Big changes...

Wow, this has been a week... Let me summarize for you...

Monday I was at the hospital with my dad for a biopsy on his prostate, yesterday we heard from the Dr. and it is cancer...lots of emotions and memories of hearing those words 8 years ago with my Mom. The good news is that it seems we have found it early and it is very treatable. He will have a bone scan next Friday and hopefully it will not have spread. We will meet with the Dr. to discuss options as well. Please keep my Daddy in your prayers.

Kari has left Virginia Beach for her new home in Cincinnati. She is actually on the road today. The movers packed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and loaded them out yesterday. She has been sick with a virus all week, but is feeling better today thank goodness. It would have been a miserable drive for her if not.

But the even bigger news for Kari is that she is expecting my second grandchild! Yep, going to be a Nonnie again in April. She told me 3 weeks ago, but I wanted to wait until she was a little further along before saying anything. I know she will make a wonderful Mommy. Hoping for a little girl this time! : )

I met with my new Rheumatologist this week, I really like him and feel very comfortable that he will give me good care and help me deal with this stupid disease. I have been feeling a little better and the rash on my face is much better. Not sure if it's the meds or the fact that I seldom see the sun anymore, but as long as it's better I really don't care. Dr. B did some additional tests, probably won't get those results until next week with it being a holiday Monday. He did more x-rays and told me the weird little knots on my feet are actually bone spurs! No wonder my feet hurt all the time...So today I ordered some inserts for my shoes (man that makes me feel old) and hope that will ease some of the pain. I also have heel spurs and arthritis in my big toe! That stupid toe has hurt for at least a year now, but never thought it was arthritis. Oh the joys of getting old and having Lupus...

My gyno appt didn't go as well as I had hoped, she saw something on the ultrasound, but for now just wants to take a wait and see approach. It seems the number she wants to see is around a 5 and mine was 6. something, almost 7 I think. But she felt it would be ok to wait and not do a biopsy just yet, unless more symptoms show up...praying they won't.

Kaci is on her way to Boston, finally getting to meet little Oliver. So excited for her and wish I was going too. It has been 2 weeks since I left and I miss that little guy so much. He is growing and changing every day and I hate that I am missing it all.




Love these pictures!! Brek's dad did such a good job. Brek actually took the one of Alissa and Oliver, isn't that a wonderful picture. So happy for my baby girl.

I lost a cousin this week, Bruce was only 50 years old. His service was this morning. I am so sorry for his siblings and mother. There were 3 boys and 2 girls in this family and now they have lost 2 of the brothers. Paul passed away almost 4 years ago. Praying for comfort for them all.

Like I said, lots of changes this week. I am ready for a more normal, less active one, but that probably won't happen anytime soon.

4 weeks ago...

I became Oliver's Nonnie...Hard to believe it has already been 4 weeks! Can't wait to see his pictures, hoping Alissa posts them soon. His Mimi posted the one below, can't believe how much he has already changed...



Such a little sweetie, miss him so much!!

I didn't get a picture

I am so sad I don't have a picture to go with this post. But I was in such awe, I couldn't tear myself away to get the camera.

I was watching the Cardinals and Hummingbirds yesterday and enjoying them so much that I almost missed the real show...

A beautiful Moma deer and her twin babies, still with their spots mind you, in my back yard! They were so sweet. Moma was teaching them to pay attention to her and be very still at her command. She would walk, stop and listen and if the babies moved, she would stamp her left front foot. She would do this until they were still. It was so fascinating to watch! She did this all the way across our property until she got to the woods between our house and our neighbors.

I just stood in awe and watched the lesson.

I think I learned right along with the babies.

A beautiful moment and so thankful I was there to share it.

My camera is now sitting beside the door, maybe I won't miss it if the opportunity comes again...

Empty arms...

I'm home after almost 4 weeks in Boston and my arms are fairly aching they want to hold Oliver so badly...I can't believe how much I miss him and think almost constantly of him. I look at the clock and imagine what he is doing, if he is sleeping, eating, getting his diaper changed or just laying in his Mommy or Daddy's arms, snuggled in and being loved. That's the image I like the most, he is just such a cuddle baby, he loves laying on your chest and sleeping as long as you will let him. I miss his sweet little face so much, not sure if I will make it to October without seeing him...

I had a wonderful, exhausting, fulfilling time with Alissa, Brek and Oliver and I will always treasure it. I am so thankful I was there for Oliver's birth and for Alissa and Brek afterwards. They thanked me so many times for the things I did, but in reality I was thankful to them for letting me be a part of it all. I know how independent and private my girl is, so I was prepared for whatever part she allowed me to play. But I needn't have worried, she was so generous and shared so much of the experience with me. Other than being in the operating room for the C-section, I pretty much had an all access pass. Made some amazing memories, that's for sure.

I am so proud of her and know she is on her way to becoming an amazing Moma. Welcome to the adventure Alissa, it's the most wonderful job in the world!

2 weeks already

Oliver Jack is already 2 weeks old!! He is growing and changing every day and I am so happy I am here to experience it.

But I leave on Friday

Not happy about that

Wondering if I can convince Ed to move

Crying every time I think about leaving

Thinking about how much he will have changed the next time I see him

Loving him more than I thought was possible

And I'm crying again

What a week!

Oh my goodness what a week we have had. Who knew when we went for Alissa's appt. last Thursday that she wouldn't come home until the following Tuesday and would be bringing Baby Jack with her!

While things didn't go exactly as hoped for, the end result was a healthy baby and Mommy and that is really all that matters.

Jack is such a sweet baby and is doing so well with nursing, sleeping and just everything. I really don't know how in the world I am going to leave him. Everyone told me how wonderful being a grandparent is, but like most things, until you experience it for yourself, you just don't fully understand. It is amazing the love I have for this little boy. My heart is just so full and I am so proud of his Mommy. Seeing your child with her own child is the most precious thing.

Soaking in every minute I can before I have to leave, thank goodness I still have 13 days....

Jack