Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Snot, Cough, Sigh
Its almost 4:30am and this is the 3rd time Ive been woken up by Juju having a coughing fit tonight. I feel so awful for her. She has a horrible cold and is soooo congested. She coughs so hard that she gags and occasionally throws up. Then after throwing up she cries and apologizes over and over again as if she did something wrong.
So just now I put her back to bed with some decongestant. I told her the story of the Frog Prince. She got to pick the names. Froggie Orange and Princess Purple. We're going to draw pictures of them today when she gets up.
So just now I put her back to bed with some decongestant. I told her the story of the Frog Prince. She got to pick the names. Froggie Orange and Princess Purple. We're going to draw pictures of them today when she gets up.
Friday, January 26, 2007
"Stitch" No Longer!
Today Jubilee got her stitches out. My Dad took to calling her "Stitch" this week, and so he cant call her that any longer!
Jubilee was hilarious at the doctor office. She was a total jabber mouth: "Hi doctor!" to anyone who would walk by...even if they werent a doctor. Once she got up on the table, she layed down on that crinkley paper and announced, "My bed is broken....I need this one." She said that over and over even through my correcting her that her bed is NOT broken. I can just imagine what this nurse now thinks of me. "Omg, they make this kid sleep in a broken bed??? No wonder she has stitches!" Jubilee loved the paper covering on the table/bed. She kept scissoring her legs in and out across it making that crinkling noise to the point of no one being able to hear themselves speak. Then Jubilee kept saying, "I get a sticker not candy!" How does this girl remember from MONTHS ago at her 2 year old check up that she doesnt get candy from the doctor, she gets a sticker???
When it was time to take her stitches out, Jubilee sat real still and didnt move. She didnt cry or even make a peep. Afterwards she got to hold her stitches in her hand.
Since we were at the doctor's office and Jubilee hadnt been seen yet in the new year, the nurse took all her stats:
Weight: 23.8lbs - 3rd percentile
Height: 34 inches - 10th percentile (WOO! This is up from 5th percentile!)
Head: 90th percentile ( Those brains are still growing!)
I figure at the rate she's going, she'll eventually be shaped like a tomato on a toothpick.
Jubilee was hilarious at the doctor office. She was a total jabber mouth: "Hi doctor!" to anyone who would walk by...even if they werent a doctor. Once she got up on the table, she layed down on that crinkley paper and announced, "My bed is broken....I need this one." She said that over and over even through my correcting her that her bed is NOT broken. I can just imagine what this nurse now thinks of me. "Omg, they make this kid sleep in a broken bed??? No wonder she has stitches!" Jubilee loved the paper covering on the table/bed. She kept scissoring her legs in and out across it making that crinkling noise to the point of no one being able to hear themselves speak. Then Jubilee kept saying, "I get a sticker not candy!" How does this girl remember from MONTHS ago at her 2 year old check up that she doesnt get candy from the doctor, she gets a sticker???
When it was time to take her stitches out, Jubilee sat real still and didnt move. She didnt cry or even make a peep. Afterwards she got to hold her stitches in her hand.
Since we were at the doctor's office and Jubilee hadnt been seen yet in the new year, the nurse took all her stats:
Weight: 23.8lbs - 3rd percentile
Height: 34 inches - 10th percentile (WOO! This is up from 5th percentile!)
Head: 90th percentile ( Those brains are still growing!)
I figure at the rate she's going, she'll eventually be shaped like a tomato on a toothpick.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Pic of Juju with a Boo-Boo
This picture is from this morning. Her bump looks soooo much better today than last night. I cant believe so much blood came out of that little cut. The ER doc said she would have some bruising and maybe even a black eye. But so far so good...no bruising! We had a hard time getting the gauze off of it this morning...and the tape was tangled in her hair. She didnt like me messing with it for that long and wasnt happy. Other than that she is a trooper and doesnt even realize she has a lump with a couple stitches. When she is reminded she says, "I have a boo-boo! The doctor made it all better and I get party when my stitches come out!!" I have no idea where she got the party idea from, but I think I like it.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Our First ER Visit
I was hoping to put this off for at least another 20 years, but apparently Jubilee had different plans.
