Tonight, while washing dishes with me, Kira asked, "Have you ever dreamed about a fairy tale romance?"
"Sure," I said. "When I was a teenager."
Kira sighed.
"Ah, but real romance is better than fairy tale romance," I said, as the anti-princess in me surfaced.
"Why?" my innocent daughter asked.
"Well, a fairy tale romance is all about, what?"
"The first kiss," Kira said, sounding dreamy.
"Yeah, and how many of those do you get?"
"One," she said. "Until you kiss a new guy."
Yeah, that was another subject for another day..... "And then what happens?" I asked. "Is the romance over?"
Kira replied, "They live happily ever after."
"And what does that mean?" I asked. "Does that ever happen? In real life, you learn how to be happy even when you're miserable."
Unsatisfied, she asked me about my first kiss.
"It was really awkward," I said.
"And your second kiss was..." she sighed loudly. "What was your second kiss like?"
I thought about it for a moment, then said, "I don't remember."
She seemed disappointed.
I thought about kisses, and the kisses that matter. Then, I said, "You know what kiss I remember most?"
"Which kiss?"
I replied honestly. "The kiss I got today from your dad."
:) Yeah. That's romance, baby!
Life Keeps Rolling On
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Past Three Weeks
The funeral was on Tuesday, and the Youngs had a family reunion on Friday and Saturday. I was in charge of coordinating this large event. We don't have as large a family as the Wadsworths, but there were still 100 people to communicate with and plan food for. So, the whole week was full of planning, food, family, visiting, laughter and sorrow.
Then, on Sunday morning, we went out of town. Jason has to ask for time off in November every year, and since we knew we were having the family reunion the second weekend in June, we decided to schedule a vacation for the following week. With everything that happened, we debated on cancelling the vacation. But, Jason's brother, Hyrum, told us to come and visit him in Seattle anyway. So, we took the opportunity while it was there.
We got home late Thursday night, and Russ left for Youth Conference this afternoon. Plus, tomorrow is the first of a series of writing courses for Write for the Heights. I've been looking forward to this class for months. Our summer won't officially start until Monday.
I promise more details, photos, and maybe even an insight or two. Later. :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Think Pink! Cancer Sucks!
My mother-in-law has cancer again. This is her second fight with breast cancer, and she will find out today how aggresive the fight is going to be.
Praying for you, Mom!
Praying for you, Mom!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Our first week of summer.
Wow, it's been a busy week!
A week ago, we left for a family reunion at Bear Lake. This get together was with my side of the family, and there are lots of people! Most of them are avid campers. Jason and I are not... Luckily, we usually get a cabin or something where all the family can stay. Of course, this means that Jason and I claimed a corner of a grand room, and we slept on the floor. *I am too old to sleep on the floor.*
The lake was ice cold, but we waded in anyway. Kira swam, but she was the only one gutsy enough to go underwater and stay there for longer than a millisecond. She got Jessi to go under too. I got in ankle deep, then spent a bunch of time playing in the sand and looking for shells.
On Saturday, Russell, Kira, and I went to a cave in Idaho while Jason and Jessica stayed at the lodge. I've always loved this kind of stuff, and I had a great time. Kira said she didn't like how dark it was, and Russell didn't like the cold. We saw a bat! I was geeking out!
Saturday night, the many Priesthood holders in my family gave Jessica a blessing. With all the problems she's had with her seizures, and all the questions we have about her future, I really felt like she needed the added help. It was quite the experience to see so many worthy men stand in a circle around my Jessi. Jason gave her a beautiful blessing! It was amazing! Thanks, family!
Sunday, we came home and rested for a while, then packed Jessica for Camp Kostopolus.
Monday morning, we checked Jessi in at Camp K. It's the first time she's gone to this camp. She's been to young women's camp every year for the past three years, but this was different. This is a big, active camp for kids with disabilities. All of the campers--35 in all--were teenagers with mental disabilities. Two of the girls in Jessi's group just graduated high school with her. They went swimming and fishing and Jessi even climbed a rope wall--45 feet into the air! It was a great opportunity, and she did a great job! She didn't have a seizure the whole week! It was very quiet here, and I missed her very much! But I'm so glad she got the opportunity! Thanks, Aunt Wendy, for paying her tuition!
After we dropped Jessi off, we dropped Russ off at Especially for Youth at the Sandy Institute. It was his first year at EFY, as he turned 14 last November. (Yes, that means he'll be getting his learners permit this November...) He spent the nights at home, so I've dropped him off each morning at 9, and picked him up each evening at 9. It's been fun to hear him talk about the wonderful spiritual experiences he's been having. He's also been flirting with lots of pretty girls.... He is his father's son, after all...
