One step fwd...two steps back...

HiYa'll...
Here's the latest. Primary Dr. did blood work and chest xray. I have fluid in my lungs but not enough to be classfied as pneumonia. But enough for me to have labored breathing so I'm back on oxygen again. He referred me to a Pulmonologist also. He also questioned why my spleen was not removed when the Dr. went in to "clean out the infection". I'm thinking that this might be next step because I'm still in so much pain to be a month out on all of this. I've finised 4 bottles of Hydrocodone (don't worry I'm taking as directed as to not get addicted.) So, from here my Vascular Surgeon wants to check the filter he put in my groin the day my spleen surgery took place and I cannot find a Dr. who will even touch me about the existent spleen pain. Looks like I'm going to snuff it up and go back to the same medical group who messed this all up in the first place. I am going to request a partner take a look at me this time. I cannot stomach (no pun intended) seeing the previous Dr. who's almost killed me twice. Long story short, I am still in quite a bit of pain and am still needing help with most simple things. Thank you Jesus for my husband, family and friends. Luke is doing good he just doesn't understand when mommies boo boo is going away and he thinks popcicles are mommies medicine. More when I know more. I'm currently in a non talking mode because it takes so much energy and breath to say much if you could respect that for me right now, I'll try to keep this blog updated.

Thanks,
Heather

Feeling lots better...

I'm finally starting to come around. Sat. I actually got out to go look at Christmas lights albeit in my pj's, robe and slippers but at least I got out of the house for an hour.

Christmas Eve we spent with Jason's family (our tradition) and today we'll spend with my family. Wish we could all be together this year but maybe next year.

I'm up in the middle of the night to take my pain med's and to walk a little bit. If I stay on my med. schedule it's amazing how much less pain I have to deal with.

Luke is so excited to open up his present that Grandee put in the big "Santa Cwaus" sack. He got lots of neat stuff at Nana and Poppa's. It was so funny he didn't want to sit and open his presents he wanted to pass them out to everyone. It was too funny. That boy is just the most precious little angel. He's into repeating everything you say. He always goes to the pantry and gets out the mac n cheese box an says, "Mac n cheese yeah, wanna hold it, Lukey's box, it's mine". Just little things like that are so precious. We're savoring every minute. He also likes to look at mommy's boo boo belly. Then he wants to look at daddy's boo boo belly which he does not have. Then he wants to show you Lukey's boo boo belly. I don't think he totally get's it. He does know not to climb on mommy's lap because "Mommy's sick" "boo boo belly". I love that boy.

All in all, I'm on the up and up....regaining strength slowly but surely. I have a Dr's appt. with my regular primary Dr. on Tues. to do bloodwork to get my blood sugars under control again. The hospital never put me back on my med. to keep my sugars low and it's wreaked havoc on my body. Don't even get me started on the list of deficiencies I can cite for Baylor Hospital Dallas. Another day, another conversation.

Well...hope you and your's have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you Jesus I'm home from the hospital during this holiday. I pray for all of those who aren't and for those who are lonely, sad and have no one to spend this special day with. Please comfort them and ease their pain. I know that there are lots of people hurting out there that we just pass right by every day. Touch them in a special way.

Counting my Christmas blessings.

Heather

Greetings from getting better-ville..

Had an enormous breakthrough yest. The grape flavor that I was having added to my pain med. is chock full of sugar which is why I've been SO lethargic because my sugars were 208 when I awoke yest. So, I had a new prescription filled sans grape and it makes a HUGE difference in the way I feel. I am trying to be semi active today....definition: laps from front door to back door several times throughout the day to rebuilt stamina and lung capacity. I think I'm on the up and up. By no means am I up to par, but I keep quoting the verse, "I can do all things thru God who strengthens me".....Please pray my spleen would stop hurting that's what really pains me these days. More later, gotta go walk. P.S. Luke's tests came back negative for RSV, Praise God!

Another day..another bit better

Still in pain, but taking my med's. I'm slowly making progress. Night time is hard because I have to sit straight up to sleep. Not real comfortable, but I'm making it. The oxygen is helping a lot, I get short of breath when I get up and move around just because I've been so homebound. It's nice to have that stomach tube out. Thanks for all of you who are continuously praying. Please keep em' coming. My insides have been feeling better. The only thing that that consistently hurts is my spleen/diaphragm area. When I cough it just strains it more. Please pray for that pain to go away. Tired and must go sit down now. Thanks friends/family for your help and prayers.

