Our family's journey through life

2011-04-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 19
My good friend Renee and I were finally able to get together for lunch and some shopping.

Sunday March 20
no picture

Monday March 21
On our way home from work we spotted a beautiful rainbow.

Tuesday March 21
Eric and I stayed up late working on my new star behavior chart for my class. He hand made all thirty something envelopes. I have the best husband ever!

Wednesday March 22
no picture

Thursday March 23

Owain being cute at Fred Meyers.

Friday March 24
Setting Free our class lady bugs.

2011-04-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday March 13

After church we went out to eat and Owain took over my hot chocolate.

Monday March 14
Our friend Steve stopped by for a visit.

Tuesday March 15
Eric surprised me with a belle. I have been searching for the perfect belle for my class to help with transition time. I just love it!

Wednesday March 16
This is the face I get when the Paparazzi momma has taken way to many pictures. Sorry kid, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. You'll thank me twenty years from now.

Thursday March 17
My kids and I being silly on St. Patrick's day.

Friday March 18

At the end of the work/school week O helped free our class crickets now that Insect week was over. He kept say "they so cute ooooh cute! "

2011-04-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 5
O help me make green play dough for school.

Sunday March 6
After running errands as soon as we were all buckled up and ready to go O asked for his orange kitty. Not even two minutes later before we were out of the parking lot O fell fast asleep.

Monday March 7
While Eric cooked dinner O had I played a good game of candy land. He won.

Tuesday March 8
O had a follow up appointment with his AMAZING surgeon Dr.Z. We are blessed.

Wednesday March 9
no picture

Thursday March 10
no picture

Friday March 11
Date night!

2011-04-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday February 26

Daddy and Owain ventured off to the Children's Museum while I got some much needed reset,being under the weather and all. I love this picture! This child light bright brings me back to my childhood. .

Sunday February 27,2011
Still pretty sick, while I rested some more my two boys visited Papa's house for dinner.

Monday February 28
I love this picture of O in the playroom at his school with his friend.These two look so much a like they could be related.

Tuesday March 1
Today one of my little girls in my class drew a picture of me. My heart melted. Notice I have a crown :-)

Wednesday March 2
Our furry Children.

Thursday March 3
Owain was sent home from school with his first case of PINK EYE!

Friday March 3

I don't have a picture of for today. O and I both stayed home from school, thanks Pink eye! I am going put this favorite pic of my boy. He looks so grown up here.

Project Life week 7

2011-03-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday February 19

Today we laid my grandpa to rest. Rest in peace Grandpa Bill. You will be forever in our hearts.

Sunday February 20
We did a little shopping at Kohls. We spent $120. Saved a little over $200 plus we got 20 dollars worth of Kohls cash. I love getting a great deal.

Monday February 21
After a long day in the classroom the kitties and I snuggled watching the Bachelor.

Tuesday February 22

My Preschoolers and I revealed our Naked Egg experiment. Pretty fascinating what a jar full of vinegar could do to an egg in a weeks time.

Wednesday February 23
On our way to school/work we made a quick stop at Starbucks. Owain got a yummy croissant and he gave me a dirty look when I pulled out my camera. The momma paparazzi can get a little old.

Thursday February 24
We had a snow day!

Friday February 25

no picture.

Project Life week 6

2011-02-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 12,2011
Owain and I made Valentines for he's new friends at school. Monday the 14th will be he's first day of preschool and my first day at work.

Sunday February 13,2011
We went over to Grandma P's house for a pre-valentines dinner.Owain loved his singing Alvin and the chipmunk card. The M&M's were a huge hit to.

Monday February 14,2011
Owain's first day of Preschool went great. He didn't want to leave and I had a great day teaching again. Once we were home for the evening Owain snuggled up with daddy. I love these two.

Tuesday February 15,2011
After a long day at work and school we came home to the fire alarm going off,. No fire, thank you god. Most likely some kids pulling the alarm. This was not the first time.The highlight Owain got to see the firetruck. About the same time I snapped this photo my mom called with some sad news my grandpa past away. Rest in Peace grandpa. We love you.Say "hi" to grandma from all of us.

Wednesday February 16,2011
Owain made a cleaning glove at school today.

Thursday February 17,2011
I visited Owain's class during my break this is what they were up to...

Friday February 18,2011

After a long day of work and school we made to our hotel in Aberdeen,WA.We were pleasantly surprised to hear we were upgraded to a suite free of charge.

Project Life week 5

2011-02-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 5,2011

Owain was feeling a little under the weather so we took it easy watching Word World. Here he is with hiss kitty Slinky eating yogurt zoning out on the television.

Sunday February 6,2011
Super Bowl Sunday, I personally could care less about football. The highlight of the game was snuggling with my friend's sweet babe while the guys watched the game.

Monday February 7,2011

Owain being silly wearing he's circles from he's shape shuffle game. "look at my new eyes mommy"

Tuesday February 8, 2011

oops I did it again, no picture

Wednesday February 9,2011

We went to the Zoo with our good friend's Megan and Cian. It was a cold sunny day. We didn't stay to long because of the cold but we did get to see quite a few animals.

Thursday February 10,2011

Owain got a late birthday package in the mail form he's grandma outrageous.

Friday February 11,2011

I don't have a pic for today so I am gonna put this one from our trip to the Zoo.

Project Life Tuesday week 5

2011-02-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am super behind on project life. Thank goodness we have a snow day today I am taking full advantage.

Saturday January 29,2011

This is by far my favorite picture of the day. We are so blessed to be parents to our brilliant blue eyed boy.

Sunday January 30,2011

I pampered myself and gave my self a face mask. This is were I am keeping it real people.

Monday January 31,2011

No picture today. I had my first job interview in three years and that was pretty exciting.

Tuesday February 1,2011

We went over to our friend's/ neighbors house Owain was hamming it up for the camera and being so sweet to baby Diti. Giving her kisses. He will make a great big brother some day.

Wednesday February 2,2011

I had my second interview today and it went well. During my interview Owain played in one of the classroom. When I walked in he was playing dolls with a little girl. So cute.

Thursday February 3,2011

no picture today.

Friday February 4,2011

I had my third and final interview and I got the job, Lead preschool teacher.I am really exciting for this new adventure and the best part I will get to bring Owain!

stream of consciousness

2011-02-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Some big changes are happening in our family. Exciting changes. I have been blessed for the last three years to be home with my pride and joy, Owain. It's been an incredible three years. I love my job stay at home momma, house wife,maid, butt wiper {O's not hubs}laundry keeper. But, it's time for me to go back to work. We've been praying for this for awhile. Financially things have been well super stressful. Our prayers were answered. Starting some time next week, still unsure when waiting for paper work and O's been sick with the sniffles,nasty cough,low grade fever. I think I may have jinks O last week during he's three year well visit I stated " O's been healthy all winter" I even knocked on wood after that statement. A week later my little man is sick.Anyways, If you follow me on face book you probably already know I will be teaching,nurturing,loving twenty preschoolers.I am beyond excited for this opportunity. The timing couldn't be more perfect. The best part is O will be joining me! He will be spending the morning in another class. I think it will be really good for him to have some independence away from he's momma. We met he's teacher and she is fabulous. During my second interview he spent a couple of hours with he's new teacher and peers. He did great. I don't even think he missed me,not even for a minute. He will be joining me in my class in the afternoon. Which is perfect! I met some of my preschoolers this past Friday. They are quite a lovely bunch. I am looking forward to getting to know each one of them.I'm thinking of having them all wear name tags for the first week or so.

While I type, I am finding it difficult to follow the movie with subtitles hubs and I are watching.I have know idea what's going on. I am exhausted I spent all of today trying to get our apartment in order before I start working forty hours a week. Tomorrow there will be no time for house work with church in the morning {I will be going solo hubs will stay home with O} and the super bowl in the afternoon. Who's playing? I could care less about foot ball. We do have plans to join our neighbors for the game. We shall see though there little ones have been sick to. If we do go I plan on making these. It's been nearly a year since I've had me some fake turtle and that folks is why I am excited for the super bowl.

In between housework and taking care the sick kid I did a little shopping, for work. They have a dress code no jeans or skirts above the knees. Right now my wardrobe consist of leggings,skirts above the knee and jeans. For under fifty dollars I found a cute pair of brown trouser pants,a skirt below the knees, a shirt and an out fit for my friends baby.I love getting a great deal. If you do to head on over to my friend Amber's blog Dazzling Daily Deals.

I'm gonna call it a night,goodnight all.

Project Life Tuesday

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 22,2011

Our local library had a model train exhibit, This was right up O's alley. He loved it! He even had a turn controlling the train. He loved it so much he didn't want to leave.

Sunday January 23,2011

Just like in the movie Polar Express Owain pretended to be the conductor with my hole punch and an index card he punched our tickets.

Monday January 24,2011

The eve before Owain's birthday I baked these yummy Oreo cupcakes. He's only request for he's birthday cup cakes he wanted an Oreo cookie on top. { I plan on putting a recipe card}

Tuesday January 25,2011

Today our boy turned three! While daddy worked O and I rode the bus and max {he loves public transportation} to the Children's Museum after our fun day. We went out to dinner with daddy and grandma P to celebrate O's big day. Happy Birthday sweet boy we love you to the moon and back!

Wednesday January 26

On our walk to the store Owain brought he's new camera we gave him for he's birthday and snapped away. I plan on adding several of the pictures in the album once I up load them. He's quite the natural photographer.

Thursday January 27

Today Owain's best buddy Cian spent the day with us while he's momma Megan worked.The boys had a blast playing. We also had six of our neighbors with small children over for a birthday play-date. We ate the Oreo cup cakes. YUM.

Friday January 28 2011

What a difference three makes. Owain did great at he's three year well visit. No tears. He kept saying "I like Dr.Brown. "

Project Life Tuesday

2011-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

This post was scheduled to post last Thursday, I guess it's better late than never

I realize it's Thursday not Tuesday. I figure it's better late than never to post my Project Life photos. With all the birthday celebrations, I fell behind. I still can't believe my sweet babe is now three.Seriously where does all the time go? I am more thankful for Project Life than ever. Documenting our day to day life's once this project is complete it will defiantly be one of my save in case a fire items. If you never heard of Project life I highly recommend heading over to Becky Higgons blog the creator of the fabulous Project Life. What are you waiting for? Do it now! It will change your life.

I don't know how it happened but some how I forgot to take any pictures Saturday , oops.

Sunday January 16

Owain loves to have us read his Thomas the train engine toy catalog to him. When were not reading to him he reads it to himself pointing while saying "I wanna buy this one,I wanna buy this one" If you look closely he's wearing a Thomas shirt. Our boy loves Thomas. Not just Thomas but pretty much anything that has to do with trains.

Monday January 17

We went to the Zoo with new friends/neighbors. It was a beautiful sunny winter day. A perfect day for a zoo outing. I was able to snap this picture before my camera batter died.Owain holding hands with his friend's Envy and Sammi.

Tuesday January 18
Grandma P stopped by for a visit. We love it whenever she's able to make her way over to our side of town.

Wednesday January 19
Every night when Owain goes to bed. Phoebe come's out from hiding. She loves to clean Eric's hair.

Thursday January 20

Owain and I walked over from our apartment to our friend's apartment for a play date.It's great having friend's live so close.

Friday January 21

Owain was being super silly today pretending to be Bad Kitty. He loves the book Bad Kitty by nick Bruel . He jumped in his build a bear box meowing "me bad kitty"

Oh where, oh where is the birthday boy?

2011-01-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

If you were to stop by our place this past Thursday this is what you would see...

Pure Chaos. With five kids,two toddlers and one sweet baby {not seen in this picture}and three lovely momma's this was the scene in my living room right after we sang a Happy Birthday and ate these bad babies. Not babies literally.Seriously though, those Oreo cup cakes were sinfully delightful. Just what the birthday boy asked for.Speaking of the birthday boy, can you spot him in this picture?

2011-01-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight, well technically it's morning a quarter after midnight

{good morning all} and I just finished decorating these...

for O's mini birthday play date tomorrow. Nothing big just a few of us momma's and kiddos. Call me crazy, but I was that momma while making Oreo cup cakes tear up.Yes, like I mentioned earlier I have been a bit emotional. Don't fret they have been happy tears.Tears of joy. Blessed tears. My sweet baby is THREE. The same baby in utero we were advised to terminate my pregnancy at twenty weeks. Give up on him because he had a rare and often fatal birth defect CDH.We were told if he did survive his quality of life would be poor.

three years ago

three years later

God, we are blessed. Fortunate we are.The last three years have been an amazing roller coaster ride.All the twist and turns have made us a stronger family. Were grateful and appreciate life. The good, the bad and ugly.

THREE

2011-01-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, this little man

turned

the BIG THREE!

I have been all emotionally, with my baby turning three. Three years ago, I remembering like it was yesterday being terrified of the unthinkable. Afraid for his life. Four surgery's later.Many Countless sleepless nights. Our CDH warrior is a healthy vibrant ~~little~~ big boy! The big three!We are so thankful to be he's parents.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

{Owain August 2010}

Project Life Tuesday

2011-01-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 9
Third birthday party of the year. O's cousin M turned three!

Sunday, January 10
Daddy finally had the time to unpack his Christmas present. O had a blast playing with the empty box. He kept saying "welcome to my apartment...come on in daddy"

Monday, January 11
Another beautiful dry day and yet again, O would not pose for the camera he wouldn't even hit his base ball until I put my camera safely away in it's case.

Tuesday, January 12
Owain has a love for trains. Today with his wooden blocks he built a track and the top two blocks were the train. I love his creativity and imagination!

Wednesday, January 13
Orange blast. That's the color you end up with when you let your almost three year old pick out the color of nail polish to buy. Today we painted our toes. The color is growing on me.

Thursday, January 14
O had a play date with his buddy's C and J. It's always great when were able to get our boy's together. It's great for us mommy's to.

Friday January 15
Tonight in the bath tub daddy gave O a bubble beard.

Thanks for stopping by.
Head on over to Jessica's to check out other peep's Project life's

Project Life

2011-01-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

New years resolutions, I've given up on them years ago. That way by mid January when I break down and gulp a Pepsi for breakfast {my only addiction} or given up on my newest and latest work out routine, only three weeks into it. I don't beat myself up over it. You can't beat yourself up if you don't set any New's Years resolutions. And just for the record two months before the new year I started a new work out routine. I feel heather and stronger. I'm still not strong enough to beat hubs and our almost three year old during our tickle war last night. I heart those boys. Where were we? Oh yes, News Year Resolutions I don't do them any more. This year instead of my usual same old, same old News Year resolution I decided to set one simple goal for myself. Project Life. I am pumped. If you haven't heard of Project Life check out Becky Higgins blog. She's the lady behind it all. I was able to buy last years Project Life Kit on black Friday for half off. Score! I love a great deal. This year she offers two kits to choose from. They are amazing and I want them both. But first I need to get through this year. All 365 days. 1 photo a day. Capturing our family's life day by day.

Jessica over at The Mom Creative hosts Project Life Tuesday. I missed last Tuesdays. I am playing catch up now. Jessica is the one who introduced me to Project Life. I have been a follower of her blog for quite some time now.

Saturday, January 1

Owain's friend Faith turned five we celebrated at Precision Elite Gymnastic. The foam pit was by far a family favorite. O was a little timid at first but once we jumped in he followed. He didn't want to leave.He even flirted with another little girl. If throwing foam cubes isn't away to a girls heart I don't know what is?

