Dan, Kim, & Baby!

Newborn Photos

2009-12-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

When Abigail was one week old, we had a photographer come to the house. She took some amazing photos. Here are a few of our favorites. You can check out the rest of the pictures here :

www.bmullinaxphotography.smugmug.com/other Then scroll down to the photos of Abigail Elizabeth.

ENJOY

Time Flys

2009-12-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Somehow the past 2 months have FLOWN by!! In part, I think the fact that the previous 4 months crept so slowly...
Non the less, we are WAY over due for an update. So this one may be a little long.
As many of you found out Abigail Elizabeth Caskie was born October 6th @ 9:37pm. Weighing 8lbs 9oz, 20.5 inches long, Blue eyes, light brown hair, long skinny toes, long eye lashes, and chubby cheeks. God blessed us GREATLY with a beautiful & healthy daughter.
After many hours of strong labor, the doctor determined that I was not making any progress, and I ended up with a c-section. I was not very happy about this, and in fact was not so nice to Dr Martin when he mentioned it. But...When Abby was born she had little bruises on her temples from my pelvic bone. I'm not sure she would have come on her own. I have healed nicely from the surgery, and was up and about within a week.
We've had LOTS of company these 2 months. Abby is the first baby on both sides. So everyone was excited. My Grandma & Pappap Myers (my mom's parents),my brother Josh and his wife Emily were in South Carolina when Abby was born. It was so neat to see my younger brother interact with my baby!! And so precious to see my grandparents hold their First great-grandchild. Dan's dad, stepmom (Crystal) and his Nana and grandma Nini (Crystal's mom) came down when she was 10 days old. Nana has other great-grandkids, but Abby is the first girl!! Dan's mom came the end of October, and she stayed for 3 weeks. I also had a visit from college friends, Anna & Shannon. Our house was busy!!
I am so blessed to be able to Breast-feed Abby. It is truly a special bonding time for mommy and baby. We had a very rough few weeks, but after seeing a lactation nurse, things have been much better. Our local hospital has a wonderful Support group every week. It is so nice to be able to meet with other moms going through the same things right now!! I Have 2 friends who have babies Abby's age, and it's nice to see them reach milestones together! Plus they weight the baby each week.
For Thanksgiving we took a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN. My parents rented a cabin for the week, and we talked Dan's dad & stepmom into joining us. It was nice to have both sets of grandparents together for Abby's first Thanksgiving. We have much to be Thankful for!!!!
I returned to work the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. There was much anxiety about going back to work. Not because I was leaving my baby, since I have full confidence in my mom, who is watching her. But because I haven't done my job since June. The day was long, had a few tears, but all-in-all it was a good day. I am blessed that I was able to return part time (2 12 hours days a week).
Abby is healthy and growing like a weed. She had her 2 month shots last week. Our Baby girl was 12 lbs 4 oz, 23 1/2 inches long. In some clothes she is wearing 3 months, others she wears 3-6 months. She often rolls over from her tummy to her back & will scoot her self around the crib on her tummy. Abby loves to sleep!! PRAISE GOD!!! Most nights she sleeps 10+ hours!!
She has great head control, and likes to sit up and look around. She loves to play peak-a-boo with her GrandPap (my dad). She loves spending the days mommy works with her MeMaw (my mom) She has a beautiful smile, and just recently started to giggle. On occasion she will "babble" at you when you talk to her. She loves to be read to and LOVEs music!
Every day she does something new!! And I LOVE IT!!
We are heading down to the Orlando area for the week. My mom's family lives in the area. And we are going to Disney!!!
Dan and I both have to work on Christmas day & the day after. Abby is going to be staying with our good friend, Sandra Reeder, Since my mom is still going to be out of town. We will celebrate Christmas on Sunday.
Thank you for your Prayers throughout our pregnancy and these first few months.
We praise our Heavenly Father for a healthy & beautiful baby girl

Ready, Set, BABY

2009-10-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

We really thought Abby was going to make her grand entrance into this world on Friday. I started having contractions about 4pm. They were 20 min apart, and gradually got stronger and closer together. After an hour of the contractions being 5 min apart, we called Dr Martin and then headed up to L&D at the hospital. I was still only 1cm dilated. They kept us through the night, and my contractions got up to every 2-3 minutes, but still no more dilation. By the time Dr M did his morning rounds the contractions had pretty much stopped. I was a little disappointed to say the least. I think again Abby was asserting her Independence, as if just to say "hey mom and dad...I was just checking to see if you were ready to meet me"
We have talked with Dr Martin, and we have scheduled an induction for tomorrow, Monday, morning. So if all goes according to plan, which nothing so far this pregnancy has done, we will have a baby tomorrow.
We will send out another update once she is here!!! So be on the look out!!
Love,
Dan, Kim, and Abby

Any Time Now!!

2009-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the final stretch of this pregnancy. One that has been filled with ups and downs, and lots of prayers. I really didn't think we would have made it this far, back at week 22. We are now in week 38.
And I will tell you that I am ready ANY TIME!!! (I know most women say that by now) I am really starting to get uncomfortable, restless, and not sleeping well. And sadly, when I don't sleep well...neither does Dan.
We went to the doctors today. And we have made some progress since last week. I am now 1cm dilated. I know we have a long way to go, but at least that's a start.
Dan still really wants Abby to wait till October to make her appearance, but we know that she'll come when she's ready.
We can't thank y'all enough for your continued prayers and support thus far.
We will be sure to update y'all when we are heading to the hospital and when Abby does arrive.
Until then,
Dan and KIM

