A Christmas Retrospective

Look what we found under the tree!















Here at 1.5 years old (after tears) agreeing to sit on the doggie.



















2.5 LOVING the tree



















3.5 trying to look sweet...

Daniel Craig

I was a nonbeliever. Bond can't be blonde and blue-eyed. I wanted Clive Owen (and still think he would have made an excellent choice). But Mr. Craig pulled it off. Complete and total hotness. Not that I would EVER objectify a man. I don't usually like action flicks. Not really into Bond. But this was a damn good story. 2.5 hours long and I would have sat through another hour without a complaint.

4lbs, 6 oz. & February 5th

I had two doctor's appointments this week - Tuesday with the perinatologists for a sonogram and Wednesday with my ob for a routine check (and to officially schedule the c-section for February 5th). All is looking ok.

Baby boy is only up 2 oz! That's a good thing. He's still growing and is 90% for size and weight in utero. How they know this I have no clue. There is still persisting abdominal fluid which is freaking me out but doesn't appear to be worrying the docs too much. I am not sure if they are not too worried because they know there is nothing they can do about it but wait till he is on the outside or if its truly not a big deal. So .. I worry. Its what I do now. I don't like anything that is not normal, but relatively speaking I guess for this baby its ok. Lungs are looking great. He's very active and got another 8 of 8 on fetal movement.

So from here we are going to the OB every other week until January, then its every week. Perinatologists want to see me weekly from here on out. In theory, 8 weeks of doctor's appointments to go. I based on nothing but my own gut do not think I will make it 8 more weeks. I think we'll be meeting this baby in late January. But that's just me! I feel more pregnant NOW than I did at the end with the girl! Boys!

A Fun Holiday Questionnaire

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Oh both...Love egg nog if it involves RUM and is nice and cold. Warm egg nog NO! Hot chocolate is yummy goodness!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa wraps using his own special wrapping paper, unless said present is HUGE and then it just goes under the tree with a big bow.

3. Colored lights on tree/house--colored or white? WHITE. Only. Though when we go Christmas Light looking we enjoy the colors!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving or the first weekend in December. This year we started WAY early because I am only gonna be marginally mobile for a little while longer. As it was getting the lights on the tree was a challenge. MEN + Lights = DISASTER!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mom's sweet potatoes - they are caramelized goodness & my gramma's homemade noodles (which I now make because she's no longer around). And anything my Godmother makes!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? STOCKINGS! Love love love the stocking. I still whine if mine is not properly filled!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was about 8 I think...I think I suspected but held onto the fantasy cause it meant more presents! Then a present appeared under the tree before Christmas from Santa. MOM was found out!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Usually just 1!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? White lights and ornaments that signify something. I try to get an ornament everywhere we visit so there is a cowboy hat from San Antonio and a Cactus from Arizona, my favorite is the really sparkly Fleur de lis from New Orleans. There are also a couple of Ella's Christmas pictures framed from year's past and a few I made as a kid. Its like an adventure every year. Ella spent the entire time we decorated this year unwrapping an ornament and exclaiming "OH MY GOODNESS, THIS IS BEAUTIFUL" and then proceeding to hang 4 per branch.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love to look at it. I hate it when it keeps me immobile. As long as we can go and do I am ok. If I am homebound for more than a day I hate it!

12. Can you ice skate? Have you ever fallen on the ice? Um, NO. Never tried but I am pretty sure still no. Plus the center of gravity is a bit off these days. I don't think I have fallen on the ice.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? The one that is most memorable was a crayola color craft center that I got when I was about 7 or 8 from my godmother. I LOVED IT. It had everything ... scissors, paint, crayons galore. I was also truly ecstatic when I got my first walkman - it was the yellow sony one ... anyone else have one of those?

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Trying to not become overwhelmed and trying to take the time to catch up with old friends and my family. Plus, making it somewhat magical for Ella. It really is way more fun with a kid!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pecan pie!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree with Ella. Can it be a tradition if we've only done it a couple of years?

17. What tops your tree? A big gold bow.

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving when I get it just right and find the perfect thing for someone. Receiving when I get something and I realize that someone really knows me based on what they got me.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love the new Sarah McLachlan Christmas CD - Wintersong - her voice is so beautiful. Love Ave Maria too. Jingle Bell Rock!

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? YUM! Love Peppermint!

Christmas Decorating

Well, our holiday decorating is in full swing. The tree is up. The banisters are decorated. The door is lit, the wreath is hung. Everything it seems is done. I am also doing my part to keep the UPS and FedEx drivers in a job, the deliveries have begun.

I am proud to say I have COMPLETED all shopping for the kids in my life. Now, if only the adults were that easy.

Post Turkey Coma

Thanksgiving People















Magster & Alana up to no good.















Us -aren't we so sweet :)

It's the Monday after Thanksgiving and I am still in the post-turkey coma phase. Hopefully I will come out of it in time for Christmas. I should have gone to bed before midnight last night! Every day of this long weekend seemed like Sunday, so when Sunday finally arrived I was in denial.

We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. It began with my mama coming to town on Wednesday afternoon - the day of her 57th birthday! The girl and I had made cupcakes for her and wrapped presents. They were so excited to see each other! Gram picked her up early at Jeannie's for the day. Wednesday night we went out for a birthday dinner and then came home to sleep.

We were up early on Thursday to prepare our contributions to the thanksgiving lunch at my godmother's. My granny's homemade egg noodles from me and carmelized sweet potatoes from my ma. YUM! Smelling those all the way to Richmond was torture. Thanksgiving at Kathykins was great. There was tons of food and family and the girl thoroughly enjoyed playing with her cousins.

Christmas ambition set in on Saturday with us going out to get a Christmas tree, putting up our decorations and decorating the tree in the evening. The little one was LOTS of help. Every ornament she pulled out got an "OH MY GOSHHHHHHHH THIS IS BEAUTIFUL" oh, to be a child again! Last night hubby and I battled the garland with lights for the bannister. What a total PITA. But we got it done. Tonight the last phase, the garland with lights for the front door. Then we are pretty much set. Except I think every day I am gonna here "Mama, when is Christmas? Is today Christmas?"

Tis the season...

4lbs, 4oz

A face shot for your viewing enjoyment. It is now official - this baby boy is an over achiever. He is measuring about a week bigger than a standard baby. Nothing to worry about and not surprising considering the girl has always been at the top or off of the growth chart! So I have big babies, sue me!

