Just a quick recap... I am going to keep this post at the top for a few days. If we get 15+ comments, I will do a drawing and the number chosen that corresponds to the commenter number will win a $15.00 gift card from Target. (Closes on Sunday)
I just deleted my e-mail address on here due to a nasty invite from someone. Thanks, but I am happily married and LOVE my husband. You can take your offer elsewhere.
Angie... Thanks, I have been reading all your previous posts on your blog. Looking at the awesome photos of your home and getting some ideas. I did a search on the color too and really like it. Jocasta and Laura I will be doing some research tomorrow on your color choice.
Thanks everyone and keep the comments coming!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Opinions Wanted!!!
Please do not leave without posting a comment. I am in need of some help from all my blogger friends! My house is in a transition phase right now. Jeff and I feel like we are living in a college dorm room. We have a very nice home, but somehow after adding two kids and dogs into the mix our home is lets say... embarrassing. See the bird on the shelf? The color was chosen because I fell in love with that cute little bird. Bad idea to choose a color around a bird!
This is walking into the bathroom. Picture is to show the color of the hallway and wallpaper. We are really into paint rather than wallpaper. I wanted this faux painted. The cost was WAY, WAY, WAY out of what we could pay. So I found this wallpaper that looked like faux.
~~~~~Another picture, leading into the bathroom~~~~~
Projects that we would love to have done include:
~New flooring! Some hardwood, maybe bamboo, and new carpet. Lets just say gross, and sitting on my carpet is not something I would let you do. We steam clean it constantly and it is still yucky!
~New couches. I have a few pictures of the couches we have in here.... I honestly do NOT know what I was thinking when I chose this couch. Obviously, I was not thinking.
~New counter tops. We would love the nice ones. New floor in kitchen.
*All needs done and are wants, but the money is just not pouring in. If you know where a tree is that $100.00 fall off of it let me know.
Now here is the biggest problem right now. Jeff and I got into painitng our home. My aunt and uncle painted one of their bathrooms with this sand paint from Sherwin Williams. I really like how it looked. So we did it too. We picked this nice pretty blue, (again what were we thinking??) Jeff hates to go to the bathroom in here and would much rather would go in the kids Winnie the Pooh bathroom. I don't blame him.
This is walking into the bathroom. Picture is to show the color of the hallway and wallpaper. We are really into paint rather than wallpaper. I wanted this faux painted. The cost was WAY, WAY, WAY out of what we could pay. So I found this wallpaper that looked like faux.
~~~~~Another picture, leading into the bathroom~~~~~
Imagine the bottom floor of our home. It all makes a circle. So here is the hallway from the foyer into the home and then you can turn into the pretty ugly blue bathroom.
This picture above is from the great room into the hallway that takes you to the front door, or left into the bathroom
A close up view above of the wallpaper
Above is if you are standing in the kitchen. Go under the arch to the great room, turn right where the white door is open and into the hallway shown above.
So here are my questions. What color would you go with? Would you pick a color that ties in with the wallpaper? I really want. WANT. DESIRE. my home to look like one out of a parade of homes or model home. I know I am asking aLOT with kids/dogs.
Anyone have wood floors? Is there a brand that you like? Color?
PLEASE comment and if we can get the comments above 15, I will do a random drawing and the winner will receive a $15.00 gift card to TARGET!!! Please tell your friends to come in and post comments!!
I will also take any advice on how to get nasty blue sand paint off my walls. That is what I will be working on the next few days. I will post pictures along the way to show the progress.
THANKS!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The storm (Part 3 to pregnancy #3)
Television, movies, and books portray the time after giving birth as one of pure joy. Proud fathers pass out cigars to their family and buddies, women spend time holding, caressing, and bonding with the baby that was once kicking, squirming, causing indigestion and heartburn. Phone calls are made to family members and friends. Pictures are taken in abundance. Flowers and balloons are delivered stating “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl”. Grandparents meet their precious grandchildren for the first time. There are tears of joy, smiles, laughter, hugs, and kisses to go around all to welcome the new member of the family.
For me after giving birth to Gabrielle, the Hollywood picture was cut short hours after giving birth. I wanted the Hollywood memories, joy, and smiles. This was supposed to be my time to shine. This was supposed to be a proud mom and dad smiling and bonding with their new baby girl. We had already walked out of this hospital once with empty arms, a funeral to plan, dreams shattered and hearts broken.
At my last appointment with Dr. Geller we established a plan for the removal of the stent. The plan was he gave me a phone number to his secretary. I was to call her with any updates as far as induction. He in turn would know that I was at the hospital giving birth. I was to keep my epidural in place. They would use the epidural in the morning for the stent removal. Dr. G felt that because the stent had been in place for so long that it would be hard to remove and it would be encrusted. He planned on having me go into an OR room and having the stent removed under Laser Lithotripsy. He would contact me after I gave birth and finally this stent would be no longer.
I gave birth to Gabby at 2:32pm. I told the team of nurses and doctor’s everything that was happening with the stent. I did keep my epidural in place. I called Dr. G’s secretary several times starting with when I had the amniocentesis to determine if I was going to be at the hospital with an earlier induction. When I found that the lungs were not mature I again called the secretary to tell her this. I then called a third time when we had determined a date that I would go in for the induction. I trusted my doctor and never had any bad feelings that our plan was not going to work out.
