A Precious Baby Girl

Yesterday will go down in the books as one of my favorite days. We had a great appointment with the high-risk doctor and found out that we will be having a precious baby girl. The moment the nurse told us, it felt like my heart skipped a beat. It was surreal looking into my husband’s eyes and coming to the realization that we will soon have a daughter.

On top of the wonderful news of our baby girl, we also found out that both the baby and I are right on track and very healthy.  Every time the nurse took a measurement during the ultrasound – of the brain, the spine, the heart and various bones – she would say, “perfect.” It was music to my ears.  The high-risk doctor even indicated that he doesn’t feel like he needs to see me anymore.  He feels that the baby and I are so healthy, that we don’t really need to be considered high-risk.  That’s pretty amazing.

I’m still feeling really great, too.  Aside from a rapidly growing belly, a little more back pain than usual, and more acne than I ever had going through puberty – I pretty much feel like my old self.  I even got out to the lake this weekend and spent some time on the water and in the sunshine with some great people.  Jacob and I have been super motivated – keeping ourselves busy cleaning out, organizing and building things around the house to prepare for our sweet baby.

In the coming weeks, I’ll have to become more and more creative as I hang on tight to my independence and try not to fully rely on everyone around me to help with small tasks, such as picking stuff up off the floor.  Even transferring into and out of my wheelchair is beginning to become a bit more challenging.  I know I can handle it, though. Between my dogs (who are both a big help to me), the awesome people around me and my drive to overcome challenges, I know this will be just another fantastic learning experience that makes me appreciate the abilities that I do have.

As we count the days to bringing our little girl into this family, I continue to thank my lucky stars for the love and partnership Jacob and I share.  Furthermore, I am overwhelmed by and so grateful for the love and support we are receiving from our family and friends.  There couldn't be a better environment to bring a child into. 

Thanks so much for following our journey. If you know of anyone who would benefit from hearing our story, please feel free to pass this along - or you can email me here.  Happy Summer!

Happy Father's Day!

Today I'm celebrating what a great, hard-working Dad I have, and I'm also busy imagining what an amazing Dad my husband will be.  He's already so involved with the pregnancy and supportive and excited about all that's ahead of us, I have no doubt in my mind that he'll pour an equal amount of energy into being a Daddy.  Picturing him with our baby in his arms literally brings tears to my eyes.

I am now 15 weeks along and still feeling great.  My symptoms are few and definitely things I can handle.  I've had a few very dull headaches that seem to be a result of not getting enough fluids.  Since I was dehydrated at my first doctor's visit, making sure I take in sufficient liquids is something I really have to stay on top of.  I also notice that I get tired easier and prefer to go to bed earlier, but I'm happy to have much more energy than I did in the first trimester.  An occasional sleepless night is something that I'm sure I can attribute to changing hormones.  My occasional back pain and muscle spasms in my legs come and go, as normal, but don't seem to be any worse due to the pregnancy.  Also, I'm definitely experiencing the "swelling" that I've heard so much about, and since it occurs mostly in my feet and ankles - where I can't feel, I just make sure to pay attention.

It's interesting and exciting to observe the changes that are happening within me.  Some things are visible, including my growing belly, but others are more subtle.  For example, my taste buds are different.  I'm not quite craving anything out of the ordinary, but there are things that I used to love that just don't sound good anymore.  Once in a while, it's even challenging picking something that does appeal to my appetite.  Also, I can't help but laugh at how often I cry.  Anything that touches me emotionally brings tears to my eyes. 

I'm so happy and thankful to be spending the weekend with my husband.  He's been working almost non-stop for the past two and a half weeks, even spending some time out of town.  While I never like being without him, this time felt unusually tough.  He's my rock and when he's not around, I feel like part of me is missing, especially now.  When we were able to see each other, we'd steal some quite moments and lay on our backs and dream.  There's so much to imagine and it's so fun sharing what each other are thinking of. 

We can't wait for the next appointment with our perinatal doctor on July 6th, when there's a really good chance we will found out the sex of the baby.  It seems like baby names are constantly running through my head in all sorts of combinations, and it will be nice to be able to narrow them down a bit.  Also, I believe I've entered what people are calling the "nesting phase" because I'm so eager to start preparing the baby's room. 

We patiently await the arrival of our sweet little baby and continue to be appreciative of all the people that are sending love, blessings and happy thoughts.  Happy Father's Day to all the great Dads and Grandpas out there!

