She's Here!

I can't believe I'm telling you this...Trinity Elizabeth Sherman has arrived!

But first, let me share with you a pic of mommy and baby before we headed out to the hospital...

(As you can tell, there was no more room in there for Miss Trinity or mama to carry her )
=)

Let me just tell you, our new baby girl is just adorable, coming in at 7lbs and 2 oz, 19 inches long. She wasn't easy to get out... but all worth the wait, weight and swollen feet!

Here's Trinity's Story...

Monday night before our midnight check in, Steve and I went to eat our last meal out "alone."  We decided to eat at Carrabba's for some tasty steak and pasta, ie: (protein and carbs) for mama =)

After dinner we headed home to make last minute arrangements and to finish packing our bags and then we were off for the hospital. (Dallas Presby)

The car ride seemed like forever, as I was really nervous about all the pain I would go through very soon and how I was going to do it all on purpose (making my body go into labor with pitocin) I was, anxious, excited and just... all the above!

We checked into our Labor and Delivery room and I got set up on all sorts of machines and such to monitor baby and got some mild drugs to help get things moving along.

Steve was a little worried about "his sleeping" arrangements because there was only one tiny couch that he could maybe fit part of his body on, but our super sweet nurse brought in a cot for him to get comfy on and we decided to get some "sleep" before things really got moving in the morning.

Well, of course I didn't sleep much. I was so nervous and starting to have contractions at this point and just very scared to be honest.  I wasn't sure I had what it took to "have this baby."

In the morning, my mom and my best friend arrived at the hospital and things got under way very quickly.  It was around 9:45am that I received the "pitocin" to help the labor along (and more painfully, I might add) ...it wasn't long before I was having intense contractions and I knew there was "no turning back."

The labor was hard and the contractions literally, took my breath away.  This was the pain I was worried about and it was UPON me!!!  The nurse gave me some "funny" drugs to help take the edge off but those really just made me so fuzzy that I barely remember much.  I had to depend on Steve, Larissa and my mom for the "details." 

After 3 cm dilated, I begged for my epidural which didn't come till I was 5cm and let me tell you, the epidural is the greatest invention ever!

I went right to sleep after the epidural and that's when things progressed, quickly!  It was hardly even 5:30 when it was time to start pushing and after only an hour, with some hard work (wink, wink) I was ready to deliver my baby girl...except one thing was missing... OH YEAH, MY DOCTOR! 

My doctor was "on call" and around the hospital but she took almost too long to get to me and my baby's head was ready to come out!  I literally screamed for my doctor and like superwoman she ran in, threw off her coat and caught my baby!

That's it! We had our baby girl at 6:40pm Tuesday, December 7, 2010. She was just precious to hold and came with lots of hair!

On our way home...

Sweet Stork sign we have in our front yard...

First Bath time!

Sweet, sleepy face =)

So for now we are relaxing at home and getting used to each other as "mommy" and "baby,"  So far only a week old, I can tell you that Trinity is a very sweet baby girl, she doesn't fuss much or too often unless she wants something =)

We are trying to be on a schedule as much as possible, because I think it's important to start good practices right away but, "Newborns" don't really follow a schedule.  Right now we eat, sleep and poop and of course get lots of mommy and daddy kisses!

We will keep you updated on all of our visitors in our next post, thanks for checking in =)

Hugs to all, Katie, Steve and Trinity

9 Months and 2 days to go..... =)

Hi Everyone!

It's with much anticipation that I share with you the news that we are going to see our Baby Girl very soon!  Her due date has been moved to December 7, 2010. That's two weeks early, but she's healthy enough now that she can be delivered without any complications.  Hopefully she won't have to stay in the NICU and will be just fine.

The Dr. wasn't happy with all of my swollen feet, ankles, legs, knees, hands and face...and my blood pressure was on the rise, so she wanted to go ahead and deliver early to keep me safe and the baby safe as well.

I had planned on taking two weeks off from work before she arrived, so of course to get the news that she would be here early and in only 5 days (from when we found out) I was STRESSING! But, all is well in the world since Larissa and Steve put the finishing touches on the Baby's room and we kicked everything into high gear to get ready for our daughter's arrival.

So, here it is.. some pics of her room.  The lighting wasn't very good when I took these pics so be patient with me and I'll get some new ones put up before we leave to go to the hospital Monday night. (Big Baby Bump in tow)

We're so excited to have shared this online documentation with you all and we're thankful for your hugs, prayers and love all this time.