The following describes the remainder of my hospital stay.
2:32pm Gabrielle Grace was born
Had a little bit of the “Hollywood” movie. My parents, sister, Father in law, and father in laws girlfriend were all at the hospital to meet their new granddaughter and niece. Pictures were taken, tears were shed for Samantha and Sydney, and bonding with Gabby began.
1720 (5:20pm) I arrived on the postpartum floor. Visitors had left by now and Jeff and I were with Gabby for a while loving her and taking pictures. Jeff bought us both something to eat. Jeff sent some e-mails to family and friends telling of the new arrival and thanking everyone for prayers and support through the pregnancy.
1920 (7:20 pm) the nurse provided me with teaching packets. At this point I still had the epidural in place and had yet to see anyone from urology.
2130 (9:30pm) A breast pump was brought into my room. Still no one from urology. I asked to see someone on call to get the ball rolling on this.
2220 (10:20pm) A man walks into my room. I remember thinking to myself wow; did he run to get here? He walked in sweating; I mean beads of sweat are falling from his face. He says hi and walks straight over to my sink and begins wetting paper towels to place of his forehead. I explain to him everything about the stent, my plan with Dr.G, the fact that the epidural is still in place. He proceeds to tell me that they do not remove stents in a hospital and that this is something I will have to go to Dr. G’s office for. No I tell him. Dr. G feels that it is encrusted. It has to be removed under laser. I ask to have him page Dr. G and talk to him on the phone have Dr. G explain our plan. He blows me off. It is obvious that there will be no stent removal first thing in the morning. I ask to have the epidural removed from my back, because now it is causing pain and becoming very uncomfortable.
2230 (10:30pm) Jeff has left by now. The anesthesiologist comes in to remove the epidural. I call Jeff very upset about what this doctor tells me. I ask for some pain medication and try to fall asleep. I ask for Gabrielle to be taken to the nursery for the night.
Because I have my medical records I am able to read everything that was written by these doctors. What I have stated to them about the plan with Dr. G is all in quotes like they are mocking me. There is nothing about paging or even calling Dr.G. It is all about them trying to take over and handle the stent themselves. There is no regard for the patient or the plan.
These are direct quotes “Patient states Dr. Geller was to remove stent after delivery and get a “cat scan” to determine cause of “hydro”. Pt. with stent discomfort, but no worse.
This is his care plan:
“Stable and stent to be removed in the office”
“Ok to D/C epidural”
“F/U with Dr. M”
Then there is another doctor who sees this and comes along and writes “Agree with D/C stent at office”
I give the nurses credit. There are many times where they have written in their notes add to Dr. G. The problem though is that Dr. G himself is not coming. I am getting all of Dr. G’s colleagues.
Again I go to bed on the 26th exhausted from delivery and the events of the day. Knowing that in the morning after some sleep I will be in a better frame of mind to get this whole stent problem resolved. So I think.
June 27th 2005
At 0945 Dr. F (a.k.a Dr. Jerk) walks into the room. Imagine a very young cocky son of a gun. A resident who thinks he is God’s gift to medicine and no matter what you say you are wrong, you are beneath him, you are dirt and he has the power to make you concrete. Funny, but not so funny that I had seen him before on the ICU floors and was praying to God that I did not look familiar to him in any way. I got the same old song and dance from this dr. I was crazy, they do not remove stents in the OR, and this was a procedure to be done in the office once I went to go see Dr. G. I was done now. I started to get angry and stating call Dr. Gellar. Why is no one listening to me? Why is this time that is supposed to be joyous turning into a nightmare? Why do I still have this piece of crap stent in place when I was promised it would be out as soon as the baby was delivered? I wanted answers. I called Dr. G’s office, spoke to his secretary, but got nowhere closer to talking to Dr.G.
Jeff came to the hospital. He began getting upset. He also tried to get answers from the nurses and was coming up as dumbfounded as I was that there seems to be no communication at this hospital. I felt like they were protecting Dr. G and just not calling him for some reason. He and I had a really good patient doctor relationship. We joked around, he was always empathetic to my needs, and he was supportive about my concerns of losing the baby after the loss of Sam and Syd. I did not feel like he would treat me like this and it just felt very clear that he was in the dark about what was occurring.
I had had the nurses keep in my IV and hep lock it for when I was to go down for the removal. It looked like the removal of Mr. Stent was not happening. The order had been written prior for it to be removed. I wanted to go take a long hot shower so I had the nurses pull the IV before I went into the shower.
Dr. Jerk’s note dos state that he “will discuss RX plan with Dr. Geller.” At 1440 while I was in the shower he came into the room. He had a consent for me to sign and was willing to take me to have the stent removed. Not in an OR, not with lithotripsy, just take me to a L&D room where stirrups are available to have the stent removed. I agreed. I signed my name to the paper thinking finally get this thing out of me. Let this pain stop. Let me enjoy being a new mom again. Let me get out of this hospital pain free. Let me go pee pee on the potty without seeing blood in my urine. Let me get on with my life with my family.
