Nope, nothing fun is going around.
The "flu", a nasty stomach bug, or whatever you may want to call itis.
It started with my sister. She got it last Wednesday night. Being the good sister, I went over to her house on Friday to help with the girls while they went to my brother-in-law's grandfather's funeral. She was still in bed when I got there, stayed in bed until the very last minute, but started to feel better by the time she got home later that afternoon.
I had just gotten my flu shot. I've been throwing up (not to sugar-coat it) for the last 11 weeks. Throwing up is nothing new to me. I felt (almost) invincible.
Until Sunday...
Our church was hosting a fundraiser for a family whose home was destroyed by a fire. Not only was the man of the family a high school classmate of mine, but his wife has been a close friend of mine since pre-school. They met at my 16th birthday party and married 5 years later. They have 3 little, adorable kiddos. Me? Help out? No problem.
I woke up not feeling well and chalked it up to "morning sickness". Halfway through the benefit, I really started not feeling well and excused myself. The rest of the afternoon was not "normal" for me. Then later that night the one thing that could differentiate morning sickness from a stomach bug occured. I'll leave it at that and spare you the gory details.
I've now been "sick" for 3 days and am starting to feel more normal. Then today, I get a call from Rob saying he's coming home from work early with a body aches, fever and nausea. He's upstairs sleeping right now. And I'm downstairs trying to inhale as much fresh, non-infected air as possible.
With any luck, in our family, it will end with us. We've quarantined ourselves.
But beware...
It's going around!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Results Are In!
I went to bed last night full of nervousness about what I had eaten during the day and would it effect my test today.
I was careful not to eat anything this morning.
I checked into the clinic at 8:40am and went back to the lab to drink my breakfast...a lovely orange soda type beverage that reminded me of my Grandma Harms (orange pop was a favorite of hers).
The lab tech told me I had to sit in the waiting room for 1 hour. No walking around as it might effect the results of the test.
So with book in hand, I patiently waited...
At 9:40, she came back to get me...
Drew my blood...
And 1 minute later, I had the results.
I passed!!!!!
No Gestational Diabetes at this time. I will be rechecked at 25 weeks just to make sure. But for right now, I am a happy camper and all really is well!
Thanks everyone for your well wishes!
I was careful not to eat anything this morning.
I checked into the clinic at 8:40am and went back to the lab to drink my breakfast...a lovely orange soda type beverage that reminded me of my Grandma Harms (orange pop was a favorite of hers).
The lab tech told me I had to sit in the waiting room for 1 hour. No walking around as it might effect the results of the test.
So with book in hand, I patiently waited...
At 9:40, she came back to get me...
Drew my blood...
And 1 minute later, I had the results.
I passed!!!!!
No Gestational Diabetes at this time. I will be rechecked at 25 weeks just to make sure. But for right now, I am a happy camper and all really is well!
Thanks everyone for your well wishes!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Happy 62nd...
Anniversary!
My Grandma and Grandpa Pieper are celebrating their 62nd Wedding Anniversary today!
Well...not actually celebrating today. They celebrated this past Sunday at my Mom and Dad's house in what has become somewhat of a tradition. For the past few anniversaries, my mom and dad host my grandparents and all of their children (all 11 of them) for a special anniversary lunch.
This celebration once again reminded me of my parents love and generosity. My Grandma suffered a stroke May of 2009 and lost all control and movement on her left side. She is mostly wheechair bound now, but can pivot with help to sit in chairs or in the bathroom as needed. My parents house is not exactly handicap friendly. There are stairs going from the garage into the house and the bathroom door frames are too narrow for a wheelchair to fit through. My dad built ramps to cover the stairs going into the house and took the door off the bathroom, making it easier for my Grandma to do the things she needs to do. My mom then made a "door" out of a curtain so Grandma would have privacy when she needed it. She also planned out the whole meal and cleaned and decorated the garage.
BTW, my parent's garage is not a typical garage. You could eat off the floor in there! There is also painting all over the garage walls showing the evolution of life on the farm. It's pretty cool!
It's also a chance for my grandparents to spend time with all of their children, play cards, tell stories and simply enjoy each other's company. With 10 living siblings, it's very difficult to get everyone in the same room at the same time. My uncle Ron died after a car accident in 1996, but is still very much present in these celebrations. The only one missing on Sunday was my aunt Kathy who couldn't make the drive up from Omaha. Otherwise...Ray, Mike, Mary, Trese, Tony, Julie, Jean, Frank and Carol were all present and accounted for. Yes, I know all of their names (and birth order) by heart!
My sisters and I were the servers for the day os everyone could relax as much as possible. It also gave us an excuse to get together and see all of our babies...Ava and Jayde, Brooklyn and Wyatt. Gotta love babies!