We spent about 3 hours in the emergency room tonight resulting in 2 stitches for Juju. Yes, only two. But if you were going to count my anxiety, the tears (from both Juju and myself), and the amount of time we had to wait before even getting into the ER, you would think she had about 20 stitches.
Our mistake was rearranging the bedroom. I wanted my bed in a different spot and damn me for wanting to spruce up the bedroom a bit. I had to have Troy lift and carry out the mattress and box spring so I could clean under the bed. Dust Bunnies abound! Anyway, while the mattress and box spring were gone, Jubilee thought it was really cool to play in and around the bed frame. I should have known better, I should have paid closer attention, I should have bubble wrapped her. Right in front of my eyes, and in seemingly slow motion, I watched her trip over a pillow and slam her head into a sharp metal corner of the bed frame. She hit her forehead hard right above her eye. There was instant crying from her and instant anxiety from me. I knew it would be bad. I scooped her up and gave her to Troy while I ran to get a bandage and some alcohol to clean her wound. By the time I got back to Jubilee I realized a little Dora bandage wasnt going to cut it. Blood was pulsing from her cut, covering her hands and forehead and dripping down Troy's hand and arm. "Get in the van!", I think I remember saying. I put a paper towel over her cut and we headed for the hospital. I swear I got behind every 90 year old driver and hit every yellow light possible on the way. By the time we got there Jubilee had finished crying and most of the blood was dry. She almost looked like she was royalty at Carrie's prom. She kept looking at her hands with the dried blood on them saying, "Jelly? I got jelly on my hands?" Her cut was just oozing at this point, but I was still a mess. I was signing her in and she kept saying, "Im sorry Mommy... Im sorry." I kept telling her it wasnt her fault, and she did nothing wrong - it would all be ok. Then she said, "Dont cry Mommy, be happy. Im ok!"
My family met me at the hospital just for support I think. I was a way bigger mess than Juju was. We all watched her play in the waiting room and by the way she acted you would never have thought she was gushing blood from her forehead 30 mins before. She was saying hi to other ER patients and announcing to the them that she "had a boo-boo". Once we saw the doctor she was her usual self asking them questions and saying her normal cute things. When it was time for the stitches they burrito'd her up in a warm blanket and she thought that was pretty cool. She only cried when they gave her a few shots of the numbing agent and once those were over she calmed right down. She endured it all like such a trooper. Much better than her mommy did.
Now she is home and finally in bed. She loves to see her boo-boo in the mirror and talk about seeing the doctor. We have to go back on friday to have the stitches removed.
I still feel awful. I shouldnt have let her play around the bed frame. I should have caught her....should have ....done....something. Bad mommy.
We spent about 3 hours in the emergency room tonight resulting in 2 stitches for Juju. Yes, only two. But if you were going to count my anxiety, the tears (from both Juju and myself), and the amount of time we had to wait before even getting into the ER, you would think she had about 20 stitches.
Our mistake was rearranging the bedroom. I wanted my bed in a different spot and damn me for wanting to spruce up the bedroom a bit. I had to have Troy lift and carry out the mattress and box spring so I could clean under the bed. Dust Bunnies abound! Anyway, while the mattress and box spring were gone, Jubilee thought it was really cool to play in and around the bed frame. I should have known better, I should have paid closer attention, I should have bubble wrapped her. Right in front of my eyes, and in seemingly slow motion, I watched her trip over a pillow and slam her head into a sharp metal corner of the bed frame. She hit her forehead hard right above her eye. There was instant crying from her and instant anxiety from me. I knew it would be bad. I scooped her up and gave her to Troy while I ran to get a bandage and some alcohol to clean her wound. By the time I got back to Jubilee I realized a little Dora bandage wasnt going to cut it. Blood was pulsing from her cut, covering her hands and forehead and dripping down Troy's hand and arm. "Get in the van!", I think I remember saying. I put a paper towel over her cut and we headed for the hospital. I swear I got behind every 90 year old driver and hit every yellow light possible on the way. By the time we got there Jubilee had finished crying and most of the blood was dry. She almost looked like she was royalty at Carrie's prom. She kept looking at her hands with the dried blood on them saying, "Jelly? I got jelly on my hands?" Her cut was just oozing at this point, but I was still a mess. I was signing her in and she kept saying, "Im sorry Mommy... Im sorry." I kept telling her it wasnt her fault, and she did nothing wrong - it would all be ok. Then she said, "Dont cry Mommy, be happy. Im ok!"
