My poor husband has a hurt back. He has had a hurt back since before we met, but it has been mostly managable. He had a back surgery some years ago and has had some pain ever since then. Over the last few years he has had flair ups...Usually he has to take a day or two off the bike and really take it easy. Sometimes he's even been confined to bed for a short period of time. But no matter what he's always better in a couple of days.
Well, this flair up has lasted over a month now...probably more like two months. It has gotten so bad that he's been to the doctor several times, had an MRI, is going to physical therapy, and is off work. Lou loves his job and you know he's bad when he's out of work.
The MRI showed spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease...also a bulge at L-4 or 5 I can't really remember where exactly the bulge is, but it is causing a nerve (or nerve roots) to be pinched and this is creating so much pain. The doctor says there is nothing surgical that needs to be fixed, and that everything should heal with time...and disability.
Some days are good and some days are bad. Last weekend we had a pretty good weekend...really low key and just the two of us. No big plans...no company...no set schedule of anything to do. This last week was a little bit hectic and he's having more pain. Over the last few days he has ben up quite a bit and after a while of being up and about he's ually pretty sore.
I feel so bad because there really isn't a lot I can do...physically anyway. I wish there was something I could do to help aleviate some of the pain. He is supposed to go back to work in October. I am hoping that he will be able to, but I also don't want him to go back too soon.
If anyone is reading this blog...please say a quick prayer for Lou. No matter your belief system...if you pray at all...Please say a prayer for Lou. We have had a lot of prayers lately, but every little bit helps...and I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.
Thanks everyone! Let me know how to pray for you.
Team Standifer
Saturday, September 19, 2009
First Day of First Grade
Things have been crazy busy for us lately and I haven't had a lot of time to blog. I am trying to catch things up though...
This year Jackson started 1st grade...He's in Mrs. Aragon's class. On the first day of school I went to check out her class with him.
He even has his own desk. He was pretty excited about that. In kindergarten they have tables and they sit on the carpet a lot, but in first grade they each have their own desk...Jackson was happy about that.
So far he seems to like it. He is having a pretty good time. This year he gets to eat lunch at school and has enjoyed buying hot lunch. At first I wanted to make his lunch, but he really enjoys they hot lunches and it's easy for me. He is making some new friends and is doing great on his homework.
This year Jackson started 1st grade...He's in Mrs. Aragon's class. On the first day of school I went to check out her class with him.
He even has his own desk. He was pretty excited about that. In kindergarten they have tables and they sit on the carpet a lot, but in first grade they each have their own desk...Jackson was happy about that. So far he seems to like it. He is having a pretty good time. This year he gets to eat lunch at school and has enjoyed buying hot lunch. At first I wanted to make his lunch, but he really enjoys they hot lunches and it's easy for me. He is making some new friends and is doing great on his homework.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Rambling
Well, I turned 30 last week. I had this whole blog in my head, but I decided not to put it up. I really don't feel any different than I did at 29. It really isn't even that big a deal. I made it way worse than it actually is.
In other news...Jackson has been going to zoo camp for the last two weeks. He really loved it! He learned a lot about different animals and got to go behind the scenes and touch some animals. They did songs and skits on the last day of camp each week for the parents. It was quite cute. Jackson made a lot of friends and had a good time.
We are getting ready for back to school. Jackson is starting 1st grade and Lou is going into his second year teaching. I can't believe how quickly we got to this point. Jackson seems very excited to start 1st grade. I think everyone in our family is going to have a lot to adjust to. Jackson is sleeping in until about 7:00 now (which is late for him), Lou has been home all summer (well, he's been busy), and I think our dogs might be so lonely. They have't been kennelled all day in about 3 months.
I have been back and forth to the doctor with a tennis ball sized cyst on my right ovary. It has been quite painfull, but last week I saw the doctor last and he said that the cyst is gone. I still have some pain that Dr. S. thinks may still be from my surgery back in June. I see him again on the 25th and we'll talk about what is next for us in the "getting pregnant" area.
That's really it...Nothing to exciting. I got some awesome gifts for my birthday. My husband bought me a cool netbook. I am actually blogging on it right now. My grandparents bought me some new Chanel sunglasses and some beautiful earrings. I feel like such a movie star when I wear them. My sister bought me cute underwear from Victoria's Secret...She's always looking out for me in the clothing department...she knows I never buy myself clothing...especially underwear. My brother bought me the Tori Spelling book that I wanted. I got a few giftcards and my mom took us out to an awesome dinner.
That's it for now...hopefully some good blogging topics come to me. Bedtime for me.
In other news...Jackson has been going to zoo camp for the last two weeks. He really loved it! He learned a lot about different animals and got to go behind the scenes and touch some animals. They did songs and skits on the last day of camp each week for the parents. It was quite cute. Jackson made a lot of friends and had a good time.
We are getting ready for back to school. Jackson is starting 1st grade and Lou is going into his second year teaching. I can't believe how quickly we got to this point. Jackson seems very excited to start 1st grade. I think everyone in our family is going to have a lot to adjust to. Jackson is sleeping in until about 7:00 now (which is late for him), Lou has been home all summer (well, he's been busy), and I think our dogs might be so lonely. They have't been kennelled all day in about 3 months.
I have been back and forth to the doctor with a tennis ball sized cyst on my right ovary. It has been quite painfull, but last week I saw the doctor last and he said that the cyst is gone. I still have some pain that Dr. S. thinks may still be from my surgery back in June. I see him again on the 25th and we'll talk about what is next for us in the "getting pregnant" area.
