Things have been crazy in the land of Musick:) I'm sure it's been no different for any of you! I'm 32 weeks along now and have had a relatively uneventful pregnancy!! You just don't know how wonderful that is unless you've seen the other side!
We're having another girl:) We've decided on Brennan Hope for the name and can't wait to hold her!! Emma's starting to realize things are about to change and it's been a little interesting around the house lately. Couple that with an overworked daddy and an exhausted mommy and WOW! She's pushing her boundaries like crazy and pushing mommy's buttons at the same time! We have the exact same personalities and that's no good at all:/ But she's also very sweet and has become more loving and cuddly during this time period, too:) So that helps!
Last weekend was a big nesting weekend: set up the crib, put in the new bedding, washed all of Emma's clothes 0-12 months that we had saved... Stu's going to go crazy if I hold up one more newborn outfit and say "can you believe Emma was ever this small??!?" I'm curious to see what happens with this baby. I was 5 days late and induced with Emma. My body seems so much weaker with this pregnancy. Given the chemo recovery and the 20 extra pounds that have gone on between Emma's pregnancy and this one, I'm guessing that's normal? Who knows. I'm not going to be too surprised, though, if Brennan comes a little early or at least on time. Stu thinks I'm nuts (shocking, I know:) but I even washed the cover for the infant car seat and I'm getting the diaper bag ready:) Yes, I know I still have 2 months. Doesn't hurt to be ready!
After the 4D sonogram, I allowed it all to be real. Up until that point I was still reserved and trying not to get to excited, just in case something was about to hit. But at that 4D sono, we literally got to see her face:) She smiled twice, made a little smirk, looked like she was blowing bubbles, it was wonderful!!!! After that appointment, there was no more "if" and only "when":) Also after that appointment, our bank account went into shock because I started buying up a storm!!! Yay!!
I make no promises to post again before the baby, since the holidays are almost upon us and I'm going into overdrive at work getting things ready for my maternity leave. I'll be sure to try to post some pics, though, as soon as she gets here!! Pray for a continued uneventful pregnancy and a pain-free and easy delivery:) HA! I'm seriously more scared of the IV than of anything else delivery related:/ BBBBBAAAADDDDD experiences with those guys:/
Have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas, if I don't check in before that!!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
God Answers Prayers!!
Well, unbeknownst to me, I was three weeks pregnant at the writing of my last post:) I'll be 9 weeks on Saturday and we are so excited!!!! We had a sonogram today and everything looks perfect! We saw the little flutter of a heart beat and even got to hear it! I almost jumped off the table when I heard that sound...it's been too long!! I completely wasn't expecting to hear it this soon, but I'm so glad we got to!! Our due date is New Year's Eve:) So we'll either try to have a tax deduction or the first baby of 2012:) We'll see!
Continued prayers are appreciated! I'm crazy tired and not too sick, just kind of comes in waves. I feel worse with this pregnancy than I did with Emma, so Stu's convinced it's a boy. Although he also thought the baby looked like ET in the sono this morning, so what does he know:):) I think timing-wise we should be able to have the big reveal sono the last week of July or so, right around Fish Camp. I'm just riding out the sick phase so I can really enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. We're about 98% sure this will be our last reproductive attempt:) Four pregnancies in 3 years is quite enough for me!! God's in control, but that's what we're thinking currently.
That's all I've got for now, just keep praying that this little baby will keep growing and stay healthy! And that I'll get my energy back so Emma can have a mommy for the next 7 months!! Speaking of Emma, she's doing great! We're trying to explain to her about the "little bitty baby in mommy's tummy" and why she can't use me as a trampoline anymore:) She's not quite getting it, but she's getting closer. She's a sweetie and getting bigger everyday!!
Thanks for checking in and keep the prayers coming! Have a great summer!
Continued prayers are appreciated! I'm crazy tired and not too sick, just kind of comes in waves. I feel worse with this pregnancy than I did with Emma, so Stu's convinced it's a boy. Although he also thought the baby looked like ET in the sono this morning, so what does he know:):) I think timing-wise we should be able to have the big reveal sono the last week of July or so, right around Fish Camp. I'm just riding out the sick phase so I can really enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. We're about 98% sure this will be our last reproductive attempt:) Four pregnancies in 3 years is quite enough for me!! God's in control, but that's what we're thinking currently.
That's all I've got for now, just keep praying that this little baby will keep growing and stay healthy! And that I'll get my energy back so Emma can have a mommy for the next 7 months!! Speaking of Emma, she's doing great! We're trying to explain to her about the "little bitty baby in mommy's tummy" and why she can't use me as a trampoline anymore:) She's not quite getting it, but she's getting closer. She's a sweetie and getting bigger everyday!!
Thanks for checking in and keep the prayers coming! Have a great summer!
Friday, April 15, 2011
All is Well
Just wanted to drop in and let everyone know that my baby girl is two years old and I have officially been given the all clear from the oncologist!! No more appointments and I'm turned back over to my regular ob!!! He even said that I wouldn't be considered "high risk." if we get pregnant again! We'll just be monitored more closely, more sonos and blood work than a normal person, etc. But still, that's great news!!! I can't believe it's all done:) I sat in my recliner the other night and read back through all the posts...we've come so far. I know I've been a complete blogger slacker lately, and by lately I mean at least six months, but I'm so glad I set this whole thing up. I'd forgotten some things. And, if you didn't notice, I'm pretty funny when I'm unbelievably bitter:):) There was some good stuff in there!! Stu and I are moving on and are sticking with our decision to try for one more baby. Please pray for peace, a calm spirit, patience and that God's will be done. Especially if said will includes a quick pregnancy with no complications and a guarantee that we actually get to bring a baby home this time!! It's not too much to ask, right??? :) Emma Jewel is TWO YEARS OLD!!!!!!! It's mind boggling to even think about!! She's counting to 14 these days, singing songs, playing dress up, mastering iPhone use, learning Spanish, driving the car, perfecting calculus...well, you get the idea! Gifted, friends, gifted!! No is her favorite word and the magnitude of fit throwing is daily growing greater, but we're working through all that:) She's still adorable and those blue eyes seem to get bigger everyday:) We had a birthday party for her last weekend and it was a hit!! I felt cheated and like I'd cheated her last year that I was sick and couldn't throw her a big first birthday party. I'm fully aware that she won't remember this stuff, but I will. I went a little overboard for her party this year, but Stu let me because I pulled the "cancer" card:) We had a bounce house and all kinds of fun stuff!! She played so hard and laughed and laughed:):) I loved it!!!! I'm so thankful for her. Everyday something else about her changes. She's growing up second by second!! Stu and I are busy wrapping up the end of the school year and I'm heading full force into summer stuff at the church. I'm trying not to be overwhelmed, and I'm failing miserably:) It'll all get done...it always does. Well, I'm off to bed. Hopefully, soon I'll have some exciting news and y'all can help pray me through it! Hope everyone is doing well:)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Lightning Fast...
Happy 21 months, Emma Jewel!!!
21 reasons why your Mommy loves you:)
1. You fought your way out of the battlefield that is my womb, and we actually got to see your sweet face!!
2. Your beautiful blue eyes that light up when you see me and your Daddy.
3. The way you go half out of your mind with excitement when you hear the Dora theme song:)
4. How you've become quite the parrot, imitating and learning as you go.
5. The way you are starting to let me cuddle with you.
6. Your sweet, slobbery kisses:)
7. How you want to "reat" books all the time...you're going to be valedictorian! Scholarships, baby!!
8. How you sing in the car and dance when I turn to look at you:)
9. I love your sweet, toothy grin.
10. I love how I can make you laugh until you can't hardly breathe!
11. I love that God chose to bless me with you, knowing that there would be others that would be taken.
12. I love the smell of your hair after a "bap", lavender shampoo is awesome!
13. I love how every brown meat is a "cheese dog" to you:)
14. How you've started to say "eye-ugh-oo" when we tell you we love you.
15. The way you are so sweet with other babies. I really hope we can make you a big sister one day!
16. How you tell every person in a restaurant "bye bye" when they stand up to leave (and you don't stop til they smile!)
17. The way we can't walk through a Wal-Mart without making someone's day...you've thought you were in a parade since day one:)
18. I love that your hair is almost the same color as mine!!!
19. I love that you've started to like holding my hand, even when we're just walking around the house:)
20. I love that you like to twirl my hair when you drink your milk and that you twirl yours when you're going to sleep.
21. I love that our family isn't complete without you.
Emma Jewel, I'm so lucky to be your momma. Be patient with me as I heal and try to forget all the cranky, moodiness that has been the last 12 months. It's going to get better, baby girl. I love you!!
