Crazy fun!

Can I just start by saying - I am SO tired today! Anyone want to jab at why??? You guessed it. I was one of the crazies standing in line in the middle of the night.

Last year was my first year shopping on Black Friday, and I have to admit, it was sort fun - crazy fun! But last year I only started at 6am. This year I got a little more adventuresome and was in line at Kohl's at 3:45 am! There must have been 1,000 people plus by the time I got in line. I just couldn't believe it. Luckily, it really wasn't all that cold, only like 20 degrees.

As they opened the SINGLE door, trying to get everyone to form a single line, I thought, "by the time I get in, the 2 things I came for will be gone. Would it be worth standing in this line? Sure it would."
It took a good 10 minutes to squeeze my way through the single door - the single file line, NOT happening. I rushed to the toy department and there they were - only 2 left......MINE! It was a success!!!
On my way to check out I also browsed through my department and swiped up at pair of jeans and sweater, too!
So now, my buns are dragging, BADLY.

Come Christmas, it will be all worth it!

Anyone else have any good Black Friday stories?

Weigh in Wednesday

Oh my, I can't believe a week has gone by already and I haven't posted. Seriously - the days need to SSSLLLOOOWWW down!

Not much has been going on this past week. I have sick kiddos - Keegan missed 2 days last week, Cooper is coughing up a storm, which means his asthma is kicking in. Carson is the last to get it. Her eyes are all blood shot, runny nose, crankies.......
Keegan also mentioned to me that his ear hurts, so after hair cuts today we will be making a (which seems to be a weekly trip) to the doctors. UGH.

As for me, not much is going on. I have been living at the Y getting in as much cardio as possible. My mom and I try to get a workout in together at least once a week, but sometimes that isn't even possible. She is doing a great job. I am proud of her for going.

So, today is Weigh in Wednesday.

This week = -4lbs

Total weight loss= - 9lbs

ONLY 54 more to go!!

A little update on Carson. After her lumbar puncture 2 weeks ago, she seemed to do real well for about 24 - 30 hours. Then she seemed to have gone down hill a bit. She is hardly sleeping, rocking all hours of the night, and truthfully, I don't know how Riley sleeps through it, irritated, and complains that her head hurts. So, I emailed with Frim and he wants to talk about what options we have for her. So, until he calls, we will just have to wait and watch.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I know I have a lot to be thankful for - starting with my family, our friends, and our medical teams at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and University of Chicago.

Thank you, all of you, from the bottom of my heart!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Weigh in Wednesday

So, it's been a LONG week. LAst week was a great weigh in. I had lost 5 lbs. This week I have been up and down - leaving me a ZERO!

Last Wednesday we were in Chicago for some tests and a doctor appointment. That trip turned into 2 days. We finally arrived home on Friday at 6pm. Then, Saturday was Carson and Cooper's 3 rd birthday party - which was a blast, but not so good for the diet.

So, my scale went like this =>

Wed - Sat = + 3lbs

Sun - Wed morning = -3 lbs.

So - here I sit at ZERO!

Week 1 - 5lbs

Week 2 - 0 lbs

Here's hoping for a kick ass week!!!

Christmas

My friend Kelly (who's son also has Chiari) sent this to me. I thought it was kind of cute.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping

2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake normally, hoping for a REAL tree this year

3. When do you put up the tree -the weekend after Thanksgiving - LOVE Christmas time!

4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day

5. Do you like eggnog? It's alright

6. Favorite gift received as a child? my blue schwim 10 speed bike

7. Hardest person to buy for? Matt

8. Easiest person to buy for? The kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes : Veggie tales for the kids and 1 for the adults.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? ???

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? While you were sleeping & Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? You bet

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Mom's golden gram mix

16. Lights on the tree? White lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? When my heart finds Christmas

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We start Christmas Eve (family gifts) and Christmas morning from Santa

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Nothing, I Love Christmas

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? The kids ornaments

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? BBQ ribs, ham, mashed potatoes.......

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my children to be healthy

Prayers needed please

Today, my friend Jo's little girl, Abby, underwent her first (and hopefully only) cranial vault repair at Children's hospital of Wisconsin. Her surgeons were the same as Carson's.

Please keep this family, especially Abby, in your prayers. We personally know how hard the next 72 hours can be on the child and family.

I have not heard from Jo, but I can only assume that Abby is resting in the PICU tonight.

Here's to Jo, Abby, and the rest of the family - Hang in there, she will turn the corner soon!
Call me if you need to chat!
Hugs!

Happy Birthday Carson and Cooper!!!

With all that has gone on in the last few days, I was not able to get birth pics up of the kiddos.

I know I am a POOPY mom for doing this, but click here to see pics.

Happy Bithday KIDDOS! It seems like just yesterday we were living at the NICU!!

Thanks for all the great memories over these past 3 yrs!

LOVE YOU!!

I watched it!

Today, I put my stomach to the test and watched Carson's lumbar puncture. O.M.G.!!! Is all I have to say about that.

