33 YEARS

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

(insert mom and dad's wedding photo here....) need help from mom!

Can you RAED?

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.

I pulled this from a Maryland Builder's Website...and I thought it was entertaining. Anyways, we are in the process of calling all builders in Maryland to tell them about our lot in Annapolis. Hopefully that will sell very soon. Also we are desperately trying to sell our condo in Richmond. We need all the prayers that you got to give! I know we are not alone in this mess of a Real Estate Market.

A lot going on here...

We learned on Feb 9th that we are on a septic tank...with so many visitors, it not being treated for who knows how long, and new washer and dryer hook ups and new bathroom we have overflowed it. Also we were driving all over our yard and probably crushed the drain field, so even though it drains...it's real slow. Now we are in a tough spot...we must hook up to the city sewer...just not the best timing in the world.

This is Tyler wearing his first pair of jeans...thanks to Grandma S. This is the full gift set with the hooded sweatshirt and all. It's so much fun playing dress up. Isn't he a cutie!

This is Grandma Suesy feeding Tyler a bottle...we had to get Tyler used to the bottle before I had my surgery so he could be fed some stored breast milk while I was recovering. It worked out pretty good, except he's so hard to read and sometimes he would suck one down other times he wouldn't want it.

Tyler's first bath in the new bath tub. I know this is a daring picture but it was too fun not to post...plus I'm in a swimsuit! Tyler has really come to enjoy his bathtimes...he just doesn't like getting out and being cold and he doesn't like lotion at all!

And then there is tummy time...which Tyler HATES! He has really had the same strength he did as his first week home. He just doesn't get it...I think he thinks we're punishing him when we try tummy time. We have to be very selective of his mood. Plus I guess he has a big body to push up on...poor guy. His head keeps getting stonger day by day though. Right now we're struggling with Nap times and having them in his crib. This afternoon he slept for 2 hours in his bassinet in our bedroom, I guess he is just used to it because he sleeps great there at night. But he did not get a morning nap at all. And I also think he's on another growth spurt wanting to eat every 2 hours. But again, he's a big boy and needs food!

As far as my recovery, I'm doing well. I'm up and about. My incision hurts a little and sometimes I have sharp pains. My stomach muscles are getting stronger again...thanks to my big baby boy. I barely take any pain relievers anymore. Tyler takes everything out of me...but it's nice to have all of this behind us...hopefully no more surgeries.

Carrie

Surgery Outcome

The surgery to remove the cyst on my ovary was a success. My ovary is still in place...the Dr. took his time and made sure to do everything to save it...instead of 45 minute operation he took almost 2 hours...there was not only 1 cyst but 2 connected to each other. One was 2" and the other 2 cm...something like that...I don't really know...I'm still a little dazed about the whole thing. I remember when I woke up being really cold and in a lot of pain. They kept me in recovery for almost 2 hours and then wheeled me to the next room and said..OK get into that chair. I about puked as I transferred myself without hardly any help to the chair. Later that day once I got home I really panicked about how much pain I was in. Good thing I had so many people there to help me and help me calm down and understand that I had to take the pain medicine. The Dr. called back later to coach me on the pain and reassured me that the pain I was in was normal. But it is better to deal with it at home than hooked up to IV's at the hospital. I am glad I was home but it is also scary not knowing how much is too much pain. Anyways I stuck to the pain medicine and am still on it. I am still in a lot of pain, I can't imagine not taking the medicine. If you think of it, I pretty much had a C-Section minus the uterus layer. And now my baby is 16lbs not a newborn. Luckily I've had so much help and I've been in bed only to get up for the bathroom and a quick shower this morning. Tyler is being really good for everyone, he had some pumped milk, but now is nursing again...they say the only effects should be some sleepiness from the medicine I'm taking...which is a good thing if anyone knows my son. The challenge is always getting him to sleep...he fights it so much.

Thanks for all your support and prayers...I'm slowly getting better...which is really driving me nuts...I just want to be back to normal again...I'm making myself take it easy.

In other news...we are on a septic tank NOT public sewer!

Also my sweet grandma left today...she did so much for us...she will be missed...more pictures and update on our 10 days together later.


Carrie

Great Aunt Chris and Great Grandma Suesy Visit

My Aunt Chris visited last week for 3 nights. We had a great time and Tyler was smiling and cooing away for her. She helped out so much and even made 2 batches of lasagna for us...one to eat and one to put in the freezer for later. My brother and Jenny took her downtown and they walked on River Street and had lunch. Otherwise we just hung around the house and tried to calm Tyler and get him to be Happy Baby. I'm so happy she came down...it means a lot to us to have our family see where we are living and the reasons why we are so happy here.

Sunday night we hosted our 2nd Annual Super Bowl party. I was going for the Giants as my friend Kristen says, "keeping it in the family." We are both Peyton Manning/Colts fans. Scott was in charge of all the games outside, Jenny made the Super Bowl Game board (free squares this year with crazy medical supply prizes). And I was in charge of the Chili (which was pretty spicy but turned out to be a hit because I didn't have near as much left over as I did last year!) oh and I made some pretty sorry looking chocolate chip cookies, but they were good anyway. We celebrated 5 January Birthdays from our small group: Happy Birthday Jeff, Bethany, Ken, Scott, and Greg!!! Scott and the boys played some paint ball shooting contest, football, and everyone roasted marshmellows for smores with the chiminea. Tyler was a little bit fussy because he refused to nap all day long, but everyone still enjoyed seeing and holding him. Kimberly finally got the little squirt to sleep at the end of the game...and I got to watch the best part of the game (the winning drive!). It was a blast and I am so glad everyone came!

And another visitor!

Yesterday we picked up Great Grandma at the airport. She will be spending the next 10 days in this crazy household of ours. Scott leaves on business for 3 nights, his first time away from Tyler. My surgery to remove the cyst on my ovary is scheduled for February 12th, the day before I have to do a bowel cleanse...FUN! Tyler had a procedure done last week and he is doing great...he's my little champion. Here is how much he has grown!

Tyler on December 18th, 2007.
Tyler on February 5, 2008 (7 weeks later)

Lastly, to all those new moms out there....do you ever find yourself listening to what others are doing with their little ones and feel like maybe your doing something wrong? I know everyone wants to be the perfect mom. Someone once told me that your baby thinks you're perfect and that's all that matters...we are all doing our best and every baby is so different. It's hard to read books and listen to advice when each baby has their own quirks. Anyways, good luck all you new mothers and hang in their with all the books, news reports, other mothers advice, and so on. You are doing your best and as long as you love your little baby with all your heart and pray everyday...everything is going to be just the way it's supposed to be.

Carrie