Sunday, January 2
Today is Uncle Aaron's birthday.We drove out to Papa's for a visit and much to our surprise. There was snow lots of it. O loved every inch. Later we went out to dinner to celebrate. Followed by bowling. I have some great pictures on my mother in laws camera. I will share those as soon as I get them. I also printed out the bowling scores to put in the album. O being the youngest and his first time bowling he kicked five adults booty's including myself.

Monday, January 3
Weather wise it wasn't wet. We took full advantage of this dry day and O rode his tricycle. As soon as I took my camera out to capture this beautiful moment. Owain yelled "momma momma nooooo take picture meee!"

Tuesday, January 4
We had a pajama day. Sipping hot cocoa playing with his new Thomas mega blocks.

Wednesday, January 5
I was feeling under the weather. While daddy worked O went to play at his buddy Cian's house {supervised by Cian's mommy Megan}.. I slept. Slinky kitty was so excited and ready to play when daddy and O walked in the door.

Thursday January 6
Owain got mail from his friend Haya. He was so excited! He lost interest when he opened and discovered a card with a princess.

Friday, January 7
Tonight's dinner we had pizza. A crowd favorite in our house hold.

I don't have a picture for Saturday January 8. Boo. I plan on putting some of the bowling pictures to make up for it. Once I get them off my mother in law's camera.

Stay tuned for some more Project Life. And it's never to late to start Project Life. You can start it any day of the year. That's the beauty of it all, documenting your family's journey through life. I can't wait for the end of the year to have this album to look back on. Rewarding, it will be.

the week before Christmas...

2011-01-17T00:56:00.000-08:00

Was magical...

riding the polar express to the North Pole.

Owain mesmerized with the company of the friendly conductor.

He happily punched an O for Owain on his ticket.

A month later O still sleeps with that very ticket.

Once the train approached the North Pole all the boy's and girls were giddy

with the mere sighting of yours truly...

"Really, Santa for me?"

Thanks Santa!

and thank you grandma P for a planning this Magical day.

it's never to late for a Halloween post...

2010-11-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

30 days after the sugar rush Holiday I am finally getting to it. Your welcome.We had some of our friends with small children over for a pre-Halloween celebration.The dad's shooting the breeze out on the balcony while us mom's stayed in side keeping the children in line.We munched on mummy pizza'a and ate way to many buckeye's.So many in fact a few days after the the sugar rush holiday I finally made time in my day to day life for the gym but that's another blog post for another day.As you can tell by this picture I snapped of O and his little friend jumping off the couch, Halloween was a jumping good time for all.

I would have to say that photo is my favorite picture of the night. I love it. Orange kitty with chocolate around his mouth and a cow in mid air.Some of you are probably thinking is that safe? Yes, it was completely safe. After all I was on the floor right below ready to drop the camera if need be.Luckily the cow and orange kitty landed safely and I was able to capture this killer shot. My favorite photo of the night.Don't you love it? Here are a few more photos from our sugar rush Holiday known as Halloween ,thirty days ago. Enjoy.

two spotty cow's,Buzz&Orange kitty

Buzz keeping the universe safe with his glow stick and a stick.

and of course the cutest little pumpkin.

towards the end of our trick or treating the kiddos were getting a little to comfortable.

O's Day With Thomas, THE BOOK!

2010-11-22T19:40:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

one chocolate one glazed

2010-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

This morning little man and I ventured off to our local library.I was quite pleased with myself with only getting less than five hours of not so solid sleep. I really wanted us to have a pajama day curled up on the couch watching "how do they build that?" (little man's latest obsession a DVD all about building a garbage truck.) But I didn't want O to miss out on story time. So off we went. One shoulder ride to the bus stop. A thirty minute bus ride another shoulder ride across the bridge to the library.Actually let me be honest with you'all we were an hour early for story time so we walked around downtown. Well I did all the walking little man did all the riding. Dang my shoulders are sore. Walking around downtown to and from the bus stop carrying a 25lb. toddler on your shoulders does that count for a work out? Maybe now I can fit into my skinny jeans?

Story time was a success. O made a new friend, Nora. Darling little girl.I think little man was more fascinated with her baby brother. He's had a real interest in babies lately.He will make a great big brother one day. After story time before another shoulder ride across the bridge to the bus stop we stopped for a little treat. Doughnut holes. One Chocolate ones glazed. I ate the glazed. It was delightful. Boy I was glad I didn't buy more than one.Trouble those little doughnut holes.Of course my little man had a teeny tiny melt down after finishing his chocolate hole. He wanted mine too! He was shocked to learn that I hate the glazed one. How dare I. What can I say the child has my sweet tooth.Now were home little man is fast a sleep and I am doing everything in my power not to lay down. I will not take a nap today. Nope not me. After I wrap this post up in the next few words or so I will be a productive mommy and house wife. No nap for me. Early bed time before three in the morning is my goal.

Happy Wednesday You'all

Insomnia

2010-10-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep. Seems to be my new nightly ritual tossing and turning. Insomnia, I hate it. To much on my mind, I guess. Tonight I was really proud of myself crawling into bed before midnight. Snuggled up to the man I love, closing my eyes feeling the freshness of the cool autumn air{we sleep with our windows open that's how we like it}Aaaaaaahhhhhh sleep and then that's when it happened my mind started wandering. How should I season tomorrow's night's chicken? lemon pepper maybe, should I fry it or bake it. Defiantly bake.Damn it mind I need to go to sleep. I am tired of feeling like a zombie. Go to sleep.

Rolling from my left to my right my mind drifted to a place I have been avoiding for well over a year. It's to painful when I go but sometime my mind goes their.Tonight I need to go their. My eyes began to water.Remembering the last time I held my grandmother's hand on her death bed. I wanted to take a picture of our hands touching knowing that this would be our last. I didn't know if it would be inappropriate or not. So instead I did the next best thing. I took a mental picture.I have never seen anyone so close to death before. Literally hours away.

The following morning my grandma, my best friend died.Wow typing that very word opened the water gates.I have been avoiding sharing my feelings of grieve for well over a year now.It's time I let it all out.

I miss you grandma. Every time I burn toast or bacon I think of you.I miss being able to pick up the phone to ask you "how are you?" you always replied "better than nothing" Even when you were real sick and you could barely catch your breathe. I know your in a better place now. The pain of not having you grace this world of the living is still painful.I still have a jar of your last batch of jam. It sit in my pantry. It has the year 2007 written on it in your hand writing. I don't even know if it's still good to eat. Does jam go bad? Eating it is not an option it's the last one you ever made grandma.

Grandma you will alway be in my heart and forever missed. Love you to the moon and back.

{O meeting his great grandma 2008}

Where were you this past weekend?

2010-10-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

We my friends, were in the nut house.

Yup, the Hazel Nut House

It was a Nutty nut nut time for all.

Even this boy ( a.k.a sponge bob patty) was ~~belly~~ bun flopping.

I am not sure what O was doing here.

but the cute boy next to him is his Cousin, sweet kid.

It was a nutty nut nut day

at the fir point farm.

The day was not all about nuts though.

Their were pumpkins too, lots of them.

sweet sweet sweet cotton candy on a cone (old school style)
My favorite, O's too.

their were plenty of shoulder riding.

better to view all the goats,chickens,bunnies,pigs,ponies

great company

perfect weather

I wanna go back!

Another Giveaway, Claire & Cowboy Caviar

2010-10-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love give aways. Beauty in the Attempt is giving away not one but two gifts to one of you in honor of her birthday.Isn't that thoughtful of her? Head on over to her blog to find out what she's giving away.Do it now! You have until October 17 {this Sunday} So what are you waiting for head on over to beauty in the Attempt. You just might be the lucky winner. Happy Birthday e!

In other exciting news Warrior Princess Claire was discharged from the hospital earlier today. Welcome home sweet home {again} Claire! Every night before O goes to sleep he asks to see a picture of Claire. It's so cute. Maybe one day these two CDH warriors can meet in person but for now they are blog buddies.

This is what I have been living off of lately...

I am addicted.
I can't seem to get enough.
It's super easy to make and a great healthy snack,dinner or even breakfast. YES breakfast.
I told you I am totally addicted to Cowboy Caviar,baby.
I have my friend Rachel to thank for introducing me to this fresh totally addicting dish.
Thanks Rachel!

this is how you make it

1 can shoepeg corn - drained

1 can black eyed peas - rinsed

2 large avocados - cubed

3 roma tomatoes - chopped

2/3 cup cilantro - chopped - I just use 1 bunch

2/3 cup green onion - chopped - I just use 1 bunch

Dressing: Mix together in bowl and pour over ingredients above

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 teaspoon chopped garlic

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

strawberrlicous

2010-10-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love these TWO!

strawberry or no strawberry

in my eyes they are both strawberrlicous!

Fare well Indian Summer, hot chocolate and prayers for Claire

2010-10-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's crazy to think this time last week it was in the upper eighty's. Defiantly unusual for these parts for this time of year. I guess that was our Indian summer.Our Indian summer I think is officially over.Goodbye to shorts and tanks and hello sweaters. That's what I wore today, a sweater. This afternoon at the park I was still freezing and to think it's not even winter yet. The weather change seems extreme. Last week upper eighty's today low sixty's. I guess summer is over, for reals. Indian summer really through me for a loop.

You know what hubs is making me at this very moment? Cinnamon Hot chocolate. My favorite. He's the best. How did I get so dang lucky?He loves me unconditionally and sometime I can be difficult.

MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm....now that's a hot chocolate.

I have been thinking about Claire and her family a lot. Claire didn't get to go home today. She's sick with some nasty infection. It breaks my heart. Poor baby. You good read more about Claire here. Leave a comment if you stop by. I know first hand when your stuck in the hospital with a sick child it's encouraging and uplifting to read comments. Not to mention it helps time go by little bit faster.

I'm gonna call it night. My Hot chocolate and I are going to curl up on the couch with hubs.

Good night.

unbelievable give away!

2010-10-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

I just entered for a chance to win a Britax stroller
over at {Natural}Mommie
and so can YOU!
You have until November 12th MST. open to US and Canada.
So what are you waiting for head on over to {Natural} Mommy
The WINNER very well could be YOU!
Good Luck!

The BEST grilled cheese EVER!!!

2010-10-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

no joke hands down the BEST grilled cheese ever.

I could live off of this

all you need is

fresh mozzarella,fresh basil,bread crumbs

eggs,flour and oil

I think hubs could live off of this too.

Seriously it is AMAZING!

If you love mozzarella sticks this is the grilled cheese for you.

Well it's not really grilled it's kinda fried.

That's probably why it's AMAZING!

slice mozzarella thinly

rinse and pat dry the fresh basil

set a side

heat up oil in a frying pan

in a large plate ( I use a pie pan) beat a couple of eggs. I use 1 egg per sandwich.

have two additional plates or pie pans one with bread crumbs (I use Italian ) the other with flour.

place the mozzarella,basil in between two slices of whole wheat bread.

dip in the flour,egg,bread crumbs. make sure your sandwich is coated well.

gentle place sandwich in a frying pan with heated oil.

fry both sides until golden brown and the mozzarella is melted.

remove from pan,slice,serve with warm marina sauce and ENJOY!

2010-10-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

I found this on the Parker's Reese Foundations site

written by Breathe of Hope

What it is like to have a baby with Congital Diaphragmatic Hernia?

Imagine that you and your partner are expecting a baby. The thrill of the whole thought – another little being. The whole thing is a bit overwhelming and exciting. About the time many are diagnosed, is the 20 week ultrasound. Most couples go to the doctor excited to perhaps find out the sex of the baby and/or just to get a glimpse of this little one before they are born. Whose mouth and nose does this little one have? No one expects to be told their child has something wrong.

You are in a darkened room in order to see the ultrasound monitor and the tech is actually measuring the size of the head, bones and checking to see the organs. Then they see that something isn’t right. It is hard to not disclose this to the couple who is excited to see their baby, the hands the feet the nose. In that darkened room or perhaps after you are led to an office after the ultrasound, a health professional will then inform you that your unborn child has a birth defect called congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The survival rates are approximately 50 to 60% and they must tell you that the treatments they endure to save their lives may cause lifetime issues. They also have to tell you that congenital diaphragmatic hernia itself because the child’s organs did not form correctly in development may have lifetime issues.

You are then told there are options. Fetal surgery may be an option but depending upon where you live and the availability of surgeons who specialize in this, it could not be a financially feasible one. It also depends upon the mother’s overall health and the severity of the diaphragmatic hernia, so you must qualify to have this option available to you too. Your insurance coverage may not cover such a procedure. It is highly experimental even today. One day it may not be. You are also told that you should have this infant, if you continue this pregnancy at a level 3 or higher NICU at a Medical Center that has had experience, even with the fetal surgery you would need this too. They may require ECMO, a heart lung bypass in order to save their lives. To imagine your unborn child hooked up to a heart lung bypass? It is overwhelming. This isn’t supposed to happen.

You will also be given an option to terminate the pregnancy. You just passed the 12 week point where many couples start to breathe easier because you are past the crucial point of miscarriage in the first trimester. You are not supposed to be making life and death decisions for your child. You are supposed to be planning the nursery, picking out clothing and the only worry will be if you truly think you are up to being a mother or a father. Those worries are enough in themselves.

Now you are given options if you were prediagnosed prior to birth. You must make these decisions that will not only affect your lives, but your whole family. You will wonder if your choice of hospitals is good and question if you should go to another. None of the choices are easy. You will also be asked to undergo an amniocentesis to rule out any other abnormality with this unborn child. Many times there are none. Sometimes there are other issues.

Only other parents who have faced this understand the unexplainable feelings, the emotions that go from fear, to devastation to determination. Only other parents who have been there and done that can relate to this. Many of us were asked, “How can you?” We just do. We have truly little choice in the matter.

If you choose to interrupt this pregnancy, all the experts have told you based upon countless tests that your unborn child’s chances are less than 50%, you must endure the stigma. You wanted this baby and you chose not to have them suffer. It is not a selfish act but a selfless one. Some will state if you didn’t go full-term this child doesn’t count – so not true. You will also change because of this experience. Your child will never know the pain and will always be in your hearts.

If you choose continue the pregnancy and hope and pray for the best you will also have doubts and wonder if you can endure seeing your small infant go through surgery, recover and endure. If you are the mother, you will have this constant reminder moving and kicking within you. If you are the father, each time you see your partner, you will have this reminder. The thoughts of what you both will have to endure for your child and what your child will endure will not be far from either of you.

Then there are those couples who were expecting a healthy baby and their child is born and goes into repertory distress. They whisk the baby away and start intubation and assessing the condition of the infant. You may not hear anything for hours. Not knowing what is happening to your child, to this baby you have a nursery prepared for, a life planned out for and now they are taken from you. The doctors will then come to you and tell you of this birth defect which has a 50% mortality rate. Your child may be treated in the hospital you delivered or many times may have to be transported to another for treatment. You are in shock. What in the heck is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia? How did that happen? Why didn’t they see it before? When can I see my child? When can I hold them? Those that had the diagnoses prior to birth at least know of the protocols and procedures that health care institutions do to attempt to save the lives of these babies.