Carson did alright. Even though she was put out, and the area they poked was numb, she still squirmed when the poked her. It was hard to watch, but I thought if she and Riley are tough enough to go through it, I need to be tough enough to watch what's being done.

So yesterday, Riley was at 12, and they lowered her pressure to 6. This morning, Carson was at 18 and they lowered her to 8. Because she was a bit higher than what Frim told us she should be (btwn 5 - 15), we will watcher her for a few days to see how she reacts to her pressure being lowered. I will contact Frim and crew in about a week to see where we are at.

We are hoping to see some improvement in behavior and rocking.

Today, we also met Anne, our all time favorite child life specialist. She talked to us about an AWESOME new program that they have started Thursday with just a few departments at Comer - Neurosurgery being one of them.

They started a program called "Beads of courage". Here is a picture of what I am talking about.

Every child with a serious illness, who goes through hell and back, gets beads. As a chiari patient, she gets beads. Each colored bead represents a single procedure. She has 2 stars for 2 surgeries (1 surgery because of an OOPPS from the 1st one), in the bag, she got a COURAGE BEAD, the ladybug bead is very SPECIAL. I will not say what it is for, but MANY of you can guess. It's from an incident that happened during her surgery. Each time from here on out, for every poke, scan, NPO, etc.....the kids will get a bead.

I think it's a very cool idea and it shows how tough these chiari kids can be! Carson and Keegan also received a few beads as well.

Thanks ANNE, and the rest of you for getting this program started. The kids just love it.

Chicago - take 2

Today was a really long day! Riley was a champ and came through with flying colors. Her appointment with Frim went well, too! We talked about her headaches and agreed to watch it for a few more weeks before we decide if she needs stronger meds.

Carson on the other hand, appointment wasn't so well. She indeed has psuedotumor (from te ICP monitor report and will have her lumbar puncture /spinal tomorrow - SURPRISE. I had no idea. So, we are here another night. AAKK! I was so hoping to be home to get ready for the birthday party on Saturday.

So, Carson will be poked, they will lower her pressure to half, and then set her free.
Today, Riley's pressure was at 12 and was lowered to 6. She is doing really well.

We will watch Carson for 3 - 5 days and see how she does with lower pressure. If she does well with lower pressure, we will talk about putting her on mes for awhile then a possible drain trial. It could be a long couple of weeks...never mind the driving back and forth. UGH!

Please keep Carson in your prayers tomorrow at 9am.

Thanks.

Chicago

Today is our lucky day. A day to try and get as many answers as we can from Dr. Frim.

Riley has her MRI and Spinal tap at 11am, so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

After that, both girls will wait in a VERY LONG LINE to see Dr. Frim. I am hoping that Riley is feeling well enough to come home tonight, if not we will be staying one more night and head home tomorrow.

Here's to a VERY long , emotional, day!

Weigh in Wednesday & Picture

Good Wednesday Morning!

I have to say my first 3/4 of a week has gone great. I love having my time at the YMCA working out and I think it's what the doctor ordered - plus, I am away from the kiddos for a bit!

I am really 2 days shy of a week because I started my workouts and diet last Friday, but because we will be in Chicago Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday, I thought today would be a good day to check in.

I am really surprised how well my body just started back up again. It's like I never took a break from working out. I have even accomplished something I have never done before - I am up to 30 minutes on the eliptical - YAHOO!! My goal is to make it to 45 minutes and then up the intensity. But for right now, I am happy with 30 minutes on the weight loss interval program!
I am also riding the bike and walking on the tread mill.

My mom has been going as well. We try to make it at least twice a week together. She's doing GREAT!

So, for today weigh in......

Weight loss: 5 lbs (5 days)

I will weigh again on Friday just to see where I would be for a full week.

I am a bit nervous being away from a fitness center for 2 days, but maybe I can walk laps around the hospital while Riley is in the MRI.

Check in on Friday for a full weeks report.

We also have big news! Check this out!

Questions

Here are a few fun facts from my friend Anne!

1. Do you like blue cheese? NO

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? NO

3. Do you own a gun? I used too - Police academy

4. Wax or Shave your body parts? Shave

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not anymore

6. Real or fake nails? real

7. Favorite Christmas song? When my heart finds christmas.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Orange juice. Do I no - It's not on the diet

9. Can you do push ups? Yes

10. What's your Favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding band

11. Favorite hobby? Shopping

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No

13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I love to eat

14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment:

~1. I need to shower - just got home from the gym.
~2. I have to get going on making dinner.
~3. Go Pack beat the VIKINGS!

15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, cyrstal light, and tea

16. Current worry right now? Riley's MRI and spinal tap on Thursday.

17. Current hate right now? being overweight

18. Favorite place to be? Home

19. How did you bring in the New Year? With family

20. Like to camp? not really

21. Name three people who will complete this? Not sure

22. Do you own slippers? yes

23. What color shirt are you wearing? White

24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No

25. Can you whistle? Yes

26. Favorite color? Red

27. Would you be a pirate? No

28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't.

