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and mayo!
• McDonalds Sweet Tea with Extra Ice.
• BBQ anything. I love BBQ sauce. My favorite: RIBS!!! with extra BBQ sauce
• Chocolate Chip Cookies. Not just any cookie though. It has to be the Walmart cheapos. LOVE them!
• Blueberry Pancakes
• Nacho Cheese Doritos. I go back and forth to the cabinet eating out of the bag.

Ladybugs Due Date:

I still have my due date being November 28, 2011. This is my scheduled c-section date. I am also making arrangements with family and friends for the birth of our new baby girl. We are getting things lined up for family and friends to visit. We will keep everyone posted on this date.

We are currently 13 weeks away and counting down. So much to do!!!

We have Grandma Weycker and Grandma Rush first on the scene. Grandma Weycker will come visit about a week or so before ladybugs due date. This will give me the time to finish up things for Ladybug's arrival , some much needed rest, and help with the boys. This will also give me the hands on help I will need after this surgery. She can snuggle with baby while Kale helps me take and bath, get dressed, and get around the house in one piece. I will need them both after this surgery!

Grandma Rush will be here as well for the birth of her new granddaughter (hopefully) We still need to call and make this arrangement. She will get lots of snuggle time too and be able to spend time with the boys.

Then Grandma and Grandpa Pekarek, my brother, his wife and kids will be visiting shortly after for the Christmas Holidays.  This will also allow us to give our boys more attention while the grandparents snuggle with the baby.

Then we are hoping somewhere in this big mix that we will get a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Shank! Still making arrangements!

I also have a dear friend and bridesmaid - Beth - who is going to come help clean the house. Everyone will  be so busy taking care of me and the baby after this surgery.  Thank you so much Beth for being there for us while we welcome our newest addition.

We love everyone soooo much. We can't wait to introduce our new little girl to every one! We will definitely have to Skype!! If you don't have Skype - GET IT! Please sign up for a Skype account whenever you have the time. We love to Skype and the kids would love to start seeing our families more. Even if it is over the internet.



Daddy Update:

Kale is doing wonderful. He is a wonderful father and husband. He has been helping me so much.

I always need him to push me by my butt when walking upstairs. It's funny but I will usually wait for him to help give me that extra push if he is around.

I have also gotten stuck laying flat on the floor. This is hillarious. I really can't get up some days. So tired and out of energy. O.k. maybe I am just taking advantage but can you blame me?

Kale is working so much now. It comes and goes in spurts (overtime). I do fear him not being around when Ladybug is born. I mean of course he will be taking a week off when she is born but I am speaking about after he goes back to work. I will need help with the kids and all. I really wish he could take more time off but he just can't. My recovery from surgery will be a few weeks. I am so thankful of family right now. Knowing that Grandmas and Grandpas will be coming to help out. This means the world to us!!!

Kale is taking charge of things around the house right now.He is taking the time to fix all kinds of things. We both know that when Ladybug arrives that their will not be any time for the house.

We have also sort of just been hit with this count down. I mean we knew it was coming. 13 weeks sounds like a long time when you convert it into months but seriously. We don't have much time to finish preparing for Ladybugs arrival. I still have so much to do on my Preparing for Ladybug list. Kale has work and things around the house. We have the feeling that no matter how much we think we have "prepared" it's never enough. There is always something else we have to take care of.




Last but not least: Here are the proud parents to be:

26 weeks with our Ladybug

My hair is a mess. I don't even care at this point! I think this is the least of my worries these days :)

More to come.

Love always,

The Shank Family

Nana's DIY No Sew Fleece Blanket *Tutorial*

Grandma Weycker learned from a friend how to make a no sew fleece blanket. She loved this so much that she decided one year for Christmas she was going to make these as gifts. They are inexpensive and easy to make...

These blankets are not perfect. They are not measured with a ruler like some tutorials that you will find online. This is a quick, easy, not perfected style. To tell you the truth - you can measure all you want. After you tie these blankets in the end of this project they will be just as square as if you did measure them.

Step One:

Buy your fleece. Depending on your preference - you can buy printed fleece for the front and back or you can buy a printed fleece for the front and a solid piece for the back of these blankets. The cute little baby blanket that Grandma Weycker made is printed fleece front and back.