Both will sit by the bedside and pray, hope and wonder what is next? You face the unknown, the lack of control, the overwhelming feeling of parents just to pick their child up who is suffering and ill cannot be acted upon. This isn’t supposed to happen this way! Why your child? No one can give answers to that question. You go from watching the monitors to not watching the monitors to asking if they have had a good day or a good blood gas for the past hour. Sometimes you cling to just a good minute.
If you are blessed enough to have your child endure surgery, possibly ECMO and recover from both then the next hurdles are feedings and weaning the painkilling drugs they have been on since birth. This is a slow process. It takes time and patience. Many of these children due to the organs affected may have gastrointestinal reflux and due to the tubes down their throats oral aversions. You wonder how you are going to take care of this once fragile infant at home. You are warned of their lung condition being fragile, that they may not have the immunities other children have and must be guarded against a society full of germs. Your best friend will be anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizers. (Next to an abundant supply of burp cloths for the reflux.)

And if you are faced with letting them go, allowing them to earn their wings, either by their choice or after being told that everything that could be done has been and there is nothing left to do. That is the worst loss, but each and every parent who has had ever to let their child go in this way will tell you, “We just knew it was time”. The most unselfish act in the world is to tell your loved one, “It is okay to go.” They will be out of pain, not have to endure any more but that is when your pain will immeasurably increase.

It takes courage, faith, strength you never thought you could have to endure having a child with CDH. You will be the most devastated you ever have been, you will be more exhausted both physically and emotionally than you ever have been before. You will also know that no matter what life throws at you now, it is small compared to what you have endured.

no slowing down,a new baby,surgery and pumpkins...

2010-10-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

What a busy week and to think it's the weekend and their is no slowing down in our house hold.Between soccer tots,family in town, dinner guest tonight a pumpkin painting play date tomorrow.Every weekend is booked for the next couple of months.I love staying busy but I also really love having a pajama day. Lounging around the house with my two favorite men building forts in the living room,eating pop corn and sipping on hot cocoa. Yep those are my favorite kind of days. Were gonna have to squeeze a pajama lounging,fort building, pop corn eating,hot cocoa sipping day in some time in the next month, for sure.

My best friend (more like a sister) and her husband had their fist baby. A girl, Jenna Ruth.I am over the moon excited for Erin and Stew. Congratulations you two, now a beautiful family of three. Jenna is absolutely adorable. I am smitten over her. Her picture anyways.Haven't had the pleasure of meeting sweet Jenna in person yet with thousands of miles in between us. I can't wait for that day.Once I get permission from her lovely parents to share her picture with all of you.You all will be smitten too.

Claire, a beautiful vibrant three year old recently had surgery to repair her re-herniated diaphragm. I have been thinking about her and her parents a lot. Sounds like Claire is recovering nicely. Their has been talk of her getting to go home Monday. Woohoo!If you have a second, Stop by her blog and wish her well. Thanks.

I am going to leave this post with more pictures from yesterdays pumpkin patch adventure. Enjoy.

O and C best buds since infancy

no one mess with C not while he is hay collecting.

Hay collector C, making a cozy nest in the wagon

but that darn O the crane[ ahrrrrrr kachhuh kachhuh kachhuh... ahrrrrr ]
messing up his nest.

All in all yesterday was a GREAT day at the pumpkin.

Looking forward to doing it again.

Hope you all are having a terrific weekend!

thanks for stopping by.

2010-10-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

When hubs,I and O's team of surgeons were discussing whether or not to go with the latissmus dorsi flap procedure back in March. We wondered how loosing that very muscle would affect his ability to climb.

As you can see

it really hasn't slowed him down

one bit

"look at me I am king of the hay pyramid!"

Sometimes I wish time would stand still

2010-10-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

They weren't kidding when they say "motherhood zooms bye". Seriously I feel like just yesterday my little boy was a bald headed blue eye curious easy going never sleep through the night baby.Oh! how I miss late night early morning snuggles.I don't miss being sleep deprived though that is defiantly a plus side to my baby being a little boy.If I could I would freeze time. I get teary eyed just thinking of my ~~baby~~ little boy growing up and leaving for college. Sniff sniff.

O 6 months old

Yes, I am well aware that my ~~baby~~ little boy hasn't even started pre-school yet and I am already feeling the empty nest syndrome.Crazy, I know. I love being a mommy. It's been my dream. I was that girl that secretly played dolls until the age of fourteen (ssshhh don't tell any of my peers). I want to savory every moment of watching my little boy grow into a young responsible gentlemen. sniff sniff.

If only I could freeze time.

thanks to digital, I can.

savory and capture those moments in time I wish I could freeze.

Like this beautiful moment my almost three year old(sniff sniff)

playing soccer with the greatest man I know.

His smile melts my heart and brings me so much joy.

Moments I will savory until the end of time.

Like this one....

my ~~little boy~~ lady bug doing his team cheer with his peers.

a little weekend recap

2010-09-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

O at the beach April 2010

I really don't have a whole lot to say...

but since I made a blog promise a few post back here and I have already failed to hold up to my bargain. Headache or no headache I will blog dammit.

We had a pretty good chill weekend. No real big plans.The only event on our calendar was Mr.O's soccer tots.I stayed home while hubs and O ventured off for a little game. I had big plans of being super speedy productive in the morning while the men were away.I slept. So much for a speedy productive morning. I woke up to my little man bringing me a dandelion he picked outside the soccer arena. {grin}

Hubs traded places with me.Soccer is early 9:30 and us both being the night owls that we are that's pretty freak'en early for us on a Saturday.After nap we played out side at this really cool park our friends joined us. It was a glorious sunny day with great company. We ended our day with happy hour at Gustave's.

Sunday it rained. Which was great motivating my ass into being productive. I feel good with the amount of organizing and cleaning I accomplished today. Except for my headache. Damn you headache! In between being productive O and I got all crafty.

It was a good weekend.

not just any ordinary pancake

2010-09-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Growing up my just about every Sunday morning my mom would make pancakes. Not just any ordinary pancakes but German apple pancakes. They were and still are one of my favorite dishes my mom would make. Now that I am a Wife and ma-mom I carry on with this tradition.

You will Need:
4 eggs
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c butter
1/4 c.sugar
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 med. apples thinly sliced

Heat oven to 400' place r round layer cake pans (9x1/2inch) in oven. Beat eggs,flour,milk and salt in small mixer bowl on medium speed for 1 minute. Remove pans. Place 2 table spoons of butter in each pan rotate pans until butter melts and well coats sides of the pan.

Arrange half of apples in each pan. Divide batter evenly. Mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle 2 table spoons over each pan,. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes.

Enjoy!

stream of consciousness

2010-09-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

We had a pajama day today. Didn't leave the house once not even to check the mail or take out the garbage. Every once in a while I love a good pajama day like today. I did manage to get some laundry folded and put away oh and this morning I baked blueberry muffins and managed to burn a boiling pot of yams and carrots (don't ask) Owain did some beading. He made a fishing pole. I like his beaded fishing pole. I made a bracelet.

My throat feels a little scratchy. I really hope it's not the beginning of something.knock on wood. Poor little man woke up several times hacking up a lung. Nothing a little honey wouldn't help. Did you know honey helps with a cough?The nice thing about honey is it's sweet and Mr.Owain loves sweets. Just like his momma. I have the best husband ever! Tonight he made country chicken gravy,mashed potatoes and corn. One of the best cooks I know. Lucky lady I am.

It's not even October yet and Owain has already changed his mind several times on what his going to be for Halloween.We shall see. I love this time a year with the holidays and season change and all. It rained today I hope it's not the beginning of the rain for the next six months.As much as I love this time of year the rainy season can get a little old.We have a spider web in the hallway. I love it hubs is a little freaked out by the web and the family of spiders.Owain was a little spooked out too but now every time he walks under the web he waves and says "hi spiters"

What to you think of Owain's fishing pole? Pretty snazzy. I now have twelve followers. Let me rephrase that I have twelve followers of this little blog of mine. Not counting the grandparents. Woohoo! thanks for following. I love reading your comments. It makes my day. {grin} I have been praying for this sweet little baby. Well I think I am going to call it a night. A hot bubble bath and hot honey tea are calling my name.

Have a good night!
thanks for stopping by.

2010-09-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

HAVE

BALL!!

what not to sing...

2010-09-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

It was late a quarter after minute.

I was drifting in and out of sleep on the couch while an episode of Dirty Jobs playing on the flat screen. I was waiting for hubs to come home from a guys night out.Failing miserably to keep my eyes open. When I heard a frantic screaming "waaaawaaaaawaaaaawaaa" it took me a minute to realize where the screaming was coming from Owain's room. I jumped up off the couch in a daze running to check on my little man. Slinky kitty (Owain's cat) was sitting outside of his door trying to claw his way into the room. He loves his Owain and hates to hear him cry,as do I.

I stumbled into Mr.Owain's room to see him almost hyperventilate with big old crocodile tears run down his cheeks. He was still laying in his big boy bed covered up with his blankie. I scooped him up into my arms and asked him "honey what's the matter?"
In between tears he proceeded to tell me "rain cloud Ma-mom rain cloud!"
"oh honey you just had a bad dream"
I held him close rocking him. I started to sing him a lullaby. The only problem with that is I couldn't think of any lullaby and I was till very much in a sleep daze but I wanted nothing more than to comfort my boy. So I sang the first song that came to my mind.

"theeeee iiiiiitsy biiiiiiitsy spideeeeeeeeer"
before I even got to the next lyric he broke out into a scream

Note to self: when your child has a dream about a rain cloud don't sing them the itsy bitsy spider song.
bad idea a really really bad idea.

I quickly changed tones. Forget the dang lullaby. I grabbed the nearest book and started to read him Chimps don't wear glasses by Laura Numeroff.

Plan B worked Owain's crocodile tears faded away.He forgot about the scary gray rain cloud as he laughed at those silly chimps wearing glasses while they beat on the drums,played the guitar,sang in the microphone those silly old chimps they think theri rock stars.They were smart enough or at least wake enough not to sing itsy bitsy spider.

I spent the next forty five minutes reading books snuggling with my little man. In between books we did have to look out the window to check and see if their were any rain clouds.Hubs came home from his guys night out and we tucked Owain back into bed. "Good night Mr.Owain we love you!, sweet dreams!"

What is CDH?

2010-09-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that occurs when the diaphragm does not fully form around week 9-10 of gestation. This can allow some of the abdominal organs to move into the chest, preventing normal lung growth and possibly also causing damage to the heart. This defect happens in about 1 in 2,000 births. Unfortunately, CDH is a rather unknown birth defect that most people don’t hear about unless their baby is diagnosed with it. CDH happens at about the same rate as cystic fibrosis and spina bifida.

Many hospitals aren’t equipped to treat CDH babies. They either don’t have surgeons who can perform the hernia repair surgery or they don’t have an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation machine (ECMO) which is a heart lung bypass machine that is sometimes used in treatment of these critically ill babies.

The survival rate for CDH babies is around 50%. At Legacy and other hospitals that use the gentle ventilation technique for treatment there is a 92% survival rate for babies that don’t need ECMO. Some babies with CDH also have other birth defects, affecting the heart, chest wall (pectus excavatum) or spine (scoliosis). There are also some chromosomal abnormalities that can occur with CDH. Some babies, however have only the CDH and no other structural or chromosomal abnormalities.

So many little ones that are born with CDH have lasting problems. Often the lungs don’t grow to normal size or function so babies may still need the help of oxygen or other lung medications. Other common problems are with feeding, from acid reflux to oral aversion and problems with weight gain. Some babies also experience different developmental delays from extended hospital stays or ECMO and the side effects of different medications.

O's fight to live!

2010-09-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is a CDH success story.

I found this poem on another blog that I found helpful it gave me strength when I felt weak.

“I will be a better mother for all that I have endured. I am a better wife, a better aunt, a better daughter, neighbor, friend and sister because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment as I have been betrayed by my own body. I have been tried by fire and hell many never face, yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me, I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort. I see it, mourn it, and join them in theirs.

I listen.

And even though I cannot make it better, I can make it less lonely. I have learned the immense power of another hand holding tight to mine, of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth and when life is beyond hard. I have learned a compassion that only comes with walking in those shoes.

I have learned to appreciate life.”

Aurthur Unknown

What? Were gonna be parents!

Hubs and I were pleasantly surprised when we discovered that we were pregnant with our first baby. Shocked would be an understatement. We weren't trying at all. In fact I was on birth control. We talked about having a family and always new it was in the cards for us we just had no idea how soon our family of two would soon be a family of three. Once we got over the initial shock "WERE GONG TO BE PARENTS" we were on cloud nine. We had some concern right away. With me being on birth control we new I immediately needed to stop taking it. Another concern was my seizure disorder. The medication I was taking at the time could possible be harmful to my unborn baby. I was terrified knowing that I was taking medication for the first six weeks of pregnancy unbeknown to me that could cause severe birth defects like Spina bifida and Nerul tube defect. I immediately stopped all of my medications. Stopping all of my mediations could be potentially dangerous. The risk of me having a seizure go way up.The risk of continuing taking my medication were greater. I didn't have a choice I needed to do what was best of our baby. With out medication it would only be a matter of time before I stared having seizers which could be harmful to our baby and myself. In order to keep my seizure disorder under control I began to see a natural path and started taking natural supplements. They were completely safe for our unborn baby and they were keeping my seizures under control. It was a win win.

At twelve weeks we had our first ultra sound. It was amazing to see our little baby.To hear a strong heart beat. That's when it became rally real. WERE GOING TO BE PARENTS! Holy batman this little life we are responsible for. From that moment on Hubs started calling our little growing babe a pot sticker.Kinda weird, I know.That's what our little babe resembled at the time. We both were beyond excited to be parents.

We had another ultra sound a few weeks later to get a good look at our little pot sticker's spine. To rule out spinal bifida. I also had blood work done to rule out Nerul tube defect. While we waited for the results we prayed "please god let our little babe be healthy" It felt like an eternity,waiting. A week or so went buy and finally We heard the news we were hoping to hear our little babe tested free and clear of both birth defects. Our prayers were answered. Thank you GOD! thank you GOD Our growing little pot sticker is gonna be just fine.

The next few weeks were a breeze. My belly was getting bigger and bigger by the day. I was filled with so much joy. I loved being pregnant. I felt so blessed to feel this little babe of ours move around. I really felt at peace that our little babe (aka Pot sticker) was going to be born healthy. Placed in my arms right after birth and nurse like a champ. The natural supplements I was taking were still working for the most part. I did have one grand-mal seizure. It only lasted a couple of seconds. I was told by the ER doctor that if I had another one that I would have to consider getting on a different type of anti-seizure medication that would be safe for our unborn baby. The seizure didn't faze our little babe. Strong heart beat check. My cervix closed check. Having a seizure while pregnant can block the oxygen to the unborn babe and it could also cause preterm labor. Neither one of these we wanted. So with all that being said I was monitored by the Doctors and my natural path. I wanted to go as long as I could before having to take any anti-seizure drug. The longer I go the better for our babe but I was also in fear of having another seizure. They are horrifying. I wouldn't wish a seizure on my worst enemy. If I had enemies.

CDH, what?

