It all started Sunday January 2nd. Grandpa went to the hospital with terrible stomach pain. Found out he had a hernia and was admitted. Monday he had tests run to see what other problems he may have and found out he had gangrene in his intestines, and needed some serious surgery to remove-or at least try and fix the damage. He was put in ICU. Tuesday my mom got to the hospital and Grandpa had his first of four surgeries. That night we received a call saying that Grandpa was on life support and was only given a 20% chance. Right away we decided we needed to head to Port Isabel early Wednesday morning. There was lots to do but all I could think about was losing my Grandpa. I could not even imagine it. My heart was hurting not only for me but for my Grandma. How could she go on after losing her husband? They are one of the few couples I know at that age that are still madly in love, and you can see it every time you are around them. Wednesday, Aimee, David and I decided we would take the kids to school till around 10 then pick them up and head out. The drive is so long. 9 hours. Alyster pretty much went crazy in the car not being able to move around much and he got bred with all the games/toys he brought. We finally get to the hospital around 8:30 pm. Grandpa was in his 2nd surgery already and the waiting room was full of family. It was so amazing to see how much everyone cares. There were lots of tears and lots of praying. The first person I see when I walk in the waiting room is my Grandma. I broke down. I am already such a cry baby and I kept telling myself I needed to be strong for the family, but I just couldn't hold back to tears once I saw her. Seeing her cry and hearing her say she doesn't know why this is happening was heartbreaking. I didn't know what to say or what I could possibly do to make her feel ok. After a while of catching up with family and talking to my mom about Grandpas condition and such, we found out that he wasn't on life support. There was a bit of relief with that. Grandpa was breathing on his own with just a little help. He has a very bad heart so this is why we were concerned. He was actually scheduled to have a pace maker put in the week he went into the hospital. Now that is something that will have to wait a while longer. Finally, we got the call that he was out of surgery and it went ok. There was a huge sigh of relief. It was like everyone in the room held their breathe until mom hung up that phone. Of course right away we went into prayer. Let me tell you, if you are not a religious person or just don't believe in the power of prayer, you need to experience prayer with a family that is extremely close and religious as mine. It really is moving. You can't help but start to cry. We were so thankful that grandpa made it out of the 2nd surgery. A bit after the call and prayer, we got another call telling us we could now see Grandpa. Everyone was going back and forth with me on if i should see him or not. I know I'm in a sensitive state, but I was not about to miss seeing my Grandpa. No matter how hard it was to see him like that. He looked so peaceful, like he was sleeping and all you could hear were the machines. I didn't last very long, once I started crying I had to get out. We were told not to talk or be loud because he can hear everything and if he heard us he might get excited and his heart wouldn't be able to handle that. By the time we had all taken turns seeing him it was 10 pm. My mom and Aunt were going to sleep in the waiting room just in case anything happened, they would be there. What a long and exhausting day we had all had. We had to drive about 30 minutes to South Padre where our hotel was. We realized quickly that it probably would have been a better idea to get a hotel closer to the hospital rather than close to my Aunt and Grandmas house. The next morning (Thursday) we headed to my Aunts house and found out they had kicked Mom and Aunt Becky out of the waiting room. Apparently the doctors didn't feel they needed to stay the night there and sent them home. Grandpa was stable and the ICU waiting room was shutting down for the night. Aunt Becky made a nice breakfast for all of us, and I have to say, I think is was good for my Grandma to just be around us and have some good food. Visiting hours for ICU are from 1-1:30, 5-5:30 and 8-:830. By noon we were all heading out to the hospital for the day. All the family was there again to see Grandpa. The doctors said there was no change and that was just ok. They had left his incision open because he needed to have another surgery. He was still sleeping. My Grandma saw his feet and just wanted to touch him so bad. I can't imagine how awful this is for her. Alyster was getting pretty restless at the hospital so we met Aimee and the girls at the mall to walk around a bit until it was time to visit Grandpa again. When we returned to the hospital we were told that we could gently touch his arms and talk to him. I was so hesitant, I did not want to excite him at all. My Grandma went in first and when she came out she said he moved his mouth like he wanted to talk. He had a big tube down