Thursday, April 24, 2008

Recent Pictures




Here are the latest pictures of our family and the going is good. We haven't hit any major milestones or had anything exciting happen lately so there's really nothing new to blog about. But don't they all look cute anyway..?

Surgery and Recovery

So, I just notice I haven't typed about having surgery at all and I figured late was better than never. If you don't already know I had a Septoplasty and a Bilatteral Terbinate Reduction on the 16th, just over a week ago...Basically what he(the doc) did was straighten my deviated septum. It was about 75 percent deviated and causing quite a few breathing problems in the right side of my nose.
The surgery went well and I recovered pretty quickly in the hospital. What they didn't tell me was that the pain meds they gave me would wear off and I'd feel like crap for only heaven knows how long. Because, I'm still feeling like garbage and super tired all the time. I didn't realize how surgery just zaps the energy right out of you...I have only been this tired when I was pregnant and I know that's not true since they took a pregnancy test before I went in for surgery. Now back to the pain thing...
I tried to put makeup on my face the other day...It brought tears to my eyes and I vowed to never do that again until I was sure I was completely healed. My mom always said, "you have to suffer to be beautiful," but this was a little on the overboard side if you ask me. So, if you're vain don't get this surgery done because you'll bring tears to your eyes each time you slap on the foundation.
What have I learned from this experience? I wouldn't do it again. I'd leave things the way they were. So far the improvements in my breathing aren't worth the pain that I've been in. I don't know that I'll say that in a month from now or even in a year from now but for now that's the truth.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Here I Sit

Here I sit, hurting at 4 in the morning. I thought the pain of this surgery would have subsided already but I'm actually in more pain now. Maybe it's because of the stints up my nose? Maybe it's because I got kneed in the face and it brought me to my knees in tears? Who knows? I know only one thing-the pain killers aren't working. I called my doctor and he was in surgery, he told me to go to the emergency room. Hell no! $100 co-pay, forget it....I'll suffer. I did think about it though, they have good painkillers there. Something that would take the edge off the hurt.
All I want are these stints out. I want the space in my nose to be free from plastic. Plastic is a great invention, until you have it shoved up your nose for a week. I'd take the things out myself but he stitched them in and I'm not sure where the stitches are to cut them out. That's how bad these things are affecting my lifestyle. I know why he said to take a week off work...you can't concentrate, all you think about is your nose and how uncomfortable and painful it is. And, again, the painkillers aren't working, they're actually a joke. I take them anyway hoping they provide relief. No such luck yet.
I'm sick of sniffing...boogers down the back of your throat...Gross. I have been a spitting machine. I wish they'd let me blow my nose cuz it's full of gunk. I shouldn't be writing of this stuff but it reality.
The only thing that feels good down the back of my throat is of all things; warm coffee. Good thing I love coffee.
Ya know the nose is more sensitive than we've ever given it credit for. I can feel wear these stitches are by the pain they bring. I can't wait to get these stints out of my nose!
There's nothing quite like having something to look forward to. For me, it's these stints coming out of my nose. I dream of free breathing days. I can see myself running through a meadow, breathing in the flowers and the fresh air. And, of course, I'm pain free.
I don't know if I hurt from the surgery or if it's these stints shoved up my nostrils.
Well, I'm gonna go put ice on my nose and see if I can get some more sleep...

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Baptisms, Allergies and Sweet Husbands