The day the storm blew in was the day of my twenty week ultra sound. I didn't think anything of it except that we were going to find out the sex of our little babe. Boy or girl. It felt like Christmas morning we couldn't wait to find out if we were going to have a son or daughter. It never occurred to us that my pregnancy and our life's were about to take a Jurassic turn. We left on top of the world "we were having a BOY!" We were so excited we immediately started calling everyone we new to share our news. Hubs went off to work with one of the ultra sound pictures of our son and I went home.

We were having a BOY! a baby boy our baby boy. A son. Our son.Oh boy were we excited!

The storm didn't really hit until quarter after seven that night. I was happily online registering for all the baby stuff when my phone rang. I looked down at my caller ID. Unfamiliar number. I picked up the phone "hello" that was out of my character. If I don't know who's calling I usually let it go straight to voice mail. Something told me to pick up that darn phone. On the other end of the line I heard my O.B's deep Russian accent. My heart dropped. I new something was very wrong.I tried my hardest to remain calm.My heart began to beat rapidly. He began to explain that the tech noticed that our baby had a fatal birth defect known as Congital Diaphragmatic Hernia. I had know idea what the f***k he was talking about? Come to think of it the tech did leave the room several times during this morning's ultra sound. I didn't think anything of it, Until now. Wiping tears I asked him "could you please call my husband at work and explain all this to him?" I was a hot mess. I new I wouldn't be able to explain clearly all the medical information. My O.B replied " yes but I need to make this quick, I have been at work all day" are you f***ing kidding me! That was the last I spoke to that jerk of an O.B. When I hung up the phone I collapsed to floor sobbing yelling "why god?why our baby? why our son?" I felt as if my heart was being ripped out of my chest. All our hopes and dreams for our son being born healthy were gone.

Hubs came home from work early. He picked me up off the floor and we sobbed in each others arms. Well I sobbed he remained calm.Trying to be strong for me, for us.He shared with me what that jerk of an O.B told him "that their was no hope for our son. he highly recommend having abortion" I was stunned. I had know idea that was even a possibility at twenty weeks gestation. How could we just abort this little life?I can feel moving inside of my womb. Our son, abort our son! That was not a possibility for us. We new we couldn't give up hope. Hope that our son would beat the odds and be CDH survivor.

The rest of my pregnancy was filled with many Doctors appointments, Ultra sounds, test after test. Instead of researching for a pediatrician. We were researching for the best pediatric surgeons.Touring through a NICU. The Doctors kept reminding us that our baby is going to be born sick,very very sick.Baby's born with CDH need to be in the level three NICU. Where the sickest babies are cared for. Many tears were shed. We prayed and cling ed on to hope.Hope gave us strength. We found hope reading CDH survivor story's and even having the pleasure of meeting a sweet vibrant baby boy who fought the fight to survive and won! Meeting with him and his parents gave us hope for our sweet son.

A Warrior is born

Four days before my scheduled induction day my water broke. I was in a panic. I wasn't ready. Not now. Please god just let me carry my sweet boy safely in my womb a little longer.Please, I begged. With me being the procrastinator that I am I didn't even have our bags packed. I was terrified of the road ahead.Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of the CDH roller coaster ride. This was one ride I wish I could avoid competely but this was the ride chosen for us.For our babe.No time to be weak I needed to be strong for our son.

Twenty -two hours of labor (three hours of hard core pushing) It was decided that I needed a C-section.I cried this was the last thing I wanted. Our little babe was sunny side up (face up) so with each push he would go down then back up. I was exhausted and at that point I just wanted the whole labor thing to be over. Cut me open and get him out already!

at 2:32 pm on the day of January 25,2008 our little warrior O was born

Before you were conceived I wanted you.

Before you were born I loved.

Before you were here an hour I would die for you.

This is the MIRACLE OF LIFE.

O had a first couple of really good days.We were so thankful. Then he started to really take the turn for the worse. The Doctors prepared us for the "unthinkable". We were on pins and needles. Praying for a miracle. We never gave up hope.I was terrified this wasn't how I imagined how the birth of our son would go he should be cradled in my arms. We should be home..Instead our only son was in the level three NICU on life support fighting for his life. Terrified is an understatement.

Finally at seventeen days old O had his repair surgery right at his bed side in the NICU. He was so sick and fragile his amazing surgeon didn't want to risk moving him to the operating room. That was the longest four and half hours of our life. O's surgery was anything but easy. His spleen bleed to death. He lost a lot of blood he had to have several blood transfusions.(thankful for people who donate blood, thank you!) He was missing 90% of his diaphragm on the left side. His stomach and bowl were in his chest. Which pushed his heart over to the right. His lungs were underdeveloped.The amazing thing about lungs is they continue to grow until a child is eight years old and even though O's lungs were small their was hope.

He was still in critical condition. The next several days will be tough for O. The Doctors and Nurses reminded us " he will get sicker before he gets better " Which is really common for babies born with CDH.

The day after his BIG repair surgery hubs and I walked into the NICU feeling GREAT. Our son is truly amazing. Yes he was still very very sick. I new in my heart now that O fought through this major hurdle he was only going to amaze us and continue to fight and kick CDH's ass.Before we were able to walk over to O's bed side one of his Doctors stopped us dead in our tracks. "Wow! I thought O died last night! his surgery didn't seem to go to well, you know he is doing okay now but he will get sicker before he gets better." My first instinct was to give her a bitch slab. I took a deep breathe before I said anything I would re-great and walked over to my little warrior all bandaged up from war. Keep in mind at this point O was stable. Still critical but stable.This was the one Doctor who had the worst bed side manor. From day one she had very little hope that our son would beat the odds and survive. I new O would prove her wrong. He was only going to go up from here. And that he did five days later he came off of the ventilator breathing with the help of oxygen.That very same day we held him for the very first time. He was twenty two days old.

Three weeks later we were bringing our little miracle home.It seemed so surreal. We waited for this day for so long. Their were days we weren't sure if this glorious day would ever come.We had so much to be thankful for. We new he wouldn't be at this point with out his awesome surgeon, Nurses and all of the NICU Doctors even the one with the horrible no good bed side manor.He was breathing room air, and only on two medications one for acid reflux (another common thing for babies born with CDH) and an antibiotic(for the loss of his spleen) he will have to remain on until he is three to five years old.

Hip hip hooray were going HOME!

The next few months were pretty uneventful. We were happy being a little family of three at home. I was anxious and worried all the time that O's hernia repair might re-herniate. My biggest fear. Since he only had 90% of his left diaphragm his surgeon had to get creative and and tie the gore tex patch (his make shift diaphragm) to his rib cage. We were told he had a 15% chance of having a recurrence. With that being said O had to have a routine x-ray every three months. We lived each day to the fullest. With every sleepless night I was oh so thankful for our healthy little man. Our miracle. Our CDH warrior.

A CDH Mother's biggest fear

At nine months old with a routine x-ray we learned O had a recurrence.My heart dropped with this news. My fear was now becoming a reality. The day before his daddy's birthday O had his second repair surgery. Once again we were on pins and needles. This time his surgeons wanted to approach the situation with a less invasive approach, endoscopic . Surgery went well,so we thought.

The next day was a night mare. O was feeling miserable with a high fever and we learned after another x-ray and CT scan that some of his bowl was still poking through his diaphragm. He had to have a third surgery the following day.Two surgeries in three days.We weren't thrilled. I felt really uneasy having to hand my nine month old pride and joy over to the Nurse again. This wasn't part of the plan. Two surgeries! Not the plan, dammit.

O pulled threw like the warrior that he is. Two surgeries in three days ( a total of 7 hours in the OR), six days in the hospital we were bringing our sweet boy home once again.Thank you god! and thank you to all of his amazing Doctors and Nurses. We love each and every one of YOU!

Not again!

We continued to live life to the fullest. O hit all of his milestones right on track. We are so proud of our little man. The biggest issue we had was getting him to gain weight and eat like a real boy. Considering every thing he has been through this issue was minor.

A week before his second birthday O had his last scheduled routine X-ray. When I was told this would be his last schedule X-ray. I felt uneasy. It was never fun taking our little man to have an X-ray but with each X-ray gave me peace of mind that his gore tex patch was still intact. O never showed any sign of having a recurrence. Each time we found out was through an X-ray.Knowing that their would not be anymore scheduled X-rays concerned me. what if O had another recurrence? what if he showed no signs until he got so sick it would be to late?

His surgeon gave us a thumbs up after taking a look at O's last scheduled X-ray. A few days later we got a call from his awesome surgeon. He took another look at O's X-ray looks like he had another recurrence. My heart dropped with the thought of our little man having to go through yet another surgery, another hospital stay.I was thankful for his thorough surgeon taking a second look.Just another bump in the CDH roller coaster ride their is nothing we can't handle.Nothing O can't handle.

Since O wasn't showing any signs of being uncomfortable. His recurrence didn't seem to affect him at all. His surgeon didn't feel the need to rush him into surgery. He wanted to meet with a team of surgeons to come up with a better game plan for O. His surgeon never had a CDH patient have so many recurrences. Leave it to our little man to be his first.

While we waited for the team of surgeons we tried to keep our routine the same and have lots of quality fun family time. We also tried to prepare our two year old for another stay in the hospital. Every night for the two months before his fourth surgery we read him a book about going to the hospital.It became one of his favorite books. I was nervous for this hospital stay. O is much more aware of his surroundings.I new this would be a difficult for him. On the bright side hubs and I were familiar with the hospital we new both of us could sleep in O's room unlike when he was in the NICU.

Fourth times a charm

March 31,2010 we drove our sweet boy to the hospital before dawn. I was anxious and just wanted to get this all over with. So we can move on. So O can move on. I felt confident in the team of surgeons. This was the longest surgery to date eight and half hours long. O once again handled it like a champ. Every thing went well. This time he had his liver and small bowel in his chest. Instead of putting in another gore tex patch like they did the last three surgeries. They removed his rib so they can do a latisum dorsi flap. O has three gore tex patches and a latissimus dorsi flap working as his diaphragm.We feel very hopeful and confident that this will

The recovery process was painful. O had his arm in a sling, a chest tube and a JP drain. For the first four days we couldn't hold him.This was difficult. O didn't understand why ma-mom couldn't hold him. At one point he was kicking and screaming having one of the biggest temper tantrum ever. He had every right to throw a tantrum of this nature. I did the next best thing I crawled into his hospital crib leaned over in the most numbing uncomfortable position to comfort my boy.

Easter day, six days after surgery we were going home. We were behind happy to be getting the heck out of the hospital but a little reluctant. O had to go home with the sling which was no big deal. He also had to go home with a JP drain. Eeeeck it totally grossed me out. I am not a Nurse.I don't do well with Nurse kinda jobs like a drain coming out of my toddler's side.Needless to say it totally grossed me out. Not as much as his chest tube which was removed on day four. Thank goodness the chest tube had to be removed before being discharged. Thankfully hubs took on the role of taking care of the JP drain.Nurse Hubs to the rescue! Two days after being home we took O to one of his amazing surgeons to have it removed and that was that no more JP drain, you won't be missed.

JP drain

A week later O's no longer needed his sling or any pain medications. He was back to being a curious little boy full of energy. Each time O has another set back (surgery) he amazes us how remarkable his little body heals. We are so blessed to me his ma-mom and daddy. He wouldn't be here thriving without his team of surgeons,Nurses and Doctors. Thank you for all your hard work and devotion to making a HUGE difference in our son's life and others.

Thank you for taking the time to read O's story. O's is not alone. Every year 1600 babies are born with Congital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Out of those 1600 babies only 50% will survive. My heart aches every time I hear of another baby/child loosing their fight against this awful birth defect.

stream of consciousness

2010-09-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Owain didn't make it to his second Saturday of Soccer tots due to him being sick the day before and the day before that. He probably would have been okay but I wanted him to be at least fever free for twenty-four hours. By morning it had only been twelve hours so we all slept in until 10:47. It was amazing.Hubs made scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. I have a headache. Some one drank my last two Pepsi. YES I am addicted to Pepsi. It's my only addiction well that and chocolate. Maybe now is the time to quit. I have quit before but that only last no more than three weeks. I am feeling a little bitter. I want my Pepsi dang it!

Owain last Saturday at Soccer Tots

This afternoon hubs had to work so Owain and I ventured off to the mall with some friends. It was fun but I miss shopping with out a toddler. I still really wish I had a Pepsi. Is it worth walking to the store in the rain for? Nope I really need to quit. What better time than now. Before the mall hubs O and I went a little crafty at Michaels. I love Michaels. I could spend all day their I also could easily spend a lot of money their too. I love listening to the rain. Still feeling bitter about the Pepsi. Tomorrow we are going to bring out our Halloween decorations from storage. I am excited! Before I was a mommy I was never really into decorating for the Holidays to much but now I am so into I am probably going to drive hubs crazy.

I really have nothing else to say.Except I wish I had a Pepsi! I hope all of you had a wonderful Saturday. I am off to read Owain a bedtime story then watching The Apprentice while crafting.Good night!

a day out with....

2010-09-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Thomas the Tank Engine!

This trip was a surprise for Mr.Owain he had know idea that his Grandma P planned this special trip out of state to see his favorite tank engine months ahead of time. That we (Ma-mom, daddy and grandma) were giddy with excitement trying our hardest to keep this trip a secret. He loves trains and we new this would be a memorable weekend for all.

The night before we asked Owain "who do you think the someone special we are going to see tomorrow is?"

he replied jumping up and down on the hotel bed "SANTA!"

Do you see the excitement when our little man first lays eyes on Thomas?

Our boy with his first celebrity sighting.

We even got to ride on Thomas.

Super cool and super HOT!

After the train ride we played with trains, of course

It was a day full of joy and sweat (it was a HOT HOTsummer day). Lots of water and juice pop-cycles were had by all. We listened to Casper Underpants live. My new favorite children's band. They are awesome!I highly recommend their CD. Thank you Grandma P for making this memorable day possible! We love you!

Where in the world is little Mr.O ?

2010-09-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Where did Mr.O vacation the second weekend in July?

101.2

2010-09-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

self portrait taking by your truly..

Mr.Owain woke up with a fever this morning. Not a high fever only 101.2. I am keeping a close eye on it though. Since this morning it's gone down to 100. with the help of Tylenol. It's kinda ironic little man is sick just the other day I was reading another blog of another sweet little boy with a fever and such and I thought to myself yup it's defiantly getting to be that time of year cold flu season thankfully it hasn't hit my little man yet. Knock on wood. Except I forgot to knock on wood and now two days after my thought Mr.Owain is sick. Boohoo. Were both lounging in our pajamas watching Dora. Well his snuggled up to me (one nice thing about the sickies) watching Dora while I read a a book I checked out at the Library the other day Take the fight out of Food by: Donna Fish. I really hope this book will give me some new techniques with Mr.Owain's eating habits. For my sanity and for his health. Yesterday I was that mother you who bribed her child with candy "if you eat all of your breakfast you will get a piece of candy!" He had no problem eating his whole scrambled egg. No problem at all as long as he got a piece of tasty chocolaty reward.I know this is something I don't want to make a habit out of it but what's a mother to do?

We had a play date schedule for this afternoon, it's canceled now for obvious reason. Tomorrow we had another play date with his best buddy and my good friend. We had plans of being all crafty and making Halloween decorations. I love the Holidays and is really into decorating for it this year. Looks like that will be cancelled too.Double bummer. Hopefully by Saturday Mr.Owain will be feeling better he has his second Saturday of Soccer Tots. I would hate for him to miss it.