Heather

It's been a crazy rollercoaster...

Here's the latest. I'm still very weak, try to use my oxygen whenever I can. It just makes my breathing easier. In minimal pain because I'm staying on my pain med. schedule. I got my stomach tube out today, praise God. I've lost 23 lbs. already since my surgery (per the Dr's scale today). Please pray for strength for me and for Luke's tests today to come back negative for RSV. Nana took him to the Dr. for me and they did chest xrays etc....I'm praying my boy is not sick, he hasn't been feeling well these past few days. Sorry if I still haven't returned your phone call, I just don't have the energy to talk these days. Never thought I'd say that. It takes ALOT out of me to carry on a conversation because of my oxygen issues. Yest. I had to go down the big Baylor and have a doppler on my arm because it was hurting. Sure enough, I have another clot. It is in such a small vein both my Dr's. have said it's nothing to worry about. But it hurts, so please pray for that. I'm starting back with my 81 mg. aspirin a day as per my gastric Dr.'s instruction. That should help with all this clotting business. I wish I had some better news, but this is what our worlds been like for 3 wks now. It can always be worse...I've been worse. I'm trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and keep things simple and pray for God's healing. Please pray with me. Thanks.

It's been a blur....easier to type than talk.

Hello friends...it's been awhile I know. That's because I had some life-threatening complications post gastric surgery on Nov29. I ended up having a pulmonary embolism, abcessed spleen and raging subsequent infection in my body. I've never in my life been in so much pain as I've been for the last 8 days. I've been hospitalized since Dec 5, until 1am this morning when my oxygen tank finally arrived so I could go home. To say it's been a rollercoaster is an understatement. I know that not everyone knows what all transpired and it's going to stay that way because the whole ordeal has been so tramatic for me and my degree of pain was so intense that I cannot even revisit it in my mind. I am so blessed with a great support group. Family, friends, extended church family. If people had not been praying I firmly believe I wouldn't be here right now. I know that Jesus was hearing those interceeding for me even when I could not utter any prayers. Jason's been juggling childcare for Luke every day and doing quite nicely I must say. He's sure had more of the "in sickness and in health" part to deal with with me over the last 10 years of our union. God could not have found me a more perfect match. I love you so much baby. I missed Lukey and Jason so much while being in the hospital. Because of the decreased lung capacity from the pulmonary embolism and the immobility I've had I'm home on oxygen which really helps. I also have a stomach tube that is still draining the abcess stuff. Sorry to be too graphic. I may get to a point down the road where all of this will be easier to talk about, for right now please understand if you don't get a call back right away. For one, it's hard to breathe, therefore hard to talk, plus I hate having to retell the whole story to everyone. I know you love me. Please keep praying for a speedy recovery because I'm not back up on my feet again, although so thankful to be out of Baylor Hospital. In good news...my sweet niece Em is home and is doing awesome. She's just as cute as a button. I love you sweet Em.

Heather

Greetings from Hermitville...

I need some relief from being home. I feel like a complete hermit since Wed. I've been trying to slowly call people back in between pain medication rounds. Sometimes I'm just so out of it I can't even talk. Mom is staying one more day with us so hopefully tomorrow I'll make a really quick recovery. Luke seems to not be feeling good. He's been really cranky and coughing at night. I've been giving him Triaminic cough and cold every night. Nana, I think the Dr's. office spread something to him on Fri. Mom and Jason have been taking good care of me. I've eaten more popcicles and mugs of chicken broth than I want to remember. Next week I "graduate" to mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, sugar free pudding. Whooooohooo! I'm really not hungry at all but you have to keep up your protein and carbs for energy or its not a good thing.

Guess what, my sweet niece gets to finally come home tomorrow. She's 4 lbs. 8 oz. and drinks from her bottle like a big girl. I'm so happy for my sis and Mike that they get to bring home their sweet girl after 3 mos. in the NICU. Thank you for all your prayers for sweet Emery.

Rabbit...trail...today Luke started singing a church song out of the blue we were amazed. They must have sang it this morning in church. It was Ho, Ho, Hosanna, Hah, Hah, Hallelujah, He, He, He he saved Me, I've got the joy of the Lord.

Well, my energy is out....gotta go lay down. More tomorrow.

