I have heard over and over that there is a Nurse Curse when it comes to healthcare and health issues. Well, as you all know, it fits me to a T. I have not seen any other mother experience hyperemesis like I have experienced it 3 different times. I also have not seen many people suffer with post-operative nausea and vomiting like I do.
My gall bladder has given me fits off and on since 2008. And, the time had come for it to leave my body. So, being the nurse practitioner that I am in, I scheduled my surgery when it was most convenient for my family and work life. I worked in Express Care 2 extra shifts to make up for missing 4 days of work. I arranged for my kiddos to go to both sets of grandparent's houses. I packed their bags. I washed all the sheets and remade all the beds. I planned how it all would go....BUT, the nurse curse hit.
Post-operative nausea and vomiting. I precisely couldn't make it stop. So, I had to be admitted overnight on Wednesday. It helped to stop the nausea (time and a lot of drugs did the trick). Surgery itself was a breeze. And, recovering from surgery is not so bad once I quit the dry heaves. Dry heaves with fresh abdominal incisions equals OUCH!!!
I came home to an empty house yesterday--a weird sensation for sure. I feel much better today but still not quite the same. My abdomen is sore. My belly is distended, but I can eat small meals without right upper quadrant pain. I am a hands on mom who can't pick her babies up. I can't let them crawl on my lap quite yet. But, soon I will feel better.
One thing about Chris and I over the last 12 months is that we don't want our babies away from arm's reach. But, our kiddos were anxious to get away. They were both through the roof for vacation at grandma and papas' houses. Their excitement tore at my heartstrings just a little--why are they so excited to get away, have we been smothering them, are they just spoiled at grandma and papas'? I think it is a little bit of stir crazy. Carson is a homebody and always has been, but Mackenzie is a traveler. She likes to see and do many different things. And, she gets to ride horses and swim while visiting her grandparents. And, it seems that we haven't done much of either of these adventurous things from our house on Poplar. But, we have had many nights together--reading stories on our new hammock, playing in the kiddie pool, watching movies (even if the DVD player dies with 5 minutes left in the movie), cuddles in mommy and daddy's bed, etc.
So, surgery has helped me a little--I will feel better. I learned that once again the best laid plans are going to change. And, that my kiddos are safe and sound even if they are not in arm's reach. But, I will still try to keep them close.
Chris has also learned that he needs a day of MAN TIME. His shadow, Carson, is busy! He is doing an amazing job trying to take care of me. So, if you see Chris with fishing rods in his truck--don't stop him. He needs it!!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Being a Mom....what a job!!!
This blog post might home for some and make others go hmmm!
There are days that being called "Mom" is the easiest title I have ever earned. And, then there are the days that being called Mom is the hardest earned title I have ever earned and not so sure I deserve. Today, I am not so sure how I earned the title or that God gave me this title and don't deserve it. My kids are my whole world. How did God know that I needed them probably more than they needed me? But, yet, He knew who I needed in my world. He knew that I needed a wonderful hubby...and showed me the ONE!!! And, then God placed Mackenzie in my heart (and womb) and ultimately in my arms!! And, then He gave me Carson! And, then William! What a story, right?
I have caught myself getting so frustrated and begging for some mommy time. I called one of my best friends today to bitch and moan (pardon my language, but it is what I was doing)! I am done with 7 year old eye rolls, 3 1/2 year old deafness (or perception of deafness when I am talking), cooking, cleaning, demanding chores be finished, wiping bottoms, and the list goes on and on and on and on.
And, then I remember where I was a year ago. William had just had his first open heart surgery and hope was high. We were in a whole new world...the one of parents who have a child with a critical illness. We were also living in Ronnie's House and not able to see our other kiddos...as they had Hand-Foot-Mouth disease 1 week before surgery. Man, what a year it has been. Some of my greatest days ever have taken place in the last year. I saw my baby be whisked away in 2 different ambulances--1 time a few mere hours after he was born. I saw my oldest finish Kindergarten, loose a tooth (and then another 4), start/finish first grade, and turn 7...hence, the eye rolling 7 year old. I saw my little man become a big brother, start preschool, go to the dentist for the first time. I have also held my babies up when I was so incredibly weak and unable to do much more than just hug them. I have learned to relish my name Mom...what a blessing God gave me. Even on my hardest of days (and there have been plenty of those) I can smile knowing that Mom is a name I was meant to have forever. And, I also realized that God gives the perfect kiddos to the perfect parents. Mackenzie, Carson, and William are my perfect babies....2 here on Earth with me and 1 in Heaven following me everywhere I go.