Happy and Healthy

I’m having the time of my life. I am nearing 14 weeks into my pregnancy; just beginning the second trimester. Now, I’m not saying there aren’t moments that are a little challenging or times that I don’t feel my best, but for the most part, I feel fantastic. Many of the symptoms I experienced in the first trimester are just about gone. I have much more energy, almost no morning sickness and a decent appetite. I’m also more in love with my husband than I’ve ever been. I really can’t complain.

One of the reasons I know I’m feeling great is that we have been doing a lot to improve our health and lifestyle over the past two years. I’ve been seeing a naturopath/dietician, a personal trainer, and an acupuncturist/Chinese medicine practitioner. Along with my OBGYN, these wonderful people make up my wellness team, and I’m so thankful for them. I’ve learned so much about the benefits of natural and holistic approaches to health and in turn, have been able to make better lifestyle and nutritional choices for Jacob and I, as well as our dogs. Everybody’s feeling good!

In the last week, several people have noticed and commented on my “baby bump”. I can definitely tell my belly is growing and actually, I’m surprised it took this long, with my lack of stomach muscles. While I don’t mind starting to show - in fact, I feel very natural - I am very aware that soon, I’ll start needing to change the way I do things to maintain my independence. Luckily, I’m pretty creative in figuring out how to get things accomplished because I’ve had a lifetime of practice. Plus, Jacob is excellent at thinking outside the box and taking the best care of me.

One of the coolest and most recent developments is the fact that I’m feeling some definite “flutters” inside me. I know it’s early, but after poking around on some of my favorite baby and pregnancy websites, I’ve found that I’m not alone in the sensations I’ve been having. Other women report feeling these tiny movements or little jolts of energy from within their belly - even this early. I’ve noticed this a few times over the past week when I’m lying very still. I wasn’t quite sure I’d feel movement, do to my lack of feeling in the abdomen. So, the fact that I can already feel something is awe-inspiring, and so very exciting.

I’m still elated after meeting with the high-risk doctor. It was such a relief hearing from a doctor that obviously knows about spinal cord injuries and is very comfortable talking about my specific situation. He was so optimistic - expecting no complications throughout the pregnancy. I was so excited to hear that he also believed that the possibility for a normal delivery was really good. He explained that my muscles are active and strong and while I don’t have control, contractions would happen regardless. The power and resilience of the human body never fails to amaze me.

Keep an eye out for more updates, as well as some video we've been shooting. Thanks for reading and please feel free to send me an email if you have any specific, or maybe more personal questions. I’m grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with others.

We're Expecting...

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that about six weeks ago, my husband, Jacob, and I found out that we are expecting our first baby. At this point in the pregnancy, I am just over 12 weeks along, and feeling really good.

For those of you who don't know, Jacob and I have known each other since we were ten years old, have been best friends for well over ten years, and are getting ready to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. He is the best friend and partner that I could ever imagine. We have the kind of love and relationship that I used to dream about. I am so lucky to have him in my life and I couldn't imagine embarking on this journey with anyone else in the world.

I always knew I wanted to have kids and as far as I can remember, the doctors always seemed to be optimistic about the possibility. And even with the unknowns, I really believed I could. At least, I believed in the potential. I have to admit, though, now that it's real and I've heard the rapid little heartbeat and seen an amazing little baby dancing in my womb... It's pretty unbelievable and astonishing. But, maybe every woman feels like this.

I realize now that I did have tiny doubts hidden deep within me - also probably very common for many women. Over the past year and half, I started to even get a little anxious about it. Was something wrong with me that I couldn't feel? In fact, at the last visit before I found out that I was pregnant, the doctor suggested I begin getting some tests done to make sure everything was okay. I remember coming home and deciding to let go. It would happen if and when it was supposed to happen. I was not going to count days anymore. I was not going to do those tests. At least, not now. Not saying that I never would... just that things never work very well when you force them. Especially for me. I'm a go with the flow kind of girl and I knew I needed to reconnect with that. It was about six weeks later I took a positive pregnancy test.

I don't think I've ever been so shocked in my life. I couldn't stop looking at the test. I happened to be home alone, so I had to call Jacob (I couldn't bare to wait a single moment). And I'm pretty sure I scared him half to death with my sobbing until I could manage to get the words out. Watching his joy, pride and excitement in this has been one of the most magical parts.