We went today for a "routine" sonogram check. The fluid on the lungs is still gone. YAY. The fluid in the belly is still there, actually accounting for some of those ounces. Boo. It is less this time but only marginally so - down from 1 oz to .93 oz. Still we are happy to take less.

Fetal movements are great - 8 out of 8 (and who makes an 8 pt scale anyway?).

He seems happy. I go back on Tuesday, December 5th for anther "routine" scan.

I am supposed to go to Utah the week after thanksgiving for our conference site visit but I am thinking that's not gonna happen. Chances are all would be fine, but I am not so into taking any chances right now. At first I think I was euphoric after the lungs cleared and thought I am fine ... but I just would never forgive myself if after all this something happened that I could have prevented.

So my husband says...

The other night we are just chatting and he says to me, "I feel sorry for our kids future spouses."

Me: "Why?"

Hubby: "Well I feel sorry for the Ella's because well she's Ella"

Me: "WHAT!" (she's not high maintenance or anything, she just knows what she wants!)

Hubby: "And I feel sorry for our son's future wife, well because of you."

Me: "WHAT!" (though I know EXACTLY what he is saying.)

I continue: "You are probably right, I'll be way worse than your mother and I won't give up as easily!"

So ... which brings me to this. Don't we all think the baby boy will need this shirt?

Back To Business

After an entire week - 7 days ... count'em - with no doctor appointments we are gearing up for another round of baby related things.

Today I had an early morning dental cleaning. Nice clean polished teeth feel so lovely.

Lunchtime Massage appointment today as well. My back is doing better but I have decided massages every other week are key.

Tomorrow we have NOTHING.

Thursday I need to go for my glucose test (which requires fasting so we do this first thing in the morning) and for my bile acid bloodwork.

Friday first thing in the morning I will go for my rhogram injection. That's for my RH - status. I got one after the first amnio, but they recommend a 2nd injection at 28 weeks. Then I get to see my best buddy, Dr. Ghidini again. Just a routine check to measure baby and check the lungs via sonogram. I am slightly nervous but confident things will still be good.

Tuesday of next week I go for my next OB check-up with Dr. J-C. That is when we will schedule the c-section.

Then I get to relax & enjoy Thanksgiving!

The big sister's room is finally coming together. While I was out relaxing with my friend KK last night getting a pedicure and having dinner, Dad & the girl put together her new dresser (she hammered & was very proud) and 4 bookcases for her new room. Really now it is just a matter of moving her bed, clothes, and wall hangings etc. Hopefully by this weekend she'll be settling into the new digs. I'll post pictures once we get it done.

We're supposed to be here this week...

Who Did This?

My mama took this picture of me this past weekend when I was visiting her. WHO DID THIS? All of a sudden I am huge! 6 months +.

The Girl & I go to the Oyster Fest

The Girl and I decided to celebrate our good news last week with a trip to the 49th annual Urbanna Oyster Festival (her 5th my 28th or so). Dad had to work and thus couldn't join us. With the boss' approval we decided to play hookie and got up on Friday morning and headed to Gramma's!

















Happy to be at Gram's house!

The Good News Just Continues

From least to most important....

1. Britney dumps K-Fed --- Isn't FedEx the BEST celeb moniker ever?

2. Dems take the House!

3. Dems appear to take the senate with VIRGINIA'S new senator elect Webb. Just a few months ago, behind 16 points in the polls. Thank you former Governor & soon to be former Senator Maccaca Allen!

4. Rumsfeld steps down!

5. We have our first EVER female Speaker of the House.

6. It appears that "deciding factor" Justice Kennedy is at least asking the tough and good questions on the current abortion case before the Surpreme Court. Can I just reiterate ... No Uterus...NO OPINION. Still, I was heartened to hear some justice on NPR (not sure which one) in the proceedings yesterday say and I am paraphrasing, "But we aren't talking about any fetus who would be viable outside the womb. These are not fetuses who are going to live. Period." And maybe the same guy maybe someone else chiming in saying that shouldn't judges stay out of the way of the doctors and the women faced with the decisions, i.e. the judge makes a bad decision and a woman pays for it with her future fertility or even her life.

Maybe I am hypersensitive to this issue having just faced a potential "late-term" abortion. I was 19 weeks pregnant when we found out that our baby was struggling. We had an ultrasound tech actually use the word "catastrophic" in reference to the potential problems. Typically, the edema and fluid on the lungs is a sign that the baby has a devastating anamoly - genetic or structural - and is NOT going to make it. It looks like we are going to be EXTRAORDINARILY fortunate and have faced down incredible odds. Babies with this have a 2-50% survival rate depending on the underlying cause. That means more than HALF don't make it.

I can NOT imagine ending a pregnancy that I wanted, especially when you are half way there. But what I can NOT imagine even more than that is being told I have NO CHOICE but to carry to term & deliver a child that is dead or who will die shortly after delivery. Many woman choose that route. Others do not, finding it to be severely emotionally traumatizing. How about this? Let's let the women actually faced with the decision, in consultation with their doctors, decide!

I am not 100% sure what I would have decided if I had to make a decision. Thank goodness I did not have to go there. However, I do know the important thing to me and my psychological health was that I had a choice. I could decide. Either way. I always believed in my convictions before being put to this test. Now, I even more firmly believe that no one can make that decision for anyone else. It is so personal and so difficult that is makes it impossible to be absolutist.

Life Is Good & Alessandro Ghidini is my favorite person on the planet...

The fluid is gone!!!!! I just got back from the follow-up sonogram and there were two perfect lungs. Dr. Ghidini indicates that once this resolves it doesn't reappear. Can you say RELIEF? The skin swelling is all gone. The lungs are totally clear. He looks healthy and kicked the hell out of the sonogram probe (I think he was thinking last time a needle poked me after I felt that thing). There is a small pocket of fluid in the belly but that is usually the last to resolve he says and should be gone by the follow-up.

I was SOOOOO Nervous today before the appointment. When asked how I am I am typically a "fine" "doing well" kind of responder. Well, when they asked me today I fessed up to being so nervous I thought I might throw up. I had tears in my eyes before he even put the jelly on my belly! Then I hear "I see lungs" and I say, "LUNGS as in 2" and he says, "Yes, two beautiful lungs!" I was bawling. I couldn't speak. The Doc very funny "where's my stoic mom? This is good news!" I was able to say Thank you and I love you I think. Love love love Dr. Ghindini. He has been a rock through this procedure and he even said I was a great mom/patient. Usually (as we suspected) moms are a bit more freaked out --- understandably so. I tried and was for the most part very zen. Yoga breathing, not stressing, asking good questions but not overly anxious. I figured what good will it do for me to totally freak out? Ok on the inside, I was freaking out.

