Edema of the Uvula: Case of the swollen hangy down thingy.

Life can change in the blink of an eye.  Everyone knows that phrase, many have lived that phrase.  Eye blinks can be good, more often, they are spoken of the bad.  This week, we lived it... or almost lived it.

I am back to being a stay at home mom (for another post) so this weekend, I went to my grandparent's to help out (also for another post).  I needed to run to Tulsa for some errands Monday morning, and since Kevin worked Sunday, we thought it would be a good idea for him to stay at home Monday and get some much needed rest.  My full day ended up being shorter than we all expected, so when errands were finished, I grabbed the kids and we came home.

I did my best to keep the TaylorTots awake on the drive, because I had big plans to catch a nap with them once we made it home.  My plan worked beautifully, we sang songs, played "I spy", and even endured the occasional emileigh fit :) 

I pulled in the driveway at 1:45 and gave explicit instructions to, "get your heiney's up those stairs, to your beds, and DO NOT WAKE DADDY!!!"  My spawn perfect angels managed to mind those instructions perfectly, and ten minutes later, I was entering our dark bedroom with my pillow in hand.  I tossed the pillow on the bed, and Kevin roused.  He said, "hey, what time is it?" and cleared his throat.  I mentioned something about the kids going down for a nap, and the house felt wonderfully cool and my head hit the pillow.  Kevin said something about his throat feeling sore, and got up to get a drink.  The next 30 minutes were C.R.A.Z.Y.

Kevin went to the kitchen and said, "it feels like I have something hanging in my throat..."  He went to the bathroom to look at his throat, and immediately came into the bedroom looking for his phone.  He needed a light (I was ticked ...again, another blog) his voice had considerably changed and he sort of said, "Jennifer! My hangy down thing is really swoolen!!" 

**Side note- I love my husband, he knows that that piece of tissue at the back of the throat between the tonsils is called an uvula, but he also knew that I would have looked at him like he had a third head if he used that term.. so in his time of need, he used the more technical term: hangy-down-thingy.**

I jumped out of bed, because, if you know kevin, he doesn't panic about anything, and there was complete panic in his changed voice.  I swear to god, it looked like a thumb was sticking straight out of his mouth from the back of the throat.  His uvula was literally laying on his tongue.  He was gagging and gasping.  I said, "we are going to the hospital, get dressed!!"  He said something about already doing that.  I got on the phone and called my brother who came to watch the kids (who were sleeping soundly) and off to the hospital we went.

Kevin insisted that he didn't have any trouble breathing, but the next day, retracted that statement.  It was so scary.  We got to the ER by 2:20 and he was given benadryl and prednisone to counteract the allergic reaction going on.  Kevin drank a quarter of a bottle (well, maybe not that much but a lot) of children's benadryl before we left, so he was pretty drunk.  His uvula went down, his tongue turned black and blue, and about six hours later, we came home.  Apparently, he is allergic to ACE inhibitors.  Who knew blood pressure medication could KILL YOU!??  Especially, after taking it for 18 months before Monday.

The nurses, doctors, and medics all got their jabs in, once they found out Kev was going to be okay.  However, it was so refreshing, as a wife, to see just how much my husband is loved.  Everyone came by to see how he was, and to volunteer to be the one to do the next embaressing procedure, if needed.

He slept the entire rest of the night and the next day woke up a little groggy.  We talked about how scary that was and then talked about the what if's  You know.. What If I didn't come home?  What if it would have cut off his oxygen.... godforbid anything happen to my family.  I'm so thankful he is okay... What a scary experience for us. 

Thankfully- our blink of an eye story, just ended up being a good blog post.  It served to get my blogging juices running again.  I'm not sure what I would have done if it had worked out differently.
So- to celebrate kevin living another day... we did what any good guy does: We went to McNellies and had a few brews :) 

Goin' to the chapel.....

Kevin is from Ponca City, and most of what is left of his family still lives there.  We don't ever seem to get there enough and I always feel super guilty when we do go because I tend to drag him to see someone in my family every three days. 

