I think the boys are tired!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
All Bundled Up...with no where to go...
Actually we go go go...sometime all day long! We like to stay busy!
Here bear is all bundled up!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Some other simple updates....
I haven't posted on some other issues in a few weeks.
1. Brandon is sleeping better. He is up a couple times mostly from 11:30 to 1:30am. I am not too sure why but sleep is good.
2. My back is still horrible. The NP who is following me at the pain clinic thinks the last dr. injected the epidural incorrectly. So, he reassigned me to a different specialist. We changed my meds and are attempting another round of epidurals...there will be 3 of them every 2 weeks. We are approaching the spinal cord and that disc space from both sides so it will be a double injection. We are also continuing on other therapies. The pool helps a lot. I also try and get to our community center pool once a week or so. There are other options as well that we can do after the injections- if they don't work. I do wear my tens unit alot.
3. Rob is getting all kinds of new responsibilities at work. He is working on other management positions and leading a variety of teams. He is also in charge of the safety and work comp issues at his store (he leads a team of people). He is also in charge of all new hires for his store to make sure they are trained correctly and have been certified in all the areas they need to be. He has also been pulled from his department to do 'special projects'. So last week he had to change the entire lawn and garden department for spring. He lead that team to make the changes and make sure displays are correct, end-caps are set, planagrams are followed, etc. He really liked that. He really loves his job. It was odd for him to know he is carrying our medical expenses now. In his past career of construction you don't get ANY medical (unless your company is union and Mike would never do that-he did but wasn't honest about...long story). You also don't get any sick or vacation time. So it was nice when he was gone for 3 days to get paid for them. He didn't want to be out of work for 3 days and he knew they weren't too happy with him either for being gone for so long- but a lung infection, sinus infection, and bronchitis needs to heal. He is doing great there and recently applied for some other higher up management positions.
4. We LOVE our new house. We have really been taking our time getting it all together. We have been working on Brandon's room. One wall is done now- it took some time because I had to paint lots of big dots! We have to do the other rooms and wait for Gma or Auntie to finish sewing the crib comforter. We got some new furniture- coffee table and BIG cupboard things for around the big screen tv. We are excited for spring to start working outside. We will be cleaning the garage...we moved in and it got cold rather quickly so we just left some stuff in the garage. We also will do some landscaping and cutting of shrubs. We also (if financially we can do it) will build the deck. We are going to do that first and then finish our basement. I am hoping we can also fence in the back yard and then get a puppy (St.Bernard-Rob wants). Rob says...'Honey- either a puppy or another kid...you pick'. What do you think I picked?
5- Next Kid? Not yet. Brandon has to at least be 12-18 months before we start trying. We think it will take us some time to get pregnant so that will give us some extra time. I think Brandon being that age group would be good. We would like our second and then stop for a few years. Once Brandon is maybe 9 or 10 then we will have our third...maybe! We will see. I really want a big family!
6- I got 2 emails about Best Buy and my sister and friends that work there. Yes, I have family and friends at Best Buy that were laid off (I am not saying who because to some it is a really personal thing)- some were a TOTAL shock. The good news is there are many open jobs they can apply for and most likely will stay within Best Buy...so it isn't really as bad as things are seeming. Just the initial shock for my friends and the thought of the possibility of no job and then the work and effort into applying and interview is tough on them. I have to mention some of these folks I know have been there for 10-20 years so it is very tough for them. It was a morbid day there yesterday.
7- My job is doing well. Business is picking up again. It is nice to work from home but also very tough. I like it but I am also responsible for a kid too! Being full time mom and full time employee is hard. My traveling has picked up. I was just in Madison and then Albert Lea. I will be heading to Richmond, VA in March as well as probably Floridia. I am close to signing a client in Boston as well and I am hoping I can jig something up to take Rob with me so we can see the town and the Celtics play. I also got a GREAT call from Kentucky today that I have 5 hospitals I would need to do a HUGE report for. We are putting a presentation and a proposal for them next week. I have also been booking our President at many upcoming speaking engagements so we will get a lot of business from that.
8- Everything else is good...the extended family is great. The cats are good...Allie is finally putting on some weight. She is also MUCH more needier since Tubby is gone. I talk to Tubby's new owners every month. She HATES their cat (but most other animals hate him so that is okay). Tubby has taken to one of the girls. She follows her around the house and sleeps with her. It sounds like they are all well.
Well, I am off to bed! Brandon is having a sleepover and Gma and Gpas. Crazy Auntie Nicky is there too so there is lots of help! This means I get a full nights rest!
1. Brandon is sleeping better. He is up a couple times mostly from 11:30 to 1:30am. I am not too sure why but sleep is good.
2. My back is still horrible. The NP who is following me at the pain clinic thinks the last dr. injected the epidural incorrectly. So, he reassigned me to a different specialist. We changed my meds and are attempting another round of epidurals...there will be 3 of them every 2 weeks. We are approaching the spinal cord and that disc space from both sides so it will be a double injection. We are also continuing on other therapies. The pool helps a lot. I also try and get to our community center pool once a week or so. There are other options as well that we can do after the injections- if they don't work. I do wear my tens unit alot.
