Friday, May 30, 2008

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Today is D's last day of this year of preschool (she still has two more years before she will go to kindergarten). Anyways, I wanted to give her two teacher something really awesome that was different (I hope) than anything else they have ever gotten and something that they would really love.

Stemming from what I gave the moms for Mother's Day, I decided to make the teachers aprons and to put pockets on them that Darsie had drawn on with fabric markers. I made them with the same main fabric panel but switched up the waist strap color (one was blue and one was red). I prefer the red over the blue, but of course I forgot to photograph the red one.

ANYWAYS, here is the photo:

apron

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The preeclampsia quilt is finished being quilted and needs to be bound soon. I'll get that done by Monday so it can be shipped off to the lucky winner. Remember, tomorrow is your last day to join in!

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Some fun photos from our weekend.
dswings

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loves

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swing

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Photography by Darsie:
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Why I've been sparse around these here parts....clearing 3/4 of an acre of heavily brushed and weeded property. We've been raking and spreading top soil and getting ready for grass.

yardafter

Snikey!

I last posted on the 14th! WHOA!

I have a lot of updates and photos to share, but in the meantime, I want to remind everyone that tomorrow is the last chance to enter into my preeclampsia quilt raffle. ALSO, Swistle will have an ADDITIONAL prize for the winner. So, double trouble my friends. You can donate as little as $1 or your entire Stimulus check if you so desire.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Some Good Ol' Fashioned DIY

We've been busy lately. We still have TONS of things left to do (the never ending To Do list) but we're really crossing things off.

The bathroom has been started! Here is the new color. It is a lot darker than the blue, but I think some big mirrors will help break it up. I think we'll also go with some white matted black and white print over the tub, so that should help, too. Now, to figure out the window treatment.
diy6

We stained and rehung the railing to the bonus room upstairs. It matches the new mantle.
DIY5

We (the majority of work went to Jeff) removed the old door (it was too shallow thanks to Home Depot ordering the wrong depth of door initilly) and hung the new one. It is so nice to have a door the right depth and not be looking at Tyvek when watching TV.
DIY3

Purchased, stained, and hung a mantle. Obviously we still need to tile round the fireplace but it is looking better. I'm thinking of putting some of those candles that aren't candles on the mantle.
DIY2

Kind of hard to see, but we hung our house numbers finally, too. The yard is slated to be graded, scraped, and hydroseeded in the next couple of weeks. Hooray!
DIY1


In OTHER news, the Preeclampsia Quilt is 3/4 quilted. I'm going to finish it up this week and then get to the binding. I think I might need some recommendations on binding colors but I will post about that when I'm getting ready to bind it.

Monday, May 12, 2008

I bought paint.

I bought paint yesterday at Home Depot. It is kind of this gray/green/brown color. The name is Spartan Stone and I'm excited about it. Stupidly, I somehow volunteered myself to paint the bathroom. Jeff will have to do the ceiling but I'm in charge of the rest.

My mother's day was great. Elise slept through the night for the first time ever and miraculous, Darsie slept through the same night. Jeff got up with the girls and I got to sleep until 8. EIGHT! As in two hours after I normally get up. WAHOOOO. I got a lovely lovely note from my husband decorated lovingly with what my husband called "my special stickers" and it was Darsie's idea. Inside was a great gift certificate to a fabric store.

This weekend was DIY extreme camp here. We had to replace a door onto our back deck because when we originally ordered it, Home Depot first ordered a door two feet to short. Second, they ordered it in 2x4 and we have 2x6 framing. So, a year later, we ordered the right door and we installed it. I say, but I was more in the cheerleader role and the cleaner role than installer. That would be Jeff. Anyways, we have a door that extends the whole width of the wall instead of two inches shy.

We also went to the dump.

It was a good weekend.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Paint my bathroom.

Help me. Please.

I need some ideas on improving the state of my bathroom.

Here is the evidence:
This blue...it has GOT to go. Jeff hates it. The tub surround and the trim work, that has yet to be installed, are all painted Ultra Pure White. Everything else (granite and tile) is variations of cream, tan, brown, with a touch of gray.
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What do you think for mirrors? Should I go framless? Should I match the brushed nickel? Should I go for wood? Or black?
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Would you put up a window treatment? How about some sort of "art" for the wall above the bath tub?
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Thank you.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Quilt Raffle - UPDATE!

Swistle has upped the anty (antie?) for anybody that donates to the Preeclampsia Quilt. Once the quilt winner has been drawn, I am going to send the names of people who donated towards the cause and she will pick another winner for another prize. Here is the link to her raffle.