Step Two:

Cut your fabric to size. I say cut it to size but you should know how much fleece you need depending on the size of blanket you are making.

Example: For this baby blanket - only about 2 yards of material is needed. For a childs blanket such as the Cars or Dallas Cowboys blanket at end of tutorial - you will need about 4 yards of material ( 2 yards of printed fleece and 2 yards of solid fleece). For the large blanket such as the Kansas City Chiefs blanket at end of tutorial you will need about 6 yards of material (3 yards of printed fleece and 3 yards of solid fleece).

Make sure you lay out your fleece with the wrong sides facing each other. Then just cut to size making sure both pieces are even. If you buy two yards of material - just fold in half and cut the material in half. Lay your material out, line up the edges, and cut off any excess material.

Step Three:

You will need to cut a square out of all four corners of this blanket. As mentioned above - we don't measure using a ruler. Just cut a square that is approximately 4 in x 4 in on all four corners of blanket.

Step Four:

What Nana did was she used the first square cut out to make the other three square cut outs. Place the first square over the corner of the next square to be cut and use it as a guide so that all four corners are the same size.

your blanket should look like this when all four corners have been cut out

Step Five:

Cut slits throughout all 4 sides of the blanket. These slits should be approximately 4 inches deep and about an inch wide.

Step Six:

Tie the corners of the blanket in a knot. Start with the slit that is closest to the square cut out. This allows you to keep the blanket aligned when you get up to find a comfy spot to sit. She also doubles the knot to make sure it doesn't come loose when washing.

Step Seven :

Find a comfy seat in your house cause you are about to tie all the rest of these slits together. Tie the bottom slit with the top corresponding slit in a double knot.

When you are done - you will have a really cute finished no sew blanket as a gift or to use in your home.  These are so cute and soft!



Here is a picture of all the blankets made using this tutorial:

Tyler's no sew fleece "Cars" blanket

Colten's no sew "Dallas Cowboys" fleece blanket

Kale's no sew "Kansas City Chiefs" fleece blanket

( I made this blanket special for Kale for Valentines Day last year using Nana's tutorial!)

Ladybug's no sew "I love daddy" fleece blanket

( Nana also made one of these for our neighbor's little boy due in October)

Fun, easy, quick and they make great blankets!





Mr. Tyler

Will

Soon

Be

A

Shank

!!!!

Kale and I just received a call from our attorney's office. We finally have a

court date. September 14, 2011.

This will be the day we pay a lot of money to our attorney. :)

This will be the day Kale and I go to court

and sit in front of a judge.

This will be the day Kale will be asked several questions and he will do a fine

job answering to them all as he has been Tyler's father

for the last several years.

This will be the day the new Birth Certificate is signed by

Kale.

This will also mark the last day Tyler will carry his old last name around.

This will be the day Tyler James

becomes a SHANK!!

I am so excited and happy! I know Kale is too.

This will be the day that we can finally take Tyler's school some paperwork

so that he can start writing his name legally as

Tyler James Shank!

This will be the day that I take a picture of Kale signing the new Birth Certificate.

This will also be a great day of celebration for Kale and Tyler Shank!

We love you all. Thanks for supporting us. Thank you for your Prayers, Love, and Praise on the whole situation.

Love,

The Shank Family

A Day Out For Mommy To Be

This is just a random post but it highlights me being able to get out of the house! I have been resting a LOT. I get bored sitting at home "resting". This will be a challenge in the future as I am told to take it easy. I have 15 weeks left of pregnancy to sit and rest? UGH! But if it is for Ladybug then I suppose I can be a good girl and do what I know I need to do.

I was invited to lunch by a dear friend of mine and future bridesmaid. It took me a minute to get it together and actually get ready to go somewhere. Lately I have been laying around in my p.j.'s. I accepted her offer and had a great time. My girlfriend Beth brought her son and I was accompanied by my little man Tyler. It was almost like a mother/son date for the both of us. We did a lot of talking and catching up. It was nice to have a girlfriend date.

Mommy and Tyler

This pic also highlights a very pregnant mommy. Wow ! I feel huge!

