Some relief...

My tongue and the roof of my mouth really started hurting on Sunday night. Since I had eaten some of the food Jamie brought, I thought it was related to that. It felt like my tongue was burnt or having a reaction to something. Monday, I kept thinking...it will get better with time. I had a horrible night Monday night. When I woke up Tuesday morning, I went into the bathroom, stuck out my tongue and had my answer...I had developed thrush!! (probably from the combination of trauma to my mouth and being on antibiotics) Luckily since I work in a doctor's office, I called one of the nurses first thing and asked her to call me in some medicine (gotta love that about my job!). I couldn't wait for Alex to bring it home at lunch time. I woke up at 1am and could tell it was starting to work! Today, my tongue/roof of mouth/throat still aren't back to normal but at least I could drink some water without being in pain. Yes, it was that bad...last night, I was almost in tears when I was taking my medicine b/c it hurt to even drink water!! So, thank you Nurse Janis for calling in the medicine! I'm feeling much better today and hoping it will be completely gone by tomorrow. I also noticed this morning that the swelling around my cheekbones was bothering me more...I think because the pain from inside my mouth was so great yesterday, I didn't even notice the swelling! Anyway, I just kept thinking yesterday, what if I wasn't an NP and would have suffered through it longer just assuming it was part of the process?!

Oh- Brynna slept in her toddler bed last night! She read some books and then went to asleep without a problem. I checked on her during the night...so sweet! Braylee woke her up this morning, so not sure what she would have done if she'd woken by herself. Anyway, I'll post pictures when I am feeling better.

Edit- For those wondering...yes, I prescribe medicine, but it's unethical for me to call it in for myself. ;) And since we're talking about my job...you should check out our new website. I added it in the sidebar- Heartland OB/GYN. I'm quite proud of the site since I wrote several of the topics for the webpage. :)

Quick update on us

Friday evening and Saturday were the worst for me as far as swelling goes. My right side has been worse, and the swelling was so bad, I actually had difficulty seeing out of my right eye. Sunday evening, my parents came for a visit because I felt like I was up to it...but it was probably too much. My mouth has been killing me (well, not really, but it's been hurting really bad) since then. Jamie brought us dinner Sunday evening, and I went against my "non-chew foods only" order because it smelled sooo good...this probably has something to do with my current pain situation. ;) Today, I had my follow-up appointment with the surgeon. He's pleased with the progress...said more swelling will come down over the next week but to expect some swelling for at least another month. I still can't blow my nose yet...which is part of the pain since the sinuses are so full of blood. I had hoped to return to work on Thursday, but it's just not going to happen. Alex said he does think I look a little "deflated" today compared to yesterday. I'm taking that as a compliment and sign of improvement. ;) I know I've bragged on Alex before, but he really is such a wonderful help. (T.W. and M.O. that's for you guys...go tease him now.) He's been doing all of the housework and taking care of the girls and me. With the way the market as been, his work has been crazy so I'm sure this was some unneeded stress for him, but he hasn't complained once.
I will make the bold statement and say Brynna is potty-trained (not at night of course) now. I'm always afraid it will come back to bite me, but she's doing great. I'd have to ask Alex to be sure, but I think she has only had one accident since Friday. She's been wearing panties all of the time except in bed. Also, she climbed out of her crib for the first time yesterday. It's not on the lowest setting yet, so I figured we'd just lower it more. But Alex thinks she's ready for the toddler bed...I'm sure she's ready, but I'm not! :) I like knowing that she's confined until I get her out in the mornings. She knows how to work the backdoor/lock and I'm afraid she'd go outside while I'm sleeping! But, I do realize we moved Braylee to a twin bed at 22 months and she did great, so maybe it's time. I just like having Brynna as my baby.
The girls are excited about carving their pumpkins and trick-or-treating this week, so hopefully, I'll be feeling up to all of it. Again, thanks for all of your prayers, calls, flowers, and meals. We appreciate you all so much!

