Tuesday, June 30, 2009

still no blisters

We did dressing change today around noon, and STILL no blisters! Woo-hoo! I'm still not quite ready to say we're in the clear, but if they still haven't appeared by tomorrow, I'd say we should be all good. I'm so happy to think that there may not be damage. I mean besides all of the pain to Jonah, and the difficulty to us in having to lance and drain, lance and drain, lance and drain, logistically it would just be really hard since we're going to the beach this weekend and all. I'm thinking they would have shown up by now, but not certain. I'll let you know tomorrow. Thank you so much for praying. I really will attribute this one to a MIRACLE, because there's no way it would make sense for him to not get blisters. He can't even rub his face without blistering, and this was a lot more rough than that.
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UPDATE: PEOPLE, please. Certainly you must know that I had already checked Kohls,Target, and Walmart before the mall for bathing suits. NOT check Target? Who do you think I am? Silly, silly. Have you learned nothing?
(I was disappointed with Target's selection of TANKinis although I did find a dark green one there I think I've decided to keep. Kohl's had absolutely nothing in the sizes I needed, and I didn't like Walmart's selection nor did they have my size)


On another note, Jonah went to the mall again today. I am NOT a mall girl. In fact, I grew up hating the mall - the crowds, the popularity game, the high prices - gross. But now, now I'm growing fond of the mall. A place we can go where it is very well air conditioned with lots to see and do. I'll probably have my Christmas shopping done by October. Jonah, on the other hand, likes to sleep in the mall, which I must say makes it EVEN better. (Oh yeah, somebody posted a long time ago all the places in the mall where they have feeding areas, but I can't find the post. Can you leave that comment again?)

The reason for my subsequent mall trips? Bathing suit shopping. Don't even get me started. I'm a 10/medium top and a 6/small bottom, so either I have to pay for a set that I can only wear half of, or I have to buy the separates and spend $80 (at least) on a suit. So frustrating. And I can't tell you how many times today I'd find a top I really, really liked only to search the whole store to find a bottom to go with it to no avail. So after buying one top that I think I can match with a set of bottoms I already own, three hours later, we returned home. I can probably wear a couple of my suits from last year, but let's just say that now that I'm breastfeeding, they are going to fit... er... um... a little... differently.

I'm excited about the beach, but also pretty stressed about all we're going to have to pack. I started making a list, and I'm already on page three of JUST Jonah's stuff. There's no way it's all going to fit in the car, but one of Matt's coworkers is going to let us borrow a canvas rooftop carrier, so that should help. I'm also nervous about how he'll do on the actual trip considering the farthest he's ever been is Chapel Hill. We've decided to head to Matt's parents in Florence on Friday to break up the trip, and then we'll head on to the beach on Saturday. We'll get up Friday, finish packing, do dressing change, and then hit the road. I'm not sure how we'll work dressing change on Saturday, although I would prefer doing it at his parents before we head to the beach. With unpacking and fireworks etc, it would just be nice to have it out of the way.

Well, I'm gonna go. Lots to do, and I probably need to share Jonah duties instead of hiding in our room, pretending I'm still pumping. Muah-ha-ha! Back to life. Back to reality. Back to wonderful.

47 comments:

Unknown said...

Your boy seems full of miracles! We'll be praying for you guys to have a wonderful vacation, stress free and infection free and blister free (well, one can hope, right?).
Melissa

Anonymous said...

That's awesome, Patrice.
Its good to hear you up in spirits.
God is good, and he is truly *miraculous*
Psalm 136 vs 4 "Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever."

Yay!
Carlee

Nancy said...

Yay for miracles! Noah, Dave & I continue to pray for Jonah every single nap and bedtime!

Keep your packing list, it will come in handy in the future. I made a spreadsheet for Noah (and subsequent babies in the future) so when we're ready to travel, I just print it out.

Laura A said...

Yay! This is a miracle! So glad he's doing ok, and that the trend will continue.

Don't EVEN get me started on swimsuits.

Enjoy your evening!!

Love,
Laura

Donna in NC said...

