Wednesday, September 9, 2015

The birth of Drexel Lee Boggs Part 1

    Well, I'm back. It's been a very busy two weeks for sure. I know I wrote on the 18th of August which was 3 days before the birth of our baby boy. I have been wanting to write, but wasn't sure I was ready to really write it all down where people could see but now I've mostly gotten my head straight again. God has been so good to us all through out this experience.

    Drexel was born August 21st at 12:27 pm. James, and my mother were the only family in the surgery room with me. We got to the hospital early so we could get started on time. I didn't fully know how nervous I was until I walked from my hospital room into the surgery room. I felt my heart sink as I walked into the room. A flat blue table in the middle of the room awaited me. It was under these big round very warm lights, which I was thankful for because I was getting kind of cold. I was alone with the nurses at this point, not only the nurses, but those who were assisting the doctors were helping as well. The doctors at this point had not yet entered the room. I kept waiting or James, and my mom to come, and was getting nervous because I was told they would be there the whole time. I had no idea how much time was passing at this point. It felt really slow but once everything started it went faster then anything I would have ever expected.

   I got my epidural. The guy who did it, had very cold hands and apologized as he was asking me questions of which spot he was touching on my back to figure out where he needed to put it in. I was thankful for his assistant who was standing in front of me. He told me to rest my head on his shoulder while his hands kept my shoulders from moving. Without the assistant I would not have been able to be as still as I was during the epidural. I was told to hunch my back like a cat which was difficult to do with Drexel positioned as he was and the way I was sitting on the table. I took the epidural with out so much as flinching. It was a shock to me when the needle went in but I knew the seriousness of it if I did flinch and mess it up.

   I almost immediately started feeling the affects of the epidural. The next little part was mostly a blur to me but I've been putting pieces back together with the help of James, and my mom. I know after this point mom, and James came in dressed in their white paper like outfits they were required to wear. I don't remember if they came in before or after I got up on the table to lay down. At this point I do remember the doctor coming in, and my nurse coming in for the day. She sat next to me while the two guys who did the epidural were to the left of my head where I could see them if I needed them. They were the most responsive helpers during the whole weekend experience. I was so thankful for them. I know we had helpful doctors, and nurses but the two guys were doing one thing which was to make sure I was okay which was something I really needed emotionally.

   After the doctors were in the room they put up the blue table like cloth in front of my face to keep me from seeing what all was going on. Another thing I was very grateful for in the situation. My doctor was in at this point, and I didn't know he had an assistant doctor which I probably should have known there would be, but it for some reason came to me as a shock.

    They started clamping on my stomach or pinching it what ever they were doing I didn't feel it but I remember my doctor telling me he was "pinching the crud" out of me which for some reason I thought rather funny coming from his mouth I just didn't have the ability to really laugh about it. They started the procedure with James sitting next to me, and my mom in the back ground. I couldn't really get the words out that I wanted James to hold my hand and I know he was preoccupied with the doctors at this point. Right before the had Drexel I was shocked at the feeling of hands on my upper belly pushing him out, and according to my mother she said, I nearly jumped off the table which I really couldn't jump off but that was the move I made when they started pushing to get Drexel.

   Before I knew it someone was saying we had a baby boy, I was looking around for him half hoping someone would bring him to me so I could see him. I felt a little left out being stuck on the stupid table, and not being able to get up, and see him as they took him to the table to clean him off. They gave him immediately to James. I remember thinking what a blessing he was when I saw his feet and arms reach up as he started to cry! He had not immediately started crying like most babies do so I was worried he wasn't breathing at all. I will never forget the beauty of him stretching like that on the table! They handed him to James and I could just barley see him from where I was sitting, but I was able to hear his cries, and gently brush the side of James' face. Which was the only part of him I could reach. I remember getting frustrated and ready to get out of the room so I could hold and see my baby boy so I asked the two guys and they said "About 10 more minutes" My doctors reply was "more like 5". I was so glad to hear that. Before I knew it I was being wheeled out of the room. I was trying so very hard not to be sick because it felt like I was moving really fast. I couldn't see James or my mom or hear Drexel in the hallway, and again became some what frustrated that I was what seemed very far from my family. We got back to the room, and I was sat up in bed where I finally got to hold my baby boy for the first time!



Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Excessive planning or Nesting?

    Well, I've been learning a lot this past week. I've learned how to let people help, and what to say when people ask for help. It's a very important lesson to learn I think. All pregnant ladies should learn the language to speak when your pregnant.

   When you get asked the question, "How can I help you"? My response at first was I have no idea. I then began to keep a list of things I knew needed to be done at the house so that people who came over felt like they were helping, and they were! I got a lot more done with people over because I wasn't afraid of hurting or getting hurt while working on a project. I also do better with a second set of eyes because sometimes I miss things or feel like I could actually get something done with more help.

   Another thing is letting people take you to the store. What a help that is! Keep a list of things you like or need to make food in the house. We have also started having people make dinner for us, accepting food is a wonderful way to let people help you! Seems simple but sometimes it goes a lot further then you would originally expect.

   I also had some friends take me swimming indoors. I was able to work out some leg pain that I had, and couldn't get rid of easily. Still have it now, but not as bad as it was. Swimming is a great way to get rid of muscle pains.

    Our Sunday school class had asked if they could through us a baby shower. I asked if it was okay if we could do it after the baby was born so we knew what would be needed. Well, they were nice enough to bring us a basket that had baby stuff in it. It also had toilet paper and paper towels, and tissues. A great way to show love for your friends!  Accepting food and house hold items is a wonderful way to allow people to help, and even if you don't normally use it, you most likely will use it while you have family and friends coming to see you.


    I'm getting so close to the C-Section at this point that I've started getting ready. I've got most of the baby stuff together that we do have, and can use. My sister in law took me shopping for a matching outfit and blanket. The blanket will be ready by Friday, and will have his name on it, and birthday so when we take pictures then we can easily have that ready for him! That was a wonderful gift! If you want to do that for one of your pregnant friends I'm sure they will love that!

    I also plan on having a list of places we like to eat, and a list of different pictures we want with little Drexel, so that when the time comes I'm not forgetting any thing. The food list may seem silly to people, however when you've not eaten for a long time, and you just had surgery the chances of being hungry are pretty high. It's also another way to let people help you when they ask if there is anything they can do for you while in the hospital!

    My current plans for the day of are of course I have to be there at 10am because the surgery is at 12. Because of that I have decided to go backwards on my day. Be there at 9:30 so we have time to park, walk in, and find where to be. So that means we have to leave at 9. Well I want to take Mia to camp bow wow so even though its only a 5 minute drive I will want to say bye to her since I won't see her for a few days, and then of course parent traffic since school has started back so that really means we need to leave about 8:45 or so. So We need to have the car packed and ready by 8:30 at the latest which means I need to be packed by 8am and showered by 7:30 which means I need to start getting up by 6:30 or 7, so that I know for sure that I will have time for everything. I will want to spend time with Mia that morning, and I will want to make sure the house looks decent, and that everything is easy to get to.

    Some might call that excessive planning, but for those who want to know my morning schedule that is my tentative plan for Friday. Wednesday, and Thursday are still kind of empty but that gives me time to finish the house, get laundry done, and pack and then see anyone who wants to see me before now, and then. So ladies, and Gentlemen, my excessive planning skills are there for you to see.. although it could be Nesting since I don't have any baby stuff to put up yet, and get ready.



Monday, August 10, 2015

3 things that are helping me keep it together!

     It's Monday again! I've been focusing more, and more on the house this last week, and this upcoming week with the date of our C-Section coming up it's becoming more of a chore for me getting things ready. How do I do it? Well, I've had a lot of help. Ladies who are pregnant please don't be afraid to let people in your house. If your afraid of how they will think of you don't be because more than likely they have had a kid or two on their own and they know how it is to be pregnant, and not be able to do anything!

Three things that help me keep it together!