I don't really believe in miracles ... so I am chalking this up to a miracle assisted by a couple of medical interventions. I go back in 2 weeks for measurements and to make sure everything is as it should be but he said to expect a totally normal outcome!

I am in shock. Happy shock, but shock. We've gone from fatalistic, to measured hope, to pretty much damn we are going to have to get ready for this baby! Thank you to every single one of you who has counseled, listened, hugged, and sent positive vibes our way. I feel like I can breathe for the first time in 6 weeks and 4 days!

Today I am Nervous...

I don't know why (well that's a lie) but the closer I get to sonogram appointments the more anxious and frayed I get. I manage well for most of the time when its off in the distance - a week or more away. Even 3 days + I am ok. Then it gets to be the day before and then the day of and I get very worked up. And the harder I try to be calm, the less calm I am. I am sure it is the lack of control and the not knowing what we'll see that is making me crazy, but it is MAKING ME CRAZY.

I get crabby. I get busy. I try to do too much. To distract myself. I worry. I know that nothing I do can change what we will see ... either more fluid, less fluid, no fluid. It is a balancing act because I want to be prepared for the worst but even when you tell yourself not to hope for total resolution you have that glimmer of hope that they ultrasound will show its all gone! You don't want to hope for that, because you don't want to be disappointed, but in reality you can't help but hope.

This kid is the greatest test of my life. The thing I can't believe is that every break so far is going in our direction. That too has to give us hope. My OB yesterday said at the next appointment in 3 weeks (November 21) we'll schedule my c-section for 38 weeks. As if scheduling it can make it so! She's very into the power of positive thinking. We talked - our appointments are more like counseling sessions now than OB appointments. So she comes in after everything is looking ok - BP is fine, weight is good, measurements are good - and sits and says, "Talk to me." So I talk. She listens. She tells me I am absolutely right to be scared to death but also to have hope. Because there are so many things pointing to the fact that this kid is strong and that he's fighting and that whatever is wrong its not structural, its not chromosomal, its not infectious.

I can't give up. Not just yet. 25 weeks, 4 days ... and COUNTING.

Us in STJ

Let the Appointments Resume...

Today at 10:30 am I have my routine 6 month ob appointment. Measure the bump, pee in a cup, take the blood pressure, and generally make sure MOM is relatively healthy.

Tomorrow at lunchtime I am squeezing in a back massage --- Thank you Jenny for fitting me in --- to hopefully give my back some relief. I am not an s-curve today but its still pretty pinched.

Tomorrow at 2 pm we go in for our fluid check-up/sonogram. I sound like a used car going in for an oil change. If the check is good ... we're done for now (for like a week). If little man has more fluid on the lung then we are back to the hospital Friday morning for another thoracocentesis.

Let the games begin again.........

I am in love!

Ok, no its not the hubby...or the girl...or the baby to be. I love them all. But I have found the new love of my life.

The belly bra. When you are pregnant and have a bad lower back you think nothing will help. Well after a weekend of suffering I decided to put it on just to see if it would help. It didn't heal me like a miracle or anything but it sure helps! I love it! You too can own one ... find it at target!

Happy Halloween!

Should it not be criminal to be this CUTE!?

Lovin' the new sofa...Hating Ultrasound Associates

The new furniture has arrived. Delivery time: 11am - 3pm. They actually showed at 11am! WHO HOOO! Who knew that deliveries could actually come as scheduled. Anyway, the guys were great and did a great job of getting everything in and together. New dining set looks great. Love the sofa! I see lots of races to get to the wedge chaise portion FIRST!

This is kind of an odd week as we don't have a bunch of doctor's appointments and things to deal with. I guess just moving in the right direction is good right?

I did have the pleasure of discussing denied insurance claims this morning with BC/BS. Seems they are a bit confused and their "SYSTEM" won't allow them to process two claims for the same procedure (even though it was two different providers) on the same day. So day 1 of this ordeal when we went for the horrid ultrasound and then were immediately sent for a follow-up that same afternoon they thought "duplicate claim" let's just deny one. So I get a $485 bill from the lovely folks at Ultrasound Associates who as those who have been keeping up will remember handled the situation so gracefully in the beginning! NOT! Anyway, it seems all I have to do is file an appeal, but seriously ... why? Why, when I just explained it do I have to appeal it? And why does it take 10 minutes and pressing of 100 digits to get a human being?

There a little vent and I feel better...

Baby's Ipod Music Mix

Music, I find, can be very healing & can bring peace when most nothing else will. So I've made a baby ipod mix. Some are sad, some are hopeful, some make me cry, some make me smile. Kind of sums up the emotions I have been feeling for the last 5 weeks and counting...

Grace - Kate Havensvick
Answer - Sarah McLachlan
Baby - DMB
Blackbird - Sarah McLachlan version of the Beetles song
Broken - Jack Johnson
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (thanks Mari) Grey's Anatomy 2nd Season soundtrack
Cocoon - Jack Johnson
F-Stop Blues - Jack Johnson
Full of Grace - Sarah McLachlan
Love's Recovery - Indigo Girls
Not Going Anywhere
Out of My Hands - DMB
Riverwide - Sheryl Crow
So Damn Lucky - DMB
Surround Me - James Taylor's kid, Ben
The Cove - Jack Johnson
The Long Day is Over - Norah Jones
The Nearness of You - Norah Jones
Why Worry - Dire Straights
Wonderful - India Arie

A minor complaint...

I know in the grand scheme of things this is MINOR ... but what what what is with the indigestion. I have gotten used to the night time recurrent version. Propping yourself up on pillows does help. But today I have it even sitting up!

We are on a roll...

Cleaning ladies were here today. The house is all lovely and sparkling clean. I love them. (I know uppity & indulgent but I am pregnant and can't do the stuff I normally do so clean sheets and vacuuming are so nice when someone else did the work!)

Went to Benjamin Moore this morning at 7am - me and a bunch of contractor dudes getting paint.

Lined up a friend to come help daddy move furniture tomorrow night so we have room for the new stuff.

Johanna is taking the white cabinet!

