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A Sad Day

I know I don't post on here much, but today I just felt the need to vent. Not your everyday vent either. I got word today that a dear friend lost his life on Monday. His name was Jim. Jim was introduced to me last summer at my parents' Tea Room. Jim quickly became a regular, and we saw him almost every day, sometimes twice in a day. He was always challenging my brothers to make something too spicy for him to eat. Jim's favourite drink was "Teamanaide" which is half a glass of ice tea and half a glass of lemonade. Everyone on staff knew to get that as Jim walked in the door. Jim also enjoyed all the Tex-Mex things on the menu.

Over the winter, Jim took ill. He had pancriatitis. He never really got better. Just as he was starting to plan his trip back to PEI for the summer, he died of Cardiac arrest. Jim will be truely missed. In his honour, my parents will be adding "Jim's Teamanade" onto the menu.

What's Happening?

I figured that I should update you all on what is going on with us. Our lives are about to change again, however this time, it is a good thing! Chris got a letter in the mail on Friday that he was approved to get a work visa for this job he was offered. The employer took the time to do all the necessary paperwork, and waited for the government approval. Chris and I and the girls will be taking a trip to the border (Woodstock/Houlton) tomorrow. This will be our van’s first BIG trip. It is about a 4 hour drive to the border from our house, and then a 4 hour drive back home. Plus any time spent at the border, stops for gas, eating and bathroom…. It is going to be an all day trip.

We are excited that this has gone through and that Chris will be able to go back to work, and we can stop worrying about how we will pay the next bill!

Alina will have her first physical therapy session this Friday. It was supposed to be last Friday, but we went to the wrong hospital, so it had to be rescheduled. I am in hopes that Chris and I can quickly learn the steps we need to take to help Alina strengthen her neck muscles.

Gabriella had to go to the hospital again this past Friday. I noticed during her bath that her girly area was swollen on the left side, and there was a grape sized purple lump on the lip. We took her in, and they did an ultrasound on it. The doctor put her on antibiotics, hoping that it will clear up, but he thinks we will have to have it drained (which means she will be sedated). It is a large absest that is filled with a puss that needs to be drained. It showed up rather quick, because she takes a bath every night before bed, and I only noticed it Friday night. With her being 99.9% potty trained, we don’t see that area much.

Christian is doing well in school. He still has all A’s and B’s, but one C in Social Studies…. He says it is because he has never had Canadian History before. His teacher says it is because he is rushing to be done quickly. I think his teacher is on the right track.

Well, that is our “little” update. Here are a few recent pictures... Gabby dressed up like Christian and Alina just chillin'

Holy WOW, March is half way gone!

Oh my goodness! Time has been flying by. You'd think that staying home all day, almost everyday of the week would make time go by so slow. The girls keep me very busy these days. Alina is sleeping less, but also does not eat as often! She does a lot of lying around on the floor playing. Gabby, is being the "needy" child lately. We spent the evening at the ER with her Thursday. She had a 103F fever, and so I made the call to take her in. Turns out she has a bladder infection. Well, it makes since, she has been doing so well potty training, that she is starting to "hold it" too long! So she is on antibiotics for that. Alina just finished taking antibiotics and doing breathing treatments for RSV. My little baby does not like have that mask held to her face, but she was a trooper! She is back to normal and playful as can be!

Chris will hopefully be starting his new job soon! He will be working at Cavendish Farms. It sounds like a good job, and he was told he will have a job there as long as he wants it. Meaning, he better want it!

We had our van delivered to the house on Friday. We have insurance for it on Friday, but we had to wait until today to go get the plate, and now we can officially drive it! It has been a HUGE pain in the butt getting this taken care of, but we are now we have it all taken care of!!

Well, I think that is it from our neck of the woods.

Alina's Neck & Something special for Christian!