Time to get back to snuggling my little man.

snip

2010-09-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

snip snip snip

sitting on Ma-mom's lap

getting my hair did

for the very first time

looking good

"I cute I cute I cute"

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

cheep cheep

2010-09-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

this little chick

from over the way

Owain went to play with

one day

Frustrated, I am!

2010-09-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Frustrated with my almost three year old and his eating habits.Some days like today I just want to SCREAM! I lost my patience with him. I hate loosing my patience. If he would just eat like a real boy. I shouldn't have to spoon feed my almost three year old while he is running jumping all over the apartment. Yes, we have meal time at the table a few bites into his food he looses interest (unless it's something sweet like chocolate cake,go figure), jumps down and goes about his business. We have always had issues with Owain and his eating habits. Which is common with children born with CDH (congital diaphragmatic hernia). I know it could be so much worse. Today I am just frustrated. I hate meal time! Today anyways.

Tomorrow is a new day.
A new day for eating.
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Snack
his bound to eat something, right?

Even with my frustration I am thankful that this is the only issue we are dealing with Mr.Owain.
Thankful tomorrow is a new day with my (skinny) healthy little man.

"Not Me!" Mondays

2010-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Now that I have been trying to make more of an effort with this whole blogging thing I thought I would join in the "Not me" Monday once again. Feel free to join me and others over at Mckmama''s
Early last week I may have made a promise to you that I would blog every single day until Christmas. I might of already missed a few days but who's really read's this blog to take notice,anyways.
I haven't fantasied about throwing water balloons off my balcony at my loud mouth" interesting" neighbors at three in the morning. YES they are out in the court yard smoking their nasty cigarettes early early in the mornings parting their life's away. Every day when I walk outside I don't find twenty hundred cigarette butts laying around.I haven't been counting the days until our lease is up and we can move.Only 365 more days to go! Nope not me I love living here in the ghetto.
While my father in law,hubs and Mr.Owain camped out I did not sleep inside my father in law's king size bed in his guess room. I would never choose a bed over a tent. Not me!

I don't have baby envy. I haven't been looking at Mr.Owain's pictures of him when was so new and little and wishing that we could go back to that moment just so I could smell his newborn scent and cuddle with him all day and night.

Every time I see a newborn or a pregnant lady I don't get a little jealous wondering when it will be our turn. I want our little family to grow and make Owain a big brother. Nope it's not my clock ticking for baby number two! Not me!
On a rainy day I would never let my two and half year old have complete control of salt,water and a few spices and let him mix them up in the kitchen. I did not have salt and among other things all over the counter and floor it did not tickle me pink to see him having so much fun while making a complete mess.Not me me!

"sneaky" pumpkin pancakes

2010-09-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

(Owain last fall at the pumpkin patch)

I am well aware that we still have eleven days until Autumn with that being said it's never to early for pumpkins. I love love love anything pumpkin. Pumpkin pie a fall must have, pumpkin latte,pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes. Who doesn't love pumpkin? and if you happen to be one of those few who don't well sorry for you this post is all about my all time fall favorite "sneaky" pumpkin pancakes.

You will need:

1 cup canned pumpkin

3 cups water

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

4 cups of pancake mix (I use bisquick)

and of course the sneaky ingredient 1/4 to 1/2 cup purree carrots and sweet potato. Your child will never know that these delicious pumpkin pancakes have vegetables in them!

In a larger bowl, mix together pumpkin,sneaky ingredient, water,brown sugar,cinnamon and nutmeg until well blended. Add the pancake mix and stir until well combined (batter should still be slightly lumpy).

Heat a griddle over medium heat. Lightly oil the griddle and pour pancake batter, 1/4 cup at a time,to make 4 inch pancakes.

I love to make these a head of the time and freeze them. On mornings on the go just pop a pancake or two in the microwave and wallah you have a mouth watering pumpkin goodness first thing in the morning.

Top them with maple syrup and a little bit of whip cream and enjoy!

Say hello Ocean!

2010-09-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

hey Mr.O let's go say hello to the Ocean.

HELLOOOOOO OCEANNNNN!

BYE BYEEEEEE OCEANNNNNN!

back to the sand I go. where I belong.

nice feeling ya for the split second Ocean.

but I got some sand castle stomping to do.

Defiantly Mr.O is our little beach bum.

surfer not so much.

stream of consciousness

2010-09-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

Every day I say to myself I will blog. Yes I will. Then night falls little man is tucked into his big boy bed snuggled under his Thomas blanket. And that's when I get lazy. I put my feet up and watch some mindless reality t.v show. yes I fully admit I like what most people consider crappy t.v. It is crap and highly entertaining. Don't judge. I know I have completely neglected the blog. I have dozens blog post done in my head. Tonight I am making a promise to myself and for you grandparents I, Ma-mom (aka Amber) promise to post not only in my head but on this blog every day until Christmas.If I don't hold to my promise there will be severe consequence in store for me.Like none of my mother in law's breakfast casserole Christmas morning. I look forward to her casserole every Christmas. It's amazing and believe me I don't want to be the only one on Christmas morning without Christmas casserole.Maybe one day I will share the recipe with you. Of course I would have to get her permission first.Oh sweet mother in law of mine may I pretty please share your amazing breakfast casserole on this little blog of mine?

Labor day weekend we didn't really have any big plans. So on Saturday we ventured to the beach. It was little man's idea. He loves the beach. I think he would be ok with living on the beach..He really hearts the beach.Being a beach bum wouldn't be so bad. If we lived near a warm beach. Beaches here in Oregon during the fall,winter,spring can be very cold windy and down right miserable. Saturday was a perfect day at the beach with my two favorite men. I feel so blessed. A blessed wife and Ma-mom. I love my little family.I most defiantly won the lottery in life.More about our beach day coming soon. I promise!

Hubs is still really loving his new job and I am adjusting to living on the other side of the river. Actually tonight hubs is hanging out on our old stopping grounds with the boys (buddies since high school) maybe that's why I am finally blogging. No distractions. Little man was disappointed that Dada wasn't home to read him a bed time story. After a story of this little chick on speaker phone brought a huge grin and laughter to my little man. Filled my heart full of joy. I love my little family.Hubs deserves to have a night out. His been working hard for us. I am thankful for all of his hard work. Thanks babe for making it possible for me to live my dream. Being a stay at home mom. I love love love my job. I made a new friend. Her oldest is Owain's age and they hit it off. She's defiantly future wife material.Not my friend that would be weird. but Owain's friend (her daughter).Is my rambling making any since? Moving on, I reconnected with an old friend. It's been wonderful to have her back into my life. It turns out we only live five minutes from each other.Which is Awesome. She use to live on the other side of the river too. Watching our boy's play together again brings me happiness. I rode the city bus with my little man today. He loves the city bus almost as much as the beach.Almost. We checked out the new library (to us) for story time. I didn't get lost this time. Last week I got so turned around we were twenty minutes late for story time. It turned out we were a week early. I love our new library.Story time is defiantly back on the weekly calender.

Owain made his first pine cone,peanut butter, bird seed feeder today. He got a little teary eyed when I told him when it stops raining we can hang it up in a tree so the birds can eat the seeds. "no Ma-mom, no"I love it when he calls me Ma-mom.It melts my heart. Every morning I have been waking to men walking and banging,drilling on my roof top. Yes my roof. Our apartment building is so lucky to be getting a new roof. I will be glad when their finished. I guess being on the third floor does have it's down side. Owain has been digging having a dump truck parked right outside every morning all day.It will be missed when they finally finish. The banging and the drilling won't be missed. Our poor cats don't know what to think of all the noise.

good night all, I will be back tomorrow. I PROMISE!

swimming swimming in a swimming pool

2010-08-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's true I totally got a little teary eyed when Owain graduated from his very first swim lessons a couple of months ago. My baby is growing up it's safe to say he is no longer my baby. My baby is now a bright energetic little boy. No matter how big he gets he will always be my baby but really does time half to go so dang fast?

Ok back to swim lessons. Overall he did great. At first he was a little timid of the water but after a couple of classes he warmed up and started participating. He learned how to make ice scream scoops, blow bubbles, do the alligator guide, pencil legs. He even started jumping into the water and daddy would catch him. Swim lessons was something special that just him and daddy did while I was at work. It was great for the both of them. Owain's favorite game they played hands down was the hokey pokey. I think it was daddy's favorite too.

you put your arm in

you put your arm out.

you turn your self around.

that's what it's all about!!!

2010-08-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

summer time+ blue lake park =

FUN FUN FUN FUN

4th of July Corbett Parade

2010-08-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

Mr.Owain's major interest have always been things that go.

whether it would be trucks,planes or trains.

If it's got wheels or wings his smitten.

However he sure didn't like it when the dump truck caring a big load went

HONK HONK HONK HONK

He did enjoy the pretty ladies or maybe it was the horses.

or maybe it was both.

or maybe it was the candy being thrown at him.

either way the kid was stoked.

It was raining suckers.

this parade thing isn't so bad.

when's the next parade?

normal

2010-08-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

our little man's MRI

came back...

NORMAL!

his brilliant brain is perfectly

NORMAL!

no sign of any type of seizure disorder.

NORMAL!

change isn't always easy

2010-08-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

There have been a few of changes happening in our life. All been good changes for the most part. The biggest change of all is a couple of months ago Eric (my amazing husband. love you babe.) was offered the perfect job. We felt a huge sigh of relief. After fourteen months of being on the unemployment train we were thankful to finally be getting off. The stress of having a family, being unemployed and having to deal with Owain's latest,longest and hopefully his last surgery(Cross our fingers).We were so thankfully that finally our prayers were answered and hubs found a job in graphic design. Something he has been trying to get into since he graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts five years ago.Hasn't been easy since every place wants you to have two plus years experience. Kinda hard to do fresh out of college.Not to mention the economy isn't all that great. Just about every job hubs applied for their were two hundred other applicants gunning for the position.

He was a print specialist before they laid him and a handful of other employees. It was the kinda job that was alright it paid the bills.He didn't love it and defiantly couldn't see himself growing with the company. So when they laid him off fourteen months ago we felt it was a blessing in disguise. No one really wants to be put in that situation jobless with a family to feed and medical bills to pay.Not to mention all the other bills that come along with being a grown up. Us trying to have a positive out look we saw this as an opportunity for him to move forward and find a job in graphic design. A job were he could be creative. A job were he would look forward to going to everyday. A job with full benefits.A company were he can grow with in that very company. After fourteen months on the unemployment train that perfect job found hubs or hubs found it. Either way everything always works out eventually. Sometime you just have to be patient and work hard so another door can open.

The only draw back is we had to relocate. The commute would be to much for hubs. The timing couldn't be more perfect our lease was ending.Everything was falling right into place. It's amazing how it all kinda works out that way.We quickly found another apartment to rent. Were going on our third week in our new apartment home. I am hardly in love with it.I don't hate it but am defiantly not in love. The area well it's okay. I miss being on the other side of the river. I miss all my wonderful mommy friends and Owain's little buddies. It's taking some time to get use to our new little town outside of Portland just on the other side of the river. I am not in love with our new neighborhood or town for that matter but our apartment home is starting to feel like home.Now that all but one box is unpacked and pictures are hung.

The best part of our move is why we moved. Hubs's career. He loves it. It's totally worth the big change. Even though change isn't always easy. It's totally worth it to see hubs happy. Loving his new job. Being able to use his creativity on a daily basis and get paid for it. It's perfect for him Perfect for us.

aren't the two men in my life stink'in cute?

2010-08-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Even at five something in the morning my boy is full of smiles.

My happy go lucky boy.

I love him more than any words can describe.

His not only full of smiles at five something in the morning

but his also ready to be fierce

and model his blue hospital bracelet.

work it Owain, work it.

You know you would totally buy one of these bang'in blue bracelet.

My happy go lucky boy sure knows how to sell one of these babies.

Tyra Banks would be proud.

This morning MRI went well. Now we wait for the results. Not sure how long we wait a couple of days a week. I am no longer feeling a bit anxious. I am at peace with whatever the results are. It is what it is. Whatever card we are dealt. We will deal. Seizure disorder or no seizures. I still am one lucky proud momma of this little happy go lucky boy....

Blessed we are.

is feeling a bit anxious...

2010-08-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Bright and early before the sun is up we will be heading to the hospital for Owain's scheduled MRI. I have known about this MRI for a couple of months now. Plenty of time to prepare. get my nerves under control. Yet I am feeling anxious. Can't really put my finger on it. It's not like this is Owain's first MRI . He had one at six weeks old before we brought him home from the NICU. Back then his little brain looked A okay.We were pleased.

It's not like tomorrow's MRI will be the first big test of sorts that our little man will have to be under anesthesia.This is nothing compared to his four major surgeries he has been through. Nothing at all. It should be a piece of cake. So why am I feeling a bit anxious? I guess I am anxious for the results. Let me back up a few months ago to the very incident that is leading us to tomorrow's MRI.

It was like any other day unbuckling Owain out of his car seat. Except he had a blank stare. He was unresponsive when I repeatedly called his name. What seemed like forever. Probably only a few seconds but immediately I new something was wrong. It looked like he was having a seizure. A petit mal seizure to be exact. I am no Doctor but I,myself have been living with a seizure disorder my whole life. When not on medication I could have anywhere from five to hundred petit mals a day. Sometimes those petit mals could turn into terrifying, helpless out of control grand mal that I would never wish upon on my worst enemy. If I had any enemies..I hate seizures yet I am thankful that I new what to look for. Most people don't even know what a petit mal looks like.I new that day in the car my little man wasn't just staring off into space day dreaming. I hoped and prayed he was. Just to be sure we made an appointment with his pediatrician.

I really thought I was just over reacting. No way my little man was having some type of seizure.No way. After all my seizure disorder is not genetic. I have a scar on my brain due to lack of oxygen during a traumatic birth. Owain also had a traumatic birth. Way more traumatic than mine was way back in the 70's. Since birth he has also had four major surgeries. So I guess it's possible he could of had a seizure?Maybe he has a scar on his brain too? but I really didn't think so. I really honestly thought I was over reacting. So after meeting with the neurologist to learn what the results were of his EEG. I was shocked to hear. Yep it defiantly showed signs of a seizure.WHAT? We left that appointment in complete and utter shock with Diazepam in hand. A rectally medication that would only need to be given if he has had a seizure longer than four minutes. Thankfully we haven't needed to use it.

(Owain waking up after his EEG. )

So tomorrow we go in for an MRI.The MRI will give us a much better picture of what is going on in that big brain of his. Like I said I am a bit anxious for the results. I really don't want my little man to have to go through what I have went through growing up with a seizure disorder.His been through enough in his two and half years. Way more than most of us have in a life time. It could be worse.I know first hand that seizures suck but they are not the end of the world. If in deed he does have a seizure disorder we caught it early.He could out grow it. Heck if my seizure disorder didn't go undetected for the first fifteen years and I was treated early on I might of out grown my seizure disorder.

So in five hours our alarm will be waking us up. Knowing hubs and I will push snooze a few times. Before we wake our sleeping little man and head to the hospital before the sun is even up. I am not sure when we will get the results of his MRI I hope we don't have to wait to terribly long. I better sign off try and get a few hours of sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

good night.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Get Crackin'

2010-04-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I love Pizza!

and

I love breakfast!