1 MONTH & COUNTING

2009-09-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

WOW...can you believe it?!?!?!
1 month and counting!!! Seems crazy. Abigail Caskie is due in just 1 month. We are ready to meet her, ready to kiss the hands and feet that have been kicking me more and more, ready to see who she looks like; what color eyes she will have, will she have hair???
Back in June we weren't sure she would stay put this long. We are so thankful for you, our friends and family, who have been praying for our daughter to stay inside me and continue to grow. We are thankful for Dr Martin and his medical wisdom. We are thankful for OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, who has kept us safe and healthy.
I am still taking the hormone shots for another 2 weeks. At that point we will let Abby come when she may. Everyone keeps telling me that my daughter is going to again assert her Independence and just decide to be "late" (after Oct 6th) I know my Aunt Cheryl is pushing for her to be born on her 50th birthday on the 15th. But October hold MANY birthdays for our family. Including Abby's daddy, but not till the 27th...and that is just NOT going to happen!!!
The past few weeks have felt a little more "normal". I have returned to work for a few hours a few days a week. It's nice to be out of the house and feel a little "productive".
We, mostly Dan, have been busy getting things ready for Abby to arrive. Washing clothes, blankets, bibs, burp cloths. Putting together baby accessories, figuring out how the strollers work. So much to do!! Dan is almost finished with staining the dresser/changer. My mom is still working on the bedding. It'll all get done soon enough.
We are anxiously awaiting to meet Lil Abby!!! We can't wait to introduce her to all of you!!
Again...THANK YOU for you love and prayers that have gotten us to this milestone!!! 1 month and COUNTING......
Love,
Dan, Kim, and Abby

Big Weekend

2009-08-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

This week we will be 34 weeks!! Time is ticking away! It is so amazing to see how far we have come. To think I was put on strict bed rest at 22 weeks! I wasn't sure we were going to make it this far, and now I can see the finish line.

Dan and I were so blessed this weekend with a baby shower hosted by our Sunday school class. Many of our family came in from out of town. Abby is one Blessed little girl. So many people love her and have been praying for her upcoming arrival! This is going to be one stylish girly girl!!! Lots of baby gifts, lots of clothes!!!Abby's first Steelers outfit!!

My cousin Amy loves to take pictures and dabbles in photography. She offered to take some maternity pictures of Dan and I while she was in town. So after the shower, we went to downtown Charleston and took pictures.

I am now back at work a few hours a week. Mostly doing secretary stuff; entering orders, answering phones, etc. It's nice to get out of the house, and back to some sense of "normal".

I've been blessed with a boss who understands motherhood!! She is doing what she can to help save some leave time for after Abigail's arrival.

My Doctor's appointments are going well. Abby is growing like she should. She is actually more active this week. I have a feeling she's going to be one active girl!

Dan and I can't thank you enough for your love, prayers, and support!!!! We are getting excited to meet our daughter, and we can't wait to introduce her to all of you.

Love,

Dan, Kim, and Abigail

Randome Pictures

2009-08-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Me and my Grandma! Oh and don't forget baby Abby!!

Dan and I celebrating my Birthday downtown Charleston

My Birthday Flowers...who wouldn't love "flowers" you can eat...especially when dipped in chocolate!

Abby's first Baby Shower, with 3 other mommy's to be that work in the ER with Dan

And....My FAVORITE SPOT!!! Who said "BEDREST" was tough??

32 weeks!

2009-08-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

I really didn't think that 10 weeks ago , when I started having pre-term labor, that I would really make it to 32 weeks! It's what we've prayed for!! God has answered our prayers! 8 weeks till our Due Date!!! We are praying that she will stay in and KEEP COOKING!!
I've been feeling sooo much better, with no signs of contractions!! The doctor released me last week to go back to work, but the hospital had an issue with the restrictions the dr put on my work ability. We are trying to get everything worked out. My 12 weeks of FMLA is running out in a few weeks, and from that point on the insurance issues change. Things may get pretty costly. Please pray that all these financial issues can get worked out. We have placed all of this in God's Hands!!
The nursery is well on it's way to getting ready for Abby's arrival. Dan spent Sunday afternoon putting up the chair rail. I LOVE having a handy husband!! A friend has offered to paint for us, and is coming tomorrow!! Little by little...we are getting ready! I'll have to get some pictures.
Dan is planning on staining the Dresser/changing table this weekend.
Tonight was quite a different experience.... Everything with the baby is fine...but I took a line drive soccer ball to the head at a Charleston Battery game. My dad is a ref, and was refing tonight. I haven't been to a game since starting bed rest. Tonight was a cool evening, after a thunderstorm. So I decided to go to the game. I was texting...and didn't even see the ball coming. We were sitting in the first row...and don't think I would have had time to respond anyway. I'm fine!! A little sore, I'll probably have a nice bruise in the morning, and my earring pierced the side of my head. But it could have been a lot worse. What DRAMA!!!
This has been quite the pregnancy!!
Thank you for your continued prayers!! 8 more weeks!!!!
Dan, Kim, and Abigail

A big NEGATIVE!!

2009-07-28T13:30:00.001-07:00

Yaaa!!! The test they did yesterday for the fetal fibronectin, came back negative!!! This means that we will continue with our current course of action. The chances that Abigail will make her appearance in the next 2 weeks is highly unlikely.
Thank you for your continued prayers.

This weeks Make 30!!

