What a headache!

After months of suffering from debilitating (at times) headaches, my primary care physician finally gave me a diagnosis of chronic migraine headaches. He said that having 20 days of headaches a month are way too many. We discussed my options and decided a prescription would be in my best interest. My PCP even consulted the nurse practitioner in his office to see if any medications would be nursing friendly. Like most medications, it "wasn't" nursing friendly because it had never been tested on a nursing mother and baby. Awesome. He said to take it as often as I needed to and pump and dump if I felt uncomfortable taking the medication and nursing CeCe. Awesome. I've taken the medication once, at night, after CeCe went to bed. I slept so well and I felt so refreshed the next morning, and woke up headache free.

I'm currently battling our health insurance company to cover more than 6 pills a month. Yes, my stupid insurance company thinks that 6 pills will provide me enough relief for an entire month. Idiots. I'm working on a few things, including appealing this decision and paying for the medication myself. It's a lot of back and forth and it gives me such a headache. I spent 15 minutes on hold today with a prescription savings program and 10 minutes on hold with our insurance company. Nothing was resolved today, but I'm hoping to have the decision appealed soon. My stupid insurance company told me the appeal could be granted if I was under the care of a specialist. Seriously?!? It makes absolutely no sense to me. They'll gladly pay thousands of dollars to a doctor PLUS a few hundred dollars for the medication, but refuse to pay a few hundred dollars for the medication? Idiots.

Obviously this medication is working for me, but I asked friends and conducted a little research to find more natural options. A friend recommended peppermint, so I headed to Whole Foods to pick up some peppermint oil. I can add a few drops to a glass of water or smell it. It seems to help a little. I think I'm also going to head back to the massage table and try massage for some relief. I think a more natural approach would benefit my body and CeCe's body, too.

I'm going to bed with a headache tonight. Awesome. Here's to hoping that I feel better tomorrow. Damn migraines.

Love always,
Ian, Kim, Bella & Cecilia

It's (almost) that time of year again

Who is thinking it's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season?!? Definitely not me, considering the fact that we live in Florida (super hot and super sunny) but that doesn't mean I don't have our annual holiday card on my mind! I have purchased our outfits (thanks Ralph Lauren) and have date secured with our photographer friend, Melissa. By early November, I will have those treasured images in my hands and will hit up shutterfly in order to design some super cute cards.

This is the second year shutterfly has offered me a discount or free cards by simply blogging about my experience. I love that by expressing my opinion about their wonderful products, I get a little 'somethin, 'somethin from shutterfly. They're always sending out discount codes in the mail or over email. It's pretty awesome. Thanks shutterfly and thanks Julie Vazquez at shutterfly for always keeping me in the loop.

Our cards from shutterfly turned out super cute last year and we used shutterfly this past spring to order CeCe Rose's birth announcements. I cannot wait to design another perfect holiday card to send out to our 150+ friends and family all over the world. Have you thought about your 2012 holiday cards?!? Check out shutterfly and all of their special offers: shutterfly special offers.

Love always,
Ian, Kim, Bella & Cecilia

Cecilia is 6-months-old TODAY!!!

Always happy. Seriously.

My happy girl, sitting up.

Such a silly little munchkin.

As we enter fall, both of my April babies celebrate their half-birthdays. Bella is 2 1/2 years old (as of 10/5) and CeCe Rose is 6-months old today. Happy 6-month "birthday" sweet CeCe Rose!

We don't take the girls in for their well checks until later this month, so here are CeCe's unofficial 6-month stats:

Height: about 27 inches

Weight: about 17 pounds

Sleeping Pattern: Ugh! Sleep is for the weak! CeCe Rose has returned to waking up once (sometimes twice) a night for feedings. I miss sleep so dearly!

Eating Pattern: CeCe Rose is still nursing or taking a bottle of 4-5 ounces of expressed breast milk every 3-4 hours. We introduced solids this month and her first food was homemade sweet potatoes, yum!

Milestones: CeCe is still working on sitting up on her own and is doing quite well. She is still scooting and rolling all over the place. And her baby push ups are certainly her favorite form of exercise and the downward dog is definitely her favorite yoga position. 

Friends: CeCe's posse consists of Alana, Emily, Tessa and Zach. We've been under the weather recently so we haven't seen much of our friends lately. She also enjoys hanging out with the older kids, including her buddy Connor (watch out Bella). 

Current Events: The Baltimore Orioles are currently in the ALDS against the NY Yankees, the series is currently tied 1-1. The Baltimore Ravens are currently 4-1 and the "old refs" have returned to the NFL. Election season is well under way and the debates between Romney and Obama were held last week. 

Health update: Sweet CeCe Rose suffered from an awful UTI several weeks ago after rogue fevers and random vomiting episodes. After several prescribed antibiotics, Dr. Hosemann finally figured out which would best treat your infection. Due to her age and family history of kidney issues, CeCe must undergo some additional testing. We pray that nothing is physically wrong with your kidneys and urinary tract system, but we should have some answers in the next week or two.

Happy 6-Month Birthday, Cecilia Rose!

Love always,

Ian, Kim, Bella & Cecilia

Thankful Thursday

A blogger gal pal of mine always has the cutest ideas for quick and simple blog ideas. Recently, in light of some tragedies, she suggested that we take a moment to write down what we were thankful for. My mom purchased me a gratitude journal a long time, but like everything else, life got in the way. Thanks for the renewal in my gratitude "exercise", Joanna!

This week I am thankful for:
1. My sweet, loving and beautiful daughters.
2. My hard working, caring, loving and patient husband.
3. My friends who are there for me... no matter what!
4. Sunday nights at the Hard Rock Casino with two crazy girls.
5. A good afternoon nap... for both the girls and me!
6. My breast pump (need I say more?)

What are you thankful for? Take a moment to give some gratitude today (or every day)!

Love always,
Ian, Kim, Bella & Cecilia