Some more pic's also a beautiful gift we received from my dear friend Lynette....her blanket is so special!

Rosalyn's Baptism

Beautiful day. She looked stunning, we had a wonderful time with our friends Leona Gallant as godmother (Rosa was born on her birthday!) and Don Copitts is her godfather. We shared lunch and cake with my cousin Annie, Fr. Radecki, Sister Mary Alphonsa, Sister Mary Catherine, our friends Peggy Critzer, Bill Dallaire and her godparents, and Bob Gallant. Father graciously insisted we have it in the rectory so it was a lovely home setting get together....and the cake was so yummy! haha!

Baptism Video

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Rosa's story

Well, I have a few minutes until Rosa wakes again. Anyhow, so this is what happened...As most everyone know I've been contracting for some time but Wed and Thurs were different. They were strong but I couldn't get them to be closer than 15 minutes apart. I called in but they didn't want me to go in to the birthing center til they were. Of course this was not my physican but one on call. I should of pressed it now looking back.

I was in terrible pain these days and just worried, didn't know what the deal was but knew I had an appointment Friday at 3pm. I woke up Friday morn and I just couldn't wait til 3pm. I just couldn't. I don't know why...I just knew. So I called in and they said come right in we have openings today. So they begin the non stress test and it was a long test. She didn't do great on it, but she passed it, so they brought in the u/s machine....we could find little to no amniotic fluid. She said her first scan was a 2. something but the second scan less than that...we needed to go in.

The plan was to still let me be at the birthing center to try natural means of induction...not pitocin, but other means the midwives have. Such as breaking the water and so forth. On the way there, I was contracting but same ol' same ol....I had been dilated to 3-4cm when we left the doc. office. So they start me on an antibiotic and a bag of fluids. I am stressed to the max, afraid of getting transferred out of the birthing center and sent to the regular labor and delivery for pitocin induced labor. Also not knowing the seriousness of what is going on with the baby at the time. I guess I didn't understand that Rosa was in not just low fluid but she was in NO FLUID! Anyway, still contracting...no big deal I've been doing this for days...and after a short time she checks and I'm not dilated at 3 or even 4 but a whopping 6. I'm in labor...no means of induction...I did it on my own! I was DEHYDRATED! I was in labor all along...just too dehydrated to continue....I can't believe it. What a relief. So a few hours later I'm at a 7. Got to sit in the huge jacuzzi tub and all is great. I did have a very diffucult time with the last stage of labor, due to the no fluid issue but with the Grace of God we made it through.

After it was all over, I find out, Rosa wouldn't have made it throughout the night. I am glad I didn't know that before hand. She's fine now. God is wonderful, good and saw us through.

What have I learned....a huge lesson. We pray, and pray and pray...but do we just let go at that point? Do we just completely trust? We question, we wonder and we stress...at least that is what I've been doing....this day turned out so wonderful so perfect...We wouldn't of lost her, because we were going to have her that day. That is the day meant for her. God knew how much I wanted to labor at the birthing center and I did... God knew I wanted to go into labor and I did! The nurses were shocked! God took care of us in every respect and even though it was in a different way than I planned he granted me every single prayer. Tomorrow my princess will be baptized and I feel that I have been so blessed it just means that much more. Ps. Steve chose his godfather this time, a wonderful man at our church and I chose another wonderful lady from our church....well Rosa was born on her godmother's birthday. Isnt' that cute?

ok, gotta go get my sleepy head to nurse...she's still at the stage where she'd rather sleep through it. haha! hope everyone like the pic's. More tomorrow

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Rosalyn Dominica

This pic me pregnant was actually taken two weeks ago but we just never got around to taking that last picture yesterday...things got to busy. Speaking of busy...Here's pic's and after the weekend I have a great story to tell. Tomorrow we are having her baptism and anyhow...here's my long awaited princess!

And in the pink corner..

Weighing in at 8 lbs, 6oz, 21" long is Rosalyn! They should get home today and Ter will post pictures. I cannot wait to see those! I talked with her last night and she really did have a great experience. The midwife was great, the birthing center was wonderful. She was very happy with all of it!

Welcome Rosalyn! She's here!

Little Rosalyn Cichos was born at 11:03 Michigan time, so 9:03 for us waiting back home. She has black hair and eye brows. I don't have a weight yet, but will let you know when I do. I am so happy to hear it went well! She really enjoyed the birthing center!

Thanks to all for the prayers!!!

Update

As of about 5:30 mountain time, or 7:30 Michigan time, she was at a 7 and doing great. They have not had to do anything to keep her progressing. She's doing it all on her own! What a trooper! Things are going great!!!

Heeerrree we gooooo!!

Anne here...Terrie went into the doctors this morning, having really good contractions. They did an ultrasound and the fluid is low again. It's not as bad as it was with Marilyn, but about as bad as Maddie..So, a 3ish. Maybe a bit lower. They will try to induce and really get things going a la natural, but if there are any signs of the baby stressing, they will take her over to labor and delivery and probably put her on pit.
Please pray that everything goes well. I know she is really looking forward to the nice relaxed birthing center. There are so many great things that they offer that the regular l&d does not have. But, she knows a good outcome is the most important thing right now.
I'll update as I can. Thanks!!!

Still holding on!

Still contracting consistenly and still holding on. The contractions are very strong, yet they are staying the same, not moving closer together YET, and not intensifying anymore than they are. So I'm probably in some sort of prelabor or early labor. I do have an appointment tomorrow and will be completely checked if they continue like this.

I'm so appreciative for Anne to update for me, I'm not much into emailing, or chatting...I'm just more into concentrating on what's going on.

I'm very thankful for the prayers...Keep them coming. Baby is moving well and moves nicely right before each contraction. We took a walk this evening and I think I'm just slowly on my way.