Katie and Peanut =)

8 Months and Counting :)

Wow. 8 months.

It's been quite a journey...and it's almost, almost...over. In some ways, I will be sad to no longer be pregnant and feel this sweet baby girl moving inside of my tummy... but, in many other ways, I will rejoice!

I'm so looking forward to seeing her face for the first time, and seeing Steve hold her, how she will react to us, how her family will just surround her with their love... I know it will all be very heart touching.

In other ways, I will not miss the: heartburn, tired, achy, back and feet. Swollen toes and hands, 25+ trips to the bathroom at night, not sleeping, and the weight gain???

I mean, it's all worth it, but at the end... you just get really... tired.

So for now, that's about it with me, I'm tired and the all the symptoms of being pregnant are definitely catching up to me, and of course I'm still working and going to school so the need to slow down soon is upon me. I'm now going to the doctor every week to monitor my blood pressure and my swelling because it is so bad some times that I can't even move my toes!  As long as she is healthy and I'm doing good, we're on for: December 20, 2010!

Of course there are many... that think she is coming early but only one person can decide this fate and that's Baby Girl!

Some really beautiful and sweet things have happened since my last post. Baby Girl had (2) showers and  she got so many adorable things!

And so many sweet friends came to celebrate...

Baby Girl and I feel so blessed and so overcome with love from our friends and family...

I wish I could post all the pics from the fun events but then you would be reading this blog for hours!!! But, if you must, you can look at them here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/sassypantsphotography/KatieShower2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJf1l6X3y-_daA&feat=email#

We also had a video that we showed and you can view it here:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=c1355534eb5a3940ce701f&skin_id=1603&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email

We are so thankful to have caught so many memories on film by our dear friend, Debbie Reininger.
(http://www.sassypantsphotography.com/)

Overall, we are just getting ready for the final countdown in the Sherman house, we are getting all of her new little clothes washed and her room tidy.  We've started to talk to Beethoven about his "little sister" and we're all getting very, very excited!

Only 7 weeks left... if I make it that long.

Please pray for strength, health and courage in the final weeks for Trinity and Mommy :)

Love to all, always,
Katie and "Peanut"
xoxoxo

Turning the corner to... 7 months!

Seven months next week will be my current baby growth so I thought I would keep you updated on all of that good stuff bloggies!

We've been busy as bees around here getting ready for Baby Girl. We have cleaned out all closets and given much away to Salvation Army.  We are making room in our house and our hearts for this new blessing that is making her presence known more and more everyday!

Now she looks like she is jumping rope in my tummy or doing exercises, I don't know but it's darn cute!  Steve is beginning to feel the kicks more and more now. She used to be so "daddy shy" and wouldn't ever kick for him, but now days... She is in full effect!

We are so excited to get her room together and we are now just waiting on furniture to arrive and custom made curtains to be sewn, all is coming together very nicely. We are still wanting to purchase a changing table and some more storage organizational supplies from the Container Store but for the most part that's all... for now.

We will of course decide on what else we need after Baby Girl gets super spoiled I'm sure at all of her showers.

Recently we had some "Maternity Photos" taken by a sweet friend of ours, Debbie.  She is going to watch Baby Girl for us when I go back to work and I couldn't think of anyone better, she's a real gem. :)

So, to keep you updated on the tummy, here are some pics from this weekend for you to enjoy!

Hugs and Love,

Katie and Peanut :)


Me and peanut :)



Cute!

Me, Steve and Baby Girl's Godparents: Jenny and Larissa

A super fun black and white photo

Love this one!

6 Months!

The time is flying... but where is it exactly going?  I'm not really sure these days because my days and nights are all such a blur.  I'm working and going to school and of course trying to be the best wife/housekeeper/cook ever. So, with little time for the feet up on the coffee table these days...I'm wondering, with everything moving right along... am I enjoying it to the fullest right now?

Well, the answer is no. But, I'm going to be better about that. I hope. :)  I want to establish some more "me" time into my routine especially now that the baby is coming so soon... in like 16 weeks! Yikes. I'm hoping my schedule for fall can be something like this... Work: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Homework: Wednesday and "me" time... Friday?  We'll see.. it's not likely though since of course I have already made a mountain of plans for myself on Friday nights but... I'm gonna give a good hearted try.

Friday nights Steve and I like to go to Church @ Chase Oaks and then do some dinner after. It warms my heart to have some "God" time and then a little date after to re-connect and set some weekly goals for us as a couple and of course the... Baby List.