That's really it...Nothing to exciting. I got some awesome gifts for my birthday. My husband bought me a cool netbook. I am actually blogging on it right now. My grandparents bought me some new Chanel sunglasses and some beautiful earrings. I feel like such a movie star when I wear them. My sister bought me cute underwear from Victoria's Secret...She's always looking out for me in the clothing department...she knows I never buy myself clothing...especially underwear. My brother bought me the Tori Spelling book that I wanted. I got a few giftcards and my mom took us out to an awesome dinner.
That's it for now...hopefully some good blogging topics come to me. Bedtime for me.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Jackson's 6th Birthday
Jackson turned 6 on July 1st. We had his party at my grandparent's house. He asked my grandparents if he could have his birthday party in their backyard for all of his birthdays! We invited a few of his friends (Jack & Antonio Tuttle, Micah, Jacob, Benjamin & Peyton Laing, Eden Panster) and ALL of our family was there. This year we decided to order pizzas, and this was Lou didn't have to be behind the BBQ all day. Jackson picked his cake this year. Transformers...Chocolate with chocolate fudge filling and whipped cream topping. It was very tasty.
Jackson opened all his presents with his friends around him. He was most excited about his Nintento DS that Lou and I bought him. 
He got a great big Lego ship from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Larry (another cute story: my grandma was asking Jackson what he wanted for his birthday and he named a few things. She said, "Do you think you would just like money?" Jackson said, "No...I like toys." At his age it's just too much fun opening up all those toys.) Anyway, he got a Transformer's Bumble Bee helmet from my brother, Bobby. He got some more Lego's from my cousin, Katelyn. He got some games, the wolverine claw and remote control Hovercrafts from his Grandma Bev. Grandma Donna bought him a Terminator arm. The Tuttle's got him a game for his DS. Overall he did great! He still has a couple of things he hasn't played with/opened yet...almost a month later. 
This year Jackson surprised us and jumped off the diving board. We were shocked, but he had a great time. He did it over and over again.
Here's a picture of Jackson with Brittany and Eden.
He got a great big Lego ship from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Larry (another cute story: my grandma was asking Jackson what he wanted for his birthday and he named a few things. She said, "Do you think you would just like money?" Jackson said, "No...I like toys." At his age it's just too much fun opening up all those toys.) Anyway, he got a Transformer's Bumble Bee helmet from my brother, Bobby. He got some more Lego's from my cousin, Katelyn. He got some games, the wolverine claw and remote control Hovercrafts from his Grandma Bev. Grandma Donna bought him a Terminator arm. The Tuttle's got him a game for his DS. Overall he did great! He still has a couple of things he hasn't played with/opened yet...almost a month later. This year Jackson surprised us and jumped off the diving board. We were shocked, but he had a great time. He did it over and over again.Here's a picture of Jackson with Brittany and Eden. 
Jackson, we love you so much and are so proud that you are our son. You are so sweet and polite. You are becoming so independent and are enjoying so many things these days: video games, Legos, cars, most things Star Wars, cuddling with your dad, saying goodnight to your dogs, Pizza (homemade is your favorite right now), corn dogs, teriyaki anything, and so much more.
We love you Jackson!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Counting Crows
Most people probably don't know this, but my husband's FAVORITE band is Counting Crows. I mean he knows more stuff about Adam Duritz than most people I think. He has followed this band from it's birth in 199? (That's terrible I should know...we totally talked about it). I think it's 1993, but if I'm wrong I'll stick to my original 199?.
Anyway, last night we got to see Counting Crows LIVE at Table Mountain Casino and I have to tell you...I can't stop talking about what an AMAZING show it was. I was not a CRAZY fan when we left the house, but I tell you what...Bobby and Lou had to practically drag me out of there last night. It was THAT good! I totally heart Adam Duritz after that concert.
Okay so...I swear this is how it went down. (I should add now: my brother, Bobby, is a BIG BIG Counting Crows fan too, but this shouldn't surprise me since he's borderline music geek too.) So I pick up dinner and pull in the driveway of our home...Bobby and Lou are sitting in the living room (just a few hours prior to the concert) WATCHING a Counting Crows concert on TV. I think they called it, "Getting Ready." I called it "Geeking Out!"
We eat dinner in front of the TV and finish watching the concert. Since we hadn't been to Table Mountain Casino for a concert before we thought we ought to give ourselves plenty of time so we headed out a couple hours early. We got to Table Mountain about 6:30 or so, but the parking was kind of crazy...so I think we were all glad we were early. We made it into the casino and I headed right for Will Call while the guys got in line. I had no problem getting our tickets and before long we were In!
The room/hall where they do concerts is SMALL. I mean smaller than any concert I've ever been to. There were probably about 1,000 people there...It was packed, but not much more than 1,000 people. Now because my husband (and brother) are such BIG fans...they knew to be there RIGHT ON TIME because all three bands were going to be on stage right at 8:00. We had plenty of time...we bought shirts and had some good people watching before the lights went down.
Right about 8:00 the lights went down and the stage was filled with 18 guys (well 17 guys and 1 girl). Counting Crows, Augustana, and Michael Franti & Spearhead were all on stage. Yes...I was particularly looking forward to Augustana, but I was really just excited to be there. I was smack dab in the middle of two HUGE Counting Crows fans...both Lou and Bobby sang, danced and maybe even cried they were so happy to be there. It was so fun to watch!
I took a few pictures, but nothing spectacular. I took a few pictures from Adam's twitter posts...Here's Adam...singing his heart out...This guy is so passionate about music.
On the big screen...
This is Dan from Augustana...his voice is AMAZING...
Michael Franti...tons of energy...I really liked him too...
