Spring

I feel like spring.
After my last dreary post I feel like a new person. The shakes, the weakness, the anxiety is gone. I have a new cavity but that's peanuts compared to everything else. I am living again and working back up to being super mom.
My dear friend Lanie, whom I've only know for a few months, has been a tremendous support to me. Virtual smooches to you!
My mom has been my hero. She swooped in when I tearfully asked her to save me and stayed for 2 weeks. Dropping everything in her own world to look after me, the kids, the house..... I'm sure she was glad to do it. I would be if it were my kid. But I am sooo appreciative nonetheless. We even sat and watched a movie together last night. We never have time to do that. So although she doesn't read this or know it exists, I have the best mom in the world!! Tell everyone you know.
Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Strength

3 weeks ago I had my hammertoe operated on. It was a pesky little surgery meant to sideline me for a week, 2 at most. Funny how we quickly learn that we may not be in complete control of our lives.
The surgery went very well and the next two days were spent in blissful narcotic recupperation. Then came the migraine and the heart palps and the jitters. I thought I was dying. And this wasn't the first time post op I've had this complication, however, this time it lasted for 4 days until we blasted that migraine outta my head with narcotics. And again I had 2 blissful energetic days (thank goodness as my dd came down with strep throat). Saturday night I had a reaction, to what, WHO KNOWS!! But I got the shakes, full body shakes and I'm not ashamed to admit that I had anxiety too. I was convinced I was taking myself to the ER but after insisting dh come home from his evening festivities he had me dope myself into slumber. The next day the shakes were gone but the jitteriness, heart palps, weakness and anxiety remained, for 2 weeks. Flash forward I have had 3 rounds of blood work, 2 ultrasounds, a 24 hr heart halter monitor and now an Echo. The diagnosis: Mono.  As far as diagnosis go, that's a pretty good one, not life threatening, no meds needed... but I'm not tired. I'm weak. Maybe its the same thing. Unfortunately it doesn't explain the heart palps and the anxiety. I'm not an anxious person!!! I take everything in stride but these symptoms are knocking me on my fleshy part (which, after a 15lb weight loss since surgery, is less fleshy). The palps usually only come at night when falling asleep, sometimes upon waking. The jitteryness lasts the better part of the day.
I had to call my mom to look after my kids during spring break. There is no way I could do it myself! I am forever grateful to her. I am also blessed with some wonderful friends who give me words of encouragement and drive my kids from A to B. 
Today is a relatively good day, less jitters than normal, and a massage to try to calm my body. I'm hoping this is the corner I'm turning but I'll take all the good thoughts you send my way. It's not a life threatening issue but it is a spirit killer.
Y'all better rush off to find a humerous blog as this one is just a downer today.

overdoing it

Working out 2 days after surgery ( no matter how minor and no matter that they were modifided pushups) is too soon.  Felt like crap yesterday!! Think I'll wait til after the dr. appt at a week.  Rest when your body needs it!! Words of wisdom for the day.

Old lady feet

I am finally on the road to recovery! The hammertoe is gone. Thanks to the luck of the genetic slot machine I won the bunion/hammertoe booby prize. My grandmother had horribly painful looking bunions. I remember her shoes molded to the misshapen contours of her feet. Now I can appreciate how very painful they must have been for her. Luckily I have surgical options. Last year I had my bunion fixed. Despite horror stories of painful recovery and cautions that I might not be able to run for 6-12 months I was virtually pain free after the surgery and running again within 3 months. Unfortunately my second toe was lonely without the constant support of big toe and it revolted, curling up into a painful claw. I had to give up running, and then most of my shoes with heels higher than 1 inch. I tried oral steroids, cortisone shots, and new orthotics. All provided temporary relief but eventually it was clear that I was headed back to surgery. Surgery day was March 17, 2011 and all went well. I am now recovering. There's a bit more pain this time and, although I don't like to take them, the pain Meds are helping me deal with that.
Although somewhat long winded my point in turning to this blog today was to post that I worked out! With inspiration from a great book, Chocolate and Vicodin and a great magazine, Oxygen, I cranked out several push ups and 150 sit ups. There are always ways to stay fit even in recovery. Here's hoping I can find this attitude again tomorrow as I knock off another day toward recovery!

Super Diaper Baby Review - by DS Adam

In an effort to help my DS improve his writing and organizing ability I have invited him to review anything and everything and post it here. Please share your positive feedback with him including your experiences with the same books/movies.....

Super Diaper Baby
By Dav Pilkey http://www.pilkey.com/

In the beginning, the hero is born.  He becomes a super baby because he fell into super power juice.
Next, Deputy Dangerous turns into Poo Poo. The evil dog comes to the good side to help super baby defeat the evil Poo Poo.
Finally, Poo Poo is sent to Mars.
They all live happily ever after, even the dog (who also wears a diaper).

2nd grade boys would like this book. I like it because it has action, and because its fun to read comic books. Super Diaper Baby2 comes out in July 2011.

Addictions

I've just started reading many other blogs, thanks Lanie Panie for introducing me. So many of you have a real gift for writing and are darn funny too!
I loved the Rambo/penis blog. Men can be understood when summed up with - its because they have a penis.  Way to go http://justmedrazil.blogspot.com/.
Well we made it through two snow days. So many mommys were excited about snow days. Not this one. Although I do love a break from routine and a few extra precious moments with the little ones, I'm a stay at home mom so a snow day disrupts my day! I have things to do. Not the least of which is top the leaderboard in bejeweled blitz and zuma blitz.  These are my addictions.  I am not the worlds best cook, housekeeper, laundress, nor am I the most patient parent, nor the most gorgeous swimsuit model type so I have decided to become the best on my scoreboard at Bejeweled Blitz and Zuma Blitz. Its a small accomplishment but I'm proud none-the-less.  Having my lovelies at home really cuts into my FB time as I try to set a good example by not being glued to the computer all day.
However, I am pleased to say that school is on again AND I am top of the leaderboards.  It feels so good to have accomplished something already today!

A pediatrician, and an ENT

We are still waiting for the results of the bloodwork. Unfortunately one of the doctors in the practice died last week and that has caused quite a confusion at the office. I'm hoping I can get through today. In the meantime I have started a diet with less gluten than before. The choices are great although the prices are high.
Glutenfreemall.com is a great resource!
Last week DS had a fever of 102.5! Strep was going around his school but without a sore throat it was unlikely. A quick trip to the doctors office and he has an ear infection around the t-tube. The poor thing just can't stay away from the doctors. He thinks its someone else's turn to be sick.
We got into the ENT yesterday and he wants to remove the tube and have a hearing test next month.
Although frustrated at this one more thing I am grateful that we were able to get into the doctor's quickly and its an easy fix.
On a fun note, we had a book swap on Sunday. Friends brought  books they had finished reading to trade for others. With about 12 people there the table was filled with wonderful books. Everyone went home with new books to read and the promise of a future book swap! Next time we'll have munchies and wine and make it a real party!
*** Just got lab results back, NOT celiac. YEAH!!! now to figure out why he gets so full of poop.