2009-07-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we've reached another Milestone this week!!! We are now 30 weeks!! PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We started this pre-term labor at 22 weeks. It is amazing that we've made it this far. God has truly blessed us!! So many of my fears have been relieved, although we would still love to make it another 5 weeks.
This weekend I attended a birthing preparedness class. Dan had to work, so my friend Mary Elizabeth (and now my birthing coach), went with me! Thanks for enduring that with me!! I'm not sure that I learned that much from the class. I guess if you have no experience with labor (i.e nursing school and watching your best friend deliver her baby)...then maybe the class would be helpful. It was a nice refresher class though. I guess you could say, I'm as ready as I could be when Abigail decides she is ready to come into this world. (again, praying for a few more weeks)
The past few days I have been experiencing a lot of new pressure, almost as if Abby was ready to fall out of me, but no contractions. I spent all day Sunday in bed and on the couch with my feet up. This morning, still having this feeling, I called the doctors and they got me in today. Good news is... I am still not dilated, not any more effaced, and she is not pressing as hard on my cervix as she was last week. So, No real explanation for this pressure. I guess just part of the pregnancy. Other than that, every thing is staying the same. They did do a screening test today for fetal fibronectin. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1149.asp The test can indicate if labor is possible in the next 2 weeks. If the test is negative, we will continue with our current course of action. If the test is positive, we will add in another medication to help stall labor. So you can pray specifically for a negative result!!!
The past week I have really started to feel and look pregnant! FINALLY!!! You have to remember that my stomach is actually smaller now 7 months pregnant than it was a year ago, before i lost 100lbs, so it has taken me a bit longer to really show.
I'll have to get Dan to help me upload some pictures.
Thank you for your prayers, and thank you for supporting us on this journey for these past 8 weeks. We could NOT have done it without the support of our friends, family, and our Savior JESUS CHRIST!
Keep praying for the rest of our pregnancy and for a happy healthy Abby!!
Much love to you all,
Dan, Kim and Abigail

P.S. I follow a blog of a Christian mother of 4, who's youngest has had heart problems since before delivery. God alone can be created for Stellan being alive today!! But he is sick again, and in the Hospital. They are currently being flown to Boston to see a specialist. If you want to read and pray for this family, you can follow their blog/twitter here http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Good News & Bad News

2009-07-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

The past week has been nice. My Grandma Chek (my dad's mom) has been here since the 6th. It's been nice to have someone around to keep me company. I've enjoyed spending time with her, although we didn't do much of anything.

July 11th I celebrated my 29th Birthday!! I splurged and went and got a much needed pedicure. Then I went to my friend Haley's baby shower (Noah and Abby have play dates lined up already) After the shower, Dan and I went to dinner with my brother and his girl friend. All in all.... I DID TOO MUCH!! I know!!! I had several runs of contractions later that night! I've learned my lesson and I'm taking it easy! But it was a nice day after all!!!
This is the Rocker/Glider my grandma bought me for my Birthday. And the Animal Stacker from Mary Elizabeth

On Tuesday this week the Dr had scheduled my 28 week Glucose Tolerance test and ultrasound. I was able to take my grandma to see the ultrasound. She is a retired labor and delivery nurse. All the technology has come a long way over the years. She was very excited to get a glimpse of her first Great-Grandbaby!

I saw the doctor today. Good News... We passed our Glucose test!!

Bad News... I'm a little more effaced and her head is pushing on my cervix again :(

So that being said, Dr Martin isn't letting me go back to work! I know this is for the better, but I was really hoping. I've gotta keep taking it easy!

I guess Abigail is in a hurry to meet all of you! WE are just praying that she will rest and wait till it's her time to come!!

Happy Independence Day!!

2009-07-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Dean!!!!

Dan is working today. His parents just left to head home. Dan's dad has to preach tomorrow, so they had to be home for Sunday.

So I am hanging around the house this afternoon, and then going to a friends for a picnic later.

Our church is also having a cookout and fireworks tonight. I may stop by for a bit, but I have to leave before the fireworks! The doctor said that the loud noises can startle the baby and cause contractions. Since I've already been having pre-term labor. There is no reason to take the chance the fireworks making it worse.

My parents and brother are hanging out in DC today and are going to enjoy the 4th Spectacular over our Countries Capital. The DC fireworks are some of the best around (other than Disney's Magic Kingdom). I wish I was there!!

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th!!

Dan's in the ER today waiting for all the firework injuries :)

Another Good Week

2009-06-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Pavlischek Marines

Wayne, Dad, Josh

As of today we are 14 weeks (98 days) away from Abigail's scheduled due date!! After being on bed rest for 3 weeks, I have been allowed off bed rest! I went to the doctors today, and left with a good report. I have had no contractions in over 2 weeks. I have been obeying doctor's orders. My cervix seems to have thickened some, and Abby isn't sitting quite so low in my pelvis. With all that said, and the fact that Dan is a PA in the ER (and very good at making sure I follow Dr's orders), Dr Martin is allowing me to do more. I am allowed to drive again!!! I am allowed to do VERY light activity (shopping, outings, dinner) for short periods. So no all day shopping in my future.

I have a list of things that I want to get done; hair cut, pedicure, going to register for baby stuff, all the important stuff...right???

I am very excited that the shots I am taking are helping slow down Abby's arrival. I also know that our daughter's arrival has been handed over to her Heavenly Father, and she has a team of prayer warriors praying for her continued growth every day!! Dan and I both thank you for your Prayers and Encouragement!! It means so much to us to know that we have brothers and sisters in Christ who are praying for our precious daughter!

All of this said, this week is an emotional one for me. Before I was put on bed rest, i had plans to leave tomorrow for DC and Maryland with my family.

On Thursday July 2nd, my baby brother will graduate from TBS (the basic school) with the USMC. We are very proud of him!! He will be joining a Tank unit in NC after tanker school. I am glad that Wayne will be on the east coast, and close to home! We are also praying that Josh, my other Marine brother will get stationed @ Cherry Point, NC where he will fly C-130's. (his other options are California and Japan) It would be nice to have both the boys close!

On that same day July 2nd my father, Colonel Wayne A Pavlischek, will retire from 30+ years of service. I sooooo want to be there for my daddy!! He had loved his time with the Corp! He is and always be a MARINE!! I know it brings him great joy to be able to watch his boys become Marines! he never has asked them to follow in his foot steps, and I think he even tried to talk them out of it at some point.