3. Rob is getting all kinds of new responsibilities at work. He is working on other management positions and leading a variety of teams. He is also in charge of the safety and work comp issues at his store (he leads a team of people). He is also in charge of all new hires for his store to make sure they are trained correctly and have been certified in all the areas they need to be. He has also been pulled from his department to do 'special projects'. So last week he had to change the entire lawn and garden department for spring. He lead that team to make the changes and make sure displays are correct, end-caps are set, planagrams are followed, etc. He really liked that. He really loves his job. It was odd for him to know he is carrying our medical expenses now. In his past career of construction you don't get ANY medical (unless your company is union and Mike would never do that-he did but wasn't honest about...long story). You also don't get any sick or vacation time. So it was nice when he was gone for 3 days to get paid for them. He didn't want to be out of work for 3 days and he knew they weren't too happy with him either for being gone for so long- but a lung infection, sinus infection, and bronchitis needs to heal. He is doing great there and recently applied for some other higher up management positions.
4. We LOVE our new house. We have really been taking our time getting it all together. We have been working on Brandon's room. One wall is done now- it took some time because I had to paint lots of big dots! We have to do the other rooms and wait for Gma or Auntie to finish sewing the crib comforter. We got some new furniture- coffee table and BIG cupboard things for around the big screen tv. We are excited for spring to start working outside. We will be cleaning the garage...we moved in and it got cold rather quickly so we just left some stuff in the garage. We also will do some landscaping and cutting of shrubs. We also (if financially we can do it) will build the deck. We are going to do that first and then finish our basement. I am hoping we can also fence in the back yard and then get a puppy (St.Bernard-Rob wants). Rob says...'Honey- either a puppy or another kid...you pick'. What do you think I picked?
5- Next Kid? Not yet. Brandon has to at least be 12-18 months before we start trying. We think it will take us some time to get pregnant so that will give us some extra time. I think Brandon being that age group would be good. We would like our second and then stop for a few years. Once Brandon is maybe 9 or 10 then we will have our third...maybe! We will see. I really want a big family!
6- I got 2 emails about Best Buy and my sister and friends that work there. Yes, I have family and friends at Best Buy that were laid off (I am not saying who because to some it is a really personal thing)- some were a TOTAL shock. The good news is there are many open jobs they can apply for and most likely will stay within Best Buy...so it isn't really as bad as things are seeming. Just the initial shock for my friends and the thought of the possibility of no job and then the work and effort into applying and interview is tough on them. I have to mention some of these folks I know have been there for 10-20 years so it is very tough for them. It was a morbid day there yesterday.
7- My job is doing well. Business is picking up again. It is nice to work from home but also very tough. I like it but I am also responsible for a kid too! Being full time mom and full time employee is hard. My traveling has picked up. I was just in Madison and then Albert Lea. I will be heading to Richmond, VA in March as well as probably Floridia. I am close to signing a client in Boston as well and I am hoping I can jig something up to take Rob with me so we can see the town and the Celtics play. I also got a GREAT call from Kentucky today that I have 5 hospitals I would need to do a HUGE report for. We are putting a presentation and a proposal for them next week. I have also been booking our President at many upcoming speaking engagements so we will get a lot of business from that.
8- Everything else is good...the extended family is great. The cats are good...Allie is finally putting on some weight. She is also MUCH more needier since Tubby is gone. I talk to Tubby's new owners every month. She HATES their cat (but most other animals hate him so that is okay). Tubby has taken to one of the girls. She follows her around the house and sleeps with her. It sounds like they are all well.
Well, I am off to bed! Brandon is having a sleepover and Gma and Gpas. Crazy Auntie Nicky is there too so there is lots of help! This means I get a full nights rest!
In the highchair...just CHEESE!
Brandon is great at sitting in his highchair. Here are some meal time photos....basically....him eating cheese! He LOVES cheese!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Date with mom to Como
Last Sunday Brandon took Mommy on a date to Como. It was a very special day! Brandon tried to open all the doors for mommy and treat her like a lady but she beat me to it. We had one of the best days ever together. 
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
BRANDON'S- 25 Random things
So the last 25 random things was about MOM- not Brandon! So someone said that BRANDON needed do add his 25 random things...wish me luck!
1. I will kick anyone's butt at "Chase the Nuk" If you want to ever play...I will win!
2. Cheese, Cheese, Cheese please! I have it everyday. Sometimes Daddy sneaks it in to my breakfast when mom isn't looking because I love it so much.
3. My middle name is Thomas- after my Grandpa Quick. Gpa Quick had 2 girls- My mom and Crazy Auntie Nicky so the 'Quick' name isn't really being passed down (there are only 2 boys on that side of the family to pass the 'Quick' name down). So mom and dad picked Thomas for my middle name.