We always come up with some sort of excuse as to why we shouldn't go.  In reality, we should definitely make it more of a priority. 

This blog isn't a premature list of new year resolutions. 

Last Saturday, Kevin and I went to Ponca City to see his nephew, Scott get married. Kevin is the youngest of 8 children, so he and Scott are fairly close in age 6 years.  It is strange to me that when I married Kevin, I immediately became an Aunt and great-Aunt all at the same time :)

We haven't seen Scott in a few years and I was SUPER excited to meet two of his sons.  I almost fell over when I met Eli.  He is six months old and the resemblance to Emileigh is striking.  Infact, his hair grows the exact same as her's.  Mohawk style :)

Liam just turned two, and unfortunately for his parents is LOVING this crazy stage.  He was supposed to walk his momma down the aisle... he screamed the entire time.  To me, it was adorable- I am sure the beauty in the white dress was thinking otherwise.

I can see the resemblance in Liam and Blayne as well..... so strange.


Here is a picture of the Taylor men... Some of them.  Steve and David aren't in it, nor are Scott's other sons.  Maybe this summer (or sooner) we can get them all together and get one.   There I go about those stinkin resolutions again.

Front:  Eli Taylor 6months - Liam Taylor 2 Years

Back: Kevin Taylor, Scott Taylor, Brett Taylor

I apologize for the quality of this photo.  It is actually from a camera phone that I 'borrowed' from facebook :)

FUNNY

** If you are easily offended... do not read this post.  You arent missing much **

So it is 10:50 pm, I am laying on my bed patiently waiting for the Big Brother 12 live feeds to come on. STUPID WEST COASTERS (love ya megs)...

Kevin is playing poker, SURPRISE!!, and is normally very quiet during the process.  I only hear little clicks of the mouse and keystrokes from time to time. 

Then out of the blue, Kevin proclaims, "somebody just told me to 'eat a dick and die'". 


I haven't been able to stop lauging yet.

People get really pissed about their .02 cent poker games online. 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

okay, back to big brother. 

Toe-MA-Toes

I have a tomato problem...actually, it's my dear husband that has the problem.  I'm just married to it.

We have hundreds of plants:

Here is a list of the varieties:

**********************
Cherokee Purple
Caspian Pink
Aunt Ruby's German Green
Lime Green Salad
Black Cherry
santa sweets
super sweet 100
black krim
purple russian
russian 117
redfield beauty
orange strawberry
kelloggs breakfast <=----very limited
black and red boar
juane flammee
1884 yellow pinkheart

Hit me up if you want some plants.  They are organically grown and very yummy... or so I am told. I do not eat them!

Dog update.

The bulldogs next door kept us locked in our house yesterday...  I had a very upset two year old.  Kevin got home from work around 4:45 and stayed outside... waiting on anyone to come home next door.  I definately felt sorry for the poor sap.  Around 7:30, while we were finally outside playing with the bambinos, a white car pulled up.  "BINGO" yelled my husband and proceeded to march across our yard to meet the poor guy. 

I noticed the shirt the guy was wearing... it had an EMS patch on the right sleeve... ugh oh. 

Kevin didn't notice, he kept marching... about 10 feet he turned around and said... "I know this guy!!"

Turns out they work together. 

After a looooong conversation about dogs and kids, the dogs aren't staying next door anymore... They are back at his house.  Turns out, he is dating my neighbor. 

I still stand behind my thoughs about pit bull dogs. 
Kevin says they had a week.


I haven't even started on the post card I received yesterday from the US Census bs.  Seriously...... This is getting old.

Yeah!! I am ALIVE.

wow- it has been so long since I have been online, I almost forgot how to make a banner, or even remember my blogger password.

So much has happened, yet, so litle has happened at the same time.

We made it to muskogee, we are about 10 miles south toward Warner.  We are in the country, Kevin is stoked... all I can think about is the fact that snakes live in the country.  I brought a cat home from my grandparent's... maybe she will help keep them away. 

