Happy Baby

Up close & personal - little miss Kylie with two new teeth - though you really can't see them too well. What you CAN see - those eyelashes and that sweet smile. She loves to 'talk' and even kissed the phone when her YaYa called!!

Little Miss Blue Eyes

All decked out in denim for church yesterday -
and just so happens that YaYa wore denim too!

How about those blue eyes, boys?

Cuppycake, Sweetie Pie

Yep, I'm in charge....

The Princess is "IN".





This sweet little girl brings a smile to my face everytime!

Sugar 'n spice & everything nice...

Wouldn't you love to kiss on those cheeks?

Kylie - Just Sittin' Pretty

Hard to believe she is growing so fast! Her little eyelashes
are starting to look darker - thanks to her Dad's genes!
She is such a sweetheart - and getting to keep her is the
best!! She loves to snuggle and cuddle and make her
YaYa smile!!

How do you like them toes?!?!?!

YaYa Hood Rocks!

I just love being a YaYa! What better excuse do I need than my sweet grand daughter to smile and act silly? Holding this precious bundle and staring at her beautiful face is priceless. She was baptised yesterday and wore the gown that has been passed down through the family - and hardly made a sound during the entire church service. Ryan and Jenna are her God Parents - and are already on the road to spoiling her with lots of love.

Sweet Pea

Just catchin' some ZZZs!

She really does open her eyes from time to time...and even cries on occasion!

http://www.wordle.net/.

Delivery - Part II

I headed back to the hospital after a short night's rest. It was so hot!! I planned to be there with Lindsey while Joe ran home to shower and feed the dog. Turns out we got a visit from the lactation nurse while Lindsey was eating breakfast. Though Linds thought she was 'weird', she was very informative.

Lindsey started pumping soon after that, knowing that anything she produced could be given to Kylie. The nurse showed how to use the machine and the manual pump and Lindsey got a little bit to take up to the NICU. She felt so much better after resting some the night before, and she managed to get back and forth to the ice machine down the hall and back and forth to the bathroom on her own. I helped her change clothes, then we called for a wheel chair to go upstairs to the NICU. Though I am sure Lindsey would say I am not much of a 'driver', we got there and scrubbed up just in time for Kylie's feeding...and the nurse gave her Lindsey's donation via a syringe in her mouth. Good Stuff!! I was watching Lindsey holding Kylie, so hard to believe my baby girl had her own baby girl! Then I said, "Do you think I could hold her?". Lindsey hesitated just a minute, then I told her, "If you just hand her to me, there's nothing they can do about it"...so she handed her over! Precious baby~perfect in every way! I got in a few sweet little kisses on her head and sang a little song to her, then all too soon, it was back into the isolettete, and Lindsey back to the room. Mom came up to the hospital at noon and went back with Lindsey to see Kylie. She was thrilled.

When we got back Joe was just about back from home and I headed out about 3, hoping Lindsey would get some rest. I think she was a little anxious to hear from the doctor, as everyone was. Karen sent a sweet "Prayer Bear" with balloons that sat in the room and eventually went up to the NICU in Kylie's bed. Several more friends visited and Lindsey's spirits seem to improve.

On the way home, I had car trouble and called a tow truck. I am lucky that the car stopped where I could coast into the Whataburger parking lot - so at least I had a cool place to wait. I called Lindsey & Joe - and Joe said his brother Daniel could probably fix it. So he went to pick up Daniel and headed my way after about 30 minutes, where I gave them the credit card to go to the auto parts store. About 30 minutes later, the tow truck arrived and we took the car to the house where Joe and Daniel were waiting. Turns out the driver knew Joe's dad, Johnnie, and worked with him. After two hours, the guys had the car working - a shredded accessory belt was the problem - that controlled my a/c and power steering.

Joe needed another shower, then headed back up to the hospital. Jim stayed with Lindsey while Joe was out. He managed to get some good pictures of Kylie in the NICU, then had them developed so I could fill my 'brag book' and take them to church. Lindsey and Joe visited the NICU as much as possible, feeding Kylie as much as they could. The doctor on call over the weekend said Kylie would have to stay another 5-7 days in the NICU, as her heart was still transitioning with a small slit causing a slight murmur. Again, common in newborns born Cesarean.

Friday morning I stayed home until afternoon, then went back up to the hospital. Jenna came back again and was so excited for Lindsey getting to hold Kylie. I don't know who's smile was bigger. She took a picture with her camera and posted it on Facebook. Later I was on the phone out in the hall and came back to find Lindsey asleep and Joe nodding off while sitting on the couch. I told him to lay down, which he did, then I eventually snuck out and went home.