Speaking of the "Baby List," it's pretty long... but it's getting shorter. Some things that we can check off our list is: a crib, bedding and a chair & ottoman. These items we really wanted to buy ourselves and we took lots of time deciding on what we really wanted and how it would all look in the room. Usually this is "un charted" territory for Steve but he has wanted to be into the "details" a lot more than I'm used to.  It's been fun though, getting his opinion (and letting him have one.) with this stuff and finding out exactly what he wants Baby Girl to have. I've learned so much about his tastes and what he thinks looks cute for a girl, it's really been a lot of fun.

But, nevertheless... decisions had to be made and finally this past weekend.. they were. :)

Here are some pics of things we have picked out....

This is our Crib, look past the bedding we picked out something different.

Here's a pic of all the clothes Baby Girl has gotten, she is so spoiled!

This is a picture of our bedding, well it's just a tiny piece on top of the crib, but you get the idea :)

So, that's pretty much it for now... except I will allow a few pics of my belly to be revealed soon for those of you who anxiously await an update in that department.  I'm feeling really good right now, but not getting much sleep anymore.

Baby girl has me up at least 3 times a night to visit the restroom, so I guess that's just nature's way of getting you used to no sleep and being up and down all through the midnight hours....

It's been quite a feat to get used to, especially if you know how much I love to sleep. :)

But, she's worth it!

Hugs and Love,

Katie and peanut :)

It's all happening so fast!

Whew. I'm exhausted.

Why you ask?  Because, since my last bloggie... we have gone on a family vacation, worked some crazy hours, (both of us) gone baby shopping, and dealt with "life" as it happens.  Well, I guess everyone "deals" with life as it happens but for some of "us," life happens way too fast.

So, since sharing the news that we were pregnant, we have since also found out that we are having a girl :)

So sorry to share such a "private" view, but I want you to see it!!!  It's definitely a girl :)  The sonographer told us that she looks so pretty in there, her bones are growing strong and she looks perfect.  We couldn't be more thrilled.

We were very anxious to learn the sex of the baby as we had all thought "she" was actually a "he" the whole time.  Although right before we learned that she was indeed a female.. I changed my mind to girl! Ha!  They say "mother's know best."  Well, their right about that, this time. :)

Steve was... I think..."in shock." For at least the rest of the day, as I believe this joyous news made this pregnancy seem very real to him.  But, also to me. I now know that I can call this peanut a "peanette" and I hope she comes out just as adorable as me but with Steve's personality.

We also invited Baby Girl's Godmother to the appointment, because this moment just had to be shared with Larissa :)  She of course, cried...but I knew she would. She really melts my heart to feel real feelings, that I usually don't allow myself, to feel. :)

So, we're off.. it's a girl, we need to buy some pink stuff and have her already!  No really, I'm excited to hold her just because I want to see what she looks like sooo badly, but we should let her get a little cuter first!

And, if you're interested in my "baby bump" although I feel like I weigh 600+ pounds.. here a few pics to tie you over.

This is a pic of me and my friend Shauna, she was 9 months in this pic, and I'm 5.

Preggies in Pink :)

That's all for now bloggies, stay tuned as we some how manage to get the room decorated and I'll post more updates and pics soon!

Hugs and Love,

Katie and peanut :)

I'm a horrible blogger... but I want to be better =)

Well, here it is blog land almost 5 months later and the BIG NEWS is that I'm pregnant! 

After we got the news last year that I may face some fertility issues if I didn't look into my reproductive system and why, after 5 years I had not had a period, we decided to find out... what's going on with Katie and her "Cash and Prizes?"

If you know me/love me, you know that's what I call it =) Good news from the doctor came around Dec I would say when she told me that I was indeed fertile and that we could start looking at my options to conceive at any time. 

I, was on the fence.  I knew that Steve wanted babies and the sooner the better.  I knew that I would love to love someone that I grew and made at some point in my life... but now?  My sweet, best friend Larissa had been planning for a family and hearing her say things like "Oh Katie, you're gonna be the best mommy, you should think about it... etc," really got me thinking...

So, at Christmas last year, while I sat at home by myself... (why was I all alone?) I don't remember this part... I thought to myself, it would be nice to have a little one and Christmas would be the perfect time.

My mind began to change. Now, many of my family and friends would say... "Katie, I didn't think you wanted to have kids." ... and my answer has always been, " I didn't think so either."  But I did.  So, Steve and I talked about what would happen if we did start trying and not, etc.  We came up with the idea of well, let's see what happens and we'll take it from there.