Last year, Jason asked for the first two weeks in June off so that he would definitely be available for Jessi's graduation. So, he's been home from work all week! Except for Wednesday, when he agreed to work some overtime. So, Jason, Kira, and I have had a lot of quality time together. We saw Shrek 4ever, spent some time at the city library, took a tour at the Beehive House (Kira has been fascinated with Brigham Young lately), and ate at the new City Creek food court. (Though, I wasn't overly impressed with it...) Today, we picked up Jessi, then went to the zoo. Jason and Kira have had rehearsals every night this week, so I've had some time alone. I've really enjoyed the quiet moments! I also went to their rehearsal one night, and they put me to work on some props. :) I still haven't been able to see the whole show, though, and it looks like my first time to see the whole show will be when I see it next week!
So, our first week of summer was infinitely busy, and tons of fun! And if you're still reading this, you must be really bored. :) Thanks for spending your time with my blog!
A week ago, we left for a family reunion at Bear Lake. This get together was with my side of the family, and there are lots of people! Most of them are avid campers. Jason and I are not... Luckily, we usually get a cabin or something where all the family can stay. Of course, this means that Jason and I claimed a corner of a grand room, and we slept on the floor. *I am too old to sleep on the floor.*
The lake was ice cold, but we waded in anyway. Kira swam, but she was the only one gutsy enough to go underwater and stay there for longer than a millisecond. She got Jessi to go under too. I got in ankle deep, then spent a bunch of time playing in the sand and looking for shells.
On Saturday, Russell, Kira, and I went to a cave in Idaho while Jason and Jessica stayed at the lodge. I've always loved this kind of stuff, and I had a great time. Kira said she didn't like how dark it was, and Russell didn't like the cold. We saw a bat! I was geeking out!
Saturday night, the many Priesthood holders in my family gave Jessica a blessing. With all the problems she's had with her seizures, and all the questions we have about her future, I really felt like she needed the added help. It was quite the experience to see so many worthy men stand in a circle around my Jessi. Jason gave her a beautiful blessing! It was amazing! Thanks, family!
Sunday, we came home and rested for a while, then packed Jessica for Camp Kostopolus.
Monday morning, we checked Jessi in at Camp K. It's the first time she's gone to this camp. She's been to young women's camp every year for the past three years, but this was different. This is a big, active camp for kids with disabilities. All of the campers--35 in all--were teenagers with mental disabilities. Two of the girls in Jessi's group just graduated high school with her. They went swimming and fishing and Jessi even climbed a rope wall--45 feet into the air! It was a great opportunity, and she did a great job! She didn't have a seizure the whole week! It was very quiet here, and I missed her very much! But I'm so glad she got the opportunity! Thanks, Aunt Wendy, for paying her tuition!
After we dropped Jessi off, we dropped Russ off at Especially for Youth at the Sandy Institute. It was his first year at EFY, as he turned 14 last November. (Yes, that means he'll be getting his learners permit this November...) He spent the nights at home, so I've dropped him off each morning at 9, and picked him up each evening at 9. It's been fun to hear him talk about the wonderful spiritual experiences he's been having. He's also been flirting with lots of pretty girls.... He is his father's son, after all...
Last year, Jason asked for the first two weeks in June off so that he would definitely be available for Jessi's graduation. So, he's been home from work all week! Except for Wednesday, when he agreed to work some overtime. So, Jason, Kira, and I have had a lot of quality time together. We saw Shrek 4ever, spent some time at the city library, took a tour at the Beehive House (Kira has been fascinated with Brigham Young lately), and ate at the new City Creek food court. (Though, I wasn't overly impressed with it...) Today, we picked up Jessi, then went to the zoo. Jason and Kira have had rehearsals every night this week, so I've had some time alone. I've really enjoyed the quiet moments! I also went to their rehearsal one night, and they put me to work on some props. :) I still haven't been able to see the whole show, though, and it looks like my first time to see the whole show will be when I see it next week!
So, our first week of summer was infinitely busy, and tons of fun! And if you're still reading this, you must be really bored. :) Thanks for spending your time with my blog!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother's Day
As I sit here thinking about what it is to be a mother, I realize that my perspective on the role is different than it was last year. Not to a huge extent, but different enough that today I don't want to beat myself up. I don't care if the house is clean or not. I don't care if I get any accolades or cards or chocolates or gifts. I don't care if my family waits on me or if I have to do the tedious tasks of life by myself.
I am a good mom. I have a great husband and some great kids. I have a good life. I focus on the negative way too often. Even when I'm trying to focus on the positive, all it takes is one little negative thing, and I'm wallowing again. I don't want to be like that. So, today, I'm not going to be.
I'm sure learning a lot! I'm gaining new skills. I'm relating better with people. Growth is painful, but it's good.