My family met me at the hospital just for support I think. I was a way bigger mess than Juju was. We all watched her play in the waiting room and by the way she acted you would never have thought she was gushing blood from her forehead 30 mins before. She was saying hi to other ER patients and announcing to the them that she "had a boo-boo". Once we saw the doctor she was her usual self asking them questions and saying her normal cute things. When it was time for the stitches they burrito'd her up in a warm blanket and she thought that was pretty cool. She only cried when they gave her a few shots of the numbing agent and once those were over she calmed right down. She endured it all like such a trooper. Much better than her mommy did.
Now she is home and finally in bed. She loves to see her boo-boo in the mirror and talk about seeing the doctor. We have to go back on friday to have the stitches removed.
I still feel awful. I shouldnt have let her play around the bed frame. I should have caught her....should have ....done....something. Bad mommy.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Baby in the Oven/ Sexist Remarks
Not MY "oven"....an actual oven! http://www.local6.com/news/10723021/detail.html
What the hell?! How does someone get to the point of thinking, "I am so pissed off at my boyfriend, I think I'll just put my baby in the oven and turn it on. THAT will show him!" I dont get it. But, I guess no one really would understand if you were in your right mind.
I find myself going back and forth from thinking this woman is obviously disturbed. Even in an intoxicated state the safety of your own child would be something you held in high regard. She obviously has some sort of mental discrepancy,....right? Or is it that she is perfectly sane and just so screwed up that the very basic and natural nurturing that occurs as a mother never kicked in? I dont even know why Im trying to make sense of it. I cant.
On another subject all together, let me tell you about the sexist remarks I made - and I stand by them. Let me explain the situation, and you all can chime in on whether or not you think I was ignorant in doing so.
Today I read an article in the newspaper about a 14 year old boy convicted of molestation of a 6 year old girl. He happened to be in charge of the nursery in a local church. I thought that was ridiculous. First of all, I think 14 is way too young to be in charge of a whole nursery of children. I dont know how many kids were in there, but if I was a parent in need of the church nursery, walked in and saw one 14 year old boy - I would turn around and walk out. Secondly, I do NOT believe teenage boys (or males in general) should be in charge alone of a nursery or day care situation. Why? Not because I dont trust teenage boys or believe they arent capable of taking care of children. In fact my nephew Dylan has watched Jubilee for me numerous times and I trust him with Jubilee's life whole heartedly. I felt it was SUCH a poor choice for whoever made the decision to make this 14 year old in charge of children because statistically sexual predators are predominantly male. In a situation like a church nursery where there are not strict county/state guidelines or policy to not be alone with a child, its too easy for a case of abuse to occur. If a female were a sexual predator its much less likely to happen in a day care scenario. Again, not my opinion - just reality.
When I expressed my surprise of the article and that they chose to have a 14 year old boy in charge, my sister was appalled at my statements. She told me I was being sexist, and I suppose I was - but I stand by it. I'd rather be sexist than sorry. I wouldnt risk Jubilee's well-being and innocence to be politically correct. I would never leave her with a male I didnt know inside out....especially in a day care/nursery situation.
What do you think? Should a parent give equal opportunity no matter what? Leave your comments!
What the hell?! How does someone get to the point of thinking, "I am so pissed off at my boyfriend, I think I'll just put my baby in the oven and turn it on. THAT will show him!" I dont get it. But, I guess no one really would understand if you were in your right mind.