his throat to help him breathe and it would be painful for him to try and talk. She also said he started crying and there were tears running down his cheeks. When it came to my turn to go in, I went in with Rebeca and my Mom. I wanted my mom to be there because I was scared to talk to him. When we went in to the room my Mom started wiping his tears from his cheeks and talking to him. The Rebeca and I started talking. We told him we were there and we loved him and he opened his eyes! I was taken aback. I couldn't believe he could hear us. It made me happy and sad all at the same time. Happy because he knew we were there and sad because he didn't have the strength (since he was heavily sedated) to keep his eyes open. After that visit, our spirits were pretty high. During this visit is when they kicked Alyster out of the waiting room. I was upset. There were kids all over the ICU floor and Alyster is the sweetest, quiet boy and he was literally the only one that got kicked out! My Aunt was pissed. She talked to another security guard and told him how Alyster was being quiet and good and there were tons of other kids on the ICU floor that did not get kicked out. He said that the other families had someone in ICU that may not make it so they were allowed. Um HELLO? Why would we be in ICU if it wasn't serious?! He apologized and told us we should have no problems being up in ICU from now on. After dinner we saw Grandpa and again, everything was the same. This time I really did not want to talk to him and risk getting him excited since he would be having surgery #3 the following day. Friday was the big day, Surgery #3 and hopefully the last. Of course he didn't go into surgery until around 6ish. We got to see him a couple times before the surgery and found out that they were able to take him off his blood pressure medication because it was stable. That was another little plus in my eyes. Of course, the doctors and nurses don't want to give you false hope, so whenever we would ask how he was doing or if he was ok they would always reply with 'he's alright, his heart is very bad.' even though we all knew this, I like to think he is will get better. Positive thoughts. Waiting for the surgery to be complete and get that call that he made it through, is so nerve-racking. We sit around talking and praying, just waiting for that call. Finally it came and Grandpa did good. They still hadn't closed him up because he was going to need 1 more surgery to patch his hernia. We were bummed but the doctor said that everything looked ok and they were able to save enough small intestine. Very good news so far. They give Grandpa 2 days of rest between each surgery since it is such a strain on the body. Unfortunately, that meant the last surgery would be Monday and we were going to have to return home Sunday. I was so torn. I really wanted to stay and be there but I knew I needed to come home and rest because I had been so nervous and stressed since everything happened. Also, I didn't want Alyster to miss any more school because report cards were coming out that week. We spent Saturday at the hospital again and got to see Grandpa one last time before we left the following day. I felt so sad leaving him and the family, but I knew I would be back again very soon. The drive back on Sunday was (of course) so long. I hated that we were leaving amazing weather to come home to snow and freezing cold! Mom called Monday afternoon and said that Grandpas 4th surgery had gone good. They didn't sew him up but they put some sort of mesh on him because he couldn't have his stomach tight then. They were also trying to wake him up. He had been sedated for a week now and it had been tough getting him to open his eyes or move. Over the next few days he opened his eyes and moved a little. They were going to try and feed him through his tube to see if his intestines would do there job. Praying everything works and he will be ok.
*Last Tuesday (January 4th) was my 12 week appointment and I got to talk to Dr. Robert. She delivered Alyster and I am so excited to have her be delivering our new baby as well. Everything is going great. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat and it was at 166 which is perfect! I did my official weigh in and had actually lost 2 pounds from my last visit. She didn't seem concerned and just wanted to know if I was having trouble keeping food down. I hadn't had ANY trouble with that until the day before! I had my first bout of morning sickness. No fun and luckily it was only one time. Fingers crossed it doesn't come back! So pretty much, everything is going great with the baby and pregnancy and my next appointment is at 16 weeks. Here is my 12 week picture...
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 109 lbs
Week: 12
Total weight gain in first Trimester: 2.5 lbs
* Now to week 13... Everything has gone good pregnancy wise in the last week. Still pretty nauseated at times but that will hopefully go away soon. Headaches are also becoming less frequent which is awesome. Still getting nose bleeds but I think it has to do with the weather. Here is my week 13 picture...