Okay, I forgot that I have been really bad about updates, so I didn't even think about the fact that I had not mentioned her neck. Well, at her last pedi appointment, I pointed out that her head was very flat on one side, and that when ever I would try to turn her head the other way, she would SCREAM! He looked at it, and felt her muscles in her neck and said that it seems that the muscles are not developing correctly, so he has ordered an ultrasound on her neck. The ultrasound is on Monday and after that they will determine what physical therapy is needed. We are counting our blessings that this is the only thing we have to worry about with her now!

On another note, Christian came home from school yesterday VERY excited! He showed me this letter form the principal. He along with 14 other students from his school was selected to go on an all expenses paid ski trip to Quebec during March Break. It is sponsored by Tim Horton's. They will go skiing, and then go to the Parliament house in Ottawa. They also get to go to an NHL game while in Ottawa. He is so excited, and we are so glad he was selected. This gives him a fun, and educational thing to do over March break! So, yeah for Christian!

We're getting a mini-van

Well, not a whole lot new for us, but I thought I would post an update just to see if anyone still reads this besides my mom. We are doing well, as well as we can anyway. We keep pretty busy with the girls and all, but we would love it if CHris could get a job. I enjoy having him home so that I don't have to clean the house and cook dinner and take care of the girls, but there is a such thing as being around each other too much!

We are soon to be Mini-van owners! We finally found a van, and we will be sucking it up and driving the family ride. This will give Christian room to stretch his legs, rather than being crammed between 2 care seats. He has been a good sport about it, but he is not getting any shorter, he is actually taller than me (I know that does not take much!). So, as soon as we have it, I will get pictures up so you can see. We are very excited!

Alina's MRI went GREAT! She is okay! No problems! The only thing left to deal with is her neck. She will soon be starting physical therepy to stregthen the muscles so she can turn her head to the left.

Gabby is 2! She turned 2 on February 16th. There are pictures on my dropshots account. www.dropshots.com/tinymommy81

Other than all of that, nothing new... haha!

An unplanned, involuntary MIA

OMG! I am so glad to have power back! We lost power around 11pm on Monday, and have been without up until around 12:30ish PM (Atlantic time) today (although looking at the time, I guess it was yesterday now). We live in good ol’ PEI Canada… and there was a major ice storm here. The first two nights, we roughed it out here at the house… but once the no heat factor kicked in, and we were down to about 50 degrees F, I decided it was time for us to pack up the kids, and the dog, and head to the motel in the only town with power! We called just in time to get the only room that had just come available! Talk about lucky! So we spent the past 2 nights there, and that was a totally crazy experience. We had a devil of a time getting Gabby to bed at night, and she kept going into the little kitchen and turning on the oven! She also seemed to have a crazy fascination with the toilet there…. It was easy for her to flush, so she made sure and flushed it every chance she got!

When we returned home, our land lords wife was storming over to the house (BTW I really can’t stand her). She started yelling at Chris and telling him that he was basically a moron! She said that we were “negligent” and the pipes had frozen while we were gone, and the plumber was there fixing the problem. Chris went inside to talk to the plumber. The plumber told him that “no, the pipes did not freeze, you drained the pipes and turned off the pump!” Chris was so happy to hear that! Because he knew he had done everything that he should have done! I spoke to our land lord and he told me that next time we leave like that, just to let him know we are leaving, and tell him if we have drained the pipes so he knows.

So, another adventure under our belts! I have pictures from our little “vacation” to the hotel. I will post as soon as they are uploaded!

Still here!

Wow, it has been a while since I posted, so I guess I can give you guys a bit of an update. I don't get to use the computer as much as I used to. The girls are keeping me VERY busy! When one doesn't need me the other does, but they usually want me at the same time, all the time! I am sure many of you can relate to this! We still don't have any answers on what the deal is with Alina's "dimple" on her back. We are waiting for a call from Halifax to go for the MRI.

Gabby is growning like a weed, as is Alina. These kids don't stay small for very long. Gabby's vocabulary is incredible! She knows most of her body parts, and points them out on EVERYONE! She is very fond of the word "no" but does not overuse it. She has recently started nodding her head to answer yes. She loves to sing the "backpack" song from Dora! I can't believe how much she has changed in the last 6 months!