4. Gpa Quick has a special nickname for me that only he can call me- B-Tom!
5. If I would have been a girl I would have been named Elizabeth. If my mom would have been born a boy (glad she wasn't) she would have been named Gregory. Crazy Auntie Nickey would have been Kyle- when she has my cousin someday she is going to name him Kyle.
6. I really like my new crazy bedroom- I only wish that momma would finish it! I understand that painting circles are tough to do.
7. I love Wheel of Fortune- mom is better at solving the puzzles then I am. But I am the best clapper when the wheel spins.
8. I have been really good about not peeing on mom or dad when they change my diapers. I have learned how to wait.
9. Music plays in my room all night when I sleep. It is soothing.
10. Daddy is my favorite person to play with. He is so funny.
11. Mommy is the best at cuddling and singing (even though she is off tune many times).
12. I currently have 3 black and blue marks on my head. That is what happens when I like to stand and try and walk alone. It does not work too well.
13. Grandma Diane is working hard on teaching me 'kisses'....and to blow kisses.
14. I have 7 living great grandmas and 3 great grandpas (not including the Jurgens side because we don't communicate with them anymore).
15. I have limited aunts, uncles, and cousins- but my 'great' compartment of aunts, uncles, and cousins are in the 100 plus number!
16. Some day I might be a pilot. I try really hard at flapping my arms to get me to fly away but it doesn't work....I am still on the ground.
17. I have already been out of the state- once....to North Dakota to see Grandma Dina's family.
18. Yes, I am tall...like mom and dad. All of us have a BAD problem with our arms. We all have long arms and have issues with finding long enough sleeves. You can see the problem in some of the photos with my pj's.
19. I am like my mom in that I hate socks. I would rather eat them than wear them.
20. I love car rides. When I was a baby I would scream if the car stopped. Now I don't mind it. However, momma needs to get rid of her convertible- I like being higher up than in a sports car.
21. My two top teeth are half way in and they are BIG! (They have a little gap too).
22. The blue vein on my nose is just a vein (not a birth mark). It will eventually go away.
23. When Mom, Dad and I are out shopping we normally get stopped at least 4-5 times during one trip for people to comment on how adorable I am. I know I am cute! I am a ham!
24. I found a great new toy....the door stoppers on the back of our bedroom doors. If you flick it with your hand it makes a doooiiiinnnggg sound. Momma told me when she was a little girl she loved to sit and do this. When she got in trouble she was sent to her room she would drive her parents nuts by doooooooooooiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg the door stoppers.
25. I really want a sibiling to play with- actually I wouldn't mind a baby sister. Maybe mom and dad can think about that soon.
1. I will kick anyone's butt at "Chase the Nuk" If you want to ever play...I will win!
2. Cheese, Cheese, Cheese please! I have it everyday. Sometimes Daddy sneaks it in to my breakfast when mom isn't looking because I love it so much.
3. My middle name is Thomas- after my Grandpa Quick. Gpa Quick had 2 girls- My mom and Crazy Auntie Nicky so the 'Quick' name isn't really being passed down (there are only 2 boys on that side of the family to pass the 'Quick' name down). So mom and dad picked Thomas for my middle name.
4. Gpa Quick has a special nickname for me that only he can call me- B-Tom!
5. If I would have been a girl I would have been named Elizabeth. If my mom would have been born a boy (glad she wasn't) she would have been named Gregory. Crazy Auntie Nickey would have been Kyle- when she has my cousin someday she is going to name him Kyle.
6. I really like my new crazy bedroom- I only wish that momma would finish it! I understand that painting circles are tough to do.
7. I love Wheel of Fortune- mom is better at solving the puzzles then I am. But I am the best clapper when the wheel spins.
8. I have been really good about not peeing on mom or dad when they change my diapers. I have learned how to wait.
9. Music plays in my room all night when I sleep. It is soothing.
10. Daddy is my favorite person to play with. He is so funny.
11. Mommy is the best at cuddling and singing (even though she is off tune many times).
12. I currently have 3 black and blue marks on my head. That is what happens when I like to stand and try and walk alone. It does not work too well.
13. Grandma Diane is working hard on teaching me 'kisses'....and to blow kisses.
14. I have 7 living great grandmas and 3 great grandpas (not including the Jurgens side because we don't communicate with them anymore).
15. I have limited aunts, uncles, and cousins- but my 'great' compartment of aunts, uncles, and cousins are in the 100 plus number!
16. Some day I might be a pilot. I try really hard at flapping my arms to get me to fly away but it doesn't work....I am still on the ground.
17. I have already been out of the state- once....to North Dakota to see Grandma Dina's family.
18. Yes, I am tall...like mom and dad. All of us have a BAD problem with our arms. We all have long arms and have issues with finding long enough sleeves. You can see the problem in some of the photos with my pj's.