I also want people to know that they can donate as little as one (1) dollar to earn a raffle "ticket". Swistle mentioned that the site makes it appear that the minimum is $25 but if you click on "other" you can enter any amount you wish. The more you donate, the more entries into the raffle you get. But it only takes $1 to win. Here is the link to the Preeclampsia Foundation site.

The quilt is coming along nicely. It is about halfway quilted. I will update with more photos once the quilting is complete.

If anybody else is interested in adding a prize to the raffle, please just let me know! Or, if you wouldn't mind putting a link on your blog about it, that would also be totally fine and completely awesome.

Today I want to make everyone aware of the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. This information is from the Preeclampsia Foundation web site.

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High blood pressure is a silent killer. Oftentimes, women diagnosed with preeclampsia do not feel sick. Many signs and symptoms of preeclampsia mirror other "normal" effects of pregnancy on your body. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia may feel frustrated when prescribed bedrest because they feel fine. If you feel fine, it may be hard for you or your partner to appreciate that preeclampsia is a serious condition.

What you can do...

Proper prenatal care is essential. Tests taken at these check-ups: weighing in, checking your blood pressure, dipping your urine are all done to screen for preeclampsia. Particularly after 20 weeks--do not miss your prenatal appointments. As with any pregnancy, a good prenatal diet full of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and the basic food groups is important; cutting back on processed foods, refined sugars, and cutting out caffeine, alcohol and any medication not prescribed by a physician is essential. It is also advisable to speak with your health care professional before taking any supplement, herbal or otherwise.



Hypertension (High blood pressure)
High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure of 140/90 or greater as measured on two separate occasions within six hours. However, a woman who normally has a low baseline blood pressure, such as 90/60, could be considered hypertensive at a blood pressure of less than that - especially if she has other symptoms. A rise in the diastolic (lower number) of 15 degrees or more, or a rise in the systolic (upper number) of 30 degrees or more is cause for concern.

In 1990 the National Institutes of Health, National High Blood Pressure Education Program: Working Group Report on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy issued the following research guidelines:

In the past it has been recommended that an increase of 30 mm Hg systolic or 15 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure be used as a diagnostic criterion, even when absolute values are below 140/90 mm Hg. This definition has not been included in our criteria because the only available evidence shows that women in this group are not likely to suffer increased adverse outcomes. Nonetheless, it is the collective clinical opinion of this panel that women who have a rise of 30 mm Hg systolic or 15 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure warrant close observation, especially if proteinuria and hyperuricemia (uric acid [UA] greater than or equal to 6 mg/dL) are also present.

It should also be noted that 4 members of the Preeclampsia Foundation Medical Board and our Executive Director participated in this working group. There was significant debate over removing baseline BP as diagnostic which is why the final sentence was included. The Preeclampsia Foundation continues to encourage its women, particularly those with low baseline BPs, to know their baseline and to be aware of significant changes and to make any concerns about those changes known to their health care provider.

What you can do...

Know your baseline blood pressure (your blood pressure prior to pregnancy), learn what it means, and ask, "What are my numbers" at each visit. If you are told "It's fine," repeat, "What are my numbers?" If you have had preeclampsia before or if you have chronic high blood pressure, consult a specialist, a high risk OB, or a perinatologist, about your pregnancy. You can find a perinatologist near you who specializes in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy by going to the North American Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (www.nasshp.com). Women who have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy should request a full screening by a perinatologist to rule out any underlying disease or problems, such as chronic hypertension, autoimmune disorders, thrombophilias, renal disease, etc. Women with a previous history of preeclampsia should have subsequent pregnancies supervised by an obstetrician or a perinatologist. The single large risk factor for getting preeclampsia is a history of having had it before.

If you are inactive or have a higher-than-average body mass index (BMI), make sure to exercise moderately and get yourself in the best shape you can. (You can calculate your BMI). Women with a BMI of 30 or higher are at an increased risk of preeclampsia and should make efforts to reduce this risk by following the advice of their doctor.
Finally, you can buy your own blood pressure monitor at most pharmacies. Some pharmacies have a monitor available for your use. Keep a log of your blood pressure, taken at the same time each day, if possible, and in the same position. Share it with your care provider. If you own your own monitor, you can take it with you to your appointment and have it calibrated to match those in the office. You might also ask your doctor when they last had their monitor calibrated.

It should be noted that home monitors are not always as accurate as those in one's clinic or hospital. Home readings should not replace prenatal visits, nor should a "normal" reading mean ignoring symptoms that may be markers of preeclampsia. Home readings should only be used to help the mother be more proactive in her care.

If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, many physicians will recommend bedrest, and in late pregnancy, lying on your left side. While health care providers don't always agree that lying on your left side will help, there is no evidence of harm. The thinking is that lying flat on your back might cause the pregnant uterus (and the weight of the baby) to restrict the vein that supplies the heart.