Also very lucky to have such wonderful friends, family and the Sisters have been accomodating me with any wish. The kids have been able to bring their work home, so I can stay home and do what I need to do. Steve dropped the older three girls off at a field trip, they took the girls to the school after, got their class work and then drove them all the way home today!

During these times I sure miss my Colorado buddies, Anne....Mary...have been such great cheerleaders everytime I get frustrated. I sure miss my mother, my sister and man....my father! Its amazing that when our defenses are down how we really go to all the emotional things. I miss my mother and father in law, and know they are praying very hard for me right now, even on their trip to North Dakota. So everyone please know I 'm here...I'm fine, just this has been one of the hardest waits...I think ever. And I'm plugging away.......ps. Did you know I have the best husband ever? He has been by my side, taking care of every whim, helping me through the sleepless nights. Kids have been good. So I can't really ask for more....well except for the baby...to come! Now!

In the eternal words of Bill Cosby....

Whew, whew, whew,whew ho-ho, whew whew whew whew ho-ho...Yes, that is my best effort at spelling the all too familiar, and funny sounds that Bill makes in his Childbirth skit. Why is this relevant? Well, because Terrie is in labor of course! She is still at home, handling it well, trying to rest as much as she can. Sister gave the kids their homework to do at home, and today, the three oldest are on a field trip with Steve and the school. But, they are only fifteen minutes away. Luckily, labor does not usually happen as we see on the TV. Although, I am sure Terrie was wishing it would! So, please check the blog for updates, but refrain from calling her.. Or, you could try to call her, but odds are, she will not answer the phone..She's just not feeling very social right now. Prayers are much appreciated as well!

Alllllmmmooosssttttt thhhheerrreeeee!!!!!

Well, since Terrie cannot seem to find the time to update her blog, and with her permission, I, Anne, will do it for her.

Terrie Balboa is taking it like a champ, in the true Rocky style. You think she is down and will not again rise, but some how, she summons the strength to continue the fight, to take the title, the belt, and the honor! Ok, seriously though, she is doing great. A few false alarms, but things just may get rolling here soon. If she does not have the baby by Monday, she will go to the birthing center where they will try a few natural tricks of the trade to help things along. God willing, she will be holding a new baby before that! I am anxious, and I know that there are a few Grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. awaiting the arrival of our sweet girl! While Terrie is in the hospital, I will update her blog with any pertinent info she passes along. I am very much looking forward to it.

Oh, also, does everyone remember the feast day tomorrow? That's right. St. Gerard, patron of expectant mothers! Here's a bit of his story:

St. Gerard Majella, religious, is the patron of expectant mothers. He was born at Muro, Italy, in 1726 and joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23, becoming a professed lay brother in 1752. He served as sacristan, gardener, porter, infirmarian, and tailor. However, because of his great piety, extraordinary wisdom, and his gift of reading consciences, he was permitted to counsel communities of religious women.

This humble servant of God also had the faculties of levitation and bi-location associated with certain mystics. His charity, obedience, and selfless service as well as his ceaseless mortification for Christ, made him the perfect model of lay brothers. He was afflicted with tuberculosis and died in 1755 at the age of twenty-nine.

This great saint is invoked as a patron of expectant mothers as a result of a miracle effected through his prayers for a woman in labor.

Prayer: O Great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted Child of the Mother of God: enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love. O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the Patron and Protector of expectant mothers. Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the lustral waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

No news, not good news....

Well still holding on. We've had a lot of false alarms thinking labor had started only to have it either totally stall or linger for hours never to intensify. So that's where we stand. I have an appointment on Monday, so thinking days out instead of moments out right now. Anyway, so that's the news right now.

oh, Mikey used the potty for the first time today. We were all cheering for him after and he was looking at us like why you cheering for me? haha!

Well, since....

everyone is on pins and needles awaiting this stubborn baby's arrival, let me just say....not quite yet but soon. I've had a couple contractions today, but still happy that I showed some signs of it coming today. Maybe tomorrow or over night. I didn't get my day I hoped for, but know we'll have a baby in our arms in a short time.

I know in the end, it will be very worth the wait.

Yeah!

A little baby step this morning headed in the right direction. I feel the verge of labor and have had some other signs of its coming this morning....so here's the conflict.....I WANT THE BABY TODAY! Feast of the Rosary, however Steve wants the baby tomorrow...just to be the pain that he likes to be....haha! So now its a race between Mom and Dad....who's gonna win? I think it should dephinately be me! Steve's line of thinking is the novena ends today so I should have the baby tomorrow. And to further the competitiveness in my crazy house....The super competive people Dad and Carolyn has been revisited, since today is actually her pick and tomorrow is his!

Oh, and last night me and my mom got quite the laugh. Its so funny how things come back. She was due in late August with my sister Cristina my sister and a few of her girlfriends all pregnant but due 2 weeks or so later delivered on her due date! Last night I was lamenting because I figured that my dear friend Sheila is scheduled for a c-section on my due date! haha! I was thinking....now my baby is older! haha!~
I might still beat ya, Sheila! The race is on!

oh yeah, my friend Anne sent me this little comment today and I thought it so beautiful,

Ter, my Mom always said that this part and the labor for for the children's souls..You should have a pretty darn good little girl on your hands after this! You're going great! Just a wee bit longer!

Good/Bad News

The Bad news is I'm NOT in labor...yet.

The good news is had my appointment today and she said from all appearences I look ready. Baby is in a good position for birth, dilated to 3. So body is ready, just waiting for labor (her words).

Anyhow, so we are still waiting. I was so hoping tomorrow would be my day! I guess only God knows. If the horrible chance exsists that I'm still pregnant next week they will see me very few days for a non-stress test.

