First of all, in reference to my last post - about a month ago! - NY was AH-MAY-ZING! Our family is so incredible that it is beyond wonderful every moment we're with them and increasingly difficult with each goodbye. The wedding was spectacular. Absolutely spectacular. Even with the uninvited guest, Hurricane Earl. From the dinner at the house the first night, to the hysterical speeches at the rehearsal dinner. (Seriously, the Princeton guys had us laughing for an hour straight. Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another one as intelligently funny as the one before, there he was!) And, of course, the wedding itself. The only wedding I've ever been to that started late because most of the guests weren't there yet. Again, Hurricane Earl. The "Boat People" arrived and all was well. Steve walking his Mama down the isle was one of the most incredible moments of his life. And, the newlyweds - perfect for each other. Our new brother-in-law, Chirs, is such a doll. Smart, funny and so kind. Exactly what Steve always imagined for his littlest sister (and I say this age-wise, because Jenny is easily over 5 feet of legs and eye-to-eye with her brother!). Steve knew Chris was the one for her when they bonded on their night long fishing event a few years back...seriously, they slept on the boat. And, Wally, a stunning bride. I happen to have 3 of the most stunning sisters-in-law...more beautiful on the inside than even on the outside. Jenny just shined on her wedding day. I've seen brides who are just so uptight about the whole event that they lose sight of the fact that, though the party can be fun, the marriage is what actually matters...and, you are there to start that. This was a party to celebrate the beginning their lives together. Exactly as it should be.
Secondly, on a much less happy note, this has been a crazy week. Far too many goodbyes. First, Steve's grandma. 94 1/2 and just fell asleep. Such a peaceful way to go after such a sweet life for such a wonderful person. I adopted Gram as my own when I met her about 14 or so years ago. Short, sweet and funny, always. We got to spend a lot of time with Gram and Grandpa (who passed away in 2000) when we lived in Ohio. Some was fun - like Gram being the life of Steve's graduation party...seriously, the woman was keeping up with his college friends! To the not so fun - the early, early mornings, when Grandpa was sick, and she'd call. We'd answer, "Hello?" She'd say, "I need you." We'd say, "We'll leave in 15 minutes." And we would go up there to help with anything we could to take some of the burden off of her.
When she was packing up her house (and having a lot of stuff packed or thrown away for her) - the one they had lived in FOREVER - she pulled me to the side one day. She handed me a stack of old, crafty, holiday magazines (Martha Stewarts and the like) and said, "I saved these before they could take them and throw them away." They are still in my bin labeled "Holiday Magazines". She also gave me a book on plants/flowers/herbs. Her notes are on the inside cover - detailing what she'd planted in her yard in 1985. The book still has the leaves and flowers that she pressed inside.
We last saw Gram a couple years ago. We knew that would probably be the last time we saw her, and that's why the trip was important to us. I had to catch my breath and wipe away the tears when we actually said goodbye to her. It was just too much. Though the reports we got were always pretty good over the past couple years health-wise (especially considering her age), she really was not recognizing people like she used to. We are grateful we got the time with her that we did - that last trip, and every moment before then. She was always so consistently herself - kind, generous, funny and just plain Gram.
Unfortunately, we weren't the only ones who lost someone this week. Jane, another mother/grandma I had the honor of knowing years ago in L.A. So sweet, so graceful. I will always smile at my memories of her. And, one of Steve's best friends from college lost his, far too young, brother-in-law in a horrible manner.
And, as we know far too well, "family" isn't always the human kind. A, not entirely surprising, but still heartbreaking goodbye today to sweet Clio. She was a perfect meow whose Mom and Dad got to love her for 19 years...19 years - amazing!
To all the families, our deepest condolences.
Beyond ALL of that, it has been a LONG week for two not-so-patient parents in our house. We are still waiting to hear about testing for Colson with the gifted program within our school district. Still hoping for success with the loophole that will allow testing now, earlier than the typical February time frame. In the meantime, he's enjoying being a teacher in his classroom. Fantastic. One way or the other, he will be switching schools in the very near future. The transition will be difficult - though we're not sure if it will be harder on him or his current teacher...they adore each other. But, it is absolutely the best, long-term decision for him - the one we must make as responsible parents.
I surprised Colson today with lunch with one of his friends from Primrose. He was all smiles when Jacob showed up. It was so wonderful to watch them play and laugh. He just got to be himself, not acting silly just to keep up with the crowd at his current school. Jacob and Colson will, very possibly, rule the world together one day. Seriously, it's frightening to see the thinking power in the two of them...at 5 years old. Hopefully they will be at school together again soon - if not now, then next fall. In the meantime, it was good to see them have fun. And, so good to sit and talk with Jacob's mom. She, like us, is so involved and concerned about her child's future. I've been living for so long in the Primrose bubble - I thought that degree of Mommy/Daddy interest/craziness/concern (whatever you call it) was everywhere. It is, sadly, not. So, nice to catch up with someone who really get it.
