Lucas had his 4 month checkup and immunization visit today with Dr. Rauchwarg...this was our first appointment since we decided to stick with the 1980's vaccination schedule so it was nerve-wracking to think about what the doctor might say, since I've been told many doctors are aggressive with the vaccines. BUT, thankfully, my doctor politely informed me of the (actually minimal) risks that are involved, but was supportive of my decision and we actually finally had the abortion discussion today and to my surprise, he is very against abortion and feels conflicted as a doctor sometimes in bringing his "personal beliefs" into practice, but sometimes feels compelled to. I was very relieved and am happy to pay extra for my children to see him. I like him a lot, and he has 4 kids himself:
Anyway, so in keeping with the 1980's schedule, Lucas only got 2 shots today, the DTaP and the Polio. He surprisingly did very well with them and barely cried. He is a little sad looking, but all in all, very well. He weighs 17 lbs, and measures 25 1/2 inches. Pretty normal. He was such a good boy today I was going to take him swimming at my mom's apartment pool, but its closed today for cleaning. So, depending on the weather and my nausea, I might go with Shawna to Water Country tomorrow for a little while with Lucas. I am so relieved that his doctor was very supportive, and that Lucas was so good. I also had another prenatal appt this morning which was fine. I am 6 weeks and 4 days and have my next appointment at the end of June. I am still on progesterone for the first 12 weeks of this pregnancy, and I do think it works in preventing miscarriage. I think it helped save Lucas so I am going to continue to take it no matter how sick and tired I get. John comes home for a day on Saturday, so we are all excited to see him even for that short time. I am glad to have today's appointments out of the way, and we don't have to go back for another 2 months yay!
I got this video of Lucas turning over and then he started talking to me. I think he misses dada too, so listen to what he says when I ask him about dada.
I haven't been paying much attention to the eggs in the front, but they recently hatched into TINY babies and thankfully, they all look the same. So, either I was wrong about the odd egg, or the mom already got rid of it. They have huge bulging eyes huh? I don't even know how many are in there!
I just looked up any news articles on the ship, and it looks like a few days ago, the carrier landed it's first plane, and consecutively catapulted it into the air too. It's looks pretty exciting for the crew, but I doubt John cared, or even got to see it; he probably had to work or was sleeping :)
Here is video I found of it:
I did get a quick email from John yesterday, but he doesn't say much so I don't really know whats been going on for now. I hope he gets to come home soon, but he hasn't answered yet. I don't think they really get a chance to use computers on the ship much, and he's probably working so much he won't have time. I miss him so much and keep having horrible dreams about him, but I'll be patient and wait til I hear back from him.
Well, I had my first ultrasound for this pregnancy and it was kind of wierd. Don't get me wrong, the doctors weren't concerned, but they re-did my due date to being January 15th according to the baby's current crown-to-rump size, which would put me at about 5 and 1/2 weeks...I just don't understand because I got a positive pregnancy test 3 weeks ago. And anybody that knows about pregnancies, knows that you are technically 2 weeks "pregnant" when you ovulate. If I am 5 1/2 weeks, it doesn't seem possible for me to have gotten a positive test 3 weeks ago, but the doctors say it's fine. Just judging from the last miscarriage I had, I remember the ultrasound revealed that at 6 weeks, the baby stopped growing, and the yolk sac was which was the tell-tale sign that I was going to miscarry, which I did, ~3 weeks later. They said it's all explainable, so I guess I shouldn't worry myself.
But yesterday when I got my prenatal bloodwork drawn, I asked them to also check my progesterone levels just in case because with Lucas, my levels were low and I had to take prometrium pills 3x a day, for the first 12 weeks. Fortunately, these doctors complied and ran the test (where as my former primary care doc refused). And guess what? It's a good thing I asked for the results because the doctor I talked to today said my progesterone levels are very low--he put me on prometrium again, but this time a stronger prescription that I have to take....vaginally...3x a day...and it makes you very sleepy. (like i need to be more sleepy right now!)
SO, I am glad I know to take the medicine now instead of waiting til I had spotting and possibly miscarried, but putting the 2 together (still being 5 weeks, and low progesterone levels) has me somewhat mentally prepared for the worst. I just want to be able to talk to and see John right now but he won't be home for a while and evidentally hasn't been able to use the internet or phone :(
On the bright side, the doctor I had today, was VERY caring and in agreement with me. He says he is pro-life (although he doesn't know about the FOCA deal either; i am bringing him info next time on it). He agrees that what the doctor said to me yesterday was inappropriate and it turns out she is a "family nurse practitioner" so I won't be seeing her anymore anyway. The man I saw today said, "well, you probably won't find many doctors in our field that are very adamantly for the pro-life cause." And I told him that's not true- my last OBGYN (where I went for Lucas in Newport News) was very pro-life----and as soon as I said Dr. Shwayder, the guy says, "OH Rob! Yeah he is very strong about that." (His name is Robert Shwayder). I still haven't made up my mind about where I will go for my prenatal care, because I really do like Dr. Shwayder and felt more comfortable with him. And it's not that much farther to drive.