Martin the painter is coming Friday morning to paint our master bedroom and the girls new room - that way we won't be in the house over the weekend with the funk!

that's all.....

Gramma & the Girl

Here's a shot of gramma and the girl at the pumpkin patch. Aren't they so cute?

Steroid Injections Hurt

I had my 2nd steroid injection this morning to stimulate lung development. No more docs for one week. WHO HOO. I love all of my docs but I am getting tired of seeing them and I am sure they have other patients.

I am optimistic. Things are looking up. I am keeping my hopes in check but am hopeful.

We are having the girlie's new room painted this week - she & I decided on Odessa Pink - a lovely shade of pale rosey pink. I also FINALLY picked a color for our master bedroom - Soft Sand. A sandy color with a hint of pink. I figured a bit more versatile then green and a little less boring than having a 3rd BLUE room though I was tempted. Baby's room will stay yellow and won't be assembled until we are closer to the due date.

Dr. J-C said today that 30 weeks is the magic number. Babies can make it from 24 weeks on - not all but many do make it - but after 30 weeks your chances at good health are much better. That's less than 6 weeks from now so baby-to-be and I will try to behave ourselves. It is very hard for me to slow down. There is always so much to do it seems and with the 4 year old you can only rest so much. Hubby is totally stepping up but still its hard to just not do stuff for myself. I don't know how mama's on bedrest do it. I would lose my mind.

That's about it for now. We are heading out of town this weekend for W&M homecoming and a visit to gramma's house. Hopefully, just relaxing and passing the time. Next week Wednesday OB visit and Thursday another look at the baby via sonogram to see how things are going in there.

Baby Check-up

Post-Thoracocentesis check looked pretty good. We have two inflated lungs, which is a huge relief. There is a little fluid that seems to be re-accumulating on the left lung but much less than was there. Never have we gone for a sonogram and seen most of the left lung inflated so it was a very welcome sight! They also re-checked him for anemia and tested for a very rare but sometimes related syndrome (Noonan's) - ALL turns out to be negative. Everything is pointing toward he just doesn't quite have the hang of clearing this lymph fluid yet. But signs look hopeful that he is learning how to do so. its entirely possible they will never know exactly why this is happening.

Baby boy is now 1 lb, 14 oz.

The other thing they did today was a steroid injection to stimulate lung development. Just another helping hand if the baby does come early. Apparently it improves their odds at least 50%. I did one shot today and will do one more tomorrow.

Next on the schedule for me is a follow-up next Thursday, Nov 2 to check the fluid and they have preemptively scheduled me for a 3rd thoracocentesis on Friday, November 3rd IF they need it. I am hopeful they won't!

Thoracocentesis #2

Yesterday went well. There was actually less fluid in the chest before the procedure than had been there at the previous week's follow-up sonogram, so we all took that as a good sign. Hubby is our layperson guide because he has some eerie ability to see and understand that black and white fuzzy sideways image. Oh, and also to remember. He mentioned to the doctor that it looked like less. The doc looked at the measurements to double-check but confirmed that yes, hubby was right. I thought they were gonna have him scrub in.

Still the fluid was there and it was compressing the left lung so they proceeded as planned to get the fluid out. Since I didn't even have mild sedation I remember it much more clearly than round 1. And no, it is not a comfortable procedure but it isn't horrible. If it wasn't such a crazy thing & happening to me personally it would be really interesting. So it was decided to not use an OR cause the labor and delivery floor was out of control. They did the procedure right there in the room. I thought they were just checking me out and the next thing I know I see a tray full of implements. I will say again, I love my perinatalogist. He is funny and human but extremely competent and in control. Exactly what you hope for when you are about to get poked through the uterus with no sedation. They did give me a percocet and a shot of lidocain. Still, as he said ... nothing local will numb the uterus, sorry. Still, it is amazing what a mom will go through for her kid. For my personal sake, I'd have been freaking out but since I know it was for him ... I just went very zen. Even when the needle got stuck on a rib (we think). This may seem to mean the doc doesn't know what he's doing but no .. think about it .. the kids chest cavity is probably 5-6 inches circumference. The ribs are tiny but very close together and how do you get in there without going through the ribs...you don't. Anyway he got in and drained the fluid. Hubby was right. They took about 15 ccs of fluid this time. They had removed 35 ccs the first time.

They kept me in observation for about 4 hours looking for contractions in me or distress in the baby and we were both perfect patients. We go on Monday for follow-up to see if the fluid is back and if it is more or less. Dr. G also said the general edema under the baby's skins has almost completely resolved. Another good sign. I am actually feeling that is it possible that the baby may be figuring out how to do what its supposed to do with this fluid and we have a shot at resolution. Of course, we just have to keep waiting and watching.

Pirate Girl

The girl doing her best pirate impersonation. I don't think anyone is going to be scared into handing over their treasure, do you?

STJ is not meant to be for 2006

So we made the decision to cancel/postpone the trip slated for November 11-18, 2006 to St. John. Yes, that's me waving GOOD BYE to the beautiful island of STJ for '06. But its all for a good cause.

There is just so much going on & the prospect of being on a remote island far from my doctors is just not appealing. I am seeing a doctor (or two) at least once a week at this point and really in the grand scheme its not worth any risk. St. John will be there for me when I need it. Right now I need to be here. Close to Dr. G & Dr. J-C.

Car rental - Canceled, no penalty --- Thank you Carment at Conrad Sutton!

House rental - Postponed, no penalty though they could have kept our $1500 deposit. They will hold the deposit until we re-book when we know when we want to re-book --- Thank you Lori of Destination St. John!

Airfare - Canceled with miles redeposited, $50 per ticket. Better than kissing 120,000 worth of skymiles good bye. (We now have 230,000 skymiles --- trip to India anyone). Thank you a little bit Delta.

Our plan for now is wait and see how things turn out with the baby boy. Perhaps we'll make a trip in the late Spring early summer or maybe we'll just really save ourselves and go nuts and go for Thanksgiving or something next in 2007. There is no question that we will return, the only question is when.

Is it wrong to love your perinatologist?

Yesterday was a better day. Amazingly it is not because the status is better or has really changed much, it is simply because I saw Dr. Ghidini. The man has a way with words that just puts me at ease.

My mama came to town to join me as the timing didn't allow for little girl pick-up and both parents being at the appointment. I thought it was a nice gesture of my mom, but it was far more than that. I think I am so tough, but really having her there for even a simple non-invasive sonogram was very reassuring. I just can't believe how she & so many of our friends have really stepped up for us. THANK YOU!