 I arrived at Olive Garden on Empty and returned home Full! I could barely walk out I overstuffed myself with the delicious food! All you can eat soup, salad, and bread sticks any day!

A New Day For Tyler

This post is a few days behind ....

August 8, 2011

Following up from the last post about Tyler's ADHD, he is doing well. We all woke up this morning and did the usual. Eat breakfast. Brush teeth. Get dressed. Pack lunches. And sit at the bus stop. This is the first day Tyler and Colten got to go to school together. Pictures at end of post.

Tyler woke up in his normal fashion. Running through the house. His little motor starts really early. His little motor starts the minute he wakes up. He just can't slow down. Poor guy. But I gave him his meds right after he chowed a large bowl of cereal.

About 20-30 minutes later I noticed the change. He became very calm. Very collected. Very much like a little boy anticipating his "new" first day of school. I was stunned. It's been several months since I have seen Tyler this calm. He was able to get himself ready for school in a timely manner. He didn't yell, throw a fit, become agitated, and stayed in composure the entire morning. I was very shocked. I hate to admit this but I was so relieved.

Tyler is such a great child. He is very smart. He loves to help. He helped me pack his lunch. Usually he runs around and goes back and forth several times to the pantry. If he doesn't get what he wants then it's another small rampage for Tyler. Today, he stood by the kitchen table and helped me make decisions on what he would be taking for lunch. It was very relaxing to see him so content. I am happy this morning.

I am hoping that we can stay on this course. With closer follow up appointments with his Doctor, lots of behavioral and disciplinary changes, and lots of attention and LOVE, Tyler will do great.

I went to the school this morning to drop off Tyler's medication that he will take at school before lunch. Had a great talk with the school nurse. She gave me a lot of insight. She also gave me lots of advice. She will keep us posted on any changes that are out of the ordinary while he is going to be adjusting to this medication over the next few days. I also received report on how Tyler was doing this morning in school. He is doing great! He is calm. He is attentive. He is following directions. He is being good. I am happy for Tyler right now. He is a regular Kindergartner. I am thrilled that he will be able to finish out this day normally (hopefully). I have prayed for Tyler a lot today.

The breakdown: Usually I want to cry but hold it in until I talk to Kale. He called around noon to ask me how my day was which I LOVE him for doing each and every day without fail. I was telling him how the medication effected Tyler. I started crying. I am so emotional when it comes to these kids. I remember the medication kicking in. At first, Tyler was very calm. He had a great morning. But heading to the bus stop was different. Tyler's mouth was dry. He couldn't speak. He couldn't really even smile. The medication was really taking effect. I felt terrible. I felt nauseous. I felt helpless.This is the first time Tyler has taken this medication at this dosage. His body will quickly adjust as I am assured by the doctor. His appetite will become somewhat suppressed and then return to normal. I don't want him on this medication but for Tyler, it's the right thing to do. Tyler will be o.k. Kale had to remind me that Tyler will be o.k.

Well, we have made it through the day without any phone calls from the school. Tyler and Colten both came home together on the bus. I waited patiently in my car for the boys. Tyler was so excited to ride a bus for the first time. I helped him off the bus and drove the kids home. Tyler was still very content and on his best behavior. I was thrilled! He gave me his daily folder so I could  look through it and low and behold he had the cutest little Garfield paper that said, "Tyler had a great day"! I know there will be good days and bad with both of our children. But today I am super happy. It's been months since I have seen my son have such a good day at preschool/school.



Now for the fun part: Pictures!!!

The boys watching cartoons until it's time to get on the bus

All smiles this morning!

My little man's first bus ride...

A little sunny this morning but they are being angels

This speaks for itself

As always

More to come

Love,

The Shank Family

Mommy and Ladybug Retire

A photo recap of our precious little Ladbug!

We Love You Ladybug

I am officially retired! I gave notice to my employer last week and explained the circumstances. She kindly agreed that it would be a safe move. I was supposed to finish out the month working and then take my leave. Well, my boss called back and told me if I wanted to (I didn't have to) I could work the weekend and be done. She already had a replacement standing by. I thought about it and immediately said yes. I would rather not risk this pregnancy for a few more paychecks. It's really not worth it.

