Emma had a big night on Thursday, she slept all night without her pacifier (aka binky). She went to bed with it as usual, but when I went to check on her before turning in for the night, she had spit the binky out. So, I moved it (like I do almost every night) so I could find it when she wanted it in the middle of the night. I was amazed when Emma woke up at 6:30 AM and had slept all night without the binky!!!
Dave was also able to resume work on out upstairs bathroom "fix up" and he replaced the light over the vanity. He is getting very speedy at replacing light fixtures and had the whole thing done in less than 2 hours! After replacing the light, Dave was out the door to go with his Mom to Arboretum View Animal Hospital. Poor Buddy has developed a pressure sore and needs to see the vet.....
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Avon Three Day
I set a big challenge for myself today. I signed up for the Avon Three Day for Breast Cancer in June. By signing up, I have agreed to walk at LEAST 26 miles and as many as 39 miles over June 6 -7, 2009 and raise at least $1,800 to help people with Breast Cancer.
My motivation for signing up for the Three Day is two fold: 1) To help raise money for Breast Cancer patients. 2) To jump start my efforts to lose weight and reduce my risks of developing Type II diabetes.
If you are interested in helping the cause, please check out my personal Avon web page...
http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1780&px=4588810
My motivation for signing up for the Three Day is two fold: 1) To help raise money for Breast Cancer patients. 2) To jump start my efforts to lose weight and reduce my risks of developing Type II diabetes.
If you are interested in helping the cause, please check out my personal Avon web page...
http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1780&px=4588810
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Busy weekend update
It was the typical busy weekend around here. Sometimes the weekdays seem to drag by, especially when the weather is yucky and Emma and I don't get out much.
Here are the basics:
Friday night we went over to Dave's Mom and Dad's house to celebrate Terry's release from Marion Joy (rehab). He still has his cast and is VERY sore through his ribs and shoulder, but we are all so grateful that he is home!!
Friday night is snowed buckets, so Saturday morning Dave headed over to his folk's house to help clear their driveway. He also got to go over to Arboretum View to see Buddy. The vets are now hopeful that Buddy will regain the use of his right hind leg! Saturday afternoon after Dave got home, I got our snow blower out and cleared our driveway. I know, some of you out there are shaking your heads on that one --- me with power equipment (I had to have a refresher course on starting the thing, but it's a 4 cycle engine, so I can do it!!).
Today (Sunday) I got some Mommy time and met my girlfriends for breakfast. Then we all headed over to Dave's parent's house to hang out with Terry while Carol went to visit Buddy and check in with his doctors. While she was there, Buddy used part of his right hind leg to push his rear end up a few inches. It seems like everyday he has a small improvement that may mean he won't be completely paralyzed. This evening, I attended the new members class at Downers Grove First UMC. I will become an official member of the church (by way of transfer) next Sunday.
We have a busy week ahead.... On Tuesday, I have the third and final appointment to replace one of my crowns. It will be nice to not have a sensitive tooth anymore. I am also hoping to finish making the party favors for Emma's birthday party.
Here are the basics:
Friday night we went over to Dave's Mom and Dad's house to celebrate Terry's release from Marion Joy (rehab). He still has his cast and is VERY sore through his ribs and shoulder, but we are all so grateful that he is home!!
Friday night is snowed buckets, so Saturday morning Dave headed over to his folk's house to help clear their driveway. He also got to go over to Arboretum View to see Buddy. The vets are now hopeful that Buddy will regain the use of his right hind leg! Saturday afternoon after Dave got home, I got our snow blower out and cleared our driveway. I know, some of you out there are shaking your heads on that one --- me with power equipment (I had to have a refresher course on starting the thing, but it's a 4 cycle engine, so I can do it!!).
Today (Sunday) I got some Mommy time and met my girlfriends for breakfast. Then we all headed over to Dave's parent's house to hang out with Terry while Carol went to visit Buddy and check in with his doctors. While she was there, Buddy used part of his right hind leg to push his rear end up a few inches. It seems like everyday he has a small improvement that may mean he won't be completely paralyzed. This evening, I attended the new members class at Downers Grove First UMC. I will become an official member of the church (by way of transfer) next Sunday.