I have seen my job as a mommy change in so many ways. I went from a milk cow to a grieving, heartbroken mom to a cuddler who allows her babies in her bed (and, this HARDLY ever happened prior to 1 year ago) to a soccer mom to a T-ball coach to a GRUMP today!!!
What a blessing to have the title Mommy!! I have learned in the past year that my life as a mom is kind of like my life as a Christian...some days are easy and some not so much. But, God is guiding me in both walks. And, this might make it a tad easier to be a good Mommy and Christian.
There are days that being called "Mom" is the easiest title I have ever earned. And, then there are the days that being called Mom is the hardest earned title I have ever earned and not so sure I deserve. Today, I am not so sure how I earned the title or that God gave me this title and don't deserve it. My kids are my whole world. How did God know that I needed them probably more than they needed me? But, yet, He knew who I needed in my world. He knew that I needed a wonderful hubby...and showed me the ONE!!! And, then God placed Mackenzie in my heart (and womb) and ultimately in my arms!! And, then He gave me Carson! And, then William! What a story, right?
I have caught myself getting so frustrated and begging for some mommy time. I called one of my best friends today to bitch and moan (pardon my language, but it is what I was doing)! I am done with 7 year old eye rolls, 3 1/2 year old deafness (or perception of deafness when I am talking), cooking, cleaning, demanding chores be finished, wiping bottoms, and the list goes on and on and on and on.
And, then I remember where I was a year ago. William had just had his first open heart surgery and hope was high. We were in a whole new world...the one of parents who have a child with a critical illness. We were also living in Ronnie's House and not able to see our other kiddos...as they had Hand-Foot-Mouth disease 1 week before surgery. Man, what a year it has been. Some of my greatest days ever have taken place in the last year. I saw my baby be whisked away in 2 different ambulances--1 time a few mere hours after he was born. I saw my oldest finish Kindergarten, loose a tooth (and then another 4), start/finish first grade, and turn 7...hence, the eye rolling 7 year old. I saw my little man become a big brother, start preschool, go to the dentist for the first time. I have also held my babies up when I was so incredibly weak and unable to do much more than just hug them. I have learned to relish my name Mom...what a blessing God gave me. Even on my hardest of days (and there have been plenty of those) I can smile knowing that Mom is a name I was meant to have forever. And, I also realized that God gives the perfect kiddos to the perfect parents. Mackenzie, Carson, and William are my perfect babies....2 here on Earth with me and 1 in Heaven following me everywhere I go.
Almost exactly 1 year ago..his first surgery was June 4, 2012
All 3 babies under one roof...a crazy 2 weeks!!
But, the greatest 2 weeks of William's short time here on Earth.
Back in CMH...July 2012
My favorite picture of all 3 babies...2 cardiac caths, 2 open heart surgeries, 4 months in a hospital. And, Mackenzie and Carson had such complete love and devotion for William.
I have seen my job as a mommy change in so many ways. I went from a milk cow to a grieving, heartbroken mom to a cuddler who allows her babies in her bed (and, this HARDLY ever happened prior to 1 year ago) to a soccer mom to a T-ball coach to a GRUMP today!!!
What a blessing to have the title Mommy!! I have learned in the past year that my life as a mom is kind of like my life as a Christian...some days are easy and some not so much. But, God is guiding me in both walks. And, this might make it a tad easier to be a good Mommy and Christian.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
My Peanut is 7!!
May 15, 2006 was a LIFETIME ago for our family. In fact that was the day that the Cunningham Family went from Sara and Chris the couple to parents. What an adventure it has been!! Couldn't be prouder and happier to have the titles of Mom and Dad! Thanks Peanut for starring in this daily movie feature! As you know, it is a work in progress. Editing occurs everyday. We appreciate you being the one to help us shape and hone our skills.
But, why do you keep growing up? 7 candles on your cake, really???
But, why do you keep growing up? 7 candles on your cake, really???
Slumber Party---Yes, I was that brave!!! All the girls were perfectly well-behaved!! Thanks to the fellow mommas for raising delightful daughters!
Raygen is a giggle box!!! And, a fighter when she is woken up in the middle of the night!!
Ashlyn can HULA!!!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Birthday, William!!!
First birthdays are a BIG deal! And, William Howard Cunningham celebrated his first birthday in the arms of Jesus rather than his Mommy, Daddy, Sissy, and Bubby.....which, means his birthday was a BIG DEAL and the REAL DEAL!!! I am sure his cake was made of the best ingredients and even prettier than his Aunt Amanda could have made for him. I just hope he was able to make a mess of it.