I find myself going back and forth from thinking this woman is obviously disturbed. Even in an intoxicated state the safety of your own child would be something you held in high regard. She obviously has some sort of mental discrepancy,....right? Or is it that she is perfectly sane and just so screwed up that the very basic and natural nurturing that occurs as a mother never kicked in? I dont even know why Im trying to make sense of it. I cant.
On another subject all together, let me tell you about the sexist remarks I made - and I stand by them. Let me explain the situation, and you all can chime in on whether or not you think I was ignorant in doing so.
Today I read an article in the newspaper about a 14 year old boy convicted of molestation of a 6 year old girl. He happened to be in charge of the nursery in a local church. I thought that was ridiculous. First of all, I think 14 is way too young to be in charge of a whole nursery of children. I dont know how many kids were in there, but if I was a parent in need of the church nursery, walked in and saw one 14 year old boy - I would turn around and walk out. Secondly, I do NOT believe teenage boys (or males in general) should be in charge alone of a nursery or day care situation. Why? Not because I dont trust teenage boys or believe they arent capable of taking care of children. In fact my nephew Dylan has watched Jubilee for me numerous times and I trust him with Jubilee's life whole heartedly. I felt it was SUCH a poor choice for whoever made the decision to make this 14 year old in charge of children because statistically sexual predators are predominantly male. In a situation like a church nursery where there are not strict county/state guidelines or policy to not be alone with a child, its too easy for a case of abuse to occur. If a female were a sexual predator its much less likely to happen in a day care scenario. Again, not my opinion - just reality.
When I expressed my surprise of the article and that they chose to have a 14 year old boy in charge, my sister was appalled at my statements. She told me I was being sexist, and I suppose I was - but I stand by it. I'd rather be sexist than sorry. I wouldnt risk Jubilee's well-being and innocence to be politically correct. I would never leave her with a male I didnt know inside out....especially in a day care/nursery situation.
What do you think? Should a parent give equal opportunity no matter what? Leave your comments!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
I Ate Steak!
Oh yes I did! I ate steak! I think it was about an ounce! .....and it was YUMMY. For those of you who do not think this is cause to celebrate - try dry-heaving every day for about 6 weeks, then eating nothing but mushy things for two weeks. Omg, it was glorious! I also ate 1/2 a deviled egg with shrimp in it. (Or 1/2 a butt-egg for you who know who you are. ;-) ) Afterwards everything settled in my tummy nicely and I felt like I had eaten Thanksgiving dinner.
It feels wonderful to live in the world of "normal" again. I am having strange and STRONG cravings though. Im sure its because Im told I "cant" have certain things yet, so I want them - just like the true rebellious girl I am. Im being good though. Mostly out of fear. For example, they say not to have soda. I quit drinking soda MONTHS before surgery and never missed it. Now, damn if I just could have a Diet Mountain Dew I would die happy! So strange to all of a sudden want something you didnt before. I also crave salad horribly bad. I can have salad, but not until Wednesday. That will make me over two months out from surgery and all solids get a green light.
Another strange thing about me since surgery is Ive become addicted to the Food Network. I guess my brain figures if I cant eat it, Im going to watch people cook it. Actually, its been quite fun. I find myself wandering the kitchen gadget aisles at Wally World and fantasizing about Pampered Chef parties. I have some really great ideas and recipes for camping this year that I cant wait to try out on my family. They are sooooo going to be my guinea pigs! (Pun intended)
Ive gotten a lot of people asking me, "So, how much have you lost??" I know people are curious and its a natural thing to ask when people see you shrink even a little bit. But honestly, I dont find myself hung up on that number as I thought I would. I dont even weigh myself very often. To me, it really is all about being healthier and getting rid of PCOS as much as I possibly can through weight loss. But, to satisfy anyone who is still curious, as of this morning I have lost exactly 50lbs. 50 pounds in 8 weeks. My weight did go up a bit as I was getting out of the hospital. Getting adequate fluids back in my body counted for about 6lbs!!
Now...if I can only remember to get all my fluids in!