29. Favorite girl's name? Ryann

30. Favorite boy's name? Charlie

31. What's in your pocket right now? YMCA ID card - Just home from the Y

32 Last thing that made you laugh? Carson

33. Best bed sheets as a kid? Strawberry short cake

34. Worst injury you've ever had? Broken Wrist

35. Do you love where you live? Somedays

36. How many TV’s do you have in your house? 5

37. Who is your loudest friend? Matt

38. How many pets do you have? 1 dog and a hermit crab

39. Does someone have a crush on you? yes

40. What is your favorite book? It's time for bed (kids book!)

41. What is your favorite candy? Skittles

42. Favorite Sports Team? PACKERS

43. First thought when you woke up? They are up ALREADY!

44. Worst habit? using our bedroom as a closet

45. Do you play an instrument? used too

46. How long does it take you to get to work? 0 minutes!

47. If you could eat anything in the world right this second. A gyro

48 . Do you like the person who sent this to you? Absolutely!


Ok, it's your turn to answer.

I tag:

1. Lost a sock
2. Zoromski
3 snip snails and pigtails
4. Driver of the big black bus
5. Pastore Villa

It's BACK!

We've got SNOW!

Let me tell you, the kids are DYING to get their snow gear on and go out and play!!!!
So far, the only kid that's getting to play is this one!!!

I've been tagged

Ok, so I have been tagged by my dear friend Kristen at Snip Snails and Pigtails

Here is my 6th picture in my 6th picture file........

This picture is when Carson had her 2nd cranio surgery and we were trying on hats...




So anyhow, here are the rules for this Picture MeMe:

* Go to your sixth Picture Folder then pick your sixth picture.
* Hope that you remember the details and write a post about your tag/photo.
* Tag 5 others…

So, I TAG~

1. Lost a sock
2. Who says 8 is enough
3. Pastore Villa
4. Zoromski's
5. J & J online

Have fun!

The begining of the end

TODAY.IS.THE.DAY!!

As many of you followed my quest to loose weight last year, I am sad to say I am here AGAIN!

Somehow (yea, like I don't know), after 1 - brain surgery, 1 - "probe sticking out of head" surgery, and a second total skull reconstruction, I have managed to put more then 3/4Th of the weight BACK ON! What is it with me and Hospitals!!!

I am actually on a quest to get children's hospital to have a fitness center for parents who's children are admitted. Anyhow, that's a different issue....

So today, I am back at it again. We joined the YMCA, and today, my mom and I are starting a 12 week personal fitness program where we have to be there no less then 3 days a week!! They have daycare too! That's a bonus right there!

If I can just keep my darling children OUT of the hospital, I should do OK!

For support, I maybe posting here once a week. I am hoping it will keep me on track. If I can't be honest with my computer screen, how can I be honest with myself?!?

Cooper's vote

Cooper's pulling for "BROCK OBAMA"!

As I went to vote this morning with the 2 little ones, Cooper told the wonderful ladies at our ward table that he was voting for "BROCK OBAMA".

The little old ladies looked at each other and said nicely to him" Oh honey, you are to young to vote". My child INSTANTLY bawled . As I consoled him, he turned to the ladies and said, "I help mommy vote for "BROCK OBAMA".

And so we did.

I think we've made it

FEEWWW- it was a long week last week and I am so glad it is over! Finally OVER!

It started off last week with Keegan, who decided it would be fun to get the stomach flu on Saturday. Thank goodness it only last 24 hours. Then Carson got it on Sun night/ Monday morning, with me following Monday morning. Then, I started to get nervous because we had a big trip to Indiana planned and Carson had her appointment with Dr. Havlik at Riley children's on Wed.

I ended up cancelling her appointment in Indy, and was hoping by Wed morning that we'd all be back witht he living.

Not so much.

Cooper came down with it in the middle of the night on Tuesday, but we still decided to make the trip to Matt's family in Ft. Wayne on Wed. All was good in the car and had no major incidents.

We arrived at my MIL's on Wednesday afternoon, checked into the hotel, and PRAYED TO GOD no one else (Riley or Matt) was going to be sick.

We made it through Thursday, and thank heavens we even made it through trick or treating Thursday night. But that was the end. Riley got it at 10pm Thursday night - and Matt got it Saturday morning. AAKK!

Y____U____C_____K!!!

Even though we had some bouts with upset tummies, we had a great time in Indiana - as always.

Here's to hoping we didn't leave any flu bugs behind for anyone else!!!

Up coming agenda:

* Riley and Carson have an appointment with Dr Frim in Chicago on Nov 13th. My mom and I will be taking the girls. Riley is scheduled for a MRI and a lumbar puncture, and Carson will just be looked at. Still trying to figure out the rocking.

* Carson and Cooper's 3rd birthday on Nov. 15th! THREE - already??