March 2010

March was a complete whirlwind. The first week was all about resting and packing after having two sets of visitors in February and leaving to come to Michigan on the 9th. On Sunday, the 7th, I took a nasty fall down the stairs while carrying the dog. I landed mostly on my tailbone and had a hard time walking and sitting. Claire and I left on a Tuesday and arrived into Detroit around 7:30 pm. Thanks to Uncle Ryan for picking us up! The plane ride was extremely difficult due to Claire's "restlessness" and my inability to sit properly, but I was very excited to be back in Michigan.

The following day was haircuts and driving to Grand Rapids. When I got into Grand Rapids, I had this unsettling feeling. After people had heard about the fall, many said that I should head to the doctor's. I felt that I should've gone as soon as it had happened, but it was later afternoon on Sunday and we were still unsure of the medical care here in Mexico. So Wednesday night, my mom went with me to the hospital. They monitored the baby for quite some time, although to be honest, I wasn't too worried about the baby, mostly my behind! Upon listening to the baby's heartbeat, they noticed an irregularity. They sent me to have another ultrasound and told me to follow up with my doctor the following day.

So, on Thursday I called my doctor and they told me that I had to come back to Detroit to have an echocardiogram for the baby. It was not what I wanted to hear (or do). I had planned on spending the first two weeks of our visit in Grand Rapids and now it was being cut short. The appointment was scheduled for Monday, after I went to the OB in the morning.

Friday was Claire's birthday party with my family. It was a nice quiet night with cake, ice cream, and treats brought from Mexico. She got lots of nice gifts and it reminded me of how we spent birthdays when I was a child.

Can't for the life of me remember what we did on Saturday, but I remember it being a late night because Sunday came way too soon! On Sunday, the Provos were celebrating Vivian's birthday and even though we wanted to go, it was during the two weeks that we were going to spend in Grand Rapids so we didn't plan on attending. Well, since I had a doctor's appointment early Monday morning, we decided to go. We left bright and early on Sunday because the party started at 10:30 am! We had a great time at her Fancy Nancy birthday party. Claire had the best time eating cotton candy, cake, and chocolate fountain treats. This is also the last time Claire will ever have cotton candy, and she knows it! She was a crazy person afterwards so hopped up on all that sugar. Thanks again Provos! :)

Monday morning, I dropped Claire off at Becky's So thankful that we have the best child care provider in the world! It was so comforting knowing that Claire would be there with her and it was one less thing to worry about. I headed to my 8:30 OB appointment, which was a huge waste of time frankly. They looked at me and said, "See you in a week and a half." Then I had lunch with Nicole and she went with me to my echocardiogram. Another pretty big waste of time. They saw the same thing that was detected in Grand Rapids and just said to have my doctors keep an eye on it, but that it would most likely work itself out (which in the long run, it did). At the time of all of these appointments though, they had me pretty scared and worried.

After the echocardiogram, I picked Claire back up and we drove back to Grand Rapids AGAIN! It was a much calmer rest of the week, thankfully. I was to head back to Detroit on Saturday with Claire, but after carting her around so much already, I decided to leave her in Grand Rapids and make the trek by myself.

Saturday was the fundraiser for my godson, Braedon. It was the main reason that I came home in March. I was so thankful that I hadn't brought Claire with me as Saturday and Sunday were packed and I am glad that I didn't have to worry or deal with her! The fundraiser was a long day, but a big success. Sunday was Braedon and Evan's birthday party. It was at a glow-in-the-dark putt putt place. Lots of fun and I was stoked that I got to hang out with my buddy while he putt putted, again, without Claire!

On Monday, I attended a 2 Sisters workshop at the MISD with Nicole. It was AWESOME! They are the most interesting and enlightening speakers I have ever heard. Made me sad that I wasn't in a classroom applying what they were talking about, but at the same time, I could really enjoy the presentation knowing that I didn't have the pressure of trying to remember everything they said and trying to take obsessive notes.

After the workshop, I made the final journey to Grand Rapids. Yes, three times in two weeks that I made the back and forth trip! I stayed until Thursday evening. That night, I had a Grey's Anatomy date with Shelly! I don't think we had a moment of dead space lingering in the air! We never even watched Grey's because we ended up talking, but that is typical of Shelly and I!

Friday came and I had another doctor's appointment. This was my regularly scheduled appointment. Same old thing ~ weight, pee in a cup, listen to the heartbeat, and measure the belly. Besides the heart issue, all was good! Then I spent the rest of the day at Ryan's house (our house on loan) to search for all the last minute things that we still needed in Mexico. At four, I met up with the ladies from AOLV, my previous teaching position for drinks (except me) and some catching up. From there, I headed to Maggiano's for dinner with my Gamma Phi sisters. It was a busy day! I didn't get home until late, but it was nice to catch up with everyone.

Saturday was spent getting ready for Claire's birthday party at Dave's parents on Sunday. I baked the cake and put together all the little details. Later that night, I went out for one last hurrah with Nicole and Jaime Ray. I think this was the night I introduced them to Bravo! at The Village!

Sunday was Claire's birthday party with the rest of the family and friends. It was a rainy day so we were all stuck in the house, but the kids had fun making visors and playing. It was a butterfly/bug theme and Claire's favorite part was the dirt cake with gummy bugs in it! She had a fantastic time!

Our last day in Michigan had finally come and it was another busy one. Claire had a dentist appointment in the morning, her first! She did AWESOME! I wish I had videotaped it. She absolutely loved the dentist visit and talks about going back all the time. When it was time to pick out a surprise, she picked out a toy mirror that the dentist uses to look inside your mouth! I hope she always enjoys going to the dentist. I know it's my most feared place to go so it was a little difficult to be the one to take her! After the dentist, we went to Target one last time! I can't tell you how much we miss Target in Mexico. It used to be our Friday night hang out! Then another quick birthday celebration for Claire at her favorite pizza place, Buddies!

I spent the rest of the night and the next day (5-7 hours total) packing. When you have so much to bring back, it is a totally different type of packing. You aren't worried about leaving behind your sunscreen, you are worried about which items you have to leave behind and hopefully get it there someday. It is very stressful and exhausting. I have gotten pretty good at packing though. One tip ~ kids shoes go inside adult shoes and you have to fill the kids shoes with something, no empty space!

I thought it would be hard going back to Mexico, especially the airplane ride with Claire, but in actuality, it was nice to get back and relax after such a busy few weeks in Michigan! And the airplane ride wasn't anything like the one to Michigan because I was getting better at sitting once again!