I am not gonna lie and say that this was easy to accept because it was not easy at all. But, it was reassuring to know that my baby boy was able to celebrate with Jesus and family members that I have not even met. We also were able to celebrate here on Earth as well. As a friend declared, It was Will Day!! Everyone wore their blue Will shirts--family and friends alike. And, we celebrated for our little red-headed angel. The family cruised in the Diamond T Fire truck. If you live in Ottawa, we have been cruising all over town in honor of our baby boy. Friends and family even cruised around town with us on Friday night. Thank you to the cars that pulled over in respect of a fire engine with lights and sirens blaring. But, Ottawa Fire Department has bigger, brighter, and newer engines than the 1952 truck. But, none of OFD's trucks have the memories that ours has!
William received some pretty cool gifts for his birthday. William now has a star in his memory at the International Star Registry....William_Cunningham5. William also received a family Zoo pass to the KC Zoo. Well, he will get to visit it every time we go. I am sure we will feel his presence when we walk through the Zoo to see all the creatures from near and far. And, his family received some really pretty flowers, too!!
I am not gonna lie and say that this was easy to accept because it was not easy at all. But, it was reassuring to know that my baby boy was able to celebrate with Jesus and family members that I have not even met. We also were able to celebrate here on Earth as well. As a friend declared, It was Will Day!! Everyone wore their blue Will shirts--family and friends alike. And, we celebrated for our little red-headed angel. The family cruised in the Diamond T Fire truck. If you live in Ottawa, we have been cruising all over town in honor of our baby boy. Friends and family even cruised around town with us on Friday night. Thank you to the cars that pulled over in respect of a fire engine with lights and sirens blaring. But, Ottawa Fire Department has bigger, brighter, and newer engines than the 1952 truck. But, none of OFD's trucks have the memories that ours has!
William received some pretty cool gifts for his birthday. William now has a star in his memory at the International Star Registry....William_Cunningham5. William also received a family Zoo pass to the KC Zoo. Well, he will get to visit it every time we go. I am sure we will feel his presence when we walk through the Zoo to see all the creatures from near and far. And, his family received some really pretty flowers, too!!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Life!
As most of you have noticed, I haven't blogged in a while. Finding me time is hard to do....and, the problem of a computer that needs a new battery. I never seem to have it in my room when I am ready to blog!! But, just so you all know, The Cunningham 5 are going strong--4 here on Earth and 1 in Heaven!
Mackenzie is playing soccer....well, she's on the field. Last week's games seemed to reveal that all of the kids on her team are playing for fun not to WIN! Chris cringed a little at the lack of focus. He's coaching T-ball, so we shall see what happens when he's the coach. And, no, I did not sign him up, but he has been elected to serve!!!
Mackenzie is playing soccer....well, she's on the field. Last week's games seemed to reveal that all of the kids on her team are playing for fun not to WIN! Chris cringed a little at the lack of focus. He's coaching T-ball, so we shall see what happens when he's the coach. And, no, I did not sign him up, but he has been elected to serve!!!
I am totally the mom who cheated and took her own photo!!
Carson is goofy as ever living the life of a 3 1/2 year old! He loves Apple Garden. And, for any friends looking for great child care/preschool, Apple Garden is AMAZING!!! We have always been blessed with loving homes for our children to go to day in and day out while we work. But, we have never used a day care center until now. And, we hit the jackpot! It is like "Brittany's House" and "Holly's House" but with preschool. Carson is loved every minute of everyday!!
And, sometimes, he gets a little worn out!!!
William is missing from our home but not from our thoughts and memories. I am so glad that we talk about our precious angel all the time. Our kids love and miss their brother as much as we do. Here are a few pics from Easter. Holidays are hard!! I am not going to lie about it either. I cry all the time but more on the holidays!!!
We received a concrete statue of a baby boy...he guards our door!! And, in my holiday door pics, he will always be with Mackenzie and Carson.
Loving his brother!! These moments are so special yet tear-jerking!!!
Chris and I trying to smile!!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Cunninghams....an update
It seems like I don't have much time for blogging anymore. Actually, I have the time, but not always the energy. It seems like so much has changed for our family the past year, yet so much is the same. We still live the Crazy Life everyday. But, we live a new crazy life.
When people get married, they usually have a time called PK (pre-kids). Chris and I had this time. Then, it becomes P2 (pre-kid number 2). We loved these years with Mackenzie. But, then that era ended with the arrival of Carson. So, then we began P3 (pre-kid number 3). We had fun as a family of four but knew that this time was short as well.....three years. Because, after all, birth control can and does work when it is supposed to work!!! And, then we had William.
