Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Accupuncture and Crib Crying

So, I have been encouraged to go see an accupuncturist many times before. Back in 97 I was in a car accident that triggered fibromyalgia and I have dealt with pain since (although when I stopped working it lessened tremendously). Anyway, NOTHING has induced me to go see an accupuncturist (why willingly let someone put needles in your body?) ...until last night. I was desperate! So at the pleading of my doula and birth class instructor, both also good friends, I went to see an accupuncturist...

It wasn't bad! In fact, it was relaxing. Yes, 3 of the... I don't know 20? needles he put in did hurt, but the pain subsided into a really nice relaxation turned 20 minute nap on the accupuncturist's table. Afterwards, I was more calm and relaxed then I have been in a while. And today... I have energy! Not a ton, but I actually feel capable of getting out of bed. I am trying to take it easy (afraid of overdoing it), but am hopeful that this may be an improvement here to stay. AND, my legs don't hurt as badly today. He stuck needles right into the veins popping out of my skin, and the disgusting bruised masses of veins on the front of my right leg and back of my left knee. I have another treatment on Thursday, and one next week on Thursday to see if he can fix the anemia, sciatica, and varicose veins. As of today, I am thinking it may work... sure hoping so!

It could also be that my iron is coming back up. It takes 10-14 days to rebuild iron and today is day 12 of doing everything I possibly can to get my iron level back up. I get it checked on Friday, so we will see...

In the meantime, I am having to send Caleb off to friends houses in the morning because I cannot care for him myself, short of sitting him in fromt of the TV (which only works for a little while anyway-he needs to run!). This realization came yesterday, when I planned to meet some friends at the park with Caleb, and after getting breakfast ready and getting us dressed I had to call Christian to come help me because I was hurting, couldn't breathe, and was exhausted... yes, it was only 9:30am. Since my husband actually has to work, we thought setting up some care for Caleb was probably necessary for the remainder of the pregnancy. So, thank you Mom, and all my awesome friends who are helping me out. Maybe the iron levels are coming up or the accupuncture is helping and it can end up being playdates. If not, thank you, thank you for playing with Caleb and caring for him.

Crib Crying? Caleb actually cried because he was afraid I was going to put him in his crib at nap time today. I quickly reassured him that he could sleep in his big boy bed and he was at peace. I think the big boy bed is now a permanent place of sleep for him at bed time AND nap time. Woohoo! He is very proud of this accomplishment and we are too! Baby has a crib to sleep in which will also be good. That all went much smoother then I imagined. Now if the potty training could just move along a little faster... as in before this baby is born!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Baby's Name is...

Head Schalesky.

Last week we were driving and we were talking about last names. Caleb has two friends named Anna, so we were discussing the difference between Anna Hinck and Anna Gray. I said something like, "and you are Caleb Schalesky." We have talked of our last name before, so he got it. Then Caleb said (while pointing), "And that's Daddy Schalesky and Mommy Schalesky, and Caleb Schalesky, and Head Schalesky (pointing to my belly)."

"Head Schalesky?" Christian and I both repeat.

"Yes," says Caleb. "Baby's name is Head Schalesky."

So there you have it... Head Schalesky. Glad we don't have to deliberate on what to name this baby anymore. :)

Bible and Prayer

Tonight Christian read the story about Joseph and his brothers from Genesis. Afterwards, I pointed out to Caleb that even though Joseph's brothers made a bad choice and were mean to Joseph, Joseph forgave them and loved them. "That is grace," I said. "Just like when Daddy, or Caleb, or Mommy makes a bad choice and we say sorry, Jesus says he forgives us and loves us and he gives Daddy grace, Caleb grace, and Mommy grace." Then, Caleb crawled into his big boy bed and we said our prayers.