Heather

Turkey Day pic's from the ranch...

Well friends take a good look because this is the last "fat" picture you're going to see of me. It was taken Thanksgiving Day at our families place in Martin's Mill (near Canton).

We had a good time. I also got to eat the last of a big turkey and dressing meal.

Home again, home again, jiggity jog....

I'm home from the hospital. All went well. Will post more tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers.

Heather

Off to the hospital...

Pray for me...This is far too early to be up.

Thanks,
Heather

Here's the skinny....The Last Supper...

My surgery time has been moved to 9am tomorrow instead of 7am. Thanks for all of you who've called, emailed, told me you are going to be praying for me. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I have no hesitation whatsoever that this is the best decision for me. Tomorrow the hard part will be over and life will be forever altered--in a good way though!

I just thought ya'll would like to know what I had for "The Last Supper". I had a hankering for Schlotzky's tonight so I had their deluxe (double meat) original sandwich on sourdough with no mustard and no onion. Followed by a Sonic orange creamsicle slush. Ummmmm, Umm. Oh, I forgot I also ate a couple Keebler gingerbreadman cookies.

Tomorrow will be a new day, a new beginning. I want to thank my good friend Brenda for calling me and telling me that she is "sacrificially" going to eat a steak for me tonight, along with a baked potato loaded and a house salad with ranch dressing. So glad to see that my friends are always SO ACCOMMODATING!

Well...it's off to bed for me. 4am will come mighty early...I have to pack my overnight bag, shower, shave and paint my toenails in the morning. It's wierd not having Luke here tonight. He's staying at Poppa and Nana's for a couple days.

Thanks for your prayers. I will have Jason update this blog tomorrow and will try to keep my cell phone on in my hospital rm. if you want to call for updates.

Love to all,
Heather

The countdown begins....bye bye diabetes

In less than 24 hours my life will be forever changed. It almost seems surreal that this whole experience is ACTUALLY finally here. Insurance has agreed to cover my laparascopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I report to Baylor Hospital Dallas at 5am tomorrow morning with surgery scheduled for 7am.

I'm not scared, just a little concerned about adjustment to the 3 mo. post op liquid diet. No wonder people lose so much weight the first couple months. But...the best of all bye bye diabetes which is the whole reason I'm doing this surgery. I'm so thankful for being blessed with this opportunity to start my "health life" over. Ever since having Luke I've been diabetic which is not fun. I'm so looking forward to getting off my diabetes medication--SOON!

I'm very excited at all the next year will hold for me. Thank you friends and family for your ongoing support. It means a lot to me to know that people trust that I'm making the right decision for my life and family. Thank you God for bringing me through all the rigorous insurance pre-certification requirements.

It is all in God's most able hands. If you could please pray for clear mind and steady hands for Dr. Todd McCarty tomorrow. Also, if you could pray for a quick healing and recovery because a 2 1/2 yr. old doesn't understand "Mommy's Sick".

I love you all.
Heather

My Hat's..The Heather's...

Just in time for your last minute Christmas gift buying. Faith Creations, LLC has been busy crystallizing lots of hats to bring you these beautiful SWAROVSKI rhinestone ladies ball caps. I have black, pink and white. All are custom made by me with 56 Swarovski crystal rhinestone's. They are very shiny and reflect the light much better than cheaper crystal's. The cap features a velcro closure in the back so it's easy to adjust for smaller or larger heads. Each one run's $22 (tax included). Please email me if you are interested in purchasing one (or more, wink!)


Next, I must post this picture of my best friend Heather. Until now, I didn't really have a good picture of the two of us together. We are commonly referred to as The Heather's or H1 and H2 so our husbands don't get confused. I'm so glad for my good friend Heather. I can count on her for anything. She's the bestest friend in the whole wide world. Love ya Heather...

Thank you Sheri for letting me model your jewelry.

End of Nov...and still 70+ degrees...

Amazing weather here in TX. It's the end of November and it's still 70+ degrees. I officially now have 3 full days before my surgery.

I'm not scared, just thinking about how big the changes will be in my life. I know God will see me through as always. If you could pray for my surgery to go well and that I'll heal quickly.

Thanks.
Heather

What I'm thankful for...(not a comprehensive list)

This Thanksgiving I'm reflecting on the many things God has blessed me with. This by no means is a comprehensive list. Just the top things that popped in my head this Turkey Day morning. These are NOT in order of importance, rather a random grouping.