We have a busy week ahead.... On Tuesday, I have the third and final appointment to replace one of my crowns. It will be nice to not have a sensitive tooth anymore. I am also hoping to finish making the party favors for Emma's birthday party.
Friday, February 20, 2009
11 months
Emma had her 11th "monthday" yesterday! I've been working on a photobook for her through Shutterfly (I have a coupon, so it's free!) and I have been amazed to look at how much she has changed.
Emma is still working on adding to her tooth collection. She's up to 5, but 3 more are lurking. She has also started pointing to things... Sometimes, this means she wants something. But, I think it also means she wants to know what it is. Emma is also practicing her standing up and she's getting good at it, but she's not trying to walk yet.
Emma is still working on adding to her tooth collection. She's up to 5, but 3 more are lurking. She has also started pointing to things... Sometimes, this means she wants something. But, I think it also means she wants to know what it is. Emma is also practicing her standing up and she's getting good at it, but she's not trying to walk yet.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bells and the ENT appointment
I had my appointment with the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor today regarding the Bell's Palsy. He checked my latest MRI films and did an exam... He confirmed that everything is okay, except for the fact that I have Bell's.
To address the pain/facial discomfort.... Since the pain is related to the facial nerve, I get to call the neurologist back tomorrow. The last prescription she gave me makes me feel worse than the facial discomfort, so we need to try something different.
To address the cross wiring between my eye and mouth (there's a word for this, but it's unpronounceable, so I won't use it) the ENT has referred me to yet another doctor with an impossible to spell or pronounce title. This new doctor has expertise using botox to help facial paralysis patients with cross wiring issues. I am also to continue doing the facial exercises I found on one of the Bell's websites. The ENT is going to work with Rehab Institute of Chicago to try and find a physical therapist who has expertise with Bell's... It is possible that this person doesn't exist.
I go to the new doctor on March 3.
We also have a few updates on Dave's Dad and Buddy...
Terry (Dave's Dad) is expected to come home from Marion Joy on Friday. Yippee!!!!!
Buddy had to have surgery today. The abscess on his rear end wasn't healing, so the vets were planning to remove his anal sack. When they did the surgery, they discovered that the anal sack was ruptured, so this has probably been contributing to the poor dog's fever. We continue to pray that Buddy will be a miracle dog and walk again.
To address the pain/facial discomfort.... Since the pain is related to the facial nerve, I get to call the neurologist back tomorrow. The last prescription she gave me makes me feel worse than the facial discomfort, so we need to try something different.
To address the cross wiring between my eye and mouth (there's a word for this, but it's unpronounceable, so I won't use it) the ENT has referred me to yet another doctor with an impossible to spell or pronounce title. This new doctor has expertise using botox to help facial paralysis patients with cross wiring issues. I am also to continue doing the facial exercises I found on one of the Bell's websites. The ENT is going to work with Rehab Institute of Chicago to try and find a physical therapist who has expertise with Bell's... It is possible that this person doesn't exist.
I go to the new doctor on March 3.
We also have a few updates on Dave's Dad and Buddy...
Terry (Dave's Dad) is expected to come home from Marion Joy on Friday. Yippee!!!!!
Buddy had to have surgery today. The abscess on his rear end wasn't healing, so the vets were planning to remove his anal sack. When they did the surgery, they discovered that the anal sack was ruptured, so this has probably been contributing to the poor dog's fever. We continue to pray that Buddy will be a miracle dog and walk again.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Something New
Emma got to try something new for the first time today. We went to church and left her in the nursery. She was playing happily when we left, so she didn't even notice that we were gone. When we went to get her after the service we found out that she had been good for the most part, but she did try to take another child's pacifier even though she had her own in her hand. We're going to have to work on teaching Emma what belongs to her and to not take other people's things. Emma also got to try gold fish crackers for the first time. She was evidently kicking up a little bit of a fuss and the volunteers in the nursery didn't realize that she had her own snacks in her diaper bag. That's okay though, variety is good for her.