At out Community Group tonight, we read about the hope and power we have for life in Jesus, so I prayed that Caleb would know how much Jesus loves him and the hope he has in Jesus and the power Jesus gives him. Then, I felt led to pray for Caleb's friends in our group and prayed that Drew, Ellie, Sara, Noah, Matthew, Ethan, Carrie, Sean, Anna, Kate, Lily, and Caleb would know how much Jesus loves them and the hope they have in Jesus and the power they have in Jesus, and Caleb said, "And Mommy and Daddy, and the babies too." Meaning MaryJoyce's baby in her belly and ours in mine. How amazing is it that he added us into that prayer too? Every time he talks of Jesus, or his faith, or prays I am in awe of the amount of spiritual understanding he has. God truly does love the little children, and Jesus meant it when he spoke of us (adults) needing to have the faith of children. Pretty amazing.

Next, it was Caleb's turn to pray. This is what he prayed, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my grace, and my friends, and my watch Charlotte's Web and the horse in it, and the cow in it, and the pig in it, and the mouse in it, and the mouse bit the pig's tail- that's a bad choice. Jesus, thank you for making the pig feel better. Amen."

We had just talked about grace and he thanked Jesus for gicing him grace... wow. That was pretty awesome to witness. It took all I had to not laugh out loud when he prayed about Charlotte's Web (which he watched after nap today). TV definitely makes a STRONG impression on him.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Toddler Talk

The other day, I was asking Christian to make me my chlorophyll water (for iron reasons) and Caleb says, "Dad, you not get Mommy's water. I get it for her. You stay right there Dad, I will be right back." We explained to him the chlorophyll water stains, and adults need to do it, and he said, "Not get up Dad. Sit there Mom, I get you some regular water. Caleb do it." Off he went to get a cup and he poured some water from his water bottle (mmm toddler back wash, so good!) and gave me my water. Pretty sweet.

Yesterday, I am in the car talking to Christian and Caleb says, "Mom, not talk to Dad, I talking to you. I telling you something. Not talk right now." Too funny.

This morning, I am asleep in bed, and I hear some clinking in the kitchen. Christian has already left for the day, and I am too tired to get up. So I call out, "Caleb?" Next thing I know, my sweet son comes walking into my room with a pan, a wooden spoon and a whisk, "Mom, breakfast for you, time to wake up." Now how do you refuse that? So I ate some eggs, or so I was told, and then closed my eyes again. Caleb crawled into bed with me and cuddled while I half slept for a little longer. It was very sweet. Then, I feel him scoot down to my belly and start whispering, "Hi baby, it's Caleb. I love you baby," and he kissed my belly. What a sweet big brother!

Finally, tonight, we were driving to grab some dinner and Caleb started talking about the "Sycamore trees". This is the first time I have ever heard him say "Sycamore", and there was a whole story that went with it, but I was stuck on the Sycamore tree part. I asked him where he learned about Sycamore trees, as I only refer to trees in general. Then, Christian realized it was from the song his grandma sings about Zacchaeus in the Sycamore tree and Jesus calling him out. Pretty interesting that he took that reference and then used it in a story of his own.

Dr. Caleb

Today I had my 34 week OB appt. and Christian and Caleb got to come with me. Caleb heard baby's heartbeat for the first time and was in awe. It was nice for Christian to meet my Dr. too. We like her a lot, Dr. Ramos, she is great!




Caleb decided he was going to check me and baby out too. He also really liked watching the nurse take my blood pressure and check my iron. Maybe we have a future Dr. among us? He was fascinated by the whole trip. However, he needed some "mommy" time after. I have noticed the more we talk about baby, or do things for/about baby he seems to need "mommy" time. It will be interesting to see how we all work this out when baby arrives!

And a pregnancy update... my iron is low again. That explains why it has been so hard to function the last week, and especially today and yesterday. Pretty discouraging as two weeks ago it had come up from under 10 to 11.2. Ideally they want me to be a high 11 during pregnancy (good/normal is 12-16 for women). Today it was 10.5, Not sure how it got down so low as I am still taking 15+ pills a day, etc. So the Dr. ordered me to eat red meat every day, rest more, and not to overdo it. My varicose veins are pretty bad now too, even with the sexy (not) compression tights I have been wearing since my last appt. So I am suppose to lay on my side for an hour, every two hours. With a toddler? Hah! And swim every day, which is a little more practical. All to say, I guess I need to take it easy for the rest of my pregnancy, not sure how to do that, but I guess I have to figure it out...

