Trains and Trauma

In 2 years and 10 months of being a mommy, last Wed was the worst!

It started off great! My good friend and cousin-in-law, Leanna and I decided to meet at a park in Grapevine and have a picnic! It was a beautiful day, 70's and sunny! We had a good lunch and took a stroll through the park. 



We decided we weren't done having fun, but we were done with our current location. I suggested that we drive down the street and visit the vintage trains that are on permanent display. I had been wanting to take Jonathan there for a while. I also wanted to visit the trains to take pictures of them and use those pictures to decorate Jonathan's new room. So I was excited about our next stop.

We arrived and as I imagined, Jonathan loved it! We began with the big black engine, I let him run around and inspect things. As we made our way around the train, Jonathan discovered wooden stairs that led up to the train. Against my better judgement I let him climb up them (see the last picture).

Some how, some way, with both Leanna and watching him, he started to tumble backwards. The second he started to fall, I started to run towards him, as did Leanna. It was like he was falling in slow motion and I just could not reach him fast enough...

He hit the ground head first and there was a small white rock that he landed directly on. He wasn't on the ground a second and I scooped him up and grabbed his head. He was facing me and screaming crying, so looked at Leanna and said..."Is his head bleeding?" She didn't have to answer me, it was written all over her face. We both began to run back to the cars.



When we got to the car, I removed my hand and blood squirted out, I think I almost passed out. There was so much blood that I couldn't imagine that this wouldn't end good, I didn't know what, but just not good. I had never seen so much blood, it was all the way down my arm and dripping off my elbow. I was very aware that it was coming from my child which made me panic even more. By the way, yes I was panicking, crying, screaming random things...but I got a little bit of a grip when Jonathan looked at me and through his tears he said, "Momma, are you happy?" It was then that I realized I needed to pull it together for his sake, so I stopped crying, at least for the moment. **Lesson Learned - keep calm as best as I can. **

 

There was a police station across the street, so Leanna ran over there to see if an officer could come help us assess the situation. I continued to used wipes to put pressure on his head. I was FINALLY able to get the blood to stop coming out so heavy and I looked at the wound. It looked like a gash to me, but I am not an expert on wounds in the least bit. Leanna was still gone, but I decided to take Jonathan to the hospital. I thought he needed stitches. Baylor Grapevine, which is where he was born, was only a block away, so I thought I rather be safe than sorry. As I was driving out I saw Leanna and was able to tell her where I was going. She met me there shortly after.



In the car on the way to the hospital I called Michael. I don't know what it is, but when I am upset about something, when I hear Michael's voice I just fall apart. I guess it has something to do with he brings me comfort...if that makes sense? Anyway, I said something like, "I don't want to panic you, but..." and then I started crying and talking incoherently. Poor Guy. I'm sorry Michael, I'll try to do better next time. :) Of course, he immediately left work and came to the hospital. I was so happy to see him.

 

When I arrived at the ER there wasn't really anyone in there, maybe 2 people, I was happy, I thought we would get taken right back. I mean we were both covered in blood, he is only 2 and was crying...etc. But no, the guy took my info and told me to take a seat. REALLY? We sat there for almost 10 minutes, then they finally took us back and then Leanna arrived.

They assessed him and put us in a room. I was still under the impression that this was an emergency, yet wasn't getting that hustle that I was hoping for out of the ER staff. We had now been at the hospital for over 30 minutes and I didn't feel like anyone had really looked at him closely. Unfortunately, I have had a LOT of hospital experience in the past few years and have very little patience. So after 10 minutes waiting in our room, I wandered into the hallway to see if anyone could let us know when we could expect to see someone and let them know I was still really concerned. **Lesson Learned - Don't go seeking help or info, they don't like that, AT ALL. Be patient, even though it is difficult.**



The person I saw in the hall turned out to be the doctor. He came in moments later. Let's just say, he wasn't happy with me. I started telling him what happened and he actually laughed at me in disbelief. Now, if you know me, you know that didn't go over well. He FINALLY came over and looked at Jonathan's head and then looked at me and said "You got to be kidding me". I honestly didn't know what he meant. He went on..."You are making such a big deal about this?" And he man-handled Jonathan's head. Then he began yelling at me about the ER and people that have more serious issues...etc. I was in shock. I finally said, "Do you mind changing your tone of voice?" But he didn't. Leanna, who was sitting there quietly in disbelief finally turned and said, "You are yelling at a very pregnant woman and 2 babies, please lower your voice." (Thank you Leanna!) But yet, he was still going on...so I finally  said, "I would like you to leave, I would like someone else to help us." He yelled more stuff, honestly I don't remember all that he said now, but as he stormed out of the room he yelled, "You sure about this? You might have to wait 4 more minutes!"



