Where I've been, what we've been doing and MORE!

WOW! It has definitely been a looooooonnnnngggg time since I have signed onto my page to read fellow bloggers, let alone actually blog! 2014 I plan to blog my journeies. I have a lot of "stuff" to talk about and a lot that has happend to baby C since her traumatic birth circa June 2012. It has literally been almost 15 months since I posted. Hubs is deployed. OPSEC protected info, but we have weekly conversation. He's been gone since February 2013... and is slated home Octoberish even though his original orders had him coming home Feb 4, he was given an extension until the end of the mission rather than cycling someone new in.

"O" the eldest is becoming a young lady too fast! It seems as though yesterday I was scared to death to be 18 and pregnant. God knew what he was doing her. She's struggled a lot with sixth grade this year. We're almost in the last third of school. She's been incredibly sick, not super sure why. At first I thought it was her nerves with a specific teacher, then as it continued we began to notice that while that hieghtened the situation that there is definitely something else going on. We go to the GI specialist tomorrow and an Allergist next month. "O" has become such a little mommy towards "C" they are joined at the hip most of the time. "C's" due date would've put them with either the same birthday or very close, but as you read, "C" had her own plans. (I'm going to go back and read those posts tonight, as you will read later not only was the delivery traumatic, but my recovery was one that has taken almost two years. For me it'll be interesting to read my thoughts "in the moment" and reflect.)

"P" is growing up wise and wonderful. She is my fashionista, my independent free minded, do it yourself kinda girl. She has been a BIG help with the littles. She is always stealing my clothes and shoes, which DO NOT FIT... but she insists on "what if" all the time. She's doing well in school. I have to say I'm very proud of her. I was really afraid of my children bullying others just based in their actions towards each other, that being said I was at parent teacher conferences and the teachers asked if P had disclosed that there were a group of girls bullying her. I went home and talked to her about it and she didn't want to rat out her friends. The kid has compassion regardless if she is the victim or not. She's been a BIG help to my grandparents lately and she's probably going to miss them the most of my girls when they are gone.


"S" is still a free spirit! Her ADHD is finally under control and she is a straight A student that strives for perfectionism and validation for her successes. I love that about her. Her teachers are amazed at her attention to detail and memory, I am too infact. If I loose something, bet your last dollar that "S" will find it! She quietly misses her daddy even though she doesn't outwardly express it, that trait she has definitely learned from her daddy. She's recently taken interest in music so lessons are in the work for her and a couple of her sisters. She told me today that she wants to be a Vetrinarian just like "O". My oldest four have declared their career paths and I will to do what I need to do to make it happen for them.

"J".... Hmmmmm,well she was recently dx with ADD- Impulsive and Obedient Defiant. She's a spunky kid whose whit can compete with that of an 80 yr old man. She's sassy and the life of the party. She's my thumb sucker which is cute, but at 6 really needs to stop. She was dx in March with Human Growth Hormone Deficientcy and receives monthly hormone injection as part of a clinical research study. Currently we go to Nationwide Children's Hospital for the injections, but we were informed that they will be sent home in a couple months for us to do at home for the rest of her life. HgH Deficient Children are also known as little people. She's projected to reach 48" tall.

"L" little Belle is my fairy princess she tip toes around like a fairy all the time. She's giggly and very pure at heart. I love her innocense. She reminds me of Snow White as she has a very fair complections as well as bright ruby red lips. She has a raspy voice and is a true snuggle bug... so much so that even my California King bed isn't big enough for the two of us.

Finally "C" is such a fighter, she's grown leaps and bounds from that 2# 2oz 12" 27 week preemie!
She has a G-tube for essential feedings, she had the Nissen procedure, she's partially deaf, her muscle tone is rigid, and she may have the same condition as "J", BUT overall she's a BEAMING little princess who lights up my life. Her sisters call her Boo because she resembles Boo from Monsters Inc.