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 110 lbs
Week: 13
* Week 14 just started! It has taken me so long to update! This week on I'm really trying to focus on gaining weight and eating healthy. The eating healthy part is super easy because all I ever want to eat are salads, fruit or veggies! Even sweets don't sound as good to me anymore. I'm ready to start showing now!!! Gotta gain some weight so this baby can grow and be healthy! My next appointment is in a couple of weeks and I am really excited to hear the heartbeat again! I'm still a bit nauseous, not terrible, but enough to keep me from eating certain foods still. I don't get too tired during the day anymore, but if I do I usually lay down and take about a 20 minute nap and wake up refreshed. The pregnancy is moving right along and quickly too. It might be because we have been traveling so much lately, but the weeks are just flying by! It's already about time to think about Davids birthday and Alysters birthday! Speaking of Alyster, he is so sweet... he loves to feel my belly and give it kisses! He is really excited about having a sibling. Really excited! We got report cards yesterday and he is doing amazing in school. He is reading at a level 10 which is a 1st grade reading level, and last nine weeks he was on a level 4! In writing he went from a level 3 to a level 4 which is right where he should be. What a smarty pants! We got a slip that said he was an honor roll student and he loved that they gave him a free sonic kids meal for it! Here is my week 14 picture...
Pre Pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 109 lbs (really trying hard to gain but it isn't as easy as i thought it would be)
Week: 14
Alyster and David are doing well. Alyster was not looking forward to going back to school, but he is doing great. This past weekend we went to Oklahoma to spend a few days with Davids mom. Alyster had Monday and Tuesday off so it was really fun. We did lots of cooking and I made a doughnut bread pudding! The Jets were playing and David was too nervous to watch, but they won!! We are so excited!
David is really enjoying his tortillas and hot sauce my Aunt Elma made for him to bring home. They really spoil David down in Port Isabel! I think it's because he can't get enough of the cooking and they absolutely love it!
Here is the recipe for the doughnut bread pudding:
-4 glazed doughnuts (at least a day old)
-1/2 cup of raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
-2 large eggs (room temp)
-1 1/2 cups of heavy cream ( I did half cream half milk)
-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/4 teaspoon almond extract
-1 teaspoon grated orange zest
-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease an 8 or 9 inch square glass baking dish. Tear the doughnuts into bite size pieces. Place doughnut pieces and fruit in the prepared baking dish. In a bowl use a mixer to blend the eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla and almond extract. Mix in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the milk mixture over the doughnut mixture in the dish and press down lightly to help absorption. Let stand 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate over night. Place the baking dish in a larger baking dish and fill the larger dish with enough water to go about halfway up the sides. (water bath) Bake for 35-40 minutes and serve warm!
The final product:
Trust me, it was amazing and enjoyed by all!! We added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the warm pudding too :)
Week 15: Well, this week was ok except for I got a bit of morning sickness one day. So far I am so relieved to have only had 2 days of it throughout this pregnancy! Still waiting for that bump but I know it will come soon enough :) Unfortunately no picture this week. I know, I am just as disappointed as you are! I was hoping I wouldn't miss too many weekly pictures.
Pre Pregnancy weight: 106.5
Current weight: 110.5
Week: 15
Grandpa is such a fighter! Since i haven't posted this but had it written and ready to, a lot has happened. He is now out of ICU and is in a regular room. They have been giving him soft foods to eat (which I am sure he is sick of) and hopefully within the next few days he will be moving to a rehab facility center!! It is such a miracle how quickly he has gotten better! Prayers really work, people! Next week David and I are heading back down to Port Isabel again to be with Grandma and Grandpa. I'm really looking forward to it. I talked to Grandpa on the phone for the first time last night and he sounded ok. He was a little out of breath and you can tell he gets tired easily, but I got to talk to him none the less!