Saturday, Lindsey was a little more successful with pumping, and I was so proud of her for continuing to try. The NICU had Kylie on a little feeding tube and a pacifier so she would know she had to suck to feed. She like that paci! The feeding tube didn't stay in too long, but then she became jaundiced. These days jaundice is treated with a 'beli-blanket' - they get the belirubin meds via a bright blue blanket instead of a light. Lindsey was released to go home Saturday, which was difficult for the new Mommy. She did well, got home to open mail and eat lunch - where I treated her to Bush's chicken. This was the first chicken she had eaten in 9 months since her pregnancy aversion. She enjoyed it very much. A little after lunch, Joe fell asleep on the couch, Lindsey in the recliner, and I took a little nap on Lindsey's chaise lounge. I helped Lindsey pump a couple of times - using the manual pump and the electric pump. They wanted to get back to the hospital, so I headed home.

I planned on an early evening for the 4th of July - watching a few fireworks on TV - thinking I might catch "yankee doodle dandy" in between. I talked to Rick and invited him over since he was in town to work on his Mom's yard, and we watched the movie "1776" until just after midnight ~ so much for an early night! He has a great memory for movies - both characters and script.

Sunday was filled with showing off Kylie's pictures at church. Lindsey & Joe trekked back and forth to the hospital, stopping at my house for pumping or resting a minute. They were looking forward to hearing from the neo-natologist on Monday and planned to get back to the NICU by 9:45 on Monday morning.

Kylie continued to improve - no sign of infection - they backed off her antibiotic and kept her under the beli-blanket. After the doctor checked her Monday, Lindsey called me at work to let me know she'd be coming home Tuesday! Wow! Not as long of a stay as expected. They took her 4th of July outfit for her to wear in her hospital pictures, which they took before she went home. Her head was too small for the little headband/bow combo, but she is a cutie nonetheless! Her pictures were soon posted on Hillcrest.net, so I got to share them with all my family and friends via the Internet. Thank goodness for sweet family and friends who prayed throughout the pregnancy and delivery of Kylie Jo!

Here's Kylie!!!

Delivery - Part One

Wow, what a whirlwind the past few days have been! I went to the hospital to meet Lindsey & Joe at 6AM on Wednesday, July 1st. She was in a 'triage' room, prepped and ready to go into the surgery suite for her epidural and the c-section. She was nervous, as was Joe, who donned his scrubs in preparation for his entry into the room on the nurse's cue. Lindsey allowed one picture before she went in. Her Dad, my Dad and our Pastor also came, then out to the lobby/waiting room we went. Lindsey's uncle John and cousin Jenna, along with Grammy came too. Before too long, Joe appeared, beaming. Kylie Jo was born at 7:47 a.m. and weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces - less than Dr. Wang predicted! What can I say - she's perfect!! She has a little hair - dark on the back and light on the top, and of course, has her Daddy wrapped around that little finger already. We went back to the nursery to take a peek of the precious little girl who will call me YaYa.

Lindsey had to go from a recovery room back to a labor/delivery room because the other rooms were full, and Kylie stayed in the nursery. Lindsey only caught a glimpse of Kylie's little cheek when Joe held her briefly. Anxiously waiting to see the baby, family arrived in the L/D room to chat. Still no Kylie in the room. After the nurse's explanations that the other rooms were full and that the doctor was coming at noon to see Kylie, Lindsey got some pain medication and tried to relax. Joe and I were joined by little cousins at the nursery window, then Dr. John came in and examined Kylie.

Kylie was breathing rapidly, which I understand is common in c-section babies as they transition from the womb to the world. Dr. John was further concerned that her lungs could be 'wet' and even though Lindsey tested negative for any infections on the previous Monday, he thought it best to rule out any possibility and send her to the NICU. It was a scary thought, although we all knew this was what was best for Kylie. Joe kept a stiff upper lip and I headed back to Lindsey's room to be there when Dr. John arrived. He beat me there and Joe soon followed. He explained everything very well, but of course it was overwhelming to Lindsey. There was little consolation as she had not yet really seen, let alone held, her baby.

We began to focus on the neonatologist arriving and visiting, to be followed up by Lindsey and Joe going to the NICU to see Kylie. Hours went by, visitors came and went, and construction began on what seemed to be in an area directly beneath the room! The jack hammers and drills caused loud noises, certainly not fit for a young Mom trying to rest/recover. The nurse could not believe that Lindsey had to be in that room. She called to see if there was a room available yet. While most everyone else had left or gone to grab a bite to eat, I stayed with Lindsey and Joe. The next thing we knew, the neonatologist came in and explained basically the same thing Dr. John had said. He was very cordial and assured Lindsey that this happens to 'a lot of newborns' and this was 'precautionary' more than anything. Next thing we knew, she was on her way to a room, thank goodness.