And, so she's not left out of this post, Ashlyn Storm had a wonderful week! She has one of the most perfect teachers on the planet. Seriously, the woman is legend. She's helping Ashlyn to learn all her letters - a current goal as that is the starting point in discussions for Ashlyn getting her ears pierced. Little is also having a blast at dance class. Beyond that, she is busy being adorable and more and more of a character each day. She has often dropped "Mommy" for "Mom" with me...a bit tough to take!
Okay, that (long post) is all for now. I will update soon with some pictures. I'm writing as I'm finishing up dinner (thank you, Bobby Flay, for the amazing salad dressing recipe!), so I'm not going to bring the camera card in for this one!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
1000 Island dreaming
Location, of course, not salad dressing. I can't believe we're days away from headed up there! It seemed SO far away when I was getting out of the hospital. But, my 6 week check-up was last week, so I suppose it's actually here! Watch out fish, here comes Steve! Though, the focus is wedding, not boating, I'm thinking there will still be some time analyzing how to catch some lunch!
I'm hoping my side effects continue to stay mild while we're in NY. Not sure how that will all work out. I've got a few more days left in the 2 week post shot safe zone. Then, the side effects could start to kick in...yay. However, I've got medication that I take daily to help keep those on the mild side...hopefully it continues to work well!
I am looking forward to getting in some good family time. Every time we're up there, there's only one bad part - leaving. Beyond the family, it is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet. Peaceful, amazing views wherever you look...should help keep me calm if I turn crazy hormone person from time to time!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
First shot is in...
...I suppose I could go with the "but, not the fun kind of shots" comment. But, I've only ever done one shot in my life. Some cinnamon crap drink at the Puke-e-tan in Westlake that Steve bought for me. And, I didn't shoot it...I think I took about 20 minutes and wasn't even able to finish it all.
This was a not so fun, but necessary in the process, shot. The shot itself wasn't that bad. The nurse suggested not looking at it - said it could be a bit overwhelming. I told her that wouldn't be a problem, I never look at the needle stuff anyway. I walked out of the room and said, "Well, I'm not crazy yet." The nurses laughed and told me it wouldn't happen quite so quickly. They laughed again when I told them Steve had scheduled "RUN FAST" on his calendar to coincide with my shot. Then, they stopped laughing and said, "Yeah, that's actually a good idea."
I also started a prescription that is supposed to help ease the side effects of the Lupron. I'm hoping it will help - less hot flashing, mood swings and forgetfulness. Of course, the Lupron may increase my forgetfulness and I'm supposed to remember to take the medicine each day. This seems like a sick Catch 22.
In non-medical news, Dude has his last day at Primrose tomorrow. I absolutely can't believe that is possible. We met his Kindergarten teacher at a Meet and Greet last night. She's been teaching for 35 years and came highly recommended (we'd requested her and were happy to find out that request had been granted). Little has her first day of dance tomorrow. This will be convenient because Steve will pick Dude up from school while I'm at dance with Little. I don't think I could handle picking him up and not breaking down in a non hormonally challenged state! By Monday's first day of Kindergarten, I should be a blubbering fool. Thankfully, the school is having a "Boo Hoo Breakfast" for freaks like me.
This was a not so fun, but necessary in the process, shot. The shot itself wasn't that bad. The nurse suggested not looking at it - said it could be a bit overwhelming. I told her that wouldn't be a problem, I never look at the needle stuff anyway. I walked out of the room and said, "Well, I'm not crazy yet." The nurses laughed and told me it wouldn't happen quite so quickly. They laughed again when I told them Steve had scheduled "RUN FAST" on his calendar to coincide with my shot. Then, they stopped laughing and said, "Yeah, that's actually a good idea."
I also started a prescription that is supposed to help ease the side effects of the Lupron. I'm hoping it will help - less hot flashing, mood swings and forgetfulness. Of course, the Lupron may increase my forgetfulness and I'm supposed to remember to take the medicine each day. This seems like a sick Catch 22.
In non-medical news, Dude has his last day at Primrose tomorrow. I absolutely can't believe that is possible. We met his Kindergarten teacher at a Meet and Greet last night. She's been teaching for 35 years and came highly recommended (we'd requested her and were happy to find out that request had been granted). Little has her first day of dance tomorrow. This will be convenient because Steve will pick Dude up from school while I'm at dance with Little. I don't think I could handle picking him up and not breaking down in a non hormonally challenged state! By Monday's first day of Kindergarten, I should be a blubbering fool. Thankfully, the school is having a "Boo Hoo Breakfast" for freaks like me.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
One more week
I went in for my check-up yesterday. All was good there. Everything I'm feeling - random lightheaded-ness, nausea, the huge downslide in my ability to sleep - is normal with where I am in the recovery process. The good news - Dr. Gillean said all of that should start to significanty improve in the next two weeks. The bad news - that's about when the Lupron joy will begin to set in. Fabulous.
Speaking of that, the craziness has been delayed a week. My Lupron shot wasn't in yet, so I'll be getting it next Wednesday. Dr. Gillean said the first two weeks would be a surge in estrogen and then I'll start to go "downhill" with feeling the crappy side of it. Perfect timing for my sister-in-law's wedding Labor Day weekend! Thank God the wedding takes place at one of the most serene places on the planet...and hopefully it will be cool enough to combat any major hot flashes that may decide to start then!