So when I came across this recipe for scrambled egg pizza

I immediately ran out to the store for all the ingredients.

You will need:

1 pound store bought frozen pizza dough, thawed

3 potatoes,thinly slices

8 ounces thick sliced bacon,chopped

4 scallions,white and green parts thinly slice separately

4 eggs, beaten

salt and pepper

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup Gruyee cheese

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400'. Spread the dough on a lightly floured 12 by 18 inch baking sheet and bake until the crust is fully cooked. About 15 minutes.

Step 2 In a large sauce pan,combine the potato slices and enough salted water to cover; bring to a boil. Darin and pat dry.

Step 3

Meanwhile,in a large non stick skillet,cook the bacon over medium low heat until crisp, 8-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate,reserving the bacon fat.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and working in batches,add the potato slices to the skillet. Cook turning once until golden, about 5 minutes; transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain. In the same skillet, add the scallion whites and cook until soft, about 2 minutes; add the potatoes

Step 5

Wipe the skillet,lower the heat to low and add the eggs. Scramble until cooked.

Step 6

Spread the pizza crust with the sour cream and layer the topping. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes.

If you are a pizza lover and a breakfast lover like myself

then Get Crackin this is a pizza for you too!

Enjoy!

Amazing

2010-04-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we left the hospital with a our sweet little boy.Six days after he endured his fourth and longest (8hrs) surgery.On bed rest for the first three days post op, a not so comfortable chest tube for three days an epidural,morphine, Tylenol round the clock.Bed rest. A Jack Pratt drain. Sleepless nights,watching animated show after another, ice cream,wagon rides,bubbles,coloring. We were saying good bye to the hospital. Again.Days before we anticipated. We were stepping foot off hospital grounds with our sweet (stronger than most adults I know) warrior child wearing a lovely hospital gown courtesy of Dorenbecker Children's hospital. His left arm still in a sling. Holding his daddy's hand with his wright Owain not so gracefully jumped out of the elevator JP and all. Yes! He jumped!

Blessed, we are.

At home Owain continues to amaze us.After only being home for two days spending his day watching our own animated cartoon shows with Slinky and Nemo in the comfort of our living room.

We spoke with Dr.L (plastic surgeon). Great Doc. He was pleased with how little of an out put his new friend JP was putting out. He told us to come into the office that very day!It was time to say goodbye to good old JP. A week earlier than we anticipated .Owain wasn't to happy about the quick yet unpleasant process of saying goodbye to JP.He recovered quickly with some Mickey Mouse stickers.

Our boy continues to amaze us!
Blessed,We are!

Having JP out of the picture Owain continued to recover remarkably well. He spent less time in front of the t.v. Having the energy to play he helped daddy build a tent out of his old tapestry from his college days.They hid from mommy snacking on some tasty pepporin and cheese.

Blessed,We are!

By the sixth day of being home Owain no longer needed his stink'in sling.A week earlier than we anticipated. He was back to feeling like his young energetic self.Running,jumping doing tricks (twirling while jumping) Flying like a bird. He no longer needed pain medication.He was feeling pretty darn good. Better than I did after my C-section. Truly amazing.

Amazing.That's our boy!

Ten days after leaving the hospital Owain was well enough to play at a neighborhood park. With Friends.

Our boy continues to amaze us!
Blessed, We are!

Thankfully for days like these.

Owain's Quilt

2010-04-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

A week before Owain's surgery my friend Jessie (we use to work together back when I lived in Eugene) drove the two hour drive to deliver this beautifully crafted quilt....

Literally I had tears in my eyes.

She put so much time and thought into this beautiful quilt for my little man.

A forever kinda keep sake that will be treasured,forever.

Thank you Jessie!

Thank you to Ryan,Hollie,Raynah,Nathan, Kate and Eden who contributed.
I miss all of you!
My old Oak street gang!
(Oak street child development center we use to all work together way back in the day)

the next best thing....

2010-04-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Before we checked out of the hospital Owain had one request "tram ".

Unfortunately the tram wasn't running on Sunday so we did the next best thing......

We walked the Sky bridge!

Owain completely forgot about the tram .

After all the sky bridge is pretty SPECTACULAR!

OUR BOY IS BACK!

2010-04-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

If you asked me Wednesday or Thursday of last week "how long do your think O will have to be in the hospital?" I probably would have replied with a sigh " I would be shocked if we were home by Easter"I was prepared to stay in the honeymoon sweet (sea horse room 22) for two weeks.

After all my sweet baby boy was miserable. Recovering from an eight hour surgery. Hooked up to monitors an I.V in his right arm and left foot. One chest tube,a Jackson Pratt drain,an epidural, morphine every two hours.tylenol every four, unable to have the full use of his left arm. Sleepless nights. Terrified of white coats and scrubs.He was not my happy go lucky boy. He was miserable, demanding, hurting,just plain miserable. Hubs and I were feeling exhausted,helpless. We hated seeing our boy in pain. Ripped of being an active energetic two year to being confined to an hospital crib for days. In and out of a drugged state.

Drugged,scared,confused.
Not my happy go lucky boy.
Just plain miserable.

Well tonight I am sitting here in the comfort of my home shocked. Home sweet home,we are! Boy! Oh boy! it feels good to be home! Little man is sleeping peacefully with his Slinky kitty curled up at the foot of his bed. Hubs is sleeping next to him on the plum colored couch. We moved O's bed in the living room for the time being so we could keep a close eye on him. With him having the Jackson Pratt drain( which has to be drained every 4-6 hours) and a sling on his left arm for at least the next two weeks. He needs to be closely monitored. We don't want to risk his left arm wiggling it's way out of the sling. It is important with the healing of loosing his Lattissimus Dorsi (which is now his diaphragm) to avoid reaching up with his left arm. Two weeks or less he will no longer need the sling. At first I was concerned how Owain would handle only having full function of his right arm. He has handled it remarkably well. My boy is a wonder boy! We are so blessed!With everything he has been through he continues to amaze me. Amaze us.
So small yet so strong.

In a matter of twenty four hours (three days post op)
Our happy go lucky boy is back. Full of life. Happy.
having the desire to play, play,play and play. Being silly, Calling the nurses "wacky "
with a devilish grin. My boy is back! Our boy is back! We are so blessed! OUR BOY! IS BACK!

2010-04-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

ICE CREAM

YOU SCREAM

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

2010-04-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am hitting my breaking point....

trying to be strong....

feeling weak....

hopeless...

sleep deprived....

I hit my breaking point....

I would to anything to trade places with my baby....

Moving right along.....

2010-04-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

With the help of an epidermal, morphine and tylenol Owain's pain has been managed. Today was the first day since surgery that he was able to rest peacefully for hours at a time. When he wasn't sleeping he has been watching Finding Nemo (8 times in 2 days). He loves his Nemo it seems to keep him distracted from the fact that he feels like s**t, still stuck in the same crib with tubes and wires,unable to have complete control over his left arm. He did get really pissed off when he woke up from his three hour nap this morning kicking and screaming yelling "NO NO NO NO" reaching his arm up for me to pick him up. I felt helpless. I so badly wanted to pick my baby up. Unable to pick him up I did the next best thing hopped into his crib in the most awkward position ever and gave my little man snuggles while a sweet lady from child life played her guitar and sang some classic children's song. I attempted to sing along but Owain quickly reminded me that I can't carry a tune and told me "no". I am sure Owain wasn't the only one in the room thankful for me to stop singing.

Owain this morning watching Nemo

Their have been some changes today for the first time since Monday night he was finally allowed milk (pedasure). That made for a happy boy. He has been handling it well only a few sips at a time.He might be able to try some solid food tomorrow. Another exciting thing that might possible happen tomorrow is have his chest tube removed. This is a huge step once that happens we will finally get to hold our baby!

As far has us going home any time soon. I don't see that happening. Maybe a week from now or two. It all depends on Owain and his little body. For now we are moving in the right direction. Each baby step brings us closer to going home. Closer to seeing our happy go lucky boy smile again......

Owain happy as a clam before the sun came out (6am) the day of surgery.

Details behind Owain's surgery

2010-04-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

So, here it is, a little more info on Owain's latest and greatest surgery. For any of you that are among the CDH community looking for some good solid info on the different methods used to repair a herniated diaphragm, Owain's story is full of options! His first surgery, surgeons used a patch of goretex to fill the void of his diaphragm. While we had hopes that he had some diaphragm to sew together, Owain had almost a non existing left diaphragm. So much to the fact that on his posterior, there was not even a fringe of diaphragm growth to work with. This set the stage for the following 3 surgeries.

Each time, Owian's own growth was a factor in each surgery. Goretex is not a material that grows or stretches, so Owain's body growth is what was to blame for all his re-herniations(aside from his 3rd which ended up being near his trachea and was then plugged with goretex 2 days after his 2nd surgery). During this most recent surgery, Owain was a trooper the whole 7-8 hours(?!). Every 2 hours we received a call stating that "Owain is stable" and there was "Little blood loss". This was exciting news especially since the surgery was scheduled to be only 4.5 hours long.

So what made a 4.5 hour surgery take so long? Well I am not sure if you have read any free medical journals on CDH, but there is an issue that is common called adhesion. 'What is adhesion?' you ask and how does it pertain to CDH? Adhesion is adhesion in the root sense of the word, adhesion is a term used in reference to the large intestine mostly. After being shifted around and then settling, tiny cell structures start growing anchoring the intestines in place, adhering them to goretex, themselves, the abdominal cavity wall, and so on and so fourth. This made it difficult for the surgeons to expose the area they worked with before. So very painstakingly they got everything out of the way so they could start the MEAT of the surgery.

ENTER LATTISSIMUS DORSI

For this surgery, we were expecting on the surgeons using the same thing as last time(goretex) with the addition of a new material called Alloderm which is a human derived cellular lattice which allows excellent tissue integration. We then read about Sofia Miller having a muscle flap used as a replacement for the diaphragm, which we inquired about. Sure enough after asking our surgeon about it, he brought in a plastic surgeon to consult with us.

The goal of this operation, was to completely cover Owain's defect with is lattisimus dorsi muscle. Sure he will be missing a muscle, but the benefit of not having a surgery for a really long time makes definitely advantageous for him. They also were aiming to attach the main nerve supply that is usually connected to the thoracodorsal to the phrenic nerve that controls the diaphragm. Unfortunately they were unable to make the connection since they could not find the phrenic nerve. Instead they tunneld the nerve ending through the right diaphragm in hopes that electrical signals would eventually be received by the main lattissimus node. This type of nervous integration might take up to a year.

They also used AlloDerm as a buttress to the muscle itself to keep it from tearing. They also left all the other repairs in place as well. So Owain has a literal repair sandwich for a diaphragm. Goretex on the bottom(Which tissue integrated extremely well we heard), AlloDerm in the middle, and lattissimus on the top.

We are all glad that Owain now has a diaphragm that will grow with him. What a trooper.

Sea horse room 22

2010-03-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in sea horse room 22(the same room we were in 16 months ago) listening to the buzzing of the machines.The drip of the IV. Finding Nemo playing in the back ground for the third time today. Owain is in and out concious. He currently has an epidural,morphine and Tylenol to help with the pain. His surgery yesterday lasted eight long hours and it was pretty invasive. Owain remained stable through it all! Everything went as planned. I don't have the energy to explain in great detail of what exactly was done I will save that for later.

Right now our number one goal is managing his pain.This afternoon seems to be doing better than last night. Last night was pure HELL. None of us slept longer than ten minutes at a time. The hardest part right now is not being able to hold him(he has been put on bed to comfort him when he is having fits of rage because his left arm is in a sling,he has two chest tubes and he hates seeing the IV's in his hands. My heart aches for him. I hate seeing him go through all this AGAIN. What brings him comfort beside all the pain medication is his momma,daddy and grandma's caress of his sweet little swollen face(during surgery they pumped him full of fluids which caused him to swell). Oh and Nemo. Does anyone know where I could find a stuffed Nemo?

By the look of things we are going to be here for a while. Sea horse room 22 is our home for now. Thank you to all of you for keeping our little man in your thoughts and prayers. Reading all of the comments on facebook have been helping us get through this bump in the road.

Much love to all of you!

sharing

2010-03-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

SHARE

-Verb
1. to divide and distribute in shares; apportion.

2. to use, participate in, enjoy, receive, etc., jointly: The two chemists shared the Nobel prize.

the night before Owain's fourth surgery....

2010-03-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

I let him eat a chocolate frosted,covered in sprinkles donut

He deserved it. It was the least I could do the night before his fourth surgery. Sigh. I can't believe our little man has to go through all of this again.We have been trying to prepare him the best we know how to prepare a two year old. Every night for the last two months we have been reading him a book do I have to go to the hospital? It's become one of his favorites. Will see if it's still a favorite after this next hospital stay. Sigh. My heart aches for my little man.

It could be worse.It could always be worse. Owain is going into this surgery a vibrant healthy active toddler.We are so thankful for that. He is no where close to being this sick....

Early morning before the sun rises we will be loading our sleeping vibrant healthy toddler in the car and off to the hospital we will go!His surgery is the first surgery of the day! The surgeons will be pumped and ready to work their magic.Hoping and praying that everything goes as planned.

Thank you to everyone who has been keeping our little man in your thoughts and prayers. It means the world to us that so many are praying for him and the Doctors.

2010-03-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

If you guessed our little man is waiting in line holding tickets to ride the Washington park rail way at the Zoo.

You guessed right. He was in pure toddler bliss.

See the joy on his face

Washington park rail way train racing down the track.

Here come the tunnel then all goes BLACK.

Owain'ss face is priceless.

date and game plan

2010-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

We finally have a date and a game plan for Owain's surgery.Hip hip hooray. Not hip hip hooray Owain has to have a fourth surgery.It would be fantastic if our little man did not have yet another recurrence but the reality is he needs to have another surgery. So Hip hip hooray finally a game plan and a date.

Tuesday March 30 a team of Doctors will be working together to fix O's recurrence. Dr. Z Owain's main surgeon since day one. He has been their through every bump in the road. We love him and are very thankful he will be in the OR (operating room). Dr.S we have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet.I do know he is one of the best. He has been a pediatric surgeon for over twenty five years. The third surgeon being brought into the equation we met with him this morning. Dr.L he is a plastic re-constructive and aesthetic surgeon. Your probably wondering why he is being brought into the picture. That is where I bring you to plan A. Remember a few post back I mentioned one of the possibilities other than gore tex is latissimus dorsi flap. Well that is exactly what Dr.L's job will be. He has done hundred's of these type of surgeries but O's case will be a first for him. He is very confident that he is the right man for the job. We are too. Their is always a plan B and C but quite frankly I am to tired to explain all this medical lingo.

I am happy that their is finally a game plan..O is still showing no sign of discomfort. The scary thing is if he didn't have that x ray two months ago we still would not have a clue that part of his large bowel is poking through his gore tex patch.We are so thankful for that x ray and for his team of Doctors working together to come up with a better solutions. I am at peace with this next big surgery. Hoping and praying that this one will be his last and final surgery. Only time will tell.

We have been busy enjoying every moment not being in the hospital. Keeping things as normal as possible. Going to story time at our local library,play dates hanging out at home playing in the sand box or park when the weather permits. It's been nice. I am so glad that I haven't kept O in lock down. Which was my first gut reaction two months ago. We decide the best thing for O is to keep our normal routine. Of course my fear is him getting sick before his surgery. Knock on wood. .We are frequent hand washers. He has been 100% healthy.We are so thankful.

