Hey, It's Jade! and family

Sunday, March 28, 2010

10 Years Ago Today?!?! No way...

(Sorry if this post contains major typos, run-on sentences, etc.; I'm typing as fast as I can before Callen wakes up...)
Ten years ago, on this date.... this happened in Downtown Fort Worth:
The monster!
Or as we called it "Twister 2000"!

I remember it pretty vividly.  It had been a strange day, everyone in my part of the office was in a crazy mood - like hyper crazy.  We had just gotten a shipment in of office supplies that was just for us (we were always having to borrow from other places) and since we finally had our own "office" apart from everyone else, we were really excited that things were coming together.  And along with the office supplies we had also got a big tub of peppermints... for some reason we were really happy about that.  At one point someone looked outside and was like "Dude, it's really green out there" and we all took notice, but thought nothing of it.  It wasn't raining or stormy looking or anything.  Then, just a little while later there were shouts and the sound of stamped or something right outside our door (which was closed)... what the heck?  Andy opened the door and looked out and saw everyone in the other office running for the exit (without notifying us, thanks guys), and he looked out the window and saw the tornado coming at the building.  He yelled something about us needing to get out of there.  I grabbed my bag and ran for the stairwell along with everyone else.  Just as we closed the stairwell door behind us, the building began to shake - it hit!  Because everyone in the other office had already started down the stairs, we were stuck behind this one guy who was... uh, rather large and had a bum leg... so, going down the stairs was rather slow.  As we were headed down the stairs, a huge crack ran up the wall, it was crazy to see.  The whole time I think I was in shock, 'cause I wasn't really scared or hysterical (like most of the other girls running down the stairs)... I couldn't believe it was happening.  As we were running down the stairs, my wise-cracking co-worker remarked "Aww, man, we shoulda saved the peppermints!!!" and we all busted out laughing.  We got to the bottom of floor, the basement, and by that time the tornado was passed... a pipe had burst and the floor started filling with water so we had to go back up to the first floor.  I remember when we came out of the stairwell having no idea where I was, even though I took those stairs all the time and knew where they came out.  But I could see outside 'cause the windows were broken out and part of the building was missing.  It wasn't until we were exiting out the MAIN doors that I realized they WERE the main doors and the lobby.  The first thing I saw when I walked outside was a car thrown up against a tree, then I looked over at the church ( Calvary Cathedral) across the street and the walls of their prayer tower were completely missing but their steeple was still standing strong.  I saw the Bank One building deeper in the city looking all jagged and messed up.  We went to look for our cars which were no longer exactly were we parked them, but the rain started coming down and it was this nasty, stinging rain.  I remember someone saying we should walk towards the city, but seeing the buildings all in shambles ahead of us, some of us convinced the rest it was a bad idea 'cause of the falling glass.  We ended up going across the street to the church, 'cause some people were just outside their door and said their hallway was safe.  So, we went over there to get out of the rain and figure out what to do (our cell phones weren't working - and hardly any of our cars were in working order either).  After what seemed like just a few minutes to me, I suddenly heard my mom calling my name down the hallway... she had seen where the tornado hit on the news and knew it was our building (my mom worked at the same place I did, only she had gone home earlier in the day)... her and my dad had got in the truck and drove through the city before the tornado was even done.  My mom was hysterical of course (I am her only daughter), so I had to calm her down - which was funny 'cause I was the one who had just gone through all that.  We loaded up my co-workers in the truck and took everyone home.  One of the guys lived in Arlington, and there had been tornadoes reported in his neighborhood too, we were all crackin' jokes about how it was his fault - mother nature went after his job and his house, luckily his neighborhood was fine.  The next day we went to check the damage of my car and see the building in the daylight, this is what we saw...
 The red circle is the office I worked in.
 
I'm pretty sure that last photo is where I usually parked, but that day all the spaces were full and I had to park in the main lot... so my car fared slightly better than that, but was still totaled just the same.
When we went back the next morning the FBI was out in full force.  They had an office in that building and a lot of their paperwork had gotten blown away... there was tons of papers floating in the river (right behind our building) and stuff had gotten blown into our cars... so they wouldn't allow us take anything till they completed their clean up and whatnot.  There was a large chunk of marble from the building in my car... I kept it as a souvenir... heh.
Funny story:  One of my college History books had been in my car and it was water-logged and had shards of glass in it.  I took it to the buy back with all my other books at the end of the year, and 'cause they were going so fast, they didn't look it over that well - totally bought it back!  Next semester I went to sell some books back and there was a huge sign that said "If your book looks like it's been through a tornado we will not accept it!" (or something like that)... I like to think that was all 'cause of me.  HAHA!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Callen's Birth Story...

Men and/or squeamish ladies beware - this is a birth story (though it most likely won't be too graphic).