21 reasons why your Mommy loves you:)
1. You fought your way out of the battlefield that is my womb, and we actually got to see your sweet face!!
2. Your beautiful blue eyes that light up when you see me and your Daddy.
3. The way you go half out of your mind with excitement when you hear the Dora theme song:)
4. How you've become quite the parrot, imitating and learning as you go.
5. The way you are starting to let me cuddle with you.
6. Your sweet, slobbery kisses:)
7. How you want to "reat" books all the time...you're going to be valedictorian! Scholarships, baby!!
8. How you sing in the car and dance when I turn to look at you:)
9. I love your sweet, toothy grin.
10. I love how I can make you laugh until you can't hardly breathe!
11. I love that God chose to bless me with you, knowing that there would be others that would be taken.
12. I love the smell of your hair after a "bap", lavender shampoo is awesome!
13. I love how every brown meat is a "cheese dog" to you:)
14. How you've started to say "eye-ugh-oo" when we tell you we love you.
15. The way you are so sweet with other babies. I really hope we can make you a big sister one day!
16. How you tell every person in a restaurant "bye bye" when they stand up to leave (and you don't stop til they smile!)
17. The way we can't walk through a Wal-Mart without making someone's day...you've thought you were in a parade since day one:)
18. I love that your hair is almost the same color as mine!!!
19. I love that you've started to like holding my hand, even when we're just walking around the house:)
20. I love that you like to twirl my hair when you drink your milk and that you twirl yours when you're going to sleep.
21. I love that our family isn't complete without you.
Emma Jewel, I'm so lucky to be your momma. Be patient with me as I heal and try to forget all the cranky, moodiness that has been the last 12 months. It's going to get better, baby girl. I love you!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
Friends, I'm a brand new person. We had a great Christmas with family and ended our break with a "Mommy/Daddy only" trip to Dallas for New Year's! It was what both Stu and I needed to end this CRAZY year! Emma stayed with Nana and PawPaw in Eustace and we hit the road!!! We missed her, but I gotta be honest, it was stinkin' glorious to wake up, not just one but two mornings, whenever the heck I wanted!!!! Ahhhhh:)
I have purposed in my heart that I am healed and moving on. No more anger. No more bitterness. No more fighting with God. It's 2011 and anything's possible. Stu bought me a chronological Bible for Christmas and I am determined to stick with the plan to read it all the way through this year. If you knew how dark I've been inside for the past year or so, you'd know just how big a deal that is. Music is about the only way I'd allow the Lord to speak to me and heal me. Prayer was tough and reading the Bible was even harder. Those of you that attend Immanuel, know this, as I've yet to make it two consecutive Sundays without flat losing it during worship! There is no more naked and authentic place for me than on that stage Sunday mornings. I can run and hide all week long, but He always finds me there. I believe with all my heart that God never abandoned me and that He has always had my purpose in place. I know that ultimately the events of this past year have and will continue to give Him glory. I have repeated these things out loud and in my head like a mantra and they are taking finally root in my heart.
Who knows what this year will bring. I hope, with all that is in within me, that 2011 brings a healthy pregnancy and one last baby that we actually get to bring home. I hope for no complications and a 20 minute and pain-free delivery:) I hope that Emma is out of diapers and knows how to put others in them by the time this happens:) I hope that Stu and I grow closer to each other and to the Lord. I hope that we can initiate the get-out-of-debt plan we came up with this fall and that it will be effective. I hope that those that I love are healthy, happy and unimaginably blessed. I hope that God would revive my passion for my ministry and give me fresh ideas and guidance. Hope is a powerful thing. I believe it's what helps us abandon everything that holds us back, grab ahold of God and just cling to Him for dear life.
Have hope this year. Believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that your hand is in His, and He's not letting go. No matter where you go and what you go through, He has promised to stay with you. That, my friends, is what hope is all about.
I have purposed in my heart that I am healed and moving on. No more anger. No more bitterness. No more fighting with God. It's 2011 and anything's possible. Stu bought me a chronological Bible for Christmas and I am determined to stick with the plan to read it all the way through this year. If you knew how dark I've been inside for the past year or so, you'd know just how big a deal that is. Music is about the only way I'd allow the Lord to speak to me and heal me. Prayer was tough and reading the Bible was even harder. Those of you that attend Immanuel, know this, as I've yet to make it two consecutive Sundays without flat losing it during worship! There is no more naked and authentic place for me than on that stage Sunday mornings. I can run and hide all week long, but He always finds me there. I believe with all my heart that God never abandoned me and that He has always had my purpose in place. I know that ultimately the events of this past year have and will continue to give Him glory. I have repeated these things out loud and in my head like a mantra and they are taking finally root in my heart.
Who knows what this year will bring. I hope, with all that is in within me, that 2011 brings a healthy pregnancy and one last baby that we actually get to bring home. I hope for no complications and a 20 minute and pain-free delivery:) I hope that Emma is out of diapers and knows how to put others in them by the time this happens:) I hope that Stu and I grow closer to each other and to the Lord. I hope that we can initiate the get-out-of-debt plan we came up with this fall and that it will be effective. I hope that those that I love are healthy, happy and unimaginably blessed. I hope that God would revive my passion for my ministry and give me fresh ideas and guidance. Hope is a powerful thing. I believe it's what helps us abandon everything that holds us back, grab ahold of God and just cling to Him for dear life.
Have hope this year. Believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that your hand is in His, and He's not letting go. No matter where you go and what you go through, He has promised to stay with you. That, my friends, is what hope is all about.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Light at the End of the Tunnel
We had our second to last doctor's appointment at Schumpert on Wednesday:) My blood levels are normal and everything is still looking good. My last appointment is April 4, 2011!!! Just have to make it until then and WE'RE DONE WITH THE MOLAR PREGNANCY!!!! I can't tell you how much weight was lifted off when we left that office with an official end date.
It's been a rough several months. I think the grief and exhaustion from everything that happened this spring just hit. I had a week or two of random uncontrollable crying. I was just so tired all the time. I took a week off from work and I stopped taking the birth control pills that were a daily, painful reminder that I was trapped in this sickness until April. I accepted the fact that my life is not my own and that God's plan is perfect, even when it hurts so bad I can hardly stand it. It still hurts. Every time I raise my left arm, I will have a scar to remind me of the child that I lost and the cancer that loss caused.
One of the most important things I've learned through this is that my husband is the strongest, most sensitive and amazing man on the planet. He was there for every appointment, every chemo treatment and every tear. God has blessed me more than I will ever deserve with this man. I love you, Stuart Andrew Musick. I've also learned how important it is to have a strong support system. Our family, friends and church have made this whole process bearable. We are so thankful to each one of you.
Knowledge and faith that God is in control is the only way we can not only survive, but flourish, in this life. His plan is perfect. I've gone round and round with Him throughout my life, especially this year, but I am not in control. He has my best at heart.
I'm still going through the emotional cycle of this whole situation, but it's getting better. A whole lot better now that the end is in sight!! Thanks for the prayers and support through all of this! Hope you are all doing well:)
It's been a rough several months. I think the grief and exhaustion from everything that happened this spring just hit. I had a week or two of random uncontrollable crying. I was just so tired all the time. I took a week off from work and I stopped taking the birth control pills that were a daily, painful reminder that I was trapped in this sickness until April. I accepted the fact that my life is not my own and that God's plan is perfect, even when it hurts so bad I can hardly stand it. It still hurts. Every time I raise my left arm, I will have a scar to remind me of the child that I lost and the cancer that loss caused.