So there you have it.  On April 15th 2010, Steve and I found out that we would be having a baby!  I was in total shock and awe.

The month we conceived wasn't a month that we actually "tried" so it was such a blessing from the Lord, and the timing I would later find out would be right on.

My due date is December 20, 2010!  Remember that vision of a baby I had in my head from last Christmas, well... looks like it came true. I'm beyond overjoyed to share this holiday season with a new family member, our sweet baby.

The other nice surprise on tax day was this years new tax deduction =)  That was just a bonus!

We waited a long time to tell family and friends (14 weeks) because I was so scared something would go wrong. Even though I had faith in my Lord. I was just being cautious with the news.

But now as I sit... 5 months pregnant, I'm thinking I need to update this blog!  So here's a pic of the new baby and I hope to update again soon :)

Love and Hugs to all,
Katie, Steve and Baby Sherman

New week, new classes, more tests...

This new week has brought on more... stress.
Yes, I know that most people endure stress on an everyday basis, but this isn't just "work" stress or "life" stress, this is "school, pressure to make good grades, will we ever find out what is wrong with my body," stress.

This weekend I put 2 more online classes to bed and I start two new ones tomorrow. Well, actually they started on Friday but I was too exhausted putting the old classes behind me that I refused to answer the new ones, calling me.

This week I start "Biblical Communications Seminar I" and "Philosophy." Yes, I know I should have taken "Philosophy" in Community College, but I didn’t. I let it's intense, make no sense, attitude keep me far, away. Finally, after many failed attempts, I must finish this Philosophy class online.

I spoke to my advisor last week and she thinks if I can get all of my "electives" out of the way this summer, plus finish another 18 hours in the fall and spring.... I can graduate in May 2011.

I really hope I can pull this one off.

For now, my plan is to complete my bachelor’s degree in Ministry. Start working full time again in the summer and follow up with a 36 month graduate program @ Liberty University. The thought of more school and tuition while only just graduating and still working part time is, nauseating.

So, for now...that's the plan. So, let's get on with it!

Time to let this week continue to kick me in the @**.

Ps) I forgot to say I'm getting my sonograms this week, and I'm looking into "full body" scans.  I will keep you updated as I know more. :)

k

Have you ever?????

Have you ever...
Copy, paste, and bold what you have done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been to Key West, FL
4. Vacationed in Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/Disney World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo or played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Gone rollerskating
15. Adopted a child
16. Gambled in Vegas
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Worked at a Cannery or Welfare Farm
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Played an instrument
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Acted in a play or performed on stage
38. Been to Italy
39. Gone river rafting
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen ‘Old Faithful’ geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Water Skied
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Been to Japan
50. Rode a horse
51. Gone snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Sailed a boat
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Surfed
57. Started a business
58. Visited the Great Wall of China
59. Lived in a foreign country
60. Delivered Meals on Wheels or Served at a Soup Kitchen
61. Snow Mobile or Snow Skied
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Gone Ice Skating
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopte
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Knit, Crocheted, Sewn, Quilted
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper or been on TV
86. Visited the White House
87. Been stung by a bee
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Had to put someone you love in Hospice Care
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Eaten suishi
99. Won the Lottery
100. Read an entire book in one day
 
40 out of 100... not bad!

My Beethoven...

My sweet baby dog Beethoven, has... allergies. Not just any kind of allergies. Like the kind the people have and must get shots for. Geez, my dog is more high maintenance than me. :) I took Beethoven to the "allergy vet" the other week and they did a "allergy test" on him, just like they do on the humans... uh hm...$700 dollars later we know now that he is allergic to: Everything! Mostly dust mites, grass and yeast that he makes on his own skin. Are you kidding me? What am I going to do with this dog? Meanwhile the vet has given me a vile of the allergens he is allergic to and wants me to give Beethoven a shot every other week for the rest of his life? There is a 80% chance that he will get better from the shots, but it takes at least a year before we see any results. Seriously? There has to be a better way. For now, I'm waiting...because I mostly feel clueless on what is best.

Here is a pic that I took of Beethoven after his allergy test on his skin. :(

Dr. Appointments galore....

Hello Bloggies,
I wanted to share with you some news that I've been looking for, for a long time... I have been on a search for a "cure." I say that because, I live with a nasty, sometimes debilitating syndrome, daily. Yes, it's the wonderful "IBS." Or so they say...