1500 I am taken to the L&D floor. I walked there following behind Dr. Jerk with Jeff at my side. I was taken into a room with stirrups and laid back on the table. The room was small. There were nurses in the room. A lot of laughing was coming from the nurses. Other nurses were coming into the room because this was something they had never seen before. There was no IV in place any more. Nothing was given for pain prior to the removal. It was just Jeff and I ready to get this over with. I got rid of my modesty and just went along with what was occurring around me. Embarrassed that I knew there was blood coming from my vaginal area because of giving birth and also embarrassed that my whole bottom half was in view for anyone who wanted a peek. Again I tried my best not to be modest or think about it. The only thing I was thinking of ways that Mr. Stent was going to be Mr. GONE!!
I should have taken cues from my thoughts that things were not right. I heard Dr. Jerk say something about not having sterile gloves nor having beta dine. He even asked a nurse if he should use beta dine. I remember thinking “hello dummy, you are going into a sterile organ” yes, sterile would be a good thing!!! He did get all the necessary sterile equipment necessary. He cleaned the area and started pulling on the string that the stent was attached. Suddenly the room got quiet, the jokes stopped, happy faces got very serious, and a patient was in the most pain EVER!! I began crying out. My husband yelled “can someone get her something?” A nurse came running into the room and injecting me with Morphine given IM. (Intramuscularly) Dr. Jerk finally spoke and told us that the stent was encrusted. If he kept pulling at it he would tear my urethra and that the stent is now hanging half way out. He then tells me that putting in a Foley catheter would be a good idea and that he was going to now call Dr. G. Yes, friends he finally admitted maybe not knowingly that Dr. G had NEVER been called. I would have to be taken to the OR where lithotripsy would need to be used to have the stent removed.
1600 I am taken back to my postpartum room. This time I am wheeled in a wheel chair. Now instead of having no stent I return with a partial intact stent and a Foley catheter. I am not a happy camper.
Phone calls were made and I tried to get some rest. Pain meds were given as well as something for nausea. Another IV was now inserted back into my arm.
I was told that in the morning I would be heading to the OR for removal of the stent with lithotripsy. I was also going to be NPO at midnight for my upcoming removal.
1945 (7:45pm) my mom and dad, aunt and uncle and Jeff were all visiting. Gabrielle was in her cute little outfit having her hospital pictures taken. My phone rang and I answered my phone to hear the voice of one of the Urology doctors. He was at a totally different hospital calling to tell me that my stent removal in the morning was now postponed and would be rescheduled in the following days.
I was beside myself. I was seeing RED. I was so mad. The “f” bomb starting coming from my mouth. I am normally not someone to say the “f” word. I was taking no precautions to the fact that I had visitors in my room. I kept thinking are you kidding me? Is this a really bad dream? There is no way that any man would be walking around with a stent hanging half way out of his penis and a Foley catheter also in place. Why was I being treated this way? Why are my pregnancies always so difficult and why oh why can I just not enjoy having a breathing baby girl after the loss of Samantha and Sydney?
My dad was around for everything that was transpiring. He walked out to the nurse’s station and asked to have the doctor paged. The same doctor that called my room and just spoke to me.
2010 “Patient and patient’s family upset about procedure being cancelled”. “Emotional reassurance given.” “Dr. Memo paged to speak with family and answer families’ questions.”
2030 Dr. Memo speaking with family
2035 Spoke with Dr. Memo, patient to be NPO at midnight!!!!! Whatever my dad said worked. I was now going back in in the morning for the procedure!!!!!
June 28th 2005
0612 Patient transferred on cart to go down for procedure
1100 Patient transferred back to room after procedure
I was transferred back to the room with get this ANOTHER stent!!! I was not happy when I heard that news. This one was taped to my leg! I was to go into Dr.G’s office a few days later to have it removed and then be done with it. It was to dilate the kidney and make sure that after the first stent was removed that there was no more obstruction.
June 29th
I was discharged home! Thank goodness.
June 30th
Went to Dr. G’s office. Stent was removed. No pain, very easy removal.
7-15-2008
As of today, I have these symptoms with kidneys, bladder, etc. I have to go potty frequently. I know where all the bathrooms are at grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, and the malls. I maybe should go see Dr. G to see if this is normal, but I am not going back there. I do still have lower back pain as well. It is nothing like when I had the stent, but is now just a part of my everyday life. I know that it is there and just try to ignore it. I have three pregnancies. All three very different. I have experienced emotional pain and physical pain. I can say that the emotional pain never goes away and the physical pain was temporary. Jeff and I were blessed with four kids. We still wish all four kids were here on earth in our home, but have come to realize that was not part of the plan. Gad has a bigger plan for us. We may never understand his plans. I do not understand why I never had a normal pregnancy. The Hollywood pregnancy. The glowing and happy pregnancy. Mine were all very terrifying, filled with anxiety, worry, and distress. Needless to say Jeff had a vasectomy and there will be no more babies coming from my body. That saddens me, but I also know that it is probably for the best. We would like more children, but at the same time we are now enjoying being diaper free, bottle free, and a happy family of 4 (6).
For me after giving birth to Gabrielle, the Hollywood picture was cut short hours after giving birth. I wanted the Hollywood memories, joy, and smiles. This was supposed to be my time to shine. This was supposed to be a proud mom and dad smiling and bonding with their new baby girl. We had already walked out of this hospital once with empty arms, a funeral to plan, dreams shattered and hearts broken.