I've been blessed with a wonderful, funny, sweet, tender, determined, talented, spiritual man, whom I was blessed enough to marry in the temple. We started our relationship off right, and that temple marriage has supported us and carried us through extreme difficulties that could have torn us apart. We both honor our covenants, and we both want to progress spiritually until we have an Eternal marriage, and that common ground--that solid rock--is what keeps our marriage from crumbling when the wind blows and the ground shakes. And there have been many tornadoes and earthquakes through our twenty years together. I am extremely grateful for him, and I can't express enough how sorry I am if I ever complained about him to any of you. He is a worthy, wonderful man! No matter what has happened, he has stuck by me, and I have stuck by him. There are very few people in the world I can say that about.
I've been blessed with kids who love me and treat me well. Who help me when things get too tough. Once again, Kira helped me bathe Jessi last night after a major seizure. Jason helped with the heavy lifting, but when it got to the point where I needed to disrobe Jessi, Kira was right there, helping me out. Not many 10 year olds out there can deal with what she deals with. The other day, she listed for me the things that she's stressed about, and she said that no 4th grader should have to deal with those things. I agree. But she does a beautiful job! Russell is a rock, and an example to me of how to live the gospel with exactness. Jessi is sweet and honest and being around her is life-changing. Maida is always teaching me something new.
I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for my mother and my mother-in-law, who have walked these paths before me. I am grateful for their words of encouragement and love. I am grateful for their patience, particularly for my mother's patience. I wonder if, after our long conversations, she hangs up the phone and thinks, "Well, she finally learned that lesson!" I spent the first half of my life doing what I wanted to do, and I will spend the second half of my life apologizing--mostly to her. Although, I have lots of apologies to give--to my mother, my husband, my kids.
Sometimes, the best way to apologize is to change. So, I don't care if the house is clean today. I don't care if I feel pampered or not. Just hold me in your arms for a while. Just tell me you love me. Just spend time with me and laugh with me and give me a lovely moment or two. Buoy me up and let me lift you as well. Let's heal each others' wounds and love each other today.
Happy Mother's Day.
I am a good mom. I have a great husband and some great kids. I have a good life. I focus on the negative way too often. Even when I'm trying to focus on the positive, all it takes is one little negative thing, and I'm wallowing again. I don't want to be like that. So, today, I'm not going to be.
I'm sure learning a lot! I'm gaining new skills. I'm relating better with people. Growth is painful, but it's good.
I've been blessed with a wonderful, funny, sweet, tender, determined, talented, spiritual man, whom I was blessed enough to marry in the temple. We started our relationship off right, and that temple marriage has supported us and carried us through extreme difficulties that could have torn us apart. We both honor our covenants, and we both want to progress spiritually until we have an Eternal marriage, and that common ground--that solid rock--is what keeps our marriage from crumbling when the wind blows and the ground shakes. And there have been many tornadoes and earthquakes through our twenty years together. I am extremely grateful for him, and I can't express enough how sorry I am if I ever complained about him to any of you. He is a worthy, wonderful man! No matter what has happened, he has stuck by me, and I have stuck by him. There are very few people in the world I can say that about.
I've been blessed with kids who love me and treat me well. Who help me when things get too tough. Once again, Kira helped me bathe Jessi last night after a major seizure. Jason helped with the heavy lifting, but when it got to the point where I needed to disrobe Jessi, Kira was right there, helping me out. Not many 10 year olds out there can deal with what she deals with. The other day, she listed for me the things that she's stressed about, and she said that no 4th grader should have to deal with those things. I agree. But she does a beautiful job! Russell is a rock, and an example to me of how to live the gospel with exactness. Jessi is sweet and honest and being around her is life-changing. Maida is always teaching me something new.
I am grateful for my life. I am grateful for my mother and my mother-in-law, who have walked these paths before me. I am grateful for their words of encouragement and love. I am grateful for their patience, particularly for my mother's patience. I wonder if, after our long conversations, she hangs up the phone and thinks, "Well, she finally learned that lesson!" I spent the first half of my life doing what I wanted to do, and I will spend the second half of my life apologizing--mostly to her. Although, I have lots of apologies to give--to my mother, my husband, my kids.
Sometimes, the best way to apologize is to change. So, I don't care if the house is clean today. I don't care if I feel pampered or not. Just hold me in your arms for a while. Just tell me you love me. Just spend time with me and laugh with me and give me a lovely moment or two. Buoy me up and let me lift you as well. Let's heal each others' wounds and love each other today.