 1.      I've mentioned my listing. I'm serious get down to it, write everything down. Its so much nicer to know what needs to be done. Today we tackled the floors. Doesn't seem like it would make a big deal but once you vacuum, sweep and mop well its a lot nicer to walk into when it's clean enough you aren't walking in dirt! Once you start sweeping you'll realize how much filth your walking in and be thankful for the help! If your friends have older kids it's always easier to let them help. Hand them a broom or even the little pick up broom, and give them something to do! Let them run up and down the stairs when you need them to take something up there, and you don't feel like going up. Have a dog, and need them to be busy while you work? Let your friends kids play with them so you don't have to worry about the dog! Plus maybe you'll get a nap in later if the dog is already tired out! If you do have people over, however make sure you don't have them over every day. Give them, and yourself a break. Don't over do it. If your like me it doesn't take very long to over do it if your legs swell up every time you get up.

2.    The second thing that helps me is working in small increments, 5-10 minutes. Set a timer while your dog is outside, or while your children are playing or just to keep your mind at ease that you won't be up very long. Work the entire time, and then sit down for a little bit. During my breaks I do my Bible reading or watch my T.V. Show or find something else to do during a 30 minute or an hour break. What ever you do, don't let yourself be very lazy for very long at a time because then you will never feel like getting anything done! Its a lot harder to get back up if you've been sitting down for a long period of time!


3.    The third thing that helps me is talking to my husband about what needs to be done even if he isn't going to help me do it. Seems simple I know but talking out loud to someone really helps me get things done faster, and if he does say something I'm including him on how we run our house together so he feels like he is important as well, and I'm not just running him over with all of my house planning!!

   These may seem like 3 very simple things but they help me, and I hope they help you. It's a lot easier to do something if your brain has had time to think about what you are going to do before you do it.

Friday, August 7, 2015

It just got real!

                                                                It just got real!


 We've made our appointment to have a c section on the 21st of August which is this month at 12pm. All sorts of thoughts are swarming in my head of course because now I'm down to crunch time! I'm trying to get things done at the house, and have had a lot of wonderful people come over to help. I've hung out with people I wouldn't normally get to hang out with, and am posting more about how I feel, and my concerns so others know how to help. It may seem simple writing a blog or posting on fb or sending text messages, but its communication in our world today!

    I am getting a lot done, and one of the ways I've been getting these things done is by writing things down on my list, and when someone comes over to ask what needs to be done I just refer to the list! It's helpful to them, and to me because they are able to see what they can do to help or even help me in a way I might not have known I needed help! I don't always see what needs to be done right away so that's when the list becomes helpful so I don't forget, and it does get done!

     Last week I made home made dog treats! They worked out great! I got more than a months worth out of one batch, and got to give some to a wonderful friend of mine who's dogs loved me by the end of the visit! One small bag of dog treats is about $2. It took me .40 cents to make 3 bags full of treats. One day I will have a dog bone cutter to make them look more like dog treats instead of little squares!  - This is my piece of frugal advice for this week!

    This week I am not really doing much more than cleaning, and trying to get things in order for in-laws, and visitors. I've found a few projects that I haven't done since we moved. In November we will have been here a year, but when we first moved in I went to work full time, and didn't have the time to get things done. Now that it's crunch time I am getting a lot more done even if it doesn't look like it from the outside.

    Another thing I've been doing this week to make a difference in our home is doing my best to clean the stove top off every day, and do the dishes. I've been hand washing a lot of them because it is faster then the dishwasher, gets them cleaner most of the time, and saves on water so I don't feel so bad about running it later when I finally do get it filled up.

    I mentioned earlier that I made one list for things to do I am also making a list out of everything! This way I don't forget anything when I go to the hospital for the c-section or worry about someone not knowing about well just anything. Yes, I'm a worry wart but that's just who I am. List making helps ease that. I don't have any baby stuff to nest with so I've been cleaning house, and doing stuff like that to kind of help get it out of my system.

    I do have a lot of concerns about what is fixing to go on the day of the 21st, but I also try, and think of things happening afterwards. We have a family garage sale coming up afterwards that I have been getting ready for, and I am also planning on having a spa day while I am going through recovery! I am planning on getting wraps from It Works, Greens (flavor for your water), and I have stretch mark gel I will be using. I will be sharing my own personal testimonies with these products and hope to inspire others that these products really do work! My husband James drinks energy, and loves it,  and takes it to work! Here is our page for anyone interested in looking at products, becoming a loyal customer or even becoming a distributor! workwithboggs.it.works.com

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Time flies when your busy not just having fun!

