Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Brother is engaged!!
And we are all thrilled! Blythe is simply wonderful and I am so grateful they found each other. They bring out the best in each other and truly are best friends. I have such a special relationship with all of my siblings and I want nothing but the best for all of them. Blythe truly is a remarkable woman and I thank her for taking such great care of my brother! I know this is the first of many posts to come with all of the wedding details. Stay tuned for updates! Congrats you two!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Gabe's Surgery Day
Last Monday, Feb 2nd, Gabe went in for minor surgery. For those of you who don't know or hadn't noticed, he was born with an ear tag on the right side of his ear. The medical term for this is Accesory Tragus. He also had to have a revision circumsision (poor baby) and they were able to do both at the same time. I am so grateful for modern medicine and for capable doctors who I trusted my precious baby with. They were amazing and really took care of us all. For those of you who want to read on, please do so, but you've been warned... it's long!
The hospital called us the Friday before surgery to give us the "low down" and tell us when to check in. His surgery was set for 2:30 in the afternoon! We were to check in at 1:00. He wasn't able to eat any solid foods past midnight and just clear liqueds until 11:30. Not a single drop after 11:30. My poor baby couldn't even drink water! I was so nervous all day, but he really was a trooper and was so happy all day. He slept in until 9:00 (that NEVER happens), I nursed him and gave him a sippy cup of juice for breakfast. We headed up to Primary Childrens at 11:45. He slept the entire way there and made not one peep! Once we were there, we was so preocupied with all of the fish tanks, trains, toys, doctors, nurses and kids that it kept his mind (and mine) off of food. The doctor was running late (and hour to be exact) and they finally took him back at 3:45. When I handed him off the the anesthesiologist, I was expecting him to burst into tears (or at least me). But, he amazed me ( and I amazed myself) once again and made not one peep! They even told me he didn't make a sound while putting the mask on him! That's my boy!
Dr. Morales paged us 15 minutes later and told us they were done with the ear tag part. Now onto the revision. That took a little longer, about 30 minutes or so. Dr. Wallis came in and told us the revision went well and we could see him once he had woken up. After 1 hr, I was able to see him. I could hear him crying from down the hall. It took everything I had to not RUN down and grab him, I just walked VERY fast and scooped him up from the nurses arms and held my baby. They explained to me that he had woken up so soon after surgery that he didn't get enough time to let the anethesia ware off, that's why he was so upset. After a little cuddle time with mom (and a little morphine for the pain- again, LOVE modern medicine) he was fast asleep. We were wheeled into recovery and were released about an hour or so after he had something to eat. It was a day of mixed emotions for me. One, I am so grateful that he is healthy and this surgery was minor. It is so sureal to go up to Primary Childrens and see all of the sick kids and know that my kids are healthy. Two, I am so grateful for doctors and nurses who took such great care of Gabe (and me ) during the procedure. All of the nurses and hospital staff were amazing and really made me feel like I was the only one who's child was having surgery that day.
Gabe is doing great. His recovery is going so smooth, it is really hard to believe he has had surgery (until I look at his scars and realize just how swollen and bruised he is). To me, he looks so different. For 10 months, I have seen him with an ear tag and after 15 minutes, it is gone. McKay and Carter couldn't even tell, they just wanted him home and missed him dearly all day. I should mention that I have the most AMAZING mom EVER! She flew up here and helped out with McKay and Carter all day on Monday. Not to mention she took care of EVERY meal the entire week. Ya, I know, I am spoiled rotten! I cannot think of one event in my life, big or small, where my mom hasn't been there for me. I love you so much, mom. Thanks for being YOU!
Happy as a clam- playing while mom was checking in
Me and Gabe before surgery
Right after surgery
I do have a before shot of his ear, but it was taken with my mom's camera. I'll have to post those later. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. They were truly felt.
The hospital called us the Friday before surgery to give us the "low down" and tell us when to check in. His surgery was set for 2:30 in the afternoon! We were to check in at 1:00. He wasn't able to eat any solid foods past midnight and just clear liqueds until 11:30. Not a single drop after 11:30. My poor baby couldn't even drink water! I was so nervous all day, but he really was a trooper and was so happy all day. He slept in until 9:00 (that NEVER happens), I nursed him and gave him a sippy cup of juice for breakfast. We headed up to Primary Childrens at 11:45. He slept the entire way there and made not one peep! Once we were there, we was so preocupied with all of the fish tanks, trains, toys, doctors, nurses and kids that it kept his mind (and mine) off of food. The doctor was running late (and hour to be exact) and they finally took him back at 3:45. When I handed him off the the anesthesiologist, I was expecting him to burst into tears (or at least me). But, he amazed me ( and I amazed myself) once again and made not one peep! They even told me he didn't make a sound while putting the mask on him! That's my boy!
Dr. Morales paged us 15 minutes later and told us they were done with the ear tag part. Now onto the revision. That took a little longer, about 30 minutes or so. Dr. Wallis came in and told us the revision went well and we could see him once he had woken up. After 1 hr, I was able to see him. I could hear him crying from down the hall. It took everything I had to not RUN down and grab him, I just walked VERY fast and scooped him up from the nurses arms and held my baby. They explained to me that he had woken up so soon after surgery that he didn't get enough time to let the anethesia ware off, that's why he was so upset. After a little cuddle time with mom (and a little morphine for the pain- again, LOVE modern medicine) he was fast asleep. We were wheeled into recovery and were released about an hour or so after he had something to eat. It was a day of mixed emotions for me. One, I am so grateful that he is healthy and this surgery was minor. It is so sureal to go up to Primary Childrens and see all of the sick kids and know that my kids are healthy. Two, I am so grateful for doctors and nurses who took such great care of Gabe (and me ) during the procedure. All of the nurses and hospital staff were amazing and really made me feel like I was the only one who's child was having surgery that day.