Okay...so they played non stop for about 3 hours. They went on and off stage, sang each other's songs, and we all sang along and had a great time. I was secretly plotting in my head the whole time how I was going to try to get backstage so that Lou could meet Adam. He's such a big fan and I knew that would just be awesome for him. Anyway, the show ended and I saw Adam and all the guys leaning off the stage and shaking hands with fans...Oh my gosh! I totally heart Adam by this time so I want to shake his hand just as bad as I want Lou to shake his hand...So I start pushing Lou to the front and keep saying "Go Honey Go!" I started acting like a teenage girl at a New Kids On The Block concert, and before I could catch myself I realized I was yelling, "Adam! Dan! Adam!" at the TOP of my lungs. We were so close, but we didn't get to shake his hand. We were SO CLOSE though...it was good enough for us. I did happen to let out one last, "Dan!" and Dan from Augustana winked at me.
Lou was able to get a set list and a guitar pick, and we all got posters...Lou was so thrilled. I can't really even describe it, but we were totally jazzed. I wanted to hang out and see if Adam showed back up, but Lou insisted that he had already gone to his bus...and he was probably right. We made our way to our car and headed home. I had trouble falling asleep last night...I just wanted to totally "geek out" with my husband and talk about that AWESOME concert. So yeah...after all that...I'm a geek too...I'm okay with it. We had fun! Here's a picture of our souvenirs....
Thanks Honey for sharing your love of music with me. I always felt like I loved music, but you have definitely showed me a greater appreciation. I love you.
Anyway, last night we got to see Counting Crows LIVE at Table Mountain Casino and I have to tell you...I can't stop talking about what an AMAZING show it was. I was not a CRAZY fan when we left the house, but I tell you what...Bobby and Lou had to practically drag me out of there last night. It was THAT good! I totally heart Adam Duritz after that concert.
Okay so...I swear this is how it went down. (I should add now: my brother, Bobby, is a BIG BIG Counting Crows fan too, but this shouldn't surprise me since he's borderline music geek too.) So I pick up dinner and pull in the driveway of our home...Bobby and Lou are sitting in the living room (just a few hours prior to the concert) WATCHING a Counting Crows concert on TV. I think they called it, "Getting Ready." I called it "Geeking Out!"
We eat dinner in front of the TV and finish watching the concert. Since we hadn't been to Table Mountain Casino for a concert before we thought we ought to give ourselves plenty of time so we headed out a couple hours early. We got to Table Mountain about 6:30 or so, but the parking was kind of crazy...so I think we were all glad we were early. We made it into the casino and I headed right for Will Call while the guys got in line. I had no problem getting our tickets and before long we were In!
The room/hall where they do concerts is SMALL. I mean smaller than any concert I've ever been to. There were probably about 1,000 people there...It was packed, but not much more than 1,000 people. Now because my husband (and brother) are such BIG fans...they knew to be there RIGHT ON TIME because all three bands were going to be on stage right at 8:00. We had plenty of time...we bought shirts and had some good people watching before the lights went down.
Right about 8:00 the lights went down and the stage was filled with 18 guys (well 17 guys and 1 girl). Counting Crows, Augustana, and Michael Franti & Spearhead were all on stage. Yes...I was particularly looking forward to Augustana, but I was really just excited to be there. I was smack dab in the middle of two HUGE Counting Crows fans...both Lou and Bobby sang, danced and maybe even cried they were so happy to be there. It was so fun to watch!
I took a few pictures, but nothing spectacular. I took a few pictures from Adam's twitter posts...Here's Adam...singing his heart out...This guy is so passionate about music.
On the big screen...This is Dan from Augustana...his voice is AMAZING...Michael Franti...tons of energy...I really liked him too...Okay...so they played non stop for about 3 hours. They went on and off stage, sang each other's songs, and we all sang along and had a great time. I was secretly plotting in my head the whole time how I was going to try to get backstage so that Lou could meet Adam. He's such a big fan and I knew that would just be awesome for him. Anyway, the show ended and I saw Adam and all the guys leaning off the stage and shaking hands with fans...Oh my gosh! I totally heart Adam by this time so I want to shake his hand just as bad as I want Lou to shake his hand...So I start pushing Lou to the front and keep saying "Go Honey Go!" I started acting like a teenage girl at a New Kids On The Block concert, and before I could catch myself I realized I was yelling, "Adam! Dan! Adam!" at the TOP of my lungs. We were so close, but we didn't get to shake his hand. We were SO CLOSE though...it was good enough for us. I did happen to let out one last, "Dan!" and Dan from Augustana winked at me.Lou was able to get a set list and a guitar pick, and we all got posters...Lou was so thrilled. I can't really even describe it, but we were totally jazzed. I wanted to hang out and see if Adam showed back up, but Lou insisted that he had already gone to his bus...and he was probably right. We made our way to our car and headed home. I had trouble falling asleep last night...I just wanted to totally "geek out" with my husband and talk about that AWESOME concert. So yeah...after all that...I'm a geek too...I'm okay with it. We had fun! Here's a picture of our souvenirs....
Thanks Honey for sharing your love of music with me. I always felt like I loved music, but you have definitely showed me a greater appreciation. I love you.Seriously...one of the BEST concerts I've been to (and we've been to alot).
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Father's Day...2009
I know I'm a little late getting this up...but hey, better late than never...Right?
This year Jackson decided to take Lou to the Grizzlies game on Father's Day. We had a great time...despite the HOT weather. Before the game kids and Dad's got to play catch on the field.
I went up to our seats and cooled them down a little before Lou and Jackson got up there...I didn't even think about how hot the chairs would be sitting out there in the sun all afternoon. I just sat down in one and I swear I burned my butt. I knew it would be way too hot for Jackson so I sat in all three of our seats long enough for the initial burn to go away.