One of the most important things I've learned through this is that my husband is the strongest, most sensitive and amazing man on the planet. He was there for every appointment, every chemo treatment and every tear. God has blessed me more than I will ever deserve with this man. I love you, Stuart Andrew Musick. I've also learned how important it is to have a strong support system. Our family, friends and church have made this whole process bearable. We are so thankful to each one of you.
Knowledge and faith that God is in control is the only way we can not only survive, but flourish, in this life. His plan is perfect. I've gone round and round with Him throughout my life, especially this year, but I am not in control. He has my best at heart.
I'm still going through the emotional cycle of this whole situation, but it's getting better. A whole lot better now that the end is in sight!! Thanks for the prayers and support through all of this! Hope you are all doing well:)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Whew...
Since my last post we have packed up our belongings and moved a mile down the road, started school(s), become landlords, taken Emma to the ER for a virus that made her throw up 8 times in two hours, gone through what is hopefully the worst part of this round of teething and welcomed a new nephew into the world!! My sister, Shannon, had a three hour labor and didn't have to endure the last 11 days of her pregnancy...UGH!!!!! It's just not right:) Michael Paul is here though and he's a cutie. Emma and I are heading down to Mexico (Floresville, TX) soon to go visit. We might have our other sister, Joanna, and her son, Korban (two months older than Emma) with us...and Joanna is 8ish months pregnant! I plan on a 8 hr trip that will last at least 10 with hundreds of goldfish and potty stops!!! We'll see what happens:)
Emma's in school!!! She started "This I Know" Day School a week late due to the virus but she's got one week (Tuesday/Thursday) under her belt and she's a pro! It's been so much fun to have her up there with me:) I can swing by her class and give her a hug and kiss and then put her back down and she goes and plays with her friends with minimal drama!! Yay! I'm pretty excited about getting little craft projects and things with her hand prints on them that she made at school...she's such a big girl!! She's talking a ton now saying "peas" and "taint too" (please and thank you), "hahwoah" and "bye bye" when my phone rings and when I start to wrap up the conversation. She says Dada and Mama all the time and she loves to dance! Books are her new favorite toy and she knows where her toes, nose, ears and eyes are! Gifted and talented, my friends, gifted and talented!!!! When the teething demons don't have a hold of her, she is a precious, happy little girl!! She loves to laugh!
Stu and I are still just trying to keep our heads above water. With moving, school(s) starting back up and all that comes along with that, we've been busy! I think it's fixing to start slowing down a little, or at least we're starting to get used to this season of chaos:) My next doctor's appt. is the Monday before Thanksgiving, so hopefully everything will continue to go well with that. I'm so ready to be through with all this!!!!! In April, my doc said that I'd be considered well one year past my last chemo treatment. That was April 1st. I got my appt. schedule in the mail a couple of weeks ago and it had my last appt. scheduled for May 23rd. Gotta tell you....I'm done April 1st. That's what he said from the beginning and that's what I'm sticking with. No way I'm having this hang over my head an extra almost 2 months because he took vacation in June and messed up my appt. schedule. I know it sounds crazy but my mental health depends on me being through with this on April 1st!!!!!!! Until you've been through this yourself, it's hard to understand.
Well, Emma finally went to sleep for her nap and I need to jump in the shower before she wakes up. We've got a big night tonight! The first Waskom HS home football game is tonight and we're going into it 1-0!!! For a team that went 0-10 last season, this is big stuff!!! Should be crowded and crazy!! This is my first football game with Emma mobile, so if you think about it, say a prayer for me!! We're going to try to make it through half time...we'll see!!
Hope all is well with all of you!
Emma's in school!!! She started "This I Know" Day School a week late due to the virus but she's got one week (Tuesday/Thursday) under her belt and she's a pro! It's been so much fun to have her up there with me:) I can swing by her class and give her a hug and kiss and then put her back down and she goes and plays with her friends with minimal drama!! Yay! I'm pretty excited about getting little craft projects and things with her hand prints on them that she made at school...she's such a big girl!! She's talking a ton now saying "peas" and "taint too" (please and thank you), "hahwoah" and "bye bye" when my phone rings and when I start to wrap up the conversation. She says Dada and Mama all the time and she loves to dance! Books are her new favorite toy and she knows where her toes, nose, ears and eyes are! Gifted and talented, my friends, gifted and talented!!!! When the teething demons don't have a hold of her, she is a precious, happy little girl!! She loves to laugh!
Stu and I are still just trying to keep our heads above water. With moving, school(s) starting back up and all that comes along with that, we've been busy! I think it's fixing to start slowing down a little, or at least we're starting to get used to this season of chaos:) My next doctor's appt. is the Monday before Thanksgiving, so hopefully everything will continue to go well with that. I'm so ready to be through with all this!!!!! In April, my doc said that I'd be considered well one year past my last chemo treatment. That was April 1st. I got my appt. schedule in the mail a couple of weeks ago and it had my last appt. scheduled for May 23rd. Gotta tell you....I'm done April 1st. That's what he said from the beginning and that's what I'm sticking with. No way I'm having this hang over my head an extra almost 2 months because he took vacation in June and messed up my appt. schedule. I know it sounds crazy but my mental health depends on me being through with this on April 1st!!!!!!! Until you've been through this yourself, it's hard to understand.
Well, Emma finally went to sleep for her nap and I need to jump in the shower before she wakes up. We've got a big night tonight! The first Waskom HS home football game is tonight and we're going into it 1-0!!! For a team that went 0-10 last season, this is big stuff!!! Should be crowded and crazy!! This is my first football game with Emma mobile, so if you think about it, say a prayer for me!! We're going to try to make it through half time...we'll see!!
Hope all is well with all of you!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Remember Me??
Since I haven't been on here in about 2 1/2 decades I thought I'd breeze by and give everyone an update!
1. Saw Dr. Owers today and he said that if my labs come back normal today that I only have to see him/get labs done every 3 months!! November, January, April and...it must be said...I hope I never see the lovely people at Schumpert again!!!!
2. The port is out of my arm as of a week ago!! Still looks pretty nasty, but IT'S GONE!!!!!!! I already feel more normal:) (Insert sanity joke here:)
3. Speaking of sanity...WE'RE MOVING!!! It's a good thing there's nothing going on right now, too. I mean really, can you imagine if we tried to move an entire household right at the beginning of school, with everything starting back up again??? UUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!
4. The house did not sell and we're taking it off the market temporarily. We have a great situation through a friend that will allow us to rent a house for next to nothing so we can save and pay medical bills. In turn we are helping out a wonderful couple and their two little ones by renting them our house, since their landlord sold theirs out from under them! God's timing was perfect on all that!
5. Emma is fabulous and INTO EVERYTHING!!!! We tried to move her room last night with her and I'm tellin' you it was more traumatic than childbirth!!!!! It didn't help that it is HOTTER THAN THE FACE OF THE SUN outside, and inside the house, too, for that matter!!!!!! Would've been helpful to go ahead of time and crank the AC:)
6. Stu is up to his eyeballs in new school year stuff. New teacher in service started today, so I'm sure that was fun. All teachers start Monday, which was supposed to be the same day that we had all the teachers over to our house for a party...I'm tellin' you again...we are not right...but that was moved to another location. He's wonderful and you should all be praying for him as he deals with a stressed out me for the next few weeks!
7. Fish Camp was a success, 6 salvations and many other decisions:) I finally got everything put up this week and have gotten started on all my Day School teacher training for IBC and FBC Eustace. I'm a traveling trainer this year:) Hope their expectations aren't too high:):)
I've got to go pick up Emma Jewel now so I'll sign out. I'll say that I won't go as long next time with out checking in, but I make no promises!! Did I mention we're moving?!?!!?
1. Saw Dr. Owers today and he said that if my labs come back normal today that I only have to see him/get labs done every 3 months!! November, January, April and...it must be said...I hope I never see the lovely people at Schumpert again!!!!