1. My salvation (ok that one IS the most important)
2. My husband and son
3. My new niece Emery Kate who is currently 4 lbs. 8 oz.--She's a miracle!
4. My family both Mine and Jason's side
5. Friends who support me and love me unconditionally. I've got a great group of friends.
6. Our new house---no stairs and a smaller mortgage payment
7. Faith Creations, LLC and all that it's evolving into
8. My upcoming weight loss surgery--Yes, I know this'll be my last BIG turkey dinner But....just wait until you see how skinny and non-diabetic I am NEXT turkey day.
9. My church--I just love that God lead us to Four Corners Church
10. Canon Rebel camera's...although I don't have mine yet Santa...I'm anticipating taking lots of awesome pic's around Christmas Day (hint, hint)
11. My Pokeno group...love getting together with the girls once a month for our little game
12. That my dad is in heaven, no more Alzheimer's, no more dementia
13. That my cousin Ty is in heaven and doesn't have cancer any more
14. Ebay-I'm having so much fun selling stuff on there
15. My creative talents and gifts God has blessed me with
16. That I've discovered Arbonne's clay masque, etc. It's like a face lift in a bottle.
17. Health for myself and all that I love
18. A down comforter--I love how warm it keeps me
19. That my son will crawl in bed with me and say, "Hi Momma" and then lean in to kiss me.
20. Blogs so I can keep up with the goings-on in all my peeps life
21. That my sister and Michael are about to get to bring Em home in the next couple weeks
22. Garage door openers...can you imagine having to get out of the car and manually open it every time you want to enter
23. Baby Wipes...they can clean up anything
24. The Macy Thanksgiving day parade...it's a family watching tradition only Mom's on an airplane this morning flying to KY.
25. Lots, lots more.....too many to list.

Yes, there are more but it's time to go watch he parades.

SURGERY DATE HAS BEEN MOVED TO NOV 29

This just in:
The incredible shrinking stomach surgery has just been bumped UP to November 29. That's next Wed. for all of you that are calendar-challenged.

This means I have exactly 8 days to eat anything I want because after that the quantity of food intake will be reduced drastically. Post-op I will be able to eat two thumbs worth of food at every meal before feeling full. Thank goodness I have large thumbs (wink).

I'm having my pre-op stuff done today. Thanks Nana for watching Luke at the last minute. I truly appreciate it.

Here's to a new life change that will hopefully rid my body of diabetes as a result of significant weight loss.

I'm so thankful this is all almost over with. The insurance process is a nightmarish long ordeal getting approved but I'm confident that now that it's been approved this will be the best decision of my life.

That's the latest in the ever changing saga that is Rice-a-roni-ville.

For all of you wondering what exact surgery I'm having it's called the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It's not gastric bypass or lapband. Google it to find any specifics you might want to know answers to. It's a laparascopic procedure with one night in the hospital for observation post-op. Please pray that all will go well with the surgery and recovery. I appreciate it.

Look who I found in my windowsill...

What a cute little monkey I found sitting in my bedroom windowsill. He watched t.v. while I folded clothes. A few times he even "helped".

Also, in big news...I found out that my surgery is going to be Dec 7th. Thank you Jesus for answering my prayers. Thank you to all of you who prayed for me. This is the start of a new life for me. I can hardly believe it's been approved and it's really going to happen.

More details later.... Heather

4 lbs. 7 oz. What a beautiful little angel...

I just had to post this beautiful picture of Brooke and Emery. I think it's one of the most gorgeous taken so far.

I believe this picture conveys the incredible love a mother feels for her baby.

Emery is now 4 lbs. 7 oz. What a big girl. If you'll remember she was 1 lb. 9 oz. at birth 8 weeks ago. The Lord has truly blessed our family with a miracle.

Soon she'll be able to join her family at home. What a sweet little dumpling she is. I cannot believe how big she's gotten and how animated she is with her hands.

I always knew you'd be an excellent mom sis. I'm so thankful for you Mike and Emery. What great parents Em has been blessed with.

I love you, Heather

M.I.C.K.E.Y. M.O.U.S.E....clubhouse

Like his cousin Beau, Luke is addicted to Mickey Mouse. Every morning Luke wakes me up and says, "Dickey Mouse Peez".