It feels wonderful to live in the world of "normal" again. I am having strange and STRONG cravings though. Im sure its because Im told I "cant" have certain things yet, so I want them - just like the true rebellious girl I am. Im being good though. Mostly out of fear. For example, they say not to have soda. I quit drinking soda MONTHS before surgery and never missed it. Now, damn if I just could have a Diet Mountain Dew I would die happy! So strange to all of a sudden want something you didnt before. I also crave salad horribly bad. I can have salad, but not until Wednesday. That will make me over two months out from surgery and all solids get a green light.
Another strange thing about me since surgery is Ive become addicted to the Food Network. I guess my brain figures if I cant eat it, Im going to watch people cook it. Actually, its been quite fun. I find myself wandering the kitchen gadget aisles at Wally World and fantasizing about Pampered Chef parties. I have some really great ideas and recipes for camping this year that I cant wait to try out on my family. They are sooooo going to be my guinea pigs! (Pun intended)
Ive gotten a lot of people asking me, "So, how much have you lost??" I know people are curious and its a natural thing to ask when people see you shrink even a little bit. But honestly, I dont find myself hung up on that number as I thought I would. I dont even weigh myself very often. To me, it really is all about being healthier and getting rid of PCOS as much as I possibly can through weight loss. But, to satisfy anyone who is still curious, as of this morning I have lost exactly 50lbs. 50 pounds in 8 weeks. My weight did go up a bit as I was getting out of the hospital. Getting adequate fluids back in my body counted for about 6lbs!!
Now...if I can only remember to get all my fluids in!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Soaring Vocab
When Jubilee was a baby, there was plenty of things she was behind on according to development charts. Almost anything having to do with gross motor skills, she did late. However, talking and her vocabulary went the other direction. Her first word at 7 months was "Mom-Mom", and thats what she still calls me occasionally.
Ive written in this blog before about how its a good thing Im not too shy because she introduces me while we're in any public place:
"Hi! Im Juju. *points to me* and Mom-Mom."
Well, its only progressed from there. Now she has on-going conversations with people in the store. Even if they arent aware they are involved in the conversation. She really doesnt give them the choice:
*grumpy old man shuffles by...*
Juju: "HI!!" *pauses to wait for a response* "I have a Dora Castle!"
*grumpy old man continues to shuffle without responding or looking at Jubilee*
Juju...louder: "HI!!....HI!!...HI!!...HIIIIIIIIII!"
*grumpy old man shuffles out of sight*
This however didnt come close to deterring her. Instead she waited for two old ladies who were happy to talk to a cute little girl dressed in pink.
Old Ladies: "Oh she is so cute all in pink today!!"
Juju: "Hi! DANG you!" (This is how she pronounces Thank You....we're working on it.) "I have pink boots too!"
Old Ladies: "Why yes you do, they are pretty pink boots."
Juju: "Soooooo cute!" *pauses to adore her own boots* "IhaveadoracastledaddyputittogetherformeandIplaywith it and there is dora and dieeeeeegoooooooooooooooo!"
Old Ladies: *staring at me to interpret*
Me: "OH... she said she has a Dora Castle, and that her Dad put it together for her and she plays with it, and Dora and Diego."
Juju: "Thats my Mommy.....OF course."
Old Ladies: "Oooooh, you must be about two?"
Juju: *nodding* "I have my birthday and a party with balloons and cake."
Old Ladies: "Ooooooh you cute little thing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Me: *trying to explain its not really her birthday...* "NO...its not her...."
Juju: "ITS MY BIRTHDAY!? YAAAAAAAAY! Presentssssssssss!!!!"
Me: "No, its not your birthday..not yet...."
Juju: "YAAAAY Cake and presentsssssss!"
Jubilee is already looking forward to any occasion with cake and presents. Auntie's birthday is coming up, (my sister Holly), and Jubilee's present to Auntie is going to be a cake.....and Jubilee is making it. God help me.
Ive written in this blog before about how its a good thing Im not too shy because she introduces me while we're in any public place:
"Hi! Im Juju. *points to me* and Mom-Mom."