Swelling or Edema (particularly of the hands or face)
A certain amount of swelling during pregnancy is normal. Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly concerning when it accumulates in the face (eyes) or hands. It is normal to have trouble wearing rings throughout pregnancy.

What you can do...

Find a picture of yourself just before pregnancy. Share it with your provider if you feel your face is getting excessively puffy. If the swelling in your extremities becomes severe, you may notice pitting edema (when you press your thumb into your skin, an indentation remains for a few seconds) or discoloration of your legs. If this happens, notify your provider, put your feet up every day (but avoid sitting for extended periods) and drink water to keep hydrated.



Proteinuria (Protein in your urine)
Proteinuria is the result of proteins, normally confined to the blood, spilling into your urine because the small blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged. A simple dipstick test of your urine at each prenatal check-up can screen for proteinuria.

What you can do...

At each prenatal visit ask for the results of the urine test. Usually the nurse dips a reagent strip into your urine sample and then waits a minute for the results. The strips have the markings for "trace", 1+, 2+, etc. A reading of trace protein is relatively common and is usually not a cause for concern. If the strip shows a reading of 1+ or greater, it may signify the onset of preeclampsia, even if your blood pressure is less than 140/90. If you have a reading of 2+, call your health care provider immediately. If you are concerned, or have had preeclampsia before, you can buy reagent strips at some pharmacies or online. They are not cheap and insurance might not cover them.

Sometimes health care providers will have the mother take a 24-hour urine collection for a formal lab assessment. This is not a particularly pleasant task, but if you have been asked to do this, follow the directions of your health care provider carefully, and make every effort to be accurate.

Dark yellow urine is usually the result of inadequate fluid intake and dehydration. However, urine that is quite dark, reddish or the color of cola may indicate a problem. If you have any of these symptoms, inform your care provider.



Sudden Weight Gain
A gain of more than 2 pounds in a week or 6 pounds in a month could be cause for concern.

What you can do...

In general, eat normally and make every effort to include fresh raw fruit and vegetables, your prenatal vitamin, and a folic acid supplement in your diet. Do not diet or try to lose weight. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid excessive salt. And as always, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking and recreational drugs. Consult with your provider regarding non-prescription drugs and any herbal medications you might take. The Preeclampsia Foundation recognizes the importance of a good diet but does not endorse any particular diet nor juice product. Given that preeclampsia is a complex disease, women will develop it for different reasons. We encourage all women to share with their doctors any diets or product they are trying. For some women--a good diet may make a significant difference, however we urge caution when trying diets, particularly those that encourage large amounts of protein. For women with underlying kidney disease--excessive protein can be unsafe. Similarly, while some women might benefit from low-dose aspirin--studies show that it has been linked with increased placental abruption and miscarriage and so should not be taken routinely by pregnant women unless they have been advised to do so by their physician.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and get regular moderate exercise. At your prenatal visits do not attempt to disguise any weight gain by skipping breakfast, using diet pills or fasting for the day. An accurate weight is vital for a proper diagnosis.



Headaches
Dull, throbbing headaches, often described as migraine-like that just won't go away.

What you can do...

Call your care provider. If you have tried taking over-the-counter medication without relief, or if the headache is very painful or you have light sensitivity, call immediately and ask to see the doctor that day.



Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting is particularly significant when the onset is sudden and in the second or third trimesters.

What you can do...

Call your care provider. Nausea or vomiting can be confused with the flu, so be sure to get your blood pressure checked and ask to have your urine checked for proteinuria. Insist on both.



Changes in Vision
Vision changes include temporary loss of vision, sensations of flashing lights, auras, light sensitivity, and blurry vision or spots. For some women who are farsighted, vision may actually improve.

What you can do...

If you have any of these symptoms, you may be developing preeclampsia. Symptoms such as these may be associated with irritation of the central nervous system and should be taken seriously. They may be indicative of cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). It is very important that you consult with your provider as soon as possible. If he or she is not available, you should go directly to the hospital. We regard these symptoms as potentially very serious and they should not be left until the morning, tomorrow and particularly not until the end of the weekend. With preeclampsia, it is better to have the health professionals tell you it was nothing, than to take a chance that might risk your or the baby's life. No doctor ever died from seeing a woman too many times.



Racing pulse, mental confusion, heightened sense of anxiety, trouble catching your breath

If these symptoms are new to you, they could indicate an elevated blood pressure.

What you can do...

Contact your health care provider if these symptoms are new. If they are not, be sure to mention them at your next visit.