2. The port is out of my arm as of a week ago!! Still looks pretty nasty, but IT'S GONE!!!!!!! I already feel more normal:) (Insert sanity joke here:)
3. Speaking of sanity...WE'RE MOVING!!! It's a good thing there's nothing going on right now, too. I mean really, can you imagine if we tried to move an entire household right at the beginning of school, with everything starting back up again??? UUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!
4. The house did not sell and we're taking it off the market temporarily. We have a great situation through a friend that will allow us to rent a house for next to nothing so we can save and pay medical bills. In turn we are helping out a wonderful couple and their two little ones by renting them our house, since their landlord sold theirs out from under them! God's timing was perfect on all that!
5. Emma is fabulous and INTO EVERYTHING!!!! We tried to move her room last night with her and I'm tellin' you it was more traumatic than childbirth!!!!! It didn't help that it is HOTTER THAN THE FACE OF THE SUN outside, and inside the house, too, for that matter!!!!!! Would've been helpful to go ahead of time and crank the AC:)
6. Stu is up to his eyeballs in new school year stuff. New teacher in service started today, so I'm sure that was fun. All teachers start Monday, which was supposed to be the same day that we had all the teachers over to our house for a party...I'm tellin' you again...we are not right...but that was moved to another location. He's wonderful and you should all be praying for him as he deals with a stressed out me for the next few weeks!
7. Fish Camp was a success, 6 salvations and many other decisions:) I finally got everything put up this week and have gotten started on all my Day School teacher training for IBC and FBC Eustace. I'm a traveling trainer this year:) Hope their expectations aren't too high:):)
I've got to go pick up Emma Jewel now so I'll sign out. I'll say that I won't go as long next time with out checking in, but I make no promises!! Did I mention we're moving?!?!!?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Worth the Wait
My handsome man, waiting for me to come down the aisle!
Me in the dress:) 
The rehearsal cake that Stu's mom, Helen, had made for us.This is what the front of our invitations looked like!
Today is Stu and my 3rd anniversary, which means that as of today we have known each other three years and seven and half months:) What a fantastic whirlwind it has been! His last baseball uniform number was 38, so here are 38 reasons why I have the best, most wonderful husband in the world...
1. His kind eyes.
2. His patience...and let me tell you, I have tested it!!!!
3. His sensitivity, to me and every new experience he takes in.
4. The way he lights up at every new thing Emma does.
5. His ferocious love for me and his need to protect me.
6. His drive to be the very best at whatever he does.
7. His smile:)
8. The fun last name he gave me! Seriously, I get comments all the time!!
9. His strength. When I have none and just need to collapse, he always catches me.
10. He takes his role of provider seriously, not only financially, but emotionally, too.
11. He can't say no to me:)
12. He has learned so much through his life experiences and strives to help others not have to go through what he has gone through.
13. He has a passion for being the man that God wants him to be.
14. He likes to be spontanuous...yes, I spelled that right:) He'll understand:)
15. He thinks I'm hilarious!
16. I can completely be myself with him, warts and all. In my line of work there aren't very many people I can be like that with, so that's a huge blessing!!!
17. He always looks at the positive, sometimes this drives me crazy, but I love him for it!
18. He has a desire to make people, adults and his students, better. He pushes them to succeed.
19. He listens to me when I need to vent.
20. He asks my opinion on situations in his professional life and actually respects what I have to say about it.
21. He has held my hand through so many doctor's appointments that didn't go the way we'd hoped and cried with me when we were alone in the room.
22. He is the best father in the world and I love how Emma lights up when she sees him.
23. He went dress shopping for me for Mother's Day because he knows I hate shopping and got me 6 dresses and 4 of them actually fit!!!
24. He wants me and Emma to have the very best.
25. He loves his parents and his respect for them is evident.
26. He understands my iPhone addiction and lets me play my games when I just need a brain escape!
27. He thinks I can do anything and sometimes even makes me believe I can!
28. He's a hottie:)
29. He loves and puts up with my family! His first Thanksgiving with us he actually showered and got dressed, with shoes even!! He quickly learned that bathing is optional at holidays and that we maybe change out of our pj's once the entire week:)
30. He likes to dress nice. This is still a mystery to me, the jeans and t-shirt girl, but it's fun that he takes pride in looking good.
31. He loves taking road trips with me.
32. He loves having deep conversations about our future, where we are, where we'll be, how we're going to get there.
33. He likes to dance and act like a goofball:)
34. I love how sometimes he just needs to hold me for a little while.
35. I love that his ring tone for me is the song that was playing when he first saw me in my wedding dress.
36. He takes pride in his chosen profession and tries to cram his head full of as much information, policy, law and whatever so he can be everything he needs to be for his teachers and kids.
37. He came into my life and, not only fit, but flourished. Everybody loves him!!!!
38. He makes me want to be the best person I can be for him and our family.
I love you, Sparky. You make me so happy and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us next...hopefully we're done with the medical drama, but even if not, I know we'll get through it together. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for 3 amazing years and a beautiful baby girl:) You're the best one!!! I love you!!!!! Your baby:)
1. His kind eyes.
2. His patience...and let me tell you, I have tested it!!!!
3. His sensitivity, to me and every new experience he takes in.
4. The way he lights up at every new thing Emma does.
5. His ferocious love for me and his need to protect me.
6. His drive to be the very best at whatever he does.
7. His smile:)
8. The fun last name he gave me! Seriously, I get comments all the time!!
9. His strength. When I have none and just need to collapse, he always catches me.
10. He takes his role of provider seriously, not only financially, but emotionally, too.
11. He can't say no to me:)
12. He has learned so much through his life experiences and strives to help others not have to go through what he has gone through.
13. He has a passion for being the man that God wants him to be.
14. He likes to be spontanuous...yes, I spelled that right:) He'll understand:)
15. He thinks I'm hilarious!
16. I can completely be myself with him, warts and all. In my line of work there aren't very many people I can be like that with, so that's a huge blessing!!!
17. He always looks at the positive, sometimes this drives me crazy, but I love him for it!
18. He has a desire to make people, adults and his students, better. He pushes them to succeed.
19. He listens to me when I need to vent.
20. He asks my opinion on situations in his professional life and actually respects what I have to say about it.
21. He has held my hand through so many doctor's appointments that didn't go the way we'd hoped and cried with me when we were alone in the room.
22. He is the best father in the world and I love how Emma lights up when she sees him.
23. He went dress shopping for me for Mother's Day because he knows I hate shopping and got me 6 dresses and 4 of them actually fit!!!
24. He wants me and Emma to have the very best.
25. He loves his parents and his respect for them is evident.
26. He understands my iPhone addiction and lets me play my games when I just need a brain escape!
27. He thinks I can do anything and sometimes even makes me believe I can!
28. He's a hottie:)
29. He loves and puts up with my family! His first Thanksgiving with us he actually showered and got dressed, with shoes even!! He quickly learned that bathing is optional at holidays and that we maybe change out of our pj's once the entire week:)
30. He likes to dress nice. This is still a mystery to me, the jeans and t-shirt girl, but it's fun that he takes pride in looking good.
31. He loves taking road trips with me.
32. He loves having deep conversations about our future, where we are, where we'll be, how we're going to get there.
33. He likes to dance and act like a goofball:)
34. I love how sometimes he just needs to hold me for a little while.
35. I love that his ring tone for me is the song that was playing when he first saw me in my wedding dress.
36. He takes pride in his chosen profession and tries to cram his head full of as much information, policy, law and whatever so he can be everything he needs to be for his teachers and kids.
37. He came into my life and, not only fit, but flourished. Everybody loves him!!!!
38. He makes me want to be the best person I can be for him and our family.
I love you, Sparky. You make me so happy and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us next...hopefully we're done with the medical drama, but even if not, I know we'll get through it together. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for 3 amazing years and a beautiful baby girl:) You're the best one!!! I love you!!!!! Your baby:)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"And These are the Days of our Lives..."