I found nice tankini style bathing suit tops at Target. Surely you've looked there considering you love it so much. They were only like $12-$15. Kohl's also has tops at pretty good prices that can be mixed and matched.
Hope that helps.

Jenn said...

Have you ever tried lands end or ll bean for bathing suits? They sell everything in seperates and will guarantee them for life... They'll even take them back because of fading or even a snag on the bum.

Have a great vacation!

Anonymous said...

http://www.limericki.com/default.aspx

very great modest swimsuits, they are a bit costly, but def. great!

April said...

I am so glad that it is so far so good. I hope you have a wonderful trip! We are leaving for the beach ourselves on Friday.

melanie said...

Load up everything like the Beverly Hillbillies did. Be sure to put the rocking chair on top of the vehicle! We are gonna have a hot diggity-dog time!

Heather said...

This is probably one of my favorite posts ever! A miracle, the woes of breastfeeding mom bathing suit shopping (wait until next year and you try that same bathing suit on again!), and funny. I so appreciate your sense of humor! I hope you all have a great trip to the beach!

Kirsten: said...

Yay for no new blisters!!! You can get seperates at Target and spend 15 - 20 on each piece. I hope y'all have a wonderful time at the beach!!!

Tricia said...

Glad there are no blisters. I will keep praying. Enjoy your trip. God bless.

jen p. said...

that might have been me.... if you are going to Hanes Mall in W-S, try the ladies room on the upper level of Macy's near the kitchen stuff, which is very quiet and has a large lounge area; the ladies room on the upper level of JCP on the east side near the women's clothes/lingerie which is busier but also has a large lounge area; or Belk has a big changing area in it's children's department but it doesn't have a door. Or if you brave Concord Mills, they have a nursing room that is behind a locked door, you have to buzz security to get in. Good luck...

Mom x 3 said...

What an answer to prayer!! Hooray for no blisters!! (I'm nursing my 6-month-old and when we went to Wisconsin Dells, I just lived in my cover up! Kudos to you for even wanting to go bathing suit shopping! That's my least favorite part of the summer!!) Hope you guys have a great time at the beach! :)

Penny said...

SO glad he hasn't blistered! The first time my daughter was hospitalized with her blood disorder we were there for seven days. The IV came out of her arm the second day, so they had to place one on the inside of her ankle. I've commented before about how hard it is to stick a child with a 2,000 platelet count and collasping veins. After five days, the IV had started to scab around it. Inside of carefully removing it, the nurse ripped the tape off, taking the scab and surrounding skin too! It bled forever! I was FURIOUS! How I wish common sense was equally divided amongst the general population, but alas, no such luck. :(
Oh, and I have the opposite problem in swimsuits. Though I've gained so much weight in the last few years---- I would be glad to search for a size 6 and a 10. Come to think of it, I doubt I've worn a 6 since 7th grade! ;)

Sara Denslaw said...

Have you tried looking at Target for a swim suit? The separates are on sale this week for $15 each piece! Maybe check the maternity suits out as well. I know you aren't pregnant, but we had a guest come in last night who recently had a baby and was breastfeeding. She found that a maternity top was more comfortable and fit better than a regular ladies top. So just an idea.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

P, We will be at Debbie and Gerry's Thursday night and Friday night, so I can help you on Saturday before we drive to the beach if you'd like. I think Debbie and Gerry have to go early to pick up the Tuckers at the airport, but we can help with whatever you need. Can't wait!

The Charles Crew said...

yay...so glad to hear no new blisters!! such an answer to prayers! hope you guys have an amazing vacation!!

*on a side note, could you e-mail me regarding the alimentum formula that jonah is on...i may be of some help...jamieacharles@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Oh wow so happy to hear that there aren't any I just cant tell you how awesome I think it is for you to take off for the beach even with all the "stuff" you'll have to take! Way to go!
PS Land's End is the way to go for bathing suits! You don't even have to go into a store, if you have time to order a whole bunch--then send back the ones that don't work!
Enjoy the beach. It's my favorite place in the world to be.
karen in clemmons

Jalita* said...

Hanes Mall has a nursing room right outside Sears lower level.... go down the long hall to the rest rooms an they are down there.