Once Emma gets up from her nap and has her lunch, we will be heading to Wheaton to see her Paw Paw. Terry is doing well and working hard at the rehab center. We are hoping that he will be able to come home soon. Buddy, the dog, is in good spirits at Arboretum View. They have him working with a doggie wheelchair at the animal hospital and he seems to be doing well. He has been measured for his own little cart to have when he comes home.
Once Emma gets up from her nap and has her lunch, we will be heading to Wheaton to see her Paw Paw. Terry is doing well and working hard at the rehab center. We are hoping that he will be able to come home soon. Buddy, the dog, is in good spirits at Arboretum View. They have him working with a doggie wheelchair at the animal hospital and he seems to be doing well. He has been measured for his own little cart to have when he comes home.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bad News
We got bad news this evening regarding Buddy's MRI. His injuries are compromising the blood flow to his spine and he is paralyzed from his ribs down. At this point, we do not know what that means for his long term situation, but we continue to pray for him.
Friday Updates
On Wednesday, Dave's Dad moved from Good Samaritan Hospital to Marion Joy (a rehab facility) in Wheaton. He seems to be doing well there and they are making him work hard. They have had him practicing stairs and getting in/out of a practice car inside the facility. We are hoping that he will only be there about a week.
Buddy continues his stay at Aboretum View Animal Hospital and has shown small signs of improvement. He has exhibited small movements of his tail and legs. Today, Friday, Carol and Julie drove Buddy up to Buffalo Grove to a specialist/neurologist vet for an MRI.
Emma continues to grow like a weed! It's hard to believe that she will be 11 months old next week. She has started standing up on her own for a few seconds at a time.
Buddy continues his stay at Aboretum View Animal Hospital and has shown small signs of improvement. He has exhibited small movements of his tail and legs. Today, Friday, Carol and Julie drove Buddy up to Buffalo Grove to a specialist/neurologist vet for an MRI.
Emma continues to grow like a weed! It's hard to believe that she will be 11 months old next week. She has started standing up on her own for a few seconds at a time.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dave's Dad
Emma and I went to see her PawPaw at Good Sam yesterday. He is now in a regular room and they have taken him off of the IV, etc. He really looked good and the hospital had started physical therapy. There is some talk that he may be able to go home tomorrow, Wednesday, in a wheelchair. He still has a long road, but getting to go home would be a good start.
Buddy, the dog, continues to struggle on at Arboretum View Animal Hospital. He now has a cyst on his rear end that is causing high fever. They are treating that and hoping to try a stem cell treatment if they can get the fever down. Recent tests have shown that he may have hip dysplasia and arthritis in his hips that no one was aware of before the accident on Friday. Buddy is an 8 or 9 year old black lab mix, so I don't think these things are a shock. We continue to keep our fingers crossed that Buddy will get better. He and Terry are such good friends that having Buddy come home would be a great moral boost for everyone.
Buddy, the dog, continues to struggle on at Arboretum View Animal Hospital. He now has a cyst on his rear end that is causing high fever. They are treating that and hoping to try a stem cell treatment if they can get the fever down. Recent tests have shown that he may have hip dysplasia and arthritis in his hips that no one was aware of before the accident on Friday. Buddy is an 8 or 9 year old black lab mix, so I don't think these things are a shock. We continue to keep our fingers crossed that Buddy will get better. He and Terry are such good friends that having Buddy come home would be a great moral boost for everyone.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Funny Emma Story
Emma did something cute today, so I thought I'd share.
It was about 10:45 this morning and I heard Emma wake up from her morning nap, but she wasn't fussing yet, so I didn't hurry upstairs. I called Dave's Mom to find out if it was okay to go visit Terry and we were on the phone for a few minutes. Just as we were getting off the phone, I heard a "clank" from upstairs. As I was going upstairs, I saw lights flickering in Emma's room and couldn't figure out what was going on.
Emma had figured out how to reach through the slats of her crib and pull the lamp on the table over to her crib (the clank was the lamp bumping into the crib). Because the lamp doesn't have a switch, you just tap the base, Emma was able to turn the lamp on and off.