Christian is doing well. Since he skipped the 5th grade, and was put right into 6th grade, he has still maintained an A/B average in all subjects! We are so proud of him!

Chris is still hoping to find a job.... It would help if his immigration paperwork were approved already!

I think that is about it.... I am planning a trip to Halifax, just me and the girls... I want to see Ceri's twins, and catch up with some other friends in Hali as well!

Has the USA turned Nazi?

Wow, am I ever one PISSED woman! So, my grandparents were supposed to get her today, they were going to come up for Christmas. When they got to the airport, they found out that my grandmother would not be allowed to get on the plane. Why, you ask... well, it turns out that the USA has turned into a Nazi country! Even though it has been clearly stated all over the country that passports were not needed until January 2008, the airline told them that they HAD to HAVE the passport in hand to leave the country! Does this remind you of a time in history? My Grandmothers family came from Germany in 1914, her grandfather was in the Germany army, and had to sneak out of the country to get away from the problems they had to deal with there. Her mother was 13 years old at the time. So, even though my grandmother had not been faced with this personally, it still felt like a similar situation. If I had it my way, I would have them move up here with us and get out of that country. The USA is not only loosing sight of God, but also of the FREEDOM they so highly speak of. So, ask me if I have any regrets of moving back to Canada. I can clearly tell you that I have made the right choice to live in a country that has not turned Nazi!

Going to Halifax!

Okay, well, the time has come... Chris and I will being taking Alina to Halifax for an appointment on December 12th. She is getting her MRI on that dimple on her back! Any prayers are greatly appreciated! We are looking to leave here on the 11th, and spend the night there, so we wont be late.... I worry about the roads and all.... and the bridge.... the ever so long bridge to leave this crazy island!

While in Halifax, we will be doing a little looking. Since Chris can't find work on the island, he is now looking for work in Halifax. If he finds a job that can do the paperwork, we will be moving, AGAIN!

Pictures anyone?

I started a new picture blog since the old one was Gabby's... this one is for both girls.
Alina & Gabby's Pictures

We have our hands FULL!

Oh my goodness. The fun never ends! I just thought one baby was a lot of work. Now, I have a toddler and a newborn, and both are VERY needy! Gabby is very good with Alina, but she does have her jealous moments. If I start to leave the room, she will wrap her arms around my legs and hold on tight. If I am holding Alina, she also wants to be in my lap, and continuosly gives "baby" kisses. She is hardly ever rough with Alina, but we have had a couple times where she hit her head pretty hard, or threw something and hit Alina with it. I don't think she does these things to hurt the baby, I think it is more for attention.

There is never a dull moment around here, like right now, Alina decided she wanted to wake up 2 hours early for a feeding.... this is why I can never update! I will leave you with a couple pictures of the girls in costume... Alina's costume is a chili pepper... although the smallest size was a 0-9 months so she liikes like she has been swallowed by the costume... Gabby was a bunny.... And Christian said he is "to old" to dress up, but he was a big help taking Gabby door to door.

Alina and I are home!

And man am I ever tired! We have been through a lot since she was born, and I know my mom has filled you guys in with some... I will tell my story, and hopefully fill in the gaps.

On Thursday, my mom called and asked if I could come to the restaurant and work so she could go to a meeting. I told her, sure... since labor did not seem to want to happen. After my mom left, my dad and I were sitting there talking, and my body was VERY uncomfortable, and I had to stand up. I began pacing the floor... I walked around the restaurant for 2 hours because it was the only way I could tolerate the contractions. I called Chris and told him it was time to come and get me. We went to the hospital, and straight up to L&D and I was put on the monitors. My contractions at that point were between 5 and 10 minutes apart. My doctor was actually in the room when I got there. She was finishing up with another lady (which is a whole other funny story in itself...). She was not at all surprised to see me. She check me out and said "we are going to admit you, this baby is getting ready to come."

