LCBride2007

Quote: Originally Posted by xandrafaye I'm a shower game scrooge! Me too! I was sooo happy when my SIL told me she refused to have any games at my wedding or baby shower. YES! I love that gal! lol But, if you really want to have games - the one I don't mind is (and I know I posted this elsewhere) ... - the host gets a bunch of smallish gifts and wraps them - you will also need 2 pie tins, or something else to roll dice in and pass, as well as 4 die (2 for each pie tin) - everyone sits in a circle - a pie tin w/a pie tin and 2 die starting at opposite ends of the circle (you only have to use 1 pie tin and 2 die if the group is small) - all of the gifts are placed in the middle of the circle - the first person rolls the die, if they roll a double they pick a gift from the center; they then pass the tin and die to the next person - the tins and die are passed around until all gifts are gone - everyone then takes turns opening their gifts and showing everyone else - then, you do this again. except this round is timed (like 3 min. or something), and this time when you roll a double you "steal" a gift from someone else - at the end of the 3 minutes you keep what you have at that point sounds silly, but there's usually like 1 or 2 gifts that people really like and it's funny to watch it get stolen again and again

Is this new? I've been paying for snacks on United and Northwest for a while now. Anywhere from $3-5 depending on the airline and snack.

Quote: Originally Posted by seaprincess Or maybe she likes the design of the front of your house and she's building her own to match? Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel BUT my parents just a built a house and we spent some time driving around town photographing features of houses we liked- like the windows, the details, the fences, etc. Maybe she likes something? That's what I was going to say too, my SIL did a ton of this while building her house - she had so many pics of other people's houses.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Oh shucks! Hopefully Gwen will do better today. So here's my question... is she not supposed to be in a car seat for over an hour? I've never heard of this carseat test and i'm a little confused by it. They only do it for babies in the ICN, or maybe only the preemies. It's because preemies often have troubles with their respitory system, and they've also spent so much time on their backs that they want to make sure they can continue to breathe sitting up. At least that's my understanding! We chose not to do the test again today. She ended up getting her Hep B shot today, and then seemed to be having an "off" day. So the nurse and I thought why bother and stress her out with another test - so we'll try tomorrow. But ... she did get her first "real" bath since her cord feel off finally! Paul got a bunch of pics - she seems to love bath time! (Paul doing her hair!) Oh, and guess who had some visitors today! Paul and I got to have dinner with Tammy, Steve, and little Jackson! It was nice to see Tammy and Jack again (this time not in a hospital bed!), and to meet Steve. Then Tammy and Steve got to come visit Gwen. I totally forgot to take a picture of Tammy with Gwen, but I got one of Steve.

thank you everyone for all of the support!

Well, poo ... she didn't pass her carseat test afterall. When I got in this morning, they said that the respitory therapist had reviewed the results and saw something she didn't like. I don't think it was anything major, but she has to do the test again. Hopefully she will pass today. So there's that, and then she needs to maintain her temps better, she often runs on the cold side even with multiple blankets. So hopefully she does well there, and we can still go home soon. ARGH - so close!

happy birthday, my dear LC sistah! sounds like an awesome way to spend a birthday to me!

Done! (now I am typing more cuz it's making me)

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Ann, any word on when little Gwen will be released? I know you were due on or around July 16th... so I was thinking she'd probably be let out around 4th of July I just updated the other thread ... check this out! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-33#post422166 In summary, we may get to take her "home" as early as Monday! WOW! Trisha, I am so floored by your generous offer - you and your family are amazing to offer to go so far out of your way (literally and figuratively!) to help us. I am truly without any words to explain how greatful we are! I think, especially given the new timeline, that we are leaning towards taking the train home. But all of your ideas, offers to help, and positive thoughts mean so much to Paul and I - you have no idea how much easier this whole ordeal has been because of you all. I know it's not over yet, but I do feel like I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. THANK YOU BDW!! ... from the bottom of our hearts!

So ... new news! We got to the hospital this morning, and her feeding tube was out ... YAY! She had gone 24+ hours "nippling" all of her meals (boob or bottle) ... that meant the tube could come out. Then the nurse tells us the doctor had ordered the car seat study, and to have her vitamins sent to the pharmacy to be re-labeled to go home. We're like wow, so that means we can take her home soon ... like maybe within the week? The nurse said, oh no, probably within days! So then the doctor stopped by and basically said that if she does well this weekend with feedings and weight gain (and breathing!) that he'll likely let us take her home on Monday. She will be 4 weeks old on Monday, and I'd have been 36 weeks prego. An early release! Also, to elaborate on the car seat study ... basically the require that the baby sit in the carseat for at least an hour without issues - no breathing issues, spitting up excessively, etc. So the nurse said to bring in our car seat ... we didn't have one! Not only that, but the one we'd registered for (part of a travel system) was recalled yesterday. So we went out and bought just a stand-alone car seat (Graco SnugFit) and brought it in. And we put her in the carseat, and left for dinner ... I couldn't watch! We called the nurse an hour later ... and SHE PASSED! YAY! So assuming all goes well this weekend, we'll be "real" parents on Monday! What a great Father's Day gift! I hate this picture of us, but love it of her! The nurse that took it was literally like 5" away from our face. I ought to teach her the "zoom" function. (notice: NO TUBE!!!!)