1. Stu passed his state superintendent certification test!! My man's an overachiever!!
2. I can't breathe through my nose, but at least I'm not sneezing every 15 minutes, so there's that:)
3. Emma is walking and already beginning her "selective hearing." If I said, "Emma, no" or "Emma, please don't" once tonight, I've said it a million times!!
4. My next appointment is in two weeks and I'm praying the port doesn't work when they try to draw blood with it so I've got a legitimate reason to tell them to TAKE IT OUT!!!!!!
5. I'm truly sorry for all the people that the gulf oil spill is effecting their livelihood...and am TICKED that it looks like it's going to mess up our vacation to Gulf Shores!
6. I'm washing, drying and folding consecutive loads of laundry for the first time in probably two weeks.
7. No matter how hard we try, there is AT ALL TIMES at least one dirty bottle in the sink. And Emma's on cow's milk now, so it'd probably be wise for us to rinse the bottles out before letting them sit in the sink for days. WOW!!!!!
8. At an SFA baseball game, almost a month ago, I got a pretty good sunburn, WHILE SITTING IN THE SHADE!!!!! and it's still red and just now peeling. Ugh.
9. We had to spend two nights away from Stu last weekend (he had to go to Austin for state One Act Play) and Emma and I both got sick. In related news, Stu is never allowed to leave again.
10. Emma is the most adorable baby girl I have ever laid eyes on:)...and she has an unnatural obsession with ham. That girl can chow down!!!!
11. I've lost 10 pounds this past month...6 of them came from this past weekend when I was sick, kinda cheating but I'll take it!
12. We only have 3 more Day School days: 1 field trip, 1 water day and 1 pizza party/Pre-K graduation/end of the year program. Whew. Let's go out with a bang (and a bottle of Aleve), shall we??
13. Stu bought me 6 dresses for Mother's Day. He knows I'm a terrible shopper and 4 out of 6 of them even fit!!! BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.
On that happy note, I will will end this delightful post:) Have a fabulous weekend!!!
2. I can't breathe through my nose, but at least I'm not sneezing every 15 minutes, so there's that:)
3. Emma is walking and already beginning her "selective hearing." If I said, "Emma, no" or "Emma, please don't" once tonight, I've said it a million times!!
4. My next appointment is in two weeks and I'm praying the port doesn't work when they try to draw blood with it so I've got a legitimate reason to tell them to TAKE IT OUT!!!!!!
5. I'm truly sorry for all the people that the gulf oil spill is effecting their livelihood...and am TICKED that it looks like it's going to mess up our vacation to Gulf Shores!
6. I'm washing, drying and folding consecutive loads of laundry for the first time in probably two weeks.
7. No matter how hard we try, there is AT ALL TIMES at least one dirty bottle in the sink. And Emma's on cow's milk now, so it'd probably be wise for us to rinse the bottles out before letting them sit in the sink for days. WOW!!!!!
8. At an SFA baseball game, almost a month ago, I got a pretty good sunburn, WHILE SITTING IN THE SHADE!!!!! and it's still red and just now peeling. Ugh.
9. We had to spend two nights away from Stu last weekend (he had to go to Austin for state One Act Play) and Emma and I both got sick. In related news, Stu is never allowed to leave again.
10. Emma is the most adorable baby girl I have ever laid eyes on:)...and she has an unnatural obsession with ham. That girl can chow down!!!!
11. I've lost 10 pounds this past month...6 of them came from this past weekend when I was sick, kinda cheating but I'll take it!
12. We only have 3 more Day School days: 1 field trip, 1 water day and 1 pizza party/Pre-K graduation/end of the year program. Whew. Let's go out with a bang (and a bottle of Aleve), shall we??
13. Stu bought me 6 dresses for Mother's Day. He knows I'm a terrible shopper and 4 out of 6 of them even fit!!! BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.
On that happy note, I will will end this delightful post:) Have a fabulous weekend!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Melon Head and Still Lookin' Normal
My baby has a melon head. I've been keenly aware of this since her birthing experience, but now it's a documented medical fact. 97th percentile on head size!!!! WOW!!!! 95th on height and 70th on weight. Goodness gracious!! It's a wonder she's walking!!
By the way, did I tell you she's walking???? Like a pro...if a pro looks like a newborn baby deer:) She's getting the hang of it though, TOO CUTE!!! I've got a couple of videos up on my facebook page for those of you with facebook. She's precious and did a great job at the doctor for her checkup today!!
My results from last week were good. Levels are still normal, even if it almost took divine intervention to get the blood drawn to run the test! Apparently, my port will flush fabulously but isn't able to suck the blood back up to draw it. They compared it to a straw with a door on the end of it: you can blow through the straw fine but try to suck air back through it and the door shuts firm and tight. The nurse says it just happens sometimes. Stu said, "Of course it does!" What should have been a routine 15 minute thing was drawn out almost 2 hours with a lunch break thrown in.
Then on to the doctor's appointment. Disclaimer: I love the people of Schumpert and how sweet they've been to us through this whole process...BUT...is it a general rule that hospitals must have no concept of time? Wow!! Appointment was for 1 PM and we saw the nurses headed toward the cafeteria at 10 til. We were finally called back at 2, didn't see the doctor til 2:30 and he was finished with his stuff at 2:34...I kid you not!!! At least I got to beat all the levels of Sudoku on my phone and Stu is ever closer to fully embracing his phone Skee-ball addiction.
The plan as of now is I have to come in every 4 weeks for blood work/port flush for a year and I have to actually see the doc every 3 months. The nurse said if the port keeps messing up, we might get to take it out and draw blood the old-fashioned way. PRAY THIS HAPPENS!!!! I'm tired of having it in there. It's only sore if you touch it, but I can't extend my arm without sharp pains and I'm tired of having to be so careful every time anyone gets close to me. It's a manageable thing, but I'd love if they took it out. Looks like April 1, 2011 is HOPEFULLY when this drama will end.
That's all I've got for now, just thought it was time for an update!! Have a great day!
By the way, did I tell you she's walking???? Like a pro...if a pro looks like a newborn baby deer:) She's getting the hang of it though, TOO CUTE!!! I've got a couple of videos up on my facebook page for those of you with facebook. She's precious and did a great job at the doctor for her checkup today!!
My results from last week were good. Levels are still normal, even if it almost took divine intervention to get the blood drawn to run the test! Apparently, my port will flush fabulously but isn't able to suck the blood back up to draw it. They compared it to a straw with a door on the end of it: you can blow through the straw fine but try to suck air back through it and the door shuts firm and tight. The nurse says it just happens sometimes. Stu said, "Of course it does!" What should have been a routine 15 minute thing was drawn out almost 2 hours with a lunch break thrown in.
Then on to the doctor's appointment. Disclaimer: I love the people of Schumpert and how sweet they've been to us through this whole process...BUT...is it a general rule that hospitals must have no concept of time? Wow!! Appointment was for 1 PM and we saw the nurses headed toward the cafeteria at 10 til. We were finally called back at 2, didn't see the doctor til 2:30 and he was finished with his stuff at 2:34...I kid you not!!! At least I got to beat all the levels of Sudoku on my phone and Stu is ever closer to fully embracing his phone Skee-ball addiction.
The plan as of now is I have to come in every 4 weeks for blood work/port flush for a year and I have to actually see the doc every 3 months. The nurse said if the port keeps messing up, we might get to take it out and draw blood the old-fashioned way. PRAY THIS HAPPENS!!!! I'm tired of having it in there. It's only sore if you touch it, but I can't extend my arm without sharp pains and I'm tired of having to be so careful every time anyone gets close to me. It's a manageable thing, but I'd love if they took it out. Looks like April 1, 2011 is HOPEFULLY when this drama will end.
That's all I've got for now, just thought it was time for an update!! Have a great day!
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Few Recent Pics...
Valentine's Day
Emma and Mommy at the wedding in Austin
Super Star!
New big girl car seat!!
A little blurry but ADORABLE!!!!!!Still here...
I know, I know, get good news and disappear for weeks. So sorry!