I've been struggling with PTSD and was admitting to OSU's Partial Program, that'll be a stand alone blog, but it sheds light on where I've spent the last 19 months of my life. I've learned a lot about myself and a lot about my support system as well. It's funny how high school drama carries over into Corporate America which is a stand alone post as well. It's sad how your friends disappear when you need them the most, but its also refreshing to see who you meet along your journey in life and in sickness and in health.

My final notes for today- I started selling Pure Romance back in March/April. Little did I know I would meet an array of amazing women and network with successful women from acrossed the world! My business was very lucrative for 2013, I can only wait to see what 2014 brings for me and my business goals and dreams! If you're interested my web page is: www.amandanihiser.pureromance.com or I can host a party for you. If you've ever thought about working from home and bringing in extra cash Pure Romance is the way to go. Now through Feb 15 kits are $79, $143, $383, & $863!


Love and kisses,

Amanda

Back to work... and Project Gummy Bear progress

I've been back to work for three days now... I'm exhausted!!! But I'm getting into the swing of things. I am hoping that over the next few weeks I get into a routine, you know just in time for my husband to be redeployed. I have to keep telling myself "this is what we signed up for"... Errr

I am so excited to be getting Project Gummy Bear off of the ground. I would love to make it a full time job and what not. It is nice to see a vision become a reality and bloom. I have a good friend who helped tweak some concept ideas and move forward some things that were hanging on by threads. I promise to unveil my first blog posts later this week. Our internet has just been quirky the last few days and it seems when I want to work its not.

I read a new blog today... I am hoping to see if she'll be a guest blogger... because I'm only three blogs into her page and rolling on the floor laughing... More to come on that!

Love,

Amanda

Return The Favor Blog Hop!

I found this through another random blog I read and was very excited. I want to expand my readers so that I can have more giveaways, review more products, and meet new bloggy friends. So here you have it friends: http://www.yourstrulyblog.com/2012/10/return-favor-hop-week-13-bloglovin.html

Link on up and lets get to know one another!

Love-

Amanda

Mommy Moment Monday... although they could be everyday lets face it~

I have been SO busy lately. Today after 124 days of sick leave I returned to work. It was very bittersweet. I never thought of myself as a stay at home momma... until the tornado of "hell" I experienced this past summer. I promise to blog about it soon. I was diagnosed with PTSD shortly after my first discharge and well... it is still hard to discuss. I could have left 6 little ladies mommy-less and quite frankly that scares me to death. I am getting better everyday, but going back to work has made me realize I want to focus on school more and stay home and absorb every minute I have with these little darlings.

I am diligently working on our new charity. I am so happy to have support from my family with this... Not only is this going to be a good thing for the NICU mommas we are helping, it will be theraputic for me. Once I get the posts finalized (they are sitting in drafts right now) I will post a link from here so I'd love for you to follow me and  our journey!

Hubs is heading back to deployment in 114 days, which seems like a long time, however lets face it we know how quick that will go.

Today's MOMMY MOMENT:

     Driving to work this morning I realized really quickly I am going to have to make some car seat adjustments... My ever so clever 2 1/2 year old learned how to loosen the straps on her booster seat and slip out... Yes this is concerning, however it gets better...

Me: Lybertei, what are you doing?

L: (Hysterically crying) I no like this!

Me: What peanut? Wait why are you out of your carseat? Lybertei Jaimz!!!! #outofthemouthofmoms

L: I no like! (as she strips naked, except for her shoes)

Apparently she hated the clothes I selected for her this morning because there were no pockets... She did safely slide back into her 5 point harness and retighten the straps.  I carried her into the babysitters wrapped in a blanket and explained that she didn't like her clothes for the day. The babysitter laughed and said she'd handle it. Josey then proceeded to make me feel like the worst mother in the world by holding onto my leg and BEGGING me to not go to work.. She said she didn't need to dance, we could just dance at home if I just wouldn't go... Oye!

Link up ladies!

Until tomorrow God Bless!