On Sunday July 5th, my cousin, Justin Pavlischek (the other Marine in the family) is getting married in Maryland.

Needless to say this week & weekend is going to be a little sad, since Dan and I will be missing 3 family events!! They all understand that I would be there if I could!

To help keep me occupied, my in-laws, Don and Crystal, and Dan's Nana are coming to visit for a few days. They were planning to come to my dad's retirement. But since we aren't going to be there, they decided to come here instead.

When my parents return from DC, they are bringing my Grandma Chek (my dad's mom) home with them. She's going to keep me company the next week while my mom and dad fly to Texas for Josh's graduation from Flight School.

I'm not allowed to go back to work as of yet :( I would really like to get back to even light duty. Dr Martin seems to think that when I go back to see him in 2 weeks, he may let me go back to work.

I don't go back to the doctors for 2 weeks. Then I will have another ultrasound and the most dreaded glucose tolerance test.

I am excited to have some more freedom, and the fact that I'm not "tied" to the couch/bed is nice. Just so you all know, I WILL be VERY cautious not to over-do-it!!!! I don't want to be back on Complete bed rest!! And Dan will be keeping a close eye on me too!

Thank you again for your continued Prayers!!!

Love,

Dan, Kim, and Abigail

Week 25

2009-06-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we are into our 25th week! So far so good. I had an uneventful week, with NO contractions or cramping in over a week! PRAISE GOD!! I've spent the last week laying in bed, on the couch, and lounging in the pool. It's been a nice HOT week, so the pool was nice.
I went to the doctors today, and left with a good report!! We are going to do some trials of light activity this week. Which consists of getting up for a few hours each day, around the house. Nothing stressful, no lifting, no housework, but something is better than nothing! It's going to be hard not to over do it. But I know that if I over do it, it's going to mean that I go back on strict bedrest! SO NONE of that for me!!
We are going to continue to take each day as it comes. Every day and week that Abby stays put, the better!
Thanks again for your love and prayers!
Dan, Kim and Abby

This is Dan's "almost Father's Day" gift he got.

And whether or not he will admit to it

He is WRAPPED around Abby's finger!

Pool time, New Meds, Baby Panic, and Dr's Appt

2009-06-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

So, I've now been on bed rest for a week and a half. I think I've done a pretty good job at staying sane. The doctor told me last Friday that I can lounge in the pool for a few hours. I was very excited about this!! It's my time to be out of the house, around other people, and time to work on my tan...err tying not to BURN.
I've had a few friends come out to out community pool and hang with me.
I went Thursday last week till Monday morning with NO cramping/contractions. That was until Monday morning and Monday after noon when I had a few bouts of Contractions. Uggg, I was so disappointed. The good thing was, that my new meds arrived Monday! So when Dan got home Monday night, I got my first shot! It's called 17 Hydroxyprogesterone. This stuff is thick as PASTE!! YUCKO!!!! Dan even had to run back to the hospital to get a different size needle, cause the ones we had at home were too small. SO, my butt hurts!! But like my aunt said "better a sore butt, and a baby in the belly"!!
The doctor wanted to set up a home health nurse to come out to the house to give me my shot, But since Dan and I can both give shots, plus I have TONS of friends that could come do it, there was no point. If at some point I start having more contractions and need more monitoring. He said that the home health company can come set up a home monitor. That way he can keep me out of the hospital as long as he can.
Dan and I have been overwhelmed at the people who have offered to come sit with me, to cook, and to clean. It's hard to let people do stuff for me. But, I have to realise I can't do it for my self. And Dan has been picking up extra hours at work. And things still need to get done. My mom and dad have been a great help too.
So...about the PANIC!! OK, so if lil Abigail's shenanigans are any prediction of how things are going to be as she gets older...We are in for trouble!!
So I started the new meds on Monday. By Tuesday evening, I realized that I hadn't felt her move all day. She's normally a pretty active lil one. My friend Mary Elizabeth came over to spend the evening, since Dan was at work, and she had cooked me dinner. After dinner, I was paying more attention that she hadn't moved, and even after trying to wake her up and get her to move. I started to get worried. I called Dan at work, and then called DR Martin. Dr Martin said he was pretty sure she was just sleeping, but I could go into the hospital if if would make me feel better. I have the advantage of Dan working in the ER, so we decided that Mary Elizabeth would take me in to see Dan, and we would call Dr Martin back if there was something off. I was soooo anxious! I was so glad that Mary Elizabeth was there with me, she was so reassuring that everything was going to be ok.
When we got to the hospital, the first thing we did was check the heart beat. It was good and strong!! I was soooooo relieved to hear that lil swoosh swoosh!! All I could do was cry!! Such RELIEF!! I could then breathe again! Then Dan hooked up the ultrasound machine. She's definitely gotten bigger, her head is down, and she's all crunched up in a ball. After we pushed and manipulated her a bit, she started to wake up. I love just looking at her on the ultrasound. I can't wait to hold her in my arms and stare at her!! (well, I can wait, and hope she does...at least until September)
I had another Doctor's appointment today. Things seem to be holding steady. The new meds seem to be working already (and not just on making Abby sleepy). Dr Martin said that he could tell that the uterus isn't as tight and low as it was last week. He still wants me on strict bed rest (bathroom and pool visits only) for the next week. If things continue to get better, then next week he said he'll think about starting to increase my activity by a few hours.
So, we are praying Abigail continues to stay put, and not cause Mommy any more panic moments.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. And to those of you who have come by, made meals, sent note, cards, packages, and other wonderful treats...THANK YOU!!! You are all a special Blessing in our lives!!