Things here are pretty good. I'm feeling so much better! The only aspect of this whole mess I'm still dealing with is fatigue, but that could also just be because I'M TIRED!!!!!!!!! I'm ready for things to slow down a little!
We took a whirlwind trip to Austin this weekend for my cousin's wedding and it wore us out. I dropped Emma off at Tina's this morning and she cried! First time ever! She did so good, poor thing. I bet she spent 80% of her waking hours this weekend in a car seat, high chair or stroller. She was a trooper, though. And a smiley one at that!!
Today begins Day One of my pre-summer "went to a wedding, took lots of pictures, oh my something MUST BE DONE about my largeness" diet. I'm still not at my Emma birth weight but I'm pretty darn close and there's no baby in there!!!!! UGH!!! I'm going to blame the medical drama of the last few months and the M&Ms and Dr. Peppers I chose to medicate myself with:) M&Ms are much better treatment than chemo...it had to be said:)
Wednesday is my baby girl's 1st birthday!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even hardly believe it!!! People said it would go fast but this is like warp speed!! She is working on getting her top two front teeth in and she's standing in little spurts all by herself. No official unassisted steps have been taken but there have been some "I think I'll stand for a sec, kinda take a step, then fall on Mommy" steps. She's a mess:) We can't take her anywhere with out a minimum of 30 people talking to her/us! It can get irritating when Stu and I are trying to carry on a conversation and people keep butting in, but I (because Stu pointed this out) have chosen to view this minor inconvenience as a blessing that our little girl gives other people. She flat out makes people's day when she smiles at them and waves and crinkles that little nose:) I know that all babies do this but it does a momma proud to think her little girl can make someones day better. She's a keeper:)
Wednesday is also my next doctor's appointment. I'll go in at 11 to get the port flushed and blood drawn and then my actual appointment is at 1. I'm a little nervous. I know there's no reason to think that my blood work will be anything other than normal, but nothing about this whole thing has made any sense. Prayers are appreciated:)
I guess I better get back to work, I took an early lunch break to write this if Carlton asks:) Thanks for checking in!
Things here are pretty good. I'm feeling so much better! The only aspect of this whole mess I'm still dealing with is fatigue, but that could also just be because I'M TIRED!!!!!!!!! I'm ready for things to slow down a little!
We took a whirlwind trip to Austin this weekend for my cousin's wedding and it wore us out. I dropped Emma off at Tina's this morning and she cried! First time ever! She did so good, poor thing. I bet she spent 80% of her waking hours this weekend in a car seat, high chair or stroller. She was a trooper, though. And a smiley one at that!!
Today begins Day One of my pre-summer "went to a wedding, took lots of pictures, oh my something MUST BE DONE about my largeness" diet. I'm still not at my Emma birth weight but I'm pretty darn close and there's no baby in there!!!!! UGH!!! I'm going to blame the medical drama of the last few months and the M&Ms and Dr. Peppers I chose to medicate myself with:) M&Ms are much better treatment than chemo...it had to be said:)
Wednesday is my baby girl's 1st birthday!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even hardly believe it!!! People said it would go fast but this is like warp speed!! She is working on getting her top two front teeth in and she's standing in little spurts all by herself. No official unassisted steps have been taken but there have been some "I think I'll stand for a sec, kinda take a step, then fall on Mommy" steps. She's a mess:) We can't take her anywhere with out a minimum of 30 people talking to her/us! It can get irritating when Stu and I are trying to carry on a conversation and people keep butting in, but I (because Stu pointed this out) have chosen to view this minor inconvenience as a blessing that our little girl gives other people. She flat out makes people's day when she smiles at them and waves and crinkles that little nose:) I know that all babies do this but it does a momma proud to think her little girl can make someones day better. She's a keeper:)
Wednesday is also my next doctor's appointment. I'll go in at 11 to get the port flushed and blood drawn and then my actual appointment is at 1. I'm a little nervous. I know there's no reason to think that my blood work will be anything other than normal, but nothing about this whole thing has made any sense. Prayers are appreciated:)
I guess I better get back to work, I took an early lunch break to write this if Carlton asks:) Thanks for checking in!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
NO MORE CHEMO FOR ME!!!!!!!!!
And it's official!!!!!!!!!! Got the call from Schumpert this morning and I'm officially done with chemo!!!! They said no more treatments and that I don't have to go back until April 14th (Emma's first birthday:)!!!!!! I'll go in for an exam, labs and a port flush and then get a better idea of what the new plan will be. He said he wants me to keep the port in for a little while just to be sure I don't need it again.
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all so much for your prayers during this time!!!!! There is still no doubt in my mind that God heard each and everyone of you and that's the reason my treatment time has been cut in half!!!!!!!! You guys are wonderful:) I'd still be honored to remain on your prayer lists. I will still go in every month for the next year for labs to make sure the levels are staying normal. Once I'm normal (HA!) for a year, then I will be completely done with this whole mess, free to try to have another baby or whatever we decide to do.
Again, thank you so much for your prayers and YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you all so much for your prayers during this time!!!!! There is still no doubt in my mind that God heard each and everyone of you and that's the reason my treatment time has been cut in half!!!!!!!! You guys are wonderful:) I'd still be honored to remain on your prayer lists. I will still go in every month for the next year for labs to make sure the levels are staying normal. Once I'm normal (HA!) for a year, then I will be completely done with this whole mess, free to try to have another baby or whatever we decide to do.
Again, thank you so much for your prayers and YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Round 3 Complete...and Possibly the Last?????
So today has been a pretty good day, all things considered. FYI, it's 11 PM and the steroid they gave me is keeping me up but I'm tired and my brain is starting to head into chemo land, so bear with me if this doesn't make a lot of sense!
I used my numbing cream for the treatment today and while I could feel the needle go in pretty good, I couldn't feel the needle for the duration of the treatment. They took my labs and didn't have exact numbers for me while I was there but said the preliminary results looked good. Treatment wasn't too bad and I even had enough enough energy and feel-goodness to go look at car seats at Target (my amazon baby is too big for her current one!).
While I was getting my IV of pre-meds Gus, the chemo-mixer, stopped by and told me I needed to call Dr. Owers on Monday but that there was a POSSIBILITY that THIS WAS GOING TO BE MY LAST TREATMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, can you tell???? While we were there today a lady got her last treatment and all the nurses sang her a "No more chemo" song and gave her a "Congratulations" balloon. It was pretty sweet! Of course, in the time span of .0005 seconds my emotions went from smiley "That's pretty cool that they do that" to thoughtful "I bet she is so glad this is all over" to teary "Wow. I had cancer and chemo and I am SOOO ready to be done!!! Can I have a balloon????" So here this lady is, thrilled and being serenaded, and Stu and I are in the corner trying to keep ourselves under control! We managed to get a hold of ourselves and make it through the rest of the treatment with no further meltdowns!
We stopped by Waskom High on the way home and picked up a gift basket from the Band Boosters (Thanks guys!! So sweet!!) and supper from the Murphrey's (Excellent, Melisa!) and then headed home to Emma and Nana. After eating, I went into HG TV hyper-drive!! I'm telling you, these steroids are GOOD STUFF! I have a list of things that need to be touched-up and home-improved, before we sell this house. It's written in blue Sharpie on a paper plate:) Nana and I started slow by grouting the tile that Stu had already hung in the decorative nook in the master suite. After that, I was still feeling good I knew it was time to conquer the paper plate...much to my wonderful husband's dismay:) Nana hung out with Emma and Mommy and Daddy busted out 2/3 of that bad boy!!!!! Can I just tell you the relief that I feel now that the majority of that stinkin' list is done?!??!!? A few more things and this house is officially move in ready.
Oh, and for those of you keeping score at home...Emma has not had a fever all day!!!!!!!!!! Yes, that's one treatment of three that we have had a healthy baby and a mom that didn't feel like a failure for not being able to take care of said baby!!! Good times!!
Well, I think I'm wound down enough to go back to bed. Thanks for checking in on us!