Happy Mother's Day.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Viva la Vida
Russell performed Coldplay's Viva la Vida at his guitar class recital. I think he's absolutely wonderful! If it doesn't play, try double clicking and turn off your pop-up blockers.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year Poem
I'd like to be clever
or witty or wise,
and sum up my year--
both the lows and the highs--
with a bit of free verse
or some fun lines that rhyme,
but rhymes give me trouble
most of the time.
I hem and I haw
as I think "What to write?"
I wonder and ponder
for most of the night.
I type and delete
then I type something else.
I'm distracted by T.V.
in spite of myself.
At twelve, the ball drops
and it's 2010.
The annual cycle
begins once again.
The kids are all older
and much taller too.
They come and they go,
they've got so much to do.
Jason's added new shows
to his vast repertoire.
Maida's been working
to buy her own car.
Jessi's adorable,
funny and sweet.
Russell's so great
he knocks me off my feet.
Kira is happy,
the big snuggle bug!
Be sure to come find her
if you need a hug!
A million thoughts tumble
as everyone cheers.
Time passes quickly,
in moments and years.
Love remains constant
'mid passage of time,
'mid highs and 'mid lows,
amid lines of bad rhyme.
I may not be wise
or witty or clever,
but I've got lots of love,
and that lasts forever!
or witty or wise,
and sum up my year--
both the lows and the highs--
with a bit of free verse
or some fun lines that rhyme,
but rhymes give me trouble
most of the time.
I hem and I haw
as I think "What to write?"
I wonder and ponder
for most of the night.
I type and delete
then I type something else.
I'm distracted by T.V.
in spite of myself.
At twelve, the ball drops
and it's 2010.
The annual cycle
begins once again.
The kids are all older
and much taller too.
They come and they go,
they've got so much to do.
Jason's added new shows
to his vast repertoire.
Maida's been working
to buy her own car.
Jessi's adorable,
funny and sweet.
Russell's so great
he knocks me off my feet.
Kira is happy,
the big snuggle bug!
Be sure to come find her
if you need a hug!
A million thoughts tumble
as everyone cheers.
Time passes quickly,
in moments and years.
Love remains constant
'mid passage of time,
'mid highs and 'mid lows,
amid lines of bad rhyme.
I may not be wise
or witty or clever,
but I've got lots of love,
and that lasts forever!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
New Portraits
My sister took new portraits of our family last night. I tried to upload the picassa web, but it's not working for some reason. So, here are a few of my favorites. Watch for the album eventually...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
More Adventures...
Yesterday, Jessi had two more seizures. The second one was a bit nasty and she stopped breathing, turning blue for a while. She wet and messed her pants. She was seizing for a while before we realized what was going on. We got to her and gave her the emergency medication that stops her seizures (she's only supposed to have this medication when the seizure is more than 5 minutes or when she's had more than one). Her nose was stuffy (it's administered as a mist in the nostrils) so when I sprayed the medication, the stuff in her nose was pushed down into her throat. As a result, she had a really hard time breathing as she came out of it. She was blue for 20- 30 seconds, and we just tried our best to get her to breathe and respond to us. We were much relieved when the color came back to her face!
It took about an hour for her to respond at all. Because she was such a mess, we decided to try to wake her up and get her to take a shower. She wasn't responsive and was basically dead weight. Kira helped me take off her dirty clothes and get her in the tub, then she helped me give Jessi a sponge bath and get her ready for bed. While we were doing this, Jason and Russ changed Jessi's bedding and started a load of laundry.
Kira and I got Jessi all dressed and put to bed, where she slept soundly until 7 or so this morning. I'm amazed at how helpful and wonderful Kira was! How many 9 year olds have to help bathe and dress their older sister? She was so glad to help and wasn't grossed out, and didn't complain about anything. What a great blessing!
Maida got home from work a bit later and we told her what had happened. She went downstairs and checked Jessi's vitals, then turned on a vaporizer to help ensure that Jessi was getting more oxygen. (Yeah, 'cause Maida's working as a CNA now and she knows how to do that kind of stuff!)
I'm just so grateful for my family! I had to post this because I was so proud of how my kids rallied around their sister! Just amazing!
It took about an hour for her to respond at all. Because she was such a mess, we decided to try to wake her up and get her to take a shower. She wasn't responsive and was basically dead weight. Kira helped me take off her dirty clothes and get her in the tub, then she helped me give Jessi a sponge bath and get her ready for bed. While we were doing this, Jason and Russ changed Jessi's bedding and started a load of laundry.
Kira and I got Jessi all dressed and put to bed, where she slept soundly until 7 or so this morning. I'm amazed at how helpful and wonderful Kira was! How many 9 year olds have to help bathe and dress their older sister? She was so glad to help and wasn't grossed out, and didn't complain about anything. What a great blessing!