Quote: Originally Posted by DougsGirl ooh, what are they in charge of?? something new?? well, given that there are a good chunk of mods that are in the process of birthing/raising the next generation of BDW members/mods, we needed to add to the crew. this forum is continuing to grow, and there is work to be done, and vendors to keep an eye on! and i, for one, couldn't think of 2 better gals! congrats, and welcome, Jamy and Maura!

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild Holy flashback!! I haven't seen that caterpillar book since I was small!!! Your pics are the cutest, it's great to see a dad so into stuff like that. And if I haven't mentioned this before, you guys are both so fortunate to have the type of jobs that you do, otherwise Paul would not get to be there like he is and that would be sad Oh yea, some of the books we got are classic, and that's one of them! We are very lucky in so many ways. Granted, neither Paul or I are working right now (Paul was rolled off of the project he was on prior to Gwen's arrival), so we're not getting paid! But we are both able to be by her side all day. We comment often how there aren't many parents that are able to be in the ICN with their babies as much as we are - I'm sure most of them either had to go back to work, or just have other things to take care of. Since we're not at home, we have no distractions! It's a curse and a blessing, really. Quote: Originally Posted by Pazoop That's so sweet! Is that The Very Hungry Caterpillar I spy? I love that book! The pictures are so colorful! She looks even more beautiful in every photo Ann, if that's even possible! And Paul looks so sweet and tender reading to her! And because I've been absentee on here for a while I want to wish you both a belated HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSAY! Congratulations on having your marvelous little girl to celebrate with! Thank you so much!

What's up with this season, why does no one want to send in their weights!? Oh well. Congratulations to ..... nueland (Nicole)-3.529% Sblake (Sarah)-2.473% lucy106 (Stephanie)-1.387% Nrvsbride (Glenda)-1.174% DanielleNDerek-1.010% dancingdolphin (Laurine)-0.680% TA Jill-0.639% Janet0.000% Opice34 (Shannon) 0.000% twinkletoes (Christina)0.000% amyrak (Amy)0.302% babyg (Terri)0.629% lauren c.0.942% Yari0.980% alyssa<didn't receive anything> can't wait! (Karla)<didn't receive anything> cessyboston (Erica)<didn't receive anything> Denise40 <didn't receive anything> ErinB<didn't receive anything> froggie1013 (Kristy)<didn't receive anything> JessicaM<didn't receive anything> LadyCheese (Jessica)<didn't receive anything> Maura<didn't receive anything> msam007562 (MarieSam)<didn't receive anything> Robyn Mumford<didn't receive anything> Sandra E. (Sandra) <didn't receive anything> Saraha<didn't receive anything> xandrafaye (Alex)<didn't receive anything> ButlerGirl08 (Alex) <didn't receive anything>

so part of the BDW gift to us was some childrens books, paul really wanted to read to Gwen (since I get quality time with breastfeeding). he kind of wants this to be his thing with her. since my dad read to me every night, i loved this idea! well, here is the new daddy in action. he's already read a few books to her - and they both love it! so thank you for making this rough time quite a bit easier for us!

still missing weights for the following people - let me know if you already sent something! (i know there are 1 or 2 of you that already let me know you can't send me anything this week ... thanks!) alyssa ButlerGirl08 (Alex) can't wait! (Karla) cessyboston (Erica) dancingdolphin (Laurine) Denise40 ErinB froggie1013 (Kristy) JessicaM LadyCheese (Jessica) Maura msam007562 (MarieSam) Robyn Mumford Sandra E. (Sandra) Saraha xandrafaye (Alex)

Quote: Originally Posted by Kat81 I just wanted to say I was born on Fathers Day. I always hated it because every so many years my birthday always fell on Fathers Day and I had to "share" my birthday LOL. We would go on a camping trip or something and it would be a Happy Birthday/ Happy Father's Day trip. Of course as I got older it wasn't a big deal but as a kid I hated it!! Selfish but true. My really good friend's baby was born on Father's Day almost two years ago and I felt bad for her lol. See -that's why I always wanted my kids to have their "own" birthdays! No kid likes to share! lol But it would be cool for the father to have the baby on Father's Day, no doubt!