 

WOW! Leanna and I just stared at each other in disbelief! We had no idea what to do. I started to fall apart again. This was just too much for me. And in the mean time, I wasn't sure what was going on with Jonathan's head. He was being so sweet and just sitting there. Thank goodness Owen was there, I think they kept each other well entertained.



 

Only seconds later a nurse and another doctor type were in the room. This new doctor man was just what we needed. He was calming, assuring...all the things a panicking mother needs in the ER. He looked at Jonathan and was very gentle and helped make J feel better. He told me that it was a good size cut, but it did not need stitches. YEAH! He talked with Jonathan a bit and determined that he did not appear to have a concussion. YEAH! Still, he walked me through head trauma paper work and what to do if he shows signs of something after we leave. Then Dr. Nice Man went and got Jonathan a Popsicle. Jonathan was happy, therefore, I was happy!

 

About then is when Michael arrived. Again, poor Michael, I started crying. I told him about Dr. Mean Man and about Dr. Nice Man and everything that had happened. Leanna needed to leave because Owen needed to eat and take a nap. - THANK YOU AGAIN LEANNA! YOU HELPED SO MUCH! - After telling Michael about what happened, I decided that I should report that Dr. Mean Man. So I asked one of the nurses what I need to do and she sent in the Charge Nurse immediately. I spoke with the Charge Nurse for a while and told her what happened and she made me feel better about things too. **Lesson Learned - Never regret going to the hospital, even if the trip itself is traumatic. I'd rather be safe than sorry.**

 

So finally we left. Thank GOD. The 3 of us went home and cuddled up and watched a movie. I didn't let Jonathan out of my sight the rest of the day. I didn't even begin to relax until later that evening. (This all took place around 1:00 pm) I spoke with Leanna the next day and she and I both agreed we didn't sleep that night, reenacting Jonathan's fall, seeing Dr. Mean Man yell at us....UGH! It took me several nights to shake it. 

 

The interesting thing was, I started telling people about what happened...and almost everyone had a similar story. Small head wound and lots and lots of blood. **Lesson Learned - Head wounds bleed a LOT no matter the size of the wound.**  

 

So, I will take my *Lessons* and I will try to apply them the best I can to the next situation, because we know there will be a next time. But I am also very thankful that my son is OK! He is such a sweet heart and his head is already half way healed. Thank GOD it wasn't more serious. I am thankful to Leanna, she was a very calming presence for me that day. And last but not least, I am thankful to my sweet, amazing husband, who rush out of work to come be with us and hold me and Jonathan and bring comfort to both of us.

 

As for the trains, I don't see myself rushing back out there to take more photos, so we might go a while with nothing on the walls in Jonathan's room. :)

Benjamin William Update

Little Ben is only 55 day's away from meeting us! Can you believe that? I cannot. This has been a super fast pregnancy! It has been relatively easy too! I have had a little bit of back pain issues, but besides that I am doing great!

We had our 31 week Dr appt this week and we were able to see Ben. The Dr says he looks great and is growing about a week or two 'big', which is fine with me! That doesn't mean that he will come early, but just that he is growing and doing what he is supposed to be doing right now!
We were also able to set the date for our planned C-Section and it will be April 29th at 6:45 am. - Just a reminder, since some people have gotten all excited when I say I am having to have a planned C-Section - this is not by choice - it is because I am not physically able to delivery him otherwise. Jonathan was emergency C-Section, so Ben will have to be planned C-Section. It stinks, I would much rather have it the other way and not have to recover from major surgery with a new born and a 3 year old...but on the other hand, I am thankful we have advanced medicine we do that we do. I could go into labor prior to April 29th and if that happens we will just have the C-Section then. AND, Jonathan's 3rd Birthday is April 21st, so they will be 3 years, 1 week apart!

Today we went and saw Ben on a 3D/4D Sonogram! It was so exciting to finally see his little face! He is perfect to me! I think he looks a lot like Jonathan did on his 3D/4D Sonogram! Michael, Jonathan, Amy and Will were all there to view our little man. The second that Ben came up on the screen, Jonathan said - "That's MY Brother!" - Oh it melted Michael's and my hearts!
Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Sticking his big toe in his eye! (that's his hand under his foot)

Angel Face.

Beautiful lips



Touch your toe to your nose




Sweetness...we think he looks like Jonathan




Crossing his feet, just chillin' till it's time to come out!