While there are women out there with spinal cord injuries that have had babies, it sure isn't common. My specific injury makes the situation a little more unique. I am paralyzed completely below T-5 - or a little bit below my sternum, down. This means that I can not voluntarily move, control or feel anything below that point.

I'm very excited to share this journey. While my doctors have little concerns and I'm in really good health, there will be unknowns. From unexpected surprises in the pregnancy, to learning how to live in a wheelchair with a pregnant belly, to figuring out when I'm in labor... this is going to be the most amazing and exciting experience of our lives. The most important thing is that we're surrounded by good doctors, wonderful alternative health practitioners, and the best family, friends and colleagues we could ask for.

Please stay tuned to follow our story of bringing Baby Rhoades into this world.

Chicago and Our Nation's Capital

In the last couple weeks my husband, Jacob, and I have been on two amazing trips. We've met so many wonderful people and seen some sights that we'll never forget. We are loving every minute of it.

July 8th through 12th, we were in Chicago for the Abilities Expo with our friends from LegaWear. It was a fantastic expo, with a really good turn out. I loved seeing the excitement in people when they realized they could get designer-quality clothes at a good value that actually fit! Regardless of a person's body type, disability or not, our custom-tailored suits, tuxedos and jeans are what so many of us have been searching for. We were also able to do several photo shoots, which were a blast. To check out the clothes and to see how to do your own measurements, you can create a profile at LegaWear.com. You can also check out the LegaWear Facebook page.

One of the evenings, David Lega and Andreas Stenderdahl (founders and owners of LegaWear), Jacob and I were able to catch a cab from Schaumberg, where the expo was being held, into the city. Chicago is beautiful. We walked around in our suits and the weather was perfect. I really enjoyed the detailed architecture on the buildings downtown and the pieces of history that were evident all around. Millennium park was very cool with the big mirrored skyline in Cloud Gate and fireflies dancing around. We got some great photos and spent some wonderful quality time.

We also got to spend some time with our Colours family. For those of you who know the Team, Ernie, Hydred, Domonic and Amber represented. As always, we played, worked hard, looked good and laughed a lot.

Last week, Jacob and I were fortunate enough to be asked to join the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act in our nation's capital, again with LegaWear. The experience is one that we'll never forget. We were officially there for the NCIL National Conference and Expo, but were able to fit so much more into the trip. The expo was great and again, we saw a lot of interest in our clothing. I was moved by the monuments and all that represents the best of our country. The Air and Space and Natural History Museums at the Smithsonian were awesome and I look forward to returning and seeing more.

We were able to participate in a march to the capital to celebrate 20 years of the ADA, which was an amazing experience. At the NCIL Gala and AAPD Justice for All event, we heard a keynote speech by the Attorney General, as well as words from Ted and Patrick Kennedy, among many others. So many moments felt surreal. We were inspired by the stories of extraordinary accomplishments and pride in our country. I'm looking forward to building some wonderful relationships and looking back on the beginning of many friendships as a result from our week in D.C.

On top of these amazing experiences, David and Andreas have asked me to be the Director of National Sales for LegaWear. I am so honored for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible company with such great potential. To have the chance to do all of this as a team with my husband makes it even more special. So, I'll be working on identifying some sales representatives around the country that are interested in selling our clothing. If you or someone you know is interested, please email me at kristina@legawear.com.

In less than two weeks, we are off to California. I can't wait to be back in Cali, to see my family and closest friends and to spend some time at Colours! I'll keep you posted and thanks for reading.

Get ready for a journey!

I started this blog with the sincere intention of writing much more regularly than I have. However, over the last few months, some exciting things have been happening that I think are important to share. In my initial posting, I had mentioned working as a spokesmodel for several companies. Well, since then, two of those relationships have become more formal. I am now one of two Southeast Regional Coordinator for Colours Wheelchair, as well as a member of Team Colours. That company is unlike any other. They make the best chairs I've ever ridden in - custom made for every user - and boast a company motto of "Life is all about the choices we make." It's a perfect fit for me and I'm proud to a part of the Colours family!

I've also taken a more formal role with LegaWear. In May, I joined the company as one of four US Sales Representatives and Spokespersons. I've also been doing some modeling for them and they're using my images on their website, their trade-show banner, and on internal and external literature. They make custom-tailored clothing, including suits, tuxedos and jeans, at affordable prices, with a fantastic online purchasing experience. They are unique clothes for unique people. As with Colours, LegaWear is offering a service that is much needed and aiming to serve an audience that is under-served at best. The co-founders and owners are wonderful people that I'm also so proud to be affiliated with. Check David Lega's story by clicking his name. I guarantee you'll be inspired.