The room had a great view of the fountain, green grass, trees and a walkway. The temperature was well over 100 degrees out there, and the a/c was so nice. Lindsey was still dealing with some pain and the nurses were attentive, but still, no word from the NICU on when they could come up. The neonatologist said it would be a few hours to get Kylie set up on the IV and other monitors. The afternoon crept along and a few more visitors stopped by, well expecting to see Kylie. Initial text messages sent did not mention the NICU situation, although phone calls had explained those details later. Oh, the phone calls we made. I am sure my bill will reflect Kylie's birthday announcements!!

It was really great that Jenna could stay as long as she did at the hospital. She is so positive and outgoing, keeping everyone in stitches most of the time. She is Lindsey's 'girl cousin' on her Dad's side and they are great friends.

Lindsey & Joe got word that they could go up to see Kylie, but probably not hold her just yet. So while they were elated, Lindsey and Joe were both a little distraught. If Kylie's rapid breathing continued, she could end up having to stay another 7+ days! Joe took Lindsey up in a wheelchair to the NICU later that night and finally got to see Kylie. I knew that would raise her spirits and of course, it did. We are so blessed to have a new hospital with a NICU right upstairs and some great doctors. More phone calls were made with updates, and this YaYa did not know how tired she was when her head hit the pillow at home @ 11 p.m. What a day! I am glad I only live a few minutes from the hospital.

Ch-ch-ch changes...

In just under a week my life will be forever changed with the arrival of my first grandchild, Kylie. I am anxious to see her, hold her, sing to her and more! Its difficult to concentrate on just about anything, but I am trying. My sweet friends had a "Sprinkle" for me Tuesday night - you know - there's a baby SHOWER, but a grandma gets a SPRINKLE! They had a salad supper, complete with punch and wonderful strawberry cake - and brought all the things a Ya Ya like me will need: diapers, diaper wipes, towels, bibs, baby food, spoons, bowls, powder, lotion, baby wash, a hat, two cute outfits and even a diaper bag! My mom topped it off with a "YaYa Paddle" which she designed - a puffy squishy wrapped 'paddle' made by dad, finished by mom with soft pink fleece and a bow. Hmm...wonder if I'll ever use that?? My friend KeKe stocked my fridge with a large bottle of wine and sister La gifted me with a "wine-a-rita" mix. Sweet! Something for Ya Ya to do when Kylie is with her folks!! I can't imagine a sweeter baby than my own two children, but Kylie will no doubt prove me wrong!! The plus side is my sweet baby girl is going to be a sweet mommy! Can't wait!

I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. I’ve led a common life, there are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I’ve succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived…I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul and for me… that has always been enough.
— The Notebook

"You should be kissed and often and by someone who knows how."
— Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind

Ok...so I've read some really good quotes lately....

Never take someone for granted. Hold every person close to your heart, because you might wake up one day and realize that you’ve lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones.
— Unknown

Never think you’re nothing. Never cry at night over not being pretty enough. Never tell yourself you’ll never be good enough. Because to someone you’re everything. To someone you’re gorgeous. To someone you’re the world.
— Unknown

I don’t really believe in regrets. All my experiences, even the ones that didn’t turn out the way I wanted them to, I firmly believe they were all worth it.
— Gilmore Girls (iamblessed)

So true...

en·do·sym·bi·ot·ic

You may not be her first, her last, or her only. She loved before she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters? She’s not perfect - you aren’t either, and the two of you may never be perfect together but if she can make you laugh, cause you to think twice, and admit to being human and making mistakes, hold onto her and give her the most you can. She may not be thinking about you every second of the day, but she will give you a part of her that she knows you can break - her heart. So don’t hurt her, don’t change her, don’t analyze and don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.
— Bob Marley (via megamazing) (via crazybeautiful) (via bon-bon)