BedRest and More BedRest

2009-06-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

This week, I have been to the doctors 3 times. I'm really starting to get to know the girls in the office :) And I really like Dr Martin, my OB.
I've had some cramping on and off. When I went to the doctors yesterday, I am still 60% effaced, but it hasn't gotten any worse.
The doctor ordered me a progesterone shot that I will take once a week. It was hard to get ordered, but after a long day yesterday, we got it on order from a pharmacy in Columbia, SC. They are mailing it to me, so it will start when it arrives.
The goal is for me to stay on complete bed rest until I go several days with no cramping or contractions. Then the doctor said he will start letting me do an hour or 2 of light activity. From there, it's just to find a happy medium, where I have no cramping/contractions with activity. He is not sure I'll be able to go back to work, but at least off the couch/bed. My boss has offered to try and find me "desk work" if the doctor will release me for that.
Dr Martin said it would be OK for me to spend some time floating in the pool. We have a really nice pool in our subdivision. So I am really excited about this!! It'll allow me to get out of the house a bit and allow me to get some sun!
We have been blessed with an awesome church family. Ladies have been offering to help Dan with cleaning. And they are bringing meals a few times a week. One of my friends has offered to teach me to Knit. And a few are going to come over to scrapbook.
I have also decided that I should use this time effectively, and I am going to start studying to take my Oncology Certification. I've been putting this off for some time now, and I may as well put my time to good use.
I know that God is in control of all of this. None of this is a surprise to Him.
At times I struggle with having peace that all things are going to work out. Satan tries to get me down with thoughts of all the bad things that could happen. He tries to get me to see myself as a failure at my first task at a mom, that somehow I'm letting my baby girl down. I know all of these are lies!! I constantly have to remind myself that God is in control. Little AbbyBeth is his child no matter what happens.
My prayer is that God will be glorified through this pregnancy.
When I start to think, "God, why me?!?!?!?!" I remind myself to think, "God, Why not me!!!!"
So,
please continue to pray for us, all 3 of us!

All in God's hands.

2009-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well, sometimes what we have in mind, is not exactly what God has in mind for us.
On Saturday, I started experinceing some cramping that woke me up at 2am. I went back to sleep, but when I woke up to get ready for work, the more I was up, the more I was cramping. I called the doctor on call. She had me go to the Hospital. There they sent me to L&D. I was placed on the monitor. Abby was doing great, heart rate was wonderful and she was moving all around. They had me on the monitor all day, and no contractions. But they did say my cervix was 60% Affaced, but it was closed and high. Since I wasnt contracting and no spotting, they sent me home. Told me to rest and follow up with my doctor on Monday.
Well, today I went to the doctors. I am still 60% affaced, but the cervix has gotten a little lower. And baby Abby's head in already down puttting pressure on the cervix.
So, I guess Abby is already asserting her independance and trying to come before she is supposed to.
To help stop this pre-term labor, I've been placed on bedrest. They are going to start me on a medication to try. I go tomorrow for an0ther ultrasound.
From here, it'll be week by week.
I'm hoping this doesn't mean another 17 weeks of bedrest, but I'll do what I have to and for as long as I have to, if it means that Abby stays put!
Please pray for all of us, as we make adjustments. Pray for Dan as he picks up the slack. Pray for me as I try and keep for going stir crazy. Pray for Abby as she continues to grow!!
Praise that we have my parents close by to help. And we have a wonderful church family who has already been offering to come keep me company.
I'll keep you posted.
THanks
In HIM
Kim, Dan, and Baby Abby.

It's a....GIRL!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

Today was my "Almost" Mother's Day (as Dan calls it)

We found out the other day that we are expecting a baby girl! Dan was in shock and probably a little bit of denial, as he was looking for "boy parts"...too bad they just weren't there!!

He's going to be a great Daddy!! And I have a feeling this little girl is going to have him wrapped around her lil finger!!

So we waited to tell everyone today, on Mother's day. SO we called all our families and gave them the good news.

So what is her name, you may ask??? Her name is Abigail Elizabeth Caskie. I've liked this name since I was a little girl!! So the decision was quite easy!!

We can't wait to meet her!!!

Love to you all!!

Kim, Dan, and Abby!!

Kayaking with friends

2009-05-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

Our friends, CLiff and Denise, came in to town from ALabama this weekend. Cliff and Dan were classmates @ Wake Forest for PA School. We haven't seen them in a few years, and it has been fun to catch up.

Friday we went Kayaking on the Edisto River. Here I've grown up here, well high school and college years anyway, and I've never been down the Edisto River. We had a blast. We borrowed a few kayaks from some friends at church. And we are now planning on buying our own. Dan is trying to convince me that we also need a real BOAT!! Well, he's been trying for a few years now, and since I enjoyed our time on the water, he is fully taking advantage on this!!

We spent a few hours on the water, and even stopped so they could all jump out of tree from a rope swing, into the water. I, of course, did not do this, being pregnant and all...but I'm not sure I'd have joined in if I wasn't. We ended the day with a cook out. And if you know Dan, you know it was no SMALL ordeal! We even roasted marshmallows and had Smores!!

Saturday, Cliff and Denise went to a family reunion that was here in town. So I took advantage of the down time and took a much needed nap!! While Dan went and played fireman and learned how to cut people out of cars, using a tool they like to call the Beast!!

Later that night we all met up and we went downtown. We took them to Hyman's Seafood. If you've never been there, you MUST go the next time you are in town, great food, reasonable prices. Check them out http://www.hymanseafood.com/ And, since we are local, we have a special pass, and it saved us about an hour of waiting for a table, as they move us to the front of the line.

We ended the evening with a stroll downtown, even stopped for some ice cream and WARM gooey pralines!!!!! Yummy!!