In these new roles, my husband Jacob and I will be traveling more with these companies in the coming months. Traveling with a wheelchair is in itself an exciting experience, so I'd love to bring my readers along on my upcoming journeys. Plus, it would be fun to give you a glance into a day in the life of a Colours/LegaWear girl. So here's the schedule of events for the next couple months:

Abilities Expo in Chicago - July 8-12
Trip to California, working with Colours & visiting family - August 6-15
Abilities Expo in Houston - August 26-30

I'll keep you updated on those adventures and post more as I know of it.

I'm still the General Manager of Brenau University's radio station, 89.1 WBCX. The station is doing awesome, adding new shows all the time. We're building a great line-up, comprised of a variety of music shows and wonderful talk shows - including health shows, interview and other interesting educational programs. If you want to hear me, you can catch the Ocean Breeze - playing a mix of traditional and modern beach music and reggae, and also on the Positive Perspective - a new show I co-host with two other ladies, providing good news and inspirational stories. You don't want to miss out on all we're doing there. Click here to listen to the live stream, anytime, anywhere.

I'm still totally loving the alternative health care I've been learning about. My team of health practitioners inspire me to be healthier all the time and I love them. I workout twice a week with my personal trainer, see my naturopath about once a month and get acupuncture twice a month. It has been great. It feels right because the roots of these health approaches are connected with the natural around us, which we have seem to become disconnected from in today's society. Even more recently I've started learning a little bit about aromatherapy and it is just fascinating. I am still struggling with muscle spasms in my legs (below my spinal cord injury) but am on not a single pharmaceutical drug for them, which is pretty rare for someone who has been injured as long as I have (26 years). So, I look forward to sharing information about that as well and inspiring others to take action to feel better.

My recent graduation with my Master's of Science in Organizational Leadership was so, very rewarding. I'm looking forward to where this journey takes me and I'm pleased you're interested in coming along! Talk soon...

P.S. If you're interested in finding out more about a LegaWear suit or custom clothing - email me at kristina@legawear.com.

Let's hook up on Twitter:
LegaWear - @legawear
Colours - @colourswc
WBCX - @891wbcx
Personal - @kristinarhoades

Another Spring Break in New Orleans

Last year, a group of students, staff and faculty from Brenau University (as well as my wonderful Mom and husband) made our way down to New Orleans to spend our spring break rebuilding homes. As it quickly climbed the ladder to become one of the most memorable life experiences for many of us, we decided to return this year. This time with a group of 17, we are working with Habitat for Humanity in Harvey, Louisiana.

By far, one of the coolest parts about this year's trip is reconnecting with the homeowner whose home we worked on last year with St. Bernard Project. We were the first work group in her home, tasked with scrubbing and killing mold and sealing any and every piece of wood to prevent any mold in the future. The homeowner, Lisa, is a single Mom and grandmother and a police officer in St. Bernard Parish. She had been out of her home for nearly four years, but after the help if this wonderful organization, she was able to move back in about six months ago.

Last night we went to see her house. Seven of us had worked on the home last year and were completely astonished at how beautiful it was. Although we spent a full week working in it, the house was hardly recognizable on the inside. Even better was the smile on Lisa's face. The positive attitude, appreciation and sense of humor reminded me why we fell in love with her last year.

This year, working with Habitat, it is a different, but good experience. While we don't have contact with the homeowner and don't see the original home, we are seeing a different area and learning new skills. I can't believe how fast they are able to build a home. I also love that even with the very specific projects that we are working on, the site coordinators have managed to come up with all sorts of jobs that are perfect for two girls in wheelchairs.

My favorite part about this city is the rich culture and the hope possessed by the people here. So many of them have every right to be angry, and while some may be, so many others choose to project the hope that they have and the gratitude they feel toward those coming to help rebuild, even when the help is coming so long after it was needed.

On my way here, I got a tweet from a good friend of mine. She said that "the heart grows when you serve others." I don't know if anything else rings more true. Because of these experiences, I know that I will always seek out a way to help others in need, and especially my fellow Americans. This week, several people commented at how wonderful they think it is that people in wheelchairs are down here rebuilding homes. Hopefully, this notion inspires others to give what they can of their time and abilities to help this world become a better place. Maybe this little post will help as well.

Habitat for Humanity
St. Bernard Project