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Poor Squish had been looking forward to her birthday for weeks. A couple of days before her birthday she and Lolly both started coming on with a minor runny nose and watery eyes, and while Lolly weathered it like it was no big deal, that evening for Squish it turned into a cough and then a wheeze. Stuart kept an eye on her oxygen levels all that night worried that (again, for the third time in the past 6 months) it would turn into something more serious. At around 6:00 in the morning her oxygen levels were consistently below 90 so Stuart decided to take her in and see if we could get her on some steroids since the albuterol we had been giving her had run out. We were hoping to not have to be admitted into the hospital since we knew what was going on and knew how to fix it, but because her throat had closed off and her oxygen levels weren’t improving very quickly they decided to transfer us to children’s hospital and we would have to stay overnight while she recovered. She woke up in the hospital the next day on her birthday and wasn’t released until that afternoon. She’s officially been diagnosed with viral induced asthma, so now when she gets sick, we’ll need to keep an extra eye on her. We had a low key birthday party for her that night where she was showered with gifts from Grandpa and her extended family, and I did manage to make her a diamond-studded birthday cake she requested. Other than a minor residual cough that lasted another day or so she was completely back to normal!
That was a stressful 24 hours and I was relieved I didn’t need to leave her hospital room to go deliver a baby real quick.
I’ve never ever been this pregnant before in my life! Charlotte’s birthday was on Monday so I was happy I didn’t go into labor that day, or on Squish’s birthday, or on Saint Patrick’s day. But now that all those days have passed, I’m getting a little desperate. All 3 of my girls were born 7 days before their due date so my expectations have unfortunately been set a little high. Baby boy is just a little too comfortable in there, I suppose, and I guess I don’t blame him. It’s tough to be mortal. Usually I do a lot more walking but it’s been too cold for that, so instead I’ve been on my pregnancy ball doing non-stop hip circles and walking up and down my stairs. My Dr. doesn’t want me to go beyond a week over due, but I’m trying hard to avoid being induced… I’ve even bought castor oil as a last resort but we’ll see if it comes to that! I do have a scheduled induction for this coming Sunday, so hopefully baby comes on his own before then!
We also had another birthday celebration! (What can I say, Stuart and I are just very efficient) Our Lolly girl who was so chatty long before she ever turned 2 has now turned 3 years old and it seems like she should have been 3 a long time ago! She got a unicorn birthday cake and lots of presents and couldn’t have been more thrilled that it was her turn to be the birthday girl.
A lot of you have a very different definition of “rest” than I do and doing more of it the way you would do it is a request I get from a very many of you regularly in my DM’s. Unfortunately sitting doing nothing on a couch doesn’t give me a restful or good feeling. Not into movies or TV, you know? In fact it gives me an uneasy feeling of being unproductive and is not enjoyable in the least to me. And if I’m going to be reading a book I much prefer to listen to it while I work to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. So, what I have been doing in my time off is exactly what I have been wanting to do, and not taking all the extra time to post every little thing on social media has been just the “rest” I have needed and has increased my productivity ten-fold since it has released me from the added stress of sharing it. But don’t worry! I’m recording everything for you all just the same.
I’ve done actually two projects. The first was getting my shelving up in my bathroom to officially finish it off and move in. Here’s a little progress sneak peak, but I’ll be sure to share the whole process in stories when I get back. I’ll give you a hint though… it turned out BEAUTIFUL.
I’ve been planning for a while now to re-vamp our homeschool area and once I was finally done with my bathroom I was feeling the motivation to get it done and started, hoping I didn’t have time to finish it before baby arrived. Well… as you may have already guessed that hasn’t happened yet and have made it almost completely through the project which I can’t wait to share with you. When I get back onto my instagram stories in April I’ll be sharing the whole process in detail and I can’t wait for you to see it!
I’m getting ready to do a fun Easter tablescape to make our Easter dinner a little extra special this year. Here are a few things I’ve purchased to prepare! Check out my Amazon Idea List for a full list of the products I’m using!
After a few trial-and-error experiments and a lot of Pinterest research I’ve come up with a very simple and inexpensive method of making Sushi that always turns out pretty dang good. My step by step inside-out sushi recipe will give you the confidence to make your own delicious sushi without the expensive bill at the end of the night. Read the entire post here…
XOXO,
Crystel
Was thinking just last night how much I missed seeing you on stories. I’m thankful all is well for your sweet family and will pray you welcome your sweet boy into the world very soon. Peace and love to you and your family.
Thank you Rebecca! I appreciate you thinking of me and will take all the prayers I can get
I have missed you and those babies so much!!!! I absolutely can’t wait for you to be back with a handsome lil boy So glad everyone is well now
Thanks Debra! When I’m back I’ll have 4 babies…I can’t hardly believe it!
Poor Squish! I’m so sorry she was feeling so rough but happy to hear she’s on the mend! I’m praying for you and baby boy! Miss you so much and have really had to talk myself out of messaging you a few times just to check on you ???? Happy Birthday to all and hugs and prayers!
PLEASE message me if you want to reach out! I miss chatting with everyone. Thank you for the prayers and birthday wishes!