I am officially a Baptist...I took the plunge and was baptized Sunday night. It was such an invigorating experience. As I went into the water I felt heavy and burdened and as I emmerged I felt like I was going to fly off like a bird. It was the best feeling I've ever experienced. I would recommend it to anyone. Of course, there is something to be said for accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. . .I did about 6 years ago on Easter...I finally understood that Christ had died for my sins, not everyone's, like I'd known for years...It was my sins he died for. I wasn't worthy of such love but He was always faithful and showed me this for years and years. That's why I was baptized. I realized the love Jesus has for me and it was my turn to be obedient and do as He commanded in the Bible.
I had a great support system at my baptism. Ryan's siblings and their spouses came and so did my mother in-law and step father in-law. And, of course my wonderful mother was there. My son was really impacted by this event and he's stated that he wants to be baptized as well. He loved hearing the cheering and whistling as I came out of the water. I know my son has accepted Christ as his personal Savior, he did so a long time ago. I wish I had been so young, maybe I would have saved myself some hard lessons? God's timing is perfect and I cannot complain about the way my life has went. I've learned a lot...a lot about what I want and don't want in my life and that the center of my life needs to be Christ.
The rest of our family is doing well. We thought for a minute that we might have to find Rexxy a new home due to some serious allergy flair ups. Everyone seems to be doing better now though and the dog is still our youngest member.
Ryan is doing well. He's been so sweet and wonderful lately. As you may or may not know, my mom moved out this last weekend and Ryan took the innitative and found some help to help her move so that I didn't have to strain my back. He was worried about my back and didn't want me doing anything. He also took off 3 days for my surgery recovery. . .He was right there standing at the side of the baptismal font while I was baptized and he's just been Mr. Sweet-heart lately. I love it when he's like this. What woman wouldn't love it?
Kieran is doing well also...He's been his usual self but now he wants to be baptized. I think he's ready and I asked him if he'd like to do it with me before I made the decision. He said no, he wasn't ready but seeing me do it must have inspired him. He's been a good kid at school. No fights lately. His teacher sends me emails saying he's a joy to have in his class and that he's entertaining.
Steff is doing great. We still haven't started potty training but we're working on it...At least we're trying to psyche her up for it. She has been enjoying the weather, she just loves being outside. I am also impressed with her vocabulary and she's always saying something to crack us up.
Sadie is doing wonderful...she is starting to babble quite a bit so hopefully she'll be talking soon. My mom and I have this joke going that now that she's moved out Sadie will start talking...She has had allergies probably worse than anyone in the house. She gets big bags under eyes, a cough and the worst runny nose. She seems to be getting a little better though so that's good.
Not much has been happening-as you can see....We are doing well and looking forward to this Summer. It's been a long, cold winter and Spring hasn't been all too warm either. We hope all is well everyone else's world and that you feel the Lord's blessings in your life.
All My Love,
Tricia

Friday, April 11, 2008

Being Baptized

I've made the leap...I am going to be baptized Baptist this Sunday the 13th at 7pm...I'm so looking forward to taking a dunk into the Holy Font. I know my Lord wants me to do this and that this is my next step in the journey we all have called "life." I knew this was something that had been impressed upon my heart for quite a long period of time and each time I turned around baptism was the subject of so many different discussions. The Lord was yelling out to me to get my hide in gear and get it done.
I must let you know of my conviction...I know the Lord suffered and died for my sins, He lived a perfect existence but lived the life of a peasant so I could go home to my Father. As I sit here and reflect on the journey that I've had with the Lord my eyes well up with tears. He's been so faithful and forgiving in all the wrong-doings of my life. If you think back, He's been just as faithful to you too. In the depths of all the darkness that I've endured He was there with His light and His love to help me see how much He loves me. I can finally say I found home on earth...It's in my Lord's presence. So, now it's my turn to be obedient and be baptized.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Oh...The Allergies

Oh...man our house has something in it that is driving us all to the brink of scratching our eyes out and coughing our lungs up. To be honest, I think it's the dog. I hate to say it but he's the only thing that has changed since we all started coming down with major allergies. Of course, we are coming in to allergy season as well so we've decided to see what happens for a while before we go and find Rexxy a new home.
Ryan and Kieran went to the doc together the other day and most things are well. Ryan's left leg (I think it's his left) is 1/2 inch shorter than his right so he needs to get inserts for that shoe. Kieran has reactive lung that is associated with allergies and has an inhaler now that he uses 4 times a day. They both are in great health other than these minor ailments.
Steff went to see Dr Silas for her 3 year well check and it was discovered she has 2 ear infections and he put her on an inhaler too-for the same thing...allergies. He's also worried she might have asthma and if the inhaler doesn't improve things within the next two weeks he wants to see her again for some further looking at. He thinks it's most likely just allergies though since her lungs sound very good.
Sadie is suffering from a runny nose and red, itchy eyes. She's on Zyrtec for that and it seems to help when it's not causing her to get an upset tummy and thus, lose her lunch. She has been a little cuddle bug lately and she's finally reaching out for us when she wants to be picked up. Still no talking though.
I am doing well. I have been wearing my back brace non-stop and it really helps my back. I'm actually hardly in any pain since I've been wearing it so much. My nose gets fixed on the 16th and I'm really looking forward to being able to breath. The time just doesn't seem to get here fast enough.
My mom is moving out this Saturday. Ryan has assembled a crew to get it all done and taken care of in matter of hours instead of taking the whole weekend. I worry that she'll miss her little angels since she's been here since they were born but I have faith that this is the best thing for her. She's excited to have space of her own and not worry about making too much noise when she's cleaning or listening to music. I think it will be good for all of us...
Ryan and I had a great therapy session yesterday and we're learning that our problems are deeper than just money they are more in the area of each of us needing to feel important to the other person. I have been being super good with money this time around in hopes that I can show Ryan that his feelings of needing to provide for his family are important to me.
Well, that's about it for now. Hope you feel a little more informed.
Tricia
Are ya drinking coffee so you can stay awake for life? Hehehe