Chipmunk cheeks

My surgery went well. I was already asleep before I made it into the OR and vaguely remember being in recovery. I was anxious to leave the hospital and get home before all of the pain medicine wore off, but when I tried getting dressed, I got my first nose bleed. I had been warned this would happen, but my goodness, it took over 40 minutes to get to from pouring out my nose. I slept all the way home...and have slept most of the last 2.5 days. My cheeks are the most swollen today. The nose bleeds are better but I'm still coughing up quite a bit of blood (from it draining into my throat). I definitely have the hillbilly teeth...the expansion temporarily separates the two front teeth. I'll have to deal with this for the next 3-6 months, but I'm more anxious to get rid of the swelling right now. Alex has been taking good care of me, changing my ice packs, bringing me pudding and mashed potatoes, and keeping track of when I took my medicines. The girls have been very gentle and have colored lots of pictures for me. :) Thank you all for the prayers...I didn't throw up one time!! I've been nauseated a few times, but I'm sooo thankful I haven't thrown up. Thanks also to those of you who called or texted to check on me. I'm headed back to bed.

Fall Fun and a New Arrival

Our fall camping trip is one of my favorites. Since we sold our camper and haven't found a replacement yet, we stayed with Alex's parents on Friday night and then came home Saturday evening after supper. Andre' and Mandi stayed in the camper too...which makes for some crazy middle-of-the-night sounds having a 17 mo. old and 24 mo. old in the same camper! :) Poor Gabe had a cough and ear infection and Brynna...well, Brynna woke up at 3am. She acted as though it was noon! She was bubbly and talkative...counting and pointing out colors. She'd quiet down for a bit and I'd start praying, "Lord, let this be it." and then I'd hear a little, "Mom, I love you!" It's hard to get frustrated when she's being so cute! Unfortunately, I think everyone else in the camper would have rather been sleeping. We enjoyed the camp fire Friday evening and then made our annual trip down to the village on Saturday morning. We usually get a picture of us "girls" (even though we are now all moms) on the stone fence. But considering Mandi recently broke her back and is currently pregnant, we figured we better pass on that this year! ;) Braylee and Trista were brave and climbed up there though. My poor camera...I take good care of my nice camera, but I have a slim version that I like to toss around in the diaper bag/my pocket. The screen is all scratched from my nail bag in Mexico, it's been dropped on the ground more times than I can count (including recently being tossed on the concrete when the lens was zoomed out and I'm still not sure how I fixed it), but I think I've really done it now. It fell out of my pocket into the creek. I didn't even notice it, but Alex's uncle jumped in and grabbed it for me. I think it's officially dead now. I pulled the card out right away and saved my pictures. I'm letting the camera dry out and maybe, just maybe I can still use it?! Oh well, it was a great deal I found on ebay so I'm not too worried about it. (Alex had bball practice, so he missed the trip down to the village.)

Sunday after nap time, we went to Lark Ranch for some pumpkin picking. Lillie went along with us. The girls rode the pumpkin-barrel train and ponies, and then we headed to the pumpkin patch. Lillie took family pictures for us. I called her "Little Abby" and told her she was going to be a photographer like her mommy. She had a huge grin on her face and did a great job! :) Thank you, Lillie! The girls loved picking out their own pumpkins. The last few years, the owner has used my dad's Agrigold corn for the corn maze. He had several Agrigold signs up...which I appreciated since Agrigold paid our bills growing up. ;) When we got home that evening, Braylee decided she was going to marry her daddy. I hope she realizes it's not a good sign when the guy doesn't want to quit watching the Colts game long enough for the "ceremony." Lucky for her, it was DVRed so he did agree to a first dance with her...very sweet.

Yesterday, Mandy watched my girls while I went to get more hardware put in my mouth. :( Then we enjoyed lunch at Mi Pueblo with Mandy & Emily. It will be my last time enjoying chips and salsa for awhile I'm afraid.

Today was storytime at the library. The girls made scarecrows...very cute! Then I had more appointments for pre-op. Yes, that's right, my insurance approved the procedure as medically necessary! My doctor's office called this morning to say she had the official pre-certification number and then shortly after, I received a call from the insurance company too. Thank you for all of your prayers!! When I got the calls, I instantly started singing Our God is an Awesome God! Tomorrow morning, I'm having surgery (maxillary expansion) at 7:30. Prayers are welcome! I've been under general anesthesia before and being an NP, I'm not too worried about the medical stuff. But, I become nauseated and throw up easily. I've been through 3 surgeries before and every time, I've thrown up. They are going to try extra hard to prevent that tomorrow due to the nature of the surgery. I won't be allowed to blow my nose, bend over, etc for awhile, so you could imagine what the force of vomiting could do. Sorry for being graphic.