Maida got home from work a bit later and we told her what had happened. She went downstairs and checked Jessi's vitals, then turned on a vaporizer to help ensure that Jessi was getting more oxygen. (Yeah, 'cause Maida's working as a CNA now and she knows how to do that kind of stuff!)
I'm just so grateful for my family! I had to post this because I was so proud of how my kids rallied around their sister! Just amazing!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
In His Hands
I'm convinced that I am in His hands. We are all in His hands.
At the end of the school year last spring, I had the opportunity to take a job in the library. I had a hard time deciding. It would make a financial difference, but I loved my job in the computer lab and I wasn't sure it was worth the small difference it would make. I was concerned about the change in my schedule. There were a lot of unknowns. Ultimately, I prayed about it and felt good about it so I took it.
All summer I had moments of doubt, wondering if I'd made the right choice. There are lots of things I miss about the computer lab.
We started the school year and a wonderful woman in my ward was hired to take over the computer lab. My concerns and my need to hold on to the lab melted away. I don't even think about it anymore until someone asks me a question. It's amazing how quickly it happened.
We went through the stuff with Kira's surgery, and she healed quickly. She's still healing quickly.
A couple of days before Kira's surgery, I found out that my partner in the library was going through a really difficult time--her husband was having complications with his cancer and they are going to have to do something drastic. She has been wondering if she will have to quit her job. Since we are part time, she doesn't have long term leave. If she wants to leave for longer than 15 work days, she has to quit. She doesn't want to quit. Today she came to work, trying to figure out a way to keep her job while she takes care of her family.
I am so grateful that I was prompted to take this job. I'm making a little more money, I'm enjoying my job, I'm not worried about the computer lab, all my concerns about the schedule have worked out, and I'm helping my co-worker. Because the schedule has worked out, I am flexible enough that I can help her. Hopefully my help will be enough for her to be able to keep her job.
It just hit me today that the Lord is watching out for us. Through small and simple things are great things brought to pass. You just never know how your prayers will be answered, or how you can be the means to answer someone else's prayer.
I'm so grateful!
At the end of the school year last spring, I had the opportunity to take a job in the library. I had a hard time deciding. It would make a financial difference, but I loved my job in the computer lab and I wasn't sure it was worth the small difference it would make. I was concerned about the change in my schedule. There were a lot of unknowns. Ultimately, I prayed about it and felt good about it so I took it.
All summer I had moments of doubt, wondering if I'd made the right choice. There are lots of things I miss about the computer lab.
We started the school year and a wonderful woman in my ward was hired to take over the computer lab. My concerns and my need to hold on to the lab melted away. I don't even think about it anymore until someone asks me a question. It's amazing how quickly it happened.
We went through the stuff with Kira's surgery, and she healed quickly. She's still healing quickly.
A couple of days before Kira's surgery, I found out that my partner in the library was going through a really difficult time--her husband was having complications with his cancer and they are going to have to do something drastic. She has been wondering if she will have to quit her job. Since we are part time, she doesn't have long term leave. If she wants to leave for longer than 15 work days, she has to quit. She doesn't want to quit. Today she came to work, trying to figure out a way to keep her job while she takes care of her family.
I am so grateful that I was prompted to take this job. I'm making a little more money, I'm enjoying my job, I'm not worried about the computer lab, all my concerns about the schedule have worked out, and I'm helping my co-worker. Because the schedule has worked out, I am flexible enough that I can help her. Hopefully my help will be enough for her to be able to keep her job.
It just hit me today that the Lord is watching out for us. Through small and simple things are great things brought to pass. You just never know how your prayers will be answered, or how you can be the means to answer someone else's prayer.
I'm so grateful!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Surgery Part 2
This afternoon, they removed the vascular malformation in Kira's lip! They took her in just after 3 and told me it would be about an hour and a half. For a couple of hours before the surgery, Kira was more miserable than she's been this whole time. She was crying and nervous and starving. She hadn't eaten since about 8 pm last night, and it was finally getting to her. All we could do as she requested food was tell her no. It was really hard.
Anyway, I went to grab a bite to eat as soon as they took her in--since I couldn't eat in front of her while she wasn't able to eat. When I finished my lunch/dinner, I went up to the waiting room, thinking I'd be there for forty-five minutes or so. Fifteen minutes later, I saw the doctor enter the waiting room! He told me it was "simple". The tissue he removed was about the size of a marble, and he sent it to pathology. (That's standard procedure when they remove tissue. It's been in her body since birth, so it's not likely abnormal or anything. I doubt pathology will have much to say about it.) I've got to call pathology in a week.
Because the surgery only took an hour, I was extra anxious to see her, mostly because I was excited. She had a hard time waking up, so it was another 45 minutes before I actually got to go into post op.