Am I making you want to plan your visit to Charleston yet?!?!?!?

We have lots of room and LOVE to show people around our town!! And we may even have that boat Dan wants so bad!!

"Babymoon" at Disney....

2009-04-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

My Princess with my future little princess or knight in shining armour!

And Baby makes 3!

2009-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have changed the name of this BLOG!!
As many of you now know, Dan and I are expecting our first baby October of the year. Our due date is Oct 6th. We are both very excited. So far the pregnancy has been good, despite the frequent bouts of nausea. It hasn't really been morning sickness, yet on and off throughout the day. I tell people I'm living through the art of modern medicine, Zofran works wonders.
I guess it's been a while since our last post Christmas post. But to be honest, other than the pregnancy, not much has been going on.
Dan's parents were in town the end of January, it happened to be the weekend we took the prego test! SO we were able to tell my parents and his parents at the same time. We then spent a few days in Hilton Head with Dan's folks. It was nice to get away for a few days.
This first weekend in February was quite busy. I hosted a baby shower for my friends Jenni and Rebekah (who are sister-in-laws who's due date are 5 weeks apart) It was a fun but busy time. Our friends Mike and Anna also came to visit that weekend. We hadn't seen them in a long time. It's always fun to hang out with friends.
Last weekend we took our first trip to Virginia since our big move. It was nice to see family and friends. Our old Sunday school class was able to get together for lunch after church. It's amazing to see how our class went from young couples with no kids, to now almost everyone has 1 or 2 kiddos. Our friends hadn't seen us since we'd lost weight (Kim 100lbs, Dan 75lbs), so it was fun to show off the new us. The only bad thing was our car got broken into while we were there, right in front of Dan's rents house. They took the gps and Dan's wedding ring and class ring (that were in the console) But these are just things, and they can be replaced.
I know this is a lengthy post, and I'm sorry it's been a while.
I'm going to try and keep up with the blog as the pregnancy continues.

Cruise, Christmas, and Happy New Years!

2009-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas, Dan and I joined my parents on a 7 day cruise. We had a great time, relaxed a lot, slept, and even did some reading.
We spent Christmas in Florida with my mom's family. Josh and Emily joined us for their 1st married Christmas.

We drove back to Charleston the day after Christmas, so we could both get back to work. It's was good to be home, but I got the flu and a cold. What a way to say "HAPPY NEW YEARS"!

WE pray that 2009 brings you God's riches blessings.

Hymans Seafood

2008-11-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hyman's Seafood is one of our favorite places to take people when they come to visit Charleston. The best thing to get is the Crispy Fried Flounder, they bring you the whole fish! It is sooo yummy. Here is what is left of Don's Fish!

The Family at Hymans! You MUST try it!!

And how could I not post a picture of our 2 pups?!?!
Libby the Bummble BEE
Winnie the Lady Bug.
Their costumes truely fit their personality!

Dan's 30th Birthday!!

2008-11-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Dan's Birthday Dinner with Don and Crystal (dan's dad and Stepmom), Nana Caskie, and Wayne and Val (Kim's parents)

Dan gets to open His gifts!

He is very excited about the food Dehydrator from Wayne and Val.
He also got a Valet from ME (you can hang your pants, shirts, and a place to put your wallet and keys)

Kim and Val on the Sofa

2008-11-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

Dan, Nana, and I on the Ferry to Ft Sumter. Burr...It was cold and Windy on the water!

Don and Crystal

Dan and Nana waiting to board the Ferry

The Caskie Family in front of Fort Sumter. Do you know what happened here??

Weekend Getaway to Myrtle Beach

2008-11-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

My mom and I at Mt Atlanticus

Dan...It's putt-putt not baseball!!

Going for the hole

I love this Man!! We have a photo just like this one, from our 1st anniversary!!

Happy 30th Birthday Dan!!!

2008-10-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my Wonderful Husband Daniel, turned the BIG 30!! We had a great day...well most of it, but more on that later...
Dan's parents and Nana came into town on Sunday. They are our first house guests in our new home. WE spent the day in Downtown Charleston. We took a guided walking tour of the Holy City (something we hadn't done before), and learned lots of neat facts about Charleston. We even got Nana out on the tour, although we pushed her in the wheelchair. (which we found does NOT roll well on the cobble stone streets).
We had a nice seafood lunch at the Charleston Crab House, yummy yummy!!
Then we set sail on the high seas of Charleston on the Ferry to Ft Sumter. Dan and his family had never taking the tour and I haven't been since high school, so it was a nice but COLD and Windy experience.
WE finished out our Day with another yummy meal at CASA CASKIE (aka Kim's Kitchen) We even used our fancy china and new silver (that we purchased at and outlet sale) in honor of Dan's Birthday. my parents also joined us to celebrate Dan's 30th Birthday!

How we didn't expect to end the evening......
I put a load of clothes in the washer about 10:30pm. By 11 o'clock...we had a FLOOD, yes FLOOD.
(We had a leak a few weeks back, which the builder came and fixed and patched the drywall. They are supposed to come on Wed this week to fix the hardwood floors (they got some water damage and are warping.)
But compared to last time...this is WAY worse. The ceiling last time was a 1x3 foot section of drywall that needed to be patched. THIS time....the water was pouring out several spots of the family room. THAT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN!!
We can praise GOD for several things: 1. We Were home!! and I was about to shut the water off. Who knows how bad this would have been if we weren't home! 2. Dan's parents were about to help clean up. 3. We have lots of towels and linens in our house, that we used to SOP in all the water.
Dan in his dad spent some time cutting holes in the drywall the help let the water out of the ceiling.
Dan now has a real bad rash all over his body. WE are not sure what it's from. It may be from all the dirty water he ended up covered in, or the drywall dust from cutting holes in the ceiling. But, he itches and does not feel well. He is in bed, in a Benadryl induced SLEEP!!
Please pray for us today, as we meet with the insurance company, the plumber, the builder, and the other repair companies. Pray that we were able to get all the water up, and that there will NOT be any mold/mildew. Pray that Dan will feel better. Pray that Dan and I will work together and not against each other. Pray that God will use this in our lives to help us better serve HIM.
Again I would like to say HAPPY Birthday to my WONDERFUL husband!! I know we will NEVER forget this Birthday!!!