My mom called this morning to say my Gramps is not doing well. :( He has a major infection and they are pretty sure it's in his sternum (breast bone). He's going back to surgery in the morning at 9am. I desperately wish I could be there with him and my family, but it's not possible. My mom is up there with my Grammy now and my dad and aunt/uncles will be joining them tomorrow. They are afraid they will have to remove his sternum. If they do, the wound will be left open until a plastic surgeon can reconstruct his chest. Even if all goes well, the doctor said he'll probably be hospitalized for at least another 3 weeks. My Gramps is getting depressed and my Grammy is absolutely exhausted. The good news is the heart pump is still working great and so far, it doesn't show any signs of infection. Please pray for all of them tomorrow. My mom was upset to tell me she couldn't be with me because she needed to be with her dad, but she knows I completely understand...and knows I want to be there with them too.

Happy Birthday to my nephew, Ely!! He turned 9 yesterday!! He is seriously one of the cutest, sweetest kids....and very funny too!! We love you, Elyas Gabriel!!

The big news from today... Jennifer and Brad welcomed our newest cousin!! Brent Robert arrived today at 12:02pm. He's a little thing...only 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 in. He has the cutest blonde hair. I hear Trista was a bit upset at the prospect of another little brother, but she soon came around and got her fair share of holding in. Brody seems to be super excited about another boy in the family! Congratulations on another blessing, Jenn & Brad! We love you all!

Insurance...such a pain

I'm thinking I won't be having the surgery on Wednesday. :( I'm so bummed because I just really want to get it over. I'm nervous about the surgery, but even more so about the recovery...and I really do not want to be dealing with that at Christmas time. When I called the insurance company today, the first lady said they should know something in 10-15 days!?! I told her I had been told we would have an answer by Monday. I talked to two different people and they gave me 3 different dates on when my information was supposedly received. It's so frustrating. I'm grateful to have insurance, but it seems ridiculous that they are trying to decide if this surgery is necessary. It's not like I'm asking for a nose job! ;) I would never voluntarily ask for my jaw to be broken! So, here I sit...waiting to talk to my oral surgeon's office tomorrow to see what the plan is.

Brown County

Every year, my mom and I go shopping in Brown County. It's a quaint little place with lots of fun, boutique shops. I bought myself a few presents, and I also picked up a few Christmas presents. On the way there, the rain was coming down and we weren't quite sure what we were in for. But after about the 50th time of Braylee singing "Rain, rain, go away!", the rain cleared and the sun came out. Now Braylee thinks she has super powers. ;) Our first stop was the candy store. It's a special treat for the girls to fill their buckets on their own. They got a bit carried away though, and I'm wondering now what we'll do with all of the candy, especially with Halloween fast approaching. It did keep them occupied for the majority of the day though...and no need for naps with the amount of sugar they had! They were great little shoppers all day.

For those of you who watch America's Next Top Model, you'll get a kick out of this...A few nights ago, I was walking down the hall when I heard Braylee say, "I only have 2 photos in my hand. The one who doesn't get one has to go home." I seriously started laughing so hard I could barely tell Alex what was going on. Here are the pictures from their "panel." Braylee was Tyra Banks and Brynna was a lucky model who got to stay another round! ;) They are such silly girls.

We're still debating on what the girls will be for Halloween. Brynna really doesn't understand so I've already decided she'll be a ladybug to carry on with our birthday theme this year. I suggested Braylee be a bumble bee to go along with her sister. She said, "But mom, I want to be an angel, like the one who told Mary she was having a baby and name him Jesus!" Now, how can I argue with that?!! Then she told me she'll be whatever I want her to be...such a sweetie. So, I've been searching ebay...trying to decide whether she'll be an angel or a bumble bee. Really, it comes down to finding a cute costume at a good deal!

I've been hestitating to claim that Brynna is potty-trained for about a week now. She has been wearing panties at home for the last 3 weeks...and does really well, even wakes from her nap dry occasionally. But, I am always nervous to take her out in panties, especially to places like the nursery at church where someone else is taking care of her or when we went shopping ALL day on Tuesday. She still uses the potty at these places but wears a diaper so I don't really call it potty-trained (since I still have to change an occasional wet diaper). She has worn panties a few times to daycare too, but last Friday, she had 2 accidents so I sent her in a diaper today. (The girls only go to daycare on Thursdays and Fridays, the 2 days I work.) Last night, she wore panties to church and did great...and then had an accident about 15 minutes after we got home?! Ugh! But, I'm not really complaining. She's doing a great job for her age, and either way, I'm saving money on using fewer diapers for now...and hopefully it will be no diapers soon.