Solution!



Bumpers are for more than just cribs! I am pleased to say he did not fall out of bed last night.

I guess we need to get a new bedding set for Baby#2 though...

Caleb and Anna

On Mondays, we hang out with Anna. This past Monday was the first time we have ever hung out together without one of her parents, and it went really well! Caleb really likes Anna, although he is convinced she is "Baby Anna" even though she is only 1/2 a year younger than he is. His goal is to make her laugh, and he did a pretty good job, but it was mostly in the car and, well, that is not the best time to be taking pictures.

So, here are some non laughing pics at Kids World and Alice Keck park.


Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Learning to Share

Saturday Caleb was out a friends house, and for the first time since he turned two, I noticed he did not start shouting when another child started to take away the toy he was using. In fact, he was nice and either gave it to the child, or offered a trade. Apparently, he was really great in the nursery at church this past Sunday too (not one shout they said), and today, Monday, we had another playdate and he used his words or asked me for help if another child was taking the toy he was using. Wow! They actually do listen to what we are saying and it actually does sink in after awhile... Who would have guessed a few months ago? :)

Just in time for Baby #2 if you ask me. :)

Speaking of Baby # 2... can two pregnancies be any more radically different? With Caleb, I exercised every day, felt great, ate whatever I wanted (while striving for healthy) and had no, I repeat no issues. Sure I vomitted a few times, but nothing too noteworthy, and yeah, I was tired in the first trimester, and a little emotional throughout, but nothing significant. I LOVED being pregnant with Caleb, and did not understand why other people complained about pregnancy. And then...February came around, and before I could even pee on a stick I was fainting, exhausted, and nauseated. When I finally did get a positive test, the symptoms just got worse (infections, hypoglycemia, anemia, varicose veins, sciatica, etc.). Now don't get me wrong, I am thankful that I am okay and baby is okay, but I just have to marvel at how different these pregnancies are. Some say it is because I am having a girl this time (which no one but the docs know for sure) others just say pregnancy can vary. Hmm... I guess we will know soon. The due date is 11/4, but I am hoping for a little earlier.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Stasi and Sasha

Caleb has two new best friends! We have been praying for our good friends, Andy and Jill, for a few years now. They had been in the process of adopting two children from Russia. Back in December, they received their referral for two boys. They went on their first trip to Russia in January to meet the boys, and then had the excruciating 6 month wait until late July to go back to Russia to bring the boys home. They arrived in the US with their sons, Stasi(3)and Sasha(2)on August 13th and we just can't get enough of them! Caleb made instant friends with them and we look forward to our Wednesday playdate every week. Here is some of the fun we have had:

First Playdate at Tucker's Grove



Monkeying around in trees



Playdate at the Zoo





Aren't they cute!

Oops

So Caleb is in his big boy bed. Every night I check on him before I go to bed, and three nights in the row, he was on the floor. Although, last night he was not. It is so sad, but weird and funny too. I am literally in the next room working before I go to bed, you think I would hear him fall out. And there is a railing 1/4 of the way across the bed. He would have to scoot down and then roll off. Maybe he is crawling out? Anyway, Christian comes in and puts him back in bed, then he seems to be fine for the rest of the night. Poor little guy.

Is it weird, that I kind of want him to do it again so I can talke a picture to post for you all?

Monday, September 8, 2008

Big Boy Bed

Caleb slept in his big boy bed for the first time Friday night, all night!





We gave him a little cow as a reward. He is quite pleased with the new bed, and the cow. What a big boy!







Saturday night he started in big boy bed, but at 1:30am decided the crib was a better idea. Sunday he tried to take a nap in his new bed, but then wasn't falling asleep so ended up in the crib. Sunday night he slept all night in his new bed again.



Today he took a normal nap in his big boy bed, and he is currently sleeping in it now. Woohoo! Perhaps the crib will be available for baby #2 after all.