And you have to hit up Kohls for suits, I bought 2 today. 13.99 for each piece...so under $30 for a wholw suit!

Anonymous said...

Whoopeee! No blisters. Let's keep that prayer going. I was up last night (not your fault) and so I spent a LOT of time praying for this. It was so worth it. When I was in Winston-Salem area and breastfeeding, I used to hit the large bathroom in JCP (upstairs I think) as they had SPACE. Seems that there were a few other places but now I can't remember and it has been a few years..... I well remember packing baby for the beach. We took the house! And you have more stuff for sure with dressings and all. I will pray it all fits. I got SO CREATIVE. My father in law still comments on how much I can get in our van (and still fit kids and the dog!). It's too late right now but I usually shop Land's End for swim suits. They have expensive and not so expensive separates and you can get a sale (right now) and save a bunch. Many are so mix and match. I usually get one "full price" and stalk the website for reduced prices and the free shipping they often offer. Just a thought. I am so glad you are in good spirits and that you are heading outta here! Jennifer in Southeast, NC

Kelli said...

Praising God that no new blisters have surfaced!! Enjoy your time at the beach.

queenmari said...

great news on jonah! god has his hands on jonah. praying you have a wonderful safe and fun filled time at the beach.

bathing suit? believe it or not, because as i have shared with you before i am not a target shopper, but i bought 3 bathing suits at target while i was in las vegas for a month. i too must have separate sizes for the top (size 10 due to broad back/shoulders due to competitive swimming) and a small on the bottom. and they were all from the clearance rack at target. ok, so i also bought 3 at macy's, but i have yet to wea them as i love the ones from target. did you check target?

you sound so upbeat in this post and it's a joy. you are going to have such a fantastic family vacation. take lots of photos for us to see.

Robin said...

Patrice, I am shocked that you are shopping the mall for bathing suits. My daughter loves the variety at Target; so many different bottom and top styles in all the different patterns and you can buy them separately so no worries with different sizes. You may have to give up your Targetholic status :)

Mocha Mama 24 said...

I just wanted to let you know that I was praying for Jonah this morning. I hadn't even read your post from yesterday about the blisters. I didn't even know why he came to mind, but now I do.

I just bought a new suit from Lands End. I know its probably short notice for this weekend but they do have lots of 2 piece options and they have lots of them 40-50% off.

Have fun packing and dreaming of the beach.

the-mommy-person said...

You so funny! Love to read your posts. Blessings.

HeatherT said...

Lands End is a great place to get a bathing suit. They run free shipping specials frequently and this time of year they have some pretty good sales on swimwear. They also have WONDERFUL customer service so you should be able to return with no problem if you need to. I believe you can return Lands End stuff to any Sears store as well. Good luck finding a set that will work!

PS - Jonah is such a cutie....thanks for sharing him with us!

M J said...

Do you have Academy Sports stores there? I was there a couple of weeks ago, and they had bathing suit separates for $20 each, so you would only have to spend $40 or so. I also got a really cute separate suit a couple of years ago at Wal-Mart (your favourite, I know). Can't vouch for this year's models, but it might be worth checking out.
I spent LOTS of time in the mall when my kiddos were little because it was nice and cool! :)

Toni :O) said...

Yay!! Such great news! Wow..you are SO tiny...I can only dream of being that size but I'm sorry you have issues with trying to find a bathing suit. I hate bathing suit shopping so I can sympathize. Although, I did get excited Sunday cause I found one for less than $40 since it was on sale! Yay for sales! It was one piece but looks like two and I love the coverage. I'll keep praying for you all...even as we're at the beach too. Enjoy your vacation and Happy First 4th of July to your little Prince. Hugs and Love!

Mimmy said...

Very glad to know that Jonah is still blister free. Do me a favor and take at least a partial break from posting while you are at the beach. You deserve a real vacation and since you can't take one from Jonah, take one from us. We'll understand.

Love you to Heaven and back,
Aunt Joyce aka Mimmy aka Joyce Smith

Penny said...