At my last appointment with Dr. Geller we established a plan for the removal of the stent. The plan was he gave me a phone number to his secretary. I was to call her with any updates as far as induction. He in turn would know that I was at the hospital giving birth. I was to keep my epidural in place. They would use the epidural in the morning for the stent removal. Dr. G felt that because the stent had been in place for so long that it would be hard to remove and it would be encrusted. He planned on having me go into an OR room and having the stent removed under Laser Lithotripsy. He would contact me after I gave birth and finally this stent would be no longer.
I gave birth to Gabby at 2:32pm. I told the team of nurses and doctor’s everything that was happening with the stent. I did keep my epidural in place. I called Dr. G’s secretary several times starting with when I had the amniocentesis to determine if I was going to be at the hospital with an earlier induction. When I found that the lungs were not mature I again called the secretary to tell her this. I then called a third time when we had determined a date that I would go in for the induction. I trusted my doctor and never had any bad feelings that our plan was not going to work out.
The following describes the remainder of my hospital stay.
2:32pm Gabrielle Grace was born
Had a little bit of the “Hollywood” movie. My parents, sister, Father in law, and father in laws girlfriend were all at the hospital to meet their new granddaughter and niece. Pictures were taken, tears were shed for Samantha and Sydney, and bonding with Gabby began.
1720 (5:20pm) I arrived on the postpartum floor. Visitors had left by now and Jeff and I were with Gabby for a while loving her and taking pictures. Jeff bought us both something to eat. Jeff sent some e-mails to family and friends telling of the new arrival and thanking everyone for prayers and support through the pregnancy.
1920 (7:20 pm) the nurse provided me with teaching packets. At this point I still had the epidural in place and had yet to see anyone from urology.
2130 (9:30pm) A breast pump was brought into my room. Still no one from urology. I asked to see someone on call to get the ball rolling on this.
2220 (10:20pm) A man walks into my room. I remember thinking to myself wow; did he run to get here? He walked in sweating; I mean beads of sweat are falling from his face. He says hi and walks straight over to my sink and begins wetting paper towels to place of his forehead. I explain to him everything about the stent, my plan with Dr.G, the fact that the epidural is still in place. He proceeds to tell me that they do not remove stents in a hospital and that this is something I will have to go to Dr. G’s office for. No I tell him. Dr. G feels that it is encrusted. It has to be removed under laser. I ask to have him page Dr. G and talk to him on the phone have Dr. G explain our plan. He blows me off. It is obvious that there will be no stent removal first thing in the morning. I ask to have the epidural removed from my back, because now it is causing pain and becoming very uncomfortable.
2230 (10:30pm) Jeff has left by now. The anesthesiologist comes in to remove the epidural. I call Jeff very upset about what this doctor tells me. I ask for some pain medication and try to fall asleep. I ask for Gabrielle to be taken to the nursery for the night.
Because I have my medical records I am able to read everything that was written by these doctors. What I have stated to them about the plan with Dr. G is all in quotes like they are mocking me. There is nothing about paging or even calling Dr.G. It is all about them trying to take over and handle the stent themselves. There is no regard for the patient or the plan.
These are direct quotes “Patient states Dr. Geller was to remove stent after delivery and get a “cat scan” to determine cause of “hydro”. Pt. with stent discomfort, but no worse.
This is his care plan:
“Stable and stent to be removed in the office”
“Ok to D/C epidural”
“F/U with Dr. M”
Then there is another doctor who sees this and comes along and writes “Agree with D/C stent at office”
I give the nurses credit. There are many times where they have written in their notes add to Dr. G. The problem though is that Dr. G himself is not coming. I am getting all of Dr. G’s colleagues.
Again I go to bed on the 26th exhausted from delivery and the events of the day. Knowing that in the morning after some sleep I will be in a better frame of mind to get this whole stent problem resolved. So I think.
June 27th 2005
At 0945 Dr. F (a.k.a Dr. Jerk) walks into the room. Imagine a very young cocky son of a gun. A resident who thinks he is God’s gift to medicine and no matter what you say you are wrong, you are beneath him, you are dirt and he has the power to make you concrete. Funny, but not so funny that I had seen him before on the ICU floors and was praying to God that I did not look familiar to him in any way. I got the same old song and dance from this dr. I was crazy, they do not remove stents in the OR, and this was a procedure to be done in the office once I went to go see Dr. G. I was done now. I started to get angry and stating call Dr. Gellar. Why is no one listening to me? Why is this time that is supposed to be joyous turning into a nightmare? Why do I still have this piece of crap stent in place when I was promised it would be out as soon as the baby was delivered? I wanted answers. I called Dr. G’s office, spoke to his secretary, but got nowhere closer to talking to Dr.G.
Jeff came to the hospital. He began getting upset. He also tried to get answers from the nurses and was coming up as dumbfounded as I was that there seems to be no communication at this hospital. I felt like they were protecting Dr. G and just not calling him for some reason. He and I had a really good patient doctor relationship. We joked around, he was always empathetic to my needs, and he was supportive about my concerns of losing the baby after the loss of Sam and Syd. I did not feel like he would treat me like this and it just felt very clear that he was in the dark about what was occurring.
I had had the nurses keep in my IV and hep lock it for when I was to go down for the removal. It looked like the removal of Mr. Stent was not happening. The order had been written prior for it to be removed. I wanted to go take a long hot shower so I had the nurses pull the IV before I went into the shower.