I was diagnosed with this very common problem over 10 years ago and the fight to keep it under control has left me, weak. I have seen the best doctors in Dallas, had a million tests and I mostly feel like a "mystery diagnosis."
I mean, that's what it really is... no one can figure it out. After my last and very costly Colonoscopy/Endoscopy... I lost hope. My "Best Dallas Doctor money can buy" told me, she was kind of clueless to what was really happening and I should have more tests...

Well, that's easy to say but it's hard to afford. I'm still paying down hospital bills from June and this lady wants me to have another hospital stay and some more poking and prodding... I just wanted to be left alone.

Since June, I haven't been to a doctor. I just gave up. I know that sounds weak but I'm tired of the process. It takes a lot out of a person to prep for those tests etc and I was just done.
Until now. I found a new doctor that might have the answer. Or at least she is going to keep looking until she finds it! I met with a new doctor last Thursday and she feels that she might know what is wrong, and of course... I'm thrilled.
She took "a lot" of blood and we are going to start there, fresh and new and from the beginning and I'm hoping this time, there will be a "diagnosis."
Only, she did say that I could have a "blood disease" and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's not, but really I just want an answer and I'm praying that the news will be good.
So, I write this post to keep you updated on that front but not to "complain" or "whine" about the process. I have managed with this for over 10 years now, and I'm not going to start "crying" about it now. I have just been really, frustrated.
Plus, I know there are far worse things that people are battling everyday in comparison to this. Some people have cancer and life threatening diseases. I'm not making light of that, those people are true warriors. I'm just  thankful the Lord has brought me this far without any cancers and I'm praying for the strength to keep up the fight, the fight to keep searching for the "diagnosis."

K

It was raining and pouring... and then it was snowing?

Well, unless you have been living under a rock... you have heard that Texas recieved a very rare occourance on Thursday. :) 

About 3am central time, it started snowing... and by the time we woke up, it was still snowing and then after we ate lunch it was still snowing and before we went to bed it was still... snowing!!! This never happens here! We were very lucky to see such a pretty snowfall all day, and all night and we had record amounts of the precipatation since 1965. I kept saying to Steve, "I have never seen this much snow in my lifetime." And, I was right! It was super fun to go outside and play in the snow with our doggie. He too, has never seen this much snow in his lifetime! Steve and I made a snowman and Beethoven chased snow balls in the yard, it was too cute for words. By the time we came inside from playing our clothes were drenched, but we didn't mind. :) It was a fun inconvenience to say the least. We had such a blast we wanted to share some photos of this crazy snow fall... looks like we got close to 12 inches!!!! Holy Cow, that's a lot!

Almost a year ago...

I started this blog... I wanted to find a easy way to communicate with friends and family through a website and I had seen countless other bloggies that were so cute... So I tried.

Of course, I wanted to keep it up... but I just couldn't with "life."  But, I'm back!  I'm really going to try and stay on top of my posting and keeping it all new... key word here is: "try."

Okay bloggies, with that being said... here's the latest in the Sherman household.

Steve got a promotion!!!!  Yea Steve, he's such a hard worker and he really deserved it.  Now he runs a route in Sherman/Denison, which is like 50 minutes north on 75.  It's quite a drive, but we are praying that this new promotion will pay off, big time. :)

I'm so happy that Steve has a job, well I would call it a career now... that he loves.  He is so on top of things and learning something new all the time.  I'm so proud of my hubby and I'm glad he enjoys his work. That is a huge blessing.

For me? Well, I'm taking two online classes right now... at the same time. Which, is no small feat.  Each online class takes about 15-30+ hours of work a week, and I'm doing two of those.  Also, I'm signed up for 6 classes total for the semester.  Which means I will have four more classes at the same time to take after this "7 weeks" is up.  Whew. Are you tired yet?  I am.

I'm also working more part time hours now @ Emler Swim School.  Right now I'm at 20 hours per week, plus housework and cooking and being a wife... you know it adds up.  Mostly I'm grateful for the opportunity to not have to work as much so I can focus on my studies.

Which brings me to my next good news... I made the Dean's List again this semester!!!  Yea!  I have been named to this honor for both of my semesters last year, so I'm very happy about that accomplishment and I hope to continue to excel in that area of my life.

Are you ready to hear about Beethoven???? Well, he's good. Just living his normal day to day routine, which is sleep, eat, go out, sleep, bark, eat, go out. :)  He's so cute.  I think he likes having me at home more these days because we can break into spontaneous fits of play time and go on walks... when it hasn't been bad weather.  All in all, he is good.  He is enjoying playing "King" to our "castle."

Huggies,
K