I got a fun total of about 3 hours of sleep last night. I chose meds that went after pain...and wasn't about to mix those with any Ambien. When Steve rolled over around 5am, I told him he was on his own with the kids for breakfast and getting Colson to school. I knew I wouldn't be functioning at that point! Tonight, it's half an Ambien for me! I'm SO not used to having such messy sleep!
Speaking of that, the craziness has been delayed a week. My Lupron shot wasn't in yet, so I'll be getting it next Wednesday. Dr. Gillean said the first two weeks would be a surge in estrogen and then I'll start to go "downhill" with feeling the crappy side of it. Perfect timing for my sister-in-law's wedding Labor Day weekend! Thank God the wedding takes place at one of the most serene places on the planet...and hopefully it will be cool enough to combat any major hot flashes that may decide to start then!
I got a fun total of about 3 hours of sleep last night. I chose meds that went after pain...and wasn't about to mix those with any Ambien. When Steve rolled over around 5am, I told him he was on his own with the kids for breakfast and getting Colson to school. I knew I wouldn't be functioning at that point! Tonight, it's half an Ambien for me! I'm SO not used to having such messy sleep!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Big Mistake...Big...Huge
Happy Sunday!
I can't believe it's been 3 weeks today since I came home from the hospital. It seems like forever ago and like it was yesterday, all at once. I am feeling a lot less sore overall, which is wonderful. I'm still having to pace myself a lot. I do a bit. Rest. Do a bit more. Rest. You get the picture.
I still have the foggy overall feeling - though I'm trying to convince myself it's decreasing! The lagging effect of all the drugs in my system is not so fun. And, I'm just uncomfortable enough that it messes with my sleep - which has been somewhat of a challenge. I don't operate too well on 4 hours total (mostly non-consecutive) hours of sleep in normal circumstances, let alone while I'm trying to heal from major surgery. It has made me look back and wonder how I functioned at all with newborns after having c-sections. But, this surgery made those look like a breeze!
Steve and I had some unexpected down time this weekend. Colson and Ashlyn went to Jiggy's to play yesterday afternoon. Very quickly, play time turned into "we want to sleep here!" So, I packed their bags, their pillows, etc. and dropped it all off. Steve and I were hanging out around 8...8:30...9...not knowing whether or not we'd get the "we don't want to sleep here" call. But, no phone rings! And, when I went this morning to pick them up, Colson said, "I want to stay here for-evah!" Dude, the puzzle master, was working (very successfully) on a 300 piece puzzle that Jiggy had bought for them to set up on her dining room table. Jiggy and I also worked on the puzzle with him. She's tempted to work on it some herself (puzzles, they're addicting) and I'm fairly certain Colson will bitch her out if she does too many "matches" without him!
I volunteered for Colson's elementary school's PTA yesterday. I heard back from the President quickly with details of the Hospitality Chair position. Organizing/planning various events throughout the year is the basic description. I feel it will be a fantastic place to channel my sickness for organizing and planning events! :)
Big plans tomorrow. Okay, plans. The kids both have school. I get to tackle some of the interesting Great Occasions details. We just relaunched the site, so there's all sorts of adventures occurring. And, I may catch a movie with Nate. Stuff. Rest. Stuff. Rest.
Oh, and can anyone guess which movie I watched last night (one I've seen a million times but not in forever)? I believe one of you out there was with me when I first saw it in the theater...am I right The First Mrs. C.?
I can't believe it's been 3 weeks today since I came home from the hospital. It seems like forever ago and like it was yesterday, all at once. I am feeling a lot less sore overall, which is wonderful. I'm still having to pace myself a lot. I do a bit. Rest. Do a bit more. Rest. You get the picture.
I still have the foggy overall feeling - though I'm trying to convince myself it's decreasing! The lagging effect of all the drugs in my system is not so fun. And, I'm just uncomfortable enough that it messes with my sleep - which has been somewhat of a challenge. I don't operate too well on 4 hours total (mostly non-consecutive) hours of sleep in normal circumstances, let alone while I'm trying to heal from major surgery. It has made me look back and wonder how I functioned at all with newborns after having c-sections. But, this surgery made those look like a breeze!
Steve and I had some unexpected down time this weekend. Colson and Ashlyn went to Jiggy's to play yesterday afternoon. Very quickly, play time turned into "we want to sleep here!" So, I packed their bags, their pillows, etc. and dropped it all off. Steve and I were hanging out around 8...8:30...9...not knowing whether or not we'd get the "we don't want to sleep here" call. But, no phone rings! And, when I went this morning to pick them up, Colson said, "I want to stay here for-evah!" Dude, the puzzle master, was working (very successfully) on a 300 piece puzzle that Jiggy had bought for them to set up on her dining room table. Jiggy and I also worked on the puzzle with him. She's tempted to work on it some herself (puzzles, they're addicting) and I'm fairly certain Colson will bitch her out if she does too many "matches" without him!
I volunteered for Colson's elementary school's PTA yesterday. I heard back from the President quickly with details of the Hospitality Chair position. Organizing/planning various events throughout the year is the basic description. I feel it will be a fantastic place to channel my sickness for organizing and planning events! :)
Big plans tomorrow. Okay, plans. The kids both have school. I get to tackle some of the interesting Great Occasions details. We just relaunched the site, so there's all sorts of adventures occurring. And, I may catch a movie with Nate. Stuff. Rest. Stuff. Rest.