Had a non stress today. Baby passed, but she was a little more calmer than she would like. But I hadn't eaten in quite a few hours, so she said to make sure I eat every few hours and drink plenty of fluids.

You all are being so patient with me! I'm struggling to remain patient. I just know this will be a better birth for waiting for it to be done without medical intervention. I really appreciate the continued prayers...I really need them, its so easy to feel frustrated and snap at the ones closest to you, when feeling this uncomfortable!

Update on Me!

I'm misearble. I've been having a lot of pain all weekend. My lower back feels very raw. I'm hoping things are beginning. I had a burst of energy and got some clothes sorted on Saturday, and then Sunday I barely made it through my day. Today Steve took off to let me stay in bed and rest. So that's what I'm doing today. I have an appointment this afternoon. I've been contracting since last night but they don't seem to get strong enough to wake me up. So I'm in a holding pattern.

I would greatly APPRECIATE any prayers. My actual due date is Wednesday so we are almost to that point. Its gotta be within the next day or so...I have to think!

Yahoo News Article

This goes into more detail about the Family Catechism....its so cool!

Click here: Children are the Stars of New Catechism CDs - Yahoo! News

OR READ BELOW FOR LAZY ONES! hehe!

Children are the Stars of New Catechism CDs
Thu Oct 2, 3:01 AM ET

St. Joseph's Media, a traditional Catholic publisher, having recently released the acclaimed CD High Mass Recorded Live has just produced two inspiring CDs: an audio book version of their recent publication, The Family Catechism ("the Catholic Faith in a little red book").

Wayne, MI (PRWEB) October 2, 2008 -- St. Joseph's Media, a traditional Catholic publisher, having recently released the acclaimed CD High Mass Recorded Live has just produced two inspiring CDs: an audio book version of their recent publication, The Family Catechism ("the Catholic Faith in a little red book").

A request from a blind woman who could not read the catechism was the impetus behind the two-year project. What began as a simple recording for an individual using only a tape deck and a mixing microphone evolved into a professional digital recording for families worldwide.

More than 30 people, most of them children, were involved in the recording. Disc #1 contains 19 tracks of prayers, catechetical instruction, devotions, and server responses. Disc #2 contains 26 traditional hymns so dear to generations of Catholics.

Having an extensive background in sound engineering, Fr. Francisco Radecki, co-founder of St. Joseph's Media, teamed with dedicated families who devoted their time and voices, to create this inspirational, angelic catechism on two CDs.

The recording sessions which began in the church office and parishioners' homes eventually were transferred to a small studio to eliminate much of the extraneous noises during the recording process including lawn mowers, motorcycles, noisy trucks, telephones and dogs. In order to capture the warmth and richness of a live recording, all of the hymns were also recorded in the church choir loft.

Father Radecki was faced with technical challenges as well. A pop filter had to be used to soften the b's and p's. Music files take a great deal of memory, more than 30GB of files, so the computer used had to be equipped with more memory and a portable hard drive.

Some of the children's voices had changed during the two year period between the sessions. The voices recorded at an earlier session were combined with recent ones lending a very unique aspect to this recording. Amazingly, the voices blend together with a natural warmth and innocence. Some of the most charming and inspirational sections were done spontaneously, such as the perfect cadence between father and daughter and mother and son that can be heard in the catechism lessons on Disc #1. God surely had a hand in this.

Disc #1 contains instruction on the Catholic Faith for all ages. This includes preparation for confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, the Stations of the Cross, altar server responses, the Holy Rosary, the Ten Commandments and other Catholic teachings and devotions. The music CD contains such famous Catholic hymns as Holy God, Hail Holy Queen, Jesus My Lord My God My All, together with a variety of seasonal hymns used during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. The simplicity and innocence of the children resounds through their joyful voices as they sing and recite.

The Family Catechism on CD will bring a smile to your face and be a tremendous learning tool for families and make a wonderful Christmas or birthday gift for that special child or grandchild. By listening to these CDs, children and adults alike will be able to better learn about their Catholic Faith.

Proceeds will be used toward the acquisition of a new K-8 building for St. Joseph's Parish School. A set including the book and both CDs is $29.95 (+ shipping); the two CD set is $19.95. (+ shipping) You can place an order by visiting the web site of at St. Joseph's Media or Amazon.

Family Catechism

The family Catechism is now avaliable on cd version. Its very exciting for our family as we are all on the 1st cd at one point or another. Its a 2 disk cd, 1st disk is the book in audio and the 2nd disk is the children (Katelyn, Carolyn, and Jaclyn along with the school choir) singing Catholic hymns!

I'll have more pic's later. There is the most beautiful picture of the children singing in the choir loft on the inside cover!

Questions or comments can be emailed at:

media@stjosephschurch.net

The cost is $20.00 for the set.

A discount for church bookstores is available. Contact Fr. Radecki

Prayer to St. Joseph for October!

Prayer to St. Joseph for October

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we have recourse in our tribulation and having implored the help of thy thrice-holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also.By that charity wherewith thou wast united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray, that thou wouldst look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ hath purchased by His Blood, and assist us in our needs by Thy power and strength. Most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen people of Jesus Christ; keep far from us, most loving father, all blight of error and corruption: mercifully assist us from heaven, most mighty defender, in our conflict with the powers of darkness;and even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; keep us one and all under thy continual protection, that we may be supported by thine example and thine assistance, may be enabled to lead a holy life, die a happy death and come at last to the possession of everlasting blessedness in heaven. Amen

An indulgence of three years, an indulgence of 7 years during the month of October, when said after recitation of the Rosary and on any Wednesday throughout the year. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for the daily recitation of this prayer.