I'll end with a picture of my sisters and I with our Grandparents from my wedding. This was taken only 6 months before my Grandmas'a stroke and a picture I will treasure always.
Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!
My Grandma and Grandpa Pieper are celebrating their 62nd Wedding Anniversary today!
Well...not actually celebrating today. They celebrated this past Sunday at my Mom and Dad's house in what has become somewhat of a tradition. For the past few anniversaries, my mom and dad host my grandparents and all of their children (all 11 of them) for a special anniversary lunch.
This celebration once again reminded me of my parents love and generosity. My Grandma suffered a stroke May of 2009 and lost all control and movement on her left side. She is mostly wheechair bound now, but can pivot with help to sit in chairs or in the bathroom as needed. My parents house is not exactly handicap friendly. There are stairs going from the garage into the house and the bathroom door frames are too narrow for a wheelchair to fit through. My dad built ramps to cover the stairs going into the house and took the door off the bathroom, making it easier for my Grandma to do the things she needs to do. My mom then made a "door" out of a curtain so Grandma would have privacy when she needed it. She also planned out the whole meal and cleaned and decorated the garage.
BTW, my parent's garage is not a typical garage. You could eat off the floor in there! There is also painting all over the garage walls showing the evolution of life on the farm. It's pretty cool!
It's also a chance for my grandparents to spend time with all of their children, play cards, tell stories and simply enjoy each other's company. With 10 living siblings, it's very difficult to get everyone in the same room at the same time. My uncle Ron died after a car accident in 1996, but is still very much present in these celebrations. The only one missing on Sunday was my aunt Kathy who couldn't make the drive up from Omaha. Otherwise...Ray, Mike, Mary, Trese, Tony, Julie, Jean, Frank and Carol were all present and accounted for. Yes, I know all of their names (and birth order) by heart!
My sisters and I were the servers for the day os everyone could relax as much as possible. It also gave us an excuse to get together and see all of our babies...Ava and Jayde, Brooklyn and Wyatt. Gotta love babies!
I'll end with a picture of my sisters and I with our Grandparents from my wedding. This was taken only 6 months before my Grandmas'a stroke and a picture I will treasure always.
Happy Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!
Week 17!
When I tell people that March 1st (the official due date) seems so far away, anyone who has been pregnant before tells me that it goes by so fast.
I'm starting to realize how true this is!
It seems like I was just writing about our "Lucky Number 13" and now here we are at week 17 already!
I had an appointment today with a nurse practitioner and everything is great! The heartbeat today was in the 140's. It's lower than last time which concerned Rob, but the normal heartbeat range is from 110-160, so I'm happy! She could also hear the baby moving away from the dopplar which was kinda cool. I'm still not feeling any movement though. Soon!
I did find out one thing today though that I'm not real thrilled about. Every pregnant woman has to take a glucose tolerance test...usually around 24-28 weeks. Since I am a "larger woman", I have to not only take the test, but take it twice! The first time will be tomorrow and the second time at the routine 24-28 weeks. All-in-all it is a good thing. If I have gestational diabetes, I want it caught early to help prevent any issues with the baby. However, cutting back on carbs (which I love!) is going to be tough. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but just in case I met Rob for lunch at Olive Garden and did some extra carb eating. It may be my last "carb meal" for a while! Wish me Luck!
When I got home today, I decided to take Harley for a walk. I wasn't feeling the greatest (yup, the nausea and vomiting are still present!) and thought a little fresh air would be great to help curb the nausea. I was right...the fresh air was great and helped with the nausea...until Harley decided he had to do #2. Not good. Being the responsible pet owner, I picked up his...we'll just call it "production." Good thing the fresh air was readily available.
And...breathe. Just breathe...
I'm starting to realize how true this is!
It seems like I was just writing about our "Lucky Number 13" and now here we are at week 17 already!
I had an appointment today with a nurse practitioner and everything is great! The heartbeat today was in the 140's. It's lower than last time which concerned Rob, but the normal heartbeat range is from 110-160, so I'm happy! She could also hear the baby moving away from the dopplar which was kinda cool. I'm still not feeling any movement though. Soon!
I did find out one thing today though that I'm not real thrilled about. Every pregnant woman has to take a glucose tolerance test...usually around 24-28 weeks. Since I am a "larger woman", I have to not only take the test, but take it twice! The first time will be tomorrow and the second time at the routine 24-28 weeks. All-in-all it is a good thing. If I have gestational diabetes, I want it caught early to help prevent any issues with the baby. However, cutting back on carbs (which I love!) is going to be tough. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but just in case I met Rob for lunch at Olive Garden and did some extra carb eating. It may be my last "carb meal" for a while! Wish me Luck!