A little prayer request before I go. My jaw surgery is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 22. We're still waiting to hear back from our insurance company. Until we get 'prior approval', I can't have the surgery. If I can't have the surgery on the 22nd, the next available date wouldn't be until December. I really don't want to be recovering right before Christmas, so I'm asking all of you to pray for the insurance to speed up their end. Obviously, if the insurance says they won't pay for it, I still need it and we'll move forward, but it would be such a blessing to know some of it would be covered and I can have it on the 22nd. Ok, one more prayer request...My gramps is still in the hospital. He truly is doing remarkable considering how terribly sick he was prior to the surgery. He finally got his last chest tube removed on Monday, but then during the night, my Grammy said his breathing became really labored and they had to put it back in. :( So, even though he had hoped to come home this weekend, it's not going to happen. He is tired of being cooped up in his hospital room. Please be praying for him to get stronger every day and for the days to go quickly while he's there. He has been walking more and more every day!

A Day at Sue's

Great Aunt Sue and Bridgette watched the girls for us on Saturday while we went to a wedding. The girls LOVE to go to their house. On the way there, Braylee was singing, "Over the river and through the woods to Bridgette's house we go!" Sue posted about their day and added lots of pictures on her blog. Thanks Sue and Bridgette for loving our girls so much! We appreciate all of your help!

Picture Happy

I try to keep my camera handy all of the time b/c I love taking pictures of my girls, but today I was extra picture happy. :) I took pictures of them before church in their new matching outfits. Then, Alex's cousin Brad brought over some straw bales for us. The girls were playing "hayride." I talked them into changing into their bibs for me! I love the new fall pictures I got.

Always wanting to pose...

Their goofy pose...love it!

Friday, the girls and I ran to the mall so I could use my gymbucks. How pathetic is this...I just LOVE the smell of Gymboree, and I've been sniffing one of Braylee's new sweaters every time I open her closet! ;) I'm weird, I know. Of course, we never go to the mall without stopping by the cookie place...
Brynna has become such a daddy's girl lately. They looked so sweet snuggling together on the couch the other night. If Dad's around, she wants him to dress her, comb her hair, put her in the carseat, etc...until she gets hurt. Then she comes running to her momma! I know I say it all the time, but she is just the sweetest little thing!

How cute is this?!

Update and Tag

The excitement of cleaning carried on throughout the week last week for the girls! Wednesday, Braylee asked me when I was going to wash the walls. I gladly handed the girls each a rag and let them go!

Thursday, Braylee wore her new rain boots to daycare. And since we go straight to dance class, this made for quite a cute little ballerina. :)
Now that Braylee & Sydney attend the same daycare, they are planning playdates and sleepovers any chance they get. Friday happened to be an open evening for us, so Sydney came for a sleepover. The girls played outside, popped popcorn, took a bath, played house, jumped on the trampoline, painted toenails, played school, read books, and started to watch a movie. They always get along so well and have tons of fun together. They were also excited about their new matching sleepover pillowcases and Groovy Girl dolls they received for their birthdays. Brynna tried to participate as often as they would let her, but she was locked out of the bedroom several times. ;)

Playing by herself when the big girls kicked her out! ;)

Saturday, we celebrated cousin Trista's 5th birthday with her and lots of friends. The weather was just perfect for chili, roasting marshmallows, and a hayride! The kids loved it.

Braylee, Ava, Jacob, and Brynna

Rose & Katie

Monday, my mom and Aunt Trista went with us to visit Gramps. While my mom and I learned how to work Gramps' pump, Trista took the girls outside to play. Gramps is doing fantastic!! I can't believe how good he looks! I checked again...no pulse. It's so weird. I also had the opportunity to listen to his chest...it just hums (or purrs as my Gramps says) but no heartbeat.

Playing in the fountain at Methodist

Gramps, Braylee, and Trista

Mamaw and my girls

Yesterday, we had story time at the library in the morning, more dental work for me, and then a relaxing evening at home...finally! I've noticed a repeated trend in my blog as well as all of my friends' blogs. We're always talking about being so busy...and granted, we want to be busy to an extent, but I'm trying to make a conscious effort to slow down and not add so much to my plate over the next few months. I've already overbooked myself for October and I'm feeling the strain. My ongoing problem with insomnia has flared up a lot over the last month. Doing laundry or watching ANTM at 3am is not what I would prefer to be doing.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned I gave two of my Precious Moments dolls to Braylee and asked her to take good care of them. Well...below is what she brought to me the other night. Apparently, the doll's fate was a result of a game of Tug of War between Braylee and her closet door. Thankfully, stitching up body parts in part of my job, so I quickly stitched the doll back to good health. I will admit though, I've never had to stitch a head back on before. ;)
I was tagged to share 6 random facts about me, so here goes.