Anyway, we asked a lot of questions and got some reassurance that the approach we are taking is just as it should be. I was fearful we were losing valuable time/not being aggressive enough. He really put my mind at ease that we were on the right track and taking the correct approach. Starting as least invasively as we can and then taking it up a notch if necessary. I was very concerned over a conversation I had with the other doctor a while back that I misinterpreted. MY understanding was that 22-24 weeks was critical for lung development. I am 23w, 2d. Yes, we are counting days now. So my thought was if we miss this window we are doomed. Well, the way Dr. G explained it was that 22-24 weeks is when lung development begins. So YES it is important for us to try to resolve this but its not like all hope is lost if by 24 weeks we haven't fixed the problem. Whew. That is a load off of my mind.

He sees a lot that is encouraging. For example, the baby's heart is great. The baby's movements are great & very active. Baby is breathing the amniotic fluid. Behaving exactly as should be EXCEPT for the damn fluid.

Yesterday's appt was primarily to check the fluid to determine if it was stable enough to wait until Thursday for drain #2. It was. The lung still has fluid on it and there is a bit in the abdomen and it is starting to minorly affect the other lung, but not severely. So it was decided to do another drain on Thursday. It can take up to 3 drains for this to resolve. If it doesn't resolve after this drain we are going to start thinking seriously about shunting.

If we go in that direction, I would most likely be referred to CHOP - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - for the placement of the shunt. But we won't move in the direction of even making that decision until at the earliest Monday when we see the result of the 2nd tap. If we do have to go there, we talked to our good friend and pediatrician and he says that CHOP is the best Children's hospital in the US. VERY reassuring. We all hope we don't have to go there. However, if we do it is nice to know it is the best.

Also, starting next week I will get steroid injections for the baby to help with lung (and all organ) maturation. Since preterm, premie delivery is often a complication with this and because I am getting very close to the realm of viability on the outside for this little one it is good to do everything we can to help him out. Again, our pediatrician says to not do the shots would just be crazy. So again I feel better about that!

Wish us luck. I am feeling hopeful today. At a minimum I know we are doing everything in our power to improve the odds for our outcome. We are doing everything we can for this sweet, tough baby boy who deserves no less. What is meant to be will for sure be. No matter what that is to be is not for me to decide. I just know that I will never regret doing everything I can to improve the odds and give him a fair shot.

Oh and we are skipping anesthesia this time in hopes that I won't be puking for 10 hours the next day!

Busy Weekend

Well we had a busy and productive weekend! We went to Richmond Saturday afternoon and stayed until late in the night for Maggie's birthday. She is 13! She was born when I was a sophomore in college. Now I really feel OLD! Hanging around 10 12-13 year olds is quite the eye opener. It was a fun time though & as always great food at the Godmother's home!

Yesterday we got up and headed out to the Renaissance Festival in Maryland. I had only been one time before and wasn't all that gung ho, though I knew the girl and her dad would enjoy it. We joined our good friends, KK and her hubby, there and had a great time. We ended up staying from 10:30 am until almost 5 pm! Needless to say, we were all pretty tired.

Today I am dragging my tail a bit. I would love to be SLEEPING right now. I am working until 3ish and then off to the doctor...again.

Baby Boy

For those of you following the saga ... I thought I would treat you to a picture. Even the doc said he's a beautiful boy. For now we are just waiting for Monday and the next procedure or two. I am constantly second guessing myself but I think it is smart to go this route and then consider a shunt if the fluid doesn't resolve itself.

Like I said the doc did say it can take up to 3 procedures for this to resolve, if & that's a big IF I think, if its going to resolve. My OB is a bit concerned because of the risk of infection and after three procedures she says she'd be hesitant to just keep poking. Then we have to seriously think about the pros and cons of a shunt.

Pro: Could keep the fluid out of the lung continuously

Con: Difficult to place, could result in an immediate crisis (i.e. death) for the baby & possibly infection in me.

It may be our only shot though. So I am thinking ... A LOT. So much that I wish my brain would shut down and google would go off line!

Not the best news....

Well it is not what we hoped for but pretty much what we expected. The fluid pressing on the baby's left lung is back. Every bit as much as before. Makes me kind of wonder why they drained it at all, except maybe the hope that it would stay gone. They say it could take up to 3 drains. Still, I worry because now we are in the lung development phase. What if the baby's lung just doesn't develop? Fortunately the right lung looks good. The heart looks good.

So what's next. Another sonogram Monday. If it is stable, we wait until Thursday for another thoracentesis. If it is not stable, i.e. more fluid, they will do an immediate thorocentesis on Monday afternoon. So more waiting .... till 3:30 Monday at least.

Wish us luck...

Tomorrow we find out if by some miracle this baby problem has been resolved. Wish us luck. 10:45 am. About 12 hours or so. Can you tell I am growing anxious and impatient?

Waiting...

So just two more days until we go and find out how the baby is doing. From my perpective baby is still very active and seems to be doing well. However, I want to see the ultrasound and know one way or another what is going on. I think this is all a lesson in patience for me. Never my strong suit, this experience has tested my patience like NO other.

I am also getting just slightly bitter over little things. Like I've had let's count them - 7 sonograms - the Pediatric Cardiologist alone took over 60 images - and I have NOT a single b&w of this baby. Yes, I understand this is petty and not a huge deal and I am trying to keep my chin up but I can't help but feel a little cheated. This is supposed to be a happy and joyous time. The calm before the storm. The time to make your husband wait on you hand and foot because you can. I am telling you all the fun of that is totally removed when you NEED your husband to wait on you hand and foot.

I ended up having a MISERABLE Wednesday after the smooth procedure last Tuesday. I felt great the rest of Tuesday, kept off my feet, rested, ate well, slept well. Woke up Wednesday morning feeling like I was going through detox. Now I know why addicts are addicts - well at least some of them - its not because they LOVE the drugs, its because the withdrawl is so horrible. I had one i/v of narcotics & sedation for the procedure followed by an entire day, from about 9 am until at least 10 pm of horrible headache and puking. Next time (if there is a next time) I say just do the procedure, forget the sedation. I was fine without it for the amnio. I mean no its not comfortable and yes this is a little more than an amnio, but 3 minutes of discomfort - even if somewhat significant - is far better in my opinion than 12 hours of feeling like I want to die.