Quote: Originally Posted by Dez921714 What part of CA are you in? And what is your hometown? I work in PR, I might be able to find the right people and draft a pitch letter. I am in Walnut Creek, CA (that's where the hospital, John Muir, is) - our hotel is Pleasant Hill, CA. So if anyone really does take up this idea (please don't feel obligated!), I do want to point out a few things so this doesn't get out of hand! lol I am so afraid of asking for help, that I wanted to make sure to tell an accurate story. Honestly, Paul and I can afford the train, the RV, the commercial airline tickets (we also have lots of miles) - I don't want this to come across as a plea for money. Ya know? Granted, neither of us are working right now, and since we are paid hourly, we have had no income for about a month now! Yikes! But we are good savers, and should be fine. Assuming Paul can get back to work in the near future! Anyway, so I don't want to lead people to believe we're in financial trouble. We're definitely spending more on this whole ordeal than we planned, but we're ok so far. My fear/struggle/concern is getting Gwen home safely. Commercial flying just doesn't seem like an option, I don't feel confident enough to go against doctors' orders here. Any other option would take a lot longer, and we'd be driving through some BFE places. But I think that's just what we have to plan for; this is RV, rental car, etc. The train means we don't have to do the driving, but will there be medical help if needed? With the RV and train, at least we'd be able to move around, change her, feed her, and have access to a fridge/freezer for breastmilk (I'd still be pumping). Oh, and I'd like the space to pump (and the electrical hookup). Honestly, odds are that she will be fine. But if something DID happen, would we have access to medical attention? Anyway, that's kind of where we stand. Also, I realized that not everyone may have the back story ... here it is! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21453 Quote: Originally Posted by gkashmira OMG! I just signed on and saw all of this! I am thinking Amtrak or something might be the best option after the RV. This way you don't have to worry about driving or stopping or anything. Right now our top options are Trisha's amazing offer, and the train. The 'ideal' option would be to have a medical transfer via plane I think - but that's so spendy. We likely don't need the medical transfer, she should be stable to fly, but I'm not willing to take that chance!

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Maureen Kids do say funny stuff. I had one Kinder student put his head up to my belly and tell me he could hear my baby in there. It would make me laugh so hard. I'm dying to go visit him and tell him there really is a baby now. Paul's niece did the same thing to me when I was pregnant, she said she could hear the baby and that it was a boy. Oops! On a side note, I think that's the first time I said "when I WAS pregnant" - wow, that sounds weird!

Ok, nachos are MY FAVORITE! love 'em ... some of my favorites are at Rock Bottom Brewery, it's a chain and they're in a few cities. Random, but they're so good!

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! I can't add much to what has already been said but I do second the notion of contacting the media. Why? I'm a TV reporter and these are the kind of stories that play with peoples emotions which in turn makes the TV stations switchboard go berserk with viewers wanting to help. One thing to consider is calling the media in the area you are in now. They could come over and interview you, Paul and if the hospital allows take beautiful pictures of baby Gwen. I know from experience, viewers will call and help!!! You never know if a milionaire with a sweet plane is watching and wouldn't mind donating his plane. PM and I can help you call the TV stations. I know exactly how to "sell" the story so TV producers would be willing to interview you. Also, I hate to be the devil's advocate but I think flying is your best option. I just saw a pic of Gwen and I can't believe how much she is growing. Everyday, every single day that passes, is a good sign. It's a sign her vitals are getting better, she is becoming stronger, healthier. One day could make all the difference in the world. I would much rather run a 4hr risk than a 4 day (probably more) risk. I actually thought about this - it does seem like some story you'd see on the local news, right? One of those "stories of interest" type of things. But 1) I just don't know who I'd contact, and 2) I have very little time during the day to be on the phone. Every 3 hours I get about an hour or two break, and that's usually spent eating or taking care of admin stuff. Like right now, I am sitting in the hospital cafeteria! If someone wants to take that on and try to contact media - I'm all for it! I am soooo not good at asking for help (this is probably reason #3 why I haven't done this yet). I can ask for ideas, and encouragement, but not for people to actually do things for me. I've been a lot better throughout this whole ordeal, I've had to be. And I try to put myself in others' shoes - if any of you, or a friend of mine was in this situation, I'd totally WANT to help. So that's what I am trying to remember. Ok, I'm babbling, and need some lunch ... Paul and I have started making our own today to save more $$ and we're a little sick of the hospital food. Yay for PB&J!

I have one and like it, but only if the dress/shirt I am wearing will hold up the bra - I don't trust that the stickiness will stay on it's own. Does that make sense? So if it's tighter on top, or like halter style it works for me. A loose fitting top I probably wouldn't wear it!

Try checking these threads out ... http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21957 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t2213 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t20670 ... or this one: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t10706

Here are some from me!

that's the little dress i bought her when i was upset because she got her feeding tube put in. i thought it was so cute!

Who wouldn't want to spend a week in a car/RV with this face!? lol Sorry, but I just had to share ...