Can you guess where we ventured off to this past Sunday that had our little man jumping in excitement?

Owain's step by step guide to a work of art

2010-03-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

You will need:

scissors

glue

construction paper

glitter

a grown up to supervise

With your momma's help (she held the paper up) start cutting away.

then go crazy with the glue on another sheet of construction paper

Once you have enough glue on grab your pieces of cut up paper

and start sticking away. Don't be afraid to get all sticky. It's fun!

This is the super fun part shake your glitter all over your paper.

You could never have to much glitter says my momma!

Go take a nap and let it dry

BIG BOY BED

2010-03-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this afternoon Owain decided he no longer needed his old stink'in crib by nearly giving his momma a heart attack when he decided it would be a great idea to climb out of his crib (a first). I walked in on him with big crocodile tears standing trying to get back into his crib soothe and all.I examined him, starting with his head ending with his cute little toes. Everything looked intact just as it did before his nap. He was just a little shaken up(me too).So just like that the decision was made. It is time to turn his crib into a big boy bed. For the last couple of months hubs and I have been contemplating when would be the right time for this big milestone.To be perfectly honest neither one of us haven't been ready.Until today. Instead of taking a nap Owain got right to work with daddy transforming his crib into a BIG BOY BED!

Oh boy the excitement in his eyes while he worked side by side with his hero (daddy). He twirled in circles as he watched the transformation. Crib no longer he now has his very own BIG BOY BED. Just like all of his little friends. My baby is officially a big boy. Sniff Sniff.

Hubs and I were curious to see how bed time would go.After twenty minutes I walked in on this....

My big boy completely in dream land. Probably dreaming about trains,,fire trucks or driving a garbage truck.

My big boy sleeping peacefully in his BIG BOY BED. Sniff Sniff. I will be ok. I still have a few years before he goes off to school. Sigh.I'll be honest I had tears in my eyes while I watched the transformation.Just like that my baby is now officially a big boy.Sniff Sniff.

He will always be my baby even when he moves out goes to college,gets married and has children of his own. Sigh. Is it just me but does time fly by extremely fast when you have a children?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

all in a days work

2010-03-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Play at the indoor playground,paint with sponges,laundry,read books,build a bridge out of blocks,shake my booty while Owain plays the keyboard,let my little man get creativity with scissors,glitter and glue (wait until you see what he created),sweep,play in the sand box,called his Doctors office left a message,unload the dish washer,flash cards,answer a call from his Doctors office (more on that later),waste some time on Facebook while my little man should be sleeping,check my email,unload the dish washer,color with wonder markers,make pan cakes for dinner,feed the cats,reload the dish washer,clean up pee off the floor,have bath time not once but twice,scrub Owain's head repeatedly but gently to remove ~~all~~ most of the sand,pick up blocks all in a days work.

I love my job being Owain's momma. I couldn't think of anything else I would rather do than watch my little man grow and learn.Before Owain was born my job was pretty similar. I worked in child care for fifteen years.watching,teaching,playing and loving other peoples children. I loved every minute of it.One of my favorite age groups to work with is two through five when there little big imaginations are in full swing and they say the funniest things and sometime be brutally honest.Through out my career I kept a journal and wrote down every clever thing they said. Here are some of my favorites.....

wavy blonde hair blue eyed four year old Marissa runs up to me in a panic "Amber,Amber we have to call my mom I left my brain at home!" She was dead series. I had to calm her and reassure her that her brain was still safely inside her cute little head.

Sweet little Emma 21/2 said "when I was a baby I was in my mom's tummy and I popped out of her butt!"

"Only grown ups can eat chocolate before bed time"
Caleb 4 yrs old.

"I always feel like I'm 41/2 even though I'm 5.I just don't feel like I am old."
Sophia 5yrs old.

"when I grow up I want to be a teenager" Today Hunter is only a couple years away from her aspiration.
Hunter 5yrs old

"When I grow up I want to be piglet"
Aspen 3 yrs old

"I am skipping like a tornado"
Jack 2yrs old.

"Lady bugs just don't taste very good"
Mallory 3 yrs' old

" I can't go to jail because they don't put princess in jail."
Sophie 4 yrs old.

"I wanna get a homawk"
Gabe 5 yrs old.

"kid rock baby oh ya!"
Maclean 3yrs old.

"batman wears pull ups"
Sean 2 yrs old

"My dreams are in the air"
Emily 3 yrs old.

"I am going to the moon to eat pepper sauce"
Clair 2 yrs old.

and my all time favorite from my five year old nephew Isaiah

"Amber your tummy is only a little bit fat,my mom's is a lot fat!"

I am so happy that I kept this journal. It's fun to look back on and get a good laugh. Hope you enjoyed it. What are some of the things your kids have said?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

six weeks

2010-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

Six weeks ago today Owain had his routine x-ray.

Three days later Dr.Z (surgeon) called to inform us that his x-ray looks light he might have re herniated again!

He put a referral for an ultra sound.

Two weeks later he finally had an ultra-sound which ultimately led to a CT scan the next day.

The Friday afternoon of the CT scan Dr.Z called to inform us yes Owain has had another recurrence.Early next week he was going to ask the senior surgeon his input and what other options are there?

We waited and waited and waited and waited until I finally called Dr.Z office last Thursday. He was still waiting to hear from the Senior surgeon.

At this point I am super annoyed and frustrated. It's been six weeks since that x-ray, a month since the CT scan and we are still waiting for a game plan and a surgery date! The longer we wait the more concerned I am that Owain's situation will only get worse.It could be life threatening.Thankfully Owain is still doing well considering.
Making lots of BM's (bowel movement) very important when some of your bowl is poking through your diaphragm. He has been whinier than usual. I don't know if it's just teeth,being two or if his uncomfortable because he has some of his bowel poking through! Do you understand where I am coming from? or am I just not being patient enough? I feel like for the last six weeks I have been pretty darn patient but it's time to get this ball rolling before it becomes a life threatening situation!

2010-03-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Look what Owain did

he built a

a bridge

for Thomas

all by himself.

Good bye February...hello March

2010-02-28T22:33:00.000-08:00

Less than three hours left of February 2010 will be a thing of the past.Here we all go moving forward into March.Is it me or is time flying extremely fast? I feel like it was just yesterday we were all partying like it was 1999 bringing in the new year. Excited and anxious to see what was in store for the Millennium and now it's been a decade.Seriously time could slow down just a tad.

We had an amazing low key weekend. Saturday I met up with one of my really good friends Renee' we caught up on the latest happenings in each others life over onion rings and a sturdy John .Get your minds out of the gutter you all a sturdy John is my favorite grilled sand-which at the Truffle Hunter.Simple yet amazing. Grilled ham and cheese with their special sauce (not sure what's in it but it is tasty) on homemade bread That's what makes this grilled cheese spectacular and unlike any other grilled cheese the bread. Later in the evening we had our new friends Jenny,Seth and their two adorable kiddos Elijah 4 and Haya 2 (same birthday as Owain they are destine to be the ~~best of friends~~ spouses). We chowed down on Eric's pulled pork tacos over a glass of whine. The kids dumped out just about every toy in the ~~house~~ apartment.Us grown ups managed to have a delightful conversation over the commotion. It was rather lovely. Looking forward to more get together s with our new friends.

My plans of laundry folding and cleaning quickly changed when we woke up Sunday morning to a glorious sunny day.We spent most of the day light playing outside,Owain drove his front loader to the "rock park",we played in our eyeless turtle sand box,walked to the park and for the first time ever Owain was brave enough to go down the slide all by himself! I learned that my best friend in the whole world is pregnant with her first baby.Congratulations Erin and Stew I am literally jumping for joy with tears in my eyes full of happiness for you guys!It was really a low key amazing weekend.Good times and a Good ending to the month of February.

I learned that my best friend in the whole world is pregnant with her first baby.Congratulations Erin and Stew I am literally jumping for joy with tears in my eyes full of happiness for you guys!It was really a low key amazing weekend.Good times and a Good ending to the month of February.

With tomorrow being March you only have 31 days to order your CDH awareness shirt sewn by the lovely and talented Cindy The shirts are reasonable only $20. and 50% goes to the Parker Reese Foundation.

impatiently waiting....

2010-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I felt at peace with Owain needing to have yet another repair surgery.I felt at peace(still do) and thankful that his current situation is not life threatening. This way the Doctors have more time to come up with a better solution to prevent this from ever happening again.Crossing my fingers.Praying.Hoping.

Today this week right now I am feeling impatient. I want to get this show on the road.The longer we wait for our little man to have his fourth and finally surgery (crossing my fingers.praying. hoping) the more anxious and impatient I am. We still don't have a game plan. We still don't have a surgery date. We are still waiting.....

Yesterday I called Dr.Z's office (Owain's surgeon) hoping to hear the game plan. He is still waiting to hear back from the Senior surgeon. Two weeks ago after the CT scan and it was determined that Owain has had another recurrence he sent all of his medical info to him.We are still waiting and so is Dr.Z. We are all waiting for the Senior surgeon to get back to all of us .Senior surgeon is not his name.I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet.I am sure he is one of the best of the best since he works with Dr.Z and all. but I am getting impatient. Tired of the waiting game.I hate the waiting game.I don't want to play anymore! Ready to get this show on the road!

I am still at peace with Owain's current situation. He is still eating well (for Owain) making lots of BM and is a wildly active little boy. Showing no signs of discomfort. Having no problems breathing. We are so thankful.

Impatiently waiting that's what we have been doing....
waiting to hear the game plan....
waiting to know when his surgery will be....
waiting and waiting and waiting....
but even with all this waiting and uncertainty we are still at peace and confident that the team of Doctors will be able to come up with a better solution.Crossing my fingers,Hoping ,praying we will have a game plan next week.Then we can finally get this show on the road!

While we wait we have been....

going to the Library for music and story time...

~~decorating sugar cookies~~ eating frosting....

On dry days playing at the park....

and having play dates...

Life is good.

Not Me! Monday!

2010-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Last night leaving the grocery store I didn't jump for joy when I saw a group of girls wearing green. I didn't already have my money out and ready to exchange for my all time favorite girl scout cookies Samoas. As I made the exchange I didn't feel guilty that I was buying cookies when I know a local girl scout (Mina I will be calling your mom soon.) Half way through Monday I only have three samoas left. Nope not me!

I finally bought a pair of skinny jeans so I can wear my boots and be some what fashionable. Realizing once I put them on they are the kinda jeans if your not careful you end up showing the whole world your crack This morning getting ready to head out the door for story time I did not say "I need to go put on a longer shirt.I don't want everyone to see my crack" My two year old pride and joy did not say this while skipping down the hall "momma's crack momma's crack momma's crack" Thankfully by the time we got to story time he forgot all about momma' crack.

I did not just eat another Samoas cookie. Nope not me!

While I hurry and get my Not Me post together I don't hear my two year old talking away on the baby monitor while he is suppose to be napping. Not my little man!

Monday is not over yet. It's not to late to join in the Not Me! Carnival.

I am not staring at my very last Samoas contemplating to eat it now or later?

make a wish

2010-02-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

Way to go! Grandpa Bob!

2010-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Back in October ( I know I know I am a huge blog slacker. Better late than never) grandpa Bob (my dad) raised a little over seven hundred dollars for March of Dimes. I am so proud of him! Way to go Grandpa Bob! We love you! In case you didn't know March of dimes raises awareness is the leading non profit organization for pregnancy and health. They are dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects,premature births and infant mortality. Way to go grandpa Bob! you rock!

peace

2010-02-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

flash back

Febuary 4,2008

level 3 NICU Legacy Emmanual Hospital

Was a heart wrenching unforgettable blurry day. Owain was only ten days old and very sick.I remember sitting in a cozy recliner (Lily's chair, a sweet baby who died in this very NICU who's parents donated the chair in honor of their sweet angel)right next to my baby's elevated bed. My nose was red and raw from the non stop tears rolling down my cheeks.I was an emotional mess. Today was suppose to be the day Mr.Owain was going to be getting his repair surgery.It was canceled again! His third scheduled surgery He was too sick. My heart sank. I had so many emotions running through my head is this it...is the unthinkable about to happen? am I finally going to get to hold my baby for the first and last time? please god let him live he is so loved let him live.please.

The Doctors were preparing us for the worst."if his blood gases don't improve soon he will need ECMO" (ECMO lung heart bypass machine). I was in a complete fog with tears in my eyes I signed the yellow release form for ECMO. Please god not ECMO.Let him live.Let him be strong enough so he can have his repair surgery and heal.please. I begged to god. I am not even religious but on this day I prayed hard for a miracle. Let my Mr.Owain be a CDH survivor.

Shortly after signing the release form a warm kind spirit Penny ( the hospital chaplain) graced us with her presents.We (family) gathered around Owain's bed.My husband and I gentled placed our hands on our sweet boy's head.More tears streaming down my cheeks. I was trying to keep it together.It wasn't working I was a hot mess. Owain was in the middle of the circle of love.As Penny blessed him....

Great God,Giver of this gift of life

that form in love between a man and a woman

you who knit together cells

into an intricate design,

unique in the universe,Owain

You,Breath of Life,Grace itself and Mercy,too.

Turn now Your parent-heart

Upon him healing.

Upon him,flow mercy.

Upon his parents,flow strength and courage.

Upon his family flow hope.

Upon his nurses, doctors flow loving excellence.

You,turn now Your face to us and bless us.

At that moment I didn't feel courageous. I was petrified that the unthinkable was about to happened. I felt hopeless. I just wanted my baby to heal.To be healthy, I wanted to be able to hold my baby and never put him down. I wanted him to have a chance to live. I wanted to bring my baby home.This is not what I imagined motherhood would be like.Why is this happening to us? why our baby?why?

Our prayers were answered. Owain's weak body began to get strong enough to have his repair surgery at seventeen days old.His body began to heal.He avoided ECMO.He wowed the Doctors.They couldn't be leave the 180.They stopped preparing us for the unthinkable. Now they were preparing us to bring our baby home!Owain is a CDH survivor.He beat the odds.thank you god! thank you god!

It's crazy to think of how far our little man as come and how far we have come as parents.I am so proud to be his momma. and I am at peace with this fourth unexpected surgery. Owain is no where close to being in critically condition. He is full of life.Running jumping,playing eating and making lots of bowel movements (very important when some of your bowl is poking through your diaphragm)He is doing remarkable considering.Because of that his surgery won't happen for another couple of weeks. I hate waiting but am at peace with it. This will give the Doctors more time to study Owain's case and find a better solutions.We have more time to prepare Owain for another stay in the hospital.(We have been reading him a book about a boy in the hospital.) So not looking forward to that.I would rather go to Disney Land but I am at peace with this situation.At least this time we feel more prepared than his last hospital stay at nine months old (2&3 recurrence)

He kicked CDH booty not once,not twice three times already.I have full confidence he will do it again. after all he is a warrior ready for battle.

Project Life Tuesday

2010-02-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

This year I am really going to commit to project life. Last year I only made it two months. Sad I know. Something tragic happened and I fell behind and never continued. I really love the concept of project life.Take a picture everyday for one year then at the end of the year you have a lovely scrap book of your life for the year. This year I will commit to finishing project life.Yes I will! Even though I am already a few weeks behind ( I started the 25th of Jan not the first) I am not going to give up.