Gabe is doing great. His recovery is going so smooth, it is really hard to believe he has had surgery (until I look at his scars and realize just how swollen and bruised he is). To me, he looks so different. For 10 months, I have seen him with an ear tag and after 15 minutes, it is gone. McKay and Carter couldn't even tell, they just wanted him home and missed him dearly all day. I should mention that I have the most AMAZING mom EVER! She flew up here and helped out with McKay and Carter all day on Monday. Not to mention she took care of EVERY meal the entire week. Ya, I know, I am spoiled rotten! I cannot think of one event in my life, big or small, where my mom hasn't been there for me. I love you so much, mom. Thanks for being YOU!
Happy as a clam- playing while mom was checking in
Me and Gabe before surgery
Right after surgery
I do have a before shot of his ear, but it was taken with my mom's camera. I'll have to post those later. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. They were truly felt.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Why God Made Mom's
This was too perfect not to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My Three Amigo's!
These three partner's in crime sure do love each other. Although at times Mckay and Carter are trying to make each others lives miserable (hey, what are siblings for?) you can tell they are best buddies. And do they ever LOVE their baby brother! One day, they were playing together and asked me to come into Gabe's room. I walked in and couldn't find them at first. Then, they started laughing. They had made a little hide-out under Gabe's crib! Check it out!
Fast forward a few weeks later. Gabe had crawled into his bedroom and I went to go get him. At first, I couldn't find him, but then I heard him. Where was he? That's right! Under his crib! I'll tell ya, he melts my heart each and every day! I love this little guy to pieces!
Fast forward a few weeks later. Gabe had crawled into his bedroom and I went to go get him. At first, I couldn't find him, but then I heard him. Where was he? That's right! Under his crib! I'll tell ya, he melts my heart each and every day! I love this little guy to pieces!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Family Photo Wall
This post is just for you Marce- Our family photo wall! I took your advice and blew up the goofy picture 11x14 and I love it! I am so glad I did it! I have the more formal one hanging on our wall upstairs. So there you have it. It's so nice to have updated pictures that include Gabe, that little stinker!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Merry Christmas!
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We sure did. It was bitter sweet for me as this was the first year ( in 30 years I might add) that we spent it alone... just us. We usually go to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas every year, but were trying to save pennies and thought we would spend Christmas at home. McKay really enjoyed seeing it snow and having a White Christmas. Carter was sad not to go to Cali this year, but once he saw his scooter and trampoline, he quickly got over it. Gabe, well, just loved the boxes and paper!
As I mentioned before, the boys got a trampoline. We decided not to set it up in the snow, so Philip came up with a brilliant upon brilliant idea to make a scaventure hunt for the boys to find it. We spelled out the word TRAMPOLINE and cut each letter individally. We then thought of different places in the house to hide each letter and left clues at each place leading them to the next clue. After collecting all the letters, they had to unscramble the word to find out what their present was. I think by the end of it all, McKay was so frusterated that he couldn't be excited for the actual present. Once the frustration wore off, he was thrilled! Now if only the snow would melt so they could play on it.....
Christmas morning
My Handsome Boys!!
This last one's for you, mom. I'm not sure anyone else will be excited to see it. It is of the boys opening up their present from you. Since you couldn't watch their faces as they opened your gift, I captured it all on tape! McKay even went out and shoveled the driveway and sidewalk so he could ride it! Thanks grandma and grandpa! Your the best grandparents a kid could wish for!!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
As I mentioned before, the boys got a trampoline. We decided not to set it up in the snow, so Philip came up with a brilliant upon brilliant idea to make a scaventure hunt for the boys to find it. We spelled out the word TRAMPOLINE and cut each letter individally. We then thought of different places in the house to hide each letter and left clues at each place leading them to the next clue. After collecting all the letters, they had to unscramble the word to find out what their present was. I think by the end of it all, McKay was so frusterated that he couldn't be excited for the actual present. Once the frustration wore off, he was thrilled! Now if only the snow would melt so they could play on it.....
Christmas morning
My Handsome Boys!!
This last one's for you, mom. I'm not sure anyone else will be excited to see it. It is of the boys opening up their present from you. Since you couldn't watch their faces as they opened your gift, I captured it all on tape! McKay even went out and shoveled the driveway and sidewalk so he could ride it! Thanks grandma and grandpa! Your the best grandparents a kid could wish for!!
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Philip!
Happy Birthday to a wonderful husband and father! Thanks for being such a great example to me. I am so proud of you and your accomplishment of finishing school and becoming a Deputy Sheriff. I am grateful to you for encouraging me to always do my best and to become a better person. Thank you so very much for helping me with all of the housework (Yep, you read that right, he is constantly doing laundry and the dishes so I don't have to... it's wonderful!). Thank you for being the best dad to our kids. They adore you and love spending every waking minute with you. You are an amazing person and I love you very much. We hope you have a wonderful day! We love you! Happy Birthday!!!
Sledding with Dad! Good times!
My wonderful Boys...minus one because it was FREEZING that day. Gabe and I were in the car getting warm.
I love these boys!!
A loving father
Sledding with Dad! Good times!
My wonderful Boys...minus one because it was FREEZING that day. Gabe and I were in the car getting warm.
I love these boys!!
A loving father
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