I can now be home for the boys.I also get the pleasure of returning to church every weekend. I was missing church due to working every weekend. Clean, cook, sew, and rest...rest...rest will be my goals over the next few months. This is great. I knew this day would come eventually but didn't expect it so soon. I am still having contractions here and there but nothing to the point of having to be admitted to hospital again.

I guess from here on out it's just me and my Ladybug. We will get lots of rest. We will do a lot of growing (for her) and weight gaining (for me). It's inevitable that I will gain more weight for the remaining of this pregnancy than I wanted to being that I cannot exert myself in ANY way. This includes the gym, walking long distances, riding a bike and most activities. I have put myself on bed rest with the occasional clean, cook and sew. Oh and to use the bathroom and eat. Other than that we are going to be resting. I really hope this helps Ladybug cook in the oven a LOT longer. We have about 15 weeks left until she arrives.  Stay and grow my little Ladybug!

I will probably be blogging your eyes out in the months to come. Can't help it. I am turning into a blogger! I also can't wait to get started on some of these sewing projects I have in store for Ladybug. I might be delayed thanks to a special, cute, handsome, mischievous 5 year old who has changed all the settings on my sewing machine! GRRR! But I love him!

More to Come

Love ,
The Shank Family

Living with ADHD

As most of our family is aware, Tyler has ADHD. This is the Hyper-Activity Disorder.

We recently posted about Tyler's first day of Kindergarten. I had to go pick up Tyler during his first day of Elementary School. He was off on Friday and over the weekend. He had meds these days. Today was his appointment for a refill and follow-up. Tyler did not have any medication today. I never thought this post would come out of me as I really don't want to reflect on my children negatively but this is a post that I can one day look back on.

Sometimes I wonder what did I do wrong? And now I know. Nothing. I just have one very beautiful, smart, precious, could never or would ever want to replace one-of-a-kind child whom Kale and I love of course with all of our hearts. This is hard work. It's hard work to live day-in and day-out with a child like Tyler. Am I blessed? Oh goodness. I am so blessed. I am blessed to be a mother. I am blessed to have a son. I am blessed to have one live birth out of a twin pregnancy. I am so blessed to have been able to carry a baby at all. I am so blessed. I thank the Lord above for allowing me to follow a program of recovery and to be a mother. I am blessed to be clean and sober off drugs to be a mother. I am so blessed!

Today was one of the hardest days I have ever faced with Tyler. I am tired. I am exhausted. I am tearful. I am overwhelmed. I am sad. I am so fearful that life will be overwhelming for my little Tyler. I am fearful that regular elementary school will be too hard for Tyler. I have so many fears. I love my son with all I have. I will do anything to try to be a better parent for him and for his disorder. Am I crying right now? Yes. I have had one heck of a day. It could be worse. It can always be worse.

Tyler is so hyper. He is so active. His motor runs constantly. He can't help a lot of these things. Without the meds ( even with the dosage he was on) Tyler has been bouncing off the walls. He can't sit still and watch a movie. He can't keep himself from rolling around on the floor. He can't keep himself from screaming and yelling at me. He can't keep himself in check.He is extremely impulsive. He can't sit in a chair at the kitchen table to eat. He can't brush his teeth without jumping around getting toothpaste everywhere. He can't do a lot without these meds.

Our day has been emotional. We have so much going on right now. Colten just came home from Texas. He is adjusting to the changes from being with dad to being with mom. I am still having contractions. This isn't fun. Any added stress on me right now puts me at risk again to having to be admitted to the hospital. I literally spent the day chasing down my 5 year old to make sure he wasn't getting into anything. He has eaten all day. He has been spinning in circles all day. I feel for him knowing it's that motor. We also might have a move coming up. Kale got a job offer and if he gets the job, we will have to move. We will have to relocate our entire family to another state. This is somewhat stressful.O.K. it's very stressful. We just have a lot going on.