19. I am like my mom in that I hate socks. I would rather eat them than wear them.
20. I love car rides. When I was a baby I would scream if the car stopped. Now I don't mind it. However, momma needs to get rid of her convertible- I like being higher up than in a sports car.
21. My two top teeth are half way in and they are BIG! (They have a little gap too).
22. The blue vein on my nose is just a vein (not a birth mark). It will eventually go away.
23. When Mom, Dad and I are out shopping we normally get stopped at least 4-5 times during one trip for people to comment on how adorable I am. I know I am cute! I am a ham!
24. I found a great new toy....the door stoppers on the back of our bedroom doors. If you flick it with your hand it makes a doooiiiinnnggg sound. Momma told me when she was a little girl she loved to sit and do this. When she got in trouble she was sent to her room she would drive her parents nuts by doooooooooooiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggg the door stoppers.
25. I really want a sibiling to play with- actually I wouldn't mind a baby sister. Maybe mom and dad can think about that soon.
Valentine's Day
Momma loves Valentine's Day. Not necessarily the '$200 dinner and hundreds of dollars in gifts for each other'. She likes spending time with her 2 favorite Valentines! Dad had to work-bummer- but we celebrated in the morning. The boys woke up to a very lovey table with balloons, decorated chairs (note the highchair), and great gifts! The boys then opened their gifts and momma made heart-shaped pancakes for them. It was wonderful being surrounded by her two favorite loves!
Ummm...I will have....
For Dad's Birthday we went for breakfast. Brandon is deciding what he would like off the menu.
The worst days of motherhood
The last couple of days have been my worst days of motherhood ever. I am SO glad today is 'back to normal'.
It started with late Sunday night and major back pain. Since my last Epidural my back has been horrible. I get crabby and whiny when I can't do anything. Rob and I put the bear down at normal time and I headed to bed. I got to sleep from 9:30 (missing the last part of my favorite show) to 11:30pm when the bear woke up. Rob jumped up and took care of him. He slept for 25 minutes and was up again. Rob took care of him again. Finally we were all down and asleep. Brandon woke up at 1:15am. I went to get him since Rob had to work early. This started the night (or should I say few hours) of horribleness (if that is a word). Brandon was up every 15-30 minutes. Finally at 2:45 I turned off all the monitors. I turned our tv and fan on high so I couldn 't hear him and I tried to get to sleep. I tossed and turned as I could still hear him screaming. Finally at 4:35am I went in there....storming mad as I was crossing the hall. I opened his door and through very hard gritted teeth I yelled, "LAY DOWN". I didn't expect it to come out so harsh or so loud. I just snapped. Brandon jumped because it scared him so much. I laid him down and covered him up. I walked out the room where Allie decided to trip me. I wacked my back against the door frame, grabbed the back of her neck and threw her down the hall. I was on crisis mode. I finally got up, got some shoes on and told Rob I was leaving. I needed to calm down and get out of this house. Rob took Brandon as he was still screaming and I left. I drove around for about 30 minutes before I returned to the house. Both were still awake. Rob finally got Brandon down and then came to talk to me. I, of course, was in tears. He asked what was going on and I said I am SO MAD with my back pain and Brandon screaming all night long I snapped. I was feeling miserable at that time as all I could see was Brandon's freaked out face that mommy was upset with him. Rob was up for the day as he had to be to work early. He settled me into bed with some pain help (which never helps- I hate my drs. right now). I fell asleep at 5:30 or so only to hear Brandon at 5;55am! I took a couple of seconds to get my act together, tell God I was upset and had NO idea how I was going to make it through the day, and pump myself up for pain and a crabby baby. I tried to get him back down but he wouldn't have it. So we were up for the day. We had a rough day as all bear wanted to do was stick his fingers in light sockets and try and pull every dvd off our shelf. I kept getting more and more angry. My only out was texting Rob how I was feeling to get it off my chest. He wasn't able to text me back but we did our best. He finally went down for morning nap after I rocked him for 45 minutes which is NOT normal. He only slept for 25 minutes. I slept for 20 of that. I was glad I was able to sleep a bit. It did help. We were both a bit happier with each other. The afternoon nap was a bit better at an hour. Rob was home by 2:30pm from work (AMEN). He took over and sent me to bed. I didn't want to sleep because I also had pool therapy in a bit. Of course work called over and over so I couldn't sleep. Finally I left for pool therapy still discouraged from the pain. I spent 45 minutes in the pool and my Physical therapist gave me some new ways to work my back. When I was done I was still sore but it felt good to move my back. I got home to Rob finishing supper I had started and both boys running to give me a hug and yell "MOMMYS HOME". That made me feel good. I lasted until 7:30 and headed to bed. Rob's goal was to wait on me hand and foot last night. I didn't help by trying to clean part of the kitchen. He got a bit upset that I tried to do that. He really wanted me to sit and do nothing. I got to sleep at midnight or so (cat napping before that). Rob said Brandon woke up at 1am (I didn't even hear him). He then slept until 7am this morning when I got up with him. We both are having a MUCH better day.