I did get a little printout today of the u/s (even though it's just a TINY speckle in a black mass!) but I don't have it to upload right now because I am babysitting for Jim and Shawna! Yay! Alex is being a good boy (going to sleep) and I am SO flattered that they trust me to care for him--and Lucas is being very good too. They never get to go out so I hope they can enjoy themselves and not worry constantly--they are going to a Coldplay concert in virginia beach. They bought me some delicious chinese food too! it's odd being here without John- I miss him and all his snide comments he makes to Jim. I miss him and his competitiveness and how he blames me when Jim wins at our games. I hope time is going by fast for him and that he gets lots of sleep. I pray that this baby stays strong for us and that the prometrium helps. Thanks for reading- i better go get Lucas! will add picture later!
I had a very interesting day yesterday; it was spiritual I guess you could say. I just felt a lot of relief all around. This blog will be a therapeutic way to document how I felt, and to remind me to be strong, careful, grateful, giving, and patient. This one might be a little too melodramatic for most of you, but you all should know by now, that I get that way when my husband is gone, and this will be the longest time we will have been separated in our marriage so I'm going to be a baby about it.--PLUS, cut me some slack, I'm pregnant too. :)
John left on Sunday morning on an underway until supposedly (last I heard) May 30th when he comes home for 1 day, and then back out the next day, for another 2 weeks, until June 15th. I am trying not to focus on counting down the days, but I miss him terribly and being here sick with a bad cold, pregnant, and with Lucas makes me need him even more. I know he misses Lucas and wants to be here for all the big changes Lucas is going through everyday. I will try to record them for him.
Hodge Family Naptime a few days ago
Well, Susan has been my savior here, taking an extra day off (3 days off total) to take care of Lucas pretty much exclusively, so I could sleep off this cold, and it's gotten so much better. Thanks to her!
Lucas' squishy face!
I had my first prenatal appointment with a brand new OBGYN, here in Williamsburg. If I choose to stay with them, I will deliver at this really nice hospital:
Anyway, I had my first checkup, and an ultrasound scheduled for later today. They did another urine test, height, weight, background etc. And eventually the doctor asked me if I had any other questions and my conscience wouldn't let me go without asking for her opinion on President Obama and his pushing for the passage of The Freedom of Choice Act, or FOCA. For those of you that don't know, this bill is very extensive and will definitely increase the amount of abortions that occur in this country every year by the thousands, despite Obama claiming that he wants to reduce them. You can read up on FOCA for yourself, but among the aims of FOCA are to undo legislation protecting the unborn even up to 9 months (undoing ban on partial-birth abortions,) undoing legislation for parental notification of minors obtaining abortions, undoes any informed consent laws, compels MORE tax dollars to funding abortions, and eventually will force all Catholic hospitals to perform abortions, or not receive any federal funding, and therefore close. Here is what Obama had to say about FOCA during his presidential campaign (notice one of his biggest fundraisers, Planned Parenthood):
"The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do."
"Well, I voted for Obama, and he's a very smart man. I never heard about this FOCA, so I'd have to hear it myself to say anything on it. I know right-wingers like to criticize everything he does. Did you actually hear him say this?"
What a lovely response, from a doctor. She had to state that she so proudly voted for him, and doesn't even know what his campaign was largely based on. Then continues to insult "right-wingers" obviously, me, her pregnant patient.
I left the office very disappointed. I am considering going back out to Newport News since Dr. Shwayder is pro-life.