Staying home with the bambinos took some getting used to.  At first, I had no routine at all and they just about wore me down.  I had spent the last two years working about 65 hours a week at the office, and sadly, I didn't even know my son.  We have since remedied that issue.  It took a month or so to learn how to translate baby talk, but we got it down. 

We spend a lot of time watching the same movies over and over and over.... but we play a lot too. Blayne is learning his ABC's right now.  Its so much fun to watch him learn.  We know our colors, we can count to 6 then 10.  Somehow we forget about 7... lol 

Blayne and Emileigh have finally decided that it is fun to play with each other.  Well, Blayne has decided.  Em has always wanted to watch her big brother. He facinates her.  She will laugh out loud at him at such random times.  I love it.

Today is our anniversary.  Starting that 7 year itch.  wish us luck!

I have so much to talk about, I just don't have the time... I promise to update more!

Okie from Muskoge

So... Today is Monday... I thought that I would be going back to work today. Last week, my mind was changed for me. There are things I can't reveil yet, but dont worry... Things are good, better than good.

Last Friday, Kevin and I spent the day combing the streets of Muskogee for a house. We will be leasing in order to get our feet under us with one income (Guess that is one secret out of the bag hua?). We started with the Muskogee paper and got absolutely nowhere fast. Second, we used word of mouth. There are some great townhouses available.. if you want to spend a lot of cash on about 600 square feet... sheesh.

I was getting very disappointed after the 6th house we looked at. Then I had the brilliant idea of calling a couple of realators. CHA-Ching.

We found a BEAUTIFUL house on six acres in the COUNTRY south of Muskogee. Beautiful I am so excited. I'll post pictures as soon as we take posession around the 22nd. It feels so good, like a dream. This move will allow me to stay at home with my wonderful children, spend a TON of time with my family, and give the opportunity to have my sisters and brother drop by at a moment's notice.

I am STOKED!

The downside: My husband is trying to kill himself right now working overtime to fund this move. In the next two weeks, Kevin will be putting in around 100 hours of OVERTIME. Yes, that is 180 hours total. It's a good thing he gets to sleep at work... I love him for taking one for the team.

Whew... a long one. Updated.

So much going on... and I haven't blogged. Sorry!!

Let's pick up where I left. We went to the doctor two weeks ago (almost) and were given the news baby Emileigh has too much water floating around with her. I came this close to having a full out panic attack (thanks to google) but after a couple of days, decided what will be will be. I chilled.

That was Thursday, on Friday Dr Parks called and said that EmJ's bladder and kidneys looked good and stay off of google. She reminded me that she would be on Vaca the next week and if I were to go into labor it would be okay with her. Plth.

Saturday my girlfriend Leigh came up and we had pedicures. AWESOME- and then watched the OU BYU game. Ewww. Funny thing: I was petrified that my water would break while getting my toes done, so I refused to go to Walmart. Leigh and I went to this little place right by the house (right off of Riverside next to Camilles) and settled in to pampering bliss. I was doing just fine until the massage chair started thumping my lower back. I am sure that we were the topic of some funny conversations while we tried to figure out how to turn that thing OFF.
It was trying to beat the kid out of me... sheesh. Oh well, way worth it and my toes are painted to boot.

Sunday came, Kevin went to work and Grandma came to stay. She, for the last six weeks, has been coming on Wednesday's and Sunday's to stay with Blayne and me while Kevo went to work. Such a nice blessing. She does laundry and cooks and does all that stuff... LOVE IT, WILL MISS IT.

Monday was Labor day, we hung out and did absolutely nothing.... I became a little nervous knowing that my Doctor was officially off for the week.

Thursday came and with it brought my stupid birthday. I was really looking forward to getting to see the doctor and getting the non-stress test done that was ordered the week before. I woke up bright and early 7am and called the hospital. I was shut down before I could get half of my request out. NO ROOM AT THE INN! At 1130, I called back (as requested by the super hateful inn keeper from earlier) and was told NO. Ms. Nice (or heiney) was kind enough to tell me "they can do that procedure in the doctor's office!"
I hung up, and cried. My hormones are way out of wack and I really just want some assurance this little girl is okay.