It's so cute to watch him get excited about his cartoon shows. Some of his other favorites are : Little Einsteins which he calls: Eye Styes, The Doodlebops which he calls: Do Bops, Wiggles which he calls: Iggles, and Jay Jay The Jet Plane which he calls J J Ay Pane.

It's really funny how he puts his words together. Also, the other night Jason tucked him in while I was at my craft show and J said, "I love you Lukey" and Luke said, "Love You Dei". It was his first time to clearly say that and I missed it. I've been trying to get him to say, "Love You Momma" ever since to no avail. Oh well, it'll happen.

Speaking of happenings my sweet niece Emery might be coming home before Thanksgiving. We're praying for that so that Grandee gets to see her and love on her while she's there for Turkey Day.

Poppa made it back safely from Brazil Sat. so we're happy God protected him.

Last but certainly not least I had another one of my random thoughts today. Here it is. If my parents last name had been Teek, I would have wanted them to have named me Ann.

Love ya'll.

Heather

Nothing new is happening in our world...

We're boring. Nothing new has happened in our world since last post. Just thought I'd update so that the blog nazi's didn't get after me. I'm in a craft show this weekend, hopefully I'll recoup my costs for materials. Looking forward to Turkey Day as this will be my last one that I'll be able to eat all the fixin's with my weight loss surgery planned and all. Still no definitive date set yet, but I do know it'll be before year-end.

Later taters,
Heather

Boycott Bed Bananas...

Ok, my boy had a meltdown this afternoon because I would not let him take a banana into bed with him for his afternoon nap. He threw himself down on the floor and screamed "nuh nuh (banana) go night night".

Tired boy...that's what I get for being out this morning and him not being able to take his nap until 2:15pm.

Gotta love him though.

Heather

Lukeism's...

The other day I said, "Luke come here I have to check you I smell stinky". He came over, I checked his diaper and said, "Nope, you're ok you just tooted". He said, "Yeah, no poo poo". It was priceless.

He's also very addicted to Mickey Mouse clubhouse on the Disney channel. The minute it comes on the t.v. he claps and gets very excited, often shouting Dickey Mouse and Me (Minnie) Mouse and Dah Duck. It's so cute.

Last night he was looking at a book with Daddy and Jason pointed to the cat and said what is that? Luke said, "MEOOOOOW". It was cute.

Also, last night when Jason got home from work Luke ran up and jumped into his arms and said, "Dei's Home". It was precious.

That's about all that's going on right now. Sorry to be so boring.

HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER...

MY SURGERY HAS BEEN APPROVED BY EL CRAPPY INSURANCE COMPANY!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! Still don't know when it'll exactly happen, awaiting hard copy approval in the mail. I'm hoping before year end.

A few new things...

First, I want to say my sweet niece Emery is up to 3 lbs. 8 oz. and is doing awesome. She'll be coming home in 2-3 wks. Yippee. Just in time for Turkey Day. Talk about Thanksgiving...man that's a huge thing to be thankful for right sis.

Second, I talked to my insurance company today and my surgery for those of you who've been keeping track has been DENIED. However, it was only denied for one reason which was an oversight in reading my Dr's. notes so once my Dr. calls them tomorrow to comply with their "need for info." request and he clarifies a couple items for them then the denial will be reversed and I will be accepted for my surgery.

Third, Luke got a new stuffed Dickey and Minnie Mouse from the Disney Store today. Aunt Brenda came in town and treated him to that little luxury as well as a Dickey Mouse washcloth. She's so good to me. Glad mommy still keeps in touch with her Nestle' boss, she also brought us some chocolate. Not the stuff for baking Christmas fudge, that'll be here soon too.

Fourth, I'm getting sleepy so that'll be it for tonights blog. So, all you people who keep saying update this blog, hope you're happy. Oh, I almost forgot. My friend Blue Eyes is starting her new job tomorrow so pray for her. It'll be a great change for her.

Nightie, night!

Trick or treat...smell my feet...give me something good to eat!