She was very groggy for a while, and her face is bruised. She looks like she got beaten up. The right side of her face has a bruise up her cheek. Her lip is still very swollen. She has many stitches on the underside of her lip. Now the worry is infection. She is allergic to penicillin and keflex, so there is only one other antibiotic she can use. They gave her a dose of it during surgery. She is also on lortab.
I have to bring her back to see the surgeon in 3 weeks for follow up.
On the upside, she can't seem to get enough food! The first thing she said when she came out of anesthetic was, "Food", the second thing was, "Water". The third thing was, "You have four eyes." :)
Of course, when it rains, it pours. Russ just called to tell me that Jessi had her third seizure today. What timing, huh? At least we're already here. If she needs emergency care, we know just where to take her. *sigh*
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes! We need all the help we can get, and we have felt the comfort of your prayers! We have the best friends and family in the world!
Anyway, I went to grab a bite to eat as soon as they took her in--since I couldn't eat in front of her while she wasn't able to eat. When I finished my lunch/dinner, I went up to the waiting room, thinking I'd be there for forty-five minutes or so. Fifteen minutes later, I saw the doctor enter the waiting room! He told me it was "simple". The tissue he removed was about the size of a marble, and he sent it to pathology. (That's standard procedure when they remove tissue. It's been in her body since birth, so it's not likely abnormal or anything. I doubt pathology will have much to say about it.) I've got to call pathology in a week.
Because the surgery only took an hour, I was extra anxious to see her, mostly because I was excited. She had a hard time waking up, so it was another 45 minutes before I actually got to go into post op.
She was very groggy for a while, and her face is bruised. She looks like she got beaten up. The right side of her face has a bruise up her cheek. Her lip is still very swollen. She has many stitches on the underside of her lip. Now the worry is infection. She is allergic to penicillin and keflex, so there is only one other antibiotic she can use. They gave her a dose of it during surgery. She is also on lortab.
I have to bring her back to see the surgeon in 3 weeks for follow up.
On the upside, she can't seem to get enough food! The first thing she said when she came out of anesthetic was, "Food", the second thing was, "Water". The third thing was, "You have four eyes." :)
Of course, when it rains, it pours. Russ just called to tell me that Jessi had her third seizure today. What timing, huh? At least we're already here. If she needs emergency care, we know just where to take her. *sigh*
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and well wishes! We need all the help we can get, and we have felt the comfort of your prayers! We have the best friends and family in the world!
Surgery Part 1
Everything went well yesterday. We got to the hospital just before noon and they got us in just after one. They hardened the malformed blood vessel, and now her lip is at least three times bigger than it's ever been. I'll post pictures if Kira is okay with it, but I won't post them until she's done and feeling better about things. Her lip is big and purple and hard. Poor thing.
She came out of anesthesia really well, and she was starving. Her first order to "room service" was 2 sausages, a side salad, and a bowl full of sliced pickles. :)
After she had some food in her tummy, she bounced around the hospital like a kid on holiday. I think she believes this place is more like a hotel than a hospital. (We're at Primary Children's). She's had fun dragging me around everywhere. Jason was going to spend the first night with her, but his throat has been sore so we thought it best for me to spend the night. It's been nice to be able to focus on Kira and Kira alone. It's a shame she had to go through this to give me three days to focus on her! I guess that's the way it goes, though. In here, the rest of my life has to be put on hold. In a way, it's nice.
She'll have the second procedure this afternoon, and they'll remove the hardened vessel. I have a feeling that she won't be quite as bouncy after this procedure. She'll definitely have more pain to deal with, and therefore more drugs. We'll see if they'll actually let her leave by 10 tomorrow morning, with the procedure happening so late in the afternoon. Originally, I thought they would be able to cut her lip on the underside. Now, I don't know how they'll do that since her lip isn't flexible. They may cut along the line of her lip or along the natural dimple beneath her nose. I haven't actually talked to a doctor yet, so I don't know. We'll find out in about two to three hours! Hopefully things will go as smoothly today as they went yesterday.
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. It's a privilege to feel so loved and feel the warmth and support so many of you have for our family! Thanks! I love you all!
She came out of anesthesia really well, and she was starving. Her first order to "room service" was 2 sausages, a side salad, and a bowl full of sliced pickles. :)
After she had some food in her tummy, she bounced around the hospital like a kid on holiday. I think she believes this place is more like a hotel than a hospital. (We're at Primary Children's). She's had fun dragging me around everywhere. Jason was going to spend the first night with her, but his throat has been sore so we thought it best for me to spend the night. It's been nice to be able to focus on Kira and Kira alone. It's a shame she had to go through this to give me three days to focus on her! I guess that's the way it goes, though. In here, the rest of my life has to be put on hold. In a way, it's nice.