1. I think there was an alien in my house when I was little. You'll just have to ask me about it.

2. I seriously contemplated going to medical school when I was in college, but I knew in my heart my real goal in life was to be a good mommy. I'm so glad I only work 2 days/week!!

3. I grew up on a farm and used to think I'd marry a farmer some day. Guess I was a little off with my suit & tie wearing husband, huh?! ;)

4. Camp Illiana was one of my favorite places growing up...so many many friends and memories made there. One summer, I spent 4 weeks there! Plus, it allowed my faith to grow!

5. I wrecked a car when I was 15, and somehow never got in trouble for it?! Again, you'll just have to ask me about it.

6. Alex and I have struggled with infertility, and I admit there were so many nights of questioning God and crying myself to sleep. But I wouldn't change anything now. God taught me so much about patience and waiting on His perfect timing and also about compassion for my patients who are going through similar situations. I can truly look at a woman who has been trying unsuccessfully or who has had a miscarriage and say I understand.

OK- so now I tag Jay P., Jenelle J., Penny D., Tomi D., and Lynsey G.

(Sorry about all the pictures. Picasa wasn't cooperating with me, so I couldn't put them in a slideshow.)

What an Injustice!

Who would have thought hiring a cleaning lady a few years ago would have made such an impact on my girls?! Now that I'm only working 2 days/week, it seemed a bit silly for me to have a cleaning lady. So, the day before the girls' party was their last day...the little fairies that leave my house so clean and fresh are not scheduled to come back. :( Yesterday, I figured I should get an early start on cleaning. It wasn't long until I had a little audience. Braylee and Brynna planted themselves outside my bathroom and asked question after question. "What's that blue stuff? Do you clean the outside of the toilet too? Hey, I saw that on TV. Does the cleaning lady do it like this? Why do you have those yellow gloves on?" It didn't take long until I realized my little girls are completely clueless about cleaning because they've never seen me do it...well, except vacuuming and the occasional wipe down of the kitchen counters. I snapped a picture of them watching the freshly mopped floor dry. :) I had to call Alex right away and tell him what an injustice I've done to my girls...being a bad mother and not teaching my girls how to clean our home. I'm sure it's just a matter of time until they realize it's not much fun and will be coming up with all kinds of excuses to get out of helping me in the future. Sunday evening, I was busy working on bows when the girls came into the kitchen dressed in Braylee's dance outfits. Braylee was the teacher and Brynna was her new student. It was sooo sweet! (Brittany- You would be so proud of Braylee. I heard "shuffle" several times in her "teaching.") They practiced tap and ballet. ;)




With their birthdays only 2 days apart, it seems hand-me-downs would be key to Brynna's wardrobe. And while we've definitely gotten good use of many of Braylee's old clothes, their difference in builds has made it a bit harder to reuse them. I noticed it today especially. I bought this outfit for Braylee when she was 14 mo. old. (I distinctly remember b/c I had actually bought it as a Christmas present, but the day I purchased it, Braylee threw up red slushy (Thanks, Mamaw!) all over her outfit. So, it became a Thank-goodness-I-just-bought-this-outfit outfit instead of a Christmas gift.) Anyway, so Braylee was wearing it at 14 mo. Here Brynna is at 24 months and it fits quite nicely. Either way, we've gotten double use out of it which I appreciate. I loved the fall weather today! I've loved getting to hear more and more of Brynna's little voice. I'm amazed at how much she is saying and talking about now. Today, the new Pottery Barn Kids catalog came in the mail. Perhaps it was better when she couldn't tell us everything she wants! ;) As she was flipping through the catalog, I heard, "Roar!" (pointing at the shark costume), "spider," "I want that house." (It really is a cute plush doll house!), "I want new chair." (The green one to be exact.), "I want that doll." and lots of "I want that. I want that." She oohed and awed over their amazing kitchen sets too. So, I started asking the girls what they want to put on their Christmas lists. I was pretty impressed with some of Braylee's ideas! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Santa brings.