Ok folks...here they are the long awaited Halloween photos. Notice how much slobber my son can make from one sucker. I want to thank Uncle James for sending Luke the captain's hat and aviator glasses. Uncle James is a captain in the US Airforce. I'm proud to wear his hat and glasses. They completed my uniform. I have to tell you a quick funny story. Luke didn't quite get the whole ring the doorbell and say trick or treat thing. The first house we went to in Poppa's neighborhood Luke and Beau rang the doorbell. When the lady came to the door with her big bowl of candy she handed Luke his first. He promptly took it out of her hand said: "Thank You" and walked right into her house. It was so hilarious! It was so cute to watch Luke and Beau trick or treat together. Beau had such manners he'd say thank you to every person who gave him candy. Hope you like the pic's. Auntie Amber has the most awesome camera. If you'll notice in the one picture where Luke is standing up he is dropping his sucker on the floor. The camera clicks so fast it caught a pic of the sucker right before it hit's the floor. Santa....I hope you're reading this! Oh, just in case you were wondering. I went as a housewife for Halloween see my pj's and bathrobe. I also had a nametag that said, "Hello my name is...Housewife" Pretty original huh. Jason was like, "You're not going out like that are you?" I said, "Yep, this way I don't have to wear a coat". Kill two birds with one stone.

My little pumpkin...

Ok, I just couldn't help but share this little professional picture I got taken of Luke. Isn't he just the cutest little pumpkin.

Don't worry friends and family you'll be getting copies of the different poses for Christmas. Yes, I just ruined partial Christmas presents but at least you haven't seen the other pic's so it's still a semi-surprise in less of course you are the 2 people I've already given full copies to. You know who you are. The rest of you have to wait. Is that mean? Oh well, too bad.
Luke has been having some great days. His tantrums are more manageable once I realized that my yelling at him when he misbehaved was at least 50% of the problem. Coupled with prayer and self control God is teaching me that he responds much better to a calmer tone. Even though it's hard when he doesn't listen (which is most of the time these days) I am not so frazzled or anxiety ridden over his behavior because he responded to my calm and gentle demeanor much better than the crazy mommy last week. Rabbit trail....sweet Emery is growing like a weed. She's now 3 lbs. and her Staph test came back negative. Thank you Jesus. Now all we have to do is get this girl home with her mommy and daddy. It'll be here before you know it. Hang in there sis. I'll post more Halloween pic's when my sis in law gets them uploaded to me. After all she has the cool camera now, like Janna. (sticking at my tongue at her)

I feel the need....the need for SPEED!!!

Watch out Maverick, there's a new fly boy in town.

I FEEL THE NEED....THE NEED FOR SPEED!!!

I go to the Rock...

We were delightfully treated to a concert by Jeoffrey Benward this morning at church. He's a professional singer/songwriter and one half of the father/son band Aaron Jeoffrey.

If you've not heard him you have to get his self titled CD--"Jeoffrey Benward". God has blessed him with a beautiful tenor voice and a HUGE octave range. (almost reminiscent of the old Michael English songs) He also has written songs that have come to be top sellers for himself and other artist such as Phillips, Craig & Dean's huge hit "Concert of the Age".

Our pastor has been friends with Jeoffrey for years and found out he was passing through the area and invited him to sing this morning. Pastor Randy decided to forego his message and just let Jeoffrey perform his concert. It was electrifying. Many of his songs brought chills and tears. He's written a beautiful musical tribute to his father,a WWII veteran..It also salutes the brave military men and women who/who've serve(d) in the armed forces to protect our freedom titled: "For The Brave". A stirring tale of freedom, love, and loss. He will probably be back in concert some time in Feb/Mar. to perform at our church again Lord willing. Hopefully you'll be here if he does.

On to other news...my niece Emery is doing well she's almost 3 lbs. Can you believe she's almost doubled her birthweight. What a little cutie pie. Sis is doing well and is getting the nursery ready for Em's arrival.

That's about it for today...I tried to get a cute pic of Luke wearing Mommy's sunglasses but he kept taking them off when I grabbed the camera. Oh well....If I had the GOOD camera I would have been able to get the shot and probably 14 others in a split second....Santa if you're reading this blog...Mommy would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a Canon Rebel XT SLR camera for christmas with an 18-55mm lense.

Emery Prayers....Dickey Mouse...Watch Football

First and foremost for today's blog if you are reading this you know my niece Emery is a month old now. However, she's still a preemie. Gestationally she's only 33 wks. She's been doing great so far and continues to grow, already gaining one lb. since birth. She's 2 lbs. 9 oz. now (big girl). The Dr's. continuously test for infections, etc. Yest. they swabbed her nose and the results came back as staph. Not sure if that means staph infection is present. We do know it is NOT in her blood. If you could please pray that the Lord would heal her from all infection if it is present. They will be re-swabbing tomorrow I believe Brooke said. I'm standing in faith that the Lord is going to heal sweet Emery. Thank you for praying with me.