"Little Brother" showed no signs of wanting to come any time soon when I went to my 40-week appointment on Thursday (3/04 - my due date!).  Dr. Kollar wanted to schedule an induction so that I wouldn't go over 40-weeks.  I wasn't exactly happy about that, but agreed to schedule it for the following Tuesday, truly hoping/praying/believing that the baby would start coming on his own before that and I wouldn't have to be induced.  Well, despite our best efforts... he did not come and Monday afternoon I started kinda freaking out.  I called and tried to cancel the induction appointment, but they didn't get my message.  The doctor's office called the next morning (the morning of the induction) and asked me to go get a sonogram so they could see how big the baby was and that everything was ok.  If everything was ok, I might get permission to push back the induction, so off I went.  The sonogram showed that baby was healthy.... VERY HEALTHY, his weight was estimated at around 9lbs, 6oz (and this was "plus or minus a pound"... meaning he could weight up to 10.5 lbs!!!).  Also, my amniotic fluid was lower than they liked.  So... of course those two things meant induction was imminent for that evening.  I was ok with it at that point, 'cause the idea of a 10.5 lb baby was down right scary!  My doctor explained that he most likely hadn't come on his own yet because he just might not "fit" due to his size.  Oh.My.Gosh!  This put "c-section" into my mind and I was pretty much completely freaked out by that.  I wanted this birth to be as natural as possible, and I was already starting off by being induced and now... a c-section was on the table as a probable option?  Not cool.  Oh, forgot to say that off and on during the day I was having tiny braxton-hicks contractions... nice try, baby.



So, Preston went to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Clark for the nite, and we headed to the hospital (stopping for Chick-Fil-A on the way... mmm, nuggets).  We got settled in around 6:15 and Dr. Kollar showed up to check me... still at a 1, 50% effaced... baby still wasn't interested in coming on his own.  I was given the med (cytotec or something to that effect) around 8pm and within 10 minutes I was having obvious contractions.  They continued getting stronger as the evening progressed.  My parents showed up just to sit around and watch tv with us as I contracted.  At 12:30am I was still only dilated to a 2 and received more med.  The contractions came stronger and faster.  I tried all the various positions, nothing really worked throughout the nite.  I got in the shower and after about 20 minutes, the contractions were super strong and close together, and I was seriously tired.  Michael was doing a really great job as a coach, getting me through each contraction, assuring me I could do it when I said I couldn't and/or didn't want to anymore.  The nurse that was with me was also really awesome, a big help. But after powering through that for a while, I couldn't take it any more and called for pain medication.  I got the pain medication "to take the edge off" around 5am and I was instantly dopey, but also able to get through the contractions.  I really didn't want to take the meds, 'cause I said, I wanted to go as naturally as possible and I had already been induced, now I was "cheating" with the pain medication, but honestly... now I'm glad I did it when I did.  It gave me the brief rest (and enough delirium - man, it felt so weird - I guess that's what being drunk is like?) I needed to get through the pushing that was only minutes away.  It was like time lapsed... I know Dr. Kollar broke my water and within minutes I felt the baby engage and I needed to push.  Actually the first time I pushed, Dr. Kollar was out of the room and the nurse was like "go ahead" so I did.  Then Dr. Kollar came running in and was like "wait, that sounded like a push scream, not just a contraction scream... are you pushing without me?  WAIT!" and she rushed to get her stuff on and together...it was slightly funny at the moment.  The pushing didn't take long at all, I think I might have pushed maybe 8 times and he was out.  I couldn't believe it, after the contractions going allll nite long, the pushing part was fast and "easy."  My mom and dad has been out in the waiting area since I took the shower and had the worsening contractions - they didn't know it was "time" or anything, but apparently I was screaming so loud they heard me out there.  Haha.  I didn't scream at all having Preston, but this time around it felt like the only thing that would help... and I guess it did.  He was born at 5:54am.He came out and they put him on my chest and all I could think/say was "it's over, he's here!"  Then I was completely clear headed (from the fog of the med) and felt no pain/tiredness/anything at all.  It was amazing. 



Callen Levi was NOT 10.5 lbs, thank God!  He was 8 lbz, 4.6 oz and 20.5 inches long... just perfect (Preston was 7lbs, 4oz, 20 1/4 inches long).  He was perfectly healthy, no breathing problems like Preston (thank you, Jesus!) and because I had been there so long he didn't have to have any meds (I tested postive for Group B Strep, so while I was there all nite, I had two rounds of antibiotics for that - he didn't need any).  They cleaned him up a little, did their thing while my doctor did her thing to me...and gave him right back... he latched on after just a few tries and fed well right away.

Warning! Gross part!: Michael ran across the street and brought back donuts and I scarfed down a piggy, which ended up being a big mistake.  When I finally got up from the bed to head for the bathroom, there was so much blood and that donut didn't sit well, I yakked.  The nurse was impressed at my reflexes, 'cause I felt it coming, snatched up the trashcan across the room and made no mess for her.  What can I say?  I'm an expert ralpher.  I felt much better after that, though.  Haha.