Here's Jackson and Lou watching the game....
They're so into it....
After the game kids and Dad's got to run the bases...I didn't get a picture, but it was the cutest thing ever. As soon as they got down on the field Jackson just took off running for the bases and Lou was running along side him. It was pretty cute watching them run around the bases.
We love you Lou. I know I should have posted this earlier...like on Father's Day. You are an amazing Dad! We hope you had a fun day.
Just for fun I posted a picture of Jackson from the last time we took Lou to a Grizzlies game for Father's Day....It was in 2005...Jackson wasn't even 2 years old yet.
This year Jackson decided to take Lou to the Grizzlies game on Father's Day. We had a great time...despite the HOT weather. Before the game kids and Dad's got to play catch on the field.
I went up to our seats and cooled them down a little before Lou and Jackson got up there...I didn't even think about how hot the chairs would be sitting out there in the sun all afternoon. I just sat down in one and I swear I burned my butt. I knew it would be way too hot for Jackson so I sat in all three of our seats long enough for the initial burn to go away.
Here's Jackson and Lou watching the game....
They're so into it....
After the game kids and Dad's got to run the bases...I didn't get a picture, but it was the cutest thing ever. As soon as they got down on the field Jackson just took off running for the bases and Lou was running along side him. It was pretty cute watching them run around the bases.
We love you Lou. I know I should have posted this earlier...like on Father's Day. You are an amazing Dad! We hope you had a fun day.
Just for fun I posted a picture of Jackson from the last time we took Lou to a Grizzlies game for Father's Day....It was in 2005...Jackson wasn't even 2 years old yet.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Blog Party...In my head.
Okay I swear I am coming back on somewhat of a regular basis soon. I have a lot of blogs in my head right now that need to get out...Soon. So that I don't forget what I want to write about I am making a list:
1. Father's Day
2. Jackson's Birthday Party
3. Firework stand/4th of July
4. Turning 30...Yes I am turning the big 3-0
5. Some funny things Jackson is saying lately...this kid is forever cracking me up.
6. Free Stuff....this is a good one.
Get ready...They are coming soon...I promise.
1. Father's Day
2. Jackson's Birthday Party
3. Firework stand/4th of July
4. Turning 30...Yes I am turning the big 3-0
5. Some funny things Jackson is saying lately...this kid is forever cracking me up.
6. Free Stuff....this is a good one.
Get ready...They are coming soon...I promise.
Photo Shoot...Or something like that
I really enjoy taking pictures and I especially love taking pictures of my husband's band...I don't know why, but I usually get some cool shots at nightclubs when Lou's band is playing. A few weeks ago Lou's band, King Sugar, played two nights back to back. Most of these pictures are from our friend, Donelle's wedding.
My handsome husband...
King Sugar...
Markus...I've never heard anyone else this good...
Eric...
Lou and Me snuck in one of ourselves...
Markus...I've never heard anyone else this good...
Eric...Here's Donelle...she's not in King Sugar...she's in Monkey. They played at our wedding a couple years ago...
Here's another one of King Sugar....
Lou and Me snuck in one of ourselves... Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Nothing to say, but I feel like blogging
I have been away from the blog for quite some time now. It feels like a long time anyway. I really don't know how long it's been. I haven't read the blogs I follow in such a long time. I started to read a few tonight and enjoyed getting caught up on some of your lives. I am going to make an effort to get back into blog reading and writing...I really do miss it.
Like my title says, I really have nothing to say. I've just been going with the flow lately. Lou is out of work for summer vacation. Not "Out of work" like he doesn't have a job...being a teacher means - summer vacation is part of your job. It's nice having him at home. Even though I am at work all day I find it comforting to know that Lou is home if I need anything. He's been getting a lot of hang time with Jackson and I think that's good for both of them.
We are going to be selling fireworks again this year. Lou's running the stand for his Debate club. I am looking forward to it a little bit...It was fun last year. I'm sure I won't be saying I'm looking forward to it once this next week actually comes. It's only for a week long...It won't be so bad.
Jackson is turning 6 next Wednesday. I can't hardly believe it. I think I have said that every year, but really he's getting so big. We are having his birthday party this weekend (before we start the firework stand).
Anyway, I didn't really plan to blog, but since I logged in I just felt like saying a little something. I'll get back on the ball soon and the blogs will be (hopefully) less boring.
Love to all.
Like my title says, I really have nothing to say. I've just been going with the flow lately. Lou is out of work for summer vacation. Not "Out of work" like he doesn't have a job...being a teacher means - summer vacation is part of your job. It's nice having him at home. Even though I am at work all day I find it comforting to know that Lou is home if I need anything. He's been getting a lot of hang time with Jackson and I think that's good for both of them.
We are going to be selling fireworks again this year. Lou's running the stand for his Debate club. I am looking forward to it a little bit...It was fun last year. I'm sure I won't be saying I'm looking forward to it once this next week actually comes. It's only for a week long...It won't be so bad.
Jackson is turning 6 next Wednesday. I can't hardly believe it. I think I have said that every year, but really he's getting so big. We are having his birthday party this weekend (before we start the firework stand).
Anyway, I didn't really plan to blog, but since I logged in I just felt like saying a little something. I'll get back on the ball soon and the blogs will be (hopefully) less boring.