Hey Patrice, welcome to my world of tops and bottoms!! I just got a really nice suit at Kohls. Separates and half off. I got the whole suit for 30.00!

I truly pray for you to all have a wonderful time on your beach trip!!

Anonymous said...

i don't know if anyone mentioned this already but Old Navy sells bathing suits in different pieces for pretty reasonable prices (right now they are all on sale!!) i know that it isn't going to help you for the beach, but just wanted to share the info with you!

jen from pa
ljred@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

and i forgot to write in my post above, so excited that there are no blisters yet and praying for no blisters at all!!!!

jen from pa

Sarah said...

two point/suggestions since i just made the massive swimsuit hunt myself.

a) when did you go to target? i was there yesterday and all separates were on sale for $14. was that the case when you were there? there was still a pretty big selection as of yesterday...

b) having the mismatched size problem as well, i actually ended up buying a maternity suit for the top. there is a lot more space in the top region on maternity suits (as you would hope) and the fit is still as good. the top is a little looser than most regular tankinis around the midsection, but not horribly. target has liz lange swim separates - also on sale for $14 a piece.

we will keep praying here for jonah and your weekend at the beach! enjoy it!

Tiffany Lockette said...

I tell you, the only downfall of going on vacation is having to pack the "whole house" literally when you have a child. I don't know about you but I am exhausted just from packing!! I hope you guys have a fantastic time on your trip and I hope you get to relax a little. Enjoy and safe travels. Still praying for no new blisters for Mr. Jonah!!

Lauren Miracle said...

I got my swimsuit at KMart. I looked everywhere...Kohls, Target, Macys...And I found one at KMart. Thank Goodness for my hubby suggesting it, I would never have thought to look there. :) PS--I live in Florence! :D

Anonymous said...

Good job with Jonah! Keep up the good work!

Amanda said...

i know in the jcpenney bathroom near the women's section there is a huge, wonderful feeding room/changing room attached to the bathroom. i love that room especially when my littles were babies!

purejoy said...

how fun to be making plans/packing for a beach trip. i hope you have a great time and that jonah can experience a bit of the beach!
miraculous about no blistering. i know that was a real dark spot for you, just knowing that your advocacy could have prevented it.
if i had a dime for every time i should have prepared better for the sake of my children, i'd be rich. for real.
i know the stakes are much higher in jonah's case, but really, you are doing such a fantastic job. i mean you are a first time mom with a huge extra issue to manage.
and thanks for asking for us to pray. that is certainly why many of us who don't know you are here. it's our pleasure and honor to pray for your sweet family. wishing you safety and travel mercies this weekend. have a blast!

Kristen said...

At Hanes Mall in Belk near the Olan Mills studio they have a great changing station. In JC Penny they have a room in front of the bathroom where they have seats. We have had quite a few feeding sessions there! Hope that helps! Happy Beaching!

Lorraine said...

praying you have a wonderful time away ... especially since you'll have additional loving hands to help with Jonah :)

Cindy said...

might be too late for this trip, but try Victoriassecret.com.
They have a good selection of tankinis and you buy the pieces separately. Also they have a lot on sale right now.

Have fun at the beach.

PS. I got to meet your mom and sister at my parents church a few weeks ago, they are so sweet!

Unknown said...

Go to landsend.com to get a bathing suit. They have some variety for cheap prices and you can look in their overstock section.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Hi!
Did you try Old Navy for bathing suits? I believe that they sell them seperate and they are not as expensive as the mall! I am also different size on top and botton and that is where I got mine last year! Hope you have a great trip and good luck finding a suit.
Praying for Jonah everyday!

Jessica
TX

Anonymous said...

Have you tried Old Navy for swimming suits

Christy said...

Order from Land's End. You can order a top that fits the upper part and a bottom that fits the lower part. Sears bought them out...so you may be able to find some of their stuff at Sears.

...Christy

teacheroftwos said...

http://www.motherwear.com/prod.cfm/cid/40/sid/4657

http://www.breast-is-best.com/Nursing_Clothes-Swimwear.html

Found these websites with some reasonably priced nursing swimwear! Good luck.