So you will have all four of your childrens’ birthdays in March… I rather like that. So happy you have had time to be productive away from Instagram. I am, however, anxious to have you back on. Blessings !
Evelyn’s is April 9 but that’s still basically 4 birthdays in one month! We’re efficient that way. I’m anxious to deliver this baby and be back. I miss being productive but right now I can’t even put my shoes on. Thank you for the kind words Canda!
Miss you and thinking about you lots and lots????
Thank you Shannon! I miss interacting with everyone and appreciate your kind thoughts
I tried castor oil to get my baby to come out… unfortunately it didn’t work and I had to be induced anyway. Good luck! Both my kids were overdue but only one had to be induced.
Yeah it didn’t worked for me either. I’m crossing my fingers that nature will hurry up and take over!
Omg…you look sooooo big. I knew this boy would defy you. Boys can be that way. Lol. But boy do they love their mommas. Good luck. God bless. Glad Squish is on the mend. I sure do miss your posts & seeing vids of Lolly
I’m huge Joyce! He’s putting so much pressure on my bladder right now so this boy better love me most of all
Thank you for your update!
Have been thinking of you and missing all your fun entries
Sending love and prayers your way. Tell Hector hi from uncle Rick’s mom ????????????
I’ll pass that message along to Hector lol. I appreciate your love and prayers and miss you too!
Hi Crystel! I’m glad Squish is doing better! We’ve had every virus this winter as well, yuck!
I hope baby boy comes very soon and without medical intervention! I want to strongly advise against castor oil, though. In the same way that it can cause your abdominal muscles to contract, it can do that to your baby as well, which could mean pooping in utero — not good! I’ll keep you in my prayers!
YES PLEASE! No medical intervention would be awesome. The castor oil didn’t help so for now I’m just living on my pregnancy ball. Thank you for your prayers!
No one likes going past their due date. You sure have had your hands full. Glad Squish is on the road to recovery. May everyone be healthy and baby boy make his entry real soon. God’s blessings to all.
Thank you Debbie! I’ve never gone past my due date so this is all new to me (and uncomfortable). I’ll take all the blessings I can get
I had to take the castor oil when I was pregnant with my son and it certainly worked. Took it at noon and by 7:30 I was in full labor & he was born at 11:40 pm weighing in at 9lb 7 oz and delivered him without any drugs ( not by choice mind you lol) . I was 8 1/2 cm when I got to the hospital. The stuff is disgusting but it worked.
Wishing you all the best in the coming days!
Happy Birthday to the girls ????
Miss seeing you on Instagram.
WOW. That is the exact kind of day I hoped I would have when I took it. But nope, still huge and pregnant. I’ll pass along your birthday messages to the girls. I can’t wait to be back!
Loved reading the update of what you guys have been up to! Been missing you on the ‘gram Praying for a safe and healthy delivery for you and baby boy!
Safe and healthy prayers is EXACTLY what I need! Thank you Taylor!
I have missed seeing you and your family!d you are taking the time to rest and get things done that you need before baby by comes.
At this point I’m not really getting anything done since I’m so huge and uncomfortable. I miss you too Erica!
I’ve missed you too and your family!
I thought baby boy had come and you were busy with snuggles, diapers and your sweet girls. I enjoy your practicality on decorating and food prep/recipes.
Praying for a easy labor and safe delivery. Enjoy your time with your littles, your IG family will wait for you!
Judi Cory
Windom, MN.
Thank you for those prayers Judi. I appreciate your kind words and that everyone has been so patient while I take time away. I miss interacting with everyone and can’t wait to get back!
I’ve been wondering how you’ve been doing. Hoping that little boy shows up this week. I’m with you on the inducing. I always figured when they were ready they’d come. I did have one induced delivery but I wasn’t happy about it. Best of luck to you and praying for you.
Poor Squish! I hope she continues to feel better.
Love the new room for schooling. It looks very efficient.
Next up~~~trying your sushi!????
God Bless!
Linda
Well Linda, as of Friday evening, I’m still pregnant. Thats how I’m doing lol. Thank you for your prayers. I’m excited to show everyone this homeschool room but it’ll be awhile before it’s done. I hope you enjoy the sushi!
Praying for you and your little guy that mama and baby will be healthy and happy! So sorry Squish has been so sick. Praying for her little body to heal and that God will heal her! Wish I. Puked send you some spring temps from S.C.! Will be 65 Today and 86 tomorrow! Never know what season we will get here in the south!
Stay warm and know of my love and prayers for every member of you and your beautiful family!! ????
You’re making me jealous of your weather! Maybe we should move to South Carolina next! Thank you for your prayers Christi. Squish is almost back to 100%. I can’t wait to be back!
I HAVE missed you! Oh sweet momma I am so glad your Squish is home and did have a great birthday! I am praying for you as you round out all these girls with a precious baby boy! You will be amazed at the love you will have for a boy! It is just the sweetest! Easy peasy! ????????????????????????????????
I hope he’s sweet Dee because right now he’s sitting on my bladder and it hurts lol. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I’ve missed you too!