Pope Leo x111, Encyclical Aug 15, 1889;S.C. Ind,, Sept 21, 1889; S.P. Ap., May 17 1927; Dec 13, 1935 and March 10, 1941

Happy Birthday Grandma Cichos! & update

Happy Birthday Mom, and I can't believe its October! I hope you are getting the fall colors you enjoy, maybe a car drive to see the Aspens!

Secondly a quick sorta update. Yesterday I spent the day thinking labor was beginning. Then around 6pm I started contracting regularly at 20 minute intervals. I was excited at the prospect of having the baby on my mother in laws birthday! But around 4am they stopped. About broke my heart! However I notice today she has moved and is kicking me very differently. Until today she has been pushing her butt out. Huge o'l bump...but today she is pushing her feet out, small little bump. I can't help but to wonder if last night was about her getting into a birthing position. I'm tired today of course. But I know that even if it doesn't start back up today, we gotta only be a few days away. It doesn't surprise me for her to move into the posterior position, since all my babes have been born that way. So we'll just have to wait and see.

Its very frustrating. I'm trying to keep spirits high. Atleast I got to go to Mass today! (I prayed for you Mom) and for my friend Carol's mom-today was her mother's birthday. She died a few years ago and I sat with Carol during Mass. Mikey and Maddie were perfect. Not sure what prompted that but Maddie told me Joey had told her all about her guardian Angel and how she's with her everywhere and sitting right with her in Mass so that's why she didn't talk. haha! Especially since tomorrow is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. I'll have to remember to thank Joey.

Saturdaynight/Sunday morning!

again-I took this update from an email I sent to friends, in the idea of not sitting at this desk for too long right now. Seems when I sit here for long periods of time I have more pain in my back and hips. So this is my update from last night.

Anyhow....sometimes I wonder if I have to wait for ROSAlyn on the feast of O.L of the ROSAry. Gonna dephinately do the Novena prayers.

Ok, update again. Last night around 11pm I started having these horrible pains in my lower back and lower stomach on the left side. I had the continous feeling of having to go to the bathroom. I must of (sorry-but....pee'd) for an hour straight! I thought maybe UTI so I ran up to the store and bought some cranberry juice. This went on for 2 more hours and finally I gave in and went into the Labor and Delivery. The only thing they found was a slight UTI....SLIGHT? Now granted this is my first time ever having any unrinary tract problems but man, oh...man! The sad news is, their is absolutely no evidence at all that any of the contractions have been cervical changing. (yep, I know they are working something) anyhow, so I'm not holding out for any day now....I just might have met my first baby that decides to go all the way to my due date....or worse....over due! I guess I could always hope for the surprise labors with no signs...but that's about all I can hope for right this second. Now I'm kind of wondering if my Oct. 8 due date is the more accurate one. Anyhow....that's my update.

Now, how can I possibly end this on such a bumming sour note...I mean I am Terrie, right? I always have to find something funny or crazy to make those lemons into lemonade? Right....ok....sure....I can do it! So I go to the hospital last night and they have metal detectors....So they sit me in a wheel chair and (mind you I wouldn't let Steve come, I didn't want to leave the kids at night 2am to be exact- unless 100% necessary) so the guy takes my purse to run it through the machine. He has an odd look on his face and comes over and says, "Maam, do you have a fork in your purse?" oh, my....my draw dropped and I instantly flashed back to Friday when we went to our daily diner for breakfast and Maddie got all the way to the car and realized she had a fork in her hand. I threw it in my purse and was going to jokingly give it back to the waitress's on Monday! I was so embarrassed! And laughed and cried all the way up to the 3rd floor!

Our Lady of the Rosary Novena

--Thanks to my friend Ann for sending this my way--

Novena Prayers for Our Lady of the Rosary feast Oct. 7th.

http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/OLRosary_bar.jpg

dr. appt

Had a doctor appointment. Had a non stress test and Dr. said everything looked fine. Scared us for a few moments but it was before I understood what they were looking for. Her heartbeat was fluctuating (but that's whats its suppose to do) Dr. explained that it shows she handling rest time, movement and even contractions well. So glad she explained it to me.

anyhow just praying this baby comes very very soon! I have another appointment Monday and they are going to do stress tests twice a week until baby day.

Taking a break from baby watch to..............

Celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary! This has got to be one of my most favorite days of the year. Guess it helps that we are happily married. haha! Guess it would be a bummer if we didn't like each other or something. haha!

Nah, really....I think about 14 years...what has transpired...man, a lot has. 9 children. haha! Great time, and bad times, but mostly great times. I don't think we ever thought years ago as we moved into our trailor that seemed so big for us at the time, that our lives would get so busy, so hectic. I don't think we could even fit 1/2 our family in our old trailor anymore.

I think the important thing is Steve and I have tried to do things together, especially in prayer. We have made our First Fridays, Saturdays, Concecrations, Confirmations together. A few years ago when things started getting way too busy for us just to be Steve and Terrie we started going outside after dinner for a chat. We take a cup of coffee and just talk about whatever. Never a time to deal with things that say we might not agree on, this is a time for us to just talk. We talk about the kids, things kids do, something we may feel the kids need, or what we may need. We talk about Steve's day, we talk about my day or something I read that I found interesting or something he heard on the radio. Now that we have a teen-ager and pre teens we can slip away for a cup of coffee and piece of pie, just the two of us, or run up to the store for a gallon of milk or whatever.