Son Stuff

You never stop worrying about your kids, do you? My son recently experienced a grease burn on the lower part of his leg while at work. It looked horrible – and felt horrible – you know, the kind of injury that you only see on someone else and it makes you cringe or makes you ache in your lower extremities – argh! He didn’t want me to treat it or wrap it or hardly look at it, but when he washed his car the next day, several blisters developed and oh! It looked even worse. When he showered he used a toothpick – yes a toothpick – to pop the blisters! NOT what his Mom taught him!! I insisted on having him spray the area with Dermoplast at least – to relieve the pain – and help it from getting infected. He did not want me to wrap it before he went back to work, but I told him that he couldn’t work with that burn exposed to the elements at the pizzeria!! I did my best Girl Scout/Mom first aid and used a non-adhesive bandage, taping it down with paper tape. He howled because it was so white against his tan (yet burned) leg and made him look like a hospital patient. So we covered it with an ace bandage – more skin tone friendly! Off he went to work. When I checked on him the next morning he had removed it all which I guess is good to let it breathe. Still, though, he wanted no more first aid – and insisted on wearing long pants. Right – THAT won’t bother that burn! Yikes! Later he was convinced by friends to purchase some liquid bandage so his burn wouldn’t be exposed – how about that – he took advice from his friends but not his Mom – oh well – that’s how it goes.
Late last night when he got home he was frantically looking for a ‘key’ – asking me while I was fast asleep if I had seen it. No, and I wouldn’t know what it looked like – but maybe I did see it – and put it in the junk drawer with the other tool-type-stuff? Then he told me he had a flat tire and that he needed to find the ‘key’ to get the lug nuts off – but – he had no spare – and his friend’s spare wouldn’t fit either. He and his friend ended up staying in the work parking lot with the car, calling AAA for a tow to his friend’s house – where the car awaits a new tire today. Seems someone stabbed the tire in the sidewall – ruining the tire for a simple repair. Today we shared a ride to my work – he went to school – and plans to meet up with his friend to go for a new tire – and then get to work. He was frustrated – and exhausted after not getting home until 2:30 a.m. – but I hope he learned a bit of a lesson: Spare in Trunk Benefits Boy with Flat Tire at Closing.

From CafePress...

Nice

Nice Things....

to find....an extra ice-cold cherry in your diet cherry limeade!

to hear....someone tell you that you are 'just adorable' (even though you know otherwise)

to see....an apologetic smile from someone who almost pulled out in front of you

to do....drop a hand-written note to a friend...even if its just across town

to read....a sweet note from your child

to feel....a good, long hug and you're not the first to let go

to taste....a home-cooked meal prepared by loving hands

to remember....those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live freely

to have done....the fast food drive-thru clerk wipes off the soda from the side of your cup before passing it on to you...and does so with a smile

to smile about.....friends who love you, even with your faults

to know....that maybe you had something to do with some one's (or two some ones) future happiness

Coming Soon to a YaYa Near You....

Looks like Kylie Jo will make her appearance a little earlier than previously planned – on or around July 1st by c-section! Lindsey goes back to the doctor in two weeks, so we’ll see what the doctor says at that time.

An early picture of YaYa's little Kylie Jo..

Ain't she sweet?

He Loves Me....He Loves Me Not....

Balderdash WOTD:

afettly - to totally, completely, shamelessly suck up to someone. but in a good way. because you've totally fallen for them and how hilarious they are.

More Color

I Love Color!

I love COLOR!! Paints, pencils, crayons....any object with color....prisms that make rainbows around the room....or in my car....bright colors make me happy!

Wish I would have thought of this....

·1. Never do anything. If you wait around long enough, someone else will do it.
· 2. Don't move. Moving is overrated.
· 3. Never run. Running is the worst thing you can do. I had to run once.. big mistake.
· 4. If something is not in your reach, you don't need it. Before you get up to get something across the room next time, think. Do you really want to get up and walk all the way there and all the way back to get it? Yeah, I know. I felt stupid for moving all those times.
· 5. Don't have an opinion. Opinions are thoughts, and thoughts are work.
· 6. Don't work. Working is for suckers. Be a CEO if you can, they never do anything.
· 7. If you have to move, fuss about it. Make it well known that you're pissed off because you have to move. Sigh a lot. Drag your feet and arch your back at 60 degrees (bad posture helps you to conform to the shapes of couches when you sit down, and it makes you look tired).
· 8. Sleep as much as you can. Contrary to common sense and popular belief, sleeping is very productive.
· 9. Don't talk. Talking requires the movement of your jaw.. way too much work.
· 10. If you have to work, don't do it well. Example: If you have to rake leaves, push them out into the road or into your neighbor's yard. If you have a riding lawn mower, run over them a few times until the pieces are small enough to hide in between