Well, its only progressed from there. Now she has on-going conversations with people in the store. Even if they arent aware they are involved in the conversation. She really doesnt give them the choice:
*grumpy old man shuffles by...*
Juju: "HI!!" *pauses to wait for a response* "I have a Dora Castle!"
*grumpy old man continues to shuffle without responding or looking at Jubilee*
Juju...louder: "HI!!....HI!!...HI!!...HIIIIIIIIII!"
*grumpy old man shuffles out of sight*
This however didnt come close to deterring her. Instead she waited for two old ladies who were happy to talk to a cute little girl dressed in pink.
Old Ladies: "Oh she is so cute all in pink today!!"
Juju: "Hi! DANG you!" (This is how she pronounces Thank You....we're working on it.) "I have pink boots too!"
Old Ladies: "Why yes you do, they are pretty pink boots."
Juju: "Soooooo cute!" *pauses to adore her own boots* "IhaveadoracastledaddyputittogetherformeandIplaywith it and there is dora and dieeeeeegoooooooooooooooo!"
Old Ladies: *staring at me to interpret*
Me: "OH... she said she has a Dora Castle, and that her Dad put it together for her and she plays with it, and Dora and Diego."
Juju: "Thats my Mommy.....OF course."
Old Ladies: "Oooooh, you must be about two?"
Juju: *nodding* "I have my birthday and a party with balloons and cake."
Old Ladies: "Ooooooh you cute little thing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Me: *trying to explain its not really her birthday...* "NO...its not her...."
Juju: "ITS MY BIRTHDAY!? YAAAAAAAAY! Presentssssssssss!!!!"
Me: "No, its not your birthday..not yet...."
Juju: "YAAAAY Cake and presentsssssss!"
Jubilee is already looking forward to any occasion with cake and presents. Auntie's birthday is coming up, (my sister Holly), and Jubilee's present to Auntie is going to be a cake.....and Jubilee is making it. God help me.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Storms of the Century
Ok, I know I havent lived for a century, but thats what it seems like around Western Washington lately. We usually have mild weather here...to the point of frustrating me because I lovvvvvvve the snow. One thing we always have in abudance is rain.
This year is a little different. Starting back in November we've had storm after storm! Windstorms to be exact. I could sit here and type to you all the stats - instead, I'll show you pictures:
The first picture is of one of our trees resting on the neighbors house. Thank god for insurance! That tree completely totaled the house because it smashed almost every truss in the roof. They are in process of rebuilding now, but what a pain in the heiney! The second picture is of the ginormous tree that totally uprooted in my sisters yard. It barely missed their neighbors cars. WHEW!
Thats how powerful the wind has been around here. When it blows it sounds like a freight train coming through. Windows rattle, loud thuds on the roof, sounds of trees and branches crackling and tearing apart... its like Im expecting to see my mom riding her bike past my window in the sky! (HAHAHA...sorry Mom ....I love you!)
I used to love storms of any kind...and I still love a good thunderstorm. However, once the cedar tree that sits right outside and next to Jubilee's room broke in half and landed inches from her bedroom window, Im not so hot for them anymore. THANK GOD it didnt land on her room because the angle of where the tree sits, it really should have. We also had two other trees fall over in the back yard, but they were smaller and only landed on the carport with minimal damage. So now the sound of the wind crashing through our neighborhood just creates a sense of anxiety and the immediate need to evacuate the house. We usually high-tail it to Troy's parents house where the most potentially damaging tree is a cute little apple tree.
Our yard is still covered in debris and broken branches. We are in the process of seeing if we cant get the trees removed from our yard since they seem to be destroying our neighbor's houses.
In other news, my sister-in-law Sharon had her baby. I got to be there for the delivery and help her through labor. She was amazingly strong. Its her first baby and she was in labor for 21 hours! She pushed like a pro, using all of her contractions, pushing long and hard for 2 hours! I was quite impressed. Camden Matthew was born at 11:29pm healthy as can be!