Oh, and can anyone guess which movie I watched last night (one I've seen a million times but not in forever)? I believe one of you out there was with me when I first saw it in the theater...am I right The First Mrs. C.?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Because I can't figure out how to put pictures in the Comments section...
The picture on the previous blog was Steve's suggestion for a picture when he and Colson were capturing the puzzles. Colson's idea is the one below. The kid has us all out organized. Little Alex P. Keaton - except, thankfully, showing no signs of being a Republican.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Lots of glitter and puzzles
So, I didn't take a lot of pictures during the Aunt/Nurse time over the past couple weeks. Maybe I had my mind on other things. Maybe I questioned my ability to even use a camera. Whatever the case may be, there was one event that warranted immediate camera use.
At some point, as I was sitting half awake/half asleep on the couch, Lisa and Ashlyn were coloring on the coffee table. I noticed Ashlyn look over at me and notice that I wasn't completely coherent. She then made her move. "Lisa, let's go do a project." Simple enough. I came out of my fog enough to realize that she was trying to get Lisa into my office where the glitter and glue reside.
Having no ability, or desire to do much more than exist in my foggy state, I told Lisa where she could find the "project" stuff.
It seemed that I was in and out of it for a while when I noticed that they were still in my office. I got concerned. And, I got the camera. Here's what I found...
Walking in...seemed harmless enough...
I said, "Ashlyn, let me see your hands" and here's what I got...
At some point, as I was sitting half awake/half asleep on the couch, Lisa and Ashlyn were coloring on the coffee table. I noticed Ashlyn look over at me and notice that I wasn't completely coherent. She then made her move. "Lisa, let's go do a project." Simple enough. I came out of my fog enough to realize that she was trying to get Lisa into my office where the glitter and glue reside.
Having no ability, or desire to do much more than exist in my foggy state, I told Lisa where she could find the "project" stuff.
It seemed that I was in and out of it for a while when I noticed that they were still in my office. I got concerned. And, I got the camera. Here's what I found...
Walking in...seemed harmless enough...
I said, "Ashlyn, let me see your hands" and here's what I got...
You can see a little on Lisa's hands - nothing in comparison to the little one, but she is probably still finding sparkles on herself!
Lisa's project...she does nice glitter work!
Concentrating on her use of glitter...
SO happy with sparkles!
Relocating the pile of glitter...Probably thinking something like - wow, Mommy NEVER lets me have this much! They had the glitter containers open to "pour" not "shake"...
Notice the top of the glue stick - also covered in glitter!
This one is from tonight. Colson, in his night time undies and a shirt, with all the puzzles he's completed in the past 2 nights after dinner...
Concentrating on her use of glitter...
Relocating the pile of glitter...Probably thinking something like - wow, Mommy NEVER lets me have this much! They had the glitter containers open to "pour" not "shake"...
Notice the top of the glue stick - also covered in glitter!
This one is from tonight. Colson, in his night time undies and a shirt, with all the puzzles he's completed in the past 2 nights after dinner...
Night night for now!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The help has left the building
As of this morning, our Aunt/Nurses are officially gone. GOD HELP US! Lisa left today, after a long stay of taking care of us, feeding us, playing with the kids, etc., etc., etc. We had no down time between Mimi and Lisa's visits. Lisa showed up a couple days before Mimi left. Steve keeps asking who is going to show up tomorrow. We're screwed.
I worked on laundry during "day one, post help"...with some help from Ashlyn, of course. She was actually amazingly helpful today - especially when I hit a wall around 1:30 ish and said, "Mommy has to go to the bed now." In my half-coherent existence at that point, I put on various episodes of "Caillou" - thank God for that bald, little child. She watched TV a bit, played with Barbie's (about 4 of them also came to bed with us) and then checked on Steve in his office upstairs. He said she was great there too. She'd keep really quiet while he was on a call. Then, when he'd hang up, she'd say, "I was really good, Daddy!"
The kids got an exciting "breakfast for dinner" theme tonight. Steve and Ashlyn picked Colson up for school while I worked on standing up long enough to make pancakes. Thankfully, the Crazies were very happy. They LOVE breakfast for dinner!
Jiggy showed up later on with grilled filet for Steve and me. YAY! We've been terribly spoiled with dinner being made for us every night. And, not just any dinner, gourmet dinners! So, it was very tasty to get some yummy stuff (and good protein) in us tonight.
In other exciting news, we went shopping for all of Colson's school supplies yesterday! He found it totally amusing, Ashlyn had a few meltdowns (didn't help that I confined her to the cart as she just started antibiotics for a sinus infection yesterday morning...trying to limit the germ intake and spread!) and Lisa and I were a bit teary! CAN'T believe my baby starts Kindergarten in 20 days. Incredible.