So, we began AK3 (after-kid 3). Our AK3 was/is not at all what we envisioned it to be. But, it's our life. We are trying to embrace the moments with Mackenzie and Carson here on Earth while aching daily for our baby boy! And, I must say that I think we are doing an okay job. The lesson of life goes on is hard.....but, it goes on, just a different and new way. There's not a moment that goes by that Will doesn't cross our mind. School, Work, Illness, Holidays, Sports, Church, etc. So, here are some pics of our Crazy Life!!!
When people get married, they usually have a time called PK (pre-kids). Chris and I had this time. Then, it becomes P2 (pre-kid number 2). We loved these years with Mackenzie. But, then that era ended with the arrival of Carson. So, then we began P3 (pre-kid number 3). We had fun as a family of four but knew that this time was short as well.....three years. Because, after all, birth control can and does work when it is supposed to work!!! And, then we had William.
So, we began AK3 (after-kid 3). Our AK3 was/is not at all what we envisioned it to be. But, it's our life. We are trying to embrace the moments with Mackenzie and Carson here on Earth while aching daily for our baby boy! And, I must say that I think we are doing an okay job. The lesson of life goes on is hard.....but, it goes on, just a different and new way. There's not a moment that goes by that Will doesn't cross our mind. School, Work, Illness, Holidays, Sports, Church, etc. So, here are some pics of our Crazy Life!!!
10 months ago.....
10 months ago was my baby boy's birthday. And, it does not seem possible that 10 months have passed since William joined our family. His birthday was an adventure of new sorts for Chris and I, the nurses in the delivery room, the doctor, and our families. Delivery was just the beginning of his adventure. And, his adventure was short and compact yet ever so busy.
Can many say that they completed as much as Will did in 4 1/2 short months? He had 3 ambulance rides--1 in utero, 1 on his birthday, and 1 at 12 days of age....and, I have had only one in my life (and, William was there!!) 2 open heart surgeries, 2 attempted cardiac catheterizations, multiple (okay, multiple, multiple) feeding tubes. Still not sure how one little finger could hook that tube and pull it out in no time flat. William had 11 different cardiologists see him, 2 cardiac surgeons, so many NPs (his mommy kind of likes this one, she is a little partial to NPs), so many nurses watch and love him day in and day out. 2 amazing fundraisers, 3 newspaper articles, and a Firetruck ride to his final resting place. And, after that final ride, William still managed to find his commercial debut. He has spots on 2 different Children's Mercy Hospital commercials. If you are ever at our house and one comes on, be prepared for the TV to pause, so we can have our moment with the beautiful red-headed baby boy. The list of William's accomplishments in his 4 1/2 months goes on and on.
But, his memory shines the brightest in our home. We talk about William with Mackenzie and Carson all the time. I never want their memories to fade. I want them to know that he was a miracle and now works Miracles. The love of a family never fails. And, this is what seems to make the darkest days a little better.
Chris and I cry for our littlest man every day. We ache to hold him. But, we know that William is now holding us. He watches over his mommy and daddy. He helps his big sister and big brother every day. Will still brings us to smile as we cry. Happy 10 months, Baby Boy!!!
Can many say that they completed as much as Will did in 4 1/2 short months? He had 3 ambulance rides--1 in utero, 1 on his birthday, and 1 at 12 days of age....and, I have had only one in my life (and, William was there!!) 2 open heart surgeries, 2 attempted cardiac catheterizations, multiple (okay, multiple, multiple) feeding tubes. Still not sure how one little finger could hook that tube and pull it out in no time flat. William had 11 different cardiologists see him, 2 cardiac surgeons, so many NPs (his mommy kind of likes this one, she is a little partial to NPs), so many nurses watch and love him day in and day out. 2 amazing fundraisers, 3 newspaper articles, and a Firetruck ride to his final resting place. And, after that final ride, William still managed to find his commercial debut. He has spots on 2 different Children's Mercy Hospital commercials. If you are ever at our house and one comes on, be prepared for the TV to pause, so we can have our moment with the beautiful red-headed baby boy. The list of William's accomplishments in his 4 1/2 months goes on and on.
But, his memory shines the brightest in our home. We talk about William with Mackenzie and Carson all the time. I never want their memories to fade. I want them to know that he was a miracle and now works Miracles. The love of a family never fails. And, this is what seems to make the darkest days a little better.
Chris and I cry for our littlest man every day. We ache to hold him. But, we know that William is now holding us. He watches over his mommy and daddy. He helps his big sister and big brother every day. Will still brings us to smile as we cry. Happy 10 months, Baby Boy!!!
Heart Surgery....."That was EASY!!"
Giggles with Daddy!
True William!
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