Grandma Olga's 98th Birthday

This past Saturday 2/26, we all gathered together at Pat's home to celebrate Michael's Grandma's 98th Birthday! We all had a wonderful time. We ate lunch, had cake and sat around and chatted and watched Jonathan.
Michael and I both thought it was pretty cool that Jonathan got to celebrate both of his Great-Grandma's Birthdays with them and only a week apart! He is a lucky kid to have such great people in his life! 
Happy Birthday Olga!



Singing Happy Birthday! We had a King Cake. From the left, Michael, Pat, Olga, Jonathan and Anna Marie, and of course, I am taking the picture.




Auntie Rie reading to Jonathan.



Olga giving Jonathan a very colorful blanket she knitted for his new Big Boy room.



4 Generations. Pat, Jonathan, Michael and Olga.




Jonathan having fun with the Mardi Gras beads from the King Cake!




Giving loves to the Birthday Girl.



Amy's Baby Shower

Back in the beginning of January, we had a baby shower for Amy and Will. (I took the pictures, but used Amy's camera, so I just got them, but better late than never right!)
We had so much fun and Amy and Will got all sorts of great gifts!

The diaper cake I made for Amy and Will.



The Sweet's Table!




Scarlet being a good hostess!




Lots and Lots of Presents!



Measure the pregnant lady's belly! A horrible game that should be banned from showers! Ha! But it was fun! This is cousin Sarah seeing if her guess was right...sorry it wasn't, but close!



Lindsay and Amy!



Scarlet, Amy, Tyler and Amber!

Scarlet helping mommy open presents!



Stopping for a quick picture. Such a cutie.



Aunt Holly signing her master piece. She painted this mural on Will's nursery wall. So cool.



The words at the top say: Will want fishing with only minnows in his pail, but that was all he needed, cuz he came back with a whale!




The curtain rod is a fishing pole. Such a beautiful job Holly!



Jonathan's Big Boy Room

Ever since we found out we were having a second child, Michael and I both have been a little on edge about...Where the new baby was going to go? Or where was Jonathan going to go? Or would they share a room? Or would we build on? If we built on would we build a second story or just an extra room on the back? Or would we just move????? A lot a sleepless nights for me.

For those of you who haven't been to our house, we have a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 living, 2 dinning 1972 home. Michael and I both fell in love with this place the second we walked in. We have lived here for 4.5 years. When we moved in we decided to use the biggest of the 2 "kid's" bedrooms to be our office/study. We both have huge desks, we both have our own computers, we turned one wall into our library...etc...so it made sense for us to have the bigger room and keep the smaller room for guests.

When we got pregnant with Jonathan, it was an easy transition to make the guest room the nursery. Even though it was the smaller room, it was closer to our bedroom, which I loved.

After Jonathan was born, as most of you know, our lives were turned upside down. Besides having a new child, we had everything going on with my mom, then my dad, then we had to move everything out of my parents house...well, needless to say the office became the dumping ground for things we didn't know what to do with. And over time, it got ugly. So as you can see, when I got pregnant, I would have much rather left that room alone and added on, then try to figure out what to do with all that stuff...but that is not what we decided after all. Months and months of working on that room, we finally got the whole thing cleaned out this past weekend. It was an awesome feeling. It wasn't just moving stuff out of a room, it was a ripple effect...We moved my office desk into the formal living area, something I really didn't want to do to begin with, but now I really like it! But, we had to reorganize the formal living area first....etc. Then we had to clean out our garage completely. I bought a bunch of 70 quart tubs from Target and started organizing. My belongings have never been more organized. It's just an awesome, awesome feeling. We have had to live with our house in transition for a while, so it is so nice to have the clean feeling back! Yeah!

I knew this day would come, I just didn't want to think about it. We have been lucky, Jonathan is NOT a climber. Almost everyone I talk to is surprised that Jonathan hasn't tried to escape his crib. But no, he loved his crib. Michael and I were scared to make the transition because of that.

When we knew we were almost done with the room a couple of weeks ago, we went furniture shopping! But we didn't have much luck. We didn't really care for what was out there. If we liked the style, then it is was the quality that we didn't like or vice versa. I was disappointed, since I thought this would be the fun easy part! Then a friend told me about this place that has 'factory direct prices', so we gave it a shot. I really liked a set in one of their catalogs, so we ordered it and got a great deal. They just delivered it yesterday, Sunday, Feb 20th.

It arrived during Jonathan's nap, and thankfully, despite all the noise, he stayed asleep. Michael and I were able to quickly make the bed, put down his new rug and make some minor adjustments before he woke up. Once he woke up, we took him in there and told him it was his new room. His first reaction wasn't the best, but it only took a few moments for him to change his tune. Now, he has really only left his room to eat and take a bath! Ha!