I worked on laundry during "day one, post help"...with some help from Ashlyn, of course. She was actually amazingly helpful today - especially when I hit a wall around 1:30 ish and said, "Mommy has to go to the bed now." In my half-coherent existence at that point, I put on various episodes of "Caillou" - thank God for that bald, little child. She watched TV a bit, played with Barbie's (about 4 of them also came to bed with us) and then checked on Steve in his office upstairs. He said she was great there too. She'd keep really quiet while he was on a call. Then, when he'd hang up, she'd say, "I was really good, Daddy!"
The kids got an exciting "breakfast for dinner" theme tonight. Steve and Ashlyn picked Colson up for school while I worked on standing up long enough to make pancakes. Thankfully, the Crazies were very happy. They LOVE breakfast for dinner!
Jiggy showed up later on with grilled filet for Steve and me. YAY! We've been terribly spoiled with dinner being made for us every night. And, not just any dinner, gourmet dinners! So, it was very tasty to get some yummy stuff (and good protein) in us tonight.
In other exciting news, we went shopping for all of Colson's school supplies yesterday! He found it totally amusing, Ashlyn had a few meltdowns (didn't help that I confined her to the cart as she just started antibiotics for a sinus infection yesterday morning...trying to limit the germ intake and spread!) and Lisa and I were a bit teary! CAN'T believe my baby starts Kindergarten in 20 days. Incredible.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
This is my brain on drugs...and, Nordy's
Two weeks out! I'm still quite sore, but feeling better everyday. I had my two week check-up with my doctor yesterday. She's so happy with my progress that she said, "I wish I could put it all back in you and do the surgery again, it went so well!" sick woman.
I'm still scootering around Costco and Super Target. Too big to walk! But, I did get to drive Colson to school, all by myself, this morning. The Director and Assistant Director at the kids' school were very excited for my ability to be behind the wheel. However, they requested that I call them once I returned home, so they didn't have to worry that I had any issues with the 3 minute drive to the house.
Lisa and I did make it to Nordy's the other day for a much needed cobb salad and some Anniversary Sale fun. Though it was all wonderful, the only purchases were shoes. Imagine that.
Ashlyn got her fall pair of "sparkle" shoes. She LOVES them - and why wouldn't she...they are DARLING!
I went in to look at a pair of grey boots I had seen online (Nordy's had the audacity to start Anniversary the Friday I was in the hospital...thank goodness for my weak internet connection). They were even more fantastic in person, though!
Today we went out to get Ashlyn's hair cut. She got her adorable do trimmed - her hair grows so quickly! She also got the glitter hair spray and the glitter hearts/stars on her cheeks, like last time. So much girly girl!
I'm still scootering around Costco and Super Target. Too big to walk! But, I did get to drive Colson to school, all by myself, this morning. The Director and Assistant Director at the kids' school were very excited for my ability to be behind the wheel. However, they requested that I call them once I returned home, so they didn't have to worry that I had any issues with the 3 minute drive to the house.
Lisa and I did make it to Nordy's the other day for a much needed cobb salad and some Anniversary Sale fun. Though it was all wonderful, the only purchases were shoes. Imagine that.
Ashlyn got her fall pair of "sparkle" shoes. She LOVES them - and why wouldn't she...they are DARLING!
I went in to look at a pair of grey boots I had seen online (Nordy's had the audacity to start Anniversary the Friday I was in the hospital...thank goodness for my weak internet connection). They were even more fantastic in person, though!
And, proving my daughter comes by her love of sparkle honestly, I noticed another fabulous pair. I had taken my pain meds at lunch. I was too foggy to say no!
Today we went out to get Ashlyn's hair cut. She got her adorable do trimmed - her hair grows so quickly! She also got the glitter hair spray and the glitter hearts/stars on her cheeks, like last time. So much girly girl!
We continue to be entirely spoiled by Aunt love. Lisa has not only been helping with the kids and the house, but has been making us some very yummy food. Angel hair with vodka sauce a few nights ago, lamb gyros and homemade fries last night. Tonight we're having pork chops with a balsamic vinegar sauce. I'm starving all the time - maybe getting done with some of the pain meds, maybe the fact that my body's compensating for so much being taken out, maybe I'm just into food!? Whatever the case may be, I'm happily eating well!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Lisa's in charge!
12 days post surgery and feeling good. Okay, feeling less sore...but that is good!
Our first live-in nurse/mommy/shake-maker, Mimi, went home yesterday. Though we were all incredibly sad to see her go, Rogue and Steve seem to be the most distraught. Rogue was spoiled rotten. Entirely rotten. Constant love, leg massages, extra food and sleeping (cuddling) in bed with Mimi. This is the life Rogue loves best! Steve enjoyed the extra help around the house and with the kids...but, his main joy came from nightly milkshakes. He's always reminding me how his regular milkshakes dropped off about 5 or so years ago. Shocked that my focus has shifted from providing him a milkshake every night to getting the kids to bed, prepping for school the next day, collapsing...
Lisa is now here and in total charge of the house. Well, Kane is, but he'll let Lisa handle the "person" in charge thing. I went with her this morning for school drop off - the kids are enjoying having someone other than Mommy or Daddy at school...as are their friends.
Tomorrow is "make believe" day at school. The kids get to come dressed as anything they like. We've got some good plans at the moment...and promise some cute pictures. I don't think they've done this before at school. It's like Halloween in July - minus the candy.