I had to wait until 2pm to see the doctor and time went sllllooooooooooow. I got to the office and after the long walk was contracting. I sat down in front of "new nurse" and she proceeded to ask me if I wanted a Flu shot... Ugh- NO. I want nothing but to know my baby is okay. She then asked me if I wanted to be Checked. I am sure I looked at her like she was Shrek because her reaction was priceless. I simply said "Sure, I have no idea what I want... I have never been this far before... aren't YOU the one in charge?"

She laughed (I think she wanted to punch me) and I watched her proceed into an exam room. I went to the bathroom to leave a little urine in the cup (TOTALLY DIFFERENT POST TO COME) and moseyed my way to the room.

When I arrived, I didn't notice an ultrasound machine. Nurse walked in and I asked, "am I not getting an ultrasound?" She replied "ugh, no" to which I came this close again to a meltdown. I explained that is the only reason I was there and something about too much fluid and well...she quickly left the room to chat with the doctor.

3 seconds later she returned and took me to Dr. Razdon's ultrasound room. Whew.

During the ultrasound, I was lost. I am used to Dr. Parks' machine and can usually read the estimates. This machine was ancient and didn't give them. I asked if she could tell me how much she weighed and was told NO. "Dr parks didn't ask me to do that" WHAT??? Are you effing kidding me? I started to melt again, on the inside... but got over it pretty quickly. I decided Dr. Razdon was pretty cool. I explained my fear of a C-section and she put my mind at semi-ease.

I did get an induction date of September 15th and asked to arrive at 05:00! Due to the whole earlier episode with the inn keeper at St. Francis, Dr. Razdon advised not to call ahead, just show up. I laughed. She did a bio-physical profile of the baby and decided we looked pretty darn good.

I came home, and got ready for Blayne to go stay with my Dad and Rita (papa and doodah) and get ready for a long awaited dinner out. It was my birthday after all :)

Blayne stayed in Muskogee until Saturday. Yesterday was a typical Sunday with Gram, and today has been spent doing any last minute things. Like Blogging. HA.

Blayne went to Slick with Meemaw and will stay there until we come home... I am FREAKING OUT.

I think that waiting 6 weeks then getting an induction is way worse than having your water spontaneously bust...

I'll update more later!

Polyhydramnios: Too Much Amniotic Fluid

Okay- so we made it to 37 weeks 1 day. We are full term and can deliver at anytime. I can breathe a little easier at that statement, however after today's doctor appointment, I have some new worries.

Here is the scoop:

Everyone knows that I have been on lock down for the last 5 weeks. I have literally moved from my bed, to my recliner, to my couch. The times I have tried to escape and take a journey, I have either landed in the hospital or on my bed with riveting contractions, both suck.

Today Kevin and I went to the doctor at 11:30. We are on weekly visits now, and I was really looking forward to seeing the doc. Last week, week 36, I had the Strep B test so I was not able to have my normal ultrasound. I was having some "ahem" complications in the bathroom department (sorry, but I have to explain) and melted down in Dr. Park's office. She suggested a couple of OTC medications and asked if I needed a small dose of anti-depressant. Kevin assured her that I was just really tired from not getting any sleep, so I left with a prescription of Ambien.

Although we got to hear the heartbeat, the visit was less than incredible. I did not get the chance to talk about my fear of having a C-section due to this baby being so much bigger than Blayne. (Blayne had to be suctioned out) Oh- forgot to add, last week I gained 8 pounds. I chalked it up to being in my "condition" and didn't think anything else about it. I knew it wasn't from eating, because.. I just can't eat.