Now if we can just get potty training to go this quickly. :)

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Sound of Silence

The 7 month silence sounds like: Caleb turning two, Christian assuming a lot more work, more ministry for both of us due to the work Christian assumed (which is a good thing, yet busy thing), me discovering I am pregnant and: anemic, hypoglycemic, with bad sciatica, varicose veins, throw in a staff infection and an 8 week unnamed infection, as well as the normal pregnancy issues of sleepless nights and exhaustion.

However, I have been inspired to start blogging again as it truly is a great way to capture the memorable moments in Caleb's life. And I know I am not going to remember much of this time I am pregnant, as I have been so sick and tired, so I want to write it all down before it leaves my mind forever because Caleb is doing some cute and amazing things. Already kicking myself for the time I have allowed to pass (although physically I don't know I could have kept up with blogging if I tried!).

So, pictures to come soon, and I hope to back blog (is that a real term?) at least one entry a month for the months I missed. For now though...

I am 32 weeks pregnant and Caleb is going to be 2 1/2 on September 28th. Wow, time flies. Last night he slept in his toddler bed for the first time. Although he had a few needs as he was going to sleep (change PJ's, need water, need to go potty) he did fall asleep at a reasonable time, happily, and slept straight for 11 hours! I had to take a picture. You will see how cute he is sleeping in his big boy bed soon.

Speaking of potty, he is well on his way to being potty trained. He does well going pee pee on the potty and his pull ups are often dry these days. He is going poo poo on the potty most days of the week. That is a tremendous joy to Christian and I as 2 year old poo poo is not our favorite parenting moments.

Caleb loved VBS in June and on the day they explained the gospel, he seemed to get it! Now he had a love for Jesus and the Bible before that, and mostly by just being exposed to whatever Christian and I were doing, as we have been intentional to raise him up in the Lord, but not to press upon him the need to accept Jesus. He told us that Jesus died on the cross for us, and since then has told us that Jesus is in his heart. Soooo cute!Here he is working on a craft and standing up front during worship with all the kids. The cute girl next to him is Anna, one of his good friends.






He loves playdates with friends, the Zoo, the beach, sports with Daddy (and sometimes mommy too), swim lessons, all of his cousins, grandparents, aunties and uncles, all animals, tractors, music and singing. Most mornings and after naps he sings to himself for awhile before he calls me in to get him. I love to hear him sing!

He is also becoming quite independent and experimenting with that which is sometimes fun and sometimes not so fun, but I am learning how to work with it (Love and Logic baby).

Caleb, I am so proud of you! You are growing up so quickly. I sometimes wish I could keep you my little baby boy, but then I see your growth, your joy in growing into a "big boy" and am excited for all your adventures and accomplishments. Truly, you are a sweet boy, my precious son, and I am so thankful for you. Today, you had a hard time being without me, you haven't done that in awhile. I can't help thinking it was because you had so many big boy moments this morning (first night in big boy bed, pee pee and poo poo by yourself on the potty, putting on your shirt and shoes all by yourself), that you needed me to reassure yourself that I am still here for you. I loved holding you and reassuring you how much I love you and am proud of you. It does not matter how "big" you are, you are always my son, I am always here for you, and I love you.

Tonight as we were reading our Bible story (kids version), you were very troubled that the soldiers were mean to Jesus and that they hit him. Daddy and I talked to you about how Jesus has the power (VBS) and that the soldiers couldn't hurt him unless Jesus allowed them too because Jesus had a plan, and that Jesus wins in the end. We told you that Jesus is strong, stronger than those soldiers (and you said "Strong like Daddy?"). You were a little reassured, but you continued to talk about how you did not want the soldiers to hit Jesus. We prayed about it together, but you were still troubled. We were able to distract you before you went to sleep in the hope you would sleep with peace, but I had to tell you then and remember now that you are having a similar response to that story that I had. Grammy tells me that she told me about Jesus dying when I was three and that I cried and was very troubled by the idea. I know that Jesus is so central to my world and I love him so, that recognizing the similarity in our stories gives me great hope that you too will have a love for Jesus that carries you through all the trials and joys in life, and I pray that for you every day.

Silence is over... there are just too many things to capture from your life to not note them.