In other news....Luke awoke me this morning by standing on the side of my bed staring at me in silence until I said, "Morning Winky". His response: "Wanna watch Dickey Mouse". I said, "I don't know if Mickey Mouse is on THIS EARLY". It was and he was happy, mommy invited him up in bed and we watched it together (from the bed mind you). You people that get up at 7am (and earlier)--I gotta hand it to ya. Too early! I've gotten spoiled into Luke sleeping until 9am. Ok, I'll shut up.

Another cute thing Luke-ism today...Let me set the stage. Jason had to work late so Luke was overly ready to see him when he got home at 7:30pm, as was mommy. Jason sat down on the couch and was watching Dancing with the Stars with me. Luke crawled up in Jason's lap and said, "Dei, wanna watch football". As plain as day. It was so funny. Jason said, "Lukey football isn't on t.v. on Wed. nights". Luke's reply "football". So, I fear we've created a football watching maniac. Thanks Uncle Jeff (wink)

Today Luke also had a couple friends visit. Jonah came over while mommy ran an errand. They ate grilled cheese's together, and then in the afternoon Matthew came by while mommy went to a Dr's. appt. Luke had fun playing with them both. It's rainy so it was nice to have the boys get together and play, they were all getting cabin fever.

Then last night Luke had a little archaeological rock expedition in my bathtub at bath time. It was cute.

Also, congrats are in order to my dear friend Tammy who has been offered a new job and has gladly accepted. I know you'll do great at your new job and will be an asset to this company. Having a few more bucks won't be too bad either!

That's about it. Hopefuly Thurs. we'll get to see our buddies Hud and Shep. We sure miss playing with them.

Monkey see...monkey do

I just love this little photo of the Lukester. It totally epitomizes the things he does. Forget hayrides, petting zoo, gobs of pumpkins to pose with....
He'd rather stick a cup on his head.

He's always up to some new antic. Ya gotta love him though. Yest. I caught him standing on his drum so he could reach the fish food to feed Swishy. Thank goodness he didn't open the cap and dump the whole container of food in. He's learning he can stand on stuff to reach higher....Oh the joys of toddler-dom. Either way, we'll keep him at least for another week or so!

Who need's mastercard...

16.5 hours in a car with a 2 year old and a 1 year old=$100
2 "almost collisions" with slow Amish buggies in the backwoods of KY=$75
25 stops along the way to change diapers and feed hungry mouths=$50
34 license plates seen from other states along the way=$25
65 viewings of Wiggles, Bob The Builder, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Jay Jay videos=$10
Having a blowout on I-30 going 75 miles an hour with a car packed from floor to ceiling with luggage=PRICELESS!

For everything else there's Mastercard.

Yes, we're home and I've officially vowed never to take another roadtrip with my son for the next few years. So unless we have the fundage to fly, it's a no go for us. There were times that I wanted to pull over leave him on the highway and keep driving. He slept for 1 hour on the trip up there which was 16.5 hours and he slept none on the 19 hour drive home. To say that I was losing my patience was an understatement.

On a good note, the drive to KY was beautiful. The trees thru Arkansas, Tennessee and KY were absolutely gorgeous. I have no pictures to share because I left my camera here thinking my friend Janna was bringing hers. She thought the same thing and left her's at home. Oh well, maybe Aunt Brooke will send us the one's she took.

My little niece Emery Kate is so beautiful. I got to see her twice while there (only through the glass) but that was good enough for me. She's the cutest little thing in the world. Everyone in KY was doing great. Sis is getting along fabulous. You'd never guess she just had a baby a month ago. Emery is now up to 2 lbs. 5 oz. and is drinking from a bottle. Love that girl.

That's about it for now..we're glad to be home and see Daddy again. We missed him so much.

Take a bath....it's a splash!!!

Can you tell we're having fun. Tonite I got to visit with my buddies Jaxon and Jalen. We all took a bath and had fun squirting each other with water.

Today we went to Lexington to see my cousin Emery. She is so small and so cute.

We saw some Amish buggies and some pretty trees turning their fall colors.