I'll post some pictures of our visit Downtown and the Damage later!

Still Working

2008-10-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a slow process, but Dan and I are getting things settled. Dan's parents are coming this next weekend for a visit, SO I'm trying to get as much done this week as I can. Dan has been busy with "projects" around the house. He's finished the Garage floors, and they look great (he's very proud of himself). My mom has been painting my guestroom. There are still a few boxes taht need unpacked and lots of "things" that still need a place. We have a long list of "TO DO's" that will eventually get done. It's just nice to be in our place.
I'll have Dan post pictures soon.
Love, KIM

The New Google Data Center, and Lunch with the Governor!

2008-10-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today Google opened it's new data center in our town! They had all the big wigs is from across the state, as well as the fire dept to raise the american flag for the dedication of their new building.....

Governor Sanford is a REALLY nice guy, He thanked the fire department for what we do and was very personable to chat with

I love photo ops....the Governor joined us for a picture then for a good southern lunch of smoked BBQ chicken, Frogmore Stew and Cole Salw!

well it couldn't stay perfect forever....

2008-10-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today we had a little mishap in paradice. I attempted to do the first load of laundry when the drain pipe clogged and flooded the laundry room- and we quickly found out the ceiling of our living room. They never sealed around the floor drain so any fluids not in the drain pan just flow right thru the floor and into the ceiling below. I was able to rip out the affect area quickly and get it started drying pretty fast. I think we spared damage to the hardwood floors. we will just need a plumber to seal the pipe and fix the drain and a drywall patch and we will be good as new! could have been alot worse with mold and rot and other water damage but God protected us there.

It occured to me that a blow dryer may be a fire hazard...but instead of taking it down i just got the fire extinguisher ready.

After about an hour of "drying" most of the edges were dry...

we had talked about puting in a skylight.....

the flood alarm helped but that big whole in the floor didn't....

It coming right along...

2008-09-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

The master now has it furniture (and was it heavy!!!)

Kim is making herself at home taking up the entire closet already, she has had lot of funny digging out her skinny clothes that did not fit prior to her now almost 60lbs weight loss!!! GO KIMMY GO!

The Girls are making themselves at home too, Libby just wants to play ball and Winnie is her protector...now if they could only run in the yard but no fence yet!

We have boxes everywhere, we are looking forward to getting it all done to be settled. We are awaiting our first guests still...all are welcome, we would love to see you. Dan and Kim

We Are Moving in!

2008-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Kim spent the day unpacking the kitchen

She made a bit of progress (and a mess)

With some help from family and friends, all the furniture and boxes are in. Dan put up the ceiling fan tonight.

I never thought i would see my garage this clean AFTER we moved it. And we probably wont ever again, tomorrow the concrete guys are coming out to put on the epoxy floor finish so i had to load all my junk back out of the garage for 4 more days!

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, We closed on our house 1 week ago today. It is becoming more like HOME!! The painting is almost all finished (what rooms we are painting for now, we'll finish the other bedrooms and office later). Today we started moving in furniture and unpacking. I unpacked several boxes in the Kitchen. Ahhh, this feels like HOME!!! We put together our bed, so....WE are sleeping in our new house for the first time TONIGHT!!! We even brought Winnie and Libby to the house today, this was their first time here. They are still getting used to everything, a lot of new smells to check out! Moving is a slow process, but We are happy. Love, KIM

Moving Right Along...

2008-09-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Crown looks great finished, and man do i love that olive!

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

First coat of the faux finish in the down stairs guest suite

Halls feel sooo warm....kinda like a cup of....HOT CHOCOLATE!

Today's Menu Fire Weed, Honey Carmel, Olive and Hot Chocolate!!

2008-09-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Hallway color is caslled hot chocolate!

here you have Fire Weed, Honey Carmel and Hot Chocolate...It looks a lot better than it would taste!

Upstairs Hallway getting trimed out with the first coat of paint

Color makes it a home....

2008-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Olive makes a nice look in the formal living and dining room....

Kim chose "Almond fugde" and "Lyndhurst Duchess Blue" for the master....Now if we only had some furniture in there we could stay in the house. For now we continue to stay at Val and Wayne's house. Maybe we will break out the airmattress and stay a night or two till we can get the painting finished!

Crown is in!!!! Thanks to Pappa's help

2008-09-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Paint time next....

Ever wonder about the phrase "Dropping the kids off at the pool"?

2008-09-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Kim, Ruth and Haley having a good time painting the pool...

Haley says it is like being in a swimming pool...

Ruth looks hungry....please don't eat my paint!!

Does kinda give you that underwater/on the water feel.....

Now the painting begins...

2008-09-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Kim spent a ton of time picking out the colors to use...here is the Carmel honey for the kitchen...
Nice first coat

looking great....

DONE!!!! WE ARE IN! Make Your Reservations NOW!!!

2008-09-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Kim is knocking on the actual door!!!

Despite all the signing and being on the hook for the next 30 years we are smiling!!!

We are HOMEOWNERS!!!