     Hey guys! I thought I was going to have time to blog yesterday, but ended up being so tired by the end of the week I passed out after dinner which we had later than usual, so it was all ready close to bed time. Any way, I'm doing really good right now. I still have my concerns, but by keeping busy.
I have had someone over almost every day this week or gone out on the days that I haven't had someone over. I am also working on getting our name out for It works! Our goal this month is focusing on wraps! I would love to get anyone who is interested involved in this! Its so easy! I've sold two, and today is just the start of the monthly project! I know, I'm a crazy wrap lady. I can't wait to try one personally. I can't right now being pregnant, but as soon as I can I plan on trying them myself! I've heard a ton of good things about them!

     Any way back to what I've been doing. I learned this week that swimming is really good for my nerve pain. Specifically, sciatic nerve pain. It's been killer these last two weeks. I stand up, and nearly fall because I have no idea when it is going to hit or not. It starts in my right hip most of the time ending at the top of my right thigh which totally knocks me out. Sometimes it wears me out so bad that by the end I'm crying, and the crying wears me out. If I'm home by myself I limit how much time I spend up and moving around, and the times I go upstairs. Which kills me because I want to be able to do things but I know I can't always do them if I'm already in pain or am afraid that it will kick in especially if I've already had busy week. So, it's been very nice to be able to have people over while I'm up, and moving that way I know I can be helped if I need it.

     One small thing I've been dealing with house wise is getting rid of gnats. They have been driving me crazy! I found out my loving husband has been putting coffee grinds down the sink which has been causing nasty build up, and causing the gnats to breed in our sink. Can you say nasty!?!? Any way, I cleaned it up and have started cleaning it once or twice a day with apple cider vinegar, and ice. It seems to be helping. I've also been making sure no dirty dishes are left out as much as I can, and taking the trash out more than I should. Any time there is food even if the bag isn't full because I don't want them being attracted to that. It has been working but very slowly. ( I still love you James!)

    I'm doing kind of a little of everything this week. I still want to make homemade dog treats. I'm having trouble getting in the kitchen, and doing anything more than just cleaning or cooking for dinner. It is still on my to do list. I'm thinking maybe tomorrow afternoon may be my day for it while James is out working. Mia has been enjoying her back yard. It's so much easier to just let her out and know that she is going to be okay. I had so much trouble potty training her but now she is just about there. She hasn't really had any accidents this week so I am happy about that! We don't even use our pee pads any more because she goes outside in the morning a few times, and tells me when she wants out by going, and sitting by the door until I get up. I'm very proud of her. I wish I had the ability to get her potty trained long before now, but at least I don't have to worry about picking up after her when we have company over!

     I want to say a big thank you here to those who are reading my blog, praying for us, keeping us in your daily conversations, and much more! It is amazing at how much we feel we are loved just by the little things! I had almost 500 views on my first two blogs that its keeping me going! I can't believe I had that many. It's good to be able to see that. On faceboook you can't see if someone sees your status unless they hit like and so many times no one does which is fine, but like I said you never know if anyone sees it or not. Being able to see on blogger is exciting! We are a week away from finding out when our C-Section will be. It's coming up way too fast! I will update again next week, and keep you all updated, who knows maybe I'll have time to do another update on the dog treats between now, and then!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Dealing Emotionally

      After having some time to take in I've felt more at peace being able to handle things, and realize what I need is to be around friends, and family as much as possible. A few people have offered to come over, and help me do things around the house, and others have offered to come over, and just spend time with me. All are wonderful things, a few people have even asked to take me out or go do things which is also helpful.

     Another thing I have noticed that is very helpful is that I need to spend time taking care of others who need me. Simple things like getting my husband, and the guys he works with waters at work. I may not be able to do a lot of things, but knowing that they need to be taken care of, and hydrated is something I can do, and it gets me out of the house. It's also a cheap way to spend time out. I get my social interaction that way, and feel needed on top of that.