Love,

amanda

moved... business ventures... charity... etc!

Pardon the mess! We moved so now I'm getting organized and can come back to blogging!!! Until then visit my website: and lets get healthy together. www.amandanihiser.bodybyvi.com And finally I know its short notice, but please check out my Thirty One Party. All of my "hostess rewards" are bring used for Project Gummy Bear... more to come on the project, but we're finding 80 gift bags to NICU mommies by Dec.31 .... Our goal for 2013 is 80 per month! Gummy Best is the nickname the hubs gave our little miracle! my party is at: www.mythirtyone.com/ashleylancaster and look for my name. Your help is greatly appreciated! God Bless, Amanda

A long road ahead

Since June 19th my life has been a whirlwind of days that have ran together. Rushed to the hospital and being admitted to eventually thinking it was all going to be ok, to rushed into an emergency c-section at 27 weeks... and on and on.

Our little miracle is progressing as well as can be expected in the NICU here at The Ohio State University... She still has a very long road ahead of her. I can't imagine what we have ahead of us even though I have had several friends with babies who were born at a similar gestational age. Baby Caedynce is doing well with her feeds and we are almost to the point where they will be removing her PICC line.

Her CPAP is working on a minimum even though they will keep her on it regardless for at least another 2 weeks due to her gestational age. Her O2 is on 24% though which is VERY promising... We as adults breath 21%... So 3% plus time and we will be on our way.

The prayers we have received have emmensly poured through as they are what have carried us through, now if I could get healed then we would be golden! :)

That is the update thus far,

God Bless,

Amanda

9 of the longest days of my life

There is going to be a lot of revisions to this post, however, about 2 weeks ago I told you we had a rough road ahead of us... And we do, I just had no idea how bad....

Here is the quickest version:

June 25th I was moved to Ante-partum to "cook" for a few more weeks before Baby N #6 arrived. After all I had bee stable for 4 days and no bleeding for at least 3. 9:45 am I was moved to my new room -692... The day went well. We even agreed my mom and brother would go home to rest, afterall I would just be sleeping... I sent my mom home at 7p and by 7:45 I called her because things had taken a turn for the worse. I was getting ready for my thirty minutes out of bed and began to bleed profusely.

By 8:45 I was moved back to labor and delivery because the bleeding was out of control. The Resident came in, placed me in stirrups, and "cleaned me out" with approximately 50 Mucho sized q-tips... only to find my water had broken and we were delivering thing baby NOW.

C-Section prep, etc. Baby girl was born at 22:24 at exactly 27 weeks gestation. During that surgery they determined a complete hyterectomy would be required, all the while I was awake and all was fine. Then my bladder was determined to needing reconstruction, along with my bowels. I was under the impression that I was awake for all of this, but at some point, something went wrong and they needed to put me in to general anestithia. I ended up getting 15 bags of blood, and 4 bags of plasma, etc. Little did I know until days later that they lost me on the table a couple times. We'll come back to that later. My beautiful little miracle was moved to the NICU and was doing well. She was 2lbs and 3 ounces.

One would think over the next few days I would start recovering and would be discharged... Wrong. I am still (9 days after delivery) admitted and its going to be at minimum 4 more days... I haven't eaten in days... not even clear liquids, and I'm beginning to feel the mental effects.

So that is the "basics", I'll go into the "details" later. They just administered pain meds and quite frankly I'm dosing in and out.

Please let me introduce you to:

Caedynce Hope Nihiser:  25 June, 2012

2lbs, 3 ounce bundle of joy

12 1/2" long.