When I got home today, I decided to take Harley for a walk. I wasn't feeling the greatest (yup, the nausea and vomiting are still present!) and thought a little fresh air would be great to help curb the nausea. I was right...the fresh air was great and helped with the nausea...until Harley decided he had to do #2. Not good. Being the responsible pet owner, I picked up his...we'll just call it "production." Good thing the fresh air was readily available.
And...breathe. Just breathe...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Big Man's Birthday!
He was the first man in my life.
He's big. He's black. He loves me unconditionally.
He's Harley!
Harley's First Day Home
He was born on September 8, 2004 in South Dakota. My coming to be his owner was an interesting thing. I wanted a puppy, but I didn't want one that would shed. My co-worker, Danica had a standard poodle and was planning on getting another one. Good temperment, non-shedding, and a true life-long companion. She helped to tilt the scale of my hesitancy into "I need and want this puppy." I told no one. No one except a few friends, Danica, who is the mom to Harley's older brother, Paul and litter-sister, Debra. It even took me a while to tell my sisters.
Danica and Debra, Jen and Harley
2.jpg)
I grew up in a "no animal in the house" family. It was fine by us. We had our fair share of animals outside...cows, cats, even a dog. But none of them belonged in the house.
Telling my parents was fun. I took him to their house and knocked on the door while I was holding him. My mom wondered what was wrong cause I never knock. She then looked down at this little 7-pound ball of black fur in my arms and knew. She told me I better tell my dad. He was the "enforcer" of the no-animals rule. He handled it surprisingly well. Harley is still not "allowed" in their house, but they don't mind that he's in mine when they come to visit.
He used to fit under the end table in the living room.
1.jpg)
He was easily potty-trained. He barks...at other dogs, kids, people and does it loudly. He's loves walks, car rides, treats, and trips to the f-a-r-m. He's my protecter (so he thinks).
He thinks he's a lap dog.
He loves my niece, Ava. He'll be good with kids.
I can't wait for my first baby to meet my first "real" baby. Well...maybe I can wait 23 more weeks.
Happy 6th Birthday, Harley!
He's big. He's black. He loves me unconditionally.
He's Harley!
Harley's First Day Home
He was born on September 8, 2004 in South Dakota. My coming to be his owner was an interesting thing. I wanted a puppy, but I didn't want one that would shed. My co-worker, Danica had a standard poodle and was planning on getting another one. Good temperment, non-shedding, and a true life-long companion. She helped to tilt the scale of my hesitancy into "I need and want this puppy." I told no one. No one except a few friends, Danica, who is the mom to Harley's older brother, Paul and litter-sister, Debra. It even took me a while to tell my sisters.
Danica and Debra, Jen and Harley
2.jpg)
I grew up in a "no animal in the house" family. It was fine by us. We had our fair share of animals outside...cows, cats, even a dog. But none of them belonged in the house.
Telling my parents was fun. I took him to their house and knocked on the door while I was holding him. My mom wondered what was wrong cause I never knock. She then looked down at this little 7-pound ball of black fur in my arms and knew. She told me I better tell my dad. He was the "enforcer" of the no-animals rule. He handled it surprisingly well. Harley is still not "allowed" in their house, but they don't mind that he's in mine when they come to visit.
He used to fit under the end table in the living room.
1.jpg)
He was easily potty-trained. He barks...at other dogs, kids, people and does it loudly. He's loves walks, car rides, treats, and trips to the f-a-r-m. He's my protecter (so he thinks).
He thinks he's a lap dog.
He loves my niece, Ava. He'll be good with kids.
I can't wait for my first baby to meet my first "real" baby. Well...maybe I can wait 23 more weeks.
Happy 6th Birthday, Harley!
Chillin'
That's how I've tried to spend the past week or so.
Saturday we had a great day with Rob's parents, his brother Peter and and his family. We hung out at the elder Polingo's home and had a nice lunch and visit. Pete kept looking at his oldest daughter who is now 10 saying "How did she get to be 10? Now she wants to be a teenager." Even though she can't wait to be 13, she still sat patiently with her younger sister and played Polly Pockets. Even Christopher, a very mature 8, sat down and played for a while. What great kids!
The rest of the weekend was pretty low-key. The nausea that I've been blessed/cursed with (blessed, because it makes me know everything is growing well, cursed, because I'm sick of it already!), took a toll and caused me to have a minor emotional breakdown. Rob was so sweet and concerned. He just sat and looked at his crazy wife wondering what was wrong with her and what he could do to try to help. He proceeded to go to the grocery store the next day. There, he got everything anyone ever told him might be the "cure" for morning sickness...tea, tomato soup, multiple kinds of crackers, granola bars, 7-Up, etc. What a guy! I'm a lucky girl!
Today, I was feeling pretty good and got to go visit my friend, Teresa and her new baby, Maci! She is just so cute! I helped to take pics of her for her birth announcement. Can't wait to see the finished results!