So now I was moved down the hall to one of the labor/delivery/recovery rooms. I went almost straight for the tub, but the nurse had to drill the 20 questions first. I learned that the tub does nothing for me... if anything, it made it worse! I got out after being in there for about 10 minutes. The bed was surprisingly comfortable... and I was able to get a little but of rest, before my water broke! Chris seemed a bit upset when I told him, because he had just gotten comfortable on the pull out bed. But he called the nurse in. When my water broke, I was at 7cm. My doctor came in, and they started setting everything up. That bed is SO COOL! Except, at that moment that was not what I was thinking... It was really uncomfortable the way they had me sitting up! I was starting to do pretty well breathing through the contractions! Chris was really good about reminding me on the breathing techniques. I went from breathing through the contractions to nearly crawling onto the floor. I was hurting so bad!! Chris said that at one point I said "I can't do it, I give up!" As if it were an option at that point! I caught the doctor and nurses off guard as it was time to push and they were not ready! They were pulling me, and telling me that I had to get back on my back, but I was very tense on my side clenching to the side bar of the bed. I finally gave, and got into position... 9 pushes later, we had a B-E-A-UTIFUL baby girl!

Alina Michelle
6lb 7oz
19ich
2:49am
Friday, October 12th

Alina has had some really bad congestion. A lot of mucus build up that has come out through both her nose and her throat. They had to put tubes down her throat to clear some of it out, as she could not breath. She has thrown up a few times which has cleared out a lot of it, so that seems to be under control.

Her other issue, the "dimple". Basically it is a deep dimple about an inch above where her butt hole is. It is similar in appearance to that of the butt hole. We will be traveling to Nova Scotia within the next 3 weeks to have an MRI done. As soon as I know more, I will let you guys know. The doctors do not seem too worried. My OB told me yesterday that if I plan to have more children, I need to start taking folic acid before getting pregnant.

I think that I have covered everything. Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers! We really appreciate it!

And now, for the pictures!

Fridays child is loving and giving

Hello everyone guest blogger Mam-gu here. I can’t figure get the comments thing to work (translation: I can’t remember the password & how my name was done for the blog Charles & Gwyn created for me) so Gwyn gave me her info and asked me to post the info on our newest addition to the Anderson/Crowther/Richards clan.

Alina Michelle Richards made her debut on Prince Edward Island in Canada at Prince County Hospital in the town of Summerside. She kept her Mom up for two days but finally made her appearance on Friday October 12, 2007 at 2:49 AM. She is already a night owl! She tipped the scales at 6 lb 7 oz and was 19in tall beating her big sister by ½ an inch although big sis weighted more. Head diameter was 33 cm. Sorry I don't know big bro details to add at this point. I'm sure Gwyn will fill you all in on those.

Gwyn had a drug free natural birth. Mommy & baby are doing well. Pictures will be posted when Gwyn & Alina get home. I took pictures but I don't know how to put them up. Alina is a cutie just like her big sis. She has a couple of Angel kisses like her sis as well. You’ll all see very soon.

Signed Your Guest Blogger,

Mam-gu

Still in waiting....

Well our little bundle is still happy to remain in the womb. She seems rather cozy in there. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow. I am trying to avoid induction, as my doctor feels that this baby seems to want to do it on her own. With Gabby, I had to be induced because my water broke, and I did not dilate at all. This time I am dilating, but my water has not broken. We shall see where I am at tomorrow, maybe she will come this week! But, I am in no hurry anymore.... I was wanting to push her to get out, because I really wanted her to come in September... Christian's birthday is October 14th, and we don't want to take that away from him... they will be really close, if not on the same day! But, for all of those who have been worried.... I am measuring small, that is way there has been no rush to induce. A week ago (3 days before my "due date") I was measuring in at 38 weeks. So I am guessing I will be measuring in at 39 weeks tomorrow.

When baby does come, I will have my mom post a reply on the most recent post on my blog for you guys. She is "Mam-gu" on the comments. I want this kid to come as much as all of you guys want to meet her via blogdom!