Tyler has only been on 10 mg of medication a day for a few months. He started off with 2.5 and over the last 6 months we have slowly, very slowly, been increasing this amount. I have been extremely hesitant about these meds. I don't like them. I don't want him on the meds. I think it stinks. But I have seen that Kale and I don't have a choice but to go ahead and step back. The Doctor knows best and we know that. His dosage was increased today to 20 mg daily. We know that eventually, Tyler will also metabolize this amount. Maybe. I am hoping this will not be a constant increase for the rest of his life. I am hoping Tyler can grow out of this. I am not sure if that is possible. I pray that it is possible.

I know that the increase in meds for Tyler is a must. He has to have the meds to function normally on a daily basis. I pray constantly that his body takes the medication and nothing happens to Tyler. I would hate for something to happen to my little man. We are making lots of behavioral changes and disciplinary changes to help Tyler right now. We had a long night between the arguing, fits, yelling, and Tyler just acting out in frustration. He will start his meds tomorrow. I will post the results of the new medication dosage. Tyler also goes back to school tomorrow. I am praying he will be able to finish a school day without any problems. But if there are problems, Kale and I will work them out the best that we can.


As always
Love,

The Shank Family

Tyler's First Day in Kinder

Our little one is getting BIG! He had his first day of Kindergarten last Thursday. I was an emotional wreck! We had a great morning! Tyler and I got to eat breakfast together as we do most mornings. He brushed his teeth without being asked (which was surprising). He was very excited over his new back back and lunch box. Tyler loves Cars -the movie.

Here are some photos to present Mr. Tyler Shank for his First day of Kinder:

Showing off his new backpack

The car ride - he couldn't wait to get out of the car! It took 4 tries to get this pic

And Tyler in his classroom

I was so proud of Tyler when he waited patiently at his new desk for the teacher to re-write his "Shank" name on all of his school stuff. It was listed with his other name but I explained to the teacher that he would need to learn to write his name as Tyler Shank. She agreed and made the changes. I was a very happy mommy knowing it wouldn't be as confusing for him when the adoption is finalized.

I took lots of pictures of Tyler while we were in his new classroom. We even took a small tour of Mrs. Hamilton's room and did some counting. He was very excited to be in Kindergarten.

______________________________________________________________________________

This isn't something I wanted to put in our blog but Kale insisted that for memories sake - we could look back on this one day knowing our Kindergartner was "kicked out" his first day of school. Yes, Tyler had to leave the school on his first day. His medication wore off and he was a little Tyrant!

Tyler is on medication for ADHD which is the Hyperactivity Disorder. He is not on enough medication but being he was o.k. at Preschool only taking 7.5mg, I decided I was o.k. with that. I have never been one to agree with medication. I always thought to myself that we could teach him to control himself. Well, it's not necessarily true. He has this non-stop motor inside of him that just doesn't stop. The medication helps with this and then the normal behaviors of a 5 year old is then our responsibility as parents. So, he missed school Friday and will miss school today. We have an appointment this afternoon to talk to his Doctor about increasing the dosage of his medication and possibly some techniques that can help Tyler to calm down.

I feel for Tyler in all of this mess and a lot of these problems aren't his fault. But with the right dose of medication, some discipline and Love I believe our new little Kindergartner will do just fine.

We love our Tyler anyways and will be making lots of adjustments to his daily schedule, discipline, responsibilities, and the everyday attention he will need to receive from both Kale and myself to help out with this disorder.

We pray that we can get the dosage right and that our efforts as his parents help with this disorder.

More to Come,

Love The Shank Family

It's Not Yet Time - Follow up

I went and saw my Doctor this morning. Our Ladybug is fine. Her heartbeat is normal and I am growing regularly as far as Ladybugs size. Tyler got to join me and help the Doctor turn on the Doppler to listen to baby's heartbeat. He also got to help her pull out the tape measure to measure mommy's belly.

My Doctor did not tell me to quit my job just yet but told me to finish out the month working. She wants me to drop hours which I did this morning with my employer. I will now only work 2 days a week max. I did put in my notice with my employer. I will work for the next 3 weeks and then be done. If at any time I start having contractions again, I will have to quit my job immediately. This is better for me and for baby.