I am still fighting with the guilt of being so angry. I don't know how to be a good mom when I have a bulging disc that is causing so much pain. I need to figure out what works best. My PT also thought the pain meant another annular tear or more of a tear on the one I already had. I see the pain specialist this week.
I know Brandon and I will have arguments and not see eye to eye on everything. I know I will probably have to be firm with him more than once and I am sure he will be unhappy with me. It just breaks my heart to know that I was the one that scared him and cause him fear. Moms are supposed to take that away not cause it. Moms are supposed to be able to keep it all together all the time. I do think if I wouldn't have been in such horrid pain things wouldn't have been so bad. The pain is a stabbing knife pain at the L4 and L5 where the bulge is. Then it feels like back labor in my muscles (or like my back just walked 500 miles and finally got to sit down. You know how it feels on your feet when you are on them all day- that is what the pain in my muscles feel like).
Anyway, I have to get over it and be the best mom I can be for bear today. I am just glad it is much better.
It started with late Sunday night and major back pain. Since my last Epidural my back has been horrible. I get crabby and whiny when I can't do anything. Rob and I put the bear down at normal time and I headed to bed. I got to sleep from 9:30 (missing the last part of my favorite show) to 11:30pm when the bear woke up. Rob jumped up and took care of him. He slept for 25 minutes and was up again. Rob took care of him again. Finally we were all down and asleep. Brandon woke up at 1:15am. I went to get him since Rob had to work early. This started the night (or should I say few hours) of horribleness (if that is a word). Brandon was up every 15-30 minutes. Finally at 2:45 I turned off all the monitors. I turned our tv and fan on high so I couldn 't hear him and I tried to get to sleep. I tossed and turned as I could still hear him screaming. Finally at 4:35am I went in there....storming mad as I was crossing the hall. I opened his door and through very hard gritted teeth I yelled, "LAY DOWN". I didn't expect it to come out so harsh or so loud. I just snapped. Brandon jumped because it scared him so much. I laid him down and covered him up. I walked out the room where Allie decided to trip me. I wacked my back against the door frame, grabbed the back of her neck and threw her down the hall. I was on crisis mode. I finally got up, got some shoes on and told Rob I was leaving. I needed to calm down and get out of this house. Rob took Brandon as he was still screaming and I left. I drove around for about 30 minutes before I returned to the house. Both were still awake. Rob finally got Brandon down and then came to talk to me. I, of course, was in tears. He asked what was going on and I said I am SO MAD with my back pain and Brandon screaming all night long I snapped. I was feeling miserable at that time as all I could see was Brandon's freaked out face that mommy was upset with him. Rob was up for the day as he had to be to work early. He settled me into bed with some pain help (which never helps- I hate my drs. right now). I fell asleep at 5:30 or so only to hear Brandon at 5;55am! I took a couple of seconds to get my act together, tell God I was upset and had NO idea how I was going to make it through the day, and pump myself up for pain and a crabby baby. I tried to get him back down but he wouldn't have it. So we were up for the day. We had a rough day as all bear wanted to do was stick his fingers in light sockets and try and pull every dvd off our shelf. I kept getting more and more angry. My only out was texting Rob how I was feeling to get it off my chest. He wasn't able to text me back but we did our best. He finally went down for morning nap after I rocked him for 45 minutes which is NOT normal. He only slept for 25 minutes. I slept for 20 of that. I was glad I was able to sleep a bit. It did help. We were both a bit happier with each other. The afternoon nap was a bit better at an hour. Rob was home by 2:30pm from work (AMEN). He took over and sent me to bed. I didn't want to sleep because I also had pool therapy in a bit. Of course work called over and over so I couldn't sleep. Finally I left for pool therapy still discouraged from the pain. I spent 45 minutes in the pool and my Physical therapist gave me some new ways to work my back. When I was done I was still sore but it felt good to move my back. I got home to Rob finishing supper I had started and both boys running to give me a hug and yell "MOMMYS HOME". That made me feel good. I lasted until 7:30 and headed to bed. Rob's goal was to wait on me hand and foot last night. I didn't help by trying to clean part of the kitchen. He got a bit upset that I tried to do that. He really wanted me to sit and do nothing. I got to sleep at midnight or so (cat napping before that). Rob said Brandon woke up at 1am (I didn't even hear him). He then slept until 7am this morning when I got up with him. We both are having a MUCH better day.
I am still fighting with the guilt of being so angry. I don't know how to be a good mom when I have a bulging disc that is causing so much pain. I need to figure out what works best. My PT also thought the pain meant another annular tear or more of a tear on the one I already had. I see the pain specialist this week.