Got moved to the regular room by 8am and settled in.  Unfortunately we were to be there for longer than I wanted.  I had discussed with my doctor about being let out after 24 hours, and she said that would be fine since everything was smooth... but it was ultimately up to the pedi who looked over Callen.  He said that since I had tested positive for Group B, the baby had to stay 48 hours.  BOOOOO!  So, we were in for another nite.  I have to say that this hospital was a million times better than the one I had Preston at.  However, I didn't want to spend more time there than necessary.  All three days there was construction going on consistantly... with two of the days having guys on scaffolding right at my window off and on ALL day.  It was rather ridiculous.  The food was good, though... and I watched a lot of cable TV... haha. 

Seriously... crazy!

The first day Callen's blood sugar levels were low, and they watched them (and poked him, poor baby) very closely... but eventually it rose enough that they left us alone.  He had to have one small syringe full of formula at one point to help supplement the breast milk (which wasn't in yet, obviously), but he was great after that.  Then, the whole having to stay 'cuz of the Group B thing.  And on the third morning (Fri) there was some concern about his jaundice level.  Sigh.  Thankfully, the pedi agreed to let us go that morning... however it took the nurse in charge of me like 4 more hours to get her stuff together and get us out the door.  Super frustrating, but finally free... we got home around 11am on Friday. 



Like most newborns, Callen sleeps most of the time, is hungry most of the time and is pooping and peeing like a pro.  Haha.  Preston is very sweet with him, talks in a small voice to him and sings to him.  He is at the age where is very fond of Daddy, so he's enjoying all the extra Daddy attention for sure.  I think Preston and Callen are gonna be good friends.

In comparison, this is Preston.

This is Callen.  They are brothers!

Playing together:

Friday, March 12, 2010

Callen Is Born...

My little guy arrived at 5:54am on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010!

Callen Levi
8lbs, 5oz, 20.5" long


Story to come...

Monday, March 8, 2010

When will "Little Brother" make his appearance?

[Originally posted Monday, February 22nd at 11:48AM]
This was a lot of fun four years ago when I did it with Preston, so let's try it again....

For the record: My due date is Thursday, March 4th. 

History: Preston's first due date was December 3rd, then moved to the 5th, he came on the 4th.

FYI: I don't plan on being induced or anything like that if I can help it (unless he stays in there tooooo long), I want to go as naturally as possible so I don't have a set date... completely open to whenever he decides to come.

When do you think Baby Boy Clark #2 will be born?
Monday, February 22nd -
Tuesday, February 23rd -
Wednesday, February 24th -
Thursday, February 25th - Mary
Friday, February 26th -
Saturday, February 27th - Darlene, Kenzi
Sunday, February 28th - Jill
Monday, March 1st - Rosie, Val, Lindsay, Abbie
Tuesday, March 2nd - Kristen, Trish
Wednesday, March 3rd - David L., Payge, Candi
Thursday, March 4th - Jade, Leah, Jen, Alison, Kathy
Friday, March 5th - David D., Joel
Saturday, March 6th - Mel, Becca
Sunday, March 7th - David T.
Monday, March 8th -
Tuesday, March 9th - Sarah, Jordan
Wednesday, March 10th - CALLEN WAS BORN (and no one picked this date, haha!)
Beyond? -  Brenda (Mar 12th), Melissa (Mar 15th)


[EDIT: Added Fri., March 5th at 11:54am]
Due date came and went.  Doctor let me know yesterday that there is still no progression... but I am hopeful he comes this weekend.  If he doesn't, I have a scheduled induction on the evening of Tuesday, March 9th... so at least there's an end in sight.  But HOPEFULLY he comes on his own this weekend! [/EDIT]

[EDIT: Added Mon., March 8th at 9:55pm]
Still no baby yet.  I've had some tightness and what could be contractions, but nothing consistent enough to be real labor.  As the scheduled induction rapidly approaches, I have changed my mind... I do not want to be induced.  I called and left a message for my doctor this afternoon asking her to cancel the appointment, but didn't get a returned call.  I'll try again tomorrow.  I hope that she agrees with me and lets me hold off at least a few more days.  I really want to go naturally, and starting off the labor by chemically inducing contractions does not sound good to me at all.  I thought scheduling the induction for Tuesday evening would surely give this little guy enough time to come on his own, but apparently he's just not ready yet.  I don't want to rush him, would like to at least give him a few more days to work up the courage to venture out.  So, we'll see what happens when I talk to the doctor tomorrow about it.  Once again, everything is up in the air, but I'm much more confident in NOT getting induced than I am in going through with it at this point. [/EDIT]

[EDIT: Added Fri., March 12th at 9:35pm]
Well, I WAS induced after all, and Callen Levi Clark was born on 03/10/10 - story to come! [/EDIT]