I could probably post more, but I am too tired.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Name: Marcia
Birthday: January 25th
Birthplace: Little Rock, AR
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Dark Brown with God's highlights
Height: 5'2 1/2
Ethnicity: French/Irish
Weakness: Mom's cooking
Most missed memory: Time with Grandma and Grandpa
Thoughts first waking up: uugh. How many times can I hit the snooze?
Last time you cried: last weekend, though I can't remember why at the moment
Song title that currently says how you feel: "Raindrops keep falling on my head...."
What is the perfect day for you: Anytime with lots of laughter
Ever been asked for an autograph? Yes actually. I was "Lady Stumble" in my high school's production of the "Canterbury Tales from the Wife of Bath". The request for the autograph was all in fun, I'm sure as I have not seen it for sale on E-Bay!
How do you vent anger? Cry, slam doors, yell
Who do you talk to most on the phone? My baby girl
As a kid, were you a lego builder? No, I was a Madge doll (you know, Barbie's friend) who I gave a really cool haircut (not!)
Do you chew on your straws? Oh yeah ~ and you know what that means
Do you sing in the shower? On occasion ~ sometimes those songs just won't go away til you sing em!
Who's the last person you stayed up late talking to on the phone to? Rick
The last place you went to in a plane? Tulsa
Do you cry at weddings? Usually
Are you afraid of the dark? No - love it!
What are you addicted to? Old movies - musicals mostly - like "Singin in the Rain", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Oklahoma", etc.
Crunchy or creamy peanut butter? Peter Pan Creamy, please
Who do you fight with the most? Myself?
Who can you tell anything to? Lindz, Mom, Sisters, KeKe
Who can't you get enough of? My family and dear family friends
Who makes you laugh the most? Lots of people - Dad, Mark, Uncle Skeet, Ryan, etc.
What is the worst feeling ever? When people I love are hurting and its possible I was on the other end!
How many pillows do you sleep with? Usually my one sobakowa buck-wheat-hull-filled little pillow...unless I have a headache...then its a nice fluffy one
How many rings before you answer your phone? A couple or so
How many times do you press the "snooze" button? See above
How do you sleep? Alas, alone...and with my CPap (oh so cute)...Hard and on my side...in a very dark and cool room....for as long as possible
Last time you laughed: This morning, listening to Jody Dean and the Morning Team on K-Luv Ever looked at someone ugly and said "EWWW"? No, but at something ugly - yes!
What is your favorite color? Yellow - though I wear more red, pink and green
What is your favorite state? Texas!

Are you among them or would you like to be?

Here's to the Crazy Ones

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes - the ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing that you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things."
- Jack Kerouac quoted in an Apple Computer Ad, 1997

Words to live by?

"There comes a time in life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it and surround yourself with people who make you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on all the good. After all life is too short to be anything but happy."

A little side business....

You've got the guy, you've got the 'bling'
You've got the church where bells will ring.
Your invitations should make a 'splash'
And you can do it with little cash!
Calligraphy adds that special touch
To invitations that mean so much
You'll send to friends and family
And mark the day that "you" become "we".

If you would like a sample and price list, just leave me a comment! Thanks!

I went to L's doctor's appointment for her first ultrasound...and yes, the doctor got a great shot of the little one....its a Kylie Jo!! Bring on the pink! July will be here before I know it...making me a GiGi or a NaNa or a Grandma of some sort. Yahoo!

Plum Paint Predicament

I finally decided on the color of purple I want to paint the dresser/tv cabinet that has been sitting in the extra bedroom for a loooonnnng time: Baroque Plum. Such a pretty purple and it only took two times for the WalMart employee to mix it correctly. Just a quart of Baroque Plum should do the job - and R plans to paint next week during his Spring Break. I also picked up a roller and paint tray while I was there so there would be no excuses for not getting this project completed next week.

Once I got home, I grabbed all my WalMart sacks from the trunk, and plopped them in the front seat so I could retrieve my house key. I opened the door, turned back to the car and noticed Baroque Plum on the side of my car!!! Yikes!! The paint can was not sealed entirely and I must have splashed it when I moved the bags. Almost hyperventilating, I carefully looked through the bags for the paint...found it...only to find it was in the car seat, on the seat belt and the side door!

Thank goodness the WalMart plastic sack held a pool of paint as I lifted it out...dripping paint across the patio. I took the remaining sacks into the house and put them in the sink to avoid any excess spillage. Unfortunately, I did not notice the paint I tracked into the house on the carpet...little puddles of Baroque Plum from the back door and through the living room.

I got a bucket of soapy water and washed off the side of the car, took a swipe at the car seat and seat belt, then decided I'd better call WalMart. After holding for a manager, speaking to "Boyd" and then getting handed off to "Bill", I explained my plight. Purple paint on a maroon car - not so good - and even worse when tracked in on the carpet. His main concern seemed to be when I made the purchase - the time frame - and whether or not the employee used a hammer to close the paint. I reported the time from my receipt and even told him that I mentioned to the cashier to be careful, the paint sample smeared on top of the can was still wait. She appreciated the warning. I told Bill "yes, the young man used a rubber mallet to close the paint can - but evidently not quite good enough". At least the paint was latex and would probably come out with soap and water - but still - what a mess!! He apologized that it happened and took my name and number so he could call back after seeing what would be best to get the paint out.