Rough

I have been wanting to blog for months. I have been following all my regulars, but with a deployed husband and 5 MSC running the roost, I've simply lost all time... Until Tuesday... That day changed a lot. I have always had high risk pregnancies and been on bed rest. This time was a little different. I have been on bed rest for several weeks. This week, though, things changed. I got up from a usual nap in the middle of the day to use the bathroom, little did I know that would change everything. I felt a gush and next thing I knew I was in pools of blood. Placental abruption. The doctors warned me of this. I didn't realize that it would actually happen to me... I've seen it on ER (remember the series) as well as other tv series... by not me! I rushed to the hospital where I was met with 5 nurses and 3 doctors all in a recovery bay (there was a baby boom that night and no rooms available) I was being asked 100's of questions, being poked, proded, you name it... good news... They got the bleeding stopped... the bad news, this is my new residence for the next however many weeks until they absolutely have to deliver Baby N... She still has no name... :(

I have been on Magnesium Sulfate, Indocin (to stop contracting), multiple IV lines, multiple steroid shots to develop her lungs, 2 blood transfusions, and on and on and on. They finally began to listen to me that I needed something for my anxiety, it has helped tremendously. They have been giving me things to sleep as it is not very good for me to be without sleep not knowing when or how this little girl will be entering into this world.

I have met with the Anesthesia team who have gone over options. They definitelty will try to grant my wishes as far as anesthesia, but only time will tell.

Next the high risk team came in and basically said day by day. IF the baby is ok and momma is stable, no delivery, the moment one of those things change... Little miss will be here!

Finally the Neonatal team arrived... their news was direct and probably the most scary. Yes knowing you are 28 and likely to have a hysterectomy doesn't sit easy, BUT that is minimal in comparrison to the fact that your baby will be tubed and put on a vent for a minimum of two weeks, then moved to a CPAP machine. From there we will ultrasound her brain daily to make sure the blood vessels are closing.  Your child runs the risk of being blind, having cerebral palsay, etc. etc. etc. All things you read about. All reality, but now it's our reality. Risks later in life also play factor.

We are residing in the best hospital in the state and if you read a lot of the research, one of the best in the country, BUT when its in your baby, it makes things so much harder...

All this being said, the next few weeks I'll be using this page to journal our "adventure", our new life as a family with I'm pretty sure what will be a premie... I'm not being discharged until delivery.

God Bless!

Amanda!

Adventure Time

I've definitely been missing in action for months. Husband is officially out to sea. OPSEC prevents further information, but ya'll know how that goes! :) So while he is away I vowed to my children we are HAVING FUN!!!! So how do you have fun, on a budget with a family as large as ours? Well here is what I have found: DiscoverOhio  provides a lot of simple, free (or inexpensive) activities to do in within the state.

Our first weekend with daddy away was spent on a hiking adventure. We went to the beautiful Mohican State Park in Loudonville, Ohio. It was a perfect day! Blue skies, 78 degrees, light breeze. No SUNBURNS!

We packed a picnic lunch for after our hike. We had a BLAST! After our picnic we packed back into the car and I saw a sign: Millersburg-12 miles so I thought, why not, JoJo LOVES the Amish, why not head that way. We did, but before we got there, all 5 were passed out! So I stopped at a local Amish farm and purchased some fresh produce and headed back home. We'll go to Amish Country another day.

I thought as a resource I would post a few tips for families wanting to take similar trips.

What to pack:
Extra Clothes and shoes for EVERYONE (mom and dad included)
Snacks or a picnic lunch
Sunscreen, First Aid Kit
Stroller for the littles (however if you buy one on the way, ahem like I did, make sure all the wheels are attached or you have scissors to remove the zip ties.)

Here are some photos from our trip on Saturday:
Posing!

 Swinging in the picnic area

 on a log

 Sitting on another log... seemed like a good ide

 Caves were fun!

 Up the hills... one by one

 Hiding in a cave

 Sisterly LOVE!

 TOE SHOES-Perfect for hiking

 The kids skipped rocks (or tried) and watched a stranger fly fish.

$20.00- 5# Rhubarb (for pies) 1/2 peck of apples (making homemade applesauce), Apple Cider, 2 tomatoes, and a cucumber! :) All fresh from the garden & orchard.