Dr. Jerk’s note dos state that he “will discuss RX plan with Dr. Geller.” At 1440 while I was in the shower he came into the room. He had a consent for me to sign and was willing to take me to have the stent removed. Not in an OR, not with lithotripsy, just take me to a L&D room where stirrups are available to have the stent removed. I agreed. I signed my name to the paper thinking finally get this thing out of me. Let this pain stop. Let me enjoy being a new mom again. Let me get out of this hospital pain free. Let me go pee pee on the potty without seeing blood in my urine. Let me get on with my life with my family.
1500 I am taken to the L&D floor. I walked there following behind Dr. Jerk with Jeff at my side. I was taken into a room with stirrups and laid back on the table. The room was small. There were nurses in the room. A lot of laughing was coming from the nurses. Other nurses were coming into the room because this was something they had never seen before. There was no IV in place any more. Nothing was given for pain prior to the removal. It was just Jeff and I ready to get this over with. I got rid of my modesty and just went along with what was occurring around me. Embarrassed that I knew there was blood coming from my vaginal area because of giving birth and also embarrassed that my whole bottom half was in view for anyone who wanted a peek. Again I tried my best not to be modest or think about it. The only thing I was thinking of ways that Mr. Stent was going to be Mr. GONE!!
I should have taken cues from my thoughts that things were not right. I heard Dr. Jerk say something about not having sterile gloves nor having beta dine. He even asked a nurse if he should use beta dine. I remember thinking “hello dummy, you are going into a sterile organ” yes, sterile would be a good thing!!! He did get all the necessary sterile equipment necessary. He cleaned the area and started pulling on the string that the stent was attached. Suddenly the room got quiet, the jokes stopped, happy faces got very serious, and a patient was in the most pain EVER!! I began crying out. My husband yelled “can someone get her something?” A nurse came running into the room and injecting me with Morphine given IM. (Intramuscularly) Dr. Jerk finally spoke and told us that the stent was encrusted. If he kept pulling at it he would tear my urethra and that the stent is now hanging half way out. He then tells me that putting in a Foley catheter would be a good idea and that he was going to now call Dr. G. Yes, friends he finally admitted maybe not knowingly that Dr. G had NEVER been called. I would have to be taken to the OR where lithotripsy would need to be used to have the stent removed.
1600 I am taken back to my postpartum room. This time I am wheeled in a wheel chair. Now instead of having no stent I return with a partial intact stent and a Foley catheter. I am not a happy camper.
Phone calls were made and I tried to get some rest. Pain meds were given as well as something for nausea. Another IV was now inserted back into my arm.
I was told that in the morning I would be heading to the OR for removal of the stent with lithotripsy. I was also going to be NPO at midnight for my upcoming removal.
1945 (7:45pm) my mom and dad, aunt and uncle and Jeff were all visiting. Gabrielle was in her cute little outfit having her hospital pictures taken. My phone rang and I answered my phone to hear the voice of one of the Urology doctors. He was at a totally different hospital calling to tell me that my stent removal in the morning was now postponed and would be rescheduled in the following days.
I was beside myself. I was seeing RED. I was so mad. The “f” bomb starting coming from my mouth. I am normally not someone to say the “f” word. I was taking no precautions to the fact that I had visitors in my room. I kept thinking are you kidding me? Is this a really bad dream? There is no way that any man would be walking around with a stent hanging half way out of his penis and a Foley catheter also in place. Why was I being treated this way? Why are my pregnancies always so difficult and why oh why can I just not enjoy having a breathing baby girl after the loss of Samantha and Sydney?
My dad was around for everything that was transpiring. He walked out to the nurse’s station and asked to have the doctor paged. The same doctor that called my room and just spoke to me.
2010 “Patient and patient’s family upset about procedure being cancelled”. “Emotional reassurance given.” “Dr. Memo paged to speak with family and answer families’ questions.”
2030 Dr. Memo speaking with family
2035 Spoke with Dr. Memo, patient to be NPO at midnight!!!!! Whatever my dad said worked. I was now going back in in the morning for the procedure!!!!!
June 28th 2005
0612 Patient transferred on cart to go down for procedure
1100 Patient transferred back to room after procedure
I was transferred back to the room with get this ANOTHER stent!!! I was not happy when I heard that news. This one was taped to my leg! I was to go into Dr.G’s office a few days later to have it removed and then be done with it. It was to dilate the kidney and make sure that after the first stent was removed that there was no more obstruction.
June 29th
I was discharged home! Thank goodness.
June 30th
Went to Dr. G’s office. Stent was removed. No pain, very easy removal.
7-15-2008
As of today, I have these symptoms with kidneys, bladder, etc. I have to go potty frequently. I know where all the bathrooms are at grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, and the malls. I maybe should go see Dr. G to see if this is normal, but I am not going back there. I do still have lower back pain as well. It is nothing like when I had the stent, but is now just a part of my everyday life. I know that it is there and just try to ignore it. I have three pregnancies. All three very different. I have experienced emotional pain and physical pain. I can say that the emotional pain never goes away and the physical pain was temporary. Jeff and I were blessed with four kids. We still wish all four kids were here on earth in our home, but have come to realize that was not part of the plan. Gad has a bigger plan for us. We may never understand his plans. I do not understand why I never had a normal pregnancy. The Hollywood pregnancy. The glowing and happy pregnancy. Mine were all very terrifying, filled with anxiety, worry, and distress. Needless to say Jeff had a vasectomy and there will be no more babies coming from my body. That saddens me, but I also know that it is probably for the best. We would like more children, but at the same time we are now enjoying being diaper free, bottle free, and a happy family of 4 (6).