I changed clothes after noticing I had paint on my jeans and tops of my tennis shoes - and of course the 81 degree weather did nothing to help me keep my 'cool'. I was sweating like a pig and continued to wash off the car. Bill called back to report he had found some "latex blaster" that according to the directions, should get the paint out of fabric. When no offer for help came from him, I asked if perhaps someone could bring me some of the 'blaster' - since I live such a short distance from the store. He took down the directions and in about 30 minutes, an assistant manager named Jana appeared at the front door. She asked to see the paint, so I took her through the house and out to the back patio where she proceeded to step in the paint - but hey - it was kind of difficult to avoid. When I pointed out that she was stepping in the paint - she said "that's OK, these are old shoes" and I thought well, you're not walking back through my house with that! The look on my face must have said it all as she said, "I'll just walk around the house to my car".

Jana told me to give the blaster a try and then call them to let them know how it worked, and to bring my receipt and come for more paint. It was 8pm and I was really in no mood to clean up the paint. I sprayed some blaster in the trunk and attacked it with a rag - some of it came up. Thank goodness R's backpack was spared from purple drops. I refilled the bucket and attempted to wash the paint further down the patio or just dilute it more. I moved the paint-filled bag (and wiped down the can) to another spot with a clean bag, and threw the puddled paint into the trash can. Pretty, pretty trash can! Royal blue on the outside - Baroque Plum on the inside!!

R could not come home to help as work was too busy. I cleaned up the outside of the car as best I could and washed off my shoes - then put my jeans in to wash. Then I was DONE! I was too tired to do anything else. I took some PM pain reliever and went to bed.

This morning, the paint looks more pink than plum - especially on the car seat - but at least it is dry to the touch. R will give it the once over today at school - at least the outside of the car - and then try more blaster later. I don't know when I'll venture back for more plum paint - but think I'll see if it comes out of the carpet first - just in case I need to ask Bill or Jana for the use of a steam cleaner.

Somehow - a month after I had the flu - I got bronchitis! The doctor was surprised to see me, but said it wasn't unusual for this to happen. I spent two days with a fever, went to work one day, stayed home the next, went back again, only to go to the doctor the next day...so working for 2 1/2 days in a week - that about sums it up. The cough is horrible, but hopefully breaking up and getting better. I really did sound like I was coughing up a lung...and the doc said I was not contagious...hmmm....so how come it gets passed around so easily?? I am tired of taking pills, that's for sure and I will certainly be glad when I get my sense of smell back. Seriously, I had candles burning and realized I could not smell a thing...not even the spaghetti sauce cooking on the stove! No garlic, no onion, nothing! Gotta love the PuffsPLUS tissues, though - they are so kind to your nose!! I highly recommend them.

My Dad's older brother Robert (Uncle Bob) passed away last week. He was over 80 years old. Dad had left to drive to TN last Sunday and pick up his younger brother, then they went to NC and spent time with Uncle Bob. One thing I remember about Uncle Bob is that he would always say "Well, hello pretty (purty) girl!" to most any female he met - smart guy, Uncle Bob. He didn't have to remember names that way (though we know he knew ours!). He has three daughters-in-law - two of which are named Debbie, plus grand-daughters and great grand-daughters - and grandsons too - but perhaps the 'double deb' was the root of it all. Uncle Bob looked a lot like his Mom, my Grandma. Silver thick hair and a sweet smile. His wife, Aunt Josie, is an artist and Uncle Bob would do the framing of her water color and oil paintings. Dad is going to start driving back tomorrow and should be home Tuesday.

I really can't go into detail about an event that occurred recently - but will say it was quite a shock and left me with knot in my stomach. Though no pain was intended, it happened and has hurt several people. Trying to keep my mind off it has not been easy so to say the least, its been stressful.

Three folks retired from Sears last week - in efforts to retain their 'lump sum' pension by leaving by the end of February. One had 45 years of service, one 38 and one 32. Thats hard to believe in any work environment, but in retail these days - unheard of! I wrote each of them a poem and went to their 'luncheon' with Kyle. Though I didn't have much of a voice, and still coughing, I read the poems and visited for a little bit. It was nice.