 We even visited NASHVILLE (Ohio) that is. :)

 Lyons Falls. Very pretty! (1.25 miles from the car) AND THEY ALL MADE IT!

 Some pretty cool trikes along the drive (and my arm in the mirror)

Friday I'll post about the zoo... :)

Loves-
Amanda

Dear darling daughters-you are my world, know that I will protect you... We will get to normalcy again soon. Dear Husband-I'm annoyed that you are in California, although Ashley says it's beautiful. Drea-I know you miss your daddy dearly, I hate to see you cry everyday... but if you would talk or skype with him it might make you feel better. Payge- Thank you for being a big help.... you are definitely going to make some young man a very good wife and mother.  Sera-You know how to make me smile... I love your free spirit kinda attitude. Josey-I'm still upset you decided to cut off an entire piggy tail... although, I guess your new "do" is growing on me. Lybertei- You are starting to finally use your words more and more and I love it. Dear Husband-While I am bitter you are in San Diego... I miss you bunches and can't wait for you to come home for your leave.... and then I'll be bitter again once the real deployment begins...

I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Gang! I know it has been FOREVER!!!! My life has taken many interesting turns over the last several months, however it is time to move forward and start blogging again. I will not dwell on the past and when the time is right I will share some of my trials and tribulations... Until then: FUN, Lots 'O' Fun!

I'm about to become a deployment mistress and single mother again. Oh the joys of military living... We'll discuss that later.

What sort of topics do you want to hear? I have some major announcements coming up, but they are time sensitive so when the time is right, ya'll will know. I've got some crafty posts coming up and what not... But I think its time to get some real life topics going. I look forward to hearing from you soon!!! I'll be holding a giveaway next week for everyone who leaves some love in the comment section... telling me what you wanna see!!!

Tuesday Blog Hop

Won't you join along?

Have you ever?!?!?!?!?

One of the other blogs I follow is a Fibromyalgia blog. Deb wrote this post, I edited it a bit to fit me, but I think it helps put perspective on this silent disease...

Have you ever ....
Heard of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?


Had to ask a loved one not to hug you?

Slept an hour and a half, then awake the rest of the night?


Had to get out of bed because you were so stiff and sore?


Been so physically exhausted that you couldn't be on your feet long enough to shower?


Had your head throbbing and aching all day long?


Had excessive migraines headaches?


Felt like your neck was in pain could no longer hold up your head?

Had your arms and legs tingle and loose feeling?


Had your body ache continuously?




Felt like you had a sunburn on your skin .... but you don't?


Had shooting pains??


Stumbled or fell because you couldn't pick your leg up from total exhaustion?


Experienced Restless Leg Syndrome?


Felt like you had bugs crawling on you ... commonly called "The Creepy Crawlies?"

Had muscles that feel like ropes in your body?

Been out of control with your cognitive function?


Had depression or an anxiety attack?

 

Had everyone around you look at you like you are crazy because you "LOOK FINE", but really you feel absolutely miserable?

Welcome to my world... Have a great Tuesday!

God Bless,
Amanda

Such a beautiful day

I am busy finishing the shirts for my contest winners, listening to my girls tell me about all the things they think we should be doing.

I had every intention on heading to church this morning, however my kiddos slept in and I didn't set the alarm.

We have family in from Tennessee today I miss them so much when they aren't here my beautiful cousin turns 18 today. Where has the time gone?

What are your memorial day weekend plans? I'm thinking tomorrow will be a cleaning day... I have sooooooo much to get done before my husband gets home. I am so excited for his return. Mommy needs a hug.

In addition to my winners I will be posting their shirts soon, but you can get yours too!!! I will be opening my shop soon. Your choice of colors and sizes etc. Stay tuned for more information.

God Bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Trying something new

In order to gain some revenue with my blog and bring some additional funds into our home, I am looking to do some advertising and what not, so without further ado:

I am hoping that we can get somewhere. Eventually I am hoping that this leads to me being able to work from home with my kiddos by my side...

There is also a button on my blog if you so desire to review.