She'll have the second procedure this afternoon, and they'll remove the hardened vessel. I have a feeling that she won't be quite as bouncy after this procedure. She'll definitely have more pain to deal with, and therefore more drugs. We'll see if they'll actually let her leave by 10 tomorrow morning, with the procedure happening so late in the afternoon. Originally, I thought they would be able to cut her lip on the underside. Now, I don't know how they'll do that since her lip isn't flexible. They may cut along the line of her lip or along the natural dimple beneath her nose. I haven't actually talked to a doctor yet, so I don't know. We'll find out in about two to three hours! Hopefully things will go as smoothly today as they went yesterday.
Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. It's a privilege to feel so loved and feel the warmth and support so many of you have for our family! Thanks! I love you all!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Surgery Eve
What a day!
I like knowing that everything is set, ready to go, pre-authorized, and prepared. I called LAST WEEK to make sure that our insurance had Kira's surgery and the procedure preceding it pre-authorized. They had the surgery pre-authorized, but not the procedure. I called the doctor and told them, and they said the doctor in charge of the procedure (a radiologist) was supposed to do it. I told the surgeon's office that the radiology procedure hadn't been pre-authorized and asked if they would check on that for me. They said they would.
Today, in an effort to double check, I called the insurance again today. They were having technical difficulties with their phone system and I was disconnected about 6 times and never got through. So I called the surgeon's office again and asked them about the pre-authorization and they said that they would check. (Apparently they didn't check when I called last week.) I called back later to see how things were going and she told me that she found out that the referring surgeon's office was supposed to get preauthorization for the radiology procedure, not the radiologist. Yes, today is one day before the procedure is supposed to happen. She had to fax the information over to my insurance and it is currently before a review board.
Did I mention this procedure is supposed to happen tomorrow? And it's supposed to be followed by an overnight stay in the hospital that the radiology department apparently knows nothing about?
I got to 4:30 and didn't know anything about what was going on, since no one had returned my calls--was I supposed to have Kira fast? What time is she supposed to be there tomorrow? Where do I go? Etc. So I made a few phone calls before 5:00 hit. I know a little more--radiology, 1:00--but if the pre-authorization doesn't go through, we have to reschedule, or pay for it all out of pocket and I guarantee that's not going to happen. After all we've gone through to get this scheduled with my job, Jason's job, school, carpools, etc! GRR!
Arranging this whole thing has been one headache after another. I've had to be the pushy mother--and I hate being pushy--in order to get things done and find things out, from test results to insurance matters. I can't believe what a pain in the butt it has been, or what a pain in the butt I have been--to get this to happen, and there are still no guarantees that I won't call at noon tomorrow only to find out it has to be rescheduled. I think I will freak out if that happens!
I hope the procedure and surgery go infinitely better than the planning has gone! And I hope Kira is happy with the results! I hope the problem will really be solved and she won't get an infection or anything! I hope she isn't scarred afterwards! Argh, the anxiety!
I like knowing that everything is set, ready to go, pre-authorized, and prepared. I called LAST WEEK to make sure that our insurance had Kira's surgery and the procedure preceding it pre-authorized. They had the surgery pre-authorized, but not the procedure. I called the doctor and told them, and they said the doctor in charge of the procedure (a radiologist) was supposed to do it. I told the surgeon's office that the radiology procedure hadn't been pre-authorized and asked if they would check on that for me. They said they would.
Today, in an effort to double check, I called the insurance again today. They were having technical difficulties with their phone system and I was disconnected about 6 times and never got through. So I called the surgeon's office again and asked them about the pre-authorization and they said that they would check. (Apparently they didn't check when I called last week.) I called back later to see how things were going and she told me that she found out that the referring surgeon's office was supposed to get preauthorization for the radiology procedure, not the radiologist. Yes, today is one day before the procedure is supposed to happen. She had to fax the information over to my insurance and it is currently before a review board.
Did I mention this procedure is supposed to happen tomorrow? And it's supposed to be followed by an overnight stay in the hospital that the radiology department apparently knows nothing about?
I got to 4:30 and didn't know anything about what was going on, since no one had returned my calls--was I supposed to have Kira fast? What time is she supposed to be there tomorrow? Where do I go? Etc. So I made a few phone calls before 5:00 hit. I know a little more--radiology, 1:00--but if the pre-authorization doesn't go through, we have to reschedule, or pay for it all out of pocket and I guarantee that's not going to happen. After all we've gone through to get this scheduled with my job, Jason's job, school, carpools, etc! GRR!