R asked and I agreed to let one of his friend's dogs stay here while they saved some money for a pet deposit. "Cole", the pit bull, is a big dog and got along well with R's "Drift". We found out one morning that Cole can get over a chain link fence, but at least he sat nicely at the back door until I came to leave for work. That meant that the two of them were in the garage until someone could be home to be outside with them. One day, while we were at work, Cole managed to open the door from the garage to the house...and the two of them had quite a day messing up the living room. There was also evidence that they were on my bed and in R's room...probably lounging around, taking a nap. They left a couple of 'piles' which were less than lovely and R had the joy of cleaning up. He took the leaf rake to collect all the trash strewn around the room! Cole has since gone home to his master, and Drift misses him and moans frequently. Cole was well-behaved (to a certain extent) and at least listened when told to "sit".

In a couple of weeks, I'll go to the doctor with L & J for the ultrasound! So exciting! They hope to find out what they are having and start planning the nursery. Several folks have mentioned a shower, so sounds like they'll have lots of help preparing! There is so much cool stuff out there now for babies!

Are You Nice?

I bet you are! Check out the link on the left - a really cool idea - Operation Nice.

Celebration City!

Since my last post...here's what has been happening:

I celebrated my birthday for what seems like a month which was very nice! KK cooked dinner and we had a game nite - lots of fun with the girls and boys. Sweet gifts included a new fluffy soft robe and slipper socks; a Yankee candle; a cool distraction for my desktop with shifting green sand; a cookbook; some note paper and a mini album made from "poo-paper" (elephant dung!). Leave it to K to find something like that!

Mom took me shopping the next day and spoiled me with a new purse (pocket-book) and wallet, plus a couple of other goodies - from my sister B. On my actual birthday, Ryan brought me a bunch of daisies - my favorite! They last so long!! At work we celebrated my co-workers birthdays from the 22nd, 24th and mine on the 25th. So many nice phone calls and e-mails made for a great birthday. Kathy took me to dinner on Monday - and we talked non-stop. Her kids are all doing great - just leaving her with a temporary empty nest. That does free her up somewhat - to do fun things like going to dinner, though!

L & J planned to take me to dinner on Thursday, but a case of the flu delayed that for a week. L & J went to the store and stocked up on 'sickie supplies' for me - including another bunch of daisies! Sweet! I had a light case of the flu when compared to others who have suffered with it - but then R followed up with a 'touch' of pneumonia. His fever was much worse than mine, but the doctor assured us he was not contagious. He didn't want to miss school, but welcomed a couple of days off from work. We both have held on to a cough for quite a while.

The following week, L & J took me to dinner at the Cotton Patch, making it easy to stick with the low carbs for my diabetes. They gave me some oil for my lamperge in my favorite scent - "The Big Easy". My blood glucose readings have been much better - although my weight seems to have 'leveled off' - no more loss for the moment. CC and I met for dinner on Monday nite and sat and talked for 3 1/2 hours! What fun! We talked about the 'old' Sears days and the three folks that are retiring next week.

My eyes have gone from one extreme to the other - and back again! I have gone without glasses all together - then added 'readers' to be able to see the computer and read, plus wearing them at church to see the hymnal. The dollar store had the readers for a dollar a pair (go figure!) so I got a red pair and a blue pair - plus some sun glasses for driving. Yes, I could see to drive with no glasses at that point! I called the eye doctor and no appointment yet until my glucose levels have evened out a bit. Now it seems I am almost back to square one - I can see my computer fine, read fairly well - but now the distance vision is worsening AGAIN! I tried on my old glasses and they only work if I lean my head way back and look thru the bifocal part at the bottom - and that's just for seeing at a distance (e.g. - driving!!). My readers are a little 'foggy' at best...but I can read the small print with them. I have enjoyed going without glasses for the most part - but realize that will be short lived once my eyes settle down.

Last weekend I cleaned house starting Friday night, thru Saturday, and a little on Sunday. This included lemon-oiling all the wood furniture, cleaning my ceiling fan in the bedroom (yuck!) and the tile in the kitchen. I borrowed Mom's 'steam mop' - which worked great. I was glad to have the energy to clean - but still have more to do - including another ceiling fan!

L & J had another doctor appointment - and she has only gained a pound - not good! I told her I'd make a list of everything I cannot eat - and she should be able to eat that and gain!! She is finally past the early AM sickies from the night shift - thank goodness. She looks so cute in her maternity tops and jeans. I'll go to the doctor with them next month for the ultrasound - now they have decided they DO want to know what it is. So, if the baby cooperates - they'll have a general idea on how to decorate the nursery. Their friends are loaning them a crib and changing table (yahoo!) - and we are going shopping on Monday at Ikea for a little chest of drawers. She needs a rocker or glider and will be set. She and J are looking forward to baby showers planned by friends and family to stock the nursery. I have been looking on line and have a found a few cute things - but am holding off making any purchases for now.