I know Brandon and I will have arguments and not see eye to eye on everything. I know I will probably have to be firm with him more than once and I am sure he will be unhappy with me. It just breaks my heart to know that I was the one that scared him and cause him fear. Moms are supposed to take that away not cause it. Moms are supposed to be able to keep it all together all the time. I do think if I wouldn't have been in such horrid pain things wouldn't have been so bad. The pain is a stabbing knife pain at the L4 and L5 where the bulge is. Then it feels like back labor in my muscles (or like my back just walked 500 miles and finally got to sit down. You know how it feels on your feet when you are on them all day- that is what the pain in my muscles feel like).
Anyway, I have to get over it and be the best mom I can be for bear today. I am just glad it is much better.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Saying Good-Bye
Good-Bye Uncle Ry-Ry. Stay safe and we will see you in a year when I will be a big boy!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sad day Friday
Friday will be a sad day as Uncle Ry-Ry leaves. Last night we had dinner together (I will load those photos later) and said Good-Bye to Uncle Ry-Ry. He is heading over to Iraq to serve! He will be in Washington State for a month of training and then will head over to Iraq.The bad thing is that he will be gone for a full year.
The good thing is that he is military intelligence with non-lethal something or another- which means it is less 'dangerous'. I do think anything related to Iraq can be dangerous but we are glad he will be somewhat 'behind the scenes'.
This photo is Uncle Ry-Ry teaching Brandon how to play Rockband 2.
While Uncle Ry-Ry is gone Brandon will hold down the MN Gopher world with his special sweatshirt that matches Uncle Ry-Ry's.
Brandon will miss him and be excited when he gets home to show him how big he has gotten! He will be 1 when he comes home...almost 2! WOW!!!
We will miss you Uncle Ry-Ry.
Monday, February 9, 2009
F*&$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I normally don't use harsh language on here but today I am SO PISSED. I am in major tears, super angry, and my blood is boiling with RAGE!!!!
I do some self-torture to myself by following a number of blogs. Many of mom blogs that are similar to my blogs are fun to read. I have been following a few with T18 babies- those that have passed away or still fighting T18. I admire these parents. Sometimes I get sad when I read these. They are sometimes filled with pain and sadness.
I have been following a blog of a young gal, Cora, that is about 2 months older than Brandon... she was born on March 5th. I have been following it for some time. They live in Kansas but for some reason there was a small connection. I think she is a female version of Brandon...content and happy- crabby with ear infections and teething-likes people-likes mommy and daddy- and she was even a cow for Halloween too! How funny...huh.
On January 12th Cora had her 3rd ear infection in a year (Brandon is on 2). They went in and got meds and were trying to take care of it. On January 25th or so they went in again to make sure the ear infection is cleared up (something we have done twice as well and it is tense just wanting to hear a clean bill of health for an ear infection). The doctors didn't like what they saw and ran a number of tests only to find out Cora had cancer. That was 15 days ago. She had surgery, was thrown into major chemotherapy, in and out and in and out of the hospital...
Yesterday morning Jesus came to take Cora. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
15 days ago it was a simple, stupid, dumb, loopy, wacky ear infection....that is all. We have all had them. I had them all the time when I was a kid. Brandon has had 2 already in his first year of life. Why can't it just be an ear infection. I get freaked out when it is just an ear infection and now I feel horrible for feeling that when this mom/family has gone to hell and back with 15 days of a major medical crisis.
Just look at her photos...she just reminds me SO much of Brandon. And now she is gone.
I am so mad...I don't know if I am mad at God for taking her or the doctors for not finding it soon enough or myself for following the story- but I have been following their story for months now. My blood is raging in my body. Why does this happen? Why to someone like this adorable girl? Why to any child? Why to anybody? I just don't understand sometimes.
Imagine losing your child in 15 days when you think it is a simple ear infection and then her entire body is engorged with cancer. I can't imagine having to go through this with Brandon. I am thinking if this was us I would be dehydrated from crying non-stop. I would probably crawl into a ball and bury my body under covers and not come out. I can't imagine.
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. My heart breaks for them. For some reason I feel like Brandon lost a friend- even if it was through comment sections on blogs. She isn't even my child- I haven't even met her but I want this girl back!
There are others that I have been following too that I am angry about- little Abby, a great dad- Andrew.
I do some self-torture to myself by following a number of blogs. Many of mom blogs that are similar to my blogs are fun to read. I have been following a few with T18 babies- those that have passed away or still fighting T18. I admire these parents. Sometimes I get sad when I read these. They are sometimes filled with pain and sadness.
I have been following a blog of a young gal, Cora, that is about 2 months older than Brandon... she was born on March 5th. I have been following it for some time. They live in Kansas but for some reason there was a small connection. I think she is a female version of Brandon...content and happy- crabby with ear infections and teething-likes people-likes mommy and daddy- and she was even a cow for Halloween too! How funny...huh.
On January 12th Cora had her 3rd ear infection in a year (Brandon is on 2). They went in and got meds and were trying to take care of it. On January 25th or so they went in again to make sure the ear infection is cleared up (something we have done twice as well and it is tense just wanting to hear a clean bill of health for an ear infection). The doctors didn't like what they saw and ran a number of tests only to find out Cora had cancer. That was 15 days ago. She had surgery, was thrown into major chemotherapy, in and out and in and out of the hospital...