Saturday, July 12, 2008
10 things
10 things I can’t live without~
Laura tagged everyone. I thought this would be fun so I am going to give it a shot:
Laura tagged everyone. I thought this would be fun so I am going to give it a shot:
1. Diet Coke! I do not drink coffee and so this is my caffeine boost. I drink a great deal of it, too much in fact. In my opinion the best Diet Coke is a fountain Diet Coke from McDonald’s!
2. Paper towels. I know that this is not a great thing to confess to with the environment, but I am a paper towel junkie. I have difficulty when shopping and not picking up a roll. I often do not pass them up. My favorite is the Scott paper towels.
3. Toothbrushes. There is nothing worse to me than feeling the slime on teeth
4. My freedom! I would not survive in countries where I am told what to wear, eat, and think, how to act, or what God I am to pray to other than the God I pray to now. THANK YOU ALL USA MILITARY for keeping us FREE
5. Panera Bread Cinnamon crunch bagels. I LOVE them
6. The sun! I love warm weather, the sun shining, and the feelings of being warm. I could LIVE WITHOUT snow!!
7. Vacations. I love to spend time with family relaxing, exploring, and making new memories in places we have never been to
8. TIVO! What a lifesaver TIVO is. I love to be able to tape shows and watch them when little ones are asleep and fast forward through commercials
9. Going to the movies. I love movies and feeling like I can escape my brain and thoughts and concentrate on someone else’s creativity
10. Call Waiting. Being able to talk on the phone and not worrying if another call comes through that I may miss it especially if it is something important or an emergency. Hey MOM there is nothing worse than knowing that you are home and not answering your call waiting.
Of course my kids, awesome husband and extended family and friends. I hope that those answers were a given.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Getting back into a routine.... The past few weeks
Wow! Since late June our family has been going nonstop. I am just going to recap everything in this post and I know that I have to also do my pregnancy part III story of pregnancy #3.
Sunday June 22nd 2008: We attended church in the morning and then had the kick off to vacation Bible school
Monday June 23rd: Jeff left to go out of town. The kids and I were at vacation Bible school. I was a volunteer and helped with elementary games
Tuesday June 24th: Vacation Bible School. Helped my sister with her kids. Tee-ball practice. Out for ice cream and then my nephew spent the night
Wednesday June 25th: Vacation Bible school
Thursday June 26th: Last day of vacation Bible school. Jeff came home. Gabrielle’s 3rd birthday. Had birthday dinner and cake as well as Little Leapers
Friday June 27th: Started preparing the home and going to grocery to get ready for Gabrielle’s family birthday party. Tinkerbelle theme.
Saturday June 28th: Soccer and Tee-ball. Clean house
Sunday June 29th: Gabrielle’s Tinkerbelle party with family and friends. Received call from Courtney about her father falling and being transported to the hospital.
I asked Jeff to go out and get some pics of Gabby with her sign. Above is what she gave him. I was not thrilled with the result.
Miss "Tink"
"Make a wish"
Monday June 30th: Spent the day on the phone with Courtney. Said many prayers for Mr. D
Tuesday July 1st: Joey had summer camp. Spent time with Gabby and on the phone with Courtney. Cleaned house from the party
Wednesday July 2nd: Courtney came into town. Went to the hospital. Spent time with Mr. D and family. Jeff and the kids drove to Chicago for the 4th of July to spend time with friends of ours. I stayed home to help Courtney and her family anyway I could. We did a lot of shopping for outfits for the services. I must say that Courtney, Joyce, and Tempa all looked very pretty.
Thursday July 3rd: Shopping for the services
Friday July 4th: Shopping and errands
Saturday July 5th: Ran errands and last minute things. Jeff and the kids drove back from Chicago
Monday July 7th: Service for Mr. D
Tuesday July 8th- Friday July 11th: My cousin’s kids were here and spent time with us. They just left and now I am cleaning, unmaking beds, doing laundry, making beds again, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and took a break for some blog time.
My cousin, Megan has four children. She is 33. They all love in Michigan. She is a wonderful mother and has been through some very tough things with her relationship with the father of the kids. She met Dave in high school. She was in high school when she got pregnant with her first child. She then had 3 more with him. The kids are 13, 12, 10, and 9. Dave was into some bad things in high school. At one point he was starting to change things for himself and he and Megan did get married. Things did not work and he went back to his old ways. They ended up getting a divorce. I am proud of her for being so strong and always putting the girls and Nick the oldest first. The kids did not have much of a relationship with him. He would make promises and not follow through. To make a sad story even sadder this past May Dave’s body was found in an abandoned warehouse by a homeless man. The kids did attend the funeral and I am sure as they get older this may have more of an effect on them. Dave had problems, but there are two things I try to keep in mind when I think of him. The first is that Megan must have seen something good in him or she would have never started dating him. Second, is that without him these 4 beautiful, fun, intelligent, caring kids would not be here. The third child Taylor came down over her winter break and wanted to come back down to spend time with us. This time the other two girls wanted to come also. MY home has been filled with many voices, laughing, running, games, smiles, and good times. We all had a great time and the kids did not want to leave to go back to Michigan. So they may be coming back in August.