I also was able to talk to my Doctor about whether I was having a natural birth or a scheduled cesarean. I will definitely be having a cesarean again. The scheduled date as of right now will be November 28, 2011. We are making plans with family members to come stay with me my last few weeks of pregnancy to help out with the boys and for a few days after my cesarean. This will be beneficial to my health and the baby's health.

All-in-all the pregnancy is on the safe side. There really aren't any threats as of right now to me or to the baby. The contractions are not labor contractions being that my water hasn't broke and no dilation has occurred. This is a good thing. They are more or less Braxton Hicks contractions. Not your typical pain free ones but when I refer to pain, the level being nothing like actual labor. I am just very uncomfortable when they occur.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. Ladybug isn't ready to come yet. I am hoping that things will settle down and my pregnancy will remain "normal" until I am due to have her.

Love,
The Shank Family

It's Not Yet Time!

Kale had to take me into the Women's Hospital last night around 7:30 p.m. I went into preterm labor with our Ladybug.

I have been having contractions every now and then for about a month. Anytime I have any questions whether I think they are stupid or silly I call my Doc. Well, about a month ago (I believe) Kale and I were grocery shopping. I had noticed I was having Braxton Hicks contractions. They were a little scary being that I was only around 4 months pregnant. So, I called my Doctor. The on-call Physician said as long as you aren't bleeding you should be fine. Just go rest. So I did. But life takes over. I have been acting normal: the cleaning, cooking, working a LOT, and trying to rest. I am restless these days. It's hard to "rest" when you have so much going on under one roof.

So a month has gone by since these contractions started and just this last week they got uncomfortable. I mean to where if I am having a contraction I have to literally stop what I am doing and just freeze. (these contractions are by no means comparable to actually being in labor) however, these contractions really started scaring me these last few days. Finally yesterday I told Kale they are hurting me. They are getting tighter and more frequent. I can't breathe, talk or move when I have one.

So I called my Doctor. The on-call Physician told me to go admit myself at the Women's Hospital. We got there and I was monitored. I was having contractions 8 mintues apart. Some were uncomfortable and some were not that bad. The nurse started an IV. OUCH! She blew two veins in one arm before she finally got an IV started in my hand. That was very uncomfortable. Then to tell me she used the wrong sized needle. "Lord, please help me to stay calm, have patience, and see that she is just here to help me"! Then they did some testing. One of the tests was a Fetal Fibronectin test. This test is to see whether you are at risk of preterm labor. Ladybug was negative for this test.

They monitored my contractions some more. Then decided to give me a Tocolytic medication to relax my uterus and help stop or calm these contractions. The medication didn't stop the contractions but they became barely noticeable and farther apart. She told me I could be released after an hour.

We checked out around midnight. Poor Kale could barely keep his eyes open and Tyler was passed out like a log. I was definitely feeling funny from the medication but we finally got home and all snuggled into bed.

I will have to call my Doctor today to find out her plan of action if these contractions don't subside. I fear for my ladybug and it's hard to think about having her too early. I know now-a-days with the technology and medication that things will be o.k. I am trying as hard as I can to rest and take things easier. I might even have to stop working. Right now the only thing I care about is making sure I listen to my Doctor and keep this baby in the oven until it's time for her to come.

Love,
The Shank Family

Tyler's last day of Summer and Last day as preschooler!

Today is officially Tyler's last day as a preschooler. He will move onto Kindergarten tomorrow morning. Am I o.k. with all of this? Well, I don't really have a choice. It's going to be quite a transition for my little man.

I think he will have lots of fun being in a classroom setting with other children his age. He is currently in a Head Start program where the preschool doesn't really have a set curriculum. They do lots of coloring, painting, building blocks, and story time. He learned how to write his name, count, and say his ABC's. But Kindergarten is definitely a step up from all of this. The school will be a little more strict. That's the scary part for Tyler. I will pick him up most days and the kids are running around screaming and laughing. Tyler also has his Hyper-Activity Disorder which he takes medication for. The medication helps but it takes knowing him very well to calm him and redirect. I am hoping that the school understands this and can treat him appropriately.

I am fearful but have faith that Tyler will be alright.