Stomach and/or Right Shoulder Pain
This type of stomach pain, called epigastric pain by the medical profession, is usually under the right-side ribs. It can be confused with heartburn, gallbladder problems, flu, indigestion or pain from the baby kicking. Shoulder pain is often called referral pain because it radiates from the liver under the right ribs. Lower back pain is different from muscle strain common to pregnancy. It is usually more acute and specific. All may be a sign of HELLP Syndrome or a related problem in the liver. Shoulder pain can feel like someone is deeply pinching you along the bra strap, or it can be painful to lie on your right side.

What you can do...

Pain in this area should be taken very seriously; do not dismiss it and go to bed. Call your health professional immediately.



Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a very common complaint of pregnancy. However, sometimes it may indicate a problem with the liver, especially if it accompanies other symptoms or preeclampsia.

What you can do...

Read also Stomach and Right Shoulder Pain (above) and mention this symptom to your health care provider. If this pain accompanies one or more of the other symptoms, you should call your health care provider immediately.



Hyperreflexia
Hyperreflexia is when your reflexes are so strong that when they are checked, your leg bounces back hard.

What you can do...

This is not usually something you will notice yourself, but if you are bumped and you notice an abnormally strong reflexive response, it might merit a call to your health care provider

Monday, May 05, 2008

For those of you that are ordering flowers for Mother's Day

Please, think about using this link to order your flowers this year. Not only do you get the quality and guarantee of beautiful flowers from ProFlowers (Jeff has sent me flowers from here and they were beautiful, fresh, and healthy), but you also get the good feeling that they are donating $10 of your order to the March of Dimes, which is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Friday, May 02, 2008

At long last.

I started this quilt over a year and a half ago, originally intended for my unborn baby girl Elise. It sat, and sat, and she was born, and I forgot about it, and it sat, and it sat, etc.. I finally pulled it out, grabbed some fabric for the binding and finished it this morning.

But, it doesn't fit Elise at all. If I was going to make a quilt for her, it would NOT be pink. It would be orange and turquoise or something not so, princessy. She is rough and tumble.

So, anyways, do you think it would be horrible if I sent it to a college friend who recently had a baby?

Baby R Quilt

One of these days I'm going to make a quilt for myself because after looking at the photos I took of this quilt, I want to keep it for myself. Once a bridesmaid, always a bridesmaid is kind of how I feel about quilting. I love it but I have never kept one for myself.

Etsy Shop Update

I go to talk to my husband briefly on the phone and upon my return Darsie is posting blog entries and drinking my coffee! GAH! Crazy three year olds.

Anyways, earlier this week I created a new product and added it to my etsy shop lineup.

I'm offering this bird lunch bag as a customizable product. You can either tell me what sort of bird you want to emulate or what colors you want and I'll send you a lunch bag. Darsie is currently loving hers (the one I photographed) even though she won't touch her owl backpack.


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Thursday, May 01, 2008

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month

I started this blog eons ago in order to talk about cerebral palsy and Darsie and everything in between. Cerebral palsy has impacted our lives but we've tried to keep that impact as minimal as possible. However, the truth of the matter is that we wouldn't have to deal with cerebral palsy if it weren't for the ugly disease known as preeclampsia. Because of preeclampsia, Darsie was born at 28 weeks (that is 12 weeks early) and weighed in at 1 pound, 12 ounces. Due to extreme prematurity, she suffered a grade IV IVH (intra-ventricular hemorrhage or a brain bleed) on the left side of her brain. This caused brain damage which resulted in her diagnosis of right hemiplegia cerebral palsy.

Elise was also born early as a result of preeclampsia. Elise was born at 33 weeks (7 weeks early) and weighed in at 3 pounds, 7 ounces. She has developmental delays.

There is an organization that is dedicated to finding a cause and fighting preeclampsia; the Preeclampsia Foundation.

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Since there isn't a local chapter or even an active Washington chapter, I've decided to bring my efforts in earning money to help the Preeclampsia Foundation online. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm making a baby quilt to be raffled off. To enter the raffle simply go to the Preeclampsia Foundation's web site and donate. You should receive an e-mail or if you mail your donation, a copy of your check. Take out any personal information (credit card numbers, etc. etc.) and send it to me (lilliputianmama at gmail dot com). For every dollar that you donate, you will get one chance at winning the baby quilt.

Preeclampsia Quilt

Preeclampsia Quilt

Preeclampsia Quilt Back


To start out this month of Preeclampsia Awareness, a definition of preeclampsia from the Preeclampsia Foundation.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

Typically, preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters or middle to late pregnancy), though it can occur earlier. Proper prenatal care is essential to diagnose and manage preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and toxemia are closely related conditions. HELLP Syndrome and eclampsia are other manifestations of the same syndrome. It is important to note that research shows that more women die from preeclampsia than eclampsia and one is not necessarily more serious than the other.

Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading global cause of maternal and infant illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 deaths each year.