I can't really remember the last time we argued for real, we like to bicker at each other, I think its our past-time. But somewhere along the way we became more than one just in God's eyes but in our personalities too. I dont' know when it happened. I am trying to recall a day that didn't include Steve, and funny as it may sound...I can't remember really what that was like. Well speaking of sneaking away....that's exactly what we are about to do. We went to dinner tonight. It was wonderful. We went to Red Lobster's. My favorite once a year treat. Evelyn saved my lobster tail for show n tale. haha. Mikey loved the fish tanks. The kids were spectacular. This one lady must of came up to us three times just to tell us our "parenting skills must me amazing!" haha! Nah, luck mostly. hehe. So now Steve's taking me out for coffee and pie. Without the kids....well without most of them...Rosalyn has to come with! hehe!

I pray God continues to bless us, with health of body and soul and with happiness and harmony.

I lost!

Well, today was my pick for the day to have the baby, since the day is gone I can say I lost! hehe. I did take a trip to the hospital today. Had to make sure that my water had not sprung a leak so to speak. All is fine. It was kind of nice to see the rooms and I'm really impressed, but hated to leave without having the baby! hehe! No real change with anything so we are still waiting. I think maybe now we are probably looking at much closer to my due date than was originally thought. So here we come October.

My nerves are a little haywire. Baby has settled down and always looking for those signs of distress. Guess I'll never fully get over losing Marilyn so surprisingly. Her heart beat was at 130, which the nurse said is normal. I hadn't eaten yet, and she may have been sleeping but her usual in the office has been 145 but again my appointments have always been right after lunch time. But its something to discuss with her on Thursday.

Still in the holding pattern

Well, still holding on here. Things are ok. I have good days and bad days. Just depends on her postition for the day, I suppose. Some days I wake up and she's not on the nerves and I can walk ok, other days I wake up and my legs just won't go. Now the new issue is sleeping. Not just the waking up because of the bladder but now she's getting heavy that my right side will hurt so I flip and the left side hurts just from leaning on them.

The other day I had some pretty terrible contractions and got really nervous but after a bath and to bed they stopped. I knew they weren't real labor contractions but they still made me nervous.

So we'll just have to start the new week and see what it brings....hopefully it brings a beautiful princess into my world. hehe!

Am I a magnet for silliness or what?

ok, well I originally typed this out for some close friends, but I thought everyone would enjoy one of the little events of my life, that just make it so much fun! WHATEVER! hehe! Here goes:


ok, ladies, gotta give it up...I had one of those moments tonight...you know, the moments that you love to hear about. the ones where you shake your head and think, "how does Terrie do it?, why do the silliest stuff happen to Terrie?"

Ready? Set? Go!

So Katelyn got hurt at school today. She went to pick up the ball at the exact moment one of the kids went to kick the ball and it hit her ring finger. So she shows me the finger and straightens it out and it is so crooked, you would not believe what it looked like. It looked broken but she could bend it, it was very sore but she could move it. So its not broken, but maybe dislocated? or something?

So we go home, wait for Dad to see it so we can make a decision and we decide it looks really bad, its so crooked looking. So I take her to the ER.

Well of course they see me, big as a house and I got about three offers for a wheel chair! Oh, brother, this is going to be a long night. We go in the questions the normal blah, blah, blah....they do x rays. they are all concerned about this crooked finger. I'm telling you IT WAS CROOKED!

Lo and Behold after all this the doctor comes in, and she says, and I'm not kidding:

"This is a case of the most double jointed person we have ever seen!" Nothing is wrong. Katelyn is very double jointed and I guess she can contort all her fingers to look like this...now imagine my surprise, her mother, her mother of 13 years and I never knew the kid could contort her fingers this way....and what's worse Katie didn't realize it either! Now guess how stupid I felt? Me and Katelyn giggled (loudly I might add) all the way out of the hospital! hehe!

oh, P.S.....I'M 38 WEEKS...NOW WHERE THE HECK IS THIS BABY? EVICTION NOTICE IS SERVED! "Go to the light, go to the light!" hehe!

Gotta stay pregnant! haha!

Well contractions have stalled. I'm totally fine with it, I wasn't expecting her this week, rather next week. It was a good dry run to see if I was ready and organized. Its a lot of work with seven kids to make sure are ready and all that goes with. So anyhow, not bummed.

Ok, so went to the doctor. First of all it started out not so good! Last weekend I had such a blow out with the nurses that my midwife came in, sat down and started to lecture ME! I was shocked. She had this write up on me, and also the fax's I sent her. But she seemed to appear as if I was the one to be "talked to" I interrupted her right away. Laid it out on the table. I told her the treatment I recieved was very unprofessional and that is she felt the need to lecture anyone she should march herself out to the nursing station. I spent the next 10 minutes going back and forth with her on it and after that time, I specifically told her, I am not willing to ever compromise myself or my child to poor medical treatment. I've done it, I've paid the price, and not her, or her nurses or anyone else will ever put me in a situation again. Then I asked her, are you ready to talk about me or should I leave? She apologized and I could tell she was not expecting what she got. I am a little angered that the conversation happened however, she pulled it out.

So we talked about my due date and she said she already had me down for a possible due date of the same date I told her. She said at 20 weeks my u/s came back that the baby was further along. So looks like that worked out. hehe. She has me down at due Oct. 1st. (my mother in law's birthday! hehe) Original date was Oct. 8th.

So baby's heartbeat was good, and baby has totally moved and engaged into the pelvis, so last night was not for nothing. She could slightly move the baby but not by much. Dilated some at a 3 and about 1/2 thinned out. But I did not pass the strep B test. So antibiotics before delivery, but my p ed said it would not change any of our plans as long as I get the antibiotic before delivery. I love my peditrition. Anyhow, so that is it. I don't give the strep b much credence since I've had nine kids and nothing....but will follow the directions of my baby's doctor. He called me tonight after I left a late message, just cause I wanted to ask him a question. He called me within 30 minutes. So anyhow. That's all for now.