Love to all.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Fire Fighting
Today on the news I heard that the Fresno Fire Department was going to be giving away bike helmets. I told Jackson to tell Lou about it and maybe they could go by the fire department, but he forgot. So tonight we went to dinner at Panda Express and while we were at dinner some Fire Fighters came in to eat. It reminded me of the bike helmets and so after we ate dinner we asked them about the helmets and we headed off to a Fresno Fire Station. When we got there, there was a sign on the door that said they were all out of bike helmets and we were bummed. We walked around back to take a closer look at the fire trucks (since we were right there), and a REAL fire fighter came out and started talking to us. We asked him about the helmets and he told us they didn't have that many to start with, but he showed Jackson all around the station. Jackson even got to sit in the driver seat of a Fire Truck and turn on the lights. 
Even though we didn't get a helmet, we did get a great tour of the station and got to play on a real fire truck. Jackson wants to be a fire fighter when he grows up!
Even though we didn't get a helmet, we did get a great tour of the station and got to play on a real fire truck. Jackson wants to be a fire fighter when he grows up!Kindergarten Celebration
I can't believe Jackson has finished his kindergarten year already. It seems like we just started kindergarten, and now the year is over. Today was his Kindergarten Celebration and I am so glad that I got to go.
They sang some of their favorite songs that they've learned throughout the year...
Jackson's teacher made each child a scrapbook of work and pictures of them throughout the year. She called each kid up and said a little something about each one. Here is Jackson with his book...
After Miss. K. presented the books to the students and gave s little talk about how much she would miss them all, we had cookies in the backyard. Here is Jackson and two friends comparing pictures in their books...
This is one of Jackson's good friends, Anakin. I know Jackson will definitely miss Anakin this summer. 
Friday, June 5, 2009
Our family is changed.
Note: I contemplated putting this post up on the blog. It is not upbeat, not funny, not silly, nothing like the things I normally blog about. When I started this blog I meant for it to document our day to day life. Fortunately, we've had a lot of lighthearted stuff to post about. Unfortunately, this post is sad, but it's part of our life and this event has changed my family.
A week ago yesterday I found out I was pregnant. I was shocked, but so happy. Up until now I have not blogged about our fertility struggles, but we have been seeing Dr. S. for fertility treatments for a little while now. So the news of our pregnancy was definitely happy news. I found out first (obviously) and called the doctor right away. His nurse sent me over to St. Agnes Hospital for some lab work. I was only a little bit concerned because I had been spotting for about three weeks. The nurse assured me that that was not uncommon, and told me not to worry about that right now.
About an hour after my lab work was done, the nurse from Dr. S's office called me and said that I was indeed pregnant and that based on my levels I appeared to be 4-5 weeks along. Lou and I both had doctor's appointments (with our family doctor) that afternoon so I met him at Dr. G's office. I handed him the pregnancy test that I had taken earlier and he was shocked and excited too. We both were so happy and felt excited to share our news with our family. Even though we just found out we felt like it was something we couldn't keep from our family. They all knew how long we had been trying, and we knew they would all be so happy for us.
We told all of our family our exciting news over the weekend. I was feeling good and the spotting stopped totally so that made me feel better. We felt wonderful!
On Monday morning I went to the hospital for some more lab work to make sure that my hcg levels doubled. The lab work was quick and easy and now I was just waiting for the doctor's office to call me. I wasn't too worried...I felt great. At about 4:45pm the nurse from Dr. S's office called and said that my hcg levels didn't double. She said they went up, but they only went up a little bit. I asked her what this meant and she was reluctant to tell me anything. She said that she would talk to the doctor and call me back by 6:00pm.
I rushed home to Lou and cried the whole way. I knew by the way she sounded that this wasn't a good sign. Lou and I talked and came to the conclusion that as of right now...I was pregnant and I was going to stay positive and take care of my body. The nurse called us back and said that Dr. S wanted me to retest next Monday. So until then...I was going to be positive about this pregnancy.
The next day I felt a little worried and decided to stay home from work. I rested most of the day and didn't get out of bed or off the couch too much. I was feeling this unusual pain in my right side and no matter how I laid or sat it would not go away. At about noon I called Dr. S's office and told them about my pain. The nurse asked me a lot of questions and told me that I could take Tylenol for the pain. She sent me to the lab for a urine test to rule out a bladder or kidney infection. By 4:00 that afternoon I had not heard back from Dr. S's office about my lab work so I called them. The nurse asked me how I was feeling and if the Tylenol was helping. The pain was still there, but the Tylenol did help a little. She told me that my urine test results had not come back yet, but that she would have them in the morning. If the pain got any worse or went down into my abdomen I needed to call the doctor's office right away.
That night I got into bed with Lou about 9:00. As we were getting comfortable I just had this feeling that something was wrong. The pain was down in my lower stomach and I really wasn't getting much relief. I told Lou that I thought I should call the doctor. Luckily, Dr. S. was on call and so I was able to talk to him directly. He didn't hesitate to send me over to the hospital right away. We made arrangements for my mother-in-law to come and stay with Jackson (he was already asleep).
Lou and I got to the hospital about 9:45pm. We checked in and sat in the waiting room. Scared about what the lab work and exam might reveal we tried to prepare ourselves for what we might find out. We waited over an hour before we even got called back. I was called back about 11:00 and we were seen by the ER doctor, Dr. Claypool, fairly quickly. I told him all of my news and what my symtoms were. He told me that I would go for an ultrasound and they would take another sample of blood.
We were sent back to the waiting room. It was more crowded by that time. I didn't have to wait long before they called me back for my ultrasound. Unfortunately, Lou couldn't come. He was worried and I felt vulnerable to go without him, but we knew we had to find out what was going on. The ultrasound took a while...well longer than any ultrasound I had had in the past. I went back to the waiting room to meet Lou. We waited for what felt like the longest stretch so far. Probably because we were exhausted by that time.
About 1:15am they called us back. We walked past all the holding rooms and we were put into a room with a bed. I was given a gown and told to put in on. We asked what was going on and the lady told us that DR. Claypool was on the phone with our doctor, Dr. S. and he would be right in.