2008-09-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers today, as we had a very smooth closing!!
There are few little things that the builder still has to finish in the next week.
My mom and I spent a good bit of the afternoon putting the first coat of paint in the kitchen. I was all set to take some pictures, but my camera isn't working. So I'll have Dan post some soon. To keep with my tradition of LOVING colorful walls, I am painting the Kitchen and "Carmel Honey" (or goldish yellow). The Family room is going to be a burnt red (somewhat of a terracotta color). The living room/dining room will be an olive green. Our master bedroom is going to be Dutches Blue and Almond Fudge (or gray blue with a light brown). We haven't quite nailed down or agreed upon the colors of the other rooms. We'll post some pictures as soon as we get them.
The guy came from Lowe's and installed our Window Blinds. I am waiting (as I type) for the cable/Internet guy to come. The PODS were delivered today!! Our fridge will arrive on Monday.
Dan and I both have to work tomorrow (Saturday). And The Franklin Graham Crusade is here this weekend. So I don't think we will be doing much more on the house till Monday. But come Monday...we are going to be in full gear to get things done, so we can move our stuff in.
We are so thankful to my parents who have let us move back in and stay with them through our building project. Not to mention how my mom is helping us paint.
Dan and I are very excited to get into our home!! And we can't wait to have y'all visit.
More to follow soon!!!
KIM

Cozy in the day time tooo...

2008-09-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Even I think there are a lot of switches in there!

Make your plans to enjoy a southern sunset with us now.....

Cozy isn't it....

2008-09-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Looks so warm and inviting.....3 more days!!

Almost there...

2008-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kim is ready to soak in her new tub...

How could we go wrong with carpet named "DeerSkin"!

When's Dinner?.....

Getting Close to the Finish Line

2008-09-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, I know ya'll are in eager anticipation for more pictures of the house. We will post some soon, I promise!! The house is pretty much finished. The carpet and hardwood floors are in. There are a few minor things they still need to fix/touch up. The stove/microwave and dishwasher are in. THe fridge will be arriving on the 22nd.
We had our "New Home Orientation" yesterday. They went over all the warranty stuff, and we walked around the house and pointed out a few things that need to be attended to. We will do our Final walk through on Thursday (the 18th) and the house is OURS on Friday (the 19th)!
Dan and I both have to work the weekend we close, so we aren't really planning to move in right away. We really would like to get in and paint and put up some crown molding before we unload.
We are very excited to be in OUR PLACE!!! We can't wait to get in and make this house a HOME!! Check your calandars...and plan a visit!! The more the Merrier!

Counter tops, trim and paint!

2008-08-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

They tell me that leaving the cardboard on makes for easy cleaning and a nice conversation piece!

Trim and first coat of paint went on nicely

Fireplace mantle and hearth look good, but it is missing a plasma on top!

Starting to really "feel" like a home now....

Master bath is MARBLE-lous! and that's one big door...

2008-08-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Master bath looks MARBLE-lous!

She Just couldn't wait to try it out....

we went to leave, and it was raining, no problem, I just drove in! NO MORE WET HAIR for Kim

We now have a garage door! Can't wait to set up my shop in there!

Hotel Caskie has a driveway....

2008-08-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

These guys are tall, and now we have dry wall!..

2008-08-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Preveiw of what's to come...the neighbors house is just like ours will be (in two months...)

2008-08-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

Pretty Green Shutters make it a "welcome Home" kinda Place. (now that the porch is level)

2008-07-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

They broke a window but the proch looks great. Drywall starts Thursday.

2008-07-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

Siding is Up

2008-07-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

The Bricks go up in only 3 hours!

2008-07-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Baby Jude Shows up! (NOT OUR BABY)

2008-07-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

Our Friends Ruth and Brandt Sword became parents to Jude Allen Sword @ 1114am on July 21st. All are doing well.

Along we go..

2008-07-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

This Walk-in-Closet is bigger than the apartment I rented in College

2008-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Master Suite

2008-07-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Vaulted Ceilings!

Master Bath with Whirlpool Tub, Shower, and dual Vanities!

Tub, Shower, and Walk-in-Closet in background

"MAN ZONE" (with a full bath!)

2008-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Family Room with fireplace with pass thru to the kitchen

2008-07-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Living room and Dining Room

2008-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Standing in the front of the house, looking into the living room and dining room, thru the wall is the Family room

KNOCK, KNOCK....

2008-07-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Kim Knocking on the soon to be installed Front Door!

Framing is DONE!

2008-07-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

After a great birthday for kim, we have a roof!

2008-07-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Lots of Framing going on...

2008-07-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Video-first wall up

2008-07-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

The first wall goes up...

2008-07-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Up it goes...framing has started...man they move fast

2008-07-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have a house...it is just in piles..

2008-07-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

We have a foundation...

2008-07-06T16:22:00.001-07:00

well it is concrete, its hard and its going to be there for a long time, and that's all I have to say about that.

Now me knocking on the virtual front door... cause I am ready for some Southern Cooking!

All inspected and ready for a foundation...

2008-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

So the pipes are in and the moisture barrier is down, as well as we had been sprayed for termites (sounded like a good option)...as a well as an inspection from well..the inspector! (We Passed by the way)
Here is Kimmy knocking on our virtual frontdoor (guess she lost her key or something)

Moving dirt and digging holes...

2008-07-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Here is "our house" all ready for concrete...

This is the view from the guest room or Screen porch, as a bonus we get a little lake...and eventauly someone elses home....

It Has Begun...

2008-07-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Sign went up as we packed up our things...and Headed West for our Vacation...

Our New Home...

2008-07-06T14:50:00.001-07:00

After deciding to make the move to Charleston, SC to be near family, Kim and I decided to move to Cane Bay Plantation in Summerville, SC. We get to build our first home and pick out exactly what we want!! The search was long and hard but we finally decided on a Centex Home called the Seneca.

Check it out.... http://centex.com/Charleston/374043_Plan.html