UPDATE: Since this post has been over a month in the making, there is a lot to tell you about! David and I just returned from spending a few days with Grandma and Grandpa. My cousin John graduated from basic training with the Air Force on Friday (1/28) so David and I went down to stay with Grandma while everyone else heading to San Antonio to see John. Grandpa is now at rehab and is getting better everyday. He is eating a little at a time and since he doesn't have many teeth they have been giving him mushy food. As soon as he is well enough he will have to get some dentures and his pace maker. Then he will be good as new! That's a long way from now, but at least we will get there! They have him standing and taking little steps in rehab. The other day we came in his room and he was out of bed sitting in a chair! It was awesome. He told the nurses he was tired of laying down and wanted to sit in a chair. He sat there for almost 30 minutes before he started getting a little tired. So far everything is going so good with him, I cant believe it!
Well, I am now on week 16! Yikes, this post has many weeks of pregnancy pics and updates! I have been out of town most this month and have been terrible at updating. I finally have a little bump though! I am so excited!! It's not enough for maternity clothes, but I am just loving it! David and Alyster keep touching the bump and Alyster loves giving it kisses :) I am finally able to eat a little better and have been gaining weight. I never thought i would be so happy about gaining weight!
Week 16-no picture this week either. We were just too busy this week and didn't get around to it :( I also had to cancel my doc. appointment because of the bad weather we have had.
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 111 lbs
Week: 16
OK, week 17! Since we had such bad weather last week, my appointment was rescheduled for this week :) unfortunately I had to go by myself since we had to get a new water heater installed, David had to be home for that. Everything went well, got to hear the heartbeat and the baby even kicked twice as we were listening to it! It was so neat to hear! All the weight I had lost and had been trying to gain... was def gained this month! I weighed in at 114! Ahhh I can't remember the last time I weighed 114. It was scary to see but I am so glad I am finally gaining weight and the baby is healthy! Plus I have a belly now! My next appointment is in 2 weeks and it's the big one-we get to find out what we are having and see the baby's anatomy! SO exciting!! We have planned a special way to let our families know what we are having that afternoon. I can't wait to find out and tell the world what we are having!
Week 17 picture:
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 114 lbs
Week: 17
Moving right along... Week 18! Time is seriously flying! One more week till we find out what we are having. Crazy excited over here! Sorry this one is short and sweet but gotta run... OH and no pic this week either :( super sad about that!
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 115 lbs
Week: 18
Welllll, the time has come! Week 19 almost halfway and today we found out what we will be having... IT'S A GIRL!!! Woooohoooo we couldn't be more excited, Alyster was wanting a baby sister :) Her name will be Marley Rae. I can't wait to do girly things with her! yay! After my sonogram we rushed home and decorated the cupcakes I had baked the day before. I decided to make blue cupcakes and pink ones. After we found out it was a girl I iced the pink ones reallllly well so you couldn't tell which color was underneath and gave one to each our mothers. They both squealed and were so happy to see it was going to be a girl! They were very surprised! What a fun idea!
Week 19 picture:
It's a GIRL!
Pre pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 115 lbs
Week:19
Week 20! Officially halfway there! Everything is happening so fast I can't believe it. Already found the bedding and furniture I want for Little Miss and we are starting to look at paint colors. Hopefully everything will be all ready for her in 20 weeks or less!
No week 20 picture :( I've been so crazy and absent minded lately. I even went to my Dr. appointment a week early! Hahah! Well, I have not stopped growing. This belly is just sticking out farther and farther. I can be behind the bar at work and tasters ask when I am due! There is no hiding it now. Not that I was, of course! I'm pretty sure the world knew the day we found out! Baby Girl has been super active lately. Lots of movement and it can keep me up sometimes, but I love it! David finally felt her kick. She was being stubborn and would stop moving anytime he tried to feel a kick! Just like her momma already :)
Pre Pregnancy weight: 106.5 lbs
Current weight: 115 lbs
Week: 20
Quick update before I end the longest blog ever... Grandpa is doing AWESOME. He is almost ready to be back home! Grandma and Grandpas new house is built and just about ready for them to move in as well which is super exciting! I just know how ready Grandpa is to be home and when that time comes, it will be in a brand new one!
Much Love to you all... especially if you read this entire thing :)