We were worried. I knew something was wrong.
Dr. Claypool came in quickly and let us know that I had a ectopic pregnancy. Dr. S. had told us this might be the case. I was being admitted to the hospital and Dr. S. would come in the morning to do the surgery to remove the pregnancy.
Lou broke down right away and when we were left together in the room we both began to cry. I felt awful. Sad, mad, hurt, and exhausted. Dr. Claypool came back to answer some of our questions and we learned that since my pregnancy was in my fallopian tube, it had to be removed quickly or it may become life threatening for me. He said that it was fairly routine surgery and that our doctor had a good reputation (we knew that...it's why we picked him).
I told Lou to call my mom. It was about 2:00am, but I wanted her to know what was happening. My mom came and stayed with me while Lou went home to get some rest and get Jackson off to school the next morning. I went through the past few days events with my mom as we sat in the ER waiting for me to be assigned a room. I thought of everyone I would have to tell this horrible news to and I hated the thought of having to talk about it over and over again. It was heartbreaking to me.
At 4:00am I was assigned a room and by this time I was just exhausted. My mind was running so quickly, but my body was a wreck. My nurse, Maryjane made me as comfortable as could be and told me to get some rest. I closed my eyes, but didn't really sleep for the next hour. At 5:40am I asked my mom to close the door of my hospital room and that helped a little. Without the noise of the nurses station I was able to sleep about an hour.
At 7:00am Dr. S. came in. I felt my face light up when I saw him. I have developed a good relationship with Dr. S. over the past few months and I trusted him totally to perform this surgery. He sat on the edge on my bed and looked at my tummy. He told me that he suspected my pregnancy was in my right tube, and that he would go in through my belly button to remove it. He said even if the pregnancy was not in the tube, it was not a good pregnancy and it would have to be removed. I asked him all of my questions and he left to make arrangements for my surgery.
About 8:00am Lou came in and about 5 minuted later things were moving quickly. Someone had come to take me to surgery. I didn't really have too much time to prepare myself. They needed to take me right away. I got down to the Outpatient Surgery Center and was taken to prepare for surgery. Lou and my mom had to wait in the waiting room and I felt scared. About 45 minutes later I was able to have visitors again. My mom and Lou came back to be with me while I waited for Dr. S. and the anesthesiologist to come in. My sister Brittany came to see me and that made me feel good. She made me laugh a little while I waited for my surgery.
Lou and my mom had begun making phone calls to family members and letting them know what was happening. Just before noon, I went in to surgery. I was more sad than scared. We had een taking fertility drugs for a while now and I thought to myself, "I thought the hard part was over."
My sugery didn't last long (a little over an hour..I think). Everything went fine and I was okay to go home. About 15 hours after I had been admitted to he hospital I was on my way home. I got into bed and slept a few hours. Not too long, but it was restful. Getting back into bed later that night I fell apart. I felt like it was so unfair. I had wanted this so badly and so quickly it was gone. I had been happy and excited for just a few days and now I was back where I started. My heart was breaking.
Over the last few days my family and some of our friends have been so supportive. I have recieved phone calls and visits from so many people that care about us. I haven't felt like returning all the calls yet...It's still hard to talk about, but I appreciate them all. I have a lot more strength today and am starting to move a bit more.
I don't really know how Lou is doing with all of this. I don't think he's really let himself process it all yet. He has been so good at taking care of me. This has changed our family and made our desire for a baby only that much stronger. This event has been so completely hard for me, but has brought me even closer to Lou. (I never think that we can get any closer, and something like this happens and my love for him grows so much.) Lou, I love you. Thank you for taking care of me through all of this. I know this is hard for you too.
Thank you to our family and friends for all your support and love.
A week ago yesterday I found out I was pregnant. I was shocked, but so happy. Up until now I have not blogged about our fertility struggles, but we have been seeing Dr. S. for fertility treatments for a little while now. So the news of our pregnancy was definitely happy news. I found out first (obviously) and called the doctor right away. His nurse sent me over to St. Agnes Hospital for some lab work. I was only a little bit concerned because I had been spotting for about three weeks. The nurse assured me that that was not uncommon, and told me not to worry about that right now.
About an hour after my lab work was done, the nurse from Dr. S's office called me and said that I was indeed pregnant and that based on my levels I appeared to be 4-5 weeks along. Lou and I both had doctor's appointments (with our family doctor) that afternoon so I met him at Dr. G's office. I handed him the pregnancy test that I had taken earlier and he was shocked and excited too. We both were so happy and felt excited to share our news with our family. Even though we just found out we felt like it was something we couldn't keep from our family. They all knew how long we had been trying, and we knew they would all be so happy for us.
We told all of our family our exciting news over the weekend. I was feeling good and the spotting stopped totally so that made me feel better. We felt wonderful!
On Monday morning I went to the hospital for some more lab work to make sure that my hcg levels doubled. The lab work was quick and easy and now I was just waiting for the doctor's office to call me. I wasn't too worried...I felt great. At about 4:45pm the nurse from Dr. S's office called and said that my hcg levels didn't double. She said they went up, but they only went up a little bit. I asked her what this meant and she was reluctant to tell me anything. She said that she would talk to the doctor and call me back by 6:00pm.
I rushed home to Lou and cried the whole way. I knew by the way she sounded that this wasn't a good sign. Lou and I talked and came to the conclusion that as of right now...I was pregnant and I was going to stay positive and take care of my body. The nurse called us back and said that Dr. S wanted me to retest next Monday. So until then...I was going to be positive about this pregnancy.