So what has Tyler been up to lately? Oh lots of mischievous things. He has had some fun too:

Some Fun at the Park

Tyler goes to dentist for his check-up

Some fun in the water sprinkler!

Oh how they grow up so quickly!!

Motherhood Maternity Laugh Up

Well, this happened a month ago but I must have skipped posting it for some reason. Must be that pregnancy "forgetfulness" I have developed.

Kale and I went to Motherhood Maternity. We really had way too much fun. I was basically at that needing to buy maternity clothes but not feeling ready to yet stage. The inevitable had arrived and I must shop now. Kale went with me and became my maternity fashion consultant. He actually picked out all of my maternity clothes for me. I thought it was sweet that a man could actually make me look decent!

While in the dressing room, Kale found the "fake" baby bump. I was trying on a dress and he slipped this underneath it for me. Immediately we looked at each other and just started cracking up! We were laughing so hard I had to tell him to stop! I'm going to pee myself!!

Here is what for some dumb reason was so funny:

Kale's first attempt to position this "fake" bump

Success is too funny!

I think he was laughing because he actually thought it was funny. I was laughing because he was laughing and I secretly wanted to tell him I really am going to look like this by month 9 so keep laughing babe!!

My Papaya - 22 Weeks

22 Weeks and 4 Days with Ladybug

Ladybug Update:

Well little miss thing is getting big! She is  throwing me some very noticeable kicks that daddy can now see. It doesn't hurt but sometimes she shocks me. I will just be laying in bed with Kale and she will kick really hard. I always jump and Kale laughs at me. 

I haven't seen my Doctor since the last update but our Ladybug is doing good. She seems to (obviously) be very strong and it good health. I pray she is developing properly. The last time I saw the Doctor, Ladybug had a full anatomy performed by ultrasound. She passed with flying colors.

We also had a Sequential Screen Performed. I went through some testing during my first trimester and will get the second part performed on Friday Aug 4th. A Sequential Screen tests baby for Down Syndrome (mental and physical abnormalities), Trisomy 18 (serious mental retardation and physical deformities including heart defects) and Open Neural Tube Defects (this tube eventually develops to become babies brain and spinal cord). So far on Screening Part one, Ladybug has passed these tests.


Mommy Update:

I have gained 13 pounds. WoW. I have half of my pregnancy left and have gained almost half of my weight already. I guess it's o.k. I am glad this isn't another Tyler pregnancy. At this point I had already gained 30 pounds! Which reminds me, I found my 5 month pregnancy photos from Pregnancy 1 and 2. I really need to do a side by side.

I am doing o.k. I say o.k. because baby has taken over my abdomen. For the longest time she was just burrowed in between my pelvis and belly button. I was wondering when this explosion was going to happen. She has now become larger (as if I didn't expect this to happen ) and some changes have occurred :

I can't breathe!! Help me I need oxygen! I usually can sit at a 90 degree angle but there are a lot of times during my day when I really have to lounge and lean back to be able to breathe.

I ALMOST can't bend over. I have to do the plie squat these days when I drop something. The other day I dropped something on the floor of my kitchen. I was so tired from working a 12 hour shift. I just stood there staring as if I was a magician and the object was going to fly up from the floor into my hand. Kale laughed and picked it up for me. What a lifesaver!

A picture to show you how hard it might be to bend over when you can barely see your own feet:

I can't sleep!! I can sleep but man do I really toss and turn to get there. I have all the pillows in the house on my side of the bed. Just a few nights ago I stole Kale's pillow. It was late and he really wanted to get some rest. I couldn't help it. I was laying on my side with a pillow between my legs. UGH! This one is too flat. So I tried another. UGH! This one is too thick! So I tried another. I went through about 5 pillows before I found the right one. And once I did, I was passed out !!! I really need one of those boppy pillows for preggo women! It's so next on my list of things to buy for this pregnancy.

Eating isn't the same. I am always hungry as usual but I can't eat very much. I mean to eat an egg sandwich - I feel like Ive eaten five! I get so full so fast then 10 minutes later I am starving. It puts a whole new meaning to "snacking" all day long.

MEN LOOK AWAY NOW!