I think most people are a bit more easily freaked out than I am and perhaps have a lower threshold for pain. I mean, I was totally calm, asked for the MINIMUM possible dose because I know how loopy it can make me & was collected and asking questions during the procedure. The docs humored me and seemed very happy to endulge my questions like "Is that the lung that just inflated?" "Is that is, are you done?" "Did you get all the fluid?" "What does it look like?" Immediately before the procedure, Dr. G had told me that he hoped the fluid would be Chyle and that it had a distinct look to it. They would have to test it of course to confirm but that he would know pretty much right away whether it was possible or not. Hence my questions.

I think we are consistently surprising them with our composure and our questions. Don't get me wrong I don't feel so composed sometimes but I think some people when faced with something like this simply can't cope. At first, my worst fear was just that. And at first, I admit I did just want to crawl in a hole until it was over. That lasted for 3 days. The 3 days between the very first indication of a problem and when we went back for the test results. The 3 longest days of my life. Still, since then, though hard, very very hard at times, I think I've pretty much pulled it together. I still cry. I worry constantly. And, yes, I feel a bit cheated. But in the long run, if we can get through this none of that will matter. If we can just get to the other side, I know I will be fine.

More Pictures from the Beach

This is the girl on the beach. Could she be any happier?


















Gramma, the girl & Mama. Just chilling out on the boardwalk after a day of Neptune Festing.















After the request "Daddy, BURY me in the sand please"




















And just one shot from Busch Gardens - it was all decorated for Halloween.

Chylothorax

Ever heard of it? Me neither. Well, it turns out that is what was in the baby's chest and it also turns out that is a good thing. The best of possible scenerios for now. We will learn more on Wednesday. Still not a great thing but of all the things that they could have pulled out it appears this is what you hope for.

The Baby

I am home now from my procedure this morning, have to stay off my feet for at least 24 hours and they recommend I not work until Friday. The procedure went smoothly. Baby tolerated it very well. Fluid looks like what they hoped it would which is indicative of a lymphatic drainage issue which is treatable. They are testing it to be sure that is what it is. It is the best case scenario we can hope for at this point.

The Baby's lung inflated right away and the doc was happy to see that. He seemed very positive. If it is this is it likely I will have to go in repeatedly (every week or two) for the same procedure to keep the fluid out as much as possible if it reaccumulates.

We feel very positive at the moment. On the upswing. Its still a rare, complicated and dangerous thing and we know that, but knowing that all the terrible things it could be are being ruled out and this is a treatable possibility is very encouraging.

Also the full amnio panel came back totally normal. So that is reassuring as well.

Next on tap ... Wednesday of next week we go back to Dr. G to see how the lung is doing with another sonogram & I go to Dr. J-C for my routine 5 month check-up. Yep, I am 5 months along now.

A Place to Direct My Anger...

Well thank you Rep. Foley & the republican party for giving me a place to direct my lingering hostilities.

"Yes, I am child predator, but really its because I am an alcoholic"?!?!?!

Leave it to the "moral majority" the party of the church to have this guy as a proud member. The worst part...the Repub leadership KNEW. KNEW. But you know what trumps pedophilia? That's right. A congressional seat. Anything to hold onto that seat.

Its ALWAYS the hypocrisy that gets me.

A Trip to the Beach

Well, just about nothing can make me feel any better with the possible exception of a trip to the beach. We just returned about an hour or so ago from Virginia Beach. We didn't get to leave as planned last Sunday due to Tuesday's doctor appointments, but we did leave Tuesday night.

We sunned, rested, played and just generally distracted ourselves for a week. The girl is a great distraction. We lucked into perfect weather. Enjoyed a day at Busch Gardens, a few days on the beach and the Neptune Festival. Gramma even joined us Friday afternoon - Sunday.

The Heart is good

Well we just are home for a few minutes before heading out to get something to eat and heading over to Alexandria hospital for another sonogram. We met with a pediatric cardiologist today for a fetal echo of the heart. He was very good and seemingly very thorough. Took about an hour to look at everthing that could possibly be going wrong with the baby's heart. Everything looks exactly as it should. I can't help but feel positive about this news but also still very worried.

It is good that they aren't finding any structural problems (it is amazing what they can see) but it is not good that they aren't finding out it is definitely X. The cause is still a total mystery.

I go at 3 for another sonogram to see if anything has changed.

An update

More on Baby ... I went to the Alexandria Perinatal Center on Friday for the results of the bloodwork & the amnio done on Monday. Everything is coming back negative. Everything they can find that would be causing this problem is not the cause. Which is good, but also not good. What they know is that there is a problem. They have no idea what is causing it and all the major possibilities have been ruled out for now. Not anything structurally wrong that they can see, not genetic abnormality, not chromosomal, not rh disease, not severe anemia in the baby, not viral infection.

To put it simply the baby is retaining significant amounts of fluid which typically means there is a significant infection or heart failure. There is fluid around - not in - but around the lungs so much so it has collapsed one lung. Not really as bad as it sounds at this point as the lungs are still not developed, but still horrifying. Fluid is also pushing the heart over. The heart looks structurally fine as well - no obvious issues on the on the sonogram. They problem is I am 20 weeks and there is critical lung development at 22-24 weeks so they are desperately trying to relieve the problem prior to that point in the pregnancy.

So what next.

Tomorrow in the morning I will go to a pediatric cardiologist for a special fetal heart eccocardiagram to really check out the baby's heart and make sure it is ok - my godmother who worked for over 20 years as an RN in a cardiac intensive care unit says its amazing what they can look for and determine even at this stage.

Tomorrow afternoon I will go for another sonogram to track the status of the baby. Dr. Ghidini just didn't want to go over a week without checking the baby. It will either show the baby is doing the same, better or worse.

After that hubby, the girl and I are heading to the beach. We are supposed to be at the beach right now but kind of got sidetracked by all of this unexpected stuff. We need to decompress as much as possible.

On next Tuesday, October 3, barring any major changes between now and then I will go to Alexandria Hospital L&D at 10 am for a 12 noon procedure to drain the fluid around the baby's lung. They are doing this for two reasons - 1) so they can send it away for analysis looking for infection or any indication of the cause and 2) to relieve the pressure on the baby's lung. It is not without risk to me or the baby but the alternative, doing nothing is riskier. Once the fluid is drained it could never reaccumulate (this is what we hope for) or it will just reaccumulate. It is possible what caused it is not an issue anymore and it will resolve itself. It is not a strong possibility, but it is possible.

