The World According to Alisa: There was an old lady...

People are always asking what Gavin thinks about having a sibling or whether we have even told him yet. We haven't NOT told him, but we haven't told him exactly yet either. When we went up for Garrett's baptism it was glaringly obvious that jealousy is going to be a factor here as every time I was holding Garrett, Gavin immediately ceased whatever he was doing to glue himself to my side and tell me to pick him up. When I would calmly explain that I was holding baby Garrett and I would hold him next, he told me to give Garrett to Grandma so I could pick him up. Dumb Mommy, see how simple my plan is?

So here is our conversation yesterday as I was putting an ultrasound picture in a frame that my friend Kim made for me to display it in:

Gavin - What's that?

Me - It's a picture of a baby. See, here's it's head and these are it's legs and arms.

G - Mommy, do you have a baby in your belly?

M - Yes I do.

G - (lifting my shirt) Can I see it?

M - No, not right now, it's still growing in my tummy.

G - Is it going to live here at my house?

M - Yes, it will.

G - Mommy, I don't want it to live here.

So, I really am not going to start the whole baby conversation until I'm ready to have a gajillion more conversations just like that one - all that end with Gavin's obvious lack of enthusiasm. Maybe after Christmas - then it will only be 5 months (hopefully).

We had an old lady first trimester screening on Friday. Because I am....Advanced.. ..Maternal....Age. Yippy. It was to screen for Downs and Trisomy 18. After all the tests, our risk sharply declined to 1/3000, so far all looks good. It included a detailed ultrasound and some blood work and a nice chat with a genetic counselor. Not kidding, but one of the questions was "Are you and the baby's father related by blood (i.e. first cousins, etc.)?" I mean seriously - who would actually answer that question in the positive? Even if you were?? Luckily, as Jon pointed out, I'm from the North and he's from the South (ish), so chances are slim. The unfortunate part was that the testing took place in the perinatal center at St. John's. This is where we spent a good portion of the last pregnancy as we were considered "high risk" and this is the place that we first found out that Maren was gone. I was doing pretty well until the genetic counselor asked some questions and our story came pouring out and the tears started when she kindly said "So, I'm guessing this is tough being back here again?". Then we went in for the ultrasound and I panicked when the tech put the wand on my belly because we had our own viewing screen up on the wall and I couldn't see anything moving. My heart dropped for a few seconds until she announced there was the heartbeat and the baby moved on the screen! I started crying again and so the poor woman wasn't too confused, Jon explained why I was waterworks. She was super kind to us and kept going back to just look at the baby and turned the sound on so we could hear the heartbeat. She had to get neck measurements, but as the baby was not in the right position, she would showcase different views of the baby for us (including the totally alien view when the baby is staring straight up at the wand - I have to admit, a bit freaky!). She finally got her measurement and went to look for the doctor to come in and give us her evaluation. Turns out it was the exact same doctor who had to deliver the bad news about Maren last time. She said she remembered us, but who knows? She said it looked good for now and sent us on our way. Still keeping our fingers crossed and saying our prayers.

My doctor has ordered weekly progesterone injections between weeks 15 and 34. I guess they have been proven to help prevent pre-term labor. As we don't know exactly why I went into pre-term (although we guess it's from the multiples and loss of Maren), he said it couldn't hurt to take this extra precaution. I have to admit, it's one of my fears (although if Jennifer's overdue labor is any indication, I shouldn't worry nearly so much!), so I'm all for it. My job is constantly moving and standing and lifting so I worry that this will make it hard for me to carry full term, especially at my Advanced....Maternal....Age!

So way back in October we went to Wisconsin for baby Garrett's baptism! He was a trooper and was a good baby and we all enjoyed our visit. Uncle Kirk was trying to win the best uncle award and I think he won! He took all the boys with Gavin to see all his trucks and toys. Next thing we knew, here comes Gavin riding in a BIG tow truck. Score! Then they left and Gavin and co. show up in an even BIGGER fire truck!! Holy smokes was Gavin in 7th heaven! Then Aunt Jennifer drove Gavin in a "Gator" to see all the tractors and combines that are parked across the road. If there was a Gavin heaven, he was in it!

Then in November, I went to Nashville to visit my friend Kim for the weekend and missed when Mark, Tami, Allie came into town to celebrate Larry's retirement. Kim and I had fun doing stuff we don't normally get to do...BY OURSELVES! And I hear the retirement celebration was fun as well with a trip to Monkey Joe's and Maggiano's!

It's a bit small, but here we all are - Kirk, Jennifer, Garrett, Gary, Carol, Gavin, Alisa, Jon

Baby Garrett in all his finery

Proud Mom and Dad on Baptism day

Aunt Barb knit Gavin and Garrett matching sweaters - don't they look cute? (except for Gavin's obvious lack of enjoyment over getting another picture taken!)

Gavin and Grandpa playing on the big kid toy!

Another thing I forgot to talk about, they finally had the NICU reunion. It was a cold, rainy day so they had to move it indoors and it was CROWDED. But the good part, we got to see Carson and take a picture of the 2 NICU buddies (both turned 3 in early September). Crabby Gavin.

We have introduced Gavin to Wii bowling - he loves it. He's getting quite good but every time he does this whole body swing, I picture the controller flinging into the TV!