Lisa and I have big plans for the day. We're going to head to Nordy's - I'm SO craving a cobb salad. One of my favorites that I did not eat before I was cut off from regular food pre-surgery. It's also Anniversary Sale time. Super cool! This is a fun time of the year for Nanny, as she gets to buy Ashlyn a pair of sparkle shoes (only able to justify these for people with quickly changing shoe sizes when they're on sale!). Ashlyn is actually at school today - she had a low fever yesterday, so we kept her home to make sure it didn't materialize into anything. She got to go to school today instead. And, Nanny doesn't feel like making the trek to Nordy's. So, this trip will be significantly better for Nanny's budget than past Anniversary Sales. Ashlyn's first was 3 years ago. She, Nanny, Barbara and I went. Let's just say there were several cute little girl things and Nanny wanted to buy everything that Ashlyn smiled at...and, of course, she smiled whenever Nanny asked her if she wanted something - since she was 8 months and smiled whenever someone spoke to her! This year - just the shoes! Personally, I'm hoping to try on a pair of Franco Sarto boots I saw online. They look very cute and may just be an early birthday present to me from me! Okay, possibly Ashlyn comes by this shoe obsession honestly.
Until later, loyal readers (that's only plural because I'm counting Ellie, as this may be getting read to her)...have a great day!
Our first live-in nurse/mommy/shake-maker, Mimi, went home yesterday. Though we were all incredibly sad to see her go, Rogue and Steve seem to be the most distraught. Rogue was spoiled rotten. Entirely rotten. Constant love, leg massages, extra food and sleeping (cuddling) in bed with Mimi. This is the life Rogue loves best! Steve enjoyed the extra help around the house and with the kids...but, his main joy came from nightly milkshakes. He's always reminding me how his regular milkshakes dropped off about 5 or so years ago. Shocked that my focus has shifted from providing him a milkshake every night to getting the kids to bed, prepping for school the next day, collapsing...
Lisa is now here and in total charge of the house. Well, Kane is, but he'll let Lisa handle the "person" in charge thing. I went with her this morning for school drop off - the kids are enjoying having someone other than Mommy or Daddy at school...as are their friends.
Tomorrow is "make believe" day at school. The kids get to come dressed as anything they like. We've got some good plans at the moment...and promise some cute pictures. I don't think they've done this before at school. It's like Halloween in July - minus the candy.
Lisa and I have big plans for the day. We're going to head to Nordy's - I'm SO craving a cobb salad. One of my favorites that I did not eat before I was cut off from regular food pre-surgery. It's also Anniversary Sale time. Super cool! This is a fun time of the year for Nanny, as she gets to buy Ashlyn a pair of sparkle shoes (only able to justify these for people with quickly changing shoe sizes when they're on sale!). Ashlyn is actually at school today - she had a low fever yesterday, so we kept her home to make sure it didn't materialize into anything. She got to go to school today instead. And, Nanny doesn't feel like making the trek to Nordy's. So, this trip will be significantly better for Nanny's budget than past Anniversary Sales. Ashlyn's first was 3 years ago. She, Nanny, Barbara and I went. Let's just say there were several cute little girl things and Nanny wanted to buy everything that Ashlyn smiled at...and, of course, she smiled whenever Nanny asked her if she wanted something - since she was 8 months and smiled whenever someone spoke to her! This year - just the shoes! Personally, I'm hoping to try on a pair of Franco Sarto boots I saw online. They look very cute and may just be an early birthday present to me from me! Okay, possibly Ashlyn comes by this shoe obsession honestly.
Until later, loyal readers (that's only plural because I'm counting Ellie, as this may be getting read to her)...have a great day!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Scooter Queen
I can't believe it's been one week since my surgery. It seems like it just happened and like it's been forever, all at the same time. This may, just possibly, be due to the medication I currently require. Just a working theory.
I had my one week check up yesterday with Dr. Gillean (one day early, since Thursdays are her regular surgery days). So far, so good. She cut the strings off of each end of my incision. The surgi-strip things stay on until, at least, I go back in next Wednesday. She's happy with my progress. She said my "after" was so pretty compared to my "before"...I've seen the before pictures and I'd have to say there really was nowhere but up.
Dr. Gillean said the totally out of it feeling (physically and otherwise) would last about another week. Then, I'd slowly start to feel like I was making some progress with recovery. Just about then is when I'll be starting the Lupron. She never seemed like a kick-a-person-while-they're-down sort of person, but I'm starting to wonder. Seriously though, she wants me to feel a lot more normal before starting the Lupron - therefore, this week was not a possibility. She said maybe next week, but probably the third week out.
I had a couple fun outings yesterday and today - Super Target and Costco. I know, shocking. Truly shocking. Both adventures were cleared by my doctor, as long as I was using a scooter at each place - versus walking...which, was not even a consideration. So, I unplugged the scooter and off I went! Yesterday, at Super Target, it was just me and Mimi. Today, for Costco, we also had Ashlyn. Little was extremely interested in the fact that Mommy got to drive around the store. Luckily, she got why I was doing it, so there was no battle over whether or not she could scoot along with me.