This year is a little different. Starting back in November we've had storm after storm! Windstorms to be exact. I could sit here and type to you all the stats - instead, I'll show you pictures:
The first picture is of one of our trees resting on the neighbors house. Thank god for insurance! That tree completely totaled the house because it smashed almost every truss in the roof. They are in process of rebuilding now, but what a pain in the heiney! The second picture is of the ginormous tree that totally uprooted in my sisters yard. It barely missed their neighbors cars. WHEW!
Thats how powerful the wind has been around here. When it blows it sounds like a freight train coming through. Windows rattle, loud thuds on the roof, sounds of trees and branches crackling and tearing apart... its like Im expecting to see my mom riding her bike past my window in the sky! (HAHAHA...sorry Mom ....I love you!)
I used to love storms of any kind...and I still love a good thunderstorm. However, once the cedar tree that sits right outside and next to Jubilee's room broke in half and landed inches from her bedroom window, Im not so hot for them anymore. THANK GOD it didnt land on her room because the angle of where the tree sits, it really should have. We also had two other trees fall over in the back yard, but they were smaller and only landed on the carport with minimal damage. So now the sound of the wind crashing through our neighborhood just creates a sense of anxiety and the immediate need to evacuate the house. We usually high-tail it to Troy's parents house where the most potentially damaging tree is a cute little apple tree.
Our yard is still covered in debris and broken branches. We are in the process of seeing if we cant get the trees removed from our yard since they seem to be destroying our neighbor's houses.
In other news, my sister-in-law Sharon had her baby. I got to be there for the delivery and help her through labor. She was amazingly strong. Its her first baby and she was in labor for 21 hours! She pushed like a pro, using all of her contractions, pushing long and hard for 2 hours! I was quite impressed. Camden Matthew was born at 11:29pm healthy as can be!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Pics of The Juju Bean
As promised....
Under the Christmas tree became one of Juju's favorite places to hide. Thats ok because I think she's a pretty good present!
Santa brought Jubilee some playdoh. All she asked for was a Dora Castle and playdoh. Eventually this playdoh ended up all over in my bed.
This is when she opened her Dora Castle that Auntie and Unc got her. She made sure every "Santa" she saw knew the Dora Castle is what she wanted for Christmas. She was OBSESSED with the Dora Castle. EVERY package under the tree was a Dora Castle. Didnt matter if it was little and soft like a sweater. She plays with this castle every day and tells everyone she sees about it.
This is the cowgirl outfit that Michelle and Don got Juju. Complete with Cowgirl boots! It was perfect since Meema and Papa got her a huge bouncy horse!
I was sick, but still enjoyed seeing Juju grasp the whole Santa thing on Christmas. She was so fun to watch and reminded me of Dylan at this age. She ran out to the living room when she woke up and her eyes were lit up realizing that Santa had visited. It definitely lifted my spirts as only she can.
On My Way Back
I cant tell you how great it feels to be sitting here blogging. I have felt so icky the past 7 weeks, thats even moving a limb made me nauseous. So sitting here typing and feeling normal is HUGE for me!
Just to catch you up, here's what happened... I had some complications from the surgery which made me beyond sick to my stomach 24/7. Without being too graphic, lets just say I spent most of my time dry heaving and throwing up. My new stomach just wasnt healing. In turn, I became extremely dehydrated and malnourished. I had a major deficiency of potassium and other vitamins that my body desperately needed. I became extremely weak, developed an ulcer, and I had to be hospitalized. I had a PICC line inserted. Most of the veins in my hands had been blown from all my weekly visits to the hospital for EGD's in attempts to figure out why I was so nauseated. Plus, they were giving me some heavy duty nutrition and meds that normal veins in hands could not handle. That includes about 6 different kinds of anti-nausea medication, trying to find one that worked for me. Finally, on about the 4th day, they tried Zofran. Its a medication that is normally given to chemotherapy patients - and very strong. Its so strong - and expensive - that my insurance wouldnt pay for it until we wrote letters and got my surgeon to override their rule of only a limited amount of meds in a 30 day period. Its the only thing that has kept me from dry-heaving constantly and kept me out of the hospital for the past 6 days and I am feeling sooooo much better.