I was very emotional upon leaving, and St. Bede's church was on the way home so something compelled me to stop by and see if Father Abe was available. I forgot that on weekdays they have mass at 9am. I was trying to schedule a meeting with him through the secretary, and ended up having a very deep discussion about how frustrating it is to be a mother, pregnant, catholic, HUMAN, and feel so alone on this issue. She helped me feel so much stronger, and even revealed a horrible tragedy that happened to her as a mother. I appreciated her opening up to me and encouraging me. I am stopping by her office today with Lucas after my appointment. It felt like fate to meet her and I know we will remain close now. She reinforced my feelings and the whole situation reaffirmed my faith. She understands my frustration. How can I let someone give me pre-natal advice and care, when they treat life like a nuissance? I can't believe an OBGYN's ignorance not to educate themselves on legislation that will affect their careers. If I see her today when I have the ultrasound I will give her information on FOCA and tell her if she doesn't see life in my ultrasound, I can't continue seeing her. Aside from that, I came home and my neighbor across the street offered to mow our lawn with her seated mower! I couldn't believe it--she even did the backyard, and the neighbor next to her, got his mower and did the edges. I am very grateful and I know John would be too, since we (most-likely) won't be reported to the Homo-ner's Association. Here is our lawn now:
I have a lot to be grateful for and will be getting some gifts for all of them. I realize I live in a very friendly neighborhood and am very thankful to know that everyone seems to be there to help when I need it, and especially when John is gone. Can't wait for you to be home honey, but we are very taken-care of here while you are away! I hope everyone can have this blessed a day also!
“He might have called for toning down the rhetoric but his abortion policies are tuned up on steroids,” said Mueller. “Even considering the revocation of the conscience clause puts Catholic hospitals, Evangelical and Catholic pro-life doctors and nurses in a very tough spot career-wise – this is another example of President Obama’s rhetoric not matching his policies.”
This is a video I made yesterday of Susan and I taking Lucas to Yorktown, and to the York River on the beach. Lucas was slathered in sunscreen and we weren't in the sun too long (since he's soo white!) and he didn't like touching his feet in the cold water, but I think he will really enjoy it when the water gets warmer in the summer. I also plan to take him swimming in Shawna's pool at the end of this month, and to mom's apartment pool weather permitting. He loves baths so I know he will like floating his the water. And Shawna already gave me a baby float thing with a canopy that I can't wait to use!
I wanted to show in the video, how pretty the Colonial Parkway is; it was one of the first things John and I liked when we came out here 3 years ago for our anniversary. I sometimes forget after a while, that its not this pretty and green everywhere. Here are some cute pictures we took--
He loves to stick his tongue out--he thinks it really impresses us so he tries real hard lol
Not liking the cold water
Liking his ba-ba
The free trolley was fun!
It's really great living in this Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Still so beautiful and so much history--always great for pictures- hope you all enjoy!
15 Months MMR (either combined or single measles Mumps, Rubella**)
18 Months DTaP OPV
4-6yrs DTaP OPV
14-16yr Td (adult tetanus/diptheria)
*I say we mostly will follow this schedule because the MMR is the main one that is suspected to contribute to autism, and from what I've read in pro-vaccine books such as, "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Robert Sears, measles, mumps and rubella are all not serious viruses, that your body just needs to build an immunity to, and the side effect profile for MMR is "the longest and most potentially severe" (Sears, 226). From reading the book, it seems only even remotely necessary if your baby is traveling or going to daycare all day...which Lucas obviously won't be. It is also one of the vaccines that has human diploid cells from an aborted fetus. Here is an excerpt on MMR and how it is made:
Hold on to your seats. This may be the most complicated manufacturing process so far. I could not determine where the measles and mumps viruses originally came from, but they probably came from infected individuals many decades ago. The Rubella virus was originally taken from an infected aborted fetus in the 1960's. The Measles and Mumps viruses are nourished for years in a culture of chicken embryo cells. The Rubella virus is nourished in a culture of human lung cells. Each of these tissue cultures is contained in a solution of saline, amino acids, vitamins, serum from a cow fetus (the liquid portion of the cow's blood), sugar, gelatin, neomycin (an antibiotic), and finally, human albumin (a protein filtered out of donated human blood units). The cell cultures, cow fetus serum, and human blood proteins are tested to make sure no errant infectious germs are present. The the three viruses are removed from the cultures in batches and put into the vaccine solution. They are alive but weakened so they won't (usually) cause an actual infection when injected.
I emphasized the last part because it is important to note that they can cause infections. And as McCarthy said, injecting all of these harmful chemicals along with live infectious viruses, is an overload for some babies' immune system, which can result in vaccine injury, i.e. autism. An interesting fact to note, is that Generation Rescue has already paid out in court for a separate vaccination injury lawsuit for a girl named Hannah Poling; the court agreed that the vaccines DID in fact cause her brain injury. So why is autism so out of the question, when it is basically an injury?
Then there is a long list of serious side effects reported for this particular vaccine. These two are even highlighted on the insert for the vaccine: chronic arthritis, and encephalitis. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue. "When it is severe or prolonged, it can lead to dysfunction or damage of the brain tissue, known as encephalopathy. A related condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis or SSPE, occurs when this reaction is mild, yet chronic, and the brain gradually deteriorates over many years."