Also yesterday, I got to go with Mimi to pick Colson and Ashlyn up from school. Very exciting for all involved! Colson was super excited because his teacher had gotten him up after nap time, (aka, the time Colson does not sleep, but hangs out on his cot plotting to slowly take over the world), to make me a get well card. It's, of course, the cutest! He cut out piece of construction paper to make flowers on the front and wrote "Get Well Mommy". Inside, he drew each member of his family (people, cats and dog!). He drew me holding flowers, Ashlyn in a pink dress with flowers on it, Steve in a blue shirt and himself in a red shirt (his favorite color, of course). Inside, it says, "Love, Colson"...I think both his teacher and I had tears in our eyes - it was so sweet!
Today, I got a beautiful vase filled with the most gorgeous roses of all colors from our amazing friends at Vickerman. Apparently, they don't only know how to produce the best Christmas trees, but they know a thing or two about roses as well! So unbelievably sweet and touching.
Finally, I must apologize for not pointing out something important in my last post...though I must say I'm a bit foggy, so I'm not quite remembering to write everything...nor am I remembering what I write a few minutes after I write it!
Anyway, enormous group of loyal readers (wow, those medications really do make me foggy) do you know the title of The West Wing, Season 3, Episode 7? Probably not, unless you're Alex, the West Wing King. Will Ellie's first doll be named Bradley Whitford? It would be appropriate.
Thanks for reading! Night night to all!
I had my one week check up yesterday with Dr. Gillean (one day early, since Thursdays are her regular surgery days). So far, so good. She cut the strings off of each end of my incision. The surgi-strip things stay on until, at least, I go back in next Wednesday. She's happy with my progress. She said my "after" was so pretty compared to my "before"...I've seen the before pictures and I'd have to say there really was nowhere but up.
Dr. Gillean said the totally out of it feeling (physically and otherwise) would last about another week. Then, I'd slowly start to feel like I was making some progress with recovery. Just about then is when I'll be starting the Lupron. She never seemed like a kick-a-person-while-they're-down sort of person, but I'm starting to wonder. Seriously though, she wants me to feel a lot more normal before starting the Lupron - therefore, this week was not a possibility. She said maybe next week, but probably the third week out.
I had a couple fun outings yesterday and today - Super Target and Costco. I know, shocking. Truly shocking. Both adventures were cleared by my doctor, as long as I was using a scooter at each place - versus walking...which, was not even a consideration. So, I unplugged the scooter and off I went! Yesterday, at Super Target, it was just me and Mimi. Today, for Costco, we also had Ashlyn. Little was extremely interested in the fact that Mommy got to drive around the store. Luckily, she got why I was doing it, so there was no battle over whether or not she could scoot along with me.
Also yesterday, I got to go with Mimi to pick Colson and Ashlyn up from school. Very exciting for all involved! Colson was super excited because his teacher had gotten him up after nap time, (aka, the time Colson does not sleep, but hangs out on his cot plotting to slowly take over the world), to make me a get well card. It's, of course, the cutest! He cut out piece of construction paper to make flowers on the front and wrote "Get Well Mommy". Inside, he drew each member of his family (people, cats and dog!). He drew me holding flowers, Ashlyn in a pink dress with flowers on it, Steve in a blue shirt and himself in a red shirt (his favorite color, of course). Inside, it says, "Love, Colson"...I think both his teacher and I had tears in our eyes - it was so sweet!
Today, I got a beautiful vase filled with the most gorgeous roses of all colors from our amazing friends at Vickerman. Apparently, they don't only know how to produce the best Christmas trees, but they know a thing or two about roses as well! So unbelievably sweet and touching.
Finally, I must apologize for not pointing out something important in my last post...though I must say I'm a bit foggy, so I'm not quite remembering to write everything...nor am I remembering what I write a few minutes after I write it!
Anyway, enormous group of loyal readers (wow, those medications really do make me foggy) do you know the title of The West Wing, Season 3, Episode 7? Probably not, unless you're Alex, the West Wing King. Will Ellie's first doll be named Bradley Whitford? It would be appropriate.
Thanks for reading! Night night to all!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thank you, Aaron Sorkin
Well, I survived the first night at home. Colson was very helpful and headed to bed like the lean, mean sleeping machine he is. Ashlyn was another story. She decided to throw a hysterical fit. She ended up on the blow-up bed in Mommy and Daddy's room. I think it was a mix of over-tired, overwhelmed with Mommy being home and a dash of just plain being a brat.
The cats were happy to get their regular spots in bed, once they saw I was going down for the night. However, one of them got spooked by something around 1 or 2 AM and ran across the bed. This would've been not such a big deal had they not landed on my stomach. NOT comfortable. I had Steve get the flashlight and check my incision - to make sure I wasn't, literally, popping at the seams. So far, so good.
Jiggy showed up to help with the kids' breakfast/school prep this morning. Yay! Steve got ready and dropped them off at school. God help their teachers now!
I decided to start munching on some fruit and toast - since it was time to also start taking some needed pain medicines. I turned on the TV. There it was - intelligent television. "The West Wing"...ahhhh. SUCH a change from the crap I watched at the hospital over the weekend. So good, for so many reasons, to be home!