Cousins. Poor Joey was surrounded by GIRLS! He LOVED it!!
As much fun as it has been to have the girls here I am now ready for things to slow down a bit. We all have been running at a pretty fast pace around here and I like it when things are a bit calmer and we are not constantly rushing around. I am now happy to welcome some normalcy.
Sunday June 22nd 2008: We attended church in the morning and then had the kick off to vacation Bible school
Monday June 23rd: Jeff left to go out of town. The kids and I were at vacation Bible school. I was a volunteer and helped with elementary games
Tuesday June 24th: Vacation Bible School. Helped my sister with her kids. Tee-ball practice. Out for ice cream and then my nephew spent the night
Wednesday June 25th: Vacation Bible school
Thursday June 26th: Last day of vacation Bible school. Jeff came home. Gabrielle’s 3rd birthday. Had birthday dinner and cake as well as Little Leapers
Friday June 27th: Started preparing the home and going to grocery to get ready for Gabrielle’s family birthday party. Tinkerbelle theme.
Saturday June 28th: Soccer and Tee-ball. Clean house
Sunday June 29th: Gabrielle’s Tinkerbelle party with family and friends. Received call from Courtney about her father falling and being transported to the hospital.
I asked Jeff to go out and get some pics of Gabby with her sign. Above is what she gave him. I was not thrilled with the result. Miss "Tink""Make a wish"Monday June 30th: Spent the day on the phone with Courtney. Said many prayers for Mr. D
Tuesday July 1st: Joey had summer camp. Spent time with Gabby and on the phone with Courtney. Cleaned house from the party
Wednesday July 2nd: Courtney came into town. Went to the hospital. Spent time with Mr. D and family. Jeff and the kids drove to Chicago for the 4th of July to spend time with friends of ours. I stayed home to help Courtney and her family anyway I could. We did a lot of shopping for outfits for the services. I must say that Courtney, Joyce, and Tempa all looked very pretty.
Thursday July 3rd: Shopping for the services
Friday July 4th: Shopping and errands
Saturday July 5th: Ran errands and last minute things. Jeff and the kids drove back from Chicago
Sunday July 6th: Calling hours for Mr. D
Monday July 7th: Service for Mr. D
Tuesday July 8th- Friday July 11th: My cousin’s kids were here and spent time with us. They just left and now I am cleaning, unmaking beds, doing laundry, making beds again, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and took a break for some blog time.
My cousin, Megan has four children. She is 33. They all love in Michigan. She is a wonderful mother and has been through some very tough things with her relationship with the father of the kids. She met Dave in high school. She was in high school when she got pregnant with her first child. She then had 3 more with him. The kids are 13, 12, 10, and 9. Dave was into some bad things in high school. At one point he was starting to change things for himself and he and Megan did get married. Things did not work and he went back to his old ways. They ended up getting a divorce. I am proud of her for being so strong and always putting the girls and Nick the oldest first. The kids did not have much of a relationship with him. He would make promises and not follow through. To make a sad story even sadder this past May Dave’s body was found in an abandoned warehouse by a homeless man. The kids did attend the funeral and I am sure as they get older this may have more of an effect on them. Dave had problems, but there are two things I try to keep in mind when I think of him. The first is that Megan must have seen something good in him or she would have never started dating him. Second, is that without him these 4 beautiful, fun, intelligent, caring kids would not be here. The third child Taylor came down over her winter break and wanted to come back down to spend time with us. This time the other two girls wanted to come also. MY home has been filled with many voices, laughing, running, games, smiles, and good times. We all had a great time and the kids did not want to leave to go back to Michigan. So they may be coming back in August.
Bailey & Paige (sisters) ~ABOVE
Taylor, Paige, & Bailey~ BELOW
Cousins. Poor Joey was surrounded by GIRLS! He LOVED it!!As much fun as it has been to have the girls here I am now ready for things to slow down a bit. We all have been running at a pretty fast pace around here and I like it when things are a bit calmer and we are not constantly rushing around. I am now happy to welcome some normalcy.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
To Beaver. From Cakes
Court this one’s for you!! Let me tell you about my best friend. Her name is Courtney and I have known her longer than I have been married to my husband and know n my husband. Crazy thing to think about for me, but the truth. I have known Courtney since we were little girls. Maybe 7? Her family moved into the empty home across the street that was for sale. I think that God knew what he was doing when her family bought that house. She and I have been through everything together. (grade school, middle school, high school, college years, and now grown women raising families of our own)yes, we have had our fair share of fights as all teenage girls and girls in general do, but we have always been able to overcome our differences and remain the best of friends. We have a great friendship. I can talk to her about any and everything. Husbands, kids, even the hard times, Samantha, Sydney, God, girl stuff, ANYTHING! She was a treasure to have after the loss of the twins and I could not have made it though without her.