This is all quite unbelievable to me, I can't quite get my head around it though I am considerably better now than I was last week. I did spend the weekend at my mom's on the river so that helped. Right now I know that everything that should be being done is being done. All we can do is wait. They overall prospects are not good, but it is hopeful that the main causes are being ruled out.

Here is on positive story of a good outcome.

A Hard Week

I am writing this knowing I may very well likely never post this on my blog. Monday morning by 8:35 am our lives were dramatically and suddenly turned upside down. At our routine sonogram, the technician saw something that concerned her. Something indicating that the baby is suffering from something very wrong. Right now we have no details. We went from the ultrasound office home stunned. Thank goodness we had decided not to take our daughter with us to the sonogram. All we expected to find out was is this a boy or a girl. We thought it might be fun for her to see the picture...even in black and white. I am just so glad something inside of us said don't take her.

Shortly after getting home I got a call from my ob. My cell didn't ring, so she left not 1 but 2 messages before I even realized she was calling. I called her back and that's when the reality started to hit. She had scheduled me for a visit with Dr. Ghidini. The same perinatolgist I had seen with my first pregnancy due to the cholestatis. Not only had she scheduled the visit but she would be there with me. To discuss our options. I felt a great sense of relief as weird as that sounds that this was in her hands and that she was actively and agressively taking on the situation.

We called my mom and she decided to head up to go to the 3pm appt wih us. I have to say we were and are just kind of stunned. Trying to work though this in our minds. Trying to understand. WE were prepared for Cholestatis. We were prepared for routine complications - high blood pressure, whatever. We were not prepared for this.

A 3pm we went to the hospital for the appt and received a second sonogram by Dr. Ghidini and then were advised to have a battery of blood tests and an amnio. They are taking what they call a parallel track. They know the baby is having a problem. What they don't know is why. They really have no idea. There are suspicions. But nothing conclusive. Structurally, physically the baby looks fine. Heart lungs arms legs all there. All as they should be.

So Monday was hard. Tuesday was harder. I am also RH- which meant because of the amnio I had to go back yesterday to the hospital for an injection to keep my body from rejecting the baby if it happens to be RH+. This meant waiting in the perinatal center with pregnant women coming in and out. I know if they are there - like me last time - they are being monitored. I also know the vast majority have healthy babies and will be lucky. I feel sad that I feel this way but I feel almost hopeless.

I spent most of yesterday alternating between rallying and knowing I will be ok, no matter tha outcome and just intense sadness and worry. We will have results by Friday. We go back in at 1:30 for a followup and to find out what they know from all the tests. Thankfully they fast tracked all the tests - usually these would take 10-14 days. Fortunately, we'll only have to wait 3 days. Still the longest 3 days of my life.

It is hardest at night when I lay down to go to sleep and I just can't. My mind won't turn off. Sadness overcomes me and I now know what it means to cry yourself to sleep. I have honestly never done that since I was young and clueless and suffering what I thought was a broken heart. The hardest thing is I can feel the baby. Moving. Living inside of me. Knowing that the outcome may be catastrophic is heart-breaking.

I am lucky though. I have one beautiful, smart, sweet, loving and incredibly intuitive daughter. She doesn't know anything is going on but still it is like she knows. She is gentle with me. Sweet to me. Yesterday morning while lying in bed, my husband put her next to me while I was sleeping and while he was getting ready and I woke to my hand being held and her saying "I love you mama." It doesn't get better than that. There is nothing that soothes like a gentle soul. My husband is suffering too. But he is being strong. I am sure for me. He is scared and worried and confused like I am. But he is also reassuring. We have talked alot which I think helps. Gone over possibilities, scenerios. And more than anything I know one thing that won't be shaken is our relationship with each other. Neither of us may escape unscathed, but we will manage and we will survive this. We have been able to be completely honest with each other. Even the things deepest in our hearts that we feel horrible for even thinking or feeling.

My mom is another saving grace. She came up on Monday as soon as she heard about the additional testing. She went home yesterday morning but called this morning to say she's taking the rest of the week off to be with me. I am trying to continue to function but I know I can't go to work. Where I have the choice to pretend like nothing is wrong or tell some truth that is really more than most people should or need to know. I hope that once we know more I will be able to pull it together enough to live. I have to. Right now I just am trying to get to Friday.

PS Please know I did decide to post this because I think its important for me to do so. I am not sure why I feel that way but I do. Also, please know that if you are reading this because you know about my blog and know me that I would really appreicate it if you kept this entire ordeal to yourself at least until we have figured out how and when to explain it to people.

8 WEEKS!!!!

Can you say EXCITED? Only 8 weeks until STJ 06. Hopefully I won't be mistaken for a beached whale while there.

Here you are treated to a photo of the Baths of Virgin Gorda in the British VI. A not to be missed daytrip if you are even in STJ. Just ask Barbo ... she'll tell you all about "the girls" going through the caves ;)

Oh what a beautiful babe!

Isn't the baby beautiful & the mom too. This photo courtesy of a friend of mine. His wife is on the elephant care team at the Indy Zoo. I just thought the photo was stunning. Apparently gestation is 22-24 months and the babies are born weighing over 200 lbs! I have never been so happy to be human :)

Its amazing how tiny the little one looks but I bet she's approaching 300 lbs by now. Magnificient!

A William & Mary Landmark is a goner...

Starbucks to replace landmark eatery, bar

Williamsburg students are not thrilled by the idea of trading beer and burgers for coffee and muffins.

First they took 1/2 of Barksdale Field ... Now, you heard it here first. Starbucks (which we all know I like as much as the next suburbanite) has taken over. The College Deli will be no longer. For those who don't know the College of William & Mary has an EXTREMELY limited nightlife. By limited, I mean ... the Delis. 3 of them, right across Richmond road from campus. The beginning and end of partying at W&M. That is unless you count the frats ... which I don't.

Wow. That's all I have to say.

More about me...

Because you just don't know enough about me already! Hey, its my blog and I'll post what I want to post!

Where were you?

10 years ago: Working on my masters degree in Richmond, VA (lot of good that did me :) Actually counseling skills always come in handy in the real world!

5 years ago: married for 2 years & living with my mother in law - having SOLD my house in Chantilly, VA. Waiting for BISON to finish building my house!!! At my current job for just about a year and a 1/2.

1 year ago: Enjoying life with a 3 year old. Hum...Nothing really.