A New Year..

Our game nite group celebrated Christmas on New Year's Eve - and again, the gang surprised me with a video from Disney - where they asked all different people and characters at the parks to say hello to me. There was one costumed lady on the street before a parade, and she really yucked it up with the camera - not to mention Kyle and the gang. He focused his camera on her best features, and she really stayed in character and learned the gang's saying..."you put goodness out there...and goodness comes back", complete with the little hand/arm swoosh on camera, even when she was walking with her group out of the parade. What a hoot! Nate made a yummy casserole and I brought "sushi" - which was actually a spinach tortilla with whipped cream cheese and veggie sticks rolled up and sliced to resemble sushi; then of course, Nate's chocolate fountain (chocolate prepared by KeKe) and the stuff to dip in it. We toasted the New Year and exchanged Christmas gifts. Good Friends, Good Times. We played a game of Pictionary Man which I had given the boys - it was fun! You gotta try it.



Monday, January 5th it was back to work. Wednesday I had an eye doctor's appointment because my vision was continuously blurry. He dilated my eyes and said I would be back to "normal" in a couple of hours - well, not quite. It was 4:15 before both eyes were back to what looked normal and I could actually see! Oh well, another day off after a week and a half??? No problem. My eyes were so sensitive to the light...and I actually drove home - taking the back way, but admittedly, I should not have driven myself. I couldn't see the traffic lights because of the bright sunlight. My eyes have never been that sensitive before. He wrote me a prescription for new glasses - and I think the clue was when he threw the 'big E' up on the wall and I said it was blurry. I told him I also had a doctor's appointment scheduled for the following Monday where I wanted them to check for diabetes - and he said NOT to fill the script til the doctor got my blood sugar readings.



Over the holidays, I really had no appetite - and lost about 6 pounds - and was so very thirsty all the time! Waking up to drink water during the night was NOT my normal routine. I was chugging 20-oz bottles like it was going out of style - and I drank two gallons of skim milk in two days!! I could not get my thirst quenched. This, along with no energy, brought diabetes to mind. The doctor agreed, though he hoped it was just my thyroid. The lab took blood that Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning I got the results - type 2 Diabetes.



I went in Thursday to see the office diabetes specialist and she reviewed my chart, and almost fell off her chair when she saw my glucose level from Monday: 552!!! Yes, 552 with the exclamation points added to my chart by the lab. She could not believe that I had not passed out or gone into a coma. The doctor had already had me start two meds on Wednesday, but by Thursday, one of them was doubled, then tripled. The second was one pill to start, then two starting on Sunday. I left the office with a meter and reading material, including a 'fast food' guide to eating nutritiously - counting carbs. She also explained how the disease and treatments work, and how to read labels and counting total carbs. I can have 12 carbs daily and my blood sugar reading should be between 70 and 140.



I went to Mom and Dad's and he showed me how to use the meter and the NEEDLE! I was a little gun shy, but after a few trys, I had it down. I started a log of my before breakfast and before supper readings and my carb counts. Levels have been up and down...from 294, to 219, to 134 and back up to 213. The diabetes specialist said I only had to test it twice a day for 3 days during the week, but I used the week-end to get my feet wet. I have been eating oatmeal for breakfast - or toast with a little low fat cheese - so its a change all right and actually, I am already feeling better! I had energy to do things that needed to be done and learned that I need to 'snack' between meals to feel my best. I also need to increase my activity level (isn't that a nicer word than the "ex" word??) to 30-minutes a day, four days a week. That will most likely be accomplised by doing 'hall laps' at work, walking the dog, and eventually, a class or a trip to the SLC. Mom and Dad are super supportive as are my friends and other family members, and of course, L, J & R.



I had lunch with MJH as she was in town to visit with her daughter. We went to Olive Garden! I visited their site before I left and learned definitely NO breadsticks...and soup was even high in carbs! I also opted for the salad with oil and vinegar - no cheese, no croutons....and still, I have used 8 of my 12 carbs for the day. Oh well, veggies for dinner!! I enjoyed the visit over lunch, and MJH looked perplexed when I didn't join them in an Italian Margarita - so I had to tell her about my diagnosis. She is concerned and very supportive.



My first trip to shop for carb-appropriate food didn't net me much to fill my cabinets, but I'll get used to reading labels and making smarter choices - including - fish (yuck!) Not my favorite food for sure, but I can stand a tuna melt (tuna on a bagel with mustard and a little cheese under the broiler) once in a while! The side effects of the medicine haven't been too bad...except for the initial one...but I am surviving. I have also lost another three pounds - whoo-hoo! My pants are loose, too!