The next day I felt a little worried and decided to stay home from work. I rested most of the day and didn't get out of bed or off the couch too much. I was feeling this unusual pain in my right side and no matter how I laid or sat it would not go away. At about noon I called Dr. S's office and told them about my pain. The nurse asked me a lot of questions and told me that I could take Tylenol for the pain. She sent me to the lab for a urine test to rule out a bladder or kidney infection. By 4:00 that afternoon I had not heard back from Dr. S's office about my lab work so I called them. The nurse asked me how I was feeling and if the Tylenol was helping. The pain was still there, but the Tylenol did help a little. She told me that my urine test results had not come back yet, but that she would have them in the morning. If the pain got any worse or went down into my abdomen I needed to call the doctor's office right away.
That night I got into bed with Lou about 9:00. As we were getting comfortable I just had this feeling that something was wrong. The pain was down in my lower stomach and I really wasn't getting much relief. I told Lou that I thought I should call the doctor. Luckily, Dr. S. was on call and so I was able to talk to him directly. He didn't hesitate to send me over to the hospital right away. We made arrangements for my mother-in-law to come and stay with Jackson (he was already asleep).
Lou and I got to the hospital about 9:45pm. We checked in and sat in the waiting room. Scared about what the lab work and exam might reveal we tried to prepare ourselves for what we might find out. We waited over an hour before we even got called back. I was called back about 11:00 and we were seen by the ER doctor, Dr. Claypool, fairly quickly. I told him all of my news and what my symtoms were. He told me that I would go for an ultrasound and they would take another sample of blood.
We were sent back to the waiting room. It was more crowded by that time. I didn't have to wait long before they called me back for my ultrasound. Unfortunately, Lou couldn't come. He was worried and I felt vulnerable to go without him, but we knew we had to find out what was going on. The ultrasound took a while...well longer than any ultrasound I had had in the past. I went back to the waiting room to meet Lou. We waited for what felt like the longest stretch so far. Probably because we were exhausted by that time.
About 1:15am they called us back. We walked past all the holding rooms and we were put into a room with a bed. I was given a gown and told to put in on. We asked what was going on and the lady told us that DR. Claypool was on the phone with our doctor, Dr. S. and he would be right in.
We were worried. I knew something was wrong.
Dr. Claypool came in quickly and let us know that I had a ectopic pregnancy. Dr. S. had told us this might be the case. I was being admitted to the hospital and Dr. S. would come in the morning to do the surgery to remove the pregnancy.
Lou broke down right away and when we were left together in the room we both began to cry. I felt awful. Sad, mad, hurt, and exhausted. Dr. Claypool came back to answer some of our questions and we learned that since my pregnancy was in my fallopian tube, it had to be removed quickly or it may become life threatening for me. He said that it was fairly routine surgery and that our doctor had a good reputation (we knew that...it's why we picked him).
I told Lou to call my mom. It was about 2:00am, but I wanted her to know what was happening. My mom came and stayed with me while Lou went home to get some rest and get Jackson off to school the next morning. I went through the past few days events with my mom as we sat in the ER waiting for me to be assigned a room. I thought of everyone I would have to tell this horrible news to and I hated the thought of having to talk about it over and over again. It was heartbreaking to me.
At 4:00am I was assigned a room and by this time I was just exhausted. My mind was running so quickly, but my body was a wreck. My nurse, Maryjane made me as comfortable as could be and told me to get some rest. I closed my eyes, but didn't really sleep for the next hour. At 5:40am I asked my mom to close the door of my hospital room and that helped a little. Without the noise of the nurses station I was able to sleep about an hour.
At 7:00am Dr. S. came in. I felt my face light up when I saw him. I have developed a good relationship with Dr. S. over the past few months and I trusted him totally to perform this surgery. He sat on the edge on my bed and looked at my tummy. He told me that he suspected my pregnancy was in my right tube, and that he would go in through my belly button to remove it. He said even if the pregnancy was not in the tube, it was not a good pregnancy and it would have to be removed. I asked him all of my questions and he left to make arrangements for my surgery.
About 8:00am Lou came in and about 5 minuted later things were moving quickly. Someone had come to take me to surgery. I didn't really have too much time to prepare myself. They needed to take me right away. I got down to the Outpatient Surgery Center and was taken to prepare for surgery. Lou and my mom had to wait in the waiting room and I felt scared. About 45 minutes later I was able to have visitors again. My mom and Lou came back to be with me while I waited for Dr. S. and the anesthesiologist to come in. My sister Brittany came to see me and that made me feel good. She made me laugh a little while I waited for my surgery.
Lou and my mom had begun making phone calls to family members and letting them know what was happening. Just before noon, I went in to surgery. I was more sad than scared. We had een taking fertility drugs for a while now and I thought to myself, "I thought the hard part was over."
My sugery didn't last long (a little over an hour..I think). Everything went fine and I was okay to go home. About 15 hours after I had been admitted to he hospital I was on my way home. I got into bed and slept a few hours. Not too long, but it was restful. Getting back into bed later that night I fell apart. I felt like it was so unfair. I had wanted this so badly and so quickly it was gone. I had been happy and excited for just a few days and now I was back where I started. My heart was breaking.
Over the last few days my family and some of our friends have been so supportive. I have recieved phone calls and visits from so many people that care about us. I haven't felt like returning all the calls yet...It's still hard to talk about, but I appreciate them all. I have a lot more strength today and am starting to move a bit more.
I don't really know how Lou is doing with all of this. I don't think he's really let himself process it all yet. He has been so good at taking care of me. This has changed our family and made our desire for a baby only that much stronger. This event has been so completely hard for me, but has brought me even closer to Lou. (I never think that we can get any closer, and something like this happens and my love for him grows so much.) Lou, I love you. Thank you for taking care of me through all of this. I know this is hard for you too.