The little stinker doesn't fuss when she wakes up from naps, she just plays in her room until we hear her or she gets bored. I'm used to finding the lamb from her little beside table in the crib with her, but the lamp being pulled over was a new one!
It was about 10:45 this morning and I heard Emma wake up from her morning nap, but she wasn't fussing yet, so I didn't hurry upstairs. I called Dave's Mom to find out if it was okay to go visit Terry and we were on the phone for a few minutes. Just as we were getting off the phone, I heard a "clank" from upstairs. As I was going upstairs, I saw lights flickering in Emma's room and couldn't figure out what was going on.
Emma had figured out how to reach through the slats of her crib and pull the lamp on the table over to her crib (the clank was the lamp bumping into the crib). Because the lamp doesn't have a switch, you just tap the base, Emma was able to turn the lamp on and off.
The little stinker doesn't fuss when she wakes up from naps, she just plays in her room until we hear her or she gets bored. I'm used to finding the lamb from her little beside table in the crib with her, but the lamp being pulled over was a new one!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Updates
Last Wednesday, I went to the neurologist. I found out that the MRI and blood work done recently came back okay. That's the good news. The bad news is that the neurologist doesn't know how to help the current cross wiring issues. She did give me a prescription to help with the muscle spasms and pain that I have been having and a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor who may be more up to date on Bell's treatments.
I had originally been scheduled to go see the ENT on Monday, but yesterday, Dave's Dad was badly hurt in a car accident, so I rescheduled my appointment for the 17th.
Calling what happened to Dave's Dad a car accident isn't exactly right.... He was hit by a car from behind while walking his dog, Buddy. Terry is in critical care at Good Sam with a broken ankle, broken fibula, multiple broken ribs, a broken scapula, a punctured lung, and various bumps and bruises. Surgery to repair the ankle was supposed to have been today, but he was bumped from the OR because someone else cut off their fingers and the surgery to reattach them is very long.
Buddy is at Arboretum View and currently unable to use his hind legs. The vet says that there is no damage to the spinal column, so our fingers are crossed that he will get better soon.
I had originally been scheduled to go see the ENT on Monday, but yesterday, Dave's Dad was badly hurt in a car accident, so I rescheduled my appointment for the 17th.
Calling what happened to Dave's Dad a car accident isn't exactly right.... He was hit by a car from behind while walking his dog, Buddy. Terry is in critical care at Good Sam with a broken ankle, broken fibula, multiple broken ribs, a broken scapula, a punctured lung, and various bumps and bruises. Surgery to repair the ankle was supposed to have been today, but he was bumped from the OR because someone else cut off their fingers and the surgery to reattach them is very long.
Buddy is at Arboretum View and currently unable to use his hind legs. The vet says that there is no damage to the spinal column, so our fingers are crossed that he will get better soon.
Monday, February 2, 2009
More this and that
*Emma continues to surprise and amaze us. She has started trying to stand up by herself. She uses the couch (or person, whatever is handy) to pull herself into a standing position, then she lets go... she is usually able to balance for just a second or two before she falls. Dave has also gotten her to take a step by herself. He stands Emma up near the couch and encourages her to come to him. She will sometimes take a step before falling. She will not do this for me. For me, she either sits down and crawls or falls into my lap.
*Dave's bathroom improvement project continues. This past weekend he replaced one of the yucky light fixtures and did a lot of the trim work for painting.
*My dental improvement project continued today as well. I had the second of three appointments for getting my crown replaced. This appointment was to take the impression for making the new crown. The whole appointment was supposed to take 40 minutes, but it took over an hour for us to get the right amount of anesthetic for me not to feel everything he was doing. In the end, we got the impression made and i should have a new crown by the end of the month.
*Dave's bathroom improvement project continues. This past weekend he replaced one of the yucky light fixtures and did a lot of the trim work for painting.
*My dental improvement project continued today as well. I had the second of three appointments for getting my crown replaced. This appointment was to take the impression for making the new crown. The whole appointment was supposed to take 40 minutes, but it took over an hour for us to get the right amount of anesthetic for me not to feel everything he was doing. In the end, we got the impression made and i should have a new crown by the end of the month.
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