One thing that stinks about our relationship is the distance. She lives in Texas. But where hasn’t she lived. J She has moved several times due to the fact that her husband is a pilot. The nice thing though is that she has lived in some pretty awesome states. (Hawaii, Florida, Carolinas) I wish that we were closer in distance, but it works. When she does come into town it can be hard because I know that she wants to spend time with her family. (Mom, dad, sister, brother in law, etc)
She is hysterical. She has a wonderful personality and is the life of the party. She is always looking her best and dressed to the nines. In contrast I am the introvert and the one who has been known to brush my hair and teeth and walk out the door in sweats and a tee. So even though we have many similarities we also have many differences.
This past week has been not only a very difficult one, but also a very sad one. Sadly on Wednesday her daddy passed away. He leaves behind a wife that he has been married to for 45 years, 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren. (+2 adopted daughters)
Courtney had a very close and unique relationship with her dad. They were able to talk to each other about anything and everything, laugh, tell jokes, and had a bond that never judged or criticized. I have in many ways been in awe of their friendship and relationship. This is going to be very difficult for her and her family. Tomorrow is the calling hours and Monday will be the service. I am asking for any and all prayers to be said for the family. Joyce (wife), Tempa (daughter), Courtney (daughter), Hannah, Avery, Christian, Aiden, Isabella, and Analeigh (grandchildren), Scott (son-in-law), Chris (son-in-law).
Like I said Court this one is for you. I know that when I told you about my blog you were asking when you would be posted in it. I hoped to do it on your birthday. I want to thank you for the past few days. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to see your dad and kiss him one last time. It meant the world to me.
Mr. D~
I am so sad that you are no longer here on earth, but I know that you are up above and watching over your precious family. Maybe you are up there relaxing, playing golf, or dancing with your mom. You have always been a very special person to me. You were one of the hardest working men I have ever known. I will always remember having to keep it down because you were sleeping, how you worked the night shift, how you were always there for your girls all three of them, how you always had a joke, a way to make anyone smile and feel welcome and comfortable, and just for being you. There are so many childhood memories that I have with you in them. You will be missed by many. I will do whatever I can for all three of your girls and to always help them out when needed. I hope that I was able to moisten your lips and nose and that you felt no pain as you entered Heaven. I will always think of you with fond memories and love.
Please watch over Joyce tomorrow and Monday. They will be tough days for her, but I know she will pull through it just fine and with your love surrounding her.
We will all love and miss you!
CAKES
One thing that stinks about our relationship is the distance. She lives in Texas. But where hasn’t she lived. J She has moved several times due to the fact that her husband is a pilot. The nice thing though is that she has lived in some pretty awesome states. (Hawaii, Florida, Carolinas) I wish that we were closer in distance, but it works. When she does come into town it can be hard because I know that she wants to spend time with her family. (Mom, dad, sister, brother in law, etc)
She is hysterical. She has a wonderful personality and is the life of the party. She is always looking her best and dressed to the nines. In contrast I am the introvert and the one who has been known to brush my hair and teeth and walk out the door in sweats and a tee. So even though we have many similarities we also have many differences.
This past week has been not only a very difficult one, but also a very sad one. Sadly on Wednesday her daddy passed away. He leaves behind a wife that he has been married to for 45 years, 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren. (+2 adopted daughters)
Courtney had a very close and unique relationship with her dad. They were able to talk to each other about anything and everything, laugh, tell jokes, and had a bond that never judged or criticized. I have in many ways been in awe of their friendship and relationship. This is going to be very difficult for her and her family. Tomorrow is the calling hours and Monday will be the service. I am asking for any and all prayers to be said for the family. Joyce (wife), Tempa (daughter), Courtney (daughter), Hannah, Avery, Christian, Aiden, Isabella, and Analeigh (grandchildren), Scott (son-in-law), Chris (son-in-law).
Like I said Court this one is for you. I know that when I told you about my blog you were asking when you would be posted in it. I hoped to do it on your birthday. I want to thank you for the past few days. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to see your dad and kiss him one last time. It meant the world to me.
Mr. D~
I am so sad that you are no longer here on earth, but I know that you are up above and watching over your precious family. Maybe you are up there relaxing, playing golf, or dancing with your mom. You have always been a very special person to me. You were one of the hardest working men I have ever known. I will always remember having to keep it down because you were sleeping, how you worked the night shift, how you were always there for your girls all three of them, how you always had a joke, a way to make anyone smile and feel welcome and comfortable, and just for being you. There are so many childhood memories that I have with you in them. You will be missed by many. I will do whatever I can for all three of your girls and to always help them out when needed. I hope that I was able to moisten your lips and nose and that you felt no pain as you entered Heaven. I will always think of you with fond memories and love.
Please watch over Joyce tomorrow and Monday. They will be tough days for her, but I know she will pull through it just fine and with your love surrounding her.
We will all love and miss you!
CAKES
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Praying for you tonight!
Have you ever met someone that meant the world to you? Someone that always had a joke and a way to put a smile on your face? Someone that would do anything for anyone, even strangers. Well I am sad to say that my best friend’s dad is very sick right now. He has been battling cancer. He had a mass on his neck that was removed. He has been through chemo and radiation and now he has pancreatic cancer. He is currently in the hospital with what I would say crappy care and I pray for him tonight. If you can spare the time please say a prayer for him too and for him to be pain free, comfortable, and loved. I also pray for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. I don’t think this man knows how much I adored him in the past 20 + years that I have known him, but I do think the world of him. He is a hard worker, caring, honest, loving man. I love him and wish him peace!
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