Yesterday morning Jesus came to take Cora. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
15 days ago it was a simple, stupid, dumb, loopy, wacky ear infection....that is all. We have all had them. I had them all the time when I was a kid. Brandon has had 2 already in his first year of life. Why can't it just be an ear infection. I get freaked out when it is just an ear infection and now I feel horrible for feeling that when this mom/family has gone to hell and back with 15 days of a major medical crisis.
Just look at her photos...she just reminds me SO much of Brandon. And now she is gone.
I am so mad...I don't know if I am mad at God for taking her or the doctors for not finding it soon enough or myself for following the story- but I have been following their story for months now. My blood is raging in my body. Why does this happen? Why to someone like this adorable girl? Why to any child? Why to anybody? I just don't understand sometimes.
Imagine losing your child in 15 days when you think it is a simple ear infection and then her entire body is engorged with cancer. I can't imagine having to go through this with Brandon. I am thinking if this was us I would be dehydrated from crying non-stop. I would probably crawl into a ball and bury my body under covers and not come out. I can't imagine.
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. My heart breaks for them. For some reason I feel like Brandon lost a friend- even if it was through comment sections on blogs. She isn't even my child- I haven't even met her but I want this girl back!
There are others that I have been following too that I am angry about- little Abby, a great dad- Andrew.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
CONTEST TIME
So it is contest time! I am a HUGE bargain shopper. I love the clearance section of every store and I also love thrift stores. So- below is the damages of my recent trip to the thrift store. Here is what is included:
1- new diaper bag
1- hip hammock
9- books (including noise books)
1- Vtech book
1- jacket for Brandon
1- Polo for Brandon
1- New pair of Old Navy Jeans for Brandon
5- new scarfs for mom
1- new pair of mittens
1- Toy camera
1- Toy phone
1- Castle toy with balls (with hammer to pop the balls down)
1- VTech turtle toy with hoops- colors toy
1- Bag full of blocks
1- Elmo car toy
Everything works fully!
So, the contest is....reply in the comment section what you think I paid for all of this! Whomever comes closer gets a special prize from Brandon (okay and mom). This contest will be open until Wednesday, February 11th at noon central time.
If you have any questions- leave them in the comment section. Good Luck!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
No next baby...anytime soon.
As much as the 'next baby' thought is bugging me we won't be doing the next baby for a while. My physical therapist spent 2 hours with me today and we talked about pregnancy. She thinks I need a good 6-9 months to get my back strong. She is 100% confident my back can get strong again. If I didn't do PT most likely another tear would have happened.
We are starting my back therapy in the pool. It is the safest and best way to start. I can't tolerate land therapy at this time. Yesterday and today were very painful days. With a tear and a disc bulge the worse thing is sitting. It puts tremendous pressure on the displaced disc which can hit nerves in your spine. Well the business trip I was just on was a 10 hour drive total with a day of sitting in meetings. I did take Vicodin but it didn't matter it was still painful. I fell asleep at 6am this morning from the pain. GRRR!!
The therapist read my MRI further and noticed areas where blood supply was cut off. With PT and my new Tense machine we should get blood supply to that location. I want to do pilates or other exercises but she said not to do any movement. Right now movement of my spine will make it worse. That is why she wants to start in the pool and with breathing exercises. My main issue is that my stomach muscles are very weak. This is partially because of delivering Brandon. My core area is very weak which means my back has to support almost the rest of my body. So I am working on building my core area. They are also going to put me on a table to stretch me (when I am ready to do it). This sometimes pops the disc back into place. That would be great if that happened.
My Tense machine is on quite a bit. I have to take breaks every 2 hours but it is helping a lot. I have used these before (the larger ones) at the chiropractors office. They stay on for 10-15 minutes and then they send me on my way. I guess it doesn't do much good with that low time. I was very impressed they were able to give me a machine to take with me and use. I just attach it to my belt loop and go. It is nice and small but the cords do hang out. I have noticed it helps a lot.
So- for now we will work hard on strengthening my back. We will save up more money. We will get things at home more organized (I like no clutter but moving in, being sick, and caring for an infant means the house takes the back burner).
Rob and I talked about the next baby- we will try for the next one once I get the ok from my therapist and my back is at least 75% better. We both agree we want our girl (but we will take any healthy baby).
Brandon is having a few rough days. His top 2 teeth have literaly poked through the last few days. I know that is painful for him. He is knawing at everything- his nuk and bottles. He has a up and down temp and meds are helping with that and the pain.
He is saying WOW alot too.
I will post some great photos soon.