The cats were happy to get their regular spots in bed, once they saw I was going down for the night. However, one of them got spooked by something around 1 or 2 AM and ran across the bed. This would've been not such a big deal had they not landed on my stomach. NOT comfortable. I had Steve get the flashlight and check my incision - to make sure I wasn't, literally, popping at the seams. So far, so good.
Jiggy showed up to help with the kids' breakfast/school prep this morning. Yay! Steve got ready and dropped them off at school. God help their teachers now!
I decided to start munching on some fruit and toast - since it was time to also start taking some needed pain medicines. I turned on the TV. There it was - intelligent television. "The West Wing"...ahhhh. SUCH a change from the crap I watched at the hospital over the weekend. So good, for so many reasons, to be home!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
LONG time, no post
Well, hello again! Steve and I have tossed around ideas of me doing updates on a blog or a Facebook page or a Twitter thingy. I was trying to come up with a name for a blog - since I didn't want to have to have people sign in or get an account for FB or Twitter (also, I can't get on board with the whole Twitty thing). I popped on to this blog and thought - well, I guess "muy loco stuff" applies to the kids and my current adventures. So, very crazy it is!
I am currently sitting in my hospital bed - connected with my super strong 2 bar connection (read: could go at any moment). I am waiting for the nurse to come in with my discharge papers. They don't have a nurse tech this morning, so things are moving a little slower than usual.
I just got a text from my ride. They are currently at Home Depot picking up salt for the pool. Then, they're on their way over. A. Storm is looking forward to seeing some babies in the nursery (I'm on the post-partum floor). She is entirely amused with everyone smaller that her...proving her "I'm a big girl, not a baby" point. I'm sure CXL will head right for the buttons that move the bed. He thought that was very cool when he visited the other night.
I'm very excited to be headed home today. There are the obvious reasons - hugging Muy and Loco all the time - and the less important stuff...my own, significantly more comfortable bed, a better Internet connection and the ability to watch anything more interesting on TV than the stuff I've seen in the past few days.
Health-wise, I'm coming along. By all nurse and doctor accounts, my incision looks great. It basically replaces (Dr. Gillean removes and replaces the old...gross!) my c-section incision. Though similar in a basic concept sense to a c-section (as far as abdominal incision thing goes), this surgery definitely is more intense overall than either of my c-sections.
When I initially woke up on Thursday, the pain was unbearable. They gave me an injection of pain medication to try to get on top of it quickly. In addition to the general pain from surgery, I almost constantly feel like I have to pee. Fun. Really. The doctors say that this is totally normal - mostly a result of having the stents in my ureters during surgery - and will taper off. It actually has gotten a little bit better each day. And, thankfully, the Motrin I take as one of the meds for pain specifically helps it.
Being here in post-partum has been a full circle experience for me and my, now departed, uterus. I think that it has been good to be here, in the specific place I've always been in this hospital - whether we were here for good or bad visits.
The final paragraph of this post I'm writing from my own bed! It is VERY nice to be back home. Little squeaky voices wanting to show me everything new and exciting that happened since I left for the hospital. Furry pals curled up on the bed with me. Pain meds nearby. Ah, all is right with the world!
I am currently sitting in my hospital bed - connected with my super strong 2 bar connection (read: could go at any moment). I am waiting for the nurse to come in with my discharge papers. They don't have a nurse tech this morning, so things are moving a little slower than usual.
I just got a text from my ride. They are currently at Home Depot picking up salt for the pool. Then, they're on their way over. A. Storm is looking forward to seeing some babies in the nursery (I'm on the post-partum floor). She is entirely amused with everyone smaller that her...proving her "I'm a big girl, not a baby" point. I'm sure CXL will head right for the buttons that move the bed. He thought that was very cool when he visited the other night.
I'm very excited to be headed home today. There are the obvious reasons - hugging Muy and Loco all the time - and the less important stuff...my own, significantly more comfortable bed, a better Internet connection and the ability to watch anything more interesting on TV than the stuff I've seen in the past few days.
Health-wise, I'm coming along. By all nurse and doctor accounts, my incision looks great. It basically replaces (Dr. Gillean removes and replaces the old...gross!) my c-section incision. Though similar in a basic concept sense to a c-section (as far as abdominal incision thing goes), this surgery definitely is more intense overall than either of my c-sections.
When I initially woke up on Thursday, the pain was unbearable. They gave me an injection of pain medication to try to get on top of it quickly. In addition to the general pain from surgery, I almost constantly feel like I have to pee. Fun. Really. The doctors say that this is totally normal - mostly a result of having the stents in my ureters during surgery - and will taper off. It actually has gotten a little bit better each day. And, thankfully, the Motrin I take as one of the meds for pain specifically helps it.
Being here in post-partum has been a full circle experience for me and my, now departed, uterus. I think that it has been good to be here, in the specific place I've always been in this hospital - whether we were here for good or bad visits.
The final paragraph of this post I'm writing from my own bed! It is VERY nice to be back home. Little squeaky voices wanting to show me everything new and exciting that happened since I left for the hospital. Furry pals curled up on the bed with me. Pain meds nearby. Ah, all is right with the world!
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