Arranging this whole thing has been one headache after another. I've had to be the pushy mother--and I hate being pushy--in order to get things done and find things out, from test results to insurance matters. I can't believe what a pain in the butt it has been, or what a pain in the butt I have been--to get this to happen, and there are still no guarantees that I won't call at noon tomorrow only to find out it has to be rescheduled. I think I will freak out if that happens!
I hope the procedure and surgery go infinitely better than the planning has gone! And I hope Kira is happy with the results! I hope the problem will really be solved and she won't get an infection or anything! I hope she isn't scarred afterwards! Argh, the anxiety!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Slow Anxiety
This will be a big week.
It's never fun to have your child go under the knife. I remember when Jessi had an emergency surgery 3 years ago this October. Her ovary was twisted and her fallopian tube had filled with fluid. It caused her great pain, and after hours at the emergency room and being told she might have ovarian cancer, she was taken to primary's for an emergency exploratory surgery. They were able to fix the problem, and to my knowledge, she hasn't suffered from such pain since.
It's funny how you remember scenes from traumatic moments in your life. I can still picture them rolling her down the hall on a gurney toward the operating room, and she turned her head back to look at us and reached for us. She didn't understand what was happening, and we were completely helpless to take away her pain or explain what was happening to her.
This surgery is different than that one was. We've been able to prepare Kira for what the surgery is for, what will happen, how long she will stay in the hospital. After this surgery is over, Kira will no longer have the deformity that has bothered her so much over the years. We've visited with the doctor who will do the surgery, and I trust him.
This time, instead of a sharp stab of anxiety, I've had it spread over a number of days.
As uncomfortable as this is, I must admit I like it better!
It's never fun to have your child go under the knife. I remember when Jessi had an emergency surgery 3 years ago this October. Her ovary was twisted and her fallopian tube had filled with fluid. It caused her great pain, and after hours at the emergency room and being told she might have ovarian cancer, she was taken to primary's for an emergency exploratory surgery. They were able to fix the problem, and to my knowledge, she hasn't suffered from such pain since.
It's funny how you remember scenes from traumatic moments in your life. I can still picture them rolling her down the hall on a gurney toward the operating room, and she turned her head back to look at us and reached for us. She didn't understand what was happening, and we were completely helpless to take away her pain or explain what was happening to her.
This surgery is different than that one was. We've been able to prepare Kira for what the surgery is for, what will happen, how long she will stay in the hospital. After this surgery is over, Kira will no longer have the deformity that has bothered her so much over the years. We've visited with the doctor who will do the surgery, and I trust him.
This time, instead of a sharp stab of anxiety, I've had it spread over a number of days.
As uncomfortable as this is, I must admit I like it better!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Days of Plenty
When Jason was in Little Women last year, I listened to that wonderful music for a few months and fell in love with a song that Marmee sings to Jo after Beth's death. The song encompasses the joys and sorrows of life, from the bitter death of Beth to the joys held in Jo's future. "She will be in your bounty, she will live as you carry on your life. So carry on, full of hope. She'll be there for all your days of plenty."
Jason and I attended a funeral today for a woman Jason went to high school with. I've always been a contemplative person, and events like this give me much to think about. Especially at this time of year.
I am living in days of plenty. I have a husband who loves me. All of my children are home right now, and they are all happy and healthy. We went caroling for family night, and spent time with a few of the elderly people in our ward. One of them reminded us that his wife died one year ago today, and our visit was important and comforting to him. Later on in the evening, we saw my visiting teaching companion's family also caroling at this brother's home. We are surrounded by good people who understand God's love because they feel it in their own lives and share it from their own hearts. My life is full and abundant and I am grateful.
So, thanks to all of you for my days of plenty!
May God bless you this Holiday Season! May He fill your hearts with love and joy as He has filled mine. May you all see with clear, open eyes, how incredibly blessed you are! Give a hug to someone you love. Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them how glad you are to have them with you at this moment in your life.
Life is a gift!
Merry Christmas!
Jason and I attended a funeral today for a woman Jason went to high school with. I've always been a contemplative person, and events like this give me much to think about. Especially at this time of year.
I am living in days of plenty. I have a husband who loves me. All of my children are home right now, and they are all happy and healthy. We went caroling for family night, and spent time with a few of the elderly people in our ward. One of them reminded us that his wife died one year ago today, and our visit was important and comforting to him. Later on in the evening, we saw my visiting teaching companion's family also caroling at this brother's home. We are surrounded by good people who understand God's love because they feel it in their own lives and share it from their own hearts. My life is full and abundant and I am grateful.
So, thanks to all of you for my days of plenty!
May God bless you this Holiday Season! May He fill your hearts with love and joy as He has filled mine. May you all see with clear, open eyes, how incredibly blessed you are! Give a hug to someone you love. Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them how glad you are to have them with you at this moment in your life.
Life is a gift!
Merry Christmas!
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