Yes I am going to talk about my boobs! They are HUGE! I knew this was going to happen being that I have had two pregnancies already and it happened with them! They HURT!!! They are heavy and huge. Did I mention that they are HUGE! I have spent a ton of money on some pretty handy dandy sports bras to help me carry these crazy things around! And the sad part, they are going to get even bigger when I start breastfeeding! Oh why oh why was I blessed with large breasts before pregnancy? Owell, I suppose after I am done breastfeeding Ladybug they will be normal and manageable again.

I'm cranky! I thought I was hormonal and cranky during my first trimester HAH! I am a little on edge. I've noticed however that I am only on edge after working a 12 hour shift. Kale is all about talking and so am I. I guess I now know how it feels to be totally exhausted after working all darn day and really not wanting to talk very much. I should take this into consideration after Kale gets home from work and I want to literally talk his ear off.

I have officially began doing the pregnant waddle! Yes! I know! The waddle that looks like a very uncomfortable pregnant lady just wanting to get from point A to point B. It's actually kinda funny when I catch myself doing this. It's not extreme yet but I'm sure it will be soon.

I have to pee all the time. I know this is normal but seriously! It's crazy! I probably have spent more money on toilet paper than maternity clothes!!

My skin is doing o.k. I am talking about breakouts. A few months back I got fed up with a zit here and a zit there. I had my first paycheck in hand and decided to take myself to Clinique. I sat down and explained very calmly what had been going on. The nice "clinique" lady washed my face, used this awesome refreshing toner, and put moisturizer on my face. Then she gave me a mini makeover using some not-so-cheap makeup. I looked in mirror, called the hubby for approval and made the deal. I spent some cash but it was well worth it. I now have a little collection of clinique products that have been keeping my skin clear during this pregnancy. Hallelujah!

This is definitely another Colten pregnancy. I haven't really gotten bigger anywhere but my belly. Ladybug doesn't weigh 13 pounds but the weight so far has been proportional to where I can honestly say this time  it didn't all go to my rear end! I can still fit into all of my old shorts, jeans, and capris - I just can't button them. I am hoping that this will stay the same during this pregnancy. I won't have to work so hard getting all the weight off.

Cocoa Butter has now become my best friend. I feared stretch marks with Colten. I didn't get any. Then I feared stretch marks with Tyler. I got three. Two on one hip and one on the other. Both Pregnancy 1 and Pregnancy 2 I didn't get any on my belly. So I have again started lathering on the cocoa butter in high hopes I won't get any stretch marks with Ladybug. I don't think it's in my genes to get these but you never know.

We have had to "hide the preggo" to let the dogs out. Marley has almost knocked me over twice already. I don't really have the greatest balance in the world these days and letting Marley out of his kennel to go outside is dangerous! He is so big and fast. He runs into my legs and I scream like a girl! I am a girl! But on a serious note Kale usually lets me know now before he lets Marley barrel through the house to run outside.

Daddy Update:

Kale seems to be very affected by this pregnancy. In a lot of good ways. He has always been a great father to both my boys but he has recently been defining his skills.

He has become more of a housewife than me which hurts to say but its true. He does so much cleaning and cooking. He offers constantly to pick Tyler up from daycare. He is always asking if there is anything I would like him to do. I usually always tell him to relax. He works too hard sometimes.

He has started doing a lot of researching of different "Family Talk" books and CD's. He has made a few purchases : The Father Connection and The New Strong Willed Child. He has some more that he is looking at purchasing: Raising a Daughter and What a Difference a Daddy Makes. I think it's sweet that he is educating himself and in a christian fashion. These books and CD's are all christian based.

He gives my belly LOTS of attention. Each morning before we were pregnant, Kale wouldn't leave the house for work without giving me a kiss on the cheek and telling me he loves me. He now kisses my belly too and tells my bump, "I love you Ladybug". It's the sweetest thing ever!

I know I have said this a million times but Kale is going to make such a sweet and awesome new daddy to our Ladybug. I am thankful for him in every way and thank the Lord above for sending Kale my way!

Here are the rest of the pics from 19 weeks-22 weeks with ladybug:

random pic: 19 weeks

20 weeks

22 Weeks

I seriously got big fast!!

More to come! Love The Shank Family