This week, I felt much better and was really looking forward to the visit. I knew that we would be having our ultrasound, and I would be able to bring up the baby's weight then. I got to the doctor, and went right in. My blood pressure rocks and proceeded to the scale. I gasped when I gained another 8 pounds!! Guys, I have lost weight every appointment.... gaining 16 pounds in 3 weeks, 8 pounds in one week... a little weird. I got off the scale, prepared for a lecture, trying to figure out where the weight was coming from and sat for my turn in the ultrasound room.

Once inside, Dr. Parks came in smiling and greeting us. She asked me to lay back and measured my tummy. This is where the visit went down hill. She immediately lost her smile and mentioned to me that I was huge. "Really?? Because I thought I was looking good doc!" She started pushing around and asked if I could breathe okay and if I was in much pain. Ugh, yes... more pain than I can describe at times. It feels like my insides are going to fall out!

She began the ultrasound and immediately became concerned. "you have too much water!" As in there is way too much water around the baby.

Apparently the 15 pounds I am gaining... all going to the uterus and surrounding the baby. She measured the baby's belly, then took a different angle she preferred. She mentioned that Emileigh is stretched head to toe, (no kidding!) and began looking for her kidney's. She did state that her kidneys looked okay.

I asked if we could induce Friday, she said they (i am assuming insurance) won't let her. She did state that I really needed to go into labor this weekend though, and began giving me pointers in how to start the process.

Dr. Parks is going to be on Vacation next Tuesday through Friday, so if anything happens then, I will see one of her associates. I'm okay with that, but a little nervous. She did state that she was going to do some research and we might induce this Sunday- I am way for that. Please say a little prayer....

Last bit of advice she gave me, when my water breaks- it's going to gush. That made me chuckle a little. I guess public outings are off limits right now!

Anyway... I still had some questions, so Kevin and I googled when I got home. BIG MISTAKE!

Polyhydramnios- Here is the link.... Say a little prayer this is just a freak thing, that my water will break this weekend, and baby Em will have absolutely no heart or swallowing issues.

Thanks for taking the time to read this- it really means a lot to me.

P.S.
Blayne got kicked out of daycare today for having pink eye- that is an entirely different post! ahhhh kids!

Week 36- Boop?

We have made it! Technically, we can go forward. I can officially say, "any day now" and truly mean it. On one hand, that is so exciting- I have been ready for 4.5 weeks. On the other hand, I am getting nervous. Blayne was such a good baby, I am worried Em is going to be opposite!

I am just ready to meet my little princess.

When I was pregnant with Blayne, Kevin called him peanut. It wore me out! I was so worried that he was going to call him peanut until he graduated high school. Here I was imagining sitting in the baseball stands listening to my husband call out " WAY TO GO PEANUT!!!" I still cringe.

When Blayne arrived, the first thing Kevin said was, "I love you Boog." I can remember choking on my water and looking at him, "Boog??" Kevin couldn't explain where it came from, but it stuck. I catch myself calling Blayne boog all of the time. Jeez, Can you imagine us at that same baseball game? "GOOD CATCH BOOG!!!" He is going to KILL US.

I say that to explain this:

What are we going to call Emileigh? Her name is Emileigh Joann Taylor. I always wanted to name her Mattie Joann and was vetoed about 4 months ago. Kevin said it looked too old and just didn't like it. The name was important to me because Mattie was my grandmother's grandmother and Joann is my grandmother. I also wanted to shorten it and call her MJ.
Kevin fussed and I agreed to change her first name, but not her middle.

I am big on names, being named for a purpose. Blayne has my grandpa's name for his middle name. Big shoes to fill in my opinion.

Unfortunately, Kevin's family was full of men and his mother HATED her name. Irene Betty. Kevin assured me that if we named our baby girl either of those she would haunt us for the rest of our life.

So we thought and thought and fretted. Finally, one day while at work I came up with a couple of names, one of which was Emily.

Now, as much as I want names to be meaningful, I want them to be beautiful and original as well. You would understand if you grew up as a Jennifer. Trust me- there are bazillions of us.
As I was saying Emily Joann, I realized I had my MJ... It's now Em-J. :) SCORE.