He went down in his new bed better than we could have imagined. The only problem was, he didn't sleep immediately. We put him down at 8:00 and I didn't hear him stop moving around until around 11:00! But the good thing was, he stayed in his bed the whole time. We were afraid of him getting out of bed and playing. Even this morning when he woke up, he waited for me to come in, then he asked if he could get down. Ha! That made me smile! I know it won't last long either.

So in summation, the new room seems to be a success! I hope it stays that way once his new little brother moves into his old room. :) Both boy's rooms are still a little in transition with some final touches and pictures to be hung...etc. But he are some pictures of yesterday!

Once he saw the bed, the just wanted to lay down in it! We of course had to go get his friends George, Giraffe, Doggie, (the New since we lost him last week) Coco and new to the bedtime gang, Pete the Cat. On Jonathan's right is "Red Car" from the movie Car's, who was a gift from us as a part of the new room and he loves him! :)

His cool new rug that is a city scape that he can drive his cars around! He and Michael played for hours last night on it!

More playing! The bed is a trundle! Something I had my heart set on. So now, he can have friends spend the night!



Story time. This is when I got choked up. I didn't cry. But it was a lovely memory...our big boy is growing up. 





Showing off his book shelves! These cook shelves were already in there from our office. I am still working on organizing the cubes. I will post pics when I am done with everything and have pics on the wall.



We got 3 new pieces. The bed, which is a trundle, the night stand and the tall dresser. We are very pleased.



Grandma's 81st Birthday Party

To finish out Grandma's trip, we all gathered at Holly and Jim's to celebrate Grandma's 81st Birthday on Friday evening, Feb 18th! It was an honor to be able to celebrate Grandma's Birthday with her, since I don't believe that I ever have. It was also fun to see everyone again, it has been since the beginning of December since the DFW family members had seen each other. We ate a lovely dinner provided by Holly and Jim and some yummy desserts! Our entertainment was all our little men and one little lady.

Jonathan, Owen and Jim



Jim giving the boys a horsey ride.




Leanna and the boys playing




Grandma blowing out the candles, Jonathan eager to help and of course ready to eat the cakes!




Leanna, Michael, Jonathan, Grandma, Will and Waylen.



Me and Grandma



Grandma and Amy




Jonathan and Michael - man Jonathan looks tired! He played really hard that night!




The Group Shot! We are missing Owen, he was sleeping. And we are missing Sarah and Adrian, they were out of town.




Mini Bunt Cakes! Yummy!



Holly and Will

More Fun with Grandma & Kathy - The Dallas Zoo

After our visit with them last week, Grandma and Kathy left and went down to Austin and San Antonio to visit more family. Then they came back to DFW to spend more time with us Dallas folk. So the Monday after they returned, Jonathan and I met up with them at the Dallas Zoo! We had such a fun time and took lots of pictures!
P.S. - there are actually pictures of me in this one AND you get to see my big old belly! :)

Riding the bronze elephant.

He wanted to get on the bigger one!

I wasn't sure what was going on with him there, he kind of seemed scared, but he snapped out of it if he was. I told him that Elephants were his daddy's favorite animal and now when he sees any elephant he says, "That's Daddy's elephant!"

Jonathan and Kathy looking for the animals...I don't think anything ever appeared, but I thought this was a cute shot!



We arrived at the giraffe's! Amazing animals! They were my mom's favorite animal and they are Kathy's favorite too!


The next 16 photo's show Jonathan's first experience feeding a Giraffe! It was a very comical! As you can tell, he fed him great on the first cracker. But on the second cracker, that tongue came out...and kept coming! And then he ended up licking Jonathan's tummy! Jonathan didn't like it so much, but now he thinks it funny! What is also funny about this is the guy in the background laughing! - Fun Fact: Giraffe's tongues are 18" long!



Poor Giraffe, he just wants a cracker! :)



Me feeding him!



Oops, I found out later you aren't supposed to pet them. Oh well.



Jonathan hitching a ride with Grandma again!



A really cool Jeep! The back half is in the Cheetah exhibit!




Not the greatest photo, but you can see the Cheetah, Jonathan and Kathy...kinda.




Then we ate at this zoo cafe where our view was looking at the beautiful lions! Lions are my favorite animal, so I was so happy with our view!



The 4 of us as we finished lunch.

We had to get on them one more time!



He is getting so big! How did that happen?




We rode the monorail through the other half of the zoo, which was pretty cool!




Kathy and Grandma




Jonathan loved it!



Jonathan, Me and Grandma saying good-bye. If you are wondering what Jonathan is doing...he was dancing and pulling up his shirt and pointing at his hip is a dance move. :)

Jonathan, Me and Kathy saying good-bye. :)