So my joke is this. Rosalyn Dominica is named for "Roses of God" Dominica was my grandmother's middle name. Did I realize her birthday is next week? nope? She died three years ago. Anyhow, watch this baby wait for that birthday or the next day which is our anniversary! hehe.

limbo, sort of...hehe

Well the night continued with restless sleeping. Finally a gazillion "Hail Mary's" led to some shut eye. I can still feel the cramping as I slept. Still about the same today. I figure something is starting, but we just have to wait for God's time. Everytime I don't feel anything for a while I think, ok...its tapered off, then I have a contraction and I'm like, ok...its not all for nothing.

So same ol'. Which is fine with me, even if it goes towards the weekend. I've always had my kids around the weekend so I don't mind at all. Plus it would be good for the kids and all.

I see, Ann was able to get on the blog just fine, so we are set for if its time to update. Anyway, even if it tapers I'm not all bummed about that, I remember what Mother Mary Catherine says, "God has already chosen her birthday" And I know its soon. Boy, wouldn't St. Fransis de Sales be so proud of my patience???????? hehehehhehehehhehehe!

Are we still waiting, and testing...

Ho hummmmm....

Maybe? Maybe? Maybe?

Well I have spent the day (Monday) feeling kinda funny to my stomach. Just weird and different. Crampy and my stomach has been looking quite odd, and the baby has move totally to the center in like a ball.

Tonight (Monday night) it continues all night long. Moments of contractions and the baby went nuts for a while and then she chilled out.

Now its 4am and the contractions woke me, not painful just I am aware of them. Not timable, but simply there. I am very calm about it. See how it goes. This seems very familiar to my labor with Joey. If things ring true to his labor I could go like this for a whole another day (Tuesday) So we'll see. But man, that was 9 years ago! hehe. almost 9 anyhow.

Well, I'm going back to bed. Going to go along as usual in the morning. Steve is working close by the school and my friend Claire's anyway, better for me to be close to him. I have an appointment in the afternoon tomorrow too. So we'll see what happens.

I'm amazingly calm about it. So much so I don't quite recognize the calmness! haha! I suppose if its for real then Yeah! and if its just working towards later this week, or next week...that is fine too.

We'll be of course calling our parents, Anne and my sis right away, and Anne is being assigned (haha....without knowing it yet) to update my blog for other members of our family and friends.

Oh, and a cute little gift, if I haven't told y'all yet....By my original due date I'm 36 weeks 6 days....but I found my original calendar...I've been going off wrong dates all along! I'm a week ahead so I'm 37weeks 6 days. hehe. I suppose a little gift at the end. At the time of figuring it out it was between Christmas and New Years....like my most busy time of the year! I just plain forgot. hehe!

Pregnancy update

I'm 36 weeks.

Had a very disappointing appointment. First of all the nursing staff, did not call me to cancel, so when I arrived at for my 3:30 appointment they told me they had. I told them that I had not received a call or message. So they said they would put me in at a 3:50 with one of the doctors. I see a midwife, well time goes on and on and on. I complained 3 times and finally at 4:50 they call me back.

The doctor doesn't want to see me, she is in a rush, she barely listens to the heartbeat for maybe 4 seconds. Measures me at 37 fundal measurement and says she's not going to do the GBS test. After a few minutes of going back and forth with her she relunctancly does the test. I know full well if I were to go into labor without that test it would be nothing but hassle at the hospital.

I try to talk to her about concerns and she would not discuss it with me. I wrote a complaint, I felt the appointment was a total waste of time. I felt that this was an important appointment was didn't appreciate waiting so long to be not seen properly. You know, if something were a miss, in such a rush, do you think that doctor would spend her life saddened that she rushed through, that she was not thorough? Really upset me, especially with the history I have.

Anyhow, that's my gripe for the day. Now a little fun. Needed a pick me up so we started our game today. Each child looks at the calendar and they pick two days and two weights for the baby. Who ever is closest wins $1.oo for the day and $1.oo for the weight. My father started this tradition so we keep it fun in his honor.

So here's how it summed up.

September 15 (wishful thinking) -Mom
Septmeber 19 Madelyn
September 20 Madelyn
September 21 Katelyn
September 23 Mom (my grandmother's birthday will share the middle name Dominica with Rosalyn)
September 24 Jaclyn (me and Steve's 14th wedding anniversary)
September 25 Katelyn
September 26 Carolyn
September 27 Evelyn
September 28 Joe
September 29 Steve
September 30 Jaclyn
October 1 Grandma & Grandpa Cichos (also Grandma Cichos' birthday)
October 2 Joe
October 3 Evelyn
October 7 Carolyn
October 8 Dad

And the weight guesses:
Mom 8lbs 8oz, 8lb 14oz
Dad 7lb 5oz, 8lb 5oz
Jaclyn 7lb 2 oz, 7lb 6oz
Carolyn 8lbs 3 oz, 7lbs 14 oz
Katelyn 8lbs 7oz, 7lb 8 oz
Joe 6lbs, 7lb 13 oz
Evelyn 6lb 10 oz, 7lb 7 oz
Madelyn 6lb 8oz, 6lb 7 0z.

Can't wait to see who wins!

SIDS Deaths and my sweet Alex

Ok, a passionate subject is coming your way....SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME!

Here I sit on the eve of Alex's feast day, (tomorrow marks 17 years ago he went to be with God) and I receive this parent alert email. The gist is there is this great (and I say this with as much sarcasm that I can muster without being totally outraged) orgnic plastic cover that now prevents SIDS! Oh, please! And it just so happens that this company has a website packed full of scare tactics and promises. First of all, how do you have something organic, made of plastic?