My only hesitation was the commonness of the name. There are a LOT of little girls named Emily. How would I make my little girl, unique?

Then it hit me. Leigh. Leigh is one of the angels God placed in my life during a very turbulent time. My parents had just divorced, I just married Kevin (that was a good thing), my little brother and sister were being torn in a very ugly custody battle. My little sister was 14 and pregnant when I was told I would NEVER have biological children. My little sister's baby was born and died at 24 weeks. I started a new job, my mother died... I really could go on, but that hits the major points.

Leigh was the person who lived down the street and was available 24/7. I relied on her strength more than she will ever know. There were times I just sat and cried and she listened. There were times that I had some really stupid things to say, she never criticized and supported me 100%. She was the best thing that happened to me and I can honestly say, held me together for two years. She and Kevin. I always tell her that she is the female version of my husband, they are so much alike.

When I decided to name my baby girl Emileigh, it is truly to honor the friendship God gave me. It is the only way I can begin to thank her.

Okay- So now I have my baby girl officially named, what are we going to "call" her? Em-J comes out of my mouth now.... Baby girl is what her daddy calls her.

Usually nick names come out of the air, kinda like Boog did. We haven't put much thought in it and just decided to wait until something landed. A few nights ago, Kevin was telling me a story about his family. He never does this, so when he does I pay especially good attention. He was talking about his mother's friend coming by and telling them about some night crawlers (worms good for fishing) down the ally way and how when he was little he hated to touch worms as they reminded him of snakes. Apparently she came in the house and said, "Boop- there are a million worms down the way. You oughta send your boys down to get them." I stopped him mid-stream, "Boop?" It was confirmed. Kevin's mother (Betty) collected Betty Boop items. Hence- Boop. At that moment, my precious little Emileigh was renamed by her daddy. "Boop" after her grandmother Betty Taylor.

I have a feeling we won't be haunted by my mother in law... maybe my teenager in a few years...

Way too early

I arrived to work at 04:15. Couldn't sleep- Blayne is teething and Kevin pissed me off. I am sure I returned the favor, but damn- he is in bed snoozing while I am catching up on email in the hottest room invented.

I will be asleep at 7PM tonight- Mark my words.

I have been awake since 01:30.

Valentines Day... Hmph.

This post was going to be about how much I hate Valentines day and how much my husband sucks at the whole... Valentines day crap. This is a known fact that he admits to, willingly. :)

I decided to go a different route. Ten reasons I have the best husband ever...

1. Kevin always goes to QT, Wal-Mart, etc at my whim. Never complains, just gets in the car and goes for whatever I have the craving for at the moment.
2. Kevin gives Blayne the best tickle monster.... Blayne's laughter fills my heart with joy.
3. Kevin NEVER lets me win a fight easily, I had better have a good reason to be pissed...and had better be able to back it up. He ALWAYS hugs me and tells me he loves me after we argue.
4. Kevin never complains about hanging out with my crazy family... He goes right to Slick anytime I get the itch.
5. Kevin does not care that I have a couple of guys in my best friend list. In fact, he hangs out with them and thinks its fun... (or is a very good fibber!)
6. Kevin works his ass off to give me everything my little heart wishes for. It might take a while, but eventually... I get it. Eventually... There are some things I am still waiting for :).
7. Kevin is the best dad in the world. He gets up with Blayne, holds him tight, plays with him, feeds him, and stays home with him when he is sick. Kevin NEVER complains....ever.
8. Kevin has had the hardest childhood imaginable (another post with his permission) and NEVER complains. I thought I had it hard growing up... I can't hold a candle to him. He never complains... I have no idea how strong he is.
9. Kevin is my rock. When my mom died... he held my entire family together. Whatever decision I made, he supported me 110%. No questions asked. It's that level with support with everything I do.
10. He is my best friend. He understands my need to change my mind 50 times before I made a decision, understands that I am very moody, supports all of my hair-brained ideas... like it or not.

Kev- When you finally get around to reading this.... I love you. Happy Valentines Day!