Current prayer requests:
1. Pray that Monday Dr. Owers says NO MORE TREATMENTS!!!!!
2. Pray that the couple that is possibly interested in the house does decide to buy and that their timeline and ours work together.
3. Pray that Emma stays well.
4. Pray that I don't feel as bad these next two weeks as I did the last two weeks. This last round kicked my tail for a few days.
5. Pray that Stu's patience and overall wonderfulness abounds and that the weather is nice next week while he's on Spring Break...yes, WISD is the only district in America on Spring Break next week:)
You guys are the greatest:) I love you!
I used my numbing cream for the treatment today and while I could feel the needle go in pretty good, I couldn't feel the needle for the duration of the treatment. They took my labs and didn't have exact numbers for me while I was there but said the preliminary results looked good. Treatment wasn't too bad and I even had enough enough energy and feel-goodness to go look at car seats at Target (my amazon baby is too big for her current one!).
While I was getting my IV of pre-meds Gus, the chemo-mixer, stopped by and told me I needed to call Dr. Owers on Monday but that there was a POSSIBILITY that THIS WAS GOING TO BE MY LAST TREATMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm trying not to get my hopes up, can you tell???? While we were there today a lady got her last treatment and all the nurses sang her a "No more chemo" song and gave her a "Congratulations" balloon. It was pretty sweet! Of course, in the time span of .0005 seconds my emotions went from smiley "That's pretty cool that they do that" to thoughtful "I bet she is so glad this is all over" to teary "Wow. I had cancer and chemo and I am SOOO ready to be done!!! Can I have a balloon????" So here this lady is, thrilled and being serenaded, and Stu and I are in the corner trying to keep ourselves under control! We managed to get a hold of ourselves and make it through the rest of the treatment with no further meltdowns!
We stopped by Waskom High on the way home and picked up a gift basket from the Band Boosters (Thanks guys!! So sweet!!) and supper from the Murphrey's (Excellent, Melisa!) and then headed home to Emma and Nana. After eating, I went into HG TV hyper-drive!! I'm telling you, these steroids are GOOD STUFF! I have a list of things that need to be touched-up and home-improved, before we sell this house. It's written in blue Sharpie on a paper plate:) Nana and I started slow by grouting the tile that Stu had already hung in the decorative nook in the master suite. After that, I was still feeling good I knew it was time to conquer the paper plate...much to my wonderful husband's dismay:) Nana hung out with Emma and Mommy and Daddy busted out 2/3 of that bad boy!!!!! Can I just tell you the relief that I feel now that the majority of that stinkin' list is done?!??!!? A few more things and this house is officially move in ready.
Oh, and for those of you keeping score at home...Emma has not had a fever all day!!!!!!!!!! Yes, that's one treatment of three that we have had a healthy baby and a mom that didn't feel like a failure for not being able to take care of said baby!!! Good times!!
Well, I think I'm wound down enough to go back to bed. Thanks for checking in on us!
Current prayer requests:
1. Pray that Monday Dr. Owers says NO MORE TREATMENTS!!!!!
2. Pray that the couple that is possibly interested in the house does decide to buy and that their timeline and ours work together.
3. Pray that Emma stays well.
4. Pray that I don't feel as bad these next two weeks as I did the last two weeks. This last round kicked my tail for a few days.
5. Pray that Stu's patience and overall wonderfulness abounds and that the weather is nice next week while he's on Spring Break...yes, WISD is the only district in America on Spring Break next week:)
You guys are the greatest:) I love you!
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Latest
Emma has been an angel ever since my last post. It may have been a bit premature to predict the end of our friendship:) In fact, she's talking up a storm and blowing spit bubbles on my leg even as I type! Yep...BFFs for sure:)
Went to Shreveport yesterday and got labs done, sutures out and were supposed to meet with the doctor. The first two happened no problem, but due to a scheduling mix up, we didn't get to see the doc. We asked some questions via the nurse and today she called with the plan. My labs yesterday were still less than one so that's GREAT!! Dr. Owers wants to be 100% sure all of this mess is gone so he wants me to do two more treatments. We were really hoping that next Thursday's would be the end but he wants one more after that. I know he's being thorough and extra careful so none of this comes back, but I was really hoping next week would be the end. I had a ROUGH day yesterday and I'm just REALLY tired of not feeling well.
Stu has been my rock through this whole mess. I finally had my latest complete blubbering idiot meltdown last night and he just held me, took care of Emma and then told me to go to bed while he cleaned the house. He's a keeper:)
The house had to be clean because we finally showed it for the first time this morning. Sounds promising, we'll see. Because, you know, selling our house and packing and moving to only the Lord knows where is the EXACT thing to make our current circus complete!!!!!!!!!!
Well, gotta go. Have a visitor coming:) Have a great weekend!
Went to Shreveport yesterday and got labs done, sutures out and were supposed to meet with the doctor. The first two happened no problem, but due to a scheduling mix up, we didn't get to see the doc. We asked some questions via the nurse and today she called with the plan. My labs yesterday were still less than one so that's GREAT!! Dr. Owers wants to be 100% sure all of this mess is gone so he wants me to do two more treatments. We were really hoping that next Thursday's would be the end but he wants one more after that. I know he's being thorough and extra careful so none of this comes back, but I was really hoping next week would be the end. I had a ROUGH day yesterday and I'm just REALLY tired of not feeling well.
Stu has been my rock through this whole mess. I finally had my latest complete blubbering idiot meltdown last night and he just held me, took care of Emma and then told me to go to bed while he cleaned the house. He's a keeper:)
The house had to be clean because we finally showed it for the first time this morning. Sounds promising, we'll see. Because, you know, selling our house and packing and moving to only the Lord knows where is the EXACT thing to make our current circus complete!!!!!!!!!!
Well, gotta go. Have a visitor coming:) Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Not Friends
Emma and I are no longer friends. We had a good run, but alas, it's done. What happened to my precious little smiley baby that loved to laugh and play? I'll tell you what happened. She has now gone into "company only" mode. If there are new faces to make light up and put on a show for, she's there. If it's just her and mommy...you can hang it up, there will be nothing but screams, tears and cursing...and that's just on my end:) Is this what teething is like?????? Is there a magic pill she can take????? Do you have anything I CAN TAKE????????
On a happier note...tomorrow's the big day. Hopefully, we'll find out from Dr. Owers how many more treatments we're looking at and what the plan's going to be for the next year. And I finally get the sutures out from the port incision. No more acid-laced band aids constantly ripping the skin off my arm!!! Woo-hoo!!!
Please pray that my levels are officially ZERO and that I only have one more treatment!!!!!! I'll update you as soon as we hear anything:) Have a great rest of the day!!
On a happier note...tomorrow's the big day. Hopefully, we'll find out from Dr. Owers how many more treatments we're looking at and what the plan's going to be for the next year. And I finally get the sutures out from the port incision. No more acid-laced band aids constantly ripping the skin off my arm!!! Woo-hoo!!!
Please pray that my levels are officially ZERO and that I only have one more treatment!!!!!! I'll update you as soon as we hear anything:) Have a great rest of the day!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday's Haze and Randomness
So I think I know what it feels like to be on drugs and I am NOT seeing the fun of it. Why in the world would you choose to feel like this?? On and off all day, it's gotten to the point of when I open my eyes I have to blink 3 or 4 times to get all six sets of visions to sync up and become one! Ridiculous!
And, on second thought, maybe a "Bubba Burger" from Fugler's wasn't the best first meal in 4 days. Yikes.
Oh, well. What are ya gonna do???
Based solely on the emotional wreck of daughter I experienced when we got home tonight, Tina starved her and she spent the majority of the day in a sleep deprivation chamber. Who's baby is this?!?!? I kid you not. She cried the entire way home in the car and didn't stop until I fed her not one bottle but two...THEN...took a break from screaming to turn on the charm for the Calvert's (thanks for supper!!! It's WONDERFUL!!)...THEN continued screaming until I laid her down...FOR BED...AT 6:00 PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should I just chalk it up to the standard teething/growth spurt/my daughter is possessed mom reasoning??? Wow.