For you moms that read my blog, let me just give you some background. Alex was labeled a SIDS death. Now, I've gone into this before, but Alex had a horrible time being born. He was stuck in the birth canal for 8 1/2 hours, a posterior baby that finally came out with the use of the vac extractor device, which essentially is a vacumn put on the babies head and they pull the baby out as you push. The major problem with this is they are pulling the baby out by his head! And a posterior baby caused double trouble as the vac is going on a cruical part of the baby's head. Now talking with the coroner and going to the SIDS meeting for the first 3 years after his death, and continuing to always read the latest from the SIDS foundation I have found some information.

1. any death...any death that they don't have a great reason for is lumped up as a SIDS death if your child is under 2 years old.
2. a sids death on autopsy looks idenical to a suffocation death
3. In 1992 a few months after Alex's death, the back to sleep program began...in the first year SIDS rate went down 75% proving that some of the SIDS deaths were infact suffocations.
4. Some believe as I do that some of the deaths are contributed to the rise in vaccines for newborns.
5. There is no such thing as a near miss SIDS baby, if you have a SIDS baby, then you have a dead baby....pure and simple...blunt but factual. Some babies that have sleep apnea have been called near miss SIDS babies.
6. Pacifiers aid, why? prevents suffocations. breastfeeding, due to the baby nursing all night long and usually mom has them so close because typically breastfed babies nurse every few hours.
7. Diffucult births cause strain on the babies heads, the vac put on the head can cause swelled blood vessels and in some children the vessels pop and kill the child, as I feel was Alex's situation.
8. Heartbeat bears, or sounds used to said to aid SIDS saying the baby sleeps too heavy. As mother's drinking alcohol before co-sleeping..this has never actually been proven but it is one thing that is said by the SIDS foundation

Will they ever solve this mystery? No, not until they stop lumping every single death that is not an apparent cancer, defect or serious condition to SIDS. When they isolate them, then maybe, just maybe the numbers will go down.

Tomorrow, as I recall the mystery of the fact that my baby went to Heaven 17 years ago, I can't help to wonder what it would be like to have a 17 year old boy. But no matter what, he is still my babe watching me, with me. Silly little pooper that spent his ten days on earth with me pooping on me every chance he had! I had never seen so much poop come out of a person! haha! Can I smile, yes! Can I even giggle about him, yep...and I can miss him. But I know that Alex made my way. It was him that led me on this journey of my life. I made my life, because of him and for him...really. I wanted to be a mother he would be proud of. A mother of ten little perfect children and one more little soul that never made it to infancy. So as I recollect on Alex...I think this is what it was for. Here I am just a couple weeks from having one more and would I have even any had it been for him? Would I had been so adament to be a mother/wife that was so devoted to my faith/family/children? Alex set my way and I listened to my very smart baby boy. I thank God for him. I miss him, sometimes wish I could have him back...but I thank God for the graces that he gave me, because of one beautiful infant and I await the day when I will be reunited and all my children will be with me in God's paradise...until then.....life continues

Alex Edward
August 30, 1991-September 9, 1991...named after his grandfathers, loved by many, and remembered by even more.

Carolyn's Poem

ON A DAWN, SO PINK AND FAIR
On a dawn, so pink and fair,
A baby girl took her first breath of air
A baby with beauty too great to explain,
In her crib was where she was lain

On a dawn, so pink and fair,
A family was seen on the temple stair,
A little girl walked to the door,
Where she turned around and said good-bye just once more

On a dawn, so pink and fair,
Next to St. Joseph, Our Lady stood there
there they took thier vows together,
Knowing they would have each other, forever.

Carolyn Louise Cichos
Sept. 8, 2008

Joey's Poems

Joe had to write a few poems, think he felt bad about leaving St. Joseph and Jesus out! hehe

MARY
Mary is good
Mary is kind
Mary is like pretty wine
That's why she's in Heaven

ST. JOSEPH
St Joseph was a carpenter
He worked all day long
The birds will sing a song
St. Joseph will join a long
That's where we geta all St. Joseph's songs

JESUS
Jesus is so kind
Jesus is so good
Jesus is like grape wine

Joseph Cichos

Jaclyn's Poem

THE LIFE OF MARY

Their in a manger she lay
St. Anne knew right away
she was to be the mother of the saviour
as she grew up she had very good behavior
At age three she was sent, to the temple she went
As she grew, a good life she spent

Angel Gabriel appeared to her one day
This is what he had to say
"Mary, you're to be the mother of God"
All Mary could do is nod
Jesus is his name to be
"Do you say yes to this message, God sent by me?"
"God's will be done" is what she had to say

Together she and Joseph went
Because of taxes they were sent
To Bethlehem where they had no inn to stay
In a stable they had to sleep on some hay
Jesus was born in the morn
Angels blew their trumpets and horn

When Jesus was older, he was betrayed by someone
He had to carry his cross, which felt like a ton
Mary had to watch him spend the rest of his day in agony
Then he arose and she was so happy

But atlast, Mary died
Everybody she knew, cried
There in the tomb her body lay
Until she was assumed and watches us everyday

Jaclyn Ann Cichos
Nativty of Our lady Sept. 8, 2008

Prayer Request

Please pray for a young boy, age 12 named Ethan McGraw. He is the grandson of a parishoner and wonderful man at our church. I know Bob would appreciate every prayer he can have for his grandson and daughter's as well as the entire family as young Ethan is on the verge of death as we speak. He is now unresponsive and his battle with cancer is about over.

UPDATE:
Ethan in fact did lose his battle today. Prayers for his family. May perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.

Happy Birthday Mother Mary

Holy Child Mary of the royal house of David, Queen of the angels,
Mother of grace and love, I greet thee
with all my heart.
Obtain for me the grace to love the Lord faithfully during all the days of my life.
Obtain for me, too, a great devotion to thee,
who art the first creature of God's love.
Hail Mary, full of grace...