Yesterday: Working from home & then going to pick up Hubby's car, then to Thai for dinner, then home to veg!

5 snacks i enjoy: popcorn, chocolate, nuts, wine (well I will again post-baby) & cheese!!

5 songs i know all the words to: most anything by Jack Johnson, the Eagles, Sarah McLachlan, DMB & Eric Clapton. Hotel California, I will Survive!

5 places i would run away to: St. John, just about anywhere in the caribbean, London, San Francisco, anywhere on the water

5 things i would do with $1 million: sock away college funds for the kiddos, finally let Hung buy a boat, buy waterfront property (not necessarily a house - it is only $1M) for myself & my mom, travel LOTS more, redo my entire wardrobe, shoes and all.

5 things i would never wear: stilettos, anything skin tight, fake nails, legwarmers, socks with animals on them, and real fur. I know that's 6 but really nothing can be or should be cut from that list.

5 favorite TV shows: The Closer, Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order, Rome (if it ever comes back), and any cartoon that keeps the girl busy.

5 bad habits: procrastination, staying up too late, NOT exercising enough, shopping, and the #1 - impatience

5 favorite toys: my iPod mini!!! that's really the only toy I have.

5 biggest joys: my family, watching the girl mess with her dad's mind (Picture this conversation "Daddy, I love you. Daddy, I do not love you." Him hang dog look, her, "Sorry"), my friends, travel travel travel, and fielding the girl's questions - "Mama can it ppppppllleaaaaaseee be dark when we go trick or treating?" I like it both because it has an easy answer and it implies I control the universe!

5 fictional characters i would date:
If I weren't already committed, ok in spite of the fact that I am married! :)
Dr. Shephard from Grey's Anatomy (Patrick Dempsey), Any Character Clive Owen's played even when he's evil like in Closer, Luc from French Kiss (Kevin Kline), Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), the FBI Agent in the Closer, don't know his name but I do know he used to be married to Teri Hatcher, which you'd think would be a strike against him but he's hot.

I WANT TO KNOW...

Boy or Girl? I want to know. I want to know now. I've been good so far. I mean, 19 weeks isn't that long enough to wait? Ok, well I've only known about the baby for 15 of those 19 weeks but STILL I need to know. I need to plan. Don't they understand the nesting instinct is kicking in?!?!?

Ok, deep breaths....I guess I can wait until Monday. I mean its already Wednesday.

I am TIRED

I am tired. Did I mention that I am tired? Guess what? I am tired. I know I know ... its all worth it in the long run but right now I'd love to be a single gal sipping margaritas on the mexican riveria. No midnight & 3 am pee runs. No tossing and turning from one side to the other. No, its really not so bad ... but I am just exhausted. With the first pregnancy, I guess I could just go home and pass out when I was tired. Now I have a daughter who doesn't quite care that I am dragging. Though she does empathize with me ... she told me this morning "Mama, my legs and hands have no energies!" That is exactly how I feel!

This weekend was spent getting rid of furniture, testing paint splotches (the girl has decided on Ribbon Pink for her new bedroom & I am undecided on the master bedroom color), moving around our current furniture, looking at NEW furniture. Oh, and yesterday attending a birthday party for a little 4 year old! Hmmmm...now maybe I see why I am tired.

So we have decided we need a new dining set. I thought I'd throw our current one on Craig's list to see if it would sell & it did in about 1 hour. Soooooooo Now we have no dining table or chairs. $200 I thought was pretty good since we barely paid more than that for it 7 years ago. We've also decided that we want a new configuration in our family room opening up the center more & getting a new BIG sofa with a chaise on one end. So we went looking for those and found one we really liked. Plus, its on sale! So we went home and measured, decided it would work, now we just have to make it back to the store to actually buy it. Plus we're paying the extra $99 for the cleaning/repair service. If you mess it up --- burn it, scratch it, cut it, bleed on it, burp (the baby) on it --- they come out and clean it to your satisfaction. If they can't get it repaired/cleaned ... you get your money back. Seems like a wise investment, no?

Things a Pregnant Woman's Husband Should Never Do

Things a Pregnant Woman's Husband Should Never Do:

1. Stiffle a giggle when you roll (and I do mean ROLL) yourself out of bed for the 3rd time between 11pm and 6am to go pee.

2. Eat all of the jujufruit candies ... leaving the box full of only BLACKs in plain sight enticing said pregnant wife to go to the box, salivating, only to be disappointed.

3. Look at her while she's changing clothes and say "Wow!"

4. Say, "I was awake for the delivery" totally discounting the fact that you SLEPT through the labor. They call it LABOR & DELIVERY for a reason!

Croc Hunter

My immediate thought was Horrible, yes. Surprising, no. I was only surprised that it was such a freakish event that ended his life. What he did was dangerous. Informative and interesting to some. A great conservationist in some minds, kind of a nut to others. Either way he seemed like a good guy and had a great spirit. It is very sad, but not terribly surprising.

I am OVERLY cautious in the water. I LOVE the water in any form, but I have a healthy fear of water itself and the creatures who live in it. I think it is just good to remember that its best to look and not touch. It is their territory (I am not saying he did anything at all to provoke the attack) and I am just happy to see a turtle float by. I choose not to pursue them in any way.

10 Weeks...

Only 10 weeks ... a mere 70 days ... till ST JOHN 2006!

An Astronomy Lesson

As replayed to me by hubby.

The girl: "Daddy, what is a shooting star?"
Daddy: "Well, honey a shooting star is not really a star, it is a really hot piece of rock that is moving across the sky toward earth really fast."
The girl: "Oh, like a meteor?"

Upon relaying the story to me he says, "If I knew she knew what a meteor was I'd have explained it a little differently!" Better yet, he wouldn't have needed to explain it at all. It is sad when your daughter's knowledge of science has exceeded your own (mine in this case) and she's not even in school! I guess we shouldn't at all be surprised. She was not even quite 3 when we pointed to a picture in a book of a guy dressed in a space suit and said "Who's he?" Completely expecting her to say a space man. Nope, "an astronaut" was the answer. I think KK, who witnessed said event, almost fell off of the sofa.

That's ok I take credit for the exceptional verbal skills. I have always talked to her just like I'd talk to anyone - grown or not grown up. Hence ... astonishment, astronaut, PREDICAMENT! Ok, so she watches Pinky Dinko Doo too ... which emphasizes big words and their meaning.