Hope to be making the announcement soon!

My Doctor's Appointment... with a twist

Okay, so I went to my Doctors appointment yesterday, and she took one look at me and said "What's wrong!" I began to tell her about the head ache I have had for the past 3 days.... It was so bad 2 nights ago that I was dizzy, nauseous, and sweating! She did the weekly check up, and then wrote out a sheet for me to take to Labor & Delivery. I was hooked up to IV and they had this stuff pumping in me SOOOOO fast! I went through God only knows how many IV bags, and some sort of pain killers (I forget which one) The meds seemed to kick in pretty quick, and the nurses were very nice! My hand hurts really bad from the IV though, they had a hard time finding a good vein! All in all, not a bad trip... still pregnant though!

3.5 cm dilated
50% effaced
gained a little too much weight this week... I am up to 23 lb gained this pregnancy.

Still Pregnant!

I seriously thought this baby would be here in September! I have just under 12 hours for that to be a reality! It is looking like this kid is too cool for school! She is quite happy inside, and not wanting to make her debut! I guess in a way, this is a good thing, as our dearest daughter Gabriella has decided to train us in the use of her toddler bed! Yes, I said she is training us! We had no choice but to move her into the toddler bed, as she discovered that she could also climb out of the crib... We have been able to lock her in her room at night, so she sometimes cries, but has made it two night now. Nap time is another story! The only way I can get her to nap is to either take a drive, or put her in Joe's travel Kennel. Joe has never used it, and Gabby uses it as a play house! She LOVES her room, and has made quite the toy carpet out of it this morning. And, she learned how to open her dresser drawers and pulled out ALL of her clean laundry, and put it in her hamper with ALL of her dirty laundry! Can we say TERRIBLE almost TWOS! Once this baby comes, I may never have a chance to blog again!!! The two of them will have me way to busy!

Christian is helping a lot with Gabby today! She wants to be up in her room playing, and he is in his room playing Play Station, so he is checking on her for me. Saves me going up and down the stairs! I very much miss the days when Gabby would just lay around all day and coo! I miss those days sooooooo much!

Gabby's Bum & a Poll

Is okay! For the most part anyway. We are still keeping a close eye on it. It turns out that is was a skin irritation that may have been caused by walmart diapers... so we are spending the big bucks on Pampers for outings.... I am trying to do cloth at home, but I am alone on that, since Chris thinks they are nasty!

Now... for the Poll... Tell me, when will my baby be born, and how big will SHE be?
Date:
Time:
Length:
Weight:

And back to the ER....

Well, Gabby and I had a nice visit in New Brunswick! We got to see Tyler and Denise and their baby, and Steph and Ben and their baby.... And we also went to Sussex, and Gabby met some of the greatest professors and staff, and we ran into Ceri for about 5 minutes. It was so neat to see all these people again!

On Friday, when we were coming back to the island, I noticed another spot on her bum. This time it was on the other side. It looked just like the first one... I decided to wait and see what happened with it. When it was still there Sunday morning, Chris and I chose to take her back to the ER. Good thing we did. As it turns out, it may not be a bite of any kind after all. It may be a virus. The doctor poked it with a needle and took a sample of the puss (sorry TMI). I didn't watch, Chris held her, but he said that it just kept ooozing... She is on a different antibiotic, and we are putting polysporin on the spot, and covering it with so gauzy bandage.... She is still her normal self, and she was such a good girl! We will know the results of the sample in about 3 days.... I will post again when we find out.

A position to choose...

There are times in life where we have to make choices that we don't want to make. These choices can sometimes cause a lot of hurt ant pain. I have recently been put into a position where I had to make such a choice, and it is not something I am happy about.

I always said that if a person put me into a position to choice between them and another, the one who was asking me to make the choice would be the one that I did without. Well, I was forced into this problem today. I will not go into any detail, as I don't think that is fair to the parties involved, but please pray for both sides of this situation.