Thank you to our family and friends for all your support and love.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Ride A Bike, Look Good Naked
This is from Lou...I totally forgot about this conversation...
So...I have a few shirts from when I worked at Tri Sport. My particular favorite says "Ride A Bike, Look Good Naked" on the back.
Jackson :"Daddy, I can read that",
Lou: "It just means that your body will look good if you work out, son."
Jackson: "Then why do they use THAT word?"
Lou: I don't know buddy, they just did."
Jackson: "Dad, that's hideous."
...I laughed really, really hard.
So...I have a few shirts from when I worked at Tri Sport. My particular favorite says "Ride A Bike, Look Good Naked" on the back.
Jackson :"Daddy, I can read that",
Lou: "It just means that your body will look good if you work out, son."
Jackson: "Then why do they use THAT word?"
Lou: I don't know buddy, they just did."
Jackson: "Dad, that's hideous."
...I laughed really, really hard.
We Lie To Our Dogs Regularly
We have two dogs, and they are very much a part of our family. Anyone who knows us knows that we love our dogs very much. Sometimes we even do crazy things for our dogs (like throw them birthday parties).
This is Benji...She hates having her picture taken, but occasionally you get a funny one. Jackson actually took these with his camera. The quality is not great, but he does capture some good pictures. 
This is Simon...He is "the bad one." He is so sweet, but boy does he get into trouble. He's a pain in the butt most of the time, but we do love him. He absolutely loves Jackson these days and usually wanders into Jackson's room and cries when he's not here. 
Our dogs are inside dogs, and anytime we go anywhere we kennel them. The picture below is of our old house (they used to be kennelled in the kitchen), but now that we've moved they are kennelled in the hallway and laundry room. 
When I first met Lou (Benji was his dog), Benji was kenneled in a little tiny cage type kennel. She went right into it when we left to go anywhere. Simon (was my dog) and was used to being kenneled in the kitchen. When we first merged and brought the dogs together we didn't kennel them at all. It wasn't too bad at first, but Simon ate a (two actually) couches while we were out and so we had to decide quick how we were going to kennel them.
When I first met Lou (Benji was his dog), Benji was kenneled in a little tiny cage type kennel. She went right into it when we left to go anywhere. Simon (was my dog) and was used to being kenneled in the kitchen. When we first merged and brought the dogs together we didn't kennel them at all. It wasn't too bad at first, but Simon ate a (two actually) couches while we were out and so we had to decide quick how we were going to kennel them. For the most part, they don't mind it. But when we leave we always tell them, "We'll be right back!" It's just what we say. Anyway, the other day Lou, Jackson and I were leaving and we kennelled our dogs like usual. Lou said, "Okay, we'll be right back." and we left. We went to a friend's house and so we didn't come "right" back. We were gone a few hours. When we got home, Jackson said, "Dogs I'm so sorry daddy lied to you. We weren't really coming 'right' back."
The next time we left and one of us said, "We'll be right back." Jackson said, "They're lying to you."
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Confession Time
You know you like to watch. You do it alone. In the dark. You don't talk about it with your friends. No one has to know. Well today I’m confessing. Here you go….
Hi, my name is Shannon and I watch "The Hills." I am a reality TV whore. It's my total guilty pleasure. I still love marathons of the Real World, The Bachelor, The Real Housewives of Orange County (not so into New York, but Atlanta was fabulous too). I loved Tori & Dean Inn Love (and Home Sweet Hollywood)…Wish they would do another season. I watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians, The City, High School Reunion, and Oh My Gosh…”The Hills.”
All the drama…Lauren, Audrina, Justin Bobby, Brody, and Spiedi! I love watching the train wreck relationships unfold, those “long” days at work (seriously who gets jobs like that…Teen Vogue and People’s Revolution…Really?), and those impromptu trips to Mexico and Hawaii….Oh forgot to mention after this blog Lou and I are hoping on a plane to Cabo for the weekend. Yeah…everybody does that right!?
Okay! Okay! These “reality” shows are NOTHING like reality. I totally know that they are manipulated and probably scripted, but who cares…It’s my guilty little pleasure. So for right now…Monday nights in the dark with my dogs (Simon and Benji watch “The Hills” too…I can’t seem to stop them) I’ll be watching “The Hills”. I know some of you will be watching too, even if you'll never admit it...you know who you are.
Hi, my name is Shannon and I watch "The Hills." I am a reality TV whore. It's my total guilty pleasure. I still love marathons of the Real World, The Bachelor, The Real Housewives of Orange County (not so into New York, but Atlanta was fabulous too). I loved Tori & Dean Inn Love (and Home Sweet Hollywood)…Wish they would do another season. I watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians, The City, High School Reunion, and Oh My Gosh…”The Hills.”
All the drama…Lauren, Audrina, Justin Bobby, Brody, and Spiedi! I love watching the train wreck relationships unfold, those “long” days at work (seriously who gets jobs like that…Teen Vogue and People’s Revolution…Really?), and those impromptu trips to Mexico and Hawaii….Oh forgot to mention after this blog Lou and I are hoping on a plane to Cabo for the weekend. Yeah…everybody does that right!?
Okay! Okay! These “reality” shows are NOTHING like reality. I totally know that they are manipulated and probably scripted, but who cares…It’s my guilty little pleasure. So for right now…Monday nights in the dark with my dogs (Simon and Benji watch “The Hills” too…I can’t seem to stop them) I’ll be watching “The Hills”. I know some of you will be watching too, even if you'll never admit it...you know who you are.
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