      I've been able to think about things differently this week. I've had opportunities to talk to people with out being rushed or bursting into tears or getting upset. I know things need to be talked about that aren't always going to be pleasant. I am still trusting God knows what he is doing even if his plan isn't what I want it to be I can still share his wonderful blessings with those around us, and even the doctors, and nurses. I am being overwhelmed by those who are caring, and putting forth the effort to help us any way they can. I am doing my best to make sure that I am being clear when I talk to people, and hoping people are forgiving in areas that I fail to do so in explaining our situation. I am always willing to answer questions to the best of my ability. Comments on my page are welcome, or private messages even, or even a phone call for those who have or want my number. I enjoy talking, and telling about how God is working even still in our lives through this crazy time. I still have to trust, and will continue to trust that God is sovereign, He is the almighty God.

     Some things I've noticed about Drexel I want to share with you are these. Around Mothers day I decided I wanted a ring that had Drexel's birth stones on it, Sapphire for September. I also decided I wanted his name on the outside engraved, our dedication verse on the inside of the ring so I could always remember.

     Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding' and he will make your paths straight".

     When I decided I wanted the ring my youngest brother, and my mom started doing some ring shopping, and found some really nice ones, but then they found the perfect one, and showed it to me. I fell in love with it. I wish I could wear it now I can't even wear my wedding rings because of all the swelling in my hands.

     The other thing I want to tell you about Drexel is that my husband read some where, I can't find the link now but he read that it meant "To turn, or, turner". It caught my attention because of the no amniotic fluid situation, and the fact that he can't turn head down yet his name with out us knowing prior means to turn.

    I haven't really spent a lot of time talking about marriage, and being frugal yet, but in all I feel like those are daily things that people see about James, and I. We do our best to make our ends meet. Always paying bills even when its tight, but God always gets us through. Some have asked me if I am going back to work after Drexel is born. My answer is still unknown. However, I am doing what I can to sell It works products which I would love to talk to anyone about, and help you get started either as a distributor or a loyal customer. I also have a few other things coming up that are pretty exciting that I get to share with my mother! That excitement will have to wait for a later blog post though! The point is there are things that you can do from home to make or save money. I am learning those ways. I will in the future make a blog post about each one of those things to help others understand that you can make money from home. So for now Trust in the Lord with all your heart! 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Into the planning stages of a difficult birth.

Difficulties? Yeah, so apparently nothing has changed our poor little baby boy is not making any progress with developing kidneys, and even his bladder. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and he hasn't turned head down. With that being said, and the no amniotic fluid he doesn't have the ability to turn on his own. According to our doctor, breach births are not practiced any more making it difficult for doctors even good doctors to know how to handle that situation. So with that being on the table I am now having a c section in 4-5 weeks. I'm not due for 7 weeks. Our doctor made it pretty clear he doesn't want me to go into labor especially early labor so now I can't even really go on walks any more because my braxton hicks start up so definitely no walking by myself.

I have two more weeks until my next appointment and probably only two more weeks after that. This next week should be going pretty fast at this point I have low energy, and don't really feel like doing much yet I know there are definitely things that need to be done. By keeping myself busy being around family, and small groups of people it's always nice to not feel alone where I can not feel so alone. Being alone is good in small amounts or after a big event allowing for your body to rest, and heal.

Vbs is over after family night tonight, this next week I will work on a few things to get them done and organized, and get ready for family to come to town for the c-section. I've got a lot of preparing to do, and a lot of it mentally. I am very thankful for our fence that means that Mia can go out, and play with out me watching her all of the time! I am definitely ready for some cooler weather that way we can spend some more time outside in the evenings. Having a back yard is actually something that we can do together, and enjoy being together with out spending so much money.

I guess, what I'm saying is I'm in the process of taking in this new information, and actually trying to deal with it in the way God wants me to. I know he still has a plan, it may not be the plan I want. But, I know he has a plan. All I can do is continue to worship him, and pray for little baby Drexel, and be thankful that even if I don't get to take him home or only get him for a short while I know that he will be with our heavenly father, and his sweet sibling. A song from Vbs we sang with the kids this morning is stuck in my head. "It's our father's house, a big big house with lots of room"! One day I will be in that big house with lots of room.