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Recent Pics






Had a Good Saturday

I must be crazy or an insomniac...It's 4am and I'm up blogging because there's nothing else to do while I wait for Steff to go back to sleep. She woke up coughing and said she had a "beaver"(fever)and a "cratchy throat." She was a little warm but nothing serious so I gave her some cough suppressant and laid her down and now I'm playing the waiting game.
I also had to take the dog out to pee. He was in his kennel whining to use the bathroom which is the first time he's done that but we're trying to house train him so I figured it was important to get him out.
I'm feeling pretty pooped at this point and my typing is something to be desired but hey I'm being a good mommy and pet owner. Oh, the priceless and thankless gifts of parenthood.
Ryan and I had a good day...Saturday that is. We finally cleaned the garage and got it all organized. It feels really good to have it clean and it was nice to spend the time together. We always enjoy each others company. I guess that's one of the many reasons we have such a good marriage.
Kieran has had a busy weekend. Friday night he went and stayed the night at Gram's and Saturday he had a birthday party to attend. Then his cousins were over at Gram's so he went back over there later Saturday for some movies and cousin time. I hope he's enjoyed his weekend cuz they aren't always so full of excitement.
My mom is going to be moving out next weekend. That's the biggest news. I'm so looking forward to having our house to ourselves. It's gonna be a lot of work getting all our stuff down the stairs but it will be worth it when it's all said and done. Oh and we're gonna be sore when that happens, oh the pains of aging. If this is what thirty has to offer I'm scared of fifty and higher.
I forgot to put in my last blog that Dr E discovered I have slight Scholiosis. Nothing serious but enough to cause pain and for my spine to come out of wack easily. He gave me lidocaine patches which work like a charm in most spots but there's one area of my back that just doesn't respond to them and the cost is outragious. We paid 180 for 60 patches. That's 3 bucks a patch...They are gold in this house.
Sadie has been cuter than a button lately. She's getting so smart and so animated. She will get upset when she can't reach something and she'll try multiple ways before she either cries or gives up.
Ryan's demeanor has changed. He's grateful for what he has now. You see, I watched Jenn's twins on Tuesday and Wednesday and just having 2 extra kids in the house made him appreciate only having 3 kids. He's really been doing much better and he's come out of his funk. Which is the Ryan that I know.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Green

It just wouldn't be me if I didn't once in a while type some sort of strange blog...So, here it is...I have come to the conclusion that I love the color green...Yes, folks, my favorite color is green. Maybe it's because purple was my favorite color for years and I finally got a little ill from it. Now don't get me wrong, I still like purple but I love green...All shades of green but particularly...lime green. Maybe it has something to do with my love of Summer and the beautiful green grass? I don't know but I want everything in this color. I love wearing the color and it goes great with my green eyes. Hey, maybe that's another reason I love it so much...I have green eyes that I've been staring at since I was a teenager...They used to be blue, grey, green, yellow(yeah, really strange)...Basically they changed with my clothes and my mood. It was like mood eyes or something weird like that. I have never been normal ya know..?
Anyway, was bored and had to get this color revelation off my chest...Remember, drink coffee cuz life's short so you might as well stay awake for it...
Tricia

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

The Latest Going Ons

It's been an interesting time since my last post. The kids are doing well. Steff just celebrated her big 3. She was so excited for her party that that's all we heard about for a week straight. She really did a good job and didn't have any hyperactive moments on the day of her party. So, no meltdowns. She even blew the candles out on her cake.
Kieran is doing well. I sign him up for baseball tomorrow and he's stoked. He's done well in school all year and his room is a disaster area. His turtle needs new water and we're learning that that is just the age he's at. He's really helpful with his sisters and goes out of his way to help me out.
Sadie is doing well also...still not talking but she understands a lot of what you say to her now or at least her actions show that she understands. I think she's on strike and knows that we know her cries and fusses so why talk?
Ryan is fed up with life and has no problem saying so. I guess I can't blame him he works OT and takes care of kids when he's not at work. I know I get sick of doing my job and cleaning house all the time. So, he's entitled to be fed up with it all. He doesn't stay in these funks long so I'm sure he'll see the sun soon-at least that's my prayers for him.
I am 30 and falling apart...I have Reactive Lung Disease which is like Asthma, a Deviated Septum that is moderate to severe and I have back pain that is not responding to any treatment. Other than that I'm doing famously well. I go in for surgery on the 16th to get my septum fixed and I'm looking forward to being able to breath for the first time since I can remember. Things aren't so bad, at least things are looking up and being discovered now instead of later...Praise the Lord.
As you can see we are all doing pretty well and we keep a positive attitude. Take care of you and yours; next to God they're the only things you really have in life...Oh...and life is short so drink coffee and stay awake for it.
Tricia