The product insert says, "The data suggest the possibility that some of these cases [of encephalitis] may have been caused by measles vaccines."
There are several options for parents concerned about these studies. One option is to separate the MMR shots, so it's not so overwhelming. Another option is to delay the MMR til they are about 4-5 yrs and about to start school; autism is usually found in kids aged 18 months-3 years----waiting until they are 5 yrs could help their immune system grow strong enough to take on the vaccine. And thirdly, the option we probably will take, is to not have them vaccinated for MMR, but instead have their blood checked at 10 yrs of age, to see if they naturally built an immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, and if not, consider vaccination then.
PARENTS WITH BABIES/INFANTS/TODDLERS WHO READ MY BLOG, PLEASE WATCH THESE VIDEOS AND EDUCATE YOURSELF. AS MCCARTHY SAYS, 'YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE AND IN CHARGE OF YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH.'
Ever since I educated myself on autism, and the possible vaccine connection, (with the help of Shawna*) I have really been interested in hearing what the opposition says in response to people like Jenny McCarthy, Dr. Jerry Kartzinel and J.B. Handley founder of Generation Rescue. I liked this show because it actually got into the discussion of this possible connection, apparent treatments and statistics/studies.
I had never seen this show called "The Doctors" before, but judging from this episode, I can't stand the 'doctor hosts'. They seem like actors asked to wear scrubs and lab coats. If you care to watch these videos of 2 excerpts of the debate, feel free to comment on them. To me, it seems like J.B. Handley made good points, and used the studies to back them up, albeit obviously frustrated.
The 'doctor's' only argument (if you'd like to call it that) is "all you're doing is aggravating me, why would you do that?!" He sounds like he desperately wants to say, "bro" and "dude" after each sentence. From my experience, people resort to complaining of being attacked, when they can't refute the other side.
As of now, it seems no one can say whether or not there is a direct cause between the chemicals in the many vaccinations we give today, and the increase in prevalence of autism. But the points still stand:
-why has autism increased to being 1 in 150 kids in the U.S., but remains at about 1 in 1500-2000 in other first-world countries that kept the old 1989 vaccination schedule of a fraction of today's schedule.
-why have we tripled the vaccination schedule in the 1990's to 36?
-why aren't people informed of the harsh chemicals (including formaldehyde, mercury, animal products, AND human diploid cells from an aborted fetus from the 1960's) when the shots are to be administered?
-why as Handley said, have only 2 shots of the 36, and 1 out of the 35 chemicals in the vaccinations been studied?
-as Dr. Cartzinel says, how can the APA flat-out dismiss the theory based on these very small studies, AND the fact that they admit pediatricians don't know how to diagnose autism? how can studies be accurate about the disease, if it's not being diagnosed?
-why didn't any of the 'doctors' present their theories of what causes the dramatic change in behavior after a bad reaction to vaccination in babies, and why they stop talking, and become hyper-sensitive, AND if they doubt Jenny + Jerry's treatment (diet, detox, supplements) how do they explain the growing number of kids who have recovered from autism?
One of the best points made by Dr. Kartzinel was when he pointed out that in the medical aspect, there IS NO treatment that we give to everyone, and can't expect some small group to react adversely.
I really didn't hear anything convincing from the opposition...honestly listening to their responses, they were all very generalized ad hominem attacks:
"...many doctors say it doesn't work" (should we just say, "oh! okay then, nevermind."??)
"...why does it work for some and not others?" (thats true for any treatment)
"...there is a rise in so many other diseases too.." (what a dumb point...does that make the connection any less true?)
The bottom line for my decision to stick to the older simpler vaccination schedule for my kids, is that there is not a necessity for this many vaccines, and if caught, the diseases aren't as serious as they would be in a third-world country...we can treat them---whereas the possible alternative, as Dr. Kartzinel says, to have an epidemic of a disease no one can even diagnose, acknowledge, much less treat, is the trade-off. Please watch these videos:
Lucas in line at Busch Gardens: Yesterday morning we went to one of the local military bases (Cheatham Annex) to get some season passes to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA at a discounted military price (savings of ~$34, plus $12 we would pay every time just to park!). We had brunch with my mom, Norman and his friend Daniel, and then we all went to Busch Gardens. Lucas was happy most of the time, and did enjoy seeing the little kids play in the sesame street land. He enjoyed the carousel again, and will probably like it better every time we go this year! The cool thing is, that these passes are good for a whole year starting from when we purchased them, so next spring when Lucas is 1 year, and we have a newborn, we can still go free!