O heavenly Child Mary, who like a pure dove
was born immaculate and beautiful,
true prodigy of the wisdom of God,
my soul rejoices in thee.
Help me to preserve the angelic virtue of purity
at the cost of any sacrifice.

Hail Mary, full of grace...

Hail, lovely and holy Child,
spiritual garden of delight,
where, on the day of the Incarnation,
the tree of life was planted:
assist me to avoid the poisonous fruit of vanity
and the pleasures of the world.
Help me to engraft into my soul the thoughts,
sentiments, and virtues of thy divine Son.

Hail Mary, full of grace...

Hail, admirable Child Mary, Mystical Rose,
enclosed garden, open only to the heavenly Spouse. O Lily of paradise,
make me love the humble and hidden life;
may the heavenly Spouse find the gate of my heart always open to the loving calls of
His graces and inspiration.

Hail Mary, full of grace....

Holy Child Mary, mystical dawn, gate of heaven,
thou art my trust and hope.
O powerful advocate, from thy cradle
stretch out thy hand
to support me on the path of life.
Make me serve God with ardor
and constancy until death,
and so reach a blessed eternity with thee.

Hail Mary, full of grace....



Prayer

Sweet Child Mary, destined to be the Mother of God and our loving Mother, by the heavenly graces thou dost lavish upon us, mercifully listen to my supplications. In the needs which press upon me from every side and especially in my present tribulation, I place all my trust in thee.

O holy Child, by the privileges granted to thee alone and by the merits which thou hast acquired, be merciful to me this day.
Show that the source of spiritual favors and thy continuous benefits are inexhaustible,
because thy power with the Heart of God
is unlimited.

Deign through the immense profusion of graces with which the Most High has enriched thee from the first moment of thy Immaculate Conception,
to grant me, O celestial Child, my petition....
and I shall eternally praise the goodness
of thy Heart. Amen.


I M P R I M A T U R
In Curia Archiep. Mediolani
31 August 1931
Can. Cavezzali, Pro Vic. Gen.

This week in review

Well on Monday we went to friends house and had a nice time.

Tuesday went back to school and found our school to have 3 more students. I think we are now up to 34 or so. Its really exciting to see so many kids.

Wednesday had to put the car in the shop but that's ok, got a rental for a few days and it had air conditioning. haha. Is that wrong? I know it cost money but it was so nice having that air. We actually had a heat spell this week so I was so happy to have the air!

Thursday the girls had choir practice so I got about an hour longer nap. That was nice.

Friday caught me very tired. Having hip, leg and muscle cramping problems. Its getting harder for me to get arround. 35 1/2 weeks now, so the end is getting closer.

And for the most part things are fine. Kids are happy in school. Things are going great for the little kids, as we don't have to drive home, since my sweet friend opened up her home to us. Preschool with Madelyn is going great. She is very bright but stubborn. One of these days she'll call a square, a square...right now its just a "box" She is gaining more confidence and more patience so that is good. Mikey still pushing my buttons but he's so darn cute at the same time. Actually he is very smart and he really is a good boy...just likes to do everything his way...sound like anyone we know????? And I'm getting impatient. Its getting very hard to get around and I'm getting very tired. My appointments go to every week now. Anyhow, I went to the store for my last big shopping trip before baby. I just can't bare to do all the walking. I got all the things I needed for the baby and pretty pleased with it. I might have one or two more things but think I have it done pretty good. Bought the baptismal gown and its really pretty. The play n pak is really nice, and then got blankets, pacifiers, nursing stuff and pj's for me.

Well, off to bed. First Saturaday mass comes pretty early in the morning!

Mikey's and Katelyn's birthday Pictures

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

First Day of School, too!

First day of school

Mikey's turn!

Well, Mikey's turn for a birthday. He turned 2. (my nephew Nick turns 15 today!) Oh, also a wonderful woman from our church Caroline has a birthday today as well. She is a gem of a person and always love being in her pressence. So good day for a birthday, that's for sure. Anyhow, so we started the day with Mass of course. Unfortunately none of Mikey's mass clothes made it to the wash! ( oh, bother!) So he wore his new shirt to mass, not really appropriate, glad people still think of him as a baby! So he had on his dog shirt today.

Anyhow, everytime people asked him about his birthday he would say, "Yeah, pupcake!" Now here's the thing with that. My mom found a blue's clue's cake pan. Mikey isn't into Blue's clues (which is a blue dog --preschool show for those out of the kid loop) Anyhow he loves dogs and all animals so we made the cake a brown dog, not a blue one. Well he just went nuts and started calling it his "pup cake" I thought it so cute.

So we came home and he wasn't ready for a nap but I was! The kids played with him and then the kids all went outside and played. We had Pizza because Katie and Mikey love pizza and as for me....gave me heartburn! haha!

We opened presents and he loved them. He didn't want to open the packages much but of course he has 6 siblings offering to do it for him! So he got farm animals and Noah's ark and Barney tape about animals and so forth. Oh, a dog on a string to pull around. He is a very happy little boy. We then had cake and he was very excited to finally get his "pup cake"

We sang Happy Birthday to Katie too. I gave her the last remnants of her birthday, and showed her how to put on a little blush and lip gloss. hehe. So that' was our day. It was crazy and the kids were all excited...and now I'm tired. haha! I think Mikey was very happy and all the kids went nuts over his toys. So funny, we had a room full of kids of all ages. And here we have my 13 year old watching a Barney tape with my two year old. My 11 year old, playing animals with the 10, 9, 6, and 4 year olds and there's Mikey just offering to share. It was pretty cute!