God Bless!

Amanda

We have a winner!!!

As stated I was using Random.org for my drawing... except I can figure out how to post a screen shot of the winner, soooo.... Here is what I am going to do. I promise the results are official.

The winner of the Grand package is: MyLinda!!

And since I can't figure out how to post the snapshot of the random.org generator, threeboysgee and MrsMcDancer you both win custom matching mother/child tie dye shirts.

Would the three of you please email me your mailing addresses, and the sizes for your t-shirts!!!

Congrats! New giveaway coming soon!

God Bless,

Amanda 

So much has been going on...

Good Sunday morning!!!! I am so thankful the sun has risen for yet another glorious day.

I have been extreme couponing and it has been so much fun. I should be running to the store to get my papers now... All of my kiddos are asleep still which rarely happens, but they finished another year of dance with their recital last night. I will post video later. Anyway back to couponing...I have been without my computer for some time now, soooo blogging from my phone is about it.

I'm am slowly growing my stockpile. Here are a few tips I have learned...

First and foremost, STAY ORGANIZED!

Know your stores couponing policy

And coupon responsibly

Here is an example of my latest trip:
(my store only allows 3 like coupons per transaction)

3- ready feed Similac formulas
3- infant cereal
3- worstershire sauce
2- pkg of pork chops
Bag of rolls
Bag of ore-ida french fries
9- boxes of Green Giant frozen veggies
2- pkg of jello refrigerated snacks
2- boxes of Quaker Oatmeal Squares
Gallon of milk and finally,
4- pure protein bars

Total before coupons after loyalty card: $ 67.59 ...... &..... After coupons $ 19.08

Do you extreme coupon???? If so, what are some of your deals you have found?

REMINDER: BLOG GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT... THIS IS A GREAT GIVEAWAY, I HAVE ONE ENTRY SO FAR... DON'T LET THIS SLIP BY... FROM NOW UNTIL CLOSE OF CONTEST I AM DOUBLING ALL ENTRIES!!! Facebook about it, blog about it, tweet @nvynihi , follow, enter, & win!!!!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Don't Forget

Blog giveaway ends tomorrow night!!!!! My laptop is down, so its coming from my phone... Refer your friends, follow, follow on twitter... Great package... Don't miss out!!!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Giveaway Time!!!!!!!!!!

Good dreary evening all!! Here in freezing cold Ohio we are experiencing cooler than usual weather and rain that seems like it is never going to end...

The awesome news is that I have reached my first threshold for a giveaway... All thanks to YOU my followers!!!!!

With that, here are the details: the prize package are some of my favorite things.

I will be giving away a large prize package, here are its contents:

Custom Wet Bag (you choose boy/girl/neutral)

Mommy and child custom tie dye t-shirts

Beautiful gemstone necklace

A yummy candle

One adorable hanging wall plaque

And a homemade bar of strawberry soap

_rules_

Each of these items count for one entry:

1.) Follow via GFC or Networked Blogs publicly

2.) Refer a friend, if you send someone over, make sure they follow and comment your name, you BOTH will earn one entry

3.) Blog about this giveaway and link my site to yours.

4.) Follow via twitter @nvynihi

Entries will close at 11: 59 pm on Sunday May 22. The winner will be drawn via random.com

I will post photos asap of the prizes... Unfortunately I am posting from my phone and it is not letting me link them...

Get to commenting and referring your friends over, if we hit 100 followers before the end of the contest I will add four more substantial prizes!

God bless,

Amanda

posted from Bloggeroid

Military Monday Blog Hop

It's Military MONDAY! I'm blog hopping this morning. I am HAPPY to report we have reached our first giveaway threshold!!! More info coming tomorrow morning. I need to finalize a couple last minute arrangements.  Tell your friends to hop on by and follow for a chance to win!!!!!!!

Two additional posts to follow... Where I have been and what I've been doing as well as EXTREME COUPONING!!!!

God Bless,

Amanda