About to get on the choo choo train Enjoying the breeze on this warm day Lucas fascinated with grandma's shirt The view of what I believe is the James River This is the best picture I could get of Norman, John and Daniel on that scary Griffin ride---look below for a zoomed in shot: (from left to right is John, Norman and Daniel with his arms up!)
Look how happy John looks for once! in the Germany part of the park One of the only rides Lucas can go on, the carousel--I went on it and didn't even get sick! (I thought I would since I have been feeling the morning sickness somewhat in this pregnancy so far) Bird Aviary Pictures
The Gray Wolf doing tricks
Lucas looking up at the trees I won that pig doll when the lady that guesses your weight etc got the answer wrong---i didn't have her guess my weight, I had her guess my birth month and she guessed May (it's august) Norman and his friends Daniel and Alyssa on the CorkScrew Hill 4-D ride My mom paid for this caricature of Lucas and I-Happy Mother's Day!
John and I had a game night last night with our good friends Jim and Shawna, who are 13 weeks pregnant right now, and Timmy came along to play some games too. We had a delicious spaghetti dinner with Jim's good stuffed mushrooms and I had some news to share with everyone, and all of you!
*my favorite parts*: -Shawna ever-wary of the camera trying to avoid it in the beginning lol (sorry I had to use you to surprise John, but you know you look pretty in it!)
-John's confused "girl" answer...
-Timmy taking a bite of spaghetti in this important moment (jk!)
I was sitting with Lucas on the front porch yesterday while John cut the grass, and I was going to water the hanging ferns we have, but I decided to check them first because I have been seeing a lot of Housefinches and other birds go in and out of them. This is a House Finch (pretty red heads):
Anyway, I saw a beautiful perfectly round nest with five eggs in it:
4 eggs are House Finches, the one bigger one is a Cowbird(seen below)
So I read up on this a little because I honestly had never heard of a Cowbird. I read that they are a parasitic breed that waits for other species to build nests and lay eggs, and then it comes over and drops off a couple of it's own eggs. Eventually, depending on the host species, the Cowbird usually hatches 2 days earlier than the others, and since it is larger than the host hatchlings, it usually causes them to fall out, or starve. BUT, in this case, the host is a House Finch, which eats a vegetarian diet, not suitable for the Cowbird, and in this case the Cowbird fledgling is the one who rarely survives. So I have read that many avid bird people do all sorts of things...I know most people would say leave nature alone (which is probably what I will do) but some people get rid of Cowbird eggs as soon as they see them. I did read that this particular species (Brown-Headed Cowbird) is protected under the Migratory Bird Act. Other people supplement the host's babies with mealworms (not for House Finches). And some people have even moved the cowbird egg(s) to other species nests that they won't threaten (i.e. Robins). I was thinking since the threat is reversed in this case, I would periodically offer mealworms to the Cowbird fledgling until it leaves the nest, at around 11 days after hatching. But if allowed to hatch in that tiny nest, the 4 finch babies will surely die because they are tiny in comparison to the cowbird baby, which will either push them out, smash them, or steal their food. It's kind of sad and I don't know why it bothers me! Everybody says different things as advice, so I don't know yet. I was thinking of making a separate pseudo-nest next to the other one specifically for the cowbird, and then feeding it mealworms til it leaves. What do you all think?
I know people will always give me "friendly advice" as a mother, but from what I've read and what I know of Lucas, he is ready for baby cereal. And judging from his reaction, I think I was right! He is still drinking breast milk, but I think maybe once a day, we will continue to try the cereal. Thanks to Elise for the donations!
This was last night at storytime..he was in one of those laughing moods, plus I kept saying "Honey Bunny Funny Bunny!" I'm telling you, going to the library is the best free thing ever! Yeah, it's another long one, but I liked all of it so I kept it! He laughs the most toward the beginning and then gets grouchy...then sleepy... note: my hand was burned taking a cake out of the oven last weekend...I already have 3 scars on that hand from cooking/burning incidents...pretty dumb huh? :)
I turned around to see Lucas talking to his reflection in the mirror on his walker, so I got the camera and slowly got closer and closer to him, without him noticing...so forgive the shaky camera! I think I even hear him trying to say "I love you" to himself.
I found some video from last October when my sister Sarah and her 4 yr old Raquel came to visit for my baby shower. I thought it was cute so I wanted to share. I can't believe how small my belly was then lol (at ~28 weeks). Just about 10 weeks before Lucas came! The video is at our house before we had the wood flooring put in, when Raquel met our rowdy doggies. Enjoy--