We are starting my back therapy in the pool. It is the safest and best way to start. I can't tolerate land therapy at this time. Yesterday and today were very painful days. With a tear and a disc bulge the worse thing is sitting. It puts tremendous pressure on the displaced disc which can hit nerves in your spine. Well the business trip I was just on was a 10 hour drive total with a day of sitting in meetings. I did take Vicodin but it didn't matter it was still painful. I fell asleep at 6am this morning from the pain. GRRR!!
The therapist read my MRI further and noticed areas where blood supply was cut off. With PT and my new Tense machine we should get blood supply to that location. I want to do pilates or other exercises but she said not to do any movement. Right now movement of my spine will make it worse. That is why she wants to start in the pool and with breathing exercises. My main issue is that my stomach muscles are very weak. This is partially because of delivering Brandon. My core area is very weak which means my back has to support almost the rest of my body. So I am working on building my core area. They are also going to put me on a table to stretch me (when I am ready to do it). This sometimes pops the disc back into place. That would be great if that happened.
My Tense machine is on quite a bit. I have to take breaks every 2 hours but it is helping a lot. I have used these before (the larger ones) at the chiropractors office. They stay on for 10-15 minutes and then they send me on my way. I guess it doesn't do much good with that low time. I was very impressed they were able to give me a machine to take with me and use. I just attach it to my belt loop and go. It is nice and small but the cords do hang out. I have noticed it helps a lot.
So- for now we will work hard on strengthening my back. We will save up more money. We will get things at home more organized (I like no clutter but moving in, being sick, and caring for an infant means the house takes the back burner).
Rob and I talked about the next baby- we will try for the next one once I get the ok from my therapist and my back is at least 75% better. We both agree we want our girl (but we will take any healthy baby).
Brandon is having a few rough days. His top 2 teeth have literaly poked through the last few days. I know that is painful for him. He is knawing at everything- his nuk and bottles. He has a up and down temp and meds are helping with that and the pain.
He is saying WOW alot too.
I will post some great photos soon.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
On my mind...but mostly on my heart...
I have to confess something that has been on my mind but mostly tugging at my heart almost 24/7 the last few weeks....and being back in a hospital for work and seeing 3 families being discharged with their new bundle of joy...only tops those thoughts even more.
I am DYING DYING DYING to have another baby. I have done research and searches about when a good time is and what is a good age gap between the two. I have been praying about it. I have been running our financial numbers. I have been planning the car situation. I have been journaling Brandons sleep patterns (we need him to sleep through the night before we have another one). I have an appointment with a physical therapist tomorrow and I will discuss with them what a pregnancy would do to my back. They have me on a strict PT schedule because people with a tear like mine can easily add another tear or tear the current one further. I have an apt with my OB to also talk about it. Typically Drs. say to wait 18 months to allow your cervix to heal a bit and because I did hemorrage and significantly tear when I delivered Brandon I want to get a medical opinion about having another. I also have some precancerous cells that we need to worry about and get an opinion about as well- not for the babies sake but for my sake for a safe pregnancy for me and post baby health.
Rob is ready and willing any time. I am trying to be the practical one...and logical one. My head is over analyzing every minute, dollar, muscle, moment. My heart is crying to become a mommy of two. I wonder if it is fair for Brandon...I don't want to 'jip' him out of our love and attention. I wonder if Rob and I have enough love for two children. I do hear moms worrying about that but when the baby comes it is amazing how much love there is to give. Maria and I were talking about it on our business trip and she just pushes me more. She says I could never just have one..or even two. I have to agree with her. I can see us having 3 or 4.
I think I will pray about it a bit more...stop thinking about planning for each step. No matter what...we will have more and the time will eventually come.
I am DYING DYING DYING to have another baby. I have done research and searches about when a good time is and what is a good age gap between the two. I have been praying about it. I have been running our financial numbers. I have been planning the car situation. I have been journaling Brandons sleep patterns (we need him to sleep through the night before we have another one). I have an appointment with a physical therapist tomorrow and I will discuss with them what a pregnancy would do to my back. They have me on a strict PT schedule because people with a tear like mine can easily add another tear or tear the current one further. I have an apt with my OB to also talk about it. Typically Drs. say to wait 18 months to allow your cervix to heal a bit and because I did hemorrage and significantly tear when I delivered Brandon I want to get a medical opinion about having another. I also have some precancerous cells that we need to worry about and get an opinion about as well- not for the babies sake but for my sake for a safe pregnancy for me and post baby health.
Rob is ready and willing any time. I am trying to be the practical one...and logical one. My head is over analyzing every minute, dollar, muscle, moment. My heart is crying to become a mommy of two. I wonder if it is fair for Brandon...I don't want to 'jip' him out of our love and attention. I wonder if Rob and I have enough love for two children. I do hear moms worrying about that but when the baby comes it is amazing how much love there is to give. Maria and I were talking about it on our business trip and she just pushes me more. She says I could never just have one..or even two. I have to agree with her. I can see us having 3 or 4.
I think I will pray about it a bit more...stop thinking about planning for each step. No matter what...we will have more and the time will eventually come.
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