Well, I think that's all the time of yours that I'll waste for this evening. My baby's asleep and my man's at what is sure to be a marathon school board meeting. Looks like maybe, just maybe, I can get some rest and relax. Pray Emma stays asleep and she's makes it through to the morning. I'm telling you, please pray for this because without miraculous intervention, this will not happen! She just woke up!!!!! Ahhhh...how's that for timing:)
Wish me luck...
And, on second thought, maybe a "Bubba Burger" from Fugler's wasn't the best first meal in 4 days. Yikes.
Oh, well. What are ya gonna do???
Based solely on the emotional wreck of daughter I experienced when we got home tonight, Tina starved her and she spent the majority of the day in a sleep deprivation chamber. Who's baby is this?!?!? I kid you not. She cried the entire way home in the car and didn't stop until I fed her not one bottle but two...THEN...took a break from screaming to turn on the charm for the Calvert's (thanks for supper!!! It's WONDERFUL!!)...THEN continued screaming until I laid her down...FOR BED...AT 6:00 PM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should I just chalk it up to the standard teething/growth spurt/my daughter is possessed mom reasoning??? Wow.
Well, I think that's all the time of yours that I'll waste for this evening. My baby's asleep and my man's at what is sure to be a marathon school board meeting. Looks like maybe, just maybe, I can get some rest and relax. Pray Emma stays asleep and she's makes it through to the morning. I'm telling you, please pray for this because without miraculous intervention, this will not happen! She just woke up!!!!! Ahhhh...how's that for timing:)
Wish me luck...
Friday, March 5, 2010
SOOO Much To Share!
I've got an update but the chemo fog is in full effect so bear with...spell check can only do so much:)
1. I called the doctor's office this morning to see what my levels were yesterday...are you ready for this...I don't think you are...do I hear a drum roll????...LESS THAN ONE!!!!!!!!! That's what my levels are!!!! LESS THAN ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She even classified me as normal!!!!!!! Not sure that's ever been done before!!!!!!! We have a scheduled appointment with Dr. Owers next Thursday so we'll find out the plan then. He's said from the beginning that I'd have one additional treatment after my levels got to 0, so I'm not sure if less than one counts as zero, or if possibly my treatment in two weeks will be my last!!!!!!!! PRAY FOR THAT TO BE THE CASE!!!!! And guys, I gotta tell ya, you are all so totally responsible for the levels decreasing like this. You will never know how much all your prayers have meant to me and Stu. Thank you truly!
2. The treatment yesterday wasn't ridiculously bad. My arm was still sore from getting the port last week, so all the poking and prodding wasn't real fun. The needle that they stuck me with and had to leave in my arm for an hour wasn't real fun either. It felt like a continuous ant bite the whole time. Just enough to cause pain and be pretty uncomfortable, but not an unmanageable, throbbing kind of pain. They called me in a prescription for a numbing cream for next time so I shouldn't feel it...not sure why this idea wasn't a priority 2 weeks ago, but whatever. So far I feel OK, really tired, but OK. As soon as I'm done here, I'm heading to bed
3. Emma maintained a 102 fever from yesterday afternoon through this morning so we went ahead and took her to the doctor. Her only symptom is fever, so there's not a lot we can do but wait it out. He said if she still had fever Monday to come in and he'd do a urine test. Catheter on an 10 1/2 month old, sounds like a fabulous time. She seems like she's feeling better, exhausted, but better. We'll see how she doesn't this weekend.
4. Yay for grandparents! They've taken wonderful care of her so I can rest as much as possible. Thanks, Mom and Dad!!
5. Pray that if Emma does have a viral thing going on, it passes quickly and that I don't catch it. Last night, she was still upset but Nana, Pawpaw and Stu were all tying to get her to calm down and sleep, so I went ahead and tried to go to bed. I could barely keep my eyes open. As I'm laying in bed, I hear "Mama, Mama, Mama" in the most pitiful cry you will ever hear. She's never done that before, especially actually sounding like she was calling for me, so I figured I was imagining it. I got up and went to the end of the hall and sure enough, she was calling for me. There was no doctor's order in the world that would've kept me from my baby girl the first time she called for me because she needed me. I went in and rocked her in the recliner and she calmed down. She knows me and wanted me to be with her and comfort her. Hands down one of the best feelings in the entire universe.
Well, it's time for me to sleep some of this haze off. Thanks for checking in!
1. I called the doctor's office this morning to see what my levels were yesterday...are you ready for this...I don't think you are...do I hear a drum roll????...LESS THAN ONE!!!!!!!!! That's what my levels are!!!! LESS THAN ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She even classified me as normal!!!!!!! Not sure that's ever been done before!!!!!!! We have a scheduled appointment with Dr. Owers next Thursday so we'll find out the plan then. He's said from the beginning that I'd have one additional treatment after my levels got to 0, so I'm not sure if less than one counts as zero, or if possibly my treatment in two weeks will be my last!!!!!!!! PRAY FOR THAT TO BE THE CASE!!!!! And guys, I gotta tell ya, you are all so totally responsible for the levels decreasing like this. You will never know how much all your prayers have meant to me and Stu. Thank you truly!
2. The treatment yesterday wasn't ridiculously bad. My arm was still sore from getting the port last week, so all the poking and prodding wasn't real fun. The needle that they stuck me with and had to leave in my arm for an hour wasn't real fun either. It felt like a continuous ant bite the whole time. Just enough to cause pain and be pretty uncomfortable, but not an unmanageable, throbbing kind of pain. They called me in a prescription for a numbing cream for next time so I shouldn't feel it...not sure why this idea wasn't a priority 2 weeks ago, but whatever. So far I feel OK, really tired, but OK. As soon as I'm done here, I'm heading to bed
3. Emma maintained a 102 fever from yesterday afternoon through this morning so we went ahead and took her to the doctor. Her only symptom is fever, so there's not a lot we can do but wait it out. He said if she still had fever Monday to come in and he'd do a urine test. Catheter on an 10 1/2 month old, sounds like a fabulous time. She seems like she's feeling better, exhausted, but better. We'll see how she doesn't this weekend.
4. Yay for grandparents! They've taken wonderful care of her so I can rest as much as possible. Thanks, Mom and Dad!!
5. Pray that if Emma does have a viral thing going on, it passes quickly and that I don't catch it. Last night, she was still upset but Nana, Pawpaw and Stu were all tying to get her to calm down and sleep, so I went ahead and tried to go to bed. I could barely keep my eyes open. As I'm laying in bed, I hear "Mama, Mama, Mama" in the most pitiful cry you will ever hear. She's never done that before, especially actually sounding like she was calling for me, so I figured I was imagining it. I got up and went to the end of the hall and sure enough, she was calling for me. There was no doctor's order in the world that would've kept me from my baby girl the first time she called for me because she needed me. I went in and rocked her in the recliner and she calmed down. She knows me and wanted me to be with her and comfort her. Hands down one of the best feelings in the entire universe.
Well, it's time for me to sleep some of this haze off. Thanks for checking in!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Are You Kidding Me?!?!
Emma had a 103.7 fever last night. It was down to 100.1 this morning, but of course, AGAIN, it all happens on a chemo day! I'm at home with her this morning, trying to stay out of her face. I think I felt a top tooth trying to break through this morning??? Maybe it's teething related???? Not sure. No other symptoms yet.
Stu just texted me and let me know that Tina (our friend that watches Emma for us while I'm at work) was up sick last night, don't have any details.
PLEASE PRAY THAT EMMA DOESN'T HAVE A VIRUS!!!!!!! And you can pray for Tina, too:)
Thanks!! Have a great day:) If I'm up to it, I'll post tonight and letcha know how the treatment was with the port...
Stu just texted me and let me know that Tina (our friend that watches Emma for us while I'm at work) was up sick last night, don't have any details.
PLEASE PRAY THAT EMMA DOESN'T HAVE A VIRUS!!!!!!! And you can pray for Tina, too:)
Thanks!! Have a great day:) If I'm up to it, I'll post tonight and letcha know how the treatment was with the port...
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