In fact, I am feeling SO much better that I actually have started eating. Yesterday I had some taco soup broth and a few small bites of some potato. It all stayed down with no problem! Today Im going to try yogurt. I still havent been able to muster up the bravery to try a protein drink. (Once you see one of those come back up...you do NOT want to try again.) If I can keep taco soup down, I know I can probably keep a chocolate protein drink down. However, if any of you have had a protein drink, you know how funky they smell. That smell is enough to get the tummy churning for me, ... Baby steps.... I'll get there.
Ive had a few people ask, "Was it worth it? Are you regretting it?" Being in the hospital, being sooo sick, missing my Juju bean, and being so miserable is not worth being thin by any means. But I did this not just to lose weight and be thin.... I did it to be healthy, to break a cycle of gaining, to prevent the perils that PCOS will have eventually handed me and in the long run, yes, I think it will be worth it. The past 7 weeks of recovery has been hell. But in the grand scheme of things, 7 weeks is really a blink of an eye.
Just to catch you up, here's what happened... I had some complications from the surgery which made me beyond sick to my stomach 24/7. Without being too graphic, lets just say I spent most of my time dry heaving and throwing up. My new stomach just wasnt healing. In turn, I became extremely dehydrated and malnourished. I had a major deficiency of potassium and other vitamins that my body desperately needed. I became extremely weak, developed an ulcer, and I had to be hospitalized. I had a PICC line inserted. Most of the veins in my hands had been blown from all my weekly visits to the hospital for EGD's in attempts to figure out why I was so nauseated. Plus, they were giving me some heavy duty nutrition and meds that normal veins in hands could not handle. That includes about 6 different kinds of anti-nausea medication, trying to find one that worked for me. Finally, on about the 4th day, they tried Zofran. Its a medication that is normally given to chemotherapy patients - and very strong. Its so strong - and expensive - that my insurance wouldnt pay for it until we wrote letters and got my surgeon to override their rule of only a limited amount of meds in a 30 day period. Its the only thing that has kept me from dry-heaving constantly and kept me out of the hospital for the past 6 days and I am feeling sooooo much better.
In fact, I am feeling SO much better that I actually have started eating. Yesterday I had some taco soup broth and a few small bites of some potato. It all stayed down with no problem! Today Im going to try yogurt. I still havent been able to muster up the bravery to try a protein drink. (Once you see one of those come back up...you do NOT want to try again.) If I can keep taco soup down, I know I can probably keep a chocolate protein drink down. However, if any of you have had a protein drink, you know how funky they smell. That smell is enough to get the tummy churning for me, ... Baby steps.... I'll get there.
Ive had a few people ask, "Was it worth it? Are you regretting it?" Being in the hospital, being sooo sick, missing my Juju bean, and being so miserable is not worth being thin by any means. But I did this not just to lose weight and be thin.... I did it to be healthy, to break a cycle of gaining, to prevent the perils that PCOS will have eventually handed me and in the long run, yes, I think it will be worth it. The past 7 weeks of recovery has been hell. But in the grand scheme of things, 7 weeks is really a blink of an eye.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
A Quick Note of Thanks...
I just wanted to post a thank you to everyone for your emails. Its good to know when I go missing, Im missed.
In short, Ive been really sick due to complications from the surgery. Nothing major, and nothing that wont eventually heal. However, this is why weight loss surgery is to be used as a LAST resort - there are complications. After surgery I got extremely dehydrated and malnourished due to chronic nausea. After a brief stay in the hospital, I am back home again and healing. Hopefully that problem has been resolved and I will be back to feeling normal soon - and therefore blogging more.
Thanks again for your well wishes....and keep those prayers coming!
In short, Ive been really sick due to complications from the surgery. Nothing major, and nothing that wont eventually heal. However, this is why weight loss surgery is to be used as a LAST resort - there are complications. After surgery I got extremely dehydrated and malnourished due to chronic nausea. After a brief stay in the hospital, I am back home again and healing. Hopefully that problem has been resolved and I will be back to feeling normal soon - and therefore blogging more.
Thanks again for your well wishes....and keep those prayers coming!
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