Sunday February 6

We spent the early part of the day at the park. Owain loved rocking on the sea horse. After the park we played at the local toy. They have a train table that Owain loves to play with.

Monday February 7

We went over to Papa's for dinner and Papa made Owain a special chocolate milk shake. After dinner we played hungry hungry hippo (a favorite of Owain's when were at papa's).It was the first time over since Daisy (family dog) passed away. We missed her presents. Even Owain asked "where daisy go?"

Tuesday February 8

We did our usually Tuesday thing and went to the indoor play ground.While saying goodbye to our friends Elijah and Haya both gave Owain a hug. It melted my heart.

Wednesday February 9

Owain and I went over to our friend Julie and Eric's house for a play date the boy's had a lot of fun being little monkey's jumping on the bed. Our friend Avery and her mom were there too but it was impossible to get a picture of three toddlers.

Thursday February 10

. Owain got a kick out of riding the bus to story time after all he is obsessed with all public transportation.Before he ever said "I love mommy or daddy" he said "I love bus"

Friday February 11

We had to take Owain to Doernbecher to get a CT scan to find out if he had another recurrence (he did) getting the CT scan was not fun at all but getting to ride the Tram twice made it all worth it.

Saturday February 12

We went over to grandma's and she had a very special Valentines for Owain. Three Thomas books! Owain is Thomas's #1 fan. If you couldn't tell be his reaction.

Head on over to Jessica's if you want to scope out other's Project Life. It's never to late to start your own!

2010-02-15T22:29:00.000-08:00

Just like daddy...

Not Me! Monday!

2010-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I may or may not of eating almost not quite a whole box of Oreo cookie in a matter of three days. Oh heavens not me! I don't indulge in sweets when I am under enormous amounts of stress.Not Me!

When my husband came home with a dozen red roses hidden behind his back I did not act surprised. I kinda could tell he was up to something with his devilish little grin and one hand behind his back. Even though we haven't celebrated this silly hallmark day in years. A couple of Valentines ago we agreed we wouldn't participate no more.Why? When we could be each others Valentine any day of the year. I really have an amazing husband. Love you babe.Happy Valentines day today,tomorrow and always....365 days a year....

My little man (a..k .a Owain my first and only born) would never throw his whole entire plate of mac and cheese. Not my little man.While cheesy noodles fly to the ceiling before hitting the wall some sticking most landing on our carpeted dining room.I hear an almost devilish laugh "heehaaaheeehaaaaaa...it crashed mama" I had him help me pick up the mess instead of putting the now dirty mac and cheese (I have 2 cats and carpet!) back on the purple plate like I asked instead he began to eat it.I didn't just sit there and watch while he continued to eat pieces of mac after another. I would never let my child eat off of our hairy carpet. Oh heck no not me!

While driving with my two men ( me sitting in the passenger sit enjoying the view of the city traffic husband driving,little man safely buckled in the back seat) I wasn't a little ~~a lot~~ hurt when my little man blurted out " I loooove buuuuss" We have been trying for weeks now to get him to say I love mama or I love dada. We would have been pleased with either one but no he love's bus. My feeling were not hurt at all I mean who doesn't love public transportation A few days later he did not confess he also loves MAX (Portland's commuter train).

Our new kitten is not really a dog trapped inside of a cute gray and white striped six month old kitten. I have never walked in the bathroom to find a cute little kitten drinking out of the toilet. That would be gross!After ward he would never try and give me kisses with his wet face eeeewww that would be double gross. His favorite game is not FETCH! My kitten is not really a dog trapped inside of cats body.

This is not a picture of our dog tapped inside of a kitten chill'in in my sock drawer and you don't see at least a dozen mis matched socks. I am not an unorganized person I always have each set of socks matched,rolled neatly into a ball sorted by color. That's how I roll.

Head on over to Mckmama's and join in the fun of Not Me! Monday!

2010-02-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what we got to do last Friday?

While at Doernbecher Children's hospital we got to ride this....

not just once but twice.

Riding the Tram really made a difficult day into a fun day.

Especially for one terrific two year old boy.

Questions and Answers

2010-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

When is Owain's repair surgery?

Dr.Z ( Owain's surgeon) will be meeting with several other surgeons Monday to discuss his unique yet challenging diaphragm. Hoping with a team of surgeons brain storming,researching the best solution for our little man. Three gore tex patches aren't working. Their are other options other than gore tex maybe they will choose to use one of the following latissimus dorsi flap ,alloderm patch or use abdominal muscle to create a diaphragm or maybe some thing else. It is reassuring to know that there are other options other than gore tex. I feel confident in the team of Doctors that they will be able to find a better stronger solutions to repair his hernia so this will be his last surgery and re herenate will be a thing of the past.Once the team of Doctors have a game plan, Dr.Z will give us a call Tuesday or Wednesday to inform us of the plan. As soon as we have a date for surgery you will be the second to know.

How was Owain's recurrence discovered?
A little over two weeks ago we had a follow up with Dr.Z. He ordered Owain's last scheduled chest x ray. We got the thumbs up everything looked as though it did on Owain's last x ray back in September.It wasn't until later when Dr.Z went over his x ray he noticed that it looked like he might have another recurrence. We are so thankful that Dr.Z is a good thorough Doctor.He wanted to triple check so we took Owain for an ultra sound. Because of the uniqueness of Owain not having a spleen and a high kidney it was difficult for the radiologist and technician to determine if in fact he has another recurrence.The next day (last Friday) Owain had his third CT scan. A few short hours Dr.Z called to inform us that yes he has had another (his third) recurrence.

Is Owain in any discomfort?
No. Looking at him you would never know that he has some of his bowl poking through one of the three gore tex patches. I think the bowl might be poking through where they tied the patch around his ribs but I am not 100% sure . We will learn more next week.

Our little man has been his energetic happy self. Wresting with daddy,jumping off the couch,running the cat over with his dump truck Just being a typical two year old boy.Boys are so much fun. We are enjoying every minute of him bouncing off the walls.That is a really good sign that this recurrence is no affecting him physically. Any one that knows us know's our daily struggle with him eating well since he recovered from his viral infections a few weeks ago he has been eating pretty darn good for Owain and having plenty of BM (bowel moments) another great sign that every thing is working even though it may nor be in the correct place.

How long will his hospital stay be?
You never know. Back when Owain was diagnosed in utero (20 weeks geatation) we were told the average stay for a CDH baby is three months.When we brought him home from the NICU he was six weeks old. At nine months he had two more surgery's and he only spent six days in the hospital.You just never know. Hoping and praying that his will be a short hospital stay. With no complications,no crazy twist and turns while we board the CDH roller coaster ride,again.If I have learned anything from CDH it is to expect the unexpected. You just never flip'in know.Take one day at a time.

Is their anything that you can do?
nope. We don't need anything. If you really want to do something you could keep our little man in your prayers or send positive energy into the universe. We have appreciated every one's kind words thank you.

If there is a question you have that I have not answered please don't hesitate to ask?

For all you CDH parent's who have answered the questions on my last post. Thank you it is so great to have a nice support group of parents who know exactly what we are gong through. I personally have followed each one of your story's and your little ones have a special place in my heart.

it's happened again!

2010-02-12T17:15:00.000-08:00

After Owain's CDH repair surgery at seventeen days old. Learning that his surgeon had to use a gore tex patch because he was missing 90% of his diaphragm on the left side. We hoped he wouldn't need a patch. We new if he needed a patch his chances of having a reherniatoin were higher. Leaving the NICU with our sweet little warrior (44 days old) that has been my biggest fear.We just got off the phone with his surgeon and it has happened again. Owain has had a recurrence for the third time! This will be his fourth surgery. I was hoping that the results of his CT scan wouldn't be this. I hate that our little man is going to have to endure another surgery. another hospital stay. With any surgery their are always complications. We learned that with his first repair surgery when his spleen bleed to death and he nearly died. The difference now is he is a happy go lucky little boy. Looking at him you wouldn't even know he had a recurrence. He is full of energy,eating pretty good for Owain and is having no trouble breathing. Those are all really good signs.He is no where close to being in critical condition. We are thankful.

The game plan for now is Dr.Z (surgeon) is going to have a meeting with other surgeons.Hoping to come up with a better plan. The gore tex is not working for our little man. He has three gore tex patches and still managed to have a reherniatoin three times! He is not happy that this is happening again. Neither are we. Owain is his first CDH patient that has had a recurrence. Leave it to my little man to be a challenge.So mow we wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to hear what the next game plan will be.In the mean time we will be laying low.No more story time,play dates,trips to the indoor play ground. We need to keep Owain from getting sick. Our plan for tonight we will be having some quality family time with a movie and pop corn.

Thank you to every one who has left a comment here or on Face book. It really has been up lifting to read them.

If you are a parent of child with CDH and they needed a patch.
What type of patch was used?
Did your child have any recurrence?

Tonight I am calm

2010-02-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks I have been internet less. The first couple of days I was having some hot sweaty with drawls. I thought I was going to die not having the access to Hulu, Facebook, gmail and the ten billion blogs I follow.Any time I had a burning question like are zebra's black with white stripes or white with black stripes? My friend Google was no longer right their to answer. Seriously what did we ever to before the internet? The first couple of days were the hardest.You know with the burning desire to read my latest FB friends up dates but once my panicky cold sweats slowly faded away. I began to realize I can breathe with out the internet and life with go on.....

and it did we celebrated Owain's second birthday sniff sniff. His birthday was pretty low key since our little man caught a not so pleasant viral infection.He was sick but not to sick to eat some ~~rainbow cup cakes~~ with sprinkles.

After a week of being cooped up in the ~~house~~ apartment we got back into the swing of our normal weekly routine story time at our local Library,play dates, walks to the park on a dry sunny day.Owain also had his last scheduled x ray and a follow up appointment with his amazing surgeon Dr.Z. Everything looked good.Gore tex patch still working as part of his left diaphragm keeping all of his organs that should be below his diaphragm below where they belong. So we thought....

Something doesn't quite look right compared to his last chest x ray back in September. Dr.Z ordered an ultra sound to triple check. We had the ultra sound this after noon. The technician and the Doctor (remembered Owain from a year and three months ago when he had his first and second recurrence.) Just like last time they weren't able to tell he has yet another recurrence. Owain's chest is unique. Not like your average two year old.Normally the technician will pin point where the diaphragm is by locating the spleen ( his spleen bleed to death during his first repair surgery at 17 days old), kidney ect.... Since everything is in it's unique spot or missing it is much harder to pin point and determine a recurrence. Tomorrow Owain will have a CT scan. Then we will have some answers.

Owain at nine months getting a CT scan

Tonight I feel calm. I remember when he had his first and second recurrence I was a nervous wreck of the thought of my baby having to go through yet another surgery. another hospital stay. I still don't like the idea of him having to go through all that yet again but I am calm. It is what it is. and I know that my little man is one tough CDH warrior. With all three of his surgeries he recovered quickly. Even after his first repair surgery at seventeen days old he nearly died,lost his spleen. He was in bad shape but five days later he was off the ventilator and in my arms for the first time. If my little man could get through that, surgery #2 (first recurrence), surgery #3 (second recurrence). Surgery 2 and 3 were only a day a part from one another.He recovered like a champ and we were home after only six days in the hospital.So tonight I am calm. We don't have answers yet if Owain has had another recurrence and will need a fourth repair surgery but tonight I am calm. I am confident that no matter what happens my little man with handle it like a champ.

Happy Birthday!

2010-01-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

Owain two years ago

Owain one year ago.

Owain today

My little man,

Today you turn two! I can hardly believe how fast the last two years flew by. It seems like yesterday you were fighting for your life in the NICU yet it seems forever ago. Looking at you today no one would ever no you have had three surgeries and spent a total of seven weeks in the hospital(except for your cool warrior scars). You are a happy healthy energetic toddler.Your daddy and I are very fortunate to have you for a son. We hit the jack pot the day you were born. We love you so much and enjoy every single second of every single day we have with you. It seems like you are learning something new every day. You are talking up a storm.Just the other day while driving in the car you said "dada drive fast,sun" the sun was in your eyes so you wanted dada to drive fast. You are daddy's little back seat driver. When ever the light turns green you say "greeeeen gooooo!" and when the light is red you say "red stooop!"You love to play the key board and dance. You have some great dance moves. You are absolutely in love with trains and any thing that goes. You love garbage day and request to watch the "trash". Your three surgeries and long hospital stay hasn't held you back developmentally.We love you to the moon and back! Happy Birthday our BIG two year old!

love,

mommy and daddy

order yours today....

2010-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Embroidery by Cindy.

Cindy is one talented momma.

She started making these amazing CDH awareness shirts.

Like like one....

They are only twenty dollars.

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Lot's of different fonts and fabric to choose from.
So what are you waiting for?
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You have until March 31,2010
Embroidery by Cindy.

a success

2010-01-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

My dad's surgery was a success. There is even talk of maybe him being able to go home tomorrow! Thank you for keeping my dad in your thoughts and prayers.While in my home town of Eugene We visited with Aunts,Uncles,grandma's,grandpa's,friends from high school.Ate way to much fast food.Skipped my morning shower.Saw the most beautiful rainbow.Gave lots of hugs. Received lots of hugs.Just for fun rode every single elevator in the hospital a bazillion times.Picked up my step mom's old broken down computer so my computer savvy husband can bring it back to life again.Ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant Burrito Boy.Their chicken tacos are the bomb. Got a little freaked out by my friend's daughter baby alive doll. Watched our little man play with his big cousin Isaiah (his five).Melt my heart. Had a restful night of sleep.Drove a little over 200 miles.Took a cat nap on the drive home. No need to worry my husband is the driver in our family. It sure feels good to be home and know my dad is in recovery nicely. Only time will tell if this surgery will be the answer to the chronic back pain he has lived with most of his life.I'm tired it's time to call it a night, Good night.Thanks for listening.

Cheese

2010-01-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

While my dad is in surgery.

I thought I would share this....

adorable.I know.

and yes that is a clothes pin in his hair.

adorable and fashionable.

That is my little man!

Blog Block and Anxious

2010-01-21T22:31:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say I have a bad case of blog block. It's not that I have nothing new to share. New pictures of our little man to show off. I just have had a really bad case of blog block. I have tempted to post several times. Now I have several unfinished post. Maybe one day I will finish those post but not tonight. My goal tonight is to simple finish this post. I have been a lazy blogger. My three followers I apologize.

Tonight I am feeling anxious.Early tomorrow morning we will be loading up the car and hitting the road to my home town Eugene. Thankfully the drive is short. Only two hours.Not bad. Normally I look forward to trips home.This time I am feeling anxious. You see my dad will be having surgery. I can't help but feel anxious when I know that my one and only dad will be under the knife.It's scary when you think of everything that could possible go wrong. I have been praying all week that his surgery will go smoothly with absolutely no complications and that this surgery will relieve my dad of the constant pain he has been in.

Knowing that tomorrow we will be spending the day at the hospital on pins and needles waiting to hear from the Doctors,waiting to see my dad in recovery. Reminds me of the last three times we spent the day waiting while our little man was under the knife. This time we will have him to distract us.I am thankful for that.