Uncle Mike cooked us burgers and chicken, mommy made some mac-n-cheese.
I'm having a fun time with my Aunt and Uncle.
Well, I didn't have a nap today so it's off to night night land....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Mommy said she hopes that tonite I don't wake up at 2am wanting a pumpkin.

Night night....

Greetings from KY

Well we made it....Yes, our 14 hour trip ONLY TOOK 16.5 hours. We made great time as you can see (sarcasm in voice).

There are MANY factors that contributed to our 2.5 hr. "detour" mainly the darn Mapquest map was wrong and sent us on many wrong routes.

Either way we're here and I got to see my sweet niece for the first time. I started bawling because she's so cute. She winked at me. She's so animated it's adorable. She's so tiny. Like a little baby doll.

In other news, a light bulb has switched to on with Luke. By that I mean he's talking in full sentences that you can actually understand. He told Uncle Mike yest. "Bye Uncle Mike". It's so cute to hear him. He pronounces names and words you say and sentences. The other night I was changing his diaper and he wanted to touch his man parts. I said, "We don't to touch our penis". He said, "Penis". It was hilarious. Brooke and I looked at each other and we were like Oh, no it's on. He's now officially a parrot, repeating EVERYTHING you say. Now we really have to spell things out if we don't want him to figure out the words.

We're having a good time here, the trees are all changing to their fall colors. It's absolutely gorgeous. I don't have any pic's yet because it's been raining since we got here. We need the sunshine fairy to pay us a visit soon.

We were able to visit the Amish stores yest. and got a few little treats there. Luke and Robert got a pumpkin, compliments of Aunt Brooke. Luke has also discovered the joy of stickers. So many stickers, so little time to stick them all over everything. I even caught him trying to stick one on his peanut butter sandwich yest. Thanks Aunt Brooke for the Wiggles stickers. I hope you don't mind finding them on your furniture, etc....

Well...that's all for now. We miss daddy so much. We love you daddy and can't wait to see you soon.

Heather

On the road again....

On the road again, like a band of gypsies we go down the highway...to see my cuzzin Emery and Aunt Brooke and Uncle Michael...Can't wait to see ya. Hope by now, you've gotten the gist of the "car" theme I was going for.

Picture blast from the past....so cute!

A blast from the past. I was looking at some old pic's of Luke. I cannot believe we have a 27 month old already. He's getting to be such a big boy. Growing like a weed. Every where we go people ask me if he's 3 because he's so tall. Just like Papa Stredwick was. We love our sweet boy. His vocabulary is really getting good. He now says 3/4 word sentences. Today he said, "Momma, watch Mm Mouse in car". He wanted to watch his Mickey Mouse video which was in the car. Smart boy, he lead me by the hand into the garage and waited while I got it for him. He also was looking at some new books I got him where you match up shapes, colors and animals. He kept saying, "No, that not go there". It was so cute. He loves rapes (grapes) and cha milk (chocolate milk) and still his favorite is boppum jewz (apple juice). Love that boy.

Emery is doing great she's up to 1 lb. 15 oz. I'm sure she'll break 2 lbs. by this weekend. Speaking of this weekend I'm leaving to see my sweet little niece on Sat. Can't wait to see her and mommy and daddy.

It's really cool here today, a cold front has come through and it's really nice outside. Sweatshirt weather.

That's it for tonight.

Heather

Sweet Emery is doing fabulous....

Check out my sweet little niece, Emery. She's doing fabulous by the way. She's quite the heavyweight these days--up to 1 lb. 14 oz. She should hit the 2 lb. mark any day now.


Make sure you look closely at the pictures. You'll notice her bangle bracelet AND leg bracelet...aka...Daddy's wedding ring. That'll put it in perspective how tiny she is. What a little cutie patootie. She had her first bath in a tub yest. All her previous baths have been of the sponge variety. I cannot wait to see her this weekend. Luke and I are going to KY along with Janna and Robert. Can't wait to see the sweet peanut. (Only through the glass, I know NICU Nazi's)

Oh, I'm also so excited because Miss Em has MY pinky finger-- the way it kind of curves.

I love you Miss Emery and I'll see you soon!

That's it for tonight, it's finally getting chilly here. Yeah, bring out the sweatshirts.

Love, Aunt Heather

Pumpkins Galore..Hayride...Petting Zoo