Chillin'. Lately, it's what I do best, so I will continue to just "chill."
Saturday we had a great day with Rob's parents, his brother Peter and and his family. We hung out at the elder Polingo's home and had a nice lunch and visit. Pete kept looking at his oldest daughter who is now 10 saying "How did she get to be 10? Now she wants to be a teenager." Even though she can't wait to be 13, she still sat patiently with her younger sister and played Polly Pockets. Even Christopher, a very mature 8, sat down and played for a while. What great kids!
The rest of the weekend was pretty low-key. The nausea that I've been blessed/cursed with (blessed, because it makes me know everything is growing well, cursed, because I'm sick of it already!), took a toll and caused me to have a minor emotional breakdown. Rob was so sweet and concerned. He just sat and looked at his crazy wife wondering what was wrong with her and what he could do to try to help. He proceeded to go to the grocery store the next day. There, he got everything anyone ever told him might be the "cure" for morning sickness...tea, tomato soup, multiple kinds of crackers, granola bars, 7-Up, etc. What a guy! I'm a lucky girl!
Today, I was feeling pretty good and got to go visit my friend, Teresa and her new baby, Maci! She is just so cute! I helped to take pics of her for her birth announcement. Can't wait to see the finished results!
Chillin'. Lately, it's what I do best, so I will continue to just "chill."
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The State Fair 2010
I went to the fair today with my sister, Jodene, for my one and only trip to the fair this year. I used to help out my brothers-in-law who show cattle and would be there for 4 days (or nights as the case may be)! However, in the last couple years, I've not been a butt wiper or poop catcher and simply go to enjoy the show...and some food.
Today was not a great day for the boys as far as placing goes. We always want to be higher placed than the judge thinks we deserve. Who doesn't?!?! But today kinda sucked! The judge was wishy-washy, changed his mind about 3-4 times for every class, and flat-out told exhibitors that he preferred black animals. What?!?! To be honest, I know very little about what makes a good cow. I know the terms...depth of rib, pins, dairyness, walking up-hill...but have little knowledge about what those terms actually mean. I just love my brothers-in-law and want them to do well, which makes me a little biased about the "best" animals out there.
Since we didn't have an opportunity to take pics in the "top two" ring, I'll have to settle for sharing pictures of the animals getting ready and a few pics in the show ring.
Oh my gosh! I almost forgot about the food!!!! Jo and I did pretty well this year and we shared everything we got with Andy's uncle, Jimmy. All-in-all, not a bad day. You gotta get the...cheese curds, deep fried ravioli from Vescio's by the grandstand, deep fried pickels, funnel cake, corn dog, and a Donna's pork riblet sandwich from between the cattle barn and collosium. It seems like a lot, but we paced ourselves. And, nope, no pics of food. It was all eaten too fast to take a pic!
Me and My Sis
Jodene and Andy
Jodene and Andy getting a heifer ready for the show ring.
The Boys: Andy and Tony. I think a little alcohol was on board when this picture was taken. They never smile. I got lucky!
We use "hairspray"...
We comb out their tails...
And, yes, we wipe their butts...
Andy in the Show Ring
Tony in the Show Ring with Lou
Today was not a great day for the boys as far as placing goes. We always want to be higher placed than the judge thinks we deserve. Who doesn't?!?! But today kinda sucked! The judge was wishy-washy, changed his mind about 3-4 times for every class, and flat-out told exhibitors that he preferred black animals. What?!?! To be honest, I know very little about what makes a good cow. I know the terms...depth of rib, pins, dairyness, walking up-hill...but have little knowledge about what those terms actually mean. I just love my brothers-in-law and want them to do well, which makes me a little biased about the "best" animals out there.
Since we didn't have an opportunity to take pics in the "top two" ring, I'll have to settle for sharing pictures of the animals getting ready and a few pics in the show ring.
Oh my gosh! I almost forgot about the food!!!! Jo and I did pretty well this year and we shared everything we got with Andy's uncle, Jimmy. All-in-all, not a bad day. You gotta get the...cheese curds, deep fried ravioli from Vescio's by the grandstand, deep fried pickels, funnel cake, corn dog, and a Donna's pork riblet sandwich from between the cattle barn and collosium. It seems like a lot, but we paced ourselves. And, nope, no pics of food. It was all eaten too fast to take a pic!
Me and My Sis
Jodene and Andy
Jodene and Andy getting a heifer ready for the show ring.
The Boys: Andy and Tony. I think a little alcohol was on board when this picture was taken. They never smile. I got lucky!
We use "hairspray"...
We comb out their tails...
And, yes, we wipe their butts...
Andy in the Show Ring
Tony in the Show Ring with Lou
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