Chicago...Here We Come!

It's been a while since I've updated on this blog, and I'll have to remember to get on here more often to share pics, news, etc.

If you follow Natalie's CaringBridge site, you can find out all about her trip to Fargo for Botox. We're really starting to tell the difference as her legs are much more loose.

So we're less than 3 weeks away from our trip to Chicago for my surgery! I'm so excited, and scared at the same time. I've been in the hospital for many procedures, but believe it or not, I've never had a surgical incision. The procedure to place the abdominal cerclage is much like a C-section (and in fact the same incision site is used to deliver future babies). We got a little scare on Friday morning, however. This trip is possible for us at this time because we had one free airline ticket, an incredibly cheap hotel stay at the Comfort Inn downtown thanks to a co-worker, and the fact that the surgery is covered by my insurance. Our insurance pays 90/10--and the University of Chicago Hospital then accepts the 90% as paid in full...WOW! It was a win/win situation! On Friday morning, a woman from the U of C hospital called and told me that my doctor in Minot needed to fax his referral to BCBS, and she also told us that there is a $1500 charge by our insurance company that is due at the time of the procedure. My heart sunk into my stomach. It turns out, she didn't realize that once my Minot OB sent the referral to BCBS, the surgery became an "in-network" procedure. PHEW! I don't know what we would have done, but I'm sure we would have made it work.

So anyway, the plan is to leave on December 13th (a Saturday) on the late morning flight. We'll spend Saturday evening and all Sunday exploring the city during the Christmas season. Then, bright and early on Monday morning, I go in for the surgery. I stay one night at the hospital (and Perry can stay with me if the other bed in the room isn't occupied), and then we need to stay one night (Tuesday night) at a hotel in town. This is because I won't be ready to travel until Wednesday. We'll get home on Wednesday afternoon.

Here is a link to Dr. Haney's profile--and I've found that he is considered the top doctor in the country to perform this procedure--so I know I'm in good hands! http://www.uchospitals.edu/physicians/arthur-haney.html

I'm already starting to get nervous about leaving Natalie for so long. I know we need the time alone, and that Natalie will be just fine, but she's my little monkey attached to my hip! Maybe we'll have to hook up a webcam to stay in touch.

Our plans for the holidays are the same as usual. Thanksgiving day will be spent in Minot with Perry's family, then we'll go to Sherwood on Friday to spend time with my family. As for Christmas, it's the same there, too! Christmas Eve is with the Olsons, and Christmas Day is with the Millers.

I guess that's all for now! I'll try to get more on here soon!

EXCITING NEWS!

I guess it's about time I add another post to the website! We've had a very busy month around here. On July 31st, Natalie's newest cousin, Meredith, was born in Fargo. Last weekend, we got to see her for the first time. Meredith's parents (Carolyn & Charlie) are doing a great job and are very proud parents. Meredith has a little squeak of a cry, and Natalie thinks it's hilarious!

We have some exciting news to announce. In December, Perry and I will be going to Chicago--not just for any ol' vacation. I will undergo surgery called a transabdominal cerclage. Basically, the doctor will be placing a band at the top of my cervix that stays in for life, and assures that all pregnancies will be full-term. I'll have to undergo a C-section for each birth, but it's well worth it if I can always make it to at least 37 weeks. It's really a miracle treatment, and I'll be seeing the man who's really considered the top doctor in the world performing this procedure. The surgery is on December 15th, and it'll take a good week or two to recover from it, but it's well worth it! Plus, we'll have a couple of days before the surgery to enjoy the city during Christmas time. Needless to say, I'm very excited (and so is Perry). We really had planned on not having any more children, so this is amazing.

Also, for those of you who don't know...I'll be quitting my job at KX on October 30th. Not that I'm counting or anything, but that's only 71 days away! I'm so excited to be done with work so I can focus on Natalie and her needs...and be able to make Perry dinner every once in a while!

We are tentatively planning on having Natalie's 2nd birthday party on November 1st. We'll tell you more about that later.

A Beautiful Poem

I found this poem today on a website I frequently visit when I have time. Anyone who has lost a baby will understand how profound it is. The devastation of a miscarriage NEVER goes away.

~ My Mom is a Survivor ~

My Mom is a survivor, or so I've heard it said.

But I can hear her crying when all others are in bed.I watch her lay awake at night and go to hold her hand.

She doesn't know I'm with her to help her understand.

But like the sands upon the beach that never wash away...I watch over my surviving mom, who thinks of me each day.
She wears a smile for others ... a smile of disguise.

But through Heaven's open door, I see tears flowing from her eyes.

My mom tries to cope with my death to keep my memory alive.

But anyone who knows her knows it's her way to survive.

As I watch over my surviving mom through Heaven's open door...I try to tell her angels protect me forevermore.
I know that doesn't help her... or ease the burden she bears.

So if you get a chance, talk to her... and show her that you care.

For no matter what she says... No matter what she feels.

My surviving mom has a broken heart that time won't ever heal.

By Kaye Des'Ormeaux

Welcome to our new family website!

Hello everyone! Welcome to our family's new website. It will be a little different than Natalie's CaringBridge site, because it'll be a little more personal. Family members and close friends will be able to view the site. There are some things I just can't share on CaringBridge that I'd like family & friends to know about. Feel free to comment on our ramblings. I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible. This is just in the beginning stages. Basically, I was fooling around with it last night while Natalie wouldn't go to sleep. So there's much more to come -- stay tuned. There is